Sony PCG-XG18 Primary User Manual
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Sony PCG-XG18 Primary User Manual

Sony PCG-XG18 Primary User Manual

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VAIO Notebook
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User Guide

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Summary of Contents for Sony PCG-XG18 Primary

  • Page 1: User Guide

    VAIO Notebook ® User Guide PCG-XG18/PCG-XG19 ®...
  • Page 2 This product contains software owned by Sony and licensed by third parties. Use of such software is subject to the terms and conditions of license agreements enclosed with this product.
  • Page 3 The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony VAIO Notebook. Record the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call your Sony Service Center. Model Number: PCG-XG18/PCG-XG19...
  • Page 4 If trouble is experienced with this equipment (Notebook PCG-XG18/PCG- XG19), please contact 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972), or write to the Sony Customer Information Center,...
  • Page 5 One Sony Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 for repair and/or warranty information. If the trouble is causing harm to the telephone network, the telephone company may request that you remove the equipment from the network until the problem is resolved.
  • Page 6 Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Une batterie non conforme présente un danger d'explosion. La remplacer seulement par une batterie identique ou de type équivalent recommandé...
  • Page 7 télécommunications, comme le prescrivent les documents concernant les exigences techniques relatives au matériel terminal. Le Ministère n’assure toutefois pas que le matériel fonctionnera à la satisfaction de l’utilisateur.
  • Page 8 Avant d’installer ce matériel, l’utilisateur doit s’assurer qu’il est permis de le raccorder aux installations de l’entreprise locale de télécommunication. Le matériel doit également être installé en suivant une méthode acceptée de raccordement. L’abonné ne doit pas oublier qu’il est possible que la conformité...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Features ... 1 Unpacking Your VAIO® Notebook... 2 Manuals ...3 Software CDs ...3 Recovery CDs ...3 Other ...3 Locating the Controls and Connectors ... 5 Front...5 Left ...6 Right...7 Back ...7 Bottom...8 Connecting a Power Source ... 9 Using the AC Adapter...9 Starting Your Computer ...
  • Page 10 Using the Keyboard ...23 Combinations and Functions with the Windows Key ...25 Indicators...26 Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key ...27 Using the Touchpad...29 Using the Floppy Disk Drive ...30 To Use as an External Drive ...30 To use as an internal drive...31 Using the DVD-ROM Drive...33 To remove the DVD-ROM drive...35 To insert the DVD drive...35...
  • Page 11 Using the System and Application Recovery CDs... 79 Using the System Recovery CD(s)...79 Using the Application Recovery CD(s)...81 Changing the Window design of Sony Software ... 82 Replacing a Keycap ... 83 To replace a keycap...83 Adding Memory ... 84...

  • Page 13: Features

    Exceptional performance: Your computer includes a fast Intel processor. Portability: The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power. Sony audio and video quality: A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software. ®...
  • Page 14 Remove the following hardware items from the box:...

  • Page 15: Manuals

    ® The V AIO Notebook User Guide (this manual) contains information on how to get the most from your computer, find help, and solve common problems. It also includes product specifications. Read Me First contains Frequently Asked Questions, the most up-to- date information on using your computer, and software information.
  • Page 17 This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal and external devices, such as the touchpad, floppy disk drive, and DVD-ROM drive.

  • Page 21: Other

    You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source. Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow as indicated below, and lift the cover. The bottom portion of the computer lifts automatically and the back connectors appear.
  • Page 22 You can use one or two battery packs as a source of power. The second battery pack inserts into the drive bay on the right side of the computer. (See “Using Power Saving Modes” on page 42.) Additional battery packs are available as a separate option.
  • Page 23 Connect the AC adapter to the computer. Insert the battery pack. The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges). When the battery is 85% full, the battery indicator light turns off. This process takes approximately two hours.
  • Page 25 Open the cover of the battery bay. Pull out the battery pack. Close the cover of the battery bay.
  • Page 26 Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover. Press the power button of the computer until the green power indicator light turns on. If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display. To decrease the brightness, press Fn+F5 and then the down or left arrow key.
  • Page 27 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. Select Shut down. Click OK. Wait for your computer to turn off automatically. The power indicator (green) turns off.

  • Page 28: Front

    Close the front panel by holding the clip on the left top of the front panel. If you touch the LCD screen, you will leave fingerprints on the LCD screen. Use the supplied filter cleaner to wipe the LCD screen. See “Notes on Use”...
  • Page 29 You can take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive the following benefits by registering your computer with Sony. Sony Customer Support – Talk to a Support Representative to troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer.

  • Page 30: Right

    VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your computer’s Jog Dial control, internal timer, and i.LINK interface. An overview of each of these functions is provided in the next few pages. For more information on changing the settings using VAIO Action Setup, right-click the Jog Dial control icon, , in the task tray and click Help Topics.
  • Page 31 Depending on the software you are using, you can select items from the displayed list using the Jog Dial control. Some Sony software applications have two modes in List View, Simple Menu and Full Menu. You can switch the mode by pressing the...
  • Page 32 This section explains how to use the Jog Dial control. For information on how to change the Jog Dial control’s settings, right-click the Jog Dial control icon in the task tray and click Help Topics. To use the Jog Dial control, click the Jog Dial control window or the Jog Dial control icon in the task tray.
  • Page 33 The Jog Dial control window displays the Jog Dial’s function. If Sony software that supports the Jog Dial control is active, you can use the Jog Dial’s functions that are allocated to that software. For more information on functions allocated to software, see the software applications online Help.
  • Page 34 Your computer comes equipped with an i.LINK port. The port is a digital interface (IEEE-1394) for high-speed communication. By using your ® computer, a Sony Digital Handycam Camcorder or other camera that supports the i.LINK interface, you can easily create and edit your own home videos.
  • Page 35 Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter’s, but the keyboard has additional keys that perform specific computer-related tasks.

  • Page 36: Back

    Numeric keypad Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the area numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform mathematical calculations such as addition and subtraction. Note that you must press the Num Lock key to activate the numeric keypad. (When you do so, the Num Lock light will be on.) Navigation keys Several keys are devoted to moving the cursor on the...
  • Page 37 + F1 + Tab + Ctrl + F Shift + Fn + + Insert Displays Windows Help. Switches the selected button on the taskbar. Displays Windows Explorer. Displays the Windows Find: All Files window to find a file or folder. This is the equivalent of selecting Find and then Files or Folders from the Start menu.
  • Page 38 Power Light is green when the power to the computer is turned on. Light is red in System Idle mode, and flashes red in System Suspend mode. Turns off when the computer is in System Hibernation mode or powered off. Battery 1 Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the battery bay on the left side of the computer.
  • Page 39 (ESC) System Suspend (F3) Mute On/Off (F4) Speaker volume (F5) Brightness control (F7) Switch to the external display/LCD (F8) (F12) System Hibernation Puts the system into System Suspend mode, a power management state. To return the system to the active state, press any key or press the power switch on your computer.
  • Page 40 Fn+D Video standby Fn+F Change the display size Fn+S System Idle Turns off the LCD in order to save power. To turn the LCD back on, press any key. Zooms the display size in or out when the display is set to a low resolution.

  • Page 41: Bottom

    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. Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer on an item or object. Click Press the left button once.
  • Page 42 You can use the supplied floppy disk drive either as an external drive or as an internal drive in the drive bay. You do not need to shut down the computer before connecting the floppy disk drive. You can also connect the floppy disk drive while in power saving mode.
  • Page 43 If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove the device. See “To remove the floppy disk drive” on page 32 or “To remove the second battery pack” on page 45. Insert the floppy disk drive into the multipurpose bay with the VAIO logo facing up.
  • Page 44 When the computer is off, skip steps 1 and 3. Right-click the PowerPanel icon in the task tray and choose “Remove multipurpose bay device” when using an internal drive. When using an external drive, choose, “Remove external FDD” instead. Slide the RELEASE lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of the arrow and slide the drive out of the multipurpose bay.
  • Page 45 Your computer comes with a DVD-ROM drive. You can play both DVDs and CDs. Turn on the computer. Press the Eject button to open the DVD-ROM drive. The tray slides out. Place a DVD or CD in the tray with the label side facing up. For DVDs, which can be played on both sides, the side of the disc facing up is the side that plays.
  • Page 46 Close the tray by pushing it gently. When you play DVDs on a television connected to the optional mini docking station (PCGA-PSX1), you must adjust the display resolution to 640 x 480 as described in “Selecting the Display Mode” in the online document Customizing Your V AIO Notebook.
  • Page 47 When the computer is off, skip steps 1 and 3. Right-click the PowerPanel icon in the task tray and choose “Remove Multipurpose bay device.” The message screen appears. Slide the RELEASE lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of the arrow and slide the DVD-ROM drive out of the multipurpose bay.
  • Page 48 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. Use the lower slot for Type III PC cards. Pull the PC card RELEASE button away from the computer, then push it in toward the computer.
  • Page 49 Remove the PC card slot protector. When you use a Type III PC card, you need to remove both the top and bottom PC card slot protectors. Insert the PC card into the PC card slot, front label facing up. Gently push the card into the slot until the card is fixed into the connector.
  • Page 50 When the computer is on, be sure to follow the steps below, otherwise the system may not activate properly. When the computer is off, skip steps 1 to 4. Click the Start button, point to Setup, and then click Control Panel. Double-click the PC card icon.
  • Page 51 The preinstalled Smart Connect software allows you to use an i.LINK cable (not supplied) to connect your VAIO notebook to another VAIO computer that also has Smart Connect. You can then use one computer to copy, and edit files on the other computer. You can also print from a printer attached to either computer.
  • Page 52 Your computer includes an infrared port, located on the left side. You can use this port to communicate with other infrared-equipped devices with compatible protocols, such as a digital still camera or other computers. Align the infrared ports on the two computers so that they are in a direct line.
  • Page 53 &...
  • Page 54 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 three distinct power saving modes: System Idle, System Suspend, and System Hibernation.
  • Page 55 The computer saves the current state of the system in RAM and switches off power to the CPU. The red power indicator light flashes in this mode. Press Fn+Esc, or press the power button and release it immediately. You can also use the PowerPanel utility or the Jog Dial control to enter System Suspend mode.
  • Page 56 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% full.
  • Page 57 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” on page 21 for more information. There is a RELEASE lever on the bottom of the weight saver. To remove the battery pack, slide the RELEASE lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of the arrow.
  • Page 59 You can add functionality to your computer by connecting any of these peripherals: Phone line (page 48) Mini Docking Station (page 49) Printer (page 54) External mouse or keyboard (page 55) Floppy disk drive (page 56) AV devices (page 57) Printer (page 60) External display (page 62) External speakers (page 64)
  • Page 60 You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services and the Internet. Plug one end of the phone cable into the phone line jack on the computer. Plug the other end into the wall jack.
  • Page 61 You can use the PCGA-PSX1 Mini Docking Station (optional) to connect peripheral devices such as a printer or external display.
  • Page 62 You need to plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN connector on the Mini Docking Station. Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an electrical outlet. The DC IN indicator lights on.
  • Page 63 Connect the Mini Docking Station to the docking/FDD connector on the back of your computer. When a charged battery is inserted in your computer, you can attach and detach the Mini Docking Station without turning off the computer. Open the cover of your computer. Attach the left side tab of the Mini Docking Station to the left side hollow of your computer.
  • Page 64 Attach the right side tab of the Mini Docking Station to the right side hollow of your computer. Push the tab into the hollow firmly until it clicks. Press the UNDOCK button on the Mini Docking Station or click REMOVE on the Start menu.
  • Page 65 After the IN USE indicator has turned off, pull the RELEASE lever on the right side of your computer and release the right tab. Release the left tab.
  • Page 66 You can connect the printer to the Mini Docking Station attached to your computer to print documents. Use the symbol to locate the Printer connector. Plug the printer cable (supplied with the printer) into this port on the computer.
  • Page 67 ® You can connect a PS/2 -style mouse or keyboard. Plug the keyboard cable or mouse cable into this connector with the facing up. To connect both a mouse and keyboard at the same time, use the optional PS/2 division connector. If the wheel function of the PS/2 mouse does not operate, connect the mouse to the serial port using the PS/2 serial adapter that is supplied with your mouse.
  • Page 68 You can use the floppy disk drive as an external drive by connecting it to the floppy disk drive connector on the left side of the optional Mini Docking Station. You can connect it without turning off your computer. Plug the cable firmly into the connector with the VAIO logo facing up and both of the alignment posts in the guide holes.
  • Page 69 You can use audio/video devices by connecting the AV devices to the Mini Docking Station. See also the manuals and online help that came with your AV devices. If you connect the Mini Docking Station and an MD deck or a CD player which has a CONTROL A1 or CONTROL A1 connector, you can play a CD disc, create your own CD database, or edit an MD disc.
  • Page 70 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click YAMAHA DS-XG Audio Config. Select Digital Output and click “ON [All Sources]/Analog out is muted.” Click OK. Connect a CD player, an active speaker, or an amplifier to the LINE IN or LINE OUT connector of the Mini Docking Station to play a CD disc and experience higher-quality audio.
  • Page 71 Insert the DVD-ROM drive into the multipurpose bay and connect the OPTICAL OUT connector to a Dolby Digital Decoder integrated device to experience Dolby Digital recorded videos and dynamic sound. Connect the computer to a TV or a video deck using audio/video cables. Switch the input channel of the TV to external input.
  • Page 72 You can connect the printer to your computer using the printer cable and the supplied floppy disk drive cable to print documents. You need to install the software supplied with the printer. See the manual that came with your printer for more information. You need to set up the printer’s port.
  • Page 74 You can connect an external display to your notebook. For example, you can use the computer with any of the following: Computer display (monitor) (page 62) Projector (page 63) You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers and an external microphone.
  • Page 75 Using a projector connected to your computer can be convenient for presentations and slide shows. When you connect an external display to the monitor connector, you can toggle the output among the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), the external monitor, or both devices. Use the Fn+F7 keys to select a display.
  • Page 76 You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers. Use the symbol to locate the Headphone connector. Plug the speaker cable into this connector.
  • Page 77 You can enhance the quality of sound input by using an external microphone. Use the to locate the Microphone connector. Plug the microphone cable into this connector.
  • Page 78 You can connect an i.LINK-compatible device such as a digital video camera recorder to the S400 connector. You can then download digital pictures from the i.LINK-compatible digital video camera recorder.
  • Page 79 You can connect a USB device to your computer. You can use the optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 with this computer. The USB mouse software driver is preinstalled in the computer. Therefore you only need to plug the USB mouse into the USB...

  • Page 81: Preinstalled Software

    Sony provides several support options for your Sony computer. When you have questions about your computer and the preinstalled software, check these sources for answers, in the following sequence: ® V AIO Notebook Read Me First ® V AIO Notebook...
  • Page 82 You can use this automated service Fax-on-Demand to request a list of available topics and then select the topics that you want to receive. To contact the Sony fax-on-demand service, call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972). (Requires a fax machine or your fax software.)
  • Page 83 This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you call Sony Customer Support. Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on.
  • Page 84 Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer. Turn off the computer and then turn it on again. Turn on the computer and press the F2 key when the Sony logo appears. The BIOS setup menu screen appears. Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
  • Page 85 Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on. Check that the power indicator on the front panel of the computer is on. Check that the battery packs are inserted properly and that they are charged.
  • Page 86 Click the Start button and choose Control Panel. Double-click YAMAHA DS-XG Audio Config/Digital Output. Confirm that “ON [All Sources]/ analog out is muted” is checked. If this is checked, the computer does not output sound. Make sure the drive is inserted correctly. Make sure the label of the disc is facing up.
  • Page 87 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.)
  • Page 88 If you connected an external mouse while your computer is on, you must restart your computer. If you are using an optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1, check that the mouse is plugged into the USB connector. You may have disabled the touchpad while no mouse was connected to the computer.
  • Page 89 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 devices you are not currently using. Use the PowerPanel utility to change the Thermal Control Strategy setting to Quiet.
  • Page 90 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. If the printer port mode is set to bi-directional, change it to ECP.
  • Page 91 The following sections describe how to use the System Recovery and Application Recovery utilities. You can reinstall software titles that shipped with your computer if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. You may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive. If you experience a problem with your computer, reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct the problem.

  • Page 92: Shutting Down Your Computer

    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 93 Workstation 4.0 drivers on your computer. Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications. When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Sony Application Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM drive. The Application Recovery utility loads automatically.
  • Page 94 To change the window design of Sony software: Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click UI Design Selector. Click <<or>> and select the desired design. Click Apply. The “UI Design Selector” window design changes. The window design for you software will match the “UI Design Selector”...
  • Page 95 Place the Enter keycap, Shift keycap and Space keycap as described below. For other keys, place the keycaps in their original place and gently push down until they click.
  • Page 96 In the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the functionality of your computer. You can increase memory to 256 MB by installing an optional memory module. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage disk drives and other components. Perform the procedures described below only at an ESD workstation.
  • Page 97 Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices, such as your printer. Unplug the computer and remove the battery packs. Wait until the computer cools down. Then unscrew the screw at the bottom of your computer. Lift the two stoppers at the bottom of the keyboard and slide the keyboard toward the LCD display, then lift it away slightly.
  • Page 98 Lift the keyboard from the LCD display side by releasing the four tabs, then gently lean it over the display. Be careful not to detach the cable when lifting the keyboard. Remove the new memory module from its packaging. Install the memory module as described in the following graphic.
  • Page 99 Close the computer cover, and tighten the screws on the bottom of the computer. Turn on the computer. Click the Start button, point to VAIO, and click “Sony Notebook Setup.” The Sony Notebook Setup screen appears. Click the “About This Computer” tab to view the system memory. If the additional memory is not shown, repeat steps 1-9 of “To install a...
  • Page 100 650 MHz* Mobile Pentium Speedstep™ technology ‡ 18.1 GB 128 MB PC100 SDRAM (One 128 MB module), expandable to 256 MB 13.3” XGA TFT 256 KB (CPU Integrated) MPEG2 Digital Video; supports full-screen playback 128-bit accelerator with 6MB Video RAM, AGP, 3D acceleration 16-bit CD-quality stereo sound Removable 3.5”...
  • Page 101 USB Port S400 i.LINK VGA monitor AC adapter Headphone Mini docking station Infrared Microphone Type II (2) & III PC Cards Optical digital audio output VGA monitor S400 i.LINK ® Mouse (PS/2 Control A1 II S Video (output) Video (output) Serial port Line in Line out...
  • Page 102 Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) battery and weight saver) 20% to 80% (not condensed) when that humidity is less -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) (temperature gradient less less than 20% at 140°F (60°C) (hygrometer reading of † ‡ ††...
  • Page 103 AC adapter AC power adding hardware peripherals adjusting brightness Alt key Application Recovery CD Applications key battery packs charging indicator light status indicator lights inserting inserting into battery bay loading power status rechargeable removing brightness adjusting built-in speakers See also speakers buttons Eject left...
  • Page 104 USB device connectors DC In headphone i.LINK infrared keyboard Line In microphone monitor Printer correction keys Ctrl key cursor-movement keys customer assistance support options DC In digital still camera diskettes ejecting inserting into drive troubleshooting display options See also monitor selecting disposal of lithium ion battery drives...
  • Page 105 Insert key inserting battery pack CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs diskettes into drive installing hard drives hardware peripherals interference internal speakers See speakers keyboard connector lock lever selecting to display output troubleshooting left button lever weight saver release Limited Warranty card Line In Liquid Crystal Display screen See LCD lithium ion battery...

  • Page 106: Registering Your Computer

    Scroll Lock indicator light second battery pack selecting display monitor power source setting up your PC support Shift key Shut Down Windows dialog box Sony Fax-on-Demand service speakers built-in external switching troubleshooting volume Start button starting computer startup problems switching...
  • Page 107 help key combinations Start button taskbar...

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