Page 1: Table Of Contents
Contents Using Your VAIO Using the Keyboard...8 Combinations and Functions with the Windows Key ...9 Indicators ...10 Indicator Lights...10 Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key...11 Using the Touchpad ...12 Using the Floppy Disk Drive ...13 Using the Optical Drive...15 Playing a DVD...17 Notes on CD and DVD media ...18 Writing data to CD-RW/CD-R media (For models with a...
Page 2 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Power Saving Modes ... 28 Normal Mode ... 29 Standby Mode ... 29 To activate Standby mode... 29 To return to normal mode ... 29 Hibernate Mode... 29 To activate Hibernate mode ...
Page 3 Displaying Battery Information ...55 Battery Icon Descriptions ...56 Displaying Detailed Battery Information ...57 Selecting the Display Mode ...57 Changing the Window Design of Sony Software ...59 Adding Memory ...61 Before you start ...61 128 MB Memory Models ...62 192 MB Memory Models ...62 About the Software on Your Notebook ...65...
Page 4 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. PictureGear™ ... 73 Managing Your Pictures ... 73 Creating a Photo Album... 74 Using Panorama Maker... 74 Making Still Images and Panoramic from MPEG ... 74 OpenMG™ Jukebox ... 75 Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) Services...
Page 5 Automatic Updates ...106 Update Notification...107 VAIO Support Agent Properties...108 Using Support Central ...109 Software Support Information...112 Sony Service Center...115 Troubleshooting ...117 Troubleshooting your notebook...117 Troubleshooting the LCD screen ...121 Troubleshooting the mouse and touchpad ...122 Troubleshooting drives, PC Cards and peripheral devices ...
Page 6 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created.
Page 7: Using Your Vaio ® Notebook
® Using Your VAIO Notebook This section describes how to use your keyboard, touchpad, floppy disk drive, and optical drive. You will also find information on how to connect your notebook to another computer or network.
Page 8: Using The Keyboard
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. 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...
Page 9: Combinations And Functions With The Windows Key
Description Print Screen key The Print Screen key takes an electronic snapshot of the screen and places it in the Windows Clipboard. You can then paste the screen shot into a document and print it. Operator keys Several keys are always used with at least one other key: Ctrl, (Shift, Ctrl, Alt, and Shift.
Page 10: Indicators
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Combination Function 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.
Page 11: Combinations And Functions With The Fn Key
Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key Combinations/ Feature Function (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 notebook. (F3) Toggles the built-in speaker off and on.
Page 12: Using The Touchpad
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. ✍ Some functions are not available until Windows launches. 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...
Page 13: Using The Floppy Disk Drive
Action Description Right-click Press the right button once. In many applications, this action displays a shortcut menu of context-sensitive choices. Drag Slide one finger while pressing the left button. Scroll Move your finger along the right edge of the touchpad to scroll vertically.
Page 14 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. To remove a floppy disk ❑ When you finish using the floppy disk, wait until the LED indicator turns off, then press the Eject button to remove the floppy disk. ✍...
Page 15: Using The Optical Drive
To reinsert the floppy disk drive Turn off the notebook. If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove the device. See “To remove the second battery pack” for more information. Insert the floppy disk drive into the multipurpose bay with the VAIO label facing up.
Page 16 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Press the Eject button to open the optical drive. The tray slides out. Ejecting the tray Place an optical disc on the tray with the label side facing up. For DVDs that can be played on both sides, the side of the disc facing up is the side that plays.
Page 17: 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 turns off, then press the Eject button to remove the disc.
Page 18: Notes On Cd And Dvd Media
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. ❑ You can play DVDs using the optical drive and the WinDVD 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 19: Writing Data To Cd-Rw/Cd-R Media (For Models With A Cd-Rw/Dvd Combo Drive)
❑ If the disc is badly soiled, moisten a soft cloth with water, wring it out well, and use it to wipe the surface of the disc from the center out. Wipe off any remaining moisture with a dry soft cloth. Writing data to CD-RW/CD-R media (For models with a CD-RW/ DVD Combo Drive) You can use Easy CD Creator™...
Page 20 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Push the Release button. The Release button pops out. PC Card release button Release button Release button Press the Release button a second time. The PC Card slot protector pops out. When you use a Type III PC Card, you need to remove both the top and bottom PC Card slot protectors.
Page 21: To Remove A Pc Card
Push the PC Card slot gently into the port. The PC Card is automatically detected by your system. The the taskbar. Inserting a PC Card Insert with the arrow facing toward the slot Do not force a PC Card into the slot as this may damage the connector pins. Touching the head of the PC Card will not cause damage to the connector pins, but damage can occur if the head of the PC Card is sticking out of the notebook while the unit is being transported.
Page 22: Using A Second Battery Pack
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 more information. ❑...
Page 23: To Insert A Second Battery Pack
To insert a second battery pack If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove the device. Insert the battery pack into the multipurpose bay. If the battery is being used, the battery 2 indicator turns on. Second battery in multipurpose bay Attach the weight saver to the notebook to stabilize the battery pack.
Page 24: To Remove The Second Battery Pack
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Keep the battery pack in the notebook while it is connected to AC power. The battery indicator flashes while the battery is charging. See also “To charge the battery pack”...
Page 25: Using The Weight Saver
There is a Release lever on the bottom of the weight saver. To remove the battery pack, slide this lever in the direction of arrow 1, then slide the RELEASE lever on the bottom of the notebook in the direction of arrow 2. Multipurpose bay release levers Remove the weight saver, and then pull out the battery pack.
Page 26: To Attach The Weight Saver
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. To attach the weight saver If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove the device. See “To remove the second battery pack” for more information. Fold out the hinged arm of the weight saver and then push on the hinged arm to lock it into place.
Page 27: To Remove The Weight Saver
* i.LINK is a Sony trademark used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 con- nection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices.
Page 28: Windows 2000
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 Web site for support options (http://www.sony.com/pcsupport). Power Saving Modes When you use a battery as the source of power for your notebook, you can take advantage of power management settings to conserve battery life.
Page 29: Normal Mode
using battery power, be aware that the notebook automatically enters Hibernate mode when the remaining battery charge drops below 5 percent, regardless of the power management setting you select. ✍ If the battery level falls below 10 percent, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your notebook and insert a fully charged battery.
Page 30: To Return To Normal Mode
Internet. ✍ In order to register your Sony VAIO Sony Customer Support, you must connect to a phone line. Plug one end of the phone cable into the modem jack on the notebook. Connecting phone cable Plug the other end into the wall jack.
Page 31: Connecting To A Local Area Network (Lan)
✍ Your notebook does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX). Some of these connections may result in excess electrical current and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem.
Page 32: Setting Up Your Ethernet Connection
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Setting Up Your Ethernet Connection Windows Me™ models 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.
Page 33: Connecting Peripheral Devices
Connecting Peripheral Devices You can add functionality to your notebook by connecting a variety of peripherals, as discussed in the following sections: ❑ Connecting the Port Replicator ❑ Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard ❑ Connecting a Parallel Port Printer ❑...
Page 34: Connecting The Port Replicator
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. 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 notebook.
Page 35 Turn off your notebook and disconnect all peripheral devices. On the bottom of the notebook, slide the port replicator connector cover open. Port replicator connector Port replicator connector Attach the bottom of the notebook to the port replicator connector until it clicks.
Page 36 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 notebook or an optional Sony adapter. The power indicator turns green. Power indicator...
Page 37: Connecting An External Mouse Or Keyboard
To remove your notebook from the port replicator Turn off your notebook and the connected peripherals. Pull the levers on each side of the port replicator to disengage the notebook from the port replicator. Disengaging notebook from port replicator Lift the notebook away from the port replicator. Lifting notebook Close the port replicator connector cover on the bottom of your notebook.
Page 38: Connecting A Parallel Port Printer
If your printer stops functioning after resuming from a power-saving mode, see “Troubleshooting the printer” for more information. 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” for more information.
Page 39: Connecting A Usb Printer
Connecting a USB Printer You can connect a Windows Me/Windows 2000 compatible USB printer to either of your notebook’s two USB ports to print documents. ✍ To use a printer, first install the driver software that came with your printer. To connect a USB printer Plug the optional USB printer cable into one of the two USB ports on your notebook and the USB port on your printer.
Page 40 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. ❑ Multimedia computer display ❑ Projector To connect a computer display ❑ Locate the Monitor jack identified by the notebook. Plug the display cable (not supplied) into this jack. ❑...
Page 41 See the manual that came with your multimedia computer display for more information on its 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 42: Connecting A Tv Display
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Press Switch to an Fn+F7 external display Connecting a TV Display You can enjoy playing audio/video by connecting optional AV devices to your notebook. See also the manuals supplied with your AV devices. To Connect a TV ❑...
Page 43: Connecting A Universal Serial Bus (Usb) Device
✍ See the manual that came with your peripheral device for more information on its installation and use. ✍ TV Out does not work unless you start your notebook with the TV Out jack plugged in. ✍ If you insert a DVD in your optical 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.
Page 44: Connecting An I.link ® Device
DV In/Out port on the digital video camera recorder. * i.LINK is a Sony trademark used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 con- nection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices.
Page 45 To DV In/Out ✍ The above figure displays a connection to a Sony digital video camera recorder; your digital video camera recorder may need to be connected differently. Only Sony digital video camera ports labeled “DV In/Out” or “i.LINK” are compatible i.LINK devices.
Page 46: Connecting External Speakers
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. 4-pin connector at each end). You can purchase these cables from your local retailer, through the Sony VAIO by calling 1-888-315-7669 (toll free). Connecting External Speakers You can enhance the sound quality of your notebook by connecting external speakers.
Page 47: Expanding Your Notebook Capabilities
✍ 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 jack identified by the notebook. Plug the microphone cable into this jack. Connecting microphone to microphone jack ✍...
Page 48: Wireless Lan Access Point
Wireless LAN PC Card and gain access to the Internet. Without the Access Point, you can achieve direct communication (Peer to Peer mode) between computers. ✍ For information on available Sony products, go to http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio/.
Page 49: Customizing Your Vaio ® Notebook
® Customizing Your VAIO Notebook The following sections briefly describe how to change your notebook’s default settings. You can also refer to Sony Notebook Setup Help for more detailed information.
Page 50: Displaying The Sony Notebook Setup Screen
Click the Start button on the Windows 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” for more information. After you finish making your changes, click OK.
Page 51: Sony Notebook Setup Tabs
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. Controlling Power Management The PowerPanel utility allows you to control the power management of your notebook and provides key information about system activity and battery life.
Page 52: Viewing The Power Management Status Icons
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Viewing the Power Management status icons The Power Management status icons are displayed in the task tray at the lower right side of your screen. Move the pointer over the icons to see the tool tip that displays information about the active profile.
Page 53: Power Management Profiles
Double-click an item whose setting you want to change from the list in the right field. Click the desired setting. Click the File menu, and then click Save. Click the File menu, and then click Exit. Power Management Profiles The PowerPanel utility provides several predefined power management profiles. Each profile consists of a group of power management settings that are designed to meet specific power management goals—ranging from maximum power management to no power management.
Page 54: Power Management Commands
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Icon Description Presentation Keeps the display on at all times while it conserves power. This option is ideal for slide show presentations. You can establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.
Page 55: Conserving Battery Power
Icon Description Standby Puts the system into Standby mode, a power management state that saves the state of the system and peripheral devices in memory (RAM). Power consumption reduces to a minimum, and the system remains on. To return the system to the active state, press any key or the power button on your notebook.
Page 56: Battery Icon Descriptions
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. To view the total capacity remaining in the battery, place the pointer over the batter status icon in the task tray on the lower right side of the screen. Battery Information Toolbar ❑...
Page 57: Displaying Detailed Battery Information
Selecting the Display Mode 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 58 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. To select the display mode, proceed as follows: ✍ See “Connecting an External Display” for more information. Click the Start button, point to Settings, then point to Control Panel. Click Display, to access the Display Properties window.
Page 59: 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 >> and then click OK. The “UI Design Selector” window closes and the Sony software window design displays. ✍...
Page 60 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created.
Page 61: Adding Memory
Adding Memory In the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the functionality of your notebook. Depending on the model you purchased, either 128 MB of memory is pre-installed in one of the two available memory module bays (128 MB x 1), or 192 MB is pre-installed utilizing both memory module bays (128 MB x 1, 64 MB x 1).
Page 62: 128 Mb Memory Models
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. ❑ Do not open the memory module package until you are ready to install the module. The package protects the module from ESD. ❑ Use the special bag for preventing ESD or use aluminum foil when you store the memory module.
Page 63 After the notebook has cooled, loosen and remove the screw that secures the cover of the memory bay on the bottom of your notebook. Use an appropriate screwdriver. Removing the memory module cover Touch a metal object (such as the connector panel on the back of your notebook) to discharge any static electricity.
Page 64 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 65: About The Software On Your Notebook
❑ Software support information ❑ Details on your Sony application, driver, and system recovery CDs Overview Adobe Acrobat™ Reader Adobe Systems, Inc. Acrobat Reader software enables 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 66: America Online
You can also save your images in a variety of popular file formats. * i.LINK is a Sony trademark used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 con- nection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices.
Page 67: Microsoft Internet Explorer
MovieShaker Sony Electronics Inc. Sony’s original MovieShaker software creates personal movies that have transitions, background music and text. Just import your video clips and “shake” with a click of the mouse. Your personal movies are easy to create and fun to share with family and friends.
Page 68 ™ PictureGear Sony Electronics Inc. This image management software displays images from your hard drive, a Sony digital still camera, or a Sony Mavica format, so that you can easily view the contents of an entire folder. (See “PictureGear™” for more information.) ®...
Page 69 ® manages the i.LINK connection between your computer and a Sony Digital Handycam Camcorder that supports the i.LINK interface. It allows you to capture compressed video or still images that you can save or share via e-mail. A smart solution to computer, digital audio/video and network convergence.
Page 70: Movieshaker
Sony Electronics Inc. VAIO Support Agent provides immediate, interactive online support. VisualFlow™ Sony Electronics Inc. VisualFlow software is a state-of-the-art Sony multimedia browser designed specifically ® for Memory Stick media. It displays any still picture, movie, or sound file stored in a Memory Stick media in a visually pleasing, artistic manner.
Page 71: Importing Images And Sound Clips
Importing Images and Sound Clips Click (File Import) or Find the file you want to add. Select the file. Click Open. The file is added to the Clip tray. ✍ Importing large files may cause MovieShaker software to stop responding. Create a Movie using Shaker After adding clip(s) to the Clip tray, you can create a short movie using the Shaker feature.
Page 72: Editing Clips And Scenes
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. 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...
Page 73: Picturegear
Select the format in which you want the clip 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—Quick-Save is the fastest way to save a movie, while “Save movie as DV”...
Page 74: Creating A Photo Album
Gather the source images into the same folder or collection. Select the images you want to use. ✍ Sony recommends creating your panoramic picture with 12 landscaped or 16 portrait pictures. From the Utilities menu select Panorama Maker. Select the correct lens and click OK. (If 35mm lens is selected, the prompt does not appear.
Page 75: Openmg™ Jukebox
An EMD service provider. Consult the provider for details regarding service. ✍ To protect your personal data, Sony uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), an encryption protocol for communication between your browser and Sony’s World Wide Web (WWW) server. If you are accessing the Internet from an enterprise Local Area Network (LAN), you may not be able to use SSL due to the proxy server of the LAN.
Page 76: Starting Openmg Jukebox 2.0
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Starting OpenMG Jukebox 2.0 From the Start button on the Windows taskbar, select Programs, OpenMG Jukebox, and then click on OpenMG Jukebox. ® The CDDB Music Recognition Service Registration wizard appears. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete registration.
Page 77: Recording A Cd
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 notebook. Recording a CD You can record songs from audio CDs and import them to playlists within OpenMG Jukebox.
Page 78: Transferring Songs (Check-In/Check-Out)
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. CD tab screen To select certain tracks from your CD, uncheck any unwanted tracks. You can also click the empty checkbox next to Select All (clears all checkboxes), and then select the desired tracks.
Page 79: Check-Out
Check-out Connect the external device/media to your notebook. Click the Check-in/Out tab to display the Check-in/Out screen. Your notebook recognizes the connected external device/media and lists the information on the right side of the screen. Check-In/Out tab screen Select the Playlist containing the song that you want to check out. The songs in the playlist are listed in the Playlist view in the center of the screen.
Page 80: Check-In
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Check-in ✍ You can only check-in songs recorded on external devices/media to the hard drive of the same notebook from which the songs were checked out. Connect the external device/media to your notebook. Click on the Check-in/Out tab to display the Check-in/Out screen.
Page 81: Notes On Performing The System Restore Function Of System Tools On Windows ® Millennium Edition
❑ Import audio files in various formats — You can import downloaded or stored audio files in various formats, such as MP3, WAV, or WMT (which is compliant with Windows Media Technologies with the extensions .asf or .wma), and manage them on the Playlist of OpenMG Jukebox. ❑...
Page 82: Notes On Using Portable Players
OpenMG Jukebox version 2.0 preinstalled. Overwriting OpenMG Jukebox version 2.0 for VAIO computers may generate malfunctions. To connect your Portable Player to your VAIO for OpenMG Jukebox version 2.0. For details, refer to Sony Walkman Support on the Web at http://www.sony.com/walkmanproductsupport. ✍...
Page 83: Smart Capture
Internet or through e-mail. Smart Capture main window * 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 compatible i.LINK devices.
Page 84: Using Still Mode
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Mode indicator Displays the current mode (Still or Net Movie). Mode dial Switches Smart Capture from Still mode to Net Movie mode with a single click of your mouse. Options button Displays the configuration options available for either Still or Net...
Page 85 Click on the Options button to view the available options for your still image capture. The Still Image Options window appears. Still Image Options window The Still Image Options window has four tabs: ❑ Capturing Mode — You can choose between Normal, Self-timer or Panorama Capture modes.
Page 86 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Click on the Effects button to select a special image effect. The Effect Setting window appears. Use the drop-down list to view and customize the available effects. Effect Setting window ✍...
Page 87 on the Capture button. The Still Viewer window appears. You can capture one picture or several pictures at a time. Still Viewer window Click on the arrows or drag the scroll bar to view the pictures. As each image is captured, it displays in the Still Viewer window with a balloon for your comments and an identifying number in the viewer’s queue.
Page 88: Using Net Movie Mode
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. ❑ Save — Click on the Save button to save your still image in a variety of formats, to a location of your choice. ✍ You must be connected to the Internet before attempting to upload or e-mail your still images or videos.
Page 89 ❑ Format — You can adjust the compression rate for your movies in MPEG1 format or choose the AVI option for no compression. You can also set the maximum recording time for your movie capture. ❑ Destination — Select a file destination for your movies when recording video clips.
Page 90: Using Imagestation Sm
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. ✍ If you have set the Capture button to use the Anti-Ground setting, you must press and hold the Capture button to continue recording. Movie Player window You can review your movie from the Movie Player window by using the play, pause and stop buttons.
Page 91: Using Imagestation Sm
❑ Mail — E-mail your movies to family and friends. Click on the Mail button and your e-mail application launches with a new message window containing the movie. ❑ Save — Click on the Save button to compress and save your movie in a variety of formats, to a location of your choice.
Page 92 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. ✍ Sony recommends that your movie file size not exceed 254 MB if compressed, or 2 GB if not compressed. Large movie files take longer to upload to the ImageStation Web site.
Page 93: Visualflow
VisualFlow™ VisualFlow software is a Sony state-of-the-art multimedia browser designed specifically for Memory Stick media. It displays any still picture, movie or sound files stored in a Memory Stick media in a visually pleasing, artistic manner.
Page 94: Using Dvgate Software
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Placing your cursor on the right end of the main toolbar activates a secondary toolbar with more functions. Click on an image to show a normal view centered on the screen. Double-clicking an image shows an enlarged view.
Page 95: Application, Driver, And System Recovery Cds
❑ Click Start in the Windows ❑ Click Browse and, from your C: drive, select Program Files, and Sony, and Dvgate, and Premiere Plug-in, and then 5.1. ❑ Select “Setup.exe” and click Open. Then click OK to install the plug-in.
Page 96: 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 notebook. If your notebook is already on, close all applications.
Page 97: Using The Driver Recovery Cd(S)
Using the Driver Recovery CD(s) The Driver Recovery CD utility enables you to reinstall individual drivers if they become corrupted or are accidentally erased. You can reinstall an individual driver to correct a problem that you are experiencing with your notebook, hardware, or software application.
Page 98 Press the power button and hold it for more than four seconds to turn off the notebook. Turn on the notebook. 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 99 Press the arrow keys to select “Exit” (Save Changes) and then press the Enter key. The message “Save configuration changes and exit now?” appears. Check that “Yes” is selected, then press the Enter key. The notebook restarts from the Recovery CD. ✍...
Page 100 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created.
Page 101: Getting Help
Getting Help Sony provides you with several support options to answer questions about your ® VAIO Notebook or the preinstalled software. Refer to these resources in the order they are listed. Support Options ® VAIO Notebook User Guide and VAIO ®...
Page 102: Vaio Support Agent
These diagnostics protect and store information in a retrievable format that enables you to restore your software to a previous working state. Sony has identified the software items that are protected by the VAIO Support Agent utility.
Page 103: Using The Quick Fix Wizard
VAIO Support Agent has three features to help you fix your software problems: Quick Fix Wizard, Common Solutions, and Support Central. This section briefly describes these three features, and the automatic update capability of the VAIO Support Agent. VAIO Support Agent main window Using the Quick Fix Wizard The VAIO Support Agent records and maintains a history of the VAIO Support Agent protected applications by taking a “snapshot”...
Page 104: Using Common Solutions
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. ✍ To view a list of software applications protected by VAIO Support Agent, click on the “Pick the software:” drop-down list. Next, select a date/time from the drop-down list that corresponds to the last time when the software worked properly.
Page 105 SupportActions available from the Internet. Common Solutions dialog box (1st level) ✍ Connect to the Internet before attempting to view the category, “Vaio Support Local Server (http://sdcglobal4.sel.sony.com...).” This category is unavailable without an Internet connection. VAIO Support Agent...
Page 106: Automatic Updates
Automatic Updates The VAIO Support Agent is dormant as a background process. Every 24 hours, the Agent self-activates to contact the Sony Support Server to check for new updates or fixes needed for your system. This updating action only occurs while you are connected to the Internet and when more than 24 hours has passed since the last update.
Page 107: Update Notification
You can choose from four response options: ❑ Give the Agent your permission to contact the Sony Support Server for any updates or fixes that are available specifically for your computer. The Agent continues to prompt you for your permission to retrieve updates.
Page 108: Vaio Support Agent Properties
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. ambulance icon on your task tray to blink. You should always check the ambulance icon in the task tray after the system checks for updates. If the icon is blinking, double-click the ambulance icon to view the update.
Page 109: Using Support Central
Using Support Central The Support Central feature uses Internet resources to help you fix your software. Support Central searches the Internet for answers to your questions, additional information from knowledge base systems, and the latest software updates for your protected software. Support Central also lets you contact live support agents for additional help.
Page 110 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. ✍ Support Central retains your registration information, so you are only required to register once. If you log on to your computer with a different user name or have recovered your system using the System Recovery CDs, Support Central may require you to register again.
Page 111 VAIO Support Agent Support Central: Current Issues page When you log on to Support Central, the Current Issues page displays, enabling you to continue working on your open issues or to close them if you are finished. Support Central has a tracking feature that stores your current issues, enabling you to return and work on them later.
Page 112: Software Support Information
Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. Support Central: Support Wizard page If you log on to Support Central with a new issue, or if you do not have any open issues, the Support Wizard appears. You can begin searching on the new issues. ✍...
Page 113 Apple QuickTime (Apple Computer Inc.) Web site http://www.apple.com phone 800-692-7753 hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day ® ArcSoft PhotoPrinter 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 ® CompuServe 2000 (CompuServe Interactive Services, Inc.) Web site http://www.compuserve.com phone...
Page 114 RealJukebox, RealPlayer, RealProducer (Real Networks, Inc.) Web site(s) http://service.real.com/rjoptions.html http://service.real.com/help/call.html phone 206-674-2680 M-F, 8 AM-6 PM PT; Sat-Sun, 7:30 AM-4 PM PT Sony Applications (Sony Electronics Inc.) Web site http://www.sony.com/pcsupport phone 888-4SONYPC (888-476-6972) hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day * Support from 1-888-SONYPC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase.
Page 115: Sony Service Center
* Support from 1-888-4SONYPC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. WinDVD (InterVideo, Inc.) Web site http://www.intervideo.com phone 510-651-0888 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 116 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created.
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 Select Yes, then press Enter. 10 Use the directional arrow keys to select “Exit” (Save Changes), and then press Enter. The message “Save configuration changes and exit now?” appears. 11 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, use your supplied System Recovery CD to restore the operating system and software titles shipped with your notebook.
Page 120 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. ✍ Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously 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) ❑...
Page 121: Troubleshooting The Lcd Screen
The sound of my notebook’s fan is too loud. Use the PowerPanel utility to change the Thermal Control Strategy setting to Quiet. This setting slows down the CPU speed. See PowerPanel Help for more information. Troubleshooting the LCD screen My LCD screen is blank. ❑...
Page 122: Troubleshooting The Mouse And Touchpad
See “Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard” for more information. ❑ If you are using an optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 series, check that the mouse is plugged into the USB port. ❑ If you are still experiencing problems, use your supplied Application Recovery CD(s) to reinstall the mouse drivers.
Page 123: Troubleshooting Drives, Pc Cards And Peripheral Devices
❑ If this procuedure does not work, ensure that another mouse was not installed. ❑ You may need to use your supplied Driver Recovery CD(s) to reinstall the mouse drivers. See “Using the Driver Recovery CD(s)” for more information. The pointer does not move while I am using the Touchpad or Mouse. ❑...
Page 124 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. ❑ If the disc requires software, make sure the software is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. ❑ A dirty or damaged disc may cause the notebook to stop responding while it tries to read the disc.
Page 125: Troubleshooting Software
Preferably, connect your notebook to AC power when using these features. * i.LINK is a Sony trademark used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 con- nection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices.
Page 126: 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.) ❑ If you are still experiencing problems, use your supplied Driver Recovery CD(s) to reinstall the modem drivers.
Page 127: 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 128 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. ❑ Your connected printer may not function after the notebook resumes from a power saving mode. If this occurs, follow these steps to reset the printer connection: ❑...
Page 129 About This Computer tab 51 AC Profile power setting 53 adding hardware 33 memory 61 peripherals 33 printers 38, 39 adjusting brightness 11 Alt key 9 Application Recovery CD 96 Applications key 9 attaching port replicator 34 Audio tab 51 Basic/Advanced tab 51 Battery information 55 battery packs...
Page 130 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. canceling commands 9 Caps Lock indicator light 10 CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs ejecting 17 inserting 15 CD-ROMs handling 18 CD-RW writing data to CD-RW/CD-R media 19 CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive 15, 16, 19 using 15 charging battery packs 23 coin-operated telephones 31...
Page 131 projector 41 USB device 43 USB port printer 39 weight saver 26 correction keys 9 Ctrl key 9 cursor-movement keys 9 customizing your computer 49 digital video camera 44 display mode 57 options 41 selecting 41 Driver Recovery CD 97 drives installing additional hard disk 19 DV In/Out 44...
Page 132 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. display 41 See also monitor speakers 11, 46 floppy disk drive disconnecting 14 troubleshooting 123 floppy disks troubleshooting 123 Fn key 9 combination commands 11 function keys 9 handling CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs 18 hard drives...
Page 133 inserting CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs 16 installing hard drives 19 hardware 33 memory module 63 peripherals 33 jacks network 34 keyboard 9 selecting to display output 41 troubleshooting 121 lever weight saver release 25 Maximum Battery Life power setting 53 Maximum Performance power setting 53 memory module expansion 62 installing 63...
Page 134 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. switching among 11 mouse troubleshooting 122 Mouse Properties screen 13 Mouseware accessing help 13 features 13 MovieShaker instructions 70 multimedia computer display 40 multiple phone lines 31 navigation keys 9 network connecting 19...
Page 135 PBX 31 PC Card inserting 19 slots 19 phone connecting line 30 jack 30 PictureGear 73 port replicator connecting 34 network 34 ports printer 38, 39 Serial port 34 power 10 power management settings 51 Power Management Off power setting 53 Power On Password tab 51 power saving modes...
Page 136 Change text in this variable to document title as each document is created. customizing toolbar 53, 55 Print Screen key 9 printer port 38, 39 Printer tab 51 projector 41 Recovery CD 96 removing floppy disk drive 14 memory module 62 replacing battery packs 22 restoring data 96...
Page 137 51 Shift key 9 Smart Capture 83 Software list 65 Sony Fax-on-Demand service 102 Sony Notebook Setup screen 50 Sony Service Center 115 speakers external 46 switching 11 troubleshooting 126 volume 11 Standby mode 11, 29, 55 Start button 50...
Page 138 64 VisualFlow application 93 volume control 11 weight saver attaching 23 connecting 26 fold-out arm 26 removing 27 window design of Sony software 59 Windows Find window 9 help 9 key 9 key combinations 9 taskbar 119 Windows Explorer 9...

This manual is also suitable for:

Vaio pcg-fx250k

Sony PCG-FX250 Primary User Manual

Using Your VAIO ® Notebook

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Customizing Your VAIO ® Notebook

Adding Memory

About the Software on Your Notebook

Getting Help

Troubleshooting

Quick Links

Troubleshooting

Related Manuals for Sony PCG-FX250 Primary

Summary of Contents for Sony PCG-FX250 Primary

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Table of Contents