1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Sony Manuals
  4. Laptop
  5. VAIO PCG-FX210
  6. User manual

Sony PCG-FX210 Primary User Manual

Vaio laptop computers: vaio notebook computer
Hide thumbs Also See for PCG-FX210 Primary:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

See also: Service Manual
VAIO® Notebook User
Guide
PCG-FX210
PCG-FX215

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Sony PCG-FX210 Primary

Summary of Contents for Sony PCG-FX210 Primary

  • Page 1 VAIO® Notebook User Guide PCG-FX210 PCG-FX215...

  • Page 2: Notice To Users

    MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE USE THEREOF. Sony Electronics Inc. reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.

  • Page 3: Safety Information

    All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Owner’s Record The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony CLICK TO UPDATE ProductName. Refer to the model and serial number when you call your Sony Service Center.

  • Page 4: Regulatory Information

    Sony Customer Information Service Center at 1-888-4SONYPC; or write to the Sony Customer Information Service Center at 12451 Gateway Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33913 or find Sony Customer Service on the web at: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity...
  • Page 5 Service Center at 1-888-4SONYPC; or write to the Sony Customer Information Service Center at 12451 Gateway Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33913 or find Sony Customer Service on the web at: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport Repair of this equipment should be made only by a Sony Service Center or Sony authorized agent.
  • Page 6 In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited. For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1- 888-476-6972 in the United States or 1-800- 961-7669 in Canada. Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries.
  • Page 7 The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not disassemble, heat above 212°F (100°C) or incinerate. Dispose of used battery promptly. Keep away from children. La manutention incorrecte du module de batterie de cet appareil présente un risque d'incendie ou de brûlures chimiques.
  • Page 8 Change to Current Document Title qu’il est possible que la conformité aux conditions énoncées ci-dessus n’empêche pas la dégradation du service dans certaines situations. Les réparations de matériel homologué doivent être coordonnées par un représentant désigné par le fournisseur. L’entreprise de télécommunications peut demander à...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Contents Notice to Users ... 2 Welcome ...13 Features... 14 Unpacking Your Notebook... 15 Manuals... 15 Software CDs... 15 Recovery CDs ... 16 Other ... 16 Ergonomic Considerations ... 17 Notes on Setup ... 18 Handling Your Notebook ... 19 Cleaning Your Notebook ...
  • Page 10 Change to Current Document Title Notes on CD and DVD media ...51 Using PC Cards ...52 To insert a PC card...52 To remove a PC card...54 Using a Second Battery Pack ...55 To insert a second battery pack ...55 To charge the second battery pack...56 To remove the second battery pack ...57 Using the Weight Saver...58 To attach the weight saver ...58...
  • Page 11 Setting the colors and resolution for each display ... 82 Customizing the virtual desktop ... 82 Releasing the Dual Display setting... 82 Changing the Window Design of Sony Software ... 83 Adding Memory ...85 About the Software on Your Notebook ...89 Overview...
  • Page 12 Change to Current Document Title Using Your Recovery CDs...111 Using the Application Recovery CD(s) ...111 Using the Driver Recovery CD(s) ...112 Using the System Recovery CD(s) ...112 Troubleshooting ... 115 Troubleshooting your notebook ...115 Troubleshooting the LCD screen ...118 Troubleshooting the mouse and touchpad ...119 Troubleshooting drives, PC cards and peripheral devices ...120 Troubleshooting software ...122 Troubleshooting the modem ...122...

  • Page 13: Welcome

    Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO® notebook. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.

  • Page 14: Features

    Portability — Rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power. ❑ Sony audio and video quality — High-quality MPEG1/MPEG2 video, which supports full-screen display and enables you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.

  • Page 15: Unpacking Your Notebook

    Unpacking Your Notebook Remove the following hardware items from the box: Main unit* Video cable * Removable floppy disk drive is in the multipurpose bay. Manuals ❑ VAIO® Quick Start — Contains information on unpacking and setting up your notebook, supplementary updates, and software information. ❑...

  • Page 16: Recovery Cds

    Change to Current Document Title Recovery CDs ❑ System Recovery CD(s) — Allows you to restore the software titles that shipped with your computer if they become corrupted or are erased. It can only be used to restore the hard disk of the VAIO notebook you purchased. ❑...

  • Page 17: Ergonomic Considerations

    Ergonomic Considerations You will be using your notebook computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to apply the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments. Ergonomic Position Arms at desk level Wrists relaxed and flat...

  • Page 18: Notes On Setup

    In this case, allow at least an hour before turning on your computer. If any problems occur, unplug your computer, and contact your Sony Service Center. ❑ The computer uses high-frequency radio signals and may cause interference to radio or TV reception.

  • Page 19: Handling Your Notebook

    ❑ Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables; otherwise, problems may result. ❑ Do not use cut or damaged connection cables. ❑ If the telephone company makes a service call to your home or office and determines that your computer is responsible for a problem, the telephone company may bill you for the service call.
  • Page 20 Change to Current Document Title ❑ Using the computer in low temperature conditions may produce a residual image on the screen. This is not a malfunction. When the computer returns to normal temperature, the screen returns to normal. ❑ The screen becomes warm during operation. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

  • Page 21: Setting Up Your Vaio® Notebook

    Setting Up Your VAIO® Notebook This section describes all the controls and connectors on your computer, how to connect your computer to a power source, and how to start and shut down your computer.

  • Page 22: Locating Controls And Connectors

    Change to Current Document Title Locating Controls and Connectors Front LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen Speakers Keyboard Touchpad Left/right buttons Power indicator Battery 1 and 2 indicators Hard disk drive indicator Num Lock indicator Caps Lock indicator Scroll Lock indicator...
  • Page 23 Video out Microphone connector Headphone connector * i.LINK is a Sony trademark used only to designate that a prodcut contains an IEEE 1394 connector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other. Locating Controls and Connectors i.LINK...
  • Page 24 Change to Current Document Title Right Power button Optical drive (DVD-ROM drive) Floppy disk drive...
  • Page 25 Back Modem jack USB connectors Serial connector Printer connector Warning: Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet connector. Do not connect any other type of network cable or any telephone line. Connecting cables other than those listed above may result in an electric current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the connector.
  • Page 26 Change to Current Document Title Bottom Multipurpose bay RELEASE lever Tilt stands...

  • Page 27: Connecting A Power Source

    Connecting a Power Source You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source. Using the AC Adapter Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on the computer. Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter. Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
  • Page 28 Change to Current Document Title ❑ Use only the AC adapter supplied. Do not use any other AC adapter. Using Battery Power You can use one or two battery packs as a source of power. The second battery pack inserts into the multipurpose bay on the right side of the computer (see “Using a Second Battery Pack”...
  • Page 29 Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the left side of the computer. Inserting battery pack Battery pack (supplied) Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks To charge the battery pack Connect the AC adapter to the computer. Insert the battery pack.
  • Page 30 Change to Current Document Title There are two battery indicator lights on the computer Battery indicator lights Battery Indicator Description Indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the left side of the computer. Indicates the status of the battery pack in the multipurpose bay on the right side of the computer.
  • Page 31 To remove the battery pack Open the battery bay cover. Pull out the battery pack. Removing the battery pack Close the cover of the battery bay. You will lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in a power-saving mode Notes on the battery...
  • Page 32 Change to Current Document Title ❑ You can extend battery life by changing the power-management modes in the PowerPanel utility. See “Power Saving Modes” . ❑ The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium-ion battery and can be recharged at any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life.

  • Page 33: Starting Your Computer

    Starting Your Computer Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover. Opening the computer LCD lock lever Press the power button on top of the computer until the green power indicator light turns on. ✍...
  • Page 34 Change to Current Document Title If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display as follows: ❑ To decrease brightness, press Fn+Shift+F5. ❑ To increase brightness, press Fn+F5.

  • Page 35: Shutting Down Your Computer

    Shutting Down Your Computer To avoid potential loss of data, follow these steps to shut down your computer. Click the Start button on the Windows® taskbar. Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut Down Windows dialog box.
  • Page 36 Change to Current Document Title...

  • Page 37: Using Your Vaio® Notebook

    Using Your VAIO® Notebook Using the Keyboard Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter’s, but the keyboard has additional keys that perform specific computer-related tasks. Keyboard Escape key Shift key Ctrl key Fn key Windows key Description Numeric keypad Contains the keys found on a typical calculator.

  • Page 38: Combinations And Functions With The Windows Key

    Change to Current Document Title Description Function keys The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform designated tasks. For example, in many applications, F1 is the Help key. The task associated with each function key may vary from one application to the next.

  • Page 39: Indicators

    Combination Function Minimizes all displayed windows. Shift + Returns all minimized windows to their previous size. Displays the Run window. This is the equivalent of selecting Run from the Start menu. Fn + + Insert Displays the Properties window. This is the equivalent of double- clicking the System icon in the Control Panel.

  • Page 40: Lights

    Change to Current Document Title Lights Light Num Lock The number keys in the numeric keypad are active. Caps Lock The letters appear in uppercase as you type. The Shift key lowers the case of typed letters when Caps Lock is on. Scroll Lock The screen scrolls differently.
  • Page 41 Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key (Continued) Combinations/ Feature Function Toggles through the LCD, external display (connected to the (F7) Monitor connector) and both LCD and external display. Switch to the external monitor/ only/ Toggles between LCD-only and dual LCD/TV display modes. (F8) Control TV out (F12)

  • Page 42: Using The Touchpad

    Change to Current Document Title Using the Touchpad The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device called a touchpad. You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touchpad. Touchpad Action Description Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer on an item or object.
  • Page 43 Using the Touchpad ✍ See Mouse Properties for information on touchpad features, such as clicking both buttons simultaneously, adjusting touchpad speed, and Easy Launcher functions. To access Mouse Properties, click the Start button, point to Settings, point to Control Panel, and then click the Mouse icon in the Control Panel.

  • Page 44: Using The Floppy Disk Drive

    Change to Current Document Title Using the Floppy Disk Drive Your computer comes with the floppy disk drive in the multipurpose bay. To insert a diskette Hold the diskette the label side facing up. Gently push the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place. Floppy disk drive To remove a diskette ❑...
  • Page 45 To remove the floppy disk drive Turn off the computer. There is a RELEASE lever on the bottom of the computer. Slide this lever in the direction of the arrow. Multipurpose bay release lever Slide the drive out of the multipurpose bay. Insert the weight saver.
  • Page 46 Change to Current Document Title Insert the floppy disk drive into the multipurpose bay with the VAIO label facing up. Continue pushing the drive into the bay until the RELEASE lever locks into place. Inserting the floppy disk drive Multipurpose bay Floppy disk drive...

  • Page 47: Using The Optical Drive

    Using the Optical Drive Your computer comes with an optical drive (DVD-ROM drive). To insert a disc Turn on the computer. ✍ When the computer is in Press the Eject button to open the DVD-ROM drive. The tray slides out. Ejecting the tray Place an optical disc on the tray with the label side facing up.
  • Page 48 Change to Current Document Title Push the disc onto the hub until the disc clicks securely into place. Inserting an optical disc Label side facing up...

  • Page 49: Playing A Dvd

    Close the tray by pushing it gently. ✍ Be sure to seat the disc firmly over the hub fingers. If you do not seat the disc firmly, you could damage your optical drive and you may not be able to open the tray. When you finish using a disc, wait until the LED indicator light turns off, then press the Eject button to remove the disc.
  • Page 50 Change to Current Document Title ✍ If you set the display resolution higher than the default setting (1024 x 768, 16 bits), the DVD video may not play properly. To view the DVD video clearly, set the display resolution to 1024 x 768 dots (16 bits). Do not switch the power saving modes while you are playing the DVD disc.

  • Page 51: Notes On Cd And Dvd Media

    Notes on CD and DVD media ❑ Do not drop or bend the disc. ❑ Do not touch the surface of the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors. Proper care of the disc is essential to maintain its reliability.

  • Page 52: Using Pc Cards

    Change to Current Document Title Using PC Cards Your computer includes two PC card slots. PC cards allow you to connect portable external devices such as another hard disk drive, or to connect a network. ✍ The PC card slots can accommodate two Type I/II PC cards, or one Type III PC card. These slots are compatible with CardBus.
  • Page 53 PC card slot protector Insert the PC card into the PC card slot. Make sure the front label of the PC card is facing up. Push the the PC card slot gently into the connector. The PC card is automatically detected by your system. The icon) appears in the taskbar.

  • Page 54: To Remove A Pc Card

    Change to Current Document Title To remove a PC card ✍ If your computer is turned off, you do not have to follow these instructions. Double-click in the taskbar. The “Unplug or Eject Hardware” dialog box appears. Select the hardware device you wish to remove. Click Stop.

  • Page 55: Using A Second Battery Pack

    Using a Second Battery Pack You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery packs, you can extend the time that you use your computer with battery power. When using two battery packs, the battery pack you insert first charges first. The battery pack you insert second charges when the first battery pack is 85 percent full.

  • Page 56: To Charge The Second Battery Pack

    Change to Current Document Title To charge the second battery pack Using weight saver for second battery cover Battery pack Weight saver Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is connected to AC power. The battery indicator flashes while the battery is charging. See also “To charge the battery pack”...

  • Page 57: To Remove The Second Battery Pack

    To remove the second battery pack If you attach two battery packs, you can remove either of them without shutting down the computer. When removing one battery pack, make sure that the other battery pack’s indicator light is on. If the indicator light of the battery pack you are removing is on, right-click the battery icon on the task tray and click the “Switch discharge battery”...

  • Page 58: Using The Weight Saver

    Change to Current Document Title Using the Weight Saver The weight saver protects the multipurpose bay when it is empty. To attach the weight saver If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove the device. See “To remove the second battery pack” on page 57. Fold out the hinged arm of the weight saver and then push on the hinged arm to lock it into place.

  • Page 59: To Remove The Weight Saver

    To remove the Weight Saver There is a release lever on the bottom of the weight saver. To remove the weight saver, slide this lever in the direction of arrow 1, then slide the Release lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of arrow 2. Multipurpose bay release levers After removing the weight saver, pull out the weight saver’s hinged arm and fold it into the weight saver.

  • Page 60: Connecting With Another Vaio® Computer

    Windows Me operating system or Smart Connect 3.0 software preinstalled, consult the Sony website for support options (http://www.sony.com/pcsupport). * i.LINK is a Sony trademark used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 con- nector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.

  • Page 61: Power Saving Modes

    Power Saving Modes When you use a battery as the source of power for your computer, you can take advantage of power management settings to conserve battery life. In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has two distinct power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate.

  • Page 62: To Activate Hibernate Mode

    Change to Current Document Title To activate Hibernate mode To activate Hibernate mode, press the key combination Fn+F12. ✍ Do not move the notebook until its power indicator light turns off. To return to normal mode To return to normal mode, turn on the computer by pressing the power button. The computer returns to its previous state.

  • Page 63: Connecting A Phone Line

    Internet. ✍ In order to register your Sony VAIO notebook, register your software online, and use Sony Customer Support, you must connect to a phone line. Plug one end of the phone cable into the modem jack on the computer.

  • Page 64: Connecting To A Local Area Network (Lan)

    Change to Current Document Title Connecting to a Local Area Network (LAN) You can connect your computer to 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX-type networks. For the detailed settings and devices needed to connect to a network, ask your network administrator. Connecting to LAN Warning: Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the connector).

  • Page 65: Setting Up Your Ethernet Connection

    Setting Up Your Ethernet Connection Right-click Network Neighborhood and select Properties. Click Add to add a client, adapter, protocol, or service. Click File and Print Sharing to enable these functions. Select a Primary Network Logon. Click the Identification tab to set the computer name, workgroup, and computer description.
  • Page 66 Change to Current Document Title...

  • Page 67: Connecting Peripheral Devices

    Connecting Peripheral Devices You can add functionality to your computer by connecting a variety of peripherals, as discussed in the following sections. ❑ “Connecting a Printer” ❑ “Connecting an External Display” ❑ “Connecting a TV Display” ❑ “Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device” ❑...

  • Page 68: Connecting A Printer

    Change to Current Document Title Connecting a Printer You can connect a Windows Me application compatible printer to your computer to print documents. To connect a printer ❑ Locate the Printer connector identified by the cable (supplied with the printer) into this port on the computer. Printer connector Printer ✍...

  • Page 69: Connecting An External Display

    Connecting an External Display You can connect an external display to your notebook. For example, you can use the computer with any of the following: ❑ Computer display (monitor) (See page 69.) ❑ Multimedia computer display (See page 70.) ❑ Projector (See page 70.) ✍...
  • Page 70 See the manual that came with your multimedia computer display for more information on installation and use. To connect a projector You can use a projector, such as the Sony LCD Projector, as an external display. Connecting a projector Monitor ✍...
  • Page 71 To select a display When you connect an external display to the monitor connector, you can toggle the output between the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), the external monitor, or both devices. Use the keys to select a display. See also “Selecting the Display Mode” for Fn+F7 more information.

  • Page 72: Connecting A Tv Display

    Change to Current Document Title Connecting a TV Display You can enjoy playing audio/video by connecting AV devices to your computer. See also the manuals supplied with your AV devices. To Connect a TV ✍ See the manual that came with your peripheral device for more information on installation and use.

  • Page 73: Connecting A Universal Serial Bus (Usb) Device

    USB device. Connecting USB device to USB connector You can use an optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 series (not supplied) with this computer. Since the USB mouse software driver is preinstalled in the computer, you simply plug the USB mouse into the USB connector to use it.

  • Page 74: Connecting An I.link® Device

    Connecting digital video camera recorder to i.LINK connector Digital video camera recorder To DV In/Out * i.LINK is a Sony trademark used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connec- tor. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other. ®* Device To i.LINK...
  • Page 75 Connecting an i.LINK® Device ✍ The Sony digital video camera recorder is pictured; you may need to connect your camera differently. On Sony digital video cameras, connectors labeled “DV In/Out” or “i.LINK” are i.LINK- compatible. See the manual that came with your digital video camera recorder for more information on installation and use.

  • Page 76: Connecting External Speakers

    Change to Current Document Title Connecting External Speakers You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers. ✍ Make sure your speakers are designed for computer use. Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on. Do not place diskettes on the speakers;...

  • Page 77: Connecting An External Microphone

    Connecting an External Microphone You can enhance the quality of sound input by using an external microphone. ✍ Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use. The microphone should be compliant with the plug-in power microphone. To connect an external microphone ❑...
  • Page 78 Change to Current Document Title...

  • Page 79: Customizing Your Vaio® Notebook

    Customizing Your VAIO Notebook You can customize the settings of your notebook. The following sections briefly describe how to change your computer’s default settings. Selecting the Display Mode This notebook uses the ATI video controller. You can select which display is used when the notebook is connected to an external monitor.
  • Page 80 Change to Current Document Title ATI RAGE MOBILITY-M1 Screen...

  • Page 81: Using The Dual Display Function

    Using the Dual Display function Using the Dual Display function The dual display function allows you to distribute portions of your desktop across separate displays. For example, if you have an external display attached to the monitor connector, your notebook’s LCD display and the external display can function as a single desktop.

  • Page 82: Selecting Dual Display Mode

    Change to Current Document Title Selecting Dual Display mode Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. Point to Settings > Control Panel. Click the Display icon. The Display Properties windows appears. Click the Settings tab. Click the Monitor marked “2”. The Monitor #2 dialog box appears. Click Yes to enable the second display.

  • Page 83: Changing The Window Design Of Sony Software

    The “UI Design Selector” window design changes. The window design for your Sony software will match the “UI Design Selector” window. To try another selection, click << or >> then click OK. The UI Design Selector closes and the Sony software window design displays. ✍...
  • Page 84 Change to Current Document Title...

  • Page 85: Adding Memory

    Adding Memory In the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the functionality of your computer. You can increase memory up to 256 MB (128 MB x 2), by installing optional memory modules. The amount of memory pre-installed is 128 MB (128 MB x 1).You can add an expansion memory module (64 MB or 128 MB) in the memory module bay.
  • Page 86 Change to Current Document Title Typical expansion memory configuration Total System Memory (MB) To remove a memory module Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices, such as your printer. Unplug the computer and remove the battery pack(s). After the computer has cooled, loosen and remove the screw that secures the cover of the memory bay on the bottom of your computer.
  • Page 87 Remove the memory module. Removing memory module 1 Pull the tabs in the direction of the arrows. The memory module is released. Tighten the screw on the memory bay cover. ✍ Your computer comes with a memory module installed in the memory slot. To upgrade your memory, remove this module from the slot before installing your upgrade memory module.
  • Page 88 Change to Current Document Title Install the memory module. Installing memory module 1 Slide the memory module into the slot. Tighten the screw on the cover of the memory bay. 2 Press the module into place until it clicks.

  • Page 89: About The Software On Your Notebook

    This section gives you the following: ❑ An overview of the various software that come with your computer and the activities you can perform with your software ❑ Software support information ❑ Details on your Sony application and system recovery CDs...

  • Page 90: Overview

    Change to Current Document Title Overview ® Adobe Acrobat Reader™ Adobe Systems Inc. Acrobat Reader software allows you to view, navigate, and print electronic documents in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), an open file format that is intended to preserve the fidelity of documents created on all major computer platforms.
  • Page 91 * i.LINK is a Sony trademark used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connec- tor. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.
  • Page 92 This image management software displays images from your hard drive, a Sony digital still camera, or a Sony Mavica® camera. The images appear in a convenient light-table format, so that you can easily view the contents of an entire folder. (See “PictureGear™”...
  • Page 93 VisualFlow® Sony Electronics Inc. VisualFlow is a state-of-the-art Sony multimedia browser designed specifically for Memory Stick media. It displays any still pictures, movie, or sound files stored in a Memory Stick media in a visually pleasing, artistic manner. VisualFlow not only plays a selected movie or sound file, but also enables playback of files by other applications like PictureGear, Memory Stick Slideshow, and Windows Explorer.

  • Page 94: Movieshaker

    Change to Current Document Title MovieShaker™ This application can be used to create fun and innovative movies without any knowledge of film editing. In a few simple steps, motion pictures can be combined with special effects, still images (pictures), and music files and then saved in a format most computers can play.

  • Page 95: Create A Movie Using Shaker

    Create a Movie using Shaker After adding clip(s) to the Clip tray, you can create a short movie using the Shaker feature. Shaker randomly select clips from the Clip tray to create a 30- second scene. Click the Shake tab. Select a mood by clicking a face in the Shaker tray.

  • Page 96: Editing Clips And Scenes

    Change to Current Document Title Editing Clips and Scenes You can edit your movie by adding effects and text, adjusting the color and contrast, and modifying the length of clips. Working Panel Monitor Trim Palette Adding effects to a scene or a clip: Double-click the clip or scene to move it to the Working Panel.

  • Page 97: Saving A Movie

    Saving a Movie Verify that the clip(s) you want to save is on the Product tray. See Help for more details on saving movies. Click Export. Select the format in which you want the document to be saved. Click Next. Locate the folder to which you want the file saved.

  • Page 98: Picturegear

    Change to Current Document Title PictureGear™ PictureGear software is a digital image management application that allows you to see all the images stored in any directory on your computer. Thumbnail views provide quick reminders of your pictures. Brighten, contrast, enhance, resize, crop, and color-correct your pictures.

  • Page 99: Using Panorama Maker

    Using Panorama Maker Panorama Maker stitches a group of still images into a 360 degree panoramic picture. The source images should be the same size and overlap 20%. How to stitch a panoramic picture: Gather the source images into the same folder or collection. Select the images you want to use.

  • Page 100: Openmg Jukebox 2.0 Software Instructions

    An EMD service provider. Consult the provider for details regarding service. ✍ To protect your personal data, Sony uses SSL (an encryption protocol) for communication between your browser and the Sony WWW server. If you are accessing the Internet from inside of an enterprise LAN, you may not be able to use...

  • Page 101: Starting Openmg Jukebox 2.0

    Starting OpenMG Jukebox 2.0 Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar, select Programs, OpenMG Jukebox, and then OpenMG Jukebox. The CDDB Registration dialog box appears. For more information regarding CDDB registration, click the Help button. ✍ To register with CDDB, you will need Internet access from your computer. After registering with CDDB, the “Set OpenMG Jukebox as the Application for playing Audio CD”...
  • Page 102 Change to Current Document Title OpenMG Jukebox 2.0 Basic Features Menu bar Displays OpenMG Jukebox menus. Screen Tabs Change the operational sheet view according to function. Player control buttons Control playback (play, stop, pause, etc.). File Tree view Displays the folders on your computer. File List view Lists the items under the selected folder in the File Tree view.

  • Page 103: Recording A Cd

    Recording a CD You can record songs from audio CDs and import them to playlists within OpenMG Jukebox. ✍ When you record from an audio CD on your CD-ROM drive for the first time, the “CD Drive Optimization” dialog box appears. Click Start to verify your CD-ROM drive. After the verification is performed, recording begins.

  • Page 104: Transferring Songs (Check-In/Check-Out)

    Change to Current Document Title Click Rec to Jukebox. Recording begins. When the recording is finished, the new playlist appears in the File Tree view of the Playlist screen tab. ✍ To name the album and songs, type the name, or retrieve it from the CDDB Web site on the Internet at http://www.cddb.com/cddb2info/using.html Transferring Songs (Check-in/Check-out) You can transfer songs between the playlists of your OpenMG Jukebox and...
  • Page 105 In the Playlist view, select the song to be checked out. To check out more than one song at a time, hold down the Ctrl key and click the songs to be selected. Click (Out), or drag and drop the song to the desired position in the song list of the external device/media.

  • Page 106: Additional Features

    Change to Current Document Title Additional Features ❑ OpenMG Jukebox Tutorial — In the Tutorial screen, the available operations of OpenMG Jukebox are briefly described. By clicking items in the screen, you are guided directly to the desired operations of OpenMG Jukebox.

  • Page 107: Notes On Performing The System Restore Function Of System Tools On Windows® Millennium Edition

    OpenMG Jukebox version 2.0 for VAIO computers may generate malfunctions. To connect you Portable Player to your VAIO computer, you need a plug-in for OpenMG Jukebox version 2.0. For details, refer to Sony Walkman Support on the Web at http://www.sony.com/walkmanproductsupport.

  • Page 108: Software Support Information

    Change to Current Document Title Software Support Information Acroba t Reader™, Adobe PhotoDelux e® Home Edition (Adobe Systems Incorporated) Web site http://www.adobe.com/ phone 206-675-6126 (fee-based support) e-mail techdocs@adobe.com hours M-F, 6 AM-5 PM PT America Online® (America Online, Inc.) Web site http://www.aol.com phone 800-827-3338...

  • Page 109: Sony Service Center

    * Support from 1-888-4SONYPC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. Sony Service Center For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476- 6972) or find Sony Customer Service on the Web at http://www.sony.com/ pcsupport. Software Support Information...

  • Page 110: Application, System, And Driver Recovery Cds

    System Recovery CD(s) Sony Electronics Inc. This program allows you to restore the software titles that shipped with your computer if they become corrupted or are erased accidentally. It can be used only to restore the hard disk of this Sony computer.

  • Page 111: Using Your Recovery Cds

    ✍ You must be in Windows to run the Application Recovery CD. If you have any questions on using the Application Recovery CD, contact Sony Customer Support. To use the Application Recovery CD(s) Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications.

  • Page 112: Using The Driver Recovery Cd(S)

    Change to Current Document Title Using the Driver Recovery CD(s) The Driver Recovery CD utility allows you to reinstall individual drivers and repair software applications if they become corrupted or are accidentally erased. You can reinstall an individual driver to correct a problem that you are experiencing with your computer, hardware, or software application.
  • Page 113 Press the power button and hold it for more than four seconds to turn off the computer. Turn on the computer. When the Sony logo is displayed, press the F2 key. The BIOS setup menu screen appears. Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
  • Page 114 Change to Current Document Title ✍ Your system may include one or two System Recovery CDs. If you have two System Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the System Recovery program. You are prompted to insert the second CD once the information from the first CD has been installed.

  • Page 115: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your notebook. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you contact Sony PC Support (http://www.sony.com/ pcsupport). Troubleshooting your notebook When starting your notebook for the first time, the VAIO InitManager dialog box will appear.
  • Page 116 Turn off the notebook. Remove any peripheral devices connected to the notebook. Turn the notebook back on. Press the F2 key when the Sony logo appears. The BIOS setup menu screen appears. Press the directional arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
  • Page 117 10 Select Yes, then press Enter. The notebook restarts. If your notebook continues to display the message “Operating system not found”, and Windows does not start, contact Sony Customer Support. My notebook stops responding or does not shut down It is best to shut down your notebook using the Shut Down command on the Windows Start menu.

  • Page 118: Troubleshooting The Lcd Screen

    Change to Current Document Title My notebook does not enter the power saving mode I selected. ❑ Click Start, point to Program, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Information. The Help and Support window appears. ❑...

  • Page 119: Troubleshooting The Mouse And Touchpad

    Move the Screen Area slider to change your video resolution. Troubleshooting the mouse and touchpad My mouse does not work ❑ If you are using an optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 series, check that the mouse is plugged into the USB connector. My touchpad does not work properly ❑...

  • Page 120: Troubleshooting Drives, Pc Cards And Peripheral Devices

    Change to Current Document Title The pointer does not move (while using the Touchpad or Mouse) ❑ Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar, and select Shut Down to display the Shut Down Windows dialog box, then press Enter. ❑...
  • Page 121 Make sure the PC card is compatible with Microsoft® Windows®. * i.LINK is a Sony trademark used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connec- tor. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.

  • Page 122: Troubleshooting Software

    Make sure you place the CD in the tray with the label side facing up. I hear background “noise” while using Windows Media Player to play my music Sony suggests using the preinstalled Media Bar or OpenMG Jukebox software to play audio CDs.

  • Page 123: Troubleshooting Audio

    My modem connection is slow Your notebook is equipped with a 56K/V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem connection speed, including telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment (such as fax machines or other modems). If you think your modem is not connecting properly to other PC-based modems, fax machines, or your Internet Service Provider, check the following: ❑...

  • Page 124: Troubleshooting The Printer

    Select Refresh, then click OK. The printer should function properly. ❑ Verify that the parallel port is set to the proper mode. Restart your computer, and then press the F2 key when the Sony logo screen appears. The BIOS setup menu appears. Press the Esc key.

  • Page 125: Getting Help

    This service, which requires a fax machine or your fax software, provides answers to commonly asked questions. You can use this automated service to request a list of available topics then select the topics that you want to receive. To contact the Sony fax- on-demand service, call:...
  • Page 126 Change to Current Document Title...

  • Page 127: Specifications

    Specifications The following table details the hardware specifications for your computer. Model PCG-FX210/PCG-FX215 Processor 800 MHz L1 Cache Memory 128 KB L2 Cache Memory 64 KB (on die) Hard Disk Drive 10 GB 128 MB SO-DIMM in slot Standard RAM Expandable to 256 MB 14.1”...
  • Page 128 Change to Current Document Title Model PCG-FX210/PCG-FX215 • 2 USB ports • i.LINK • Serial port • VGA monitor • Parallel (printer) Connection Capabilities • Phone line (RJ-11) • Microphone • Headphone • NTSC video out • Ethernet • Floppy disk drive •...
  • Page 129 53 kbps. Your online service or Internet Service Provider, however, may not support this technology or operate at this speed. †† i.LINK is a Sony trademark used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.
  • Page 130 Change to Current Document Title...

  • Page 131: Index

    Index AC adapter 22, 27 AC power 27 adding hardware 67 memory 85 peripherals 67 printers 68 adjusting brightness 34, 40 Alt key 38 Application Recovery CD 111 Applications key 38 battery packs 22, 28 charging 29, 56 indicator lights 30, 39, 55 inserting 28 inserting into battery bay 28 loading 28...
  • Page 132 Change to Current Document Title external speakers 76 hard drives 52 microphone 77 monitor 69 multimedia computer dis- play 70 multiple phone lines 63 network 52 party phone lines 63 PBX 63 phone line 63 power source 27 printer 68 projector 70 USB device 73 weight saver 58...
  • Page 133 speakers 76 faxes laws governing 6 floppy disk drive 22 cable 22 disconnecting 45 troubleshooting 120 Fn key 38 combination commands 40 function keys 38 handling 19 CD-ROMs ROMs 51 handling the LCD screen 19 hard drives indicator light 39 installing additional 52 hardware online support 125...
  • Page 134 Change to Current Document Title maintenance 19 memory module expansion 86 installing 87 removing 86 microphone connecting 77 troubleshooting 124 modem laws governing 6 troubleshooting 122 monitor connecting 69 selecting 71 switching among 41 mouse troubleshooting 119 Mouse Properties screen 43 Mouseware accessing help 43 features 43...
  • Page 135 PC support 125 Shift key 38 Shut Down Windows dialog box 35 shutting down 35 Software list 89 Sony Fax-on-Demand service Sony Service Center 109 speakers external 76 troubleshooting 123 Specifications 127 starting computer 33 switching display 41...
  • Page 136 Change to Current Document Title virtual desktop 81 weight saver attaching 55 connecting 58 fold-out arm 58 removing 59 window design of Sony soft- ware 83 Windows Explorer 38 Find window 38 help 38 key 38 key combinations 38 Start button 35...

This manual is also suitable for:

Vaio pcg-fx215Pcg-961aPcg-962a

Table of Contents