Page 1 VAIO® Notebook User Guide PCG-FX290/FX290K...
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
Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited. i.LINK is a SONY trademark used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not...
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 Address: 680 Kinderkamack Rd. Oradell, NJ 07649 Telephone: 201-930-6972 (For FCC-related matters only.) This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference. (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Page 6: Telephone Consumer Protection Act Of 1991
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 7: Industry Canada Notice
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. Ne pas manipuler les batteries au lithium-ion qui fuient ou sont endommagées.
Page 8: Vaio Notebook User Guide
VAIO Notebook User Guide equipment may give the telecommunications company cause to request that the user disconnect the equipment. Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground connections of the power utility, telephone lines and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together.
Page 9: Table Of Contents
Notice to Users 2 Welcome 13 Features 13 Unpacking Your Notebook 14 Manuals 14 Software CDs 15 Recovery CDs 15 Other 15 Ergonomic Considerations 16 Notes on Setup 17 Handling Your Notebook 18 Cleaning Your Notebook 18 Handling the LCD Screen 18 Setting Up Your VAIO®...
Page 10 VAIO Notebook User Guide Using the Optical Drive 45 Playing a DVD 47 Notes on CD and DVD media 49 Writing data to CD-RW/CD-R media 49 Using PC Cards 51 To insert a PC card 51 To remove a PC card 52 Using a Second Battery Pack 54 To insert a second battery pack 54 To charge the second battery pack 55...
Page 11 Displaying Battery Information 89 Battery Icon Descriptions 89 Displaying Detailed Battery Information 90 Selecting the Display Mode 91 Changing the Window Design of Sony Software 92 Adding Memory 95 About the Software on Your Notebook 99 Overview 99 MovieShaker™ 103...
Page 12 Creating a Photo Album 107 Using Panorama Maker 108 Making Still Images and Panoramic from MPEG 108 Software Support Information 109 Sony Service Center 111 Application, System, and Driver Recovery CDs 111 Using Your Recovery CDs 112 Using the Application Recovery CD(s) 112...
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. Features For a complete description of the specifications of your VAIO® Notebook, see “Specifications”...
Page 14: Unpacking Your Notebook
VAIO Notebook User Guide CD-RW drive and DVD-ROM drive, providing increased storage capacity and a rich multimedia computing experience. The CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive plays DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, CD-RW, and CD-R discs. Unpacking Your Notebook Remove the following hardware items from the box: Main unit Video cable * Removable floppy disk drive is in the multipurpose bay.
Page 15: Software Cds
Software CDs Microsoft® Word 2000 — Allows you to reinstall Microsoft Word to the VAIO notebook you purchased. 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 16: Ergonomic Considerations
VAIO Notebook User Guide 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...
Page 17: 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 18: Handling Your Notebook
VAIO Notebook User Guide 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 19 Ergonomic Considerations 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 20 VAIO Notebook User Guide...
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. Locating Controls and Connectors Front LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen Speakers Keyboard...
Page 22 VAIO Notebook User Guide Touchpad Left/right buttons Power indicator Caps Lock indicator Scroll Lock indicator...
Page 23 Left Video out Microphone connector Headphone connector Locating Controls and Connectors i.LINK® (IEEE1394) S400 connector PC card slots Battery bay...
Page 24 VAIO Notebook User Guide Right PPK buttons Power button Optical drive (CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive) Multipurpose bay...
Page 25 Back Modem jack USB connectors Serial connector Printer connector Warning: Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet network port. 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 VAIO Notebook User Guide Bottom Multipurpose bay RELEASE lever Reset switch 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 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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. If the port replicator is attached to your computer, do not attempt to insert or remove the battery pack.
Page 30 VAIO Notebook User Guide There are two battery indicator lights on the computer Battery indicator lights Battery Description Indicator 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 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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. (Windows Me™...
Page 34: Shutting Down Your Computer
VAIO Notebook User Guide If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display as follows: To decrease brightness, press Fn+F5 then the down or left arrow key. To increase brightness, press Fn+F5 then the up or right arrow key. Shutting Down Your Computer To avoid potential loss of data, follow these steps to shut down your computer.
Page 35: 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 36: Combinations And Functions With The Windows Key
VAIO Notebook User Guide 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 37: Indicators
Combination Function + Ctrl + F Displays the Windows Find: Computer window where you can locate other computers. This is the equivalent of selecting Find and then Computer from the Start menu. Minimizes all displayed windows. Shift + Returns all minimized windows to their previous size. Displays the Run window.
Page 38: Indicators (Continued)
VAIO Notebook User Guide Indicators (continued) 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 39: Combinations And Functions With The Fn Key
Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key Combinations/ Function Feature (ESC) Puts the system into Standby mode, a power- management state. Standby To return the system to the active state, press any key or press the power button on your computer. (F3) Toggles the built-in speaker off and on.
Page 40: Using The Touchpad
VAIO Notebook User Guide 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 41 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 42: Using The Floppy Disk Drive
VAIO Notebook User Guide 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 Diskette...
Page 43 To remove a diskette When you finish using the diskette, wait until the LED indicator light turns off and then press the Eject button to remove the diskette. Do not push the eject button when the LED indicator is turned on. Otherwise, data may be lost.
Page 44 VAIO Notebook User Guide To reinsert the floppy disk drive Turn off the computer. If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove the device. See “To remove the second battery pack”. Insert the floppy disk drive into the multipurpose bay with the VAIO label facing up.
Page 45: Using The Optical Drive
Using the Optical Drive Your computer comes with an optical drive (CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive). To insert a disc Turn on the computer. When the computer is in See “Controlling Power Management”for more information on Standby and Hibernate modes. Press the Eject button to open the CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive. The tray slides out.
Page 46 VAIO Notebook User Guide Push the disc onto the hub until the disc clicks securely into place. Inserting an optical disc Label side facing up...
Page 47: 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 48 VAIO Notebook User Guide You can play DVDs using the DVD-ROM drive and the WinDVD software. See the help file that comes with the WinDVD software for details. Some discs recorded at 20 or 24 bits may produce noise while playing. If you have audio devices connected, this may cause damage to your hearing and the speakers.
Page 49: 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 50 VAIO Notebook User Guide For optimal writing speed, deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus software before writing data to a disc. For best results, use CD-Rs that are compatible with 4x speed, as DirectCD™ and Easy ® CD Creator are preset to that speed.
Page 51: Using Pc Cards
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 52: To Remove A Pc Card
VAIO Notebook User Guide bottom PC card slot protectors. 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.
Page 53 Reboot your system to correct the problem. Some PC cards may require that you disable idle devices when using the PC card. You can use Sony Notebook Setup to disable devices. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen”for details. Be sure to use the most recent software driver provided by the PC card manufacturer.
Page 54: Using A Second Battery Pack
VAIO Notebook User Guide 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 55: To Charge The Second Battery Pack
To charge the second battery pack Using weight saver for second battery cover 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 56: To Remove The Second Battery Pack
VAIO Notebook User Guide 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 57: Using The Weight Saver
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”. Fold out the hinged arm of the weight saver and then push on the hinged arm to lock it into place.
Page 58: To Remove The Weight Saver
VAIO Notebook User Guide 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 59: Using Smart Connect
You can also print from a printer attached to either computer. * i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, oper- ating system and i.LINK-compatible devices.
Page 60: Power Saving Modes
If you have previously purchased a VAIO computer or notebook that does not have the Windows Me operating system or Smart Connect 3.0 software preinstalled, consult the Sony website for support options (http://www.sony.com/pcsupport). 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.
Page 61: To Return To Normal Mode
To return to normal mode Press any key to return to normal mode. Hibernate Mode In the Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the hard drive and power is turned off. The power indicator light is off in this mode. To activate Hibernate mode To activate Hibernate mode, press the key combination Fn+F12.
Page 62: Connecting A Phone Line
You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services and the 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.
Page 63: Connecting To The Local Area Network (Lan)
Connecting to the 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 the network, ask your network administrator. Connecting to LAN Warning: Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the network) port.
Page 64 VAIO Notebook User Guide Click the Identification tab to set the computer name, workgroup, and computer description. Click the Access Control tab to set the share level or user level access control. Windows 2000 models To connect to the network Right-click My Network Places and select Properties.
Page 65: 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 the Port Replicator” “Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard” “Connecting a Printer” “Connecting an External Display” “Connecting a TV Display” “Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device”...
Page 66: Connecting The Port Replicator
VAIO Notebook User Guide Connecting the Port Replicator Your notebook supports the use of an optional port replicator (PCGA-PRFX1). Attaching a port replicator enables you to connect additional peripherals to your computer. Port replicator Serial Port Printer Port Monitor Port Network (Ethernet 10BaseT) The port replicator can be powered only with an AC power adapter.
Page 67 Turn off your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices. On the bottom of the computer, slide the port replicator connector cover open. Port replicator connector Port replicator connector Attach the bottom of the computer to the port replicator connector until it clicks.
Page 68 Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an AC outlet. Connecting AC adapter to port replicator Use the AC adapter that comes with your computer or the optional Sony AC adapter. The power indicator light turns green.
Page 69 To remove your computer from the port replicator when the power is off Turn off your computer and the connected peripherals. Pull the levers on each side of the port replicator to disengage the computer from the port replicator. Disengaging computer from port replicator Lift the computer away from the port replicator.
Page 70: Connecting An External Mouse Or Keyboard
VAIO Notebook User Guide Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard You can connect an external mouse or keyboard to the optional port replicator ® using a PS/2 -style plug or adapter. Before you connect or disconnect the mouse or keyboard, turn off the computer. You can only connect one external device at a time.
Page 71: Connecting A Printer
If your printer stops functioning after resuming from a power-saving mode, see “Troubleshooting the printer” . Before using the printer, you may need to change the Printer setting in the Sony Notebook Setup software. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” .
Page 72 VAIO Notebook User Guide Projector (See “To connect a projector”.) Connect an external display before you turn on the computer. To connect a computer display Locate the Monitor connector identified by the computer. Plug the display cable (not supplied) into this connector. If necessary, plug one end of the display power cord into the display, and the other end into an AC outlet.
Page 73 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 See the manual that came with your projector for more information on its installation and use.
Page 74 VAIO Notebook User Guide Press Switch to an Fn+F7 external display Connect the cable before you turn on the computer, otherwise Fn + 7 will not work. Result Toggles between the LCD, the external display connected to the Monitor connector, or both the LCD and external display.
Page 75: Connecting A Tv Display
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 Connect the computer to a TV using audio/video cables. Switch the input channel of the TV to external input.
Page 76: Connecting A Universal Serial Bus (Usb) Device
VAIO Notebook User Guide See the manual that came with your peripheral device for more information on installation and use. If you insert a DVD in your DVD drive to watch a video on your TV, the Fn+F8 key combination might not activate the function to toggle between your LCD and TV. Take the following steps: 1.
Page 77: Connecting An I.link® Device
You can connect an i.LINK-enabled digital video camera recorder to the i.LINK® S400 (IEEE1394) connector. * i.LINK is a SONY trademark used 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 78 VMC-IL4615 (a 1.5 meter-cable with a 4-pin connector at one end and a 6-pin connector at the other), and VMC-IL4408A (a 0.8-meter cable with a 4-pin connector at each end). You can purchase these cables from your local retailer, through the Sony VAIO® Direct Web site (http://www.sonydirect.com), or by calling 1-888-315-7669 (toll free).
Page 79 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 80: Connecting External Speakers
VAIO Notebook User Guide 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 81: 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 Locate the Microphone connector identified by the the computer.
Page 82 VAIO Notebook User Guide...
Page 83: Customizing Your Vaio® Notebook
Click the Start button on the Windows® taskbar. Point to VAIO and click Sony Notebook Setup. Sony Notebook Setup Screen Select the tab for the item you want to change. See “Sony Notebook Setup Tabs” . After you finish making your changes, click OK.
Page 84: Sony Notebook Setup Tabs
Initial Setting Touchpad Power On Password Enable Ports Basic/Advanced For more information about each option, click Help on the Sony Notebook Setup screen to display the Help file. Description Display system information, including memory capacity, serial number, and BIOS version.
Page 85: Controlling Power Management
Controlling Power Management The PowerPanel utility allows you to control the power management of your notebook computer and provides key information about system activity and battery life. The following sections briefly describe how to conserve your computer’s battery power. You can also refer to PowerPanel Help for more detailed information.
Page 86: Power Management Profiles
VAIO Notebook User Guide You can change the power management settings, such as the system timer and the brightness of the screen. To customize power management settings Click the Current Profile icon on the Power Management toolbar. Select Edit/Create Profiles from the menu. Click a profile whose setting you want to change from the list in the left field.
Page 87 Controlling Power Management Icon Description AC Power The power management state when AC power is in use. Similar to the Power Management Off setting. Power Management automatically loads the AC profile unless you disable this feature. Games Disables the display and the Hard Disk Standby timer. Presentation Keeps the display on at all times while it conserves power.
Page 88: Power Management Commands
VAIO Notebook User Guide Power Management Commands PowerPanel also provides power management commands that you can use to activate specific power management functions and to control power for a specific device. You can use these commands to override a profile setting or initiate an immediate action.
Page 89: Displaying Battery Information
Displaying Battery Information You can display information for each of the batteries in your computer. The following sections briefly describe how to display your computer’s general battery information. Refer to PowerPanel Help for more detailed information. To activate the Battery Information toolbar Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
Page 90: Displaying Detailed Battery Information
VAIO Notebook User Guide Displaying Detailed Battery Information Double-click the battery icon on the task tray to display the Battery Information window. The screen appears displaying the Battery tab, which contains information such as the estimated time-to-empty and charging time. Battery Information Window Customizing the Battery Information toolbar and alarm system You can customize the Battery Information toolbar and modify the alarm...
Page 91: Selecting The Display Mode
Selecting the Display Mode This notebook uses the Intel® video controller, which enables you to select the desired display when the notebook is connected to an external monitor. When you connect an external display, you can switch the display mode between your notebook’s LCD display and the external monitor.
Page 92: 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 93 Selecting the Display Mode This feature is available with UI Design Selector-compatible software only.
Page 94 VAIO Notebook User Guide...
Page 95: 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 512 MB (256 MB x 2), by installing optional memory modules. 256 MB of memory is pre-installed (256 MB x 1).
Page 96 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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 97 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 98 Click the Start button on the Windows status bar, point to VAIO option, and click “Sony Notebook Setup.” The Sony Notebook Setup screen appears. Click the “About This Computer” tab to view the amount of system memory. If the additional memory is not shown, repeat steps 1 through 4 in “To install a memory module.”...
Page 99: 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 Overview Adaptec Easy CD Creator Adaptec, Inc.
Page 100 You can also save your images in a variety of popular file formats. * i.LINK is a SONY trademark used 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 101 Sony Electronics Media Bar software is your all-in-one solution for audio/video playback. Media Bar software handles all common computer multimedia formats and controls selected Sony devices. In addition to audio/video library cataloging and playlist management, Media Bar software includes digital video quality control and effects features. Media Bar software seamlessly integrates a variety of new media formats with an easy-to-use software interface.
Page 102: Smart Capture
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 103: Movieshaker
Sound Forge® XP Sonic Foundry Sound Forge XP allows you to put powerful audio processing tools and effects to work on your notebook. Simply cut, copy, and paste your way to striking multimedia files for use in everything from Web pages to desktop presentations. ®...
Page 104 VAIO Notebook User Guide Click Open. The file is added to the Clip tray. Importing files over 75 seconds in length may cause MovieShaker Software to stop responding.
Page 105: 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 106: Editing Clips And Scenes
VAIO Notebook User Guide 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 107: Picturegear
Select the format in which you want the document to be saved. Click Next. Locate the folder to which you want the file saved. Name the file. Click Save. Exporting movies may take a long time to complete—Save movie as DV (Digital Video) takes the longest and Quick-Save is the fastest.
Page 108: Using Panorama Maker
VAIO Notebook User Guide Now add more pictures, frames, text, and effects. When you are finished, select Create Album in File menu or click the Create Album icon on the toolbar. Designate the folder you where want to save the Album. Enter the Target Album name, select Thumbnails and click Okay.
Page 109: Software Support Information
Software Support Information Adaptec, Inc. Web site http://www.adaptec.com/ phone 408-945-8600 408-262-2533 Acrobat® Reader, Adobe PhotoDeluxe® Business Edition, Adobe Premiere® LE (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) Web site http://www.aol.com phone...
Page 110 VAIO Notebook User Guide Netscape Communicator® (Netscape Communications Corporation) Web site http://www.netscape.com/ phone 888-4SONYPC (888-476-6972) hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day PhotoPrinter™ 2000 Pro (ArcSoft, Inc.) Web site(s) http://www.arcsoft.com http://www.photoisland.com phone 510-440-9901 510-440-1270 e-mail techsupport@arcsoft.com hours M-F, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM PT Prodigy Internet®...
Page 111: Sony Service Center
Application, System, and Driver Recovery CDs 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. Application, System, and Driver Recovery CDs Your computer comes with the following application and system recovery CDs.
Page 112: 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 113: Using The System Recovery Cd(S)
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. Using Your Recovery CDs...
Page 114: Using The Driver Recovery Cd(S)
VAIO Notebook User Guide Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu. Press the arrow keys to select “Get Default Values” and then press the Enter key. The message “Load default configuration now?” appears. Check that “Yes” is selected, then press the Enter key. Press the arrow keys to select “Exit”...
Page 115 When the Driver Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the recovery process. To repair software applications using VAIO Support Agent The Driver Recovery CD utility has an information vault that contains the original characteristics for the preinstalled software applications that are protected by VAIO Support Agent.
Page 116 VAIO Notebook User Guide...
Page 117: 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 (Windows Me only) When starting your notebook for the first time, the VAIO InitManager dialog box will appear.
Page 118 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 119 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 120 VAIO Notebook User Guide Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete (at the same time) or turning off the notebook with the power switch may result in data loss in files that are currently open. My notebook does not enter the power saving mode I selected. (Windows Me only) Click Start, point to Program, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Information.
Page 121: Troubleshooting The Lcd Screen
Troubleshooting the LCD screen My LCD screen is blank Check that the notebook is plugged into a power source and that it is turned Check that the power indicator on the notebook is on. Check that the battery pack(s) is inserted properly and that they are charged. The notebook may be in LCD (Video) Standby mode.
Page 122: Troubleshooting The Mouse And Touchpad
If you are using an external mouse, check that the mouse is plugged into the mouse connector. See “Connecting an External Display” for details. If you are using an optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 series, check that the mouse is plugged into the USB connector.
Page 123: Troubleshooting Drives, Pc Cards And Peripheral Devices
Troubleshooting drives, PC cards and peripheral devices My floppy disk drive can not write to a diskette If the diskette is write-protected, disable the write-protect feature or use a diskette that is not write-protected. Check that the diskette is properly inserted into the floppy disk drive. My optical drive is not playing my CD or DVD properly Make sure the label of the disc is facing up.
Page 124: Troubleshooting Software
Make sure the PC card is compatible with Microsoft® Windows®. Use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices you are not currently using. If you are using two PC cards, use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable the devices you are not currently using. Troubleshooting software My software program stops responding or crashes Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical support.
Page 125: Troubleshooting The Modem
Check that the phone number the program is dialing is correct. Check that the software you are using is compatible with the notebook’s modem. (All preinstalled Sony programs are compatible.) 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).
Page 126: Troubleshooting The Printer
The default setting for the printer port mode is correct for most printers. If you cannot print, try changing the printer port mode. In Sony Notebook Setup, select the Printer tab. If the printer port mode is set to ECP, change it to bi-directional.
Page 127 Troubleshooting Select Refresh, then click OK. The printer should function properly. Windows 2000 Only Double-click My Computer icon on the desktop, then double-click on the Control Panel folder. Double-click on the Printers folder. Right-click on the icon of the printer that is not functioning, and select Properties to access the Properties window.
Page 128 VAIO Notebook User Guide...
Page 129: Specifications
Specifications The following table details the hardware specifications for your computer. Model PCG-FX290/290K Mobile® Intel® Pentium® III 1 GHz Processor featuring Intel® SpeedStep™ Technology L2 Cache Memory 256 KB (CPU Integrated) ‡ Hard Disk Drive 30 GB C/D Partition 40% and 60% (Approximate) 256 MB SDRAM Standard RAM...
Page 130 VAIO Notebook User Guide Model PCG-FX290/290K • Supports floppy disk drive (included) Drive Bay • Supports second rechargeable battery (optional) Type I/II PC cards and Expansion Type III PC card with Capabilities CardBus support • 2 USB ports ‡‡ • i.LINK •...
Page 131 Model PCG-FX290/290K 40º F to 95º F (+5º C to Operating 35º C) temperature Temperature gradient less than 50º F (10º C) per hour 20% to 80% (not condensed), provided that Operating humidity is less than 65% Humidity at 95º F (35º C), hygrometer reading of less than 84º...
Page 132 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 133 About This Computer tab 21, 27 AC adapter AC power AC Profile power setting adding hardware memory peripherals printers adjusting 34, 39 brightness Alt key Application Recovery CD Applications key attaching port replicator Audio tab Basic/Advanced tab 21, 28 battery packs charge status icons 29, 55 charging...
Page 134 VAIO Notebook User Guide monitor multimedia computer display multiple phone lines 51, 66 network party phone lines phone line port replicator power source printer projector USB device weight saver connectors DC In network printer Serial port correction keys Ctrl key cursor-movement keys customizing your computer DC In...
Page 135 Help Mouseware i.LINK IEEE-1394 indicator lights 30, 37, 54 battery Caps Lock charge status hard drive Num Lock Scroll Lock input devices Insert key inserting battery pack CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs installation installing hard drives hardware memory module peripherals interference keyboard lock lever selecting to display output troubleshooting LCD screen...
Page 136 VAIO Notebook User Guide Notebook Computer Notebook Setup tabs Num Lock indicator light opening DVD-ROM drive tray operator keys output devices adding party phone lines PC card inserting slots troubleshooting phone cable connecting line jack laws governing PictureGear port replicator connecting disconnecting lever...
Page 137 Video Standby mode viewing the amount of memory volume control weight saver attaching connecting fold-out arm removing window design of Sony software Windows 98 Explorer Find window help key combinations Start button taskbar 39, 61 34, 117...
Page 138 VAIO Notebook User Guide...

This manual is also suitable for:

Vaio pcg-fx290k Vaio pcg-956a Vaio pcg-9562

Sony PCG-FX290 Primary User Manual

Welcome

Setting up Your VAIO® Notebook

Using Your VAIO® Notebook

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Customizing Your VAIO® Notebook

Adding Memory

About the Software on Your Notebook

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Quick Links

Troubleshooting

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Summary of Contents for Sony PCG-FX290 Primary

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