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Sony Vaio PCG-GRX315MK Instruction & Operation Manual

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Sony notebook user guide
P C G - G R X 3 1 5 M K
P C G - G R X 3 1 6 M K
P C G - G R X 3 1 6 S K
P C G - G R X 4 1 6 S K

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Summary of Contents for Sony Vaio PCG-GRX315MK

  • Page 1 Sony notebook user guide P C G - G R X 3 1 5 M K P C G - G R X 3 1 6 M K P C G - G R X 3 1 6 S K...

  • Page 2: Read This First

    Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited. Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.
  • Page 3 All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. TAR ® NERGY ® ® As an E Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the E guidelines for energy efficiency. NERGY NERGY ® The International E Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use NERGY of computers and their office equipment.

  • Page 4: Safety Information

    Owner's record The serial number and model number are located on the bottom of your Sony notebook. Record the serial number and the model number in the spaces provided here. Refer to the model number and serial number if you call VAIO-Link.
  • Page 5 Read this first TV sets Speakers Magnets Magnetic bracelets. Audio/video Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation. Connectivity Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe lightning storm. Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations.

  • Page 6: Regulatory Information

    Read this first Regulatory information Sony hereby declares that the product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of European Directive 1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive). This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 55024 for use in following areas: residential, commercial and light-industrial.
  • Page 7 Read this first Disposing of lithium ion batteries Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly at end-of-life. Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Page 8 Portability - The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power. Sony audio and video quality - A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software. Multimedia features – Enjoy audio and video CDs.

  • Page 9: Documentation Pack

    A Modem Regulations flyer. Online documentation The Sony Notebook User Guide: Using your notebook shows you how to use the standard components of your system. In this part of the manual you will also find out what you can do with a Memory Stick™.
  • Page 10 Welcome Refer to your Software Guide for information on the bundled software and the Sony applications. About the Software is a short description of the features of the software pre-installed on your system. Using Video software explains how to use Sony video software: DVgate, MovieShaker and Smart Capture.
  • Page 11 Welcome Your notebook and its accessories The following hardware items* are in the box: Main unit Product recovery CD-ROMs Documentation pack AC adapter Rechargeable battery pack * See the Specifications online document. Weight saver Phone cable Power cord CD-RW/DVD-ROM...

  • Page 12: Ergonomic Considerations

    Welcome Ergonomic considerations You will be using your notebook as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments: Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touchpad, or external mouse.
  • Page 13 Welcome Viewing angle of the computer’s display – Use the display’s tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eyestrain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the display as well. Lighting –...

  • Page 14: Table Of Contents

    Using your notebook Using your notebook This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal and external devices. Locating controls and connectors Connecting a power source Starting your notebook Shutting down your notebook Using the keyboard Using the touchpad Using the Jog Dial™...

  • Page 15: Locating Controls And Connectors

    Using your notebook Locating controls and connectors Right Battery bay (page 20) Hard disk drive Ventilation slot Headphone connector (page 67) Microphone connector (page 68) USB port (page 70) Do not cover the ventilation slot when the computer is on.
  • Page 16 Using your notebook Left Memory Stick™ slot (page 41) USB port (page 70) i.LINK™ (IEEE1394) S400 port (page 76) PC Card slots (page 38) Multi-purpose bay (for weight (page 56) saver or second battery with (page 52) weight saver or removable (page 23) CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive)
  • Page 17 Using your notebook Front Memory Stick™ indicator (page 32) Num Lock indicator (page 32) Caps Lock indicator (page 32) Scroll Lock indicator (page 32) Power indicator (page 32) Battery 1 indicator (page 32) Battery 2 indicator (page 32) Hard disk drive indicator (page 32) LCD screen (page 33)
  • Page 18 Using your notebook Back Ventilation slot DC In Ethernet connector (network) Monitor/VGA connector There is a ventilation slot located on the left side of the back panel. Do not cover the ventilation slot when the computer is on. Printer connector (page 19) USB port (page 78)
  • Page 19 Using your notebook Bottom Port replicator connector cover Memory module cover Multi-purpose bay release lever (page 58) (page 94) (page 56)

  • Page 20: Connecting A Power Source

    Using your notebook Connecting a power source You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source. Using the AC adapter To use the AC adapter, proceed as follows: Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (1) into the DC In connector (2) on the computer. Plug one end of the power cord (3) into the AC adapter.

  • Page 21: Using The Battery Pack

    Using your notebook Using the battery pack You can use one or two batteries as a source of power. You can insert the second battery pack into the multi- purpose bay on the left side of the computer. Additional battery packs are available as a separate option. The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.
  • Page 22 Using your notebook Charging the battery pack To charge the battery pack, proceed as follows: Connect the AC adapter to the computer. Insert the battery pack. The computer automatically charges the battery (1) (the battery indicator (2) light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges).
  • Page 23 Using your notebook When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink. Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.
  • Page 24 Using your notebook Removing the battery pack To remove the battery pack, proceed as follows: Turn off the computer. Open the cover of the battery bay. Pull out the battery pack. Close the cover of the battery bay. You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in Standby mode.
  • Page 25 Using your notebook Inserting the second battery pack To insert a second battery pack, proceed as follows: If the weight saver or the optical disc drive is in the multi-purpose bay (1), remove it. Insert the battery pack (2) into the multi-purpose bay. The battery 2-indicator light turns on.
  • Page 26 Using your notebook Charging the second battery pack To charge the second battery pack, proceed as follows: Keep the battery pack (1-3) in the computer while it is connected to AC power. The battery indicator (2) flashes while the battery is charging. When the battery indicator stops flashing, the battery is 85% charged.
  • Page 27 Using your notebook Removing the second battery pack To remove the second battery pack, proceed as follows: Slide the multi-purpose bay release lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of the arrow. Remove the weight saver. Pull out the battery pack. Reinsert the weight saver.

  • Page 28: Starting Your Notebook

    Using your notebook Starting your notebook To start your computer, proceed as follows: Slide the LCD lock lever (1) in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover. Press the power button (2) of the computer until the green power indicator (3) light turns on. If necessary, press <Fn>+<F5>...

  • Page 29: Shutting Down Your Notebook

    Using your notebook Shutting down your notebook It is important that you shut down your computer properly so you do not lose unsaved data. To shut down your computer, proceed as follows: Click the Start button on the Windows Click Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows screen appears.

  • Page 30: Using The Keyboard

    Using your notebook Using the keyboard Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer’s, but has additional keys that perform specific notebook-related tasks.
  • Page 31 Using your notebook Keys Escape key (1) Function keys (2) Print Screen key (3) Correction keys (4) Navigation keys (5) Application key (6) Numeric keypad area (7) Operator keys (8-11-12) ® Windows key (9) <Fn> key (10) Descriptions The <Esc> (Escape) key is used to cancel commands. The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform designated tasks.
  • Page 32 Using your notebook Combinations and functions with the <Windows> key Combinations + F1 + Tab + Ctrl + F Shift + <Fn> + + Insert Functions Displays Windows Help. Switches the selected button on the taskbar. Displays Windows Explorer. Displays the Search Results window to find a file or folder.
  • Page 33 Using your notebook Indicators Indicator Power Battery 1 Battery 2 Memory Stick™ Light hard disk Num Lock Caps Lock Scroll Lock Functions Power on: lights green. Standby mode: flashes umber. Hibernate mode: turns off. Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the battery bay on the right side of the computer. Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the battery bay on the left side of the computer.
  • Page 34 Using your notebook Combinations and functions with the <Fn> key Combinations/Feature <Fn> + (ESC): Standby <Fn> + (F3): speaker switch <Fn> + (F4): speaker volume <Fn> + (F5): brightness control <Fn> + (F7)*: switch to the external display <Fn> + (F8)* <Fn>...

  • Page 35: Using The Touchpad

    Using your notebook Using the touchpad The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device, your touchpad (1). You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touchpad. Action Description Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer (2) on an item or object.

  • Page 36: Using The Jog Dial

    Using your notebook Using the Jog Dial™ Your computer is equipped with a Jog Dial™ with Back button on your computer, near the touchpad. You can turn and/or press the Jog Dial™ to scroll the window, select software, adjust the internal speaker volume, etc.
  • Page 37 Using your notebook The Jog Dial™ window is always displayed on the screen. This window has two modes: Launcher mode and Guide mode. The Jog Dial ™ window is in Launcher mode until you start an application or the Jog Dial ™ window becomes active. When an arrow appears next to an item in the Jog Dial ™...
  • Page 38 Use the Back button on the right of the Jog Dial™ to go back to the previous state of the Jog Dial ™ window. Software supporting the Jog Dial™ If the Sony software supporting the Jog Dial™ is active, you can use the Jog Dial™ functions allocated to each software. Software not supporting the Jog Dial™...

  • Page 39: Using Pc Cards

    The PC Card slots can accommodate (at the same time) two Types I, two Types II or one Type III PC Card. These slots are compatible with Card Bus ports. Use the lower slot for PC Type III cards. Some PC Cards may require you to disable idle devices when using the PC Card. You can use Sony Notebook Setup to disable devices.

  • Page 40: Removing A Pc Card

    Using your notebook Be sure to use the most recent software driver provided by the PC Card manufacturer. If an “!” mark appears on the Device Manager tab in the System Properties dialog box, remove the software driver and then reinstall it. You do not need to shut down the computer before inserting or removing a PC Card.
  • Page 41 Using your notebook If you unplug the PC Card from the computer when it is still turned on, your system might crash and you might lose data that you did not save before. Before you remove the PC Card, click the PC Card icon in the taskbar and close the card. Close any applications that use the PC Card before removing the card.

  • Page 42: Using Memory Stick

    The generic Memory Stick™, coloured blue. The MagicGate Memory Stick™, coloured white. You can purchase Memory Sticks™ from the Sony Style website (http://www.sonystyle-europe.com), or from your local Sony dealer. Why Memory Stick™? Sony's vision is to expand the world of communication, promoting the portability of digital data. The Memory Stick™...
  • Page 43 Using your notebook The main advantages of the Memory Stick™ are its: Compactness: with dimensions of just 21.5 mm (W) x 2.8 mm (H) x 50 mm (D), compatible products can also be small, lightweight and attractive in their design. Capacity: Its data capacity far exceeds that of a floppy disk.
  • Page 44 Using your notebook Generic Memory Stick™ The original Memory Stick™, blue in colour, can be used to record image data taken with digital still cameras, etc. or data from the PC. With it, you can record, play back and transfer various kinds of data at any given time.
  • Page 45 MagicGate is a copyright protection technology that complies with the standards set by SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative, an organization working to draw up industry standard specifications in order to protect copyrights of digital music). logo indicates the copyright protection system devised by Sony. It is not meant to guarantee compatibility with other media.
  • Page 46 (SDMI) to study technology for protecting copyrights during the electronic distribution of music. Sony offers the MagicGate Memory Stick™ and Memory Stick™ Walkman with a copyright protection function that complies with SDMI standards, thereby providing an environment where individuals can record and enjoy third-party music data without worrying about copyright infringement.
  • Page 47 There are nearly 80 Memory Stick™-enabled products on the market or announced for introduction world- wide, ranging from camcorders and portable music players to voice recorders and many other electronic devices. You can currently use Memory Sticks™ with the following Sony products: Visual: Cybershot digital camera...

  • Page 48: Inserting A Memory Stick

    Using your notebook Inserting a Memory Stick™ To insert a Memory Stick™, proceed as follows: Once you have stored your data from your digital device, insert the Memory Stick™ with the arrow facing up and toward the Memory Stick™ slot. Carefully slide the Memory Stick™...

  • Page 49: Removing A Memory Stick

    Using your notebook Removing a Memory Stick™ To remove a Memory Stick™ proceed as follows: Check that the access light is off. Push the Memory Stick™ in towards the notebook. The Memory Stick™ ejects. Pull the Memory Stick™ out of the slot. Always remove the Memory Stick™...

  • Page 50: Using The Modem

    Using your notebook Using the modem Your notebook is equipped with an internal modem. You need to connect to a phone line to take advantage of online services and the Internet, as well as to register your computer and software online, and to contact VAIO-Link. To connect a phone line, proceed as follows: Plug one end of the phone cable (1) into the phone line jack on the computer.

  • Page 51: Using Power Saving Modes

    Using your notebook 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 two distinct power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate.

  • Page 52: Using Hibernate Mode

    Using your notebook Using Hibernate mode The state of the system is saved on the hard disk and power is turned off. The power indicator light is off in this mode. To activate Hibernate mode, proceed as follows: Press <Fn>+<F12>. The Hibernating screen appears and the notebooks enters Hibernate mode.

  • Page 53: Using The Cd-Rw/Dvd-Rom Drive

    Using your notebook Using the CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive Your computer is equipped with a CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive. To insert a disc, proceed as follows: Turn on the computer. Press the eject button (1) to open the drive. The tray slides out. Place a disc in the middle of the tray with the label side facing up until the disc clicks into place. Close the tray by pushing it gently.
  • Page 54 Using your notebook When the computer is in Standby or Hibernate mode, you cannot insert or remove a disc. Be sure to seat the disc firmly over the disc drive hub fingers. If you do not seat the disc firmly, you could damage your disc drive and you may not be able to open the tray.
  • Page 55 Using your notebook Region codes indicators are labeled on the DVD discs to indicate in which region and on what type of player you can play the disc. Unless a '2' (Europe belongs to region '2') or 'all' (this means that you can play this DVD everywhere in the world) is labeled on your DVD disc or on the packaging, you cannot play the disc on this player.
  • Page 56 Using your notebook Using the CD-RW function To burn CDs, you can use CD-RW and CD-R discs: The CD-RW (CD-ReWritable) disc is a data memory medium that can be used to write, erase and rewrite a program or other data. The CD-R (CD-Recordable) disc is a data memory medium that can be used to write a program or other data, but once only.

  • Page 57: Using The Weight Saver

    Using your notebook Using the weight saver The weight saver protects the multi-purpose bay when it is empty, and secures the second battery or the CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive when they are installed in the multi-purpose bay. To attach the weight saver, proceed as follows: If another device is in the multi-purpose bay, remove the device.

  • Page 58: Connecting Peripheral Devices

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting peripheral devices You can add functionality to your computer by connecting or using any of these peripherals. Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals. Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables. Turn on the computer only after turning on all peripherals.

  • Page 59: Connecting A Port Replicator

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a port replicator Your notebook supports the use of an optional port replicator. Attaching a port replicator enables you to connect additional peripherals to your computer, such as a printer or an external display. DC In port USB port Serial port Right line-in and left line-in connectors...

  • Page 60: Attaching Your Computer To The Port Replicator

    When attaching your computer to the port replicator, do not attempt to insert or remove the battery pack. Lifting and turning the computer with the attached port replicator may cause a temporary loss of power. Use the AC adapter that comes with your notebook or the optional Sony adapter.

  • Page 61: Disconnecting Your Computer From The Port Replicator

    Connecting peripheral devices Disconnecting your computer from the port replicator To disconnect your computer from the port replicator, proceed as follows: Turn off the computer and the connected peripherals. Pull the levers on each side of the port replicator to disconnect the computer from the port replicator. Lift the notebook away from the port replicator.

  • Page 62: Connecting An External Display

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting an external display You can connect an external display to your notebook. For example, you can use your notebook with the following devices: Computer display (monitor); Multimedia computer display; Projector. Turn off your computer and the peripherals, unplug the AC adapter and the power cord before connecting the external display. Connect the power cord after connecting all other cables.
  • Page 63 Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a computer display You can connect a computer display (monitor) either directly to your notebook or via the (optional) port replicator. To connect a computer display, proceed as follows: Plug the display cable (1) (not supplied) into the monitor/VGA connector (2) port replicator.
  • Page 64 Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a multimedia computer display You can connect the notebook to a multimedia computer display that includes built-in speakers and a microphone. To connect a multimedia computer display, proceed as follows: Plug the display cable (1) into the monitor/VGA connector (2) replicator.

  • Page 65: Connecting A Tv

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a TV You can connect a TV to the notebook or to the optional port replicator. To connect a TV to the notebook, proceed as follows: Plug one end of the audio/video cable (1) (optional) into the AV Out connector (2) (yellow) and the other end into the TV.
  • Page 66 Connecting peripheral devices To connect a TV to the port replicator, proceed as follows: Attach the port replicator to your notebook. Plug one end of the audio/video cable (1) (optional) into the right and left line-out and the Video out connector (2) and the other end into the Audio Left and Audio Right connectors and the Video connector on your TV.

  • Page 67: Connecting A Projector

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a projector You can connect a project (such as the Sony LCD projector) directly to your notebook or via the port replicator. To connect a projector, proceed as follows: Plug the RGB signal cable (1) into the monitor/...

  • Page 68: Connecting External Speakers

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting external speakers You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers. To connect external speakers, proceed as follows: Plug the speaker cable (1) into the headphone connector (2). Plug the other end of the speaker cable into the external speaker. Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on.

  • Page 69: Connecting An External Microphone

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting an external microphone Your VAIO notebook does not contain an internal microphone. If you need to use a sound input device, for example to chat on the Internet, you need to plug in an external microphone. To connect an external microphone, proceed as follows: Plug the microphone cable (1) into the microphone connector (2) identified by the Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use.

  • Page 70: Connecting An External Mouse Or Keyboard

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting an external mouse or keyboard You can connect an external mouse or keyboard to the optional port replicator using the PS/2 mouse/ keyboard connector. There is only one PS/2 connector, so you can only connect one external device at the same time.
  • Page 71 Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device You can connect a USB device (for example, a mouse, floppy disk drive, keyboard, printer) to your computer. Before connecting or disconnecting a USB peripheral, you do not need to shut down the computer. You may need to install software (device drivers) supplied with your USB device before using the USB device.
  • Page 72 Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a USB floppy disk drive As an optional extra, you can purchase a USB floppy disk drive and connect it to your computer. To connect a USB floppy disk drive, proceed as follows: Choose the USB connector you prefer to use. Plug the USB floppy disk drive cable (1) into the USB connector (2).
  • Page 73 Connecting peripheral devices To remove a USB floppy disk drive, proceed as follows: If your computer is on, wait until the floppy drive LED indicator turns off and then unplug the USB cable. If the floppy disk drive is not removed properly, your system may crash and you may lose any unsaved data.

  • Page 74: Connecting A Printer

    Connecting peripheral devices Removing a floppy disk To remove a floppy disk, proceed as follows: When you have finished using the floppy disk, wait until the LED indicator (1) turns off and then press the eject button (2) to remove the disk. Before pressing the eject button, make sure that the LED indicator is turned off.
  • Page 75 Plug the printer power cord into an AC outlet. Before using the printer, you may need to change the Printer settings in the Sony Notebook Setup software. Turn off your computer and the printer, unplug the AC adapter and the power cord before connecting the printer.
  • Page 76 Plug the printer cable (1) supplied with the printer into the printer connector (2) identified by the symbol. Plug the printer power cord (3) into an AC outlet. Before using the printer, you may need to change the Printer settings in the Sony Notebook Setup software.
  • Page 77 Connecting peripheral devices Connecting an i.LINK™ device Your computer includes an i.LINK™ (IEEE1394) connector, which you can use to connect to an i.LINK™ device such as a digital video camera recorder or to connect two VAIO notebooks in order to copy, delete or edit files.

  • Page 78: Connecting A Digital Video Camera Recorder

    On Sony digital video cameras, connectors labeled DV Out, DV In/Out or i.LINK™ are i.LINK™-compatible. The Sony digital video camera recorder is an example; your digital video camera recorder may need to be connected differently. If your digital video camera recorder includes a Memory Stick™ slot, you can copy images from it to your computer via a Memory Stick™. To do so,...

  • Page 79: Connecting To A Network (Lan)

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting to a network (LAN) You can connect your computer or port replicator to 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX-type networks via an Ethernet network cable. For the detailed settings and devices needed to connect to the network, consult your Network Administrator. The default settings make your computer able to connect to the network.

  • Page 80: Getting Help

    Getting help Getting help This section describes how to get help and support from Sony, and provides troubleshooting tips for your computer. Sony support options Sony provides several support options for your computer. Printed documentation supplied with your notebook The printed part of your documentation contains: A Getting Started brochure, where you will find a brief description of the items in your box, some specifications of your notebook, and how to setup your notebook;...
  • Page 81 Precautions provides facts and advice about using your notebook. Glossary refers to terms used in this manual. Refer to your Software Guide for information on the bundled software and the Sony applications. About the Software is a short description of the features of the software pre-installed on your system.

  • Page 82: Troubleshooting

    Getting help Other sources of information The Online help files that accompany your pre-installed software contain instructions on using the software. VAIO-Link website: if you have any problem with your computer, you can access the VAIO-Link web site. Go to: http://www.vaio-link.com VAIO-Link Response Centre: Before contacting VAIO-Link Response Centre, try to solve the problem by reading the User Guides and help files for the peripherals or software.
  • Page 83 If the floppy disk drive is empty, proceed as follows to initialize the BIOS: Turn off the computer. Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer. Turn on the computer and press <F2> when the Sony logo appears. The BIOS setup menu screen appears. Set the date (month/day/year).
  • Page 84 Getting help My computer does not shut down You are recommended to shut down your computer using the Shut Down command on the ® Windows Start menu. Using other methods, including those listed here, may result in loss of unsaved data. If the Shut Down command does not work properly, proceed as follows: Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete>...
  • Page 85 If you are using an external serial PS/2 mouse, check that the mouse is plugged into the mouse connector of your optional port replicator. If you are using an optional Sony USB mouse, check that the appropriate driver and software are properly installed.
  • Page 86 Getting help The window I have just closed continues to appear on my LCD Press the <Windows I cannot switch from LCD display to TV and vice versa If a DVD disc is inserted in the DVD-ROM drive, remove the disc. About CD-ROMs and floppy disks My CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive tray does not open Make sure the computer is turned on.
  • Page 87 Getting help I cannot play a DVD-ROM If a region code warning appears when you are using the DVD player, it could be that the DVD-ROM you are trying to play is incompatible with the DVD-ROM drive on your notebook. The region code is listed on the packaging of the disc.
  • Page 88 Getting help To change the writing speed from the default to a lower speed, proceed as follows: Double-click the My Computer icon on the desktop. Right-click the disc drive icon. Select Properties. Select the Settings tab. Change the Current Write Speed field to 2x. Click OK.
  • Page 89 Getting help My floppy disk drive cannot write to a diskette The diskette is write-protected. Disable the write-protect feature or use a diskette that is not write- protected. Check that the diskette is properly inserted into the floppy disk drive. Your diskette may be corrupt.
  • Page 90 Getting help The speaker volume may be turned to the minimum. Press <Fn>+<F4>, and then press the volume. If your computer is powered by battery, check that the battery is inserted properly and that it is charged. If you are using an application that has its own volume control, check that the volume is turned up. Check the volume controls in Windows If you use external speakers, check that the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up.
  • Page 91 Getting help Check that the phone number the program is dialing, is correct. In the Phone and Modem Options dialog box (Control Panel / Phone and Modem Options), check that your modem is listed on the Modems tab, and that the location information is correct on the Dialing Rules tab.
  • Page 92 Make sure the PC Card is compatible with your version of Windows Use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices you are not currently using. If you are using two PC Cards, use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable the devices you are not currently using.
  • Page 93 Getting help Check the cable to see if you do not have missing of bend pins. Try a printer self test (if available) to see if the printer itself is still functioning properly. For more information, please consult the manual supplied with your printer. Some printers have a specific installation procedure.
  • Page 94 Getting help About i.LINK™ devices I cannot establish an i.LINK™ connection between two VAIO computers Disconnect then reconnect the i.LINK™ cable. If you still have no connection after waiting for a while, restart both computers. If either computer has just returned from a power saving mode, the connection may be affected. In this case, make sure you perform a full restart before connecting them.

  • Page 95: Adding And Removing Memory

    Precautions Precautions This section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your computer from potential damage. Your notebook and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connectors technology. To avoid the invalidation of your guarantee by mishandling, it is recommended that: You contact your dealer to install a new memory module.
  • Page 96 Precautions Disconnect the system from its power source and from any telecommunication links, networks, or modems before you open the system. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or equipment damage. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can damage memory modules and other components. Install the memory module only at an ESD workstation.
  • Page 97 Precautions Removing a memory module To remove a memory module, proceed as follows: Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices. Unplug the computer and remove the battery pack. Wait until the computer cools down. Turn your computer upside down. Open the cover on the bottom by unscrewing the screw (turn counter clockwise).
  • Page 98 Precautions Adding a memory module To install a memory module, proceed as follows: Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices. Unplug the computer and remove the battery packs. Wait until the computer cools down. Turn your computer upside down. Open the cover on the bottom by unscrewing the screw (turn counter clockwise).
  • Page 99 To view the amount of memory, proceed as follows: Turn on the computer. Go to Sony Notebook Setup via the Start menu. The Sony Notebook Setup dialog box appears. In the About this Computer tab you can view the amount of system memory. If the additional memory...

  • Page 100: Other Precautions

    Precautions Other precautions On handling the hard disk The hard disk has a high storage density and reads or writes data in a short time. On the other hand, it may be easily damaged by mechanical vibration, shock or dust. Although the hard disk has the safety device in itself to prevent losing data due to mechanical vibration, shock or dust, you should be careful when handling your computer.
  • Page 101 Precautions The screen becomes warm during operation. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction. 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.
  • Page 102 Precautions Heat sources, such as radiators or air ducts, Direct sunlight, Excessive dust, Moisture or rain, Mechanical vibration or shock, Strong magnets or speakers that are not magnetically shielded, Ambient temperature of more than 35°C or less than 10°C, High humidity. Do not place electronic equipment near your computer.
  • Page 103 Precautions On handling diskettes Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the diskette. Keep diskettes away from magnets. Keep diskettes away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. On handling CD-ROMs Do not touch the surface of the disc. Do not drop or bend the disc.
  • Page 104 Precautions On using the battery pack Never leave the battery pack in temperatures above 60°C, such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight. Battery life is shorter in a cold environment. This is due to decreased battery efficiency at low temperatures.
  • Page 105 Precautions On using earphones Road safety – Do not use headphones while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle. It may create a traffic hazard and is illegal in some areas. It can also be potentially dangerous to play loud music while walking, especially at pedestrian crossings.
  • Page 106 Glossary Glossary This section refers to terms used in this manual. These terms and definitions have been compiled to provide you with a better understanding of your VAIO computer. Term <F1> key 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX ACPI Application recovery Application recovery CD-ROM BIOS CardBus Definition The <F1>...
  • Page 107 Glossary Term CD-ROM CD-RW DC In Docking station Driver DVD-ROM Ethernet EULA Definition Abbreviation for Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. A high-capacity optical disc, usually 650 MB in size, capable of being read from but not written to. Short for Compact Disc-ReWriteable. Compact Disc that can be used to write or rewrite data to it.
  • Page 108 MAPI Definition i.LINK™ is Sony’s version of the IEEE 1394 standard for high-speed digital serial interface. The standard is regarded in the audio/video and IT industries as the most suitable interface for connecting computers and digital audio/video devices (such as digital cameras etc.).
  • Page 109 Glossary Term maximum RAM Motherboard MPEG Operating system Partition PC Card Definition The maximum amount of RAM that your computer can contain. Once this amount is reached, you can no longer add additional RAM to your computer. The motherboard is the main circuit board inside your computer. It holds the CPU, the BIOS, the memory and so on.
  • Page 110 Glossary Term PCMCIA Pixel Port replicator Processor Product recovery CD-ROM PS/2 PSTN Definition PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) is the name of the group that produced the specification for the credit card-sized plug-in boards for laptop computers. The cards used to be called PCMCIA cards, but as this was rather unpronounceable, these cards are now termed PC cards.
  • Page 111 Glossary Term Resolution RGB signal cable SDRAM Standard RAM System recovery System recovery CD-ROM Definition The degree of sharpness and clarity of an image. Resolution is expressed in pixels. Frequent computer screen resolutions are 640 x 480 pixels (VGA resolution; appropriate for a 14-inch screen), 800 x 600 (appropriate for a 15-inch screen), 1,024 by 768 (appropriate for a 17-inch screen), and 1,280 by 1,024.
  • Page 112 Term VAIO Definition Short for Video Audio Integrated Operation. Brand name covering Sony's PC products, peripherals, accessories and software. VAIO-branded items are all designed to make the best use of Sony's Audio-Video (AV) and Information Technology (IT) skills. WAN (Wide Area Network) is a computer network connected together and covering a relatively large geographical area.

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