Safety Information Owner’s Record The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony Notebook Computer. Record the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call VAIO Link.
The CD-ROM drive is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser Products Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair and maintenance only by authorized Sony technicians. Improper use and repairs can create a safety hazard. CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT...
Contents Welcome About the User Guides... 8 Unpacking Your Notebook Computer ... 9 Ergonomic Considerations ... 10 Using Your Notebook Computer Locating the Controls and Connectors ... 13 Connecting a Power Source ... 17 Starting Your Computer ... 21 Shutting Down Your Computer ... 22 Registering Windows Registering Your Computer ...
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Sony Notebook Computer User Guide Port Replicator ...50 Printer...53 External Display ...54 Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Device...57 Digital Video Camera Recorder ...59 MiniDisc deck with MD editor...60 External Mouse or Keyboard...62 External Speakers ...63 External Microphone ...64 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device...65 Getting Help About Sony’s Support Options ...67...
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Here are just some of the features your Sony Notebook Computer has to offer (read the details and specifications in your Software guide). Exceptional performance –Your PC includes a fast Intel processor, a 24x (maximum performance) CD-ROM drive and a 56 kbps PC card modem.
Welcome About the User Guides This User Guide offers a quick introduction and reference to your Sony Notebook computer. Using Your VAIO Notebook Computer shows you how to use the standard components of your system. Connecting Peripheral Devices explains how you can add functionality by connecting various peripherals.
AC adapter PC card modem* *According to the type of Sony Notebook you purchased, the COM1 PC card modem (and accessories) are optional. However, you need to have these peripherals to enjoy some of the features described in this manual.
Ergonomic Considerations You will be using your notebook computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to apply the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments. Arms at desk level Wrists relaxed and flat Position of your computer –...
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Ergonomic Considerations Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.
Using Your Notebook Computer This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal devices, such as the touchpad, floppy disk drive, and CD-ROM drive. Locating the Controls and Connectors Front LCD screen (pages 29, 73) Speakers (page 57) Keyboard (page 25) Touchpad (page 31)
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Using Your Notebook Computer Left Power switch (page 21) Infrared port (page 40) Microphone connector (page 58) Headphone connector AC adapter mains connector and power cord: hazardous voltage, according to EN 60950. All other connectors for this notebook are SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage), according to EN 60950.
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Right PPK buttons (page 39) CD-ROM drive (page 34) Back cover Mouse/Keyboard connector (page 56) Serial connector (page 51) Printer (page 47) Locating the Controls and Connectors Multi-purpose bay (pages 32, 34) Internal microphone Monitor connector (page 48) USB connector (page 59) DC In (page 17)
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Using Your Notebook Computer Bottom Port replicator connector cover Release lever There is a ventilation slot located near the USB connector. Do not cover the ventilation slot when your computer is on. Tilt stands...
Connecting a Power Source You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source. Using the AC Adapter Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on the computer. Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter. Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
Using Your Notebook Computer Using Battery Power You can use one or two battery packs as a source of power. The second battery pack inserts into the multi-purpose bay on the right side of the computer. (See “Using a Second Battery Pack” on page 44.) Additional battery packs are available as a separate option.
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To charge the battery pack 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 percent full, the battery indicator light turns off. This process takes approximately two hours.
Using Your Notebook Computer For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter system hibernation mode when the battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as system suspend or system hibernation.
Starting Your Computer Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover. LCD lock lever Slide the power switch on the left side toward the front of the computer until the green power indicator light turns on. Power switch If you hold the power switch in the on position for more than four seconds, the computer turns off.
Using Your Notebook Computer Shutting Down Your Computer To avoid potential loss of data, follow these steps to shut down your computer. Click the Start button on the Windows Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut Down Windows dialog box.
Registering Windows The first time you turn on your computer, you need to complete a few steps to register and configure the Windows 98 software that is already installed on your computer. You must register Windows 98 before you can use the computer. The on-screen instructions guide you through the registration and configuration process.
Guarantee – Protect your investment. See the Guarantee Card for details. See your Customer Service Guide for guarantee conditions. Follow these steps to use the Sony Notebook Computer ’s online registration service. You must connect your phone line before using any online services, including the online registration service.
Using the Keyboard Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer’s, but the keyboard has additional keys that perform specific computer-related tasks. Escape Key Shift key Ctrl key Fn key Windows 98 key Keys Descriptions 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...
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Using Your Notebook Computer Keys Descriptions Escape key The Esc (Escape) key is used to cancel commands. 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.
Combinations and Functions with the Windows 98 Key Combinations Functions + F1 Displays Windows Help. + Tab 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.
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Using Your Notebook Computer Indicators Indicators Functions Power Power on: lights green. System Idle mode: lights red. System suspend mode: flashes red. Battery 1 Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the battery bay on the left side of the computer. Battery 2 Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the multi- purpose bay on the right side of the computer.
Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key Combinations/Feature (ESC) System Suspend Fn+ t (F2) Display power status (F3) Speaker switch Fn+ 2 (F4) Speaker volume Fn+ 8 (F5) Brightness control Fn+ 6 (F6) Contrast control (F7) Switch to the external display (F8) (F12) System Hibernation...
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Using Your Notebook Computer Combinations/Feature Fn+D Video standby Fn+E Eject CD-ROM Fn+F Change Display size Functions Turns off the LCD in order to save power. Ejects the CD-ROM tray. Zooms the display size in or out when the display is set to a low resolution.
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 Left button Actions Descriptions Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer on an item or object.
Using Your Notebook Computer Using the Floppy Disk Drive The computer comes with the floppy disk drive in the multi-purpose bay. To insert a diskette Hold the diskette with the label side facing up. Gently push the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place. Floppy disk drive To remove a diskette When you finish using the diskette, wait until the LED indicator...
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To remove the floppy disk drive Turn off the computer. There is a RELEASE lever on the bottom of the computer. Slide this lever in the direction of the arrow. Slide the drive out of the multi-purpose bay. Insert the weight saver. See “Using the Weight Saver” on page 46. To re-insert the floppy disk drive Turn off the computer.
Using Your Notebook Computer Using the CD-ROM Drive Your computer comes with a CD-ROM drive. To insert a disc Turn on the computer. When the computer is in insert a disc. See “System Suspend Mode” on page 42. for more information on System Suspend and System Hibernation modes.
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Using the CD-ROM Drive When you finish using a disc, wait until the LED indicator turns off, then press the Eject button to remove the disc. When the computer is in System Suspend or System Hibernation mode, you cannot remove a disc.
Type III PC card. These slots are compatible with Card Bus port. 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 "About the Software" guide, “Sony Notebook Setup” on page 13 for details.
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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.
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Using Your Notebook Computer To remove a PC card Close any applications that are using the PC card. Click the PC card icon in the taskbar and close the card. Pull the PC card release button up and press it in toward the computer.
Using the Programmable Power Keys (PPK) Press the programmable power keys on top of your keyboard to start your favorite software without having to click the shortcuts on the desktop. Default options of PPK Use any programmable keys by simply pressing it, or in combination with other keys on your keyboard: Shift + PPK, Ctrl + PPK or Alt + PPK.
Using Your Notebook Computer Using Infrared Communication Devices 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. When performing a data transfer with any software using infrared, enable the IrDA in the Control panel of Windows, as follows: In the Control panel, choose Infrared, then Options;...
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Using Infrared Communication Devices Check the Status tag of the Infrared Monitor in the Windows Control Panel to determine if the infrared device is detected. If the two devices are too far apart or too close together, data transfer may be interrupted or there may be noise in the transmission.
Using Your Notebook Computer Using Power Saving Modes When you use a battery as the source of power for your computer, you can take advantage of power management settings to conserve battery life. In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has three distinct power saving modes: System Idle, System Suspend and System Hibernation.
To activate System Suspend mode Press Fn+Esc, or slide the power switch forward quickly. You can also use the PowerPanel utility to enter System Suspend mode. If you slide the power switch forward and hold for more than four seconds, the computer switches off automatically.
Using Your Notebook Computer Using a Second Battery Pack You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery packs, you can extend the time that you use your computer with battery power. When using two battery packs, the battery pack you insert first charges first.
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To charge the second battery pack 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 19 for more information. Battery pack To determine the amount of time the battery lasts, see "About the Software"...
Using Your Notebook Computer Using the Weight Saver The weight saver protects the multi-purpose bay when it is empty. To attach the Weight Saver If another device is in the multi-purpose bay, remove the device. See “To remove the floppy disk drive” on page 33, or “To remove the second battery pack”...
Connecting Peripheral Devices You can add functionality to your computer by connecting or using any of these peripherals and enjoy the software described in the “About the Software” user guide: PC card modem (page 48) Port replicator (page 50) Printer (page 53) External display (pages 54, 55) Digital still camera or other serial device (page 57) Digital Mavica (page 58)
Connecting Peripheral Devices PC card modem Use your PC card modem to connect to a phone line and access the WWW. Connecting to a phone line You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services, the Internet and to register your computer and software online.
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Use the supplied communication tool which provides a full range of features: fax, data, telephone directory. See “About the Software” guide for details. In order to register your Sony Notebook Computer, register your software online, and use VAIO Link, you must connect to a phone line.
Connecting Peripheral Devices Port Replicator Your notebook computer supports the use of an optional port replicator. Attaching a port replicator enables you to connect additional peripherals to your computer. Network (ethernet) Monitor (page 54) Serial (page 57) Mouse/Keyboard (page 62) The port replicator can be powered only with an AC power adapter.
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To attach your computer to the port replicator To supply power to your computer while it is connected to the port replicator, you must connect the AC adapter directly to the port replicator. Turn off your computer and disconnect all peripherals. On the bottom of the computer, lift the port replicator port cover.
Power Port replicator connector Turn on the computer. Use the AC adapter that comes with your computer or the optional Sony PCGA-AC71 adapter. To disconnect your port replicator completely from mains voltage unplug the AC adapter. When attaching your computer to the port replicator, do not attempt to insert or remove the battery pack.
See the manual that came with your printer for more information on installation and use. Before using the printer, you may need to change the Printer setting in the Sony Notebook Setup software. See "About the Software" guide,“Sony Notebook Setup” on page 13.
Connecting Peripheral Devices External Display You can connect an external display to your notebook computer. For example, you can use the computer with any of the following: Computer display (monitor) (page 54) Multimedia computer display (page 55) Projector (page 56) Use your external display as second screen, or get a virtual desktop (See "About the Software"...
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To connect a multimedia computer display You can connect the notebook computer to a multimedia computer display that includes built-in speakers and a microphone. Use the symbol to locate the Monitor connector. Plug the display cable into this connector. Use the symbol to locate the Headphone connector.
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Connecting Peripheral Devices To connect a projector You can use a projector as an external display, such as the Sony LCD Projector. Monitor RGB signal cable (not supplied) See the manual that came with your projector for more information on installation and use.
Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Device You can connect other computer peripherals, such as a digital still camera, to the Serial connector on your computer. To connect a digital still camera Use the symbol to locate the Serial connector. Plug the connecting cable into this port on the computer and into the Digital I/O connector on the digital still camera.
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Connecting Peripheral Devices To use the Digital Mavica with diskettes The Digital Mavica provides you still images you can copy and edit on your computer, using PictureGear software. See "About the Software" guide,“PictureGear” on page 5. Notebook Computer 3.5” diskette Follow these steps to transfer the images from your Digital Mavica: Insert the diskette of the Mavica in the FDD drive of your computer and copy them in a dedicated folder.
The Sony digital video camera recorder (DCR-PC7) is pictured; your digital video camera recorder may need to be connected differently. On Sony digital video cameras, connectors labeled “DV Out”, “DV In/Out” or “i.LINK” are i.LINK-compatible. See the manual that came with your digital video camera recorder for more information on installation and use.
VAIO computer to enjoy the high quality of sound and recordings through optical data transfer. When you connect a Sony MD deck equipped with a CONTROL A1 terminal to a Sony CD player (equipped with both digital optical output and CONTROL A1 connector), you can record and edit your MiniDiscs via your computer.
MD desk. Turn on all the devices. Launch MD Editor to edit the tracks on your MiniDisc. The Control A1 feature is working only with Sony devices. For further information, please refer to your Sony Dealer. MiniDisc deck with MD editor...
Connecting Peripheral Devices External Mouse or Keyboard You can connect an external mouse or keyboard to your computer. To connect both a mouse and a keyboard, use the port replicator (see “Port Replicator” on page 50). The Mouse/Keyboard connector requires a ®...
External Speakers You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers. Make sure your speakers are designed for computer use. Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on. Do not place diskettes on the speakers; the speaker’s magnetic field may damage the data on the diskettes.
Connecting Peripheral Devices External Microphone You can enhance the quality of sound input by using an external microphone. Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use. To connect an external microphone Use the to locate the Microphone connector. Plug the microphone cable into this connector.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device You can connect a USB device to your computer. To connect a USB device Use the symbol to locate the USB connector. Plug one end of the USB cable into this port and the other end into the USB device. USB ports are included to provide state-of-the-art technology.
Getting Help This section describes how to get help and support from Sony, as well as troubleshooting tips for your computer. About Sony’s Support Options Sony provides several support options for your computer. When you have questions about your computer and the pre-installed software,...
Getting Help Troubleshooting 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 contact VAIO Link. Table of troubleshooting About the computer and software, see page 69 About the display, see page 71 About CD-ROMs and diskettes, see page 72 About sound, see page 73...
Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer. Turn the computer off 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.
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Getting Help Press the arrow keys to select Get Default Values and then press the Enter key. The message “Load default configuration now?” appears. Check that [Yes] is selected, then press the Enter key. Press the arrow keys to select Exit (Save Changes) and then press the Enter The message “Save configuration changes and exit now?”...
My software program “locks up” or crashes Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical support. See the About Your Sony Notebook Computer guide on how to contact them. My mouse doesn’t work If you are using an external mouse, check that the mouse is plugged into the mouse connector.
Getting Help The video image on my screen is too dark If an external display is connected to the Monitor connector, disconnect the display. About CD-ROMs and diskettes My CD-ROM drive tray does not open Make sure the computer is turned on. Press the Eject button on the CD-ROM drive.
About sound My speakers have no sound The built-in speakers are turned off. Press Fn+F3 to turn on the speakers. The speaker volume is turned to the minimum. Press Fn+F4, and then press to increase the volume. If your computer is powered by batteries, check that the battery packs are inserted properly and that they are charged.
Check the connection, then turn on the power again. My PC card is not working Make sure the PC card is compatible with Windows 98. Use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices you are not currently using. I cannot print.
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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.
If the CD-ROM is still in the drive, you will restart a recovery process. You can only use this Recovery CD-ROM on the Sony notebook you purchased and not on any other Sony PC or other manufacturer's PC! To perform a system recovery, the notebook should not be docked (port replicator).
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Procedure for a system recovery Take the Product Recovery CD-ROM. Turn on your computer (using AC power only) and insert the Recovery CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive. Shut down your computer (slide the power switch forward and hold it for more than four seconds). Wait ten seconds and turn your computer back on.
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Getting Help Follow the installation instructions of the Install Manager. When performing an application recovery, you do not lose data on your hard disk. Reinstalling a device driver Some applications or peripherals require specific drivers which you won’t find in the Windows 98 drivers folder. To help you finding or restoring typical drivers needed by your pre-installed applications, you can use the Application Recovery CD-ROM.
Due to the use of high precision components and the technology of the electronic connectors of your Notebook computer and memory modules, to avoid the invalidation of your Guarantee by mishandling, Sony Corporation recommends that: you contact your dealer to install a new memory module, you do not install it yourself, you do not open the unit or touch the connectors .
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The LCD is manufactured using high-precision technology. You may, however, see tiny black points and/or bright points (red, blue, or green) that continuously appear on the LCD. This is a normal result of the manufacturing process and does not indicate a malfunction. On the Power Source Your computer operates on 100V-240V AC 50/60 Hz.
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In this case, allow at least an hour before turning on your computer. If any problems occur, unplug your computer, and contact your Sony Service Center. On Handling Diskettes Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the...
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Keep diskettes away from magnets. Keep diskettes away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. On Handling CD-ROM Discs Do not touch the surface of the disc. Do not drop or bend the disc. On Cleaning CD-ROM Discs Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors. Proper care of the disc is essential to maintain its reliability.
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If, after fully charging the battery pack, the battery power is still low, the battery pack may be reaching the end of its life and should be replaced. You do not need to discharge the battery before recharging. If you have not used the battery pack for a considerable amount of time, recharge the battery.
Specifications Model Number Processor Hard Disk Drive Standard RAM LCD Screen L2 Cache Memory MPEG Graphics Sound Capabilities Diskette Drive CD-ROM Drive PC card modem Infrared Expansion Capabilities Two PCMCIA type II or one type III Cards and Card Bus support Built-In Capabilities Telecommunication Capabilities...
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About the Software on your Sony Notebook Computer Model Number Supplied Accessories Special Buttons Service Guarantee Power Requirements Power Management Battery Dimensions Weight Operating Temperature ‡ See your registration card for conditions. Specifications are subject to change without notice. PCG-F150...
Index About the Software guide AC adapter 13 13 13 13 17 17 17 17 AC power 17 17 17 17 adding hardware 47 47 47 47 peripherals 47 47 47 47 printers 53 53 53 53 adjusting brightness 29 29 29 29 contrast 29 29 29 29 air circulation...
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Sony Notebook Computer User Guide cables floppy disk drive 13 13 13 13 phone 13 13 13 13 power cord 17 17 17 17 video 13 13 13 13 cameras digital video recorder Sony Digital Still 57 57 57 57...
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Serial connector serial devices connecting digital still camera setting up Windows 98 Shift key 26 26 26 26 Shut Down Windows dialog box Sony e-mail support service Speakers volume speakers 13 13 13 13 built-in external 39 39 39 39 switching...