SONY 741 Service Manual

Sony Notebook Computer

User Guide

PCG-745 / PCG-747

Notice to Users

© 1998 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form without prior written approval.

SONY CORPORATION PROVIDES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL,

THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE OR SUCH OTHER INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL SONY

CORPORATION BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON TORT,

CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR TO USE THEREOF.

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.

Sony, DVgate, i.LINK, Mavica, PictureGear, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Windows and the Windows 98 logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Intel, MMX, and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.

All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.

Energy Star is an U.S. registered mark.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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 your Sony Service Center.

Model Number: PCG-745/PCG-747

Serial Number:________________________

WARNING

Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your Sony Notebook Computer to rain or moisture.

To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

Never install modem or telephone wiring during a lightning storm.

Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations

Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.

Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.

Avoid using the modem during an electrical storm.

Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.

Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC-adapter.

Please make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

Regulatory Information

This product conforms with the following European Directives: 73/23/EEC (Low Voltage Directive)

89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC (EMC Directive)

93/68/EEC (CE-Marking Directive)

This equipment complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 50082-1 for use in following areas: residential, business and lightindustrial.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 metres (9,8 feet).

The CD-ROM is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser Products Safety Standard EN 60825. Repair and maintenance only by authorized Sony technicians. Improper repairs can create a safety hazard.

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

TO EN 60825

DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.

!Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries.

!Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

!The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn

hazard if mistreated. Do not disassemble, heat above 212° (100°C) or incinerate. Dispose of used battery promptly. Keep away from children.

!Your notebook is equipped with an internal backup memory. For changing this battery, please contact VAIO Link.

In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited. Please use the public collection system.

Dispose of properly at end-of-life.

Contents

Welcome

 

Unpacking Your Notebook Computer .........................................

2

Ergonomic Considerations .............................................................

3

Using Your Notebook Computer

 

Locating the Controls and Connectors .........................................

5

Connecting a Power Source ...........................................................

8

Starting Your Computer ...............................................................

12

Shutting Down Your Computer ..................................................

13

Registering Windows® 98.............................................................

14

Registering Your Computer .........................................................

15

Using the Keyboard.......................................................................

16

Using the Touchpad ......................................................................

22

Using the Floppy Disk Drive .......................................................

23

Using the CD-ROM Drive ............................................................

26

Using the Earphone with Remote Control.................................

29

Using PC Cards ..............................................................................

32

Using Infrared Communication Devices....................................

34

Using Power Saving Modes .........................................................

36

Using a Second Battery Pack........................................................

37

Using the Weight Saver ................................................................

40

Connecting Peripheral Devices

 

Connecting a PC card modem .....................................................

42

Connecting the Docking Station ..................................................

44

Connecting a Printer......................................................................

51

v

vi VAIO MicroNotebook Computer Getting Started

 

Connecting an External Display...................................................

52

Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard .............................

56

Connecting External Speakers......................................................

56

Connecting an External Microphone...........................................

57

Connecting a Digital Still Camera

 

or Other Serial Device....................................................................

58

Connecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder...........................

59

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device ......................

60

Using the Media Bar..........................................................

61

Media Bar Functions ......................................................................

62

Customizing Your Notebook Computer

 

Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen.............................

63

Controlling Power Management..................................................

65

Displaying Battery Information ...................................................

68

Selecting the Display Mode ..........................................................

71

Getting Help

 

About Sony’s Support Options ....................................................

73

Troubleshooting .............................................................................

74

Using the Product Recovery CD-ROM .......................................

80

Notes on Use ......................................................................

83

Adding Memory.............................................................................

88

Index...................................................................................

91

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony Notebook Computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personalcomputing. Here are just some of the features your Sony Notebook Computer has to offer (read the details in your About Your Sony Notebook Computer guide).

Exceptional performance Your PC includes a fast Intel® Pentium® processor with MMXtechnology, a 24x (maximum performance) CD-ROM drive, and a 56 kbps PC card modem.

Portability – The rechargeable battery pack provides two to five hours of use without AC power.

Sony audio and video quality – High-quality MPEG1 video, which supports full-screen display (12.1-inch Active Matrix LCD screen for the PCG-747 and 12.1-inch Passive Matrix LCD screen for the PCG745) and enables you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.

Multimedia features – Enjoy the stereo speakers or use the supplied earphone to listen to audio and video CDs. The earphone includes a remote control. You can even listen to audio CDs when your computer is in suspend (sleep) mode.

Windows® 98 Your system includes the latest operating system from Microsoft.

Communications – Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet, and use the built-in speakerphone, answering machine, and fax features.

Excellent customer support: VAIO Link – If you have some problems with your computer, you can contact VAIO Link by telephone, fax or e-mail (see your Customer Service Guide and VAIO Space for phone numbers). Before calling VAIO Link, try to solve the problem by reading your User Guide (troubleshooting chapter) or the manuals and helpfiles of the peripherals or software.

1

2 Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Unpacking Your Notebook Computer

Remove the following hardware items from the box:

 

Rechargeable

 

 

Main unit

battery pack

Floppy disk drive

PC card modem

 

 

 

 

Weight Saver

Product Recovery

User manuals

 

CD-ROM

 

 

 

CD-ROM drive

 

 

 

(installed)

 

 

 

AC adapter

Power cord

Floppy disk

 

drive cable

 

 

 

 

Phone plug

Earphone

Video cable

Phone cable

You can find the complete list of the items that come with your computer in the About Your Sony Notebook Computer guide.

Welcome 3

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.

Wrists relaxed

Computer positioned

directly in front of you

and flat

 

Arms at desk level

Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you as you work. Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position while using the keyboard, touchpad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Take breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.

Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning far backward.

Viewing angle of the computer’s display – Use the display’s tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position.

Adjust the contrast or brightness settings of the display also.

Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid

4 Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

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.

Tilt stand – You use the tilt stand to place the computer at an angle that allows comfortable typing.

Placement of an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable viewing distance. Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

Using Your Notebook Computer

This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal and external devices, such as the touchpad, floppy disk drive, and CD-ROM drive.

Locating the Controls and Connectors

Front

1

LCD screen (pages 20, 83)

7

 

2

Speakers (page 56)

8

 

3

Keyboard (page 16)

9

 

4

Touchpad (page 22)

 

10

 

5

Left/right button (page 22)

 

11

 

6

Microphone (page 57)

 

12

 

1

2

Num

Caps Scroll

Lock

Lock Lock

 

 

Power indicator (pages 12, 18)

Hard disk drive indicator (page 18)

Battery 1/2 indicators (pages 18, 68)

Num Lock indicator (page 19)

Caps Lock indicator (page 19)

Scroll Lock indicator (page 19)

5

6 Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Left

 

Power switch (page 12)

 

 

1

4

Earphone connector (pages 29, 56)

 

 

Hard disk drive

 

Microphone connector (page 57)

2

5

 

 

Battery bay (pages 9, 47)

 

Line In connector

3

6

 

There is a ventilation slot located directly above the earphone connector. Do not cover the ventilation slot when your computer is on.

All connectors for this notebook are: SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage), according to EN60950.

Phone cable and phone cable connectors: TNV (Telecommunication Voltage), according to EN 60950.

AC adapter mains connector and power cord: hazardous voltage, according to EN 60950.

Using Your Notebook Computer

7

 

 

 

 

Right

1

2

1PC card slots (page 32)

2Multi-purpose bay (page 23)

Back

cover

cover

1

 

 

 

DC In (page 8)

2

 

 

 

Serial COM1 connector (page 58)

3

Infrared port (page 34)

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

USB connector (page 60)

5

/

 

 

Mouse/Keyboard connector (page 56)

 

 

6

Monitor connector (page 52)

7

Docking station (page 44)

 

 

8

/

FDD/Printer connector (page 51)

 

 

Video Out connector (page 54)

9

 

8 Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Connecting a Power Source

You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.

Using the AC Adapter

1Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on the computer.

2Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.

3Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.

Notebook computer

1

AC adapter

 

 

(supplied)

 

DC in

2

3

 

SELV according to

 

 

EN60950

 

 

 

Power cord (supplied)

 

 

Hazardous Voltage

 

 

according to EN60950

Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.

Please make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

Using Your Notebook Computer

9

 

 

 

 

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 Power Saving Modes” on page 36.) Additional battery packs are available as a separate option.

The battery pack that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase. Follow the steps below to insert and charge the battery pack.

To insert the battery pack

1 Open the cover of the battery bay.

2Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the left side of the computer.

Battery pack (supplied)

Label side facing down

3 Close the cover of the battery bay.

To charge the battery pack

1Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

2Insert the battery pack if needed.

10 Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes twice at a slow interval as the battery charges). When the battery is 85% full, the battery indicator light turns off. This process takes approximately two hours. To charge the battery completely, continue charging for an additional hour.

A fully charged battery pack supplies power for approximately 2.5 to 5.5 hours.The time may differ according to the conditions of use.

See “Displaying Detailed Battery Information” on page 69 for information on checking the battery life.

There are two battery indicator lights on the computer:

Battery indicators

1 2

Secondary battery pack (not supplied)

Battery pack (supplied)

Battery Indicator

Meaning

1

2

Indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the left side of the computer.

Indicates the status of the battery pack in the multipurpose bay on the right side of the computer.

Battery Indicator

 

Light Status

Meaning

 

 

On

The computer is using battery power.

 

 

Flashing with the

The battery is running out of power.

power indicator

 

 

 

Flashing twice at a

The battery is charging.

slow interval

 

 

 

Off

The computer is using AC power.

 

 

See “Using a Second Battery Pack” on page 37 for information on installing and charging a battery pack in the multi-purpose bay.

Using Your Notebook Computer

11

 

 

 

 

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.

If your battery level falls to less than 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery.

When the remaining battery charge drops to 7%, the computer automatically enters System Hibernation mode. This may result in data loss as the system changes modes.

You can extend battery life by changing the power management modes in the PowerPanel utility. See “Using Power Saving Modes” on page 36.

The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged at any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life.

The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When battery life is nearly over, the battery indicator starts flashing.

To remove the battery pack

1

2

Open the cover of the battery bay.

Pull out the battery pack.

3Close 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 System Suspend mode.

12 Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Starting Your Computer

1Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover.

LCD lock lever

2Slide the power switch on the left side toward the front of the computer until the power indicator light turns on (green).

Power switch

Power indicator

If you hold the power switch in the on position for more than four seconds, the computer turns off.

Note on contrast (PCG-745 only): as the contrast of a LCD is variable, adjust the contrast as follows:

To increase contrast, press Fn+F6 and then To decrease contrast, press Fn+F6 and then

or or .

Using Your Notebook Computer

13

 

 

 

 

Shutting Down Your Computer

! To avoid potential loss of data, follow these steps to shut down your computer.

1Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.

2Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut Down Windows dialog box.

3Select Shut Down.

4Click OK.

Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.

5Wait for your computer to turn off automatically.

6Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.

If you are unable to shut down your computer using the steps described above, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys at the same time and select Shut Down in the Task manager window to restart the computer. If you are unable to restart the computer in this way, you can slide the power switch forward and hold for four seconds. This operation may result in data loss.

During a period of inactivity, you can conserve battery life by using system suspend mode. See “Controlling Power Management” on page 65.

14 Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Registering Windows® 98

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. The following is an overview of the process.

1Gathering information:

Enter your name.

Read and accept the License Agreement.

Enter your Certificate of Authenticity number located on the cover of the Introducing Windows 98 manual.

2Windows 98 setup:

Click the Finish button on the Windows 98 Setup Wizard screen.

3Selecting your computer settings:

If necessary, change the Time Zone, Date and Time on the Date/ Time Properties screen.

4Learning about Windows 98:

If you want, take the tour of Windows 98.

Using Your Notebook Computer

15

 

 

 

 

Registering Your Computer

You can take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive the following benefits by registering your computer with Sony:

VAIO Link – You can contact VAIO Link by telephone, fax or e-mail (see your Customer Service Guide and VAIO Space for phone numbers).

Extended Guarantee – Protect your investment. See the Guarantee Card for details. See your Customer Service Guide for extended 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. See “Connecting a PC card modem” on page 42.

1Enter the information requested on the online registration form.

2Click the Register now button and complete the form.

3Click the Send Directly Button to register your computer, via modem to modem connection. Your computer automatically transfers your registration information, using your PC Card modem and a preset phone number.

Click Send via Internet if you chose to send your information via the WWW.

16 Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer’s, the keyboard has additional keys that perform specific computer-related tasks.

Escape Key

Function keys

Print Screen key

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shift key

 

 

Gr

Ctrl key

 

 

Fn key

 

Applications key

Alt key

 

 

 

 

Windows key

Numeric keypad area

Keys

Descriptions

Numeric keypad

Contains the keys found on a typical calculator.

area

Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or

 

to perform mathematical calculations such as

 

addition and subtraction. Note that you must

 

press the Num Lock key to activate the numeric

 

keypad. (When you do so, the Num Lock light

 

will be on.)

 

 

Navigation keys

Several keys are devoted to moving the cursor on

 

the screen (the four arrow keys which also

 

function as the Home, End, Page Up, and Page

 

Down keys).

 

 

Correction keys

The Insert, Back Space, and Delete keys enable

 

you to make corrections in your documents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using Your Notebook Computer

17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keys

Descriptions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print Screen key

The Print Screen key takes an electronic snapshot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of the screen and places it in the Windows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clipboard. You can then paste the screen shot into

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a document and print it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operator keys

Several keys are always used with at least one

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other key: Ctrl, Alt, and Shift. When held down

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with another key, the Ctrl (Control) and Alt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Alternate) keys offer another way to give

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

commands. For example, in many applications,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

instead of choosing the Save command from a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

menu, you can hold down Ctrl and press S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(referred to as Ctrl+S). The Shift key is used to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

produce capital letters or special symbols such as

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

@ and $.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Windows 98 key

The key with the Windows logo displays the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Windows 98 Start menu; it’s the equivalent of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

clicking the Start button on the task bar. See

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Combinations and Functions with the Windows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key” on page 18.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fn key

The Fn key is used in combination with other keys

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to issue commands. See “Combinations and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Functions with the Fn Key” on page 20.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Applications key

The Applications key displays a shortcut menu of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

context-sensitive choices; pressing this key is the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

equivalent of clicking the right mouse button.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18 Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Combinations and Functions with the Windows Key

Combinations

Functions

 

+ F1

Displays Windows Help.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+ Tab

Switches the selected button on the taskbar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+ E

Displays Windows Explorer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+ F

Displays the Windows Find window to find a

 

 

 

 

 

 

file or folder. This is the equivalent of selecting

 

 

 

 

Find from the Start menu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

+ Ctrl + F

Displays Find window. This is the equivalent

 

 

 

 

 

 

of selecting Find from the Start menu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

+ M

Minimizes all displayed windows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shift +

 

+ M

Returns all minimized windows to their

 

 

 

 

 

 

previous size.

 

 

 

 

 

 

+ R

Displays the Run window. This is the

 

 

 

 

 

 

equivalent of selecting Run from the Start

 

 

 

 

menu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

+ Fn+ Pause

Displays the Properties window. This is the

 

 

 

 

 

 

equivalent of double-clicking the System icon

 

 

 

 

in the Control Panel.

 

 

 

 

 

Indicators

Indicators

Functions

Power

Lights when the power to the computer is turned

 

 

 

 

on. Flashes in system suspend mode.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turns off when the computer is in System

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hibernation mode or powered off.

 

 

 

 

 

Hard disk

Lights when data is being read from or written to

 

 

 

 

the hard drive. Do not enter system suspend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mode or turn off the computer when this

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

indicator light is on.

 

 

 

 

 

Battery 1

Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the

1

 

 

 

battery bay on the left side of the computer.

 

 

 

 

Battery 2

Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the

 

 

 

 

2

multi-purpose bay on the right side of the

 

 

 

 

 

computer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using Your Notebook Computer

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Light

On

Off

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Num Lock

Turns on when the

Turns off when the

 

 

 

number keys area in the

alphanumeric character keys

 

 

 

numeric keypad are

in the keypad area are

 

 

 

active.

active.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caps Lock

Turns on when the letters

Turns off when letters

 

 

 

appear in uppercase as

appear in lower case as you

 

 

 

you type.

type (unless you hold down

 

 

 

The Shift key lowers the

the Shift key).

 

 

 

case of typed letters when

 

 

 

 

 

Caps Lock is on.

 

 

 

 

Scroll Lock

Turns on when the screen

 

scrolls differently. (Exactly

 

how it scrolls depends on

 

the specific application. It

 

has no effect in many

 

applications.)

Turns off when information moves across the display normally.

20 Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

Combinations/

Functions

 

Feature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fn+

(ESC)

Puts the system into system suspend mode, a

power management state. To return the system

System suspend

to the active state, press any key or press the

mode

 

 

power switch on your computer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fn+

 

(F2)

Displays the power status, as in the two

 

 

examples below:

 

Display power status

 

Using AC

Charging

 

 

 

 

 

 

power

the battery

Fn+ (F3)

Speaker switch

Fn+ (F4) Speaker volume

Fn+ (F5) Brightness control

Fn+ (F6) Contrast control

Fn+ LCD / VGA (F7) Switch to the external display

Fn+

LCD

/

(F8)

Select video out

Fn+

(F9)

 

Toggles the built-in speaker between off and on.

Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.

To increase volume, press Fn+F4, then or .

To decrease volume, press Fn+F4, then

or .

Adjusts the brightness of the LCD.

To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5 and thenor .

To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5 and thenor .

(For PCG-745) Adjusts the contrast control on the LCD display.

To increase contrast, press Fn+F6, then

or

To decrease contrast, press Fn+F6, then

or .

(For PCG-747) The contrast control is not

currently used on the LCD display.

 

 

 

Toggles between LCD, external display

 

 

 

(connected to the

Monitor connector) and

both LCD and external display.

 

 

 

Only LCD

 

 

LCD and external display

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only external display

Toggles between LCD and TV connected to the Video Out connector.

Disconnects from the docking station when the power is on, in case that the charged battery is inserted in the computer.

Using Your Notebook Computer

21

 

 

 

 

Combinations/

Functions

Feature

 

Fn+ (F12) System hibernation mode

Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the state of the system and state of the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system power is turned off. To return the system to the original state, use the power switch to turn on the power.

Fn+E

Eject CD-ROM

Ejects the CD-ROM tray. This command is active only when the CD-ROM tray is in the multipurpose bay; it is inactive when the drive is in the docking station.

Fn+F

Zooms the display size in or out when the

display is set to low resolution.

Change the display

 

size

 

 

 

Fn+D

Turns off the LCD in order to save power.

 

Video standby

 

 

 

22 Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

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.

Pointer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Touchpad

 

Right button

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left button

 

 

 

 

 

Actions

Descriptions

 

 

 

 

 

Point

Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer on an item

 

or object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Single-click

Press the left button once.

 

 

 

 

 

Double-click

Press the left button twice.

 

 

 

 

 

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. When your

 

finger reaches a touchpad edge, the pointer keeps moving until

 

you lift your finger. Use this action to select and move objects.

 

 

 

 

 

Scroll

Move your finger along the right edge of the touchpad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Mouseware Properties for information on touchpad features, such as middle button click, adjusting touchpad speed, and Wheel Mouse functions. To access Mouseware Properties, double-click the Mouse icon in the Control Panel and click the Help button.

Using Your Notebook Computer

23

 

 

 

 

Using the Floppy Disk Drive

There are two ways to connect the floppy disk drive to your computer:

Externally, by connecting it to the computer’s FDD/Printer connector.

Internally, by inserting it into the multi-purpose bay.

The computer comes with the CD-ROM drive in the multi-purpose bay. If you want to use both the CD-ROM and the floppy disk drive at the same time, use the floppy disk drive as an external drive.

If you connect the floppy disk drive externally while your computer is on, use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to select Floppy Disk Drive. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” on page 63 for details.

To connect the floppy disk drive externally

Connect the floppy disk drive to the / FDD/Printer connector using the external floppy disk drive cable. If needed, restart.

Floppy disk drive (supplied)

to

/

External floppy disk drive cable

FDD/Printer

(supplied)

 

24 Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

To insert the floppy disk drive

1Turn off the computer.

2If another device is in the multi-purpose bay, remove the device. See “To remove the CD-ROM drive” on page 28 or “To remove the second battery pack” on page 39.

3Insert the floppy disk drive into the multi-purpose bay with the VAIO label facing up. Continue pushing the drive into the bay until the Eject lever locks into place.

Multi-purpose bay

Floppy disk drive

To insert a diskette

1Hold the diskette with the label side facing up.

2Gently push the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place.

Diskette

Floppy disk drive

SONY 741 Service Manual

Using Your Notebook Computer

25

To remove a diskette

When you finish using the diskette, press the Eject button to remove the diskette.

Eject button

LED indicator

If you have difficulty removing a diskette from the floppy disk drive, remove the floppy disk drive from the multi-purpose bay.

To remove the floppy disk drive

1Turn off the computer.

2There is an Eject lever on the bottom of the floppy disk drive. Slide this lever in the direction of the arrow.

Drive Eject lever on bottom

3Slide the drive out of the multi-purpose bay.

4Insert the weight saver. See “Using the Weight Saver” on page 40.

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