Sony PCG-FXA32 Primary User Manual
Sony PCG-FXA32 Primary User Manual

Sony PCG-FXA32 Primary User Manual

Vaio notebook computer
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Contents
Welcome.......................................................7
Using Your VAIO Notebook........................9
Using the Keyboard...................................................10
Indicators ...........................................................................13
Indicator lights ...................................................................13
Using the Touchpad ..................................................16
Using the Floppy Disk Drive ....................................18
Using the Optical Disc Drive ....................................21
To insert a disc ...................................................................21
To eject a disc ....................................................................22
To play a DVD...................................................................23
To play an audio CD ..........................................................24
Notes on CD and DVD discs .............................................24
To write data to a CD-RW or CD-R disc...........................25
Using PC Cards .........................................................26
To insert a PC Card............................................................26
To remove a PC Card.........................................................28
Using a Second Battery Pack ....................................29
To insert a second battery pack..........................................29
To charge the second battery pack.....................................30
To view remaining battery power ......................................30
To remove the second battery pack ...................................31
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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Sony PCG-FXA32 Primary

  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    Contents Welcome...7 Using Your VAIO Notebook...9 Using the Keyboard...10 Combinations and functions with the Windows key ...12 Indicators ...13 Indicator lights ...13 Combinations and functions with the Fn key ...14 Using the Touchpad ...16 Using the Floppy Disk Drive ...18 Using the Optical Disc Drive ...21 To insert a disc ...21 To eject a disc ...22...
  • Page 2 Change text in this variable definition to document title. Using the Weight Saver ... 32 To attach the weight saver ... 32 To remove the weight saver ... 33 Using Power Saving Modes... 34 Normal mode... 34 Standby mode... 34 Hibernate mode ...
  • Page 3 Wireless LAN Access Point ...59 Wireless LAN PC Card...60 Customizing Your VAIO Notebook ...61 Selecting the Display Mode ...62 Changing the window design of Sony software...65 Adding Memory ...67 Precautions and Procedures...68 Typical expansion memory configuration...69 Models with 128 MB memory...69 Models with 256 MB memory...69...
  • Page 4 Change text in this variable definition to document title. Using Your Recovery CDs ... 82 To use the Application Recovery CD(s) ... 82 To use the Driver Recovery CD(s) ... 83 To use the System Recovery CD(s) ... 87 Troubleshooting...89 Troubleshooting Your Notebook ...
  • Page 5 My microphone does not work..100 Troubleshooting the Printer...101 I cannot print..101 Troubleshooting i.LINK devices...102 I cannot establish a connection between two VAIO comput- ers when using an i.LINK cable...102 Getting Help ...103 Support Options...104 Software Support Information...106 Sony Service Center...107...
  • Page 6 Change text in this variable definition to document title. Index...109...
  • Page 7: Welcome

    Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO computer, and welcome to the VAIO User Guide. This User Guide provides detailed information on all aspects of using your new VAIO computer, from keyboard functions to preinstalled software applications. In the left navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more...
  • Page 8 Change text in this variable definition to document title.
  • Page 9: Using Your Vaio Notebook

    Using Your VAIO Notebook This section describes the following aspects of your new computer: Using the Keyboard Using the Touchpad Using the Floppy Disk Drive Using the Optical Disc Drive Using PC Cards Using a Second Battery Pack Using the Weight Saver Using Power Saving Modes Connecting a Phone Line Connecting to a LAN...
  • Page 10: Using The Keyboard

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Using the Keyboard Your notebook keyboard is very similar to that of a typewriter, but the keyboard has additional keys that perform specific computer-related tasks. Keyboard Escape key Shift key Ctrl key Fn key Windows key Description...
  • Page 11 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. Escape key The Esc (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.
  • Page 12: Combinations And Functions With The Windows Key

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Combinations and functions with the Windows key Combination Function + F1 Displays VAIO® Help and Support Center. + Tab Switches the selected button on the taskbar. Displays the desktop. Displays Windows Explorer. Displays the Windows Find: All Files window to find a file or folder.
  • Page 13: Indicators

    Indicators Indicator Function Power Light is green when the power to the notebook is turned on, flashes amber in Standby mode, and turns off when the notebook is in Hibernate mode or powered off. Battery 1 Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the battery bay on the right side of the notebook.
  • Page 14: Combinations And Functions With The Fn Key

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Combinations and functions with the Fn key If you switch user identities during a computing session, the Fn+F7 and Fn+F8 key functionality (if available on your computer) will be interrupted. To switch to an external display or monitor, see “Selecting the Display Mode”...
  • Page 15 Combinations/ Feature Function Toggles through the LCD, external display (connected to the (F7) Monitor connector) and both LCD and external display. Switch to the external monitor/LCD Connect the cable before you turn on the notebook, otherwise Fn + F7 will not work. only/ Toggles between LCD-only and dual LCD/TV display (F8)
  • Page 16: Using The Touchpad

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Using the Touchpad The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device called a touchpad. You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touchpad. Touchpad Action Description Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer on an item or object.
  • Page 17 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 18: Using The Floppy Disk Drive

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Using the Floppy Disk Drive Your computer comes with a floppy disk drive in the multipurpose bay. To insert a disk Hold the disk with the label side facing up. Gently insert the disk into the drive until it clicks into place. Label side facing up...
  • Page 19 To remove a disk Wait until the LED indicator light turns off and then press the Eject button to remove the disk. Do not push the eject button when the LED indicator is turned on. Otherwise, data may be lost. To remove the floppy disk drive Turn off the notebook.
  • Page 20 Change text in this variable definition to document title. 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 details. Insert the floppy disk drive, with the VAIO label facing up, into the multipurpose bay until the RELEASE lever locks into place.
  • Page 21: Using The Optical Disc Drive

    Using the Optical Disc Drive Your notebook comes with an optical disc drive. Depending on the system you purchased, your optical disc drive is either a CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive or a DVD-ROM drive. To insert a disc Turn on the notebook. When the notebook is in Standby or Hibernate mode, you cannot insert a disc.
  • Page 22: To Eject A Disc

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Press the disc onto the hub until the disc clicks securely into place. Inserting an optical disc Close the tray by pushing it gently. To eject a disc When you finish using a disc, wait until the LED indicator turns off, and then press the Eject button to remove the disc.
  • Page 23: To Play A Dvd

    If the optical disc does not slide out when you press the Eject button, turn off the notebook and insert a thin, pointed object (such as a paper clip) into the manual eject hole. Make 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.
  • Page 24: To Play An Audio Cd

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. If the notebook is set to the default display setting, part of the video screen will not appear. To view the entire screen, adjust the display resolution to 640 x 480. You cannot use the Fn + F8 function to switch between LCD and TV once a DVD is inserted into the optical drive.
  • Page 25: To Write Data To A Cd-Rw Or Cd-R Disc

    To write data to a CD-RW or CD-R disc You can use Sony SonicStage and Microsoft® Windows® XP to write data to a CD-R or CD-RW disc. To create a CD-R disc that is readable in a CD-ROM drive, make sure that you finish the writing process before ejecting the disc.
  • Page 26: Using Pc Cards

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Using PC Cards Do not strike or shake the notebook while writing data to a disc. Always use the AC adapter as the power source for your notebook if you are writing data to a CD-RW or CD-R disc.
  • Page 27 Push 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. PC Card slot protector Insert the the PC Card gently into the slot. Make sure the front label of the PC Card is facing up.
  • Page 28: To Remove A Pc Card

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. To remove a PC Card The following procedure describes how to remove the PC Card while the notebook is on. If you want to remove the PC Card while the notebook is off, perform steps 4, 6, and 7 below.
  • Page 29: Using A Second Battery Pack

    Using a Second Battery Pack You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery packs, you can extend the time that you use your notebook with battery power. When using two battery packs, the battery pack you insert first charges first. The battery pack you insert second begins charging when the first battery pack is 85 percent full.
  • Page 30: To Charge The Second Battery Pack

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. To charge the second battery pack Using weight saver for second battery cover Battery pack Weight saver Keep the battery pack in the notebook while it is connected to AC power. The battery indicator flashes while the battery is charging.
  • Page 31: To Remove The Second Battery Pack

    Click Start in the Windows taskbar, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, and then click Power Options. The Power Options Properties dialog box appears. Click the Power Meter tab. The current power source and total battery power remaining is shown. To remove the second battery pack If you attach two battery packs, you can remove either of them without shutting down the notebook.
  • Page 32: Using The Weight Saver

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Using the Weight Saver The weight saver protects the multipurpose bay when it is empty, and secures the secondary battery when it is installed in the multipurpose bay. To attach the weight saver If another device, such as a battery pack, is in the multipurpose bay, remove that device.
  • Page 33: To Remove The Weight Saver

    To remove the weight saver To remove the weight saver, first slide the multipurpose bay Release lever in the direction of the arrow. Multipurpose bay Release lever Remove the weight saver. Using the Weight Saver Arrow 1: Weight saver Release lever Release lever Arrow 2: RELEASE lever...
  • Page 34: Using Power Saving Modes

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Using 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. In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your notebook has two distinct power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate.
  • Page 35 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select Turn Off Computer. Hold down the Shift key, and click Hibernate. The computer goes into Hibernate mode. The “Save to Disk Manager” screen appears, and then the notebook enters Hibernate mode. Do not move the notebook until its power indicator turns off. To return to normal mode To return to normal mode, turn on the notebook by pressing the power button.
  • Page 36: 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 37: Connecting To A Lan

    Connecting to a LAN You can connect your notebook to 10Base-T and 100Base-TX-type Local Area Networks (LANs). 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 jack.
  • Page 38 Change text in this variable definition to document title.
  • Page 39: 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 a Port Replicator Connecting a PS/2 External Mouse or Keyboard Connecting an AV Device Connecting a Parallel Port Printer Connecting a USB Printer Connecting an External Display Connecting a USB Device...
  • Page 40: Connecting A Port Replicator

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Connecting a Port Replicator Your notebook supports the use of a port replicator such as the Sony PCGA- PRFX1 model (optional). Attaching a port replicator enables you to connect additional peripherals to your notebook.
  • Page 41: To Attach Your Notebook To The Port Replicator

    To attach your notebook to the port replicator To supply power to your notebook while it is connected to the port replicator, connect the AC adapter directly to the port replicator. When attaching your notebook to the port replicator, do not attempt to insert or remove the battery pack.
  • Page 42 Change text in this variable definition to document title. Attach the bottom of the notebook to the port replicator connector until it clicks into place. Attaching notebook to port replicator Notebook Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN jack on the port replicator.
  • Page 43 Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an AC outlet. The power indicator turns green. Connecting AC adapter to port replicator Use the AC adapter that comes with your notebook or the optional Sony adapter. Power indicator Turn on the notebook.
  • Page 44: To Remove Your Notebook From The Port Replicator

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. 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 release the notebook from the port replicator. Releasing notebook from port replicator Lift the notebook away from the port replicator.
  • Page 45 Connecting a Port Replicator Close the port replicator connector cover on the bottom of your notebook. Close the port replicator connector cover after removing your notebook from the port replicator. If the cover is left open, dirt may get inside and damage the notebook.
  • Page 46: Connecting A Ps/2 External Mouse Or Keyboard

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Connecting a PS/2 External Mouse or Keyboard You can connect an external mouse or keyboard to the optional port replicator using a similar type PS/2® plug or adapter. Before you connect or disconnect the mouse or keyboard, turn off the notebook. You can only connect one external device at a time.
  • Page 47: Connecting An Av Device

    Connecting an AV Device You can connect an audio-video (AV) device, such as a TV, to your notebook. Connecting a TV to the Notebook To AV out jack See the manual that came with your peripheral device for more information on its installation and use.
  • Page 48: Connecting A Parallel Port Printer

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Connecting a Parallel Port Printer You can connect a Windows XP operating system-compatible printer to your notebook to print documents. To connect a printer Locate the Printer port identified by the (supplied with the printer) into this port on the notebook.
  • Page 49: Connecting A Usb Printer

    Connecting a USB Printer You can connect a Windows XP operating system-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 either of the two USB ports on your notebook and the USB port on your printer.
  • Page 50: Connecting An External Display

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Connecting an External Display You can connect an external display to your notebook. For example, you can use the notebook with any of the following: Computer display (monitor) Multimedia computer display Projector Connect the external display before you turn on the notebook.
  • Page 51: To Connect A Multimedia Computer Display

    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 RGB signal...
  • Page 52 Change text in this variable definition to document title. Use the keys to select a display. See also “Selecting the Display Mode” for Fn+F7 more information. Press Switch to an Fn+F7 external display Connect the cable before you turn on the notebook, otherwise Fn + F7 will not work. Result Toggles between the LCD, the external display connected to the Monitor port, or both the LCD...
  • Page 53: Connecting A Usb Device

    USB device. Connecting USB device to USB port You can use an optional Sony USB mouse such as the PCGA-UMS1 series (optional) with this notebook. Since the USB mouse software driver is preinstalled in the notebook, you simply plug the USB mouse into the USB port to use it.
  • Page 54: Connecting An I.link Device

    To DV In/Out * i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 con- nector. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software application, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.
  • Page 55 Notes on connecting an i.LINK device 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 i.LINK-compatible.
  • Page 56: Connecting With Another Vaio Computer

    Smart Connect 3.0 software preinstalled, consult the Sony Web site for support options (http://www.sony.com/pcsupport). * i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used 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 57: Connecting External Speakers

    Connecting External Speakers You can enhance the sound quality of your notebook by connecting external speakers. See the manual that came with the speakers for more information on their installation and use. Do not place floppy disks on the speakers; the speakers’ magnetic field can damage the data on floppy disks.
  • Page 58: Connecting An External Microphone

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Connecting an External Microphone You can enhance the quality of sound input by using an external microphone. See the manual that came with the microphone for more information on its installation and use. Make sure your microphone is designed for notebook use.
  • Page 59: Expanding Your Notebook Capabilities

    A Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) A Wireless LAN Access Point A Wireless LAN PC Card For more information on available Sony products, go to http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio. Personal Digital Assistant A handheld PDA is the quintessential personal planner and entertainment center that fits in your pocket. With a PDA, you can easily perform the following...
  • Page 60: Wireless Lan Pc Card

    Point. With the Access Point, you can build a wireless LAN between computers that are equipped with the 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/wirelesslan.
  • Page 61: Customizing Your Vaio Notebook

    Customizing Your VAIO Notebook The following sections briefly describe how to change your notebook’s default settings. Selecting the Display Mode Changing the window design of Sony software...
  • Page 62: Selecting The Display Mode

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Selecting the Display Mode This notebook uses the ATI video controller. You can select which display is used when the notebook is connected to an external monitor. When you connect an external display, you can switch the display mode between your notebook’s LCD display and the external monitor.
  • Page 63 Selecting the Display Mode...
  • Page 64 Change text in this variable definition to document title. Click the Displays tab and select the display settings by clicking the on the panel of your display choice. For more information, click the Help button. If you cannot see your movie or DVD on the external display, change the monitor or TV setting by clicking on the Secondary You may not be able to display the notebook LCD screen and an external display or projector at the same time, depending on the types of computer displays and...
  • Page 65: Changing The Window Design Of Sony Software

    Click << or >> and select the desired design. Click Apply. 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 to close the UI Design Selector.
  • Page 66 Change text in this variable definition to document title.
  • Page 67: Adding Memory

    Adding Memory In the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the functionality of your notebook. The amount of memory on your notebook will vary depending on the model you purchased. See the Specifications flyer that came with your notebook for the amount of memory pre- installed.
  • Page 68: Precautions And Procedures

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Precautions and Procedures The procedures described below assume that you are familiar with the general terminology associated with personal notebooks and with common safety practices required for using and modifying electronic equipment. Personal injury or equipment damage may result from failure to take these precautions.
  • Page 69: Typical Expansion Memory Configuration

    Typical expansion memory configuration Models with 128 MB memory Total System Memory (MB) Models with 256 MB memory Total System Memory (MB) Typical expansion memory configuration Slot 1 (MB) Slot 1 (MB) Slot 2 (MB) Slot 2 (MB)
  • Page 70: Removing A Memory Module

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Removing a memory module Shut down your notebook and disconnect all peripheral devices, such as your printer. Unplug your notebook and remove the battery pack(s). After your notebook has cooled, loosen and remove the screw that secures the cover of the memory bay on the bottom of your notebook.
  • Page 71 Remove the memory module. Removing memory module 1 Pull the tabs in the direction of the arrow The memory module is released . Tighten the screw on the memory bay cover. Your notebook comes with a memory module installed in the memory slot. To upgrade your memory, removal of these modules may be necessary before installing your upgrade memory module.
  • Page 72: Installing A Memory Module

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Installing a memory module Follow steps 1 to 4 of “Removing a memory module” for removing the preinstalled memory. Remove the new memory module from its packaging. Install the memory module by sliding it into the memory module slot. Press the module into place until it clicks.
  • Page 73: Viewing The Amount Of Memory

    Viewing the amount of memory Restart the notebook. Click Start, right click My Computer, and then click Properties. The System Properties window appears. Viewing the amount of memory...
  • Page 74 Change text in this variable definition to document title. Click the General tab. The amount of memory (MB of RAM) is shown. System Properties window If the additional memory is not shown, repeat the steps described in the “Removing a memory module” section.
  • Page 75: About The Software On Your Notebook

    This section provides the following information: An overview of the various software that come with your notebook and the activities you can perform with your software Details on your Sony application, driver, and system recovery CDs...
  • Page 76: Software Overview

    Internet browser and Windows. Digital Print Sony Electronics Inc. This image management software makes it fun and easy to edit, import, and organize your digital pictures in a photo album for rich digital printing to any standard color laser or inkjet printer.
  • Page 77 Clipboard from one location. * 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 78 Sony Electronics Inc. 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...
  • Page 79 Internet. This Custom RealJukebox for Sony allows seamless check-out capabilities to a wide range of Sony personal audio devices, and offers convenient links to Sony product and music service home pages.
  • Page 80 Sony Electronics Inc. This new jukebox application adds a host of new features to its predecessor, OpenMG™ Jukebox. Continuing to take advantage of Sony’s copyright- protected ATRAC3™ format for high-quality digital audio storage, SonicStage sports a new Music Visualizer, a sleek new player skin design, audio CD burning capability, and a parametric equalizer for fine-tuning audio playback.
  • Page 81: Application, Driver, And System Recovery Cds

    Your notebook comes with the following application and system recovery CDs. To use your recovery CDs, see “Using Your Recovery CDs” for more information. Application Recovery CD(s) Sony Electronics Inc. This CD enables you to reinstall individual applications if they become corrupted or are erased. Driver Recovery CD(s) Sony Electronics Inc.
  • Page 82: Using Your Recovery Cds

    Recovery CD, contact Sony Customer Support. 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. Turn on your notebook. If your notebook is already on, close all applications.
  • Page 83: To Use The Driver Recovery Cd(S)

    To use the Driver Recovery CD(s) The Driver Recovery CD utility enables you to reinstall individual drivers if they become corrupted or are erased. You can reinstall an individual driver to correct a problem that you are experiencing with your notebook, hardware, or software application.
  • Page 84 Change text in this variable definition to document title. Click to highlight the unknown device (identified by a yellow question mark) or the device for which you wish to reinstall the driver. Device Manager screen From the Action menu, click Uninstall. This will remove the device driver from your system.
  • Page 85 Reinstalling all drivers with the Driver Recovery CD Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications. When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Driver Recovery CD into the optical disc drive. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then Control Panel. The Control Panel window appears.
  • Page 86 Change text in this variable definition to document title. From the Actions menu, choose Properties. The Properties dialog box for that device appears Properties dialog box Click Reinstall Driver. The Hardware Update Wizard appears. Click next. The wizard will search for the correct driver on your Driver Recovery CD.
  • Page 87: To Use The System Recovery Cd(S)

    If you have any questions on using the System Recovery CD, contact Sony Customer Support. Insert the Sony System Recovery CD in the optical drive. Shut down your notebook as described in the “Shutting Down Your Notebook” section of your printed Quick Start.
  • Page 88 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 89: 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 Troubleshooting the LCD Screen Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad...
  • Page 90: My Notebook Starts But A Bios Error Appears

    Select Exit (Save Changes), and then press Enter. The message “Save Configuration changes and exit now?” appears. Select Yes, and then press Enter. The notebook restarts. If this occurs on a regular basis, contact Sony PC Support (http://www.sony.com/pcsupport/). My notebook starts, but the message “Operating system not found”...
  • Page 91: My Notebook Stops Responding Or Does Not Shut Down

    Turn off the notebook. Remove any peripheral devices connected to the notebook. Turn the notebook on again. 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 92: The Power Management Setting Is Not Responding

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. If the previous step does not work, press and hold the power button for at least four seconds. This turns off the power. If your notebook stops responding while playing a CD or DVD, stop the CD/DVD, restart the notebook by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously, and then clicking Turn Off on the Windows Security screen.
  • Page 93: 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 on. Check that the power indicator on the notebook is on. Check that the battery pack is inserted properly and that it is charged. The notebook may be in LCD (Video) Standby mode.
  • Page 94: Troubleshooting The Mouse And Touchpad

    See “Connecting a PS/2 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 Driver Recovery CD to reinstall the mouse drivers.
  • Page 95 Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad If the pointer does not move while playing a disc, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously to stop playback and restart the notebook. If you are still experiencing problems, check that another mouse was not installed. You may need to use your supplied Driver Recovery CD to reinstall the touchpad or mouse drivers.
  • Page 96: Troubleshooting Drives, Pc Cards And Peripheral Devices

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Troubleshooting Drives, PC Cards and Peripheral Devices My floppy disk drive cannot write to a floppy disk. Check that the floppy disk drive is properly inserted into the multipurpose bay. See “To reinsert the floppy disk drive” for more details. If the floppy disk is write-protected, disable the write-protect feature or use a floppy disk that is not write-protected.
  • Page 97: My Optical Drive Tray Does Not Open

    Check that any necessary drivers were installed properly. See “To use the System Recovery CD(s)” for more information on installing the drivers. * i.LINK is a Sony trademark used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connec- tion. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices.
  • Page 98: Troubleshooting Software

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Troubleshooting Software My software program stops responding or crashes. Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical support. Refer to “Application, Driver, and System Recovery CDs” for more information. When I click an application icon, the message “You must insert the application CD into your optical drive”...
  • Page 99: 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 to reinstall the modem drivers.
  • Page 100: Troubleshooting Audio

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Troubleshooting Audio My speakers make no sound. If the built-in speakers are turned off, press Fn+F3 to turn on the speakers. If the speaker volume is turned to the minimum, press Fn+F4, and then press to increase the volume.
  • Page 101: Troubleshooting The Printer

    Click OK to close the Properties window. The printer should now function properly. Verify that the parallel port is set to the proper mode. Restart your computer, and then press the F2 key when the Sony logo screen appears. The BIOS setup menu appears. Press the Esc key.
  • Page 102: Troubleshooting I.link Devices

    (Standby or Hibernate). If that happens, restart the computers to establish a connection. * 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 103: Getting Help

    Getting Help Sony provides you with several support resources to answer questions about your VAIO® notebook or the preinstalled software. Refer to these resources in the order they are listed.
  • Page 104: Support Options

    VAIO Support Agent You can find VAIO Support Agent by clicking Start and then selecting Help and Support. Using advanced diagnostic technology, Sony’s VAIO Support Agent runs scheduled protections of your applications, network settings, and other important software settings. When your software is protected, you can use VAIO Support Agent to repair software problems by restoring your software to any of the previously protected states.
  • Page 105 4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972). Sony Customer Support Software support is available free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. You can call and speak with a Sony Customer Support Representative without using your notebook by calling: 1-888-4-SONY- PC (1-888-476-6972).
  • Page 106: Software Support Information

    Change text in this variable definition to document title. Software Support Information Adobe® Acrobat Reader™, eBook Reader, Photoshop® Elements (Adobe Systems Inc.) Web site http://www.adobe.com/ phone 206-675-6126 (fee-based support) 206-628-5737 e-mail techdocs@adobe.com hours M-F, 6 AM - 5 PM (PT) America Online®...
  • Page 107: Sony Service Center

    888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972) hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day * Support from 1-888-4-SONY-PC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. Windows® Operating System, Word (Microsoft Corporation) Web site http://www.sony.com/pcsupport/ phone...
  • Page 108 Change text in this variable definition to document title.
  • Page 109 Index Access Point, Wireless LAN adding hardware memory peripherals 48–49 printers Alt key Application Recovery CD Applications key attaching port replicator audio connecting external speakers external microphone troubleshooting battery pack power saving modes using a second battery packs charging 13, 29 indicator lights 29, 31 removing...
  • Page 110 Change text in this variable definition to document title. PS/2 mouse USB device weight saver correction keys Ctrl key cursor-movement keys customizing your computer digital video camera disconnecting port replicator display mode options selecting Driver Recovery CD drives installing additional hard disk optical DV In/Out 21, 22...
  • Page 111 selecting to display output troubleshooting Local Area Network connecting memory adding memory module expansion installing removing microphone connecting troubleshooting modem troubleshooting monitor connecting selecting switching among mouse PS/2 troubleshooting Mouse Properties screen Mouseware accessing help features multimedia computer display multiple phone lines navigation keys network connecting...
  • Page 112 Serial port setting up your PC support Shift key Smart Connect software changing window design Smart Connect support information troubleshooting Software list Sony Fax-on-Demand service Sony Service Center speakers external switching troubleshooting volume Standby mode support software support, technical switching...
  • Page 113 Sony software Windows Explorer Find window key combinations taskbar Wireless LAN Access Point Index...
  • Page 114 Change text in this variable definition to document title.

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