Sony F200 Service Manual

Sony Notebook Computer

User Guide

Notice to Users

© 1999 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.

ONY 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

ORPORATION 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 PictureGear, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Windows and the Windows 98 logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel, MMX, Celeron and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.

All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

EVENT SHALL SONY

. IN NO

, Mavica,

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 VAIO-Link.

Serial number:________________________ Model number:

PCG-F250 / PCG-F270 / PCG-F290

WA RN I N G

❏ Opening the unit, for whatever

reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.

❏ To avoid electrical shock, do not open

the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

❏ 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.

❏ 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.

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Regulatory Information DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION

BATTERY

This product conforms to the following European Directives: 73/23/EEC (Low Voltage Directive) 89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC (EMC Directives) 93/68/EEC (CE Marking Directive)

This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 50082-1 for use in following areas: residential, commercial and light-industrial.

This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 metres (9.8 feet)

According to the model: The DVD-ROM / CD-ROM is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair and maintenance only by authorized Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.

! Do not handle damaged or leaking

Lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly.

! 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 (see below).

! The battery pack used in this

device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not disassemble, heat above 100°C (212°F) or incenerate. Dispose of used battery promptly.

! Keep away from children.

! Your notebook is equipped with an

internal backup memory battery. For changing this battery, please contact VAIO Link.

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

TO EN 60825-1

NERGY STAR

As an E has determined that this product meets the E for energy efficiency. Energy Star is an U.S. registered mark.

Partner, Sony

NERGY STAR

✍ Disposal of Lithium ion batteries

Dispose of properly at end-of-life. In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited. Please use the public collection system.

guidelines

Contents

Welcome

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...................................................................... 22

Shutting Down Your Computer......................................................... 23

Registering Windows® 98................................................................... 24

Registering Your Computer................................................................25

Using the Keyboard ............................................................................. 26

Using the Floppy Disk Drive..............................................................33

Using the DVD-ROM / CD-ROM Drive .......................................... 35

Using PC Cards.....................................................................................37

Using the Programmable Power Keys (PPK)...................................40

Using Smart Connect ........................................................................... 42

Using Infrared Communication Devices ..........................................43

Using Power Saving Modes................................................................ 45

Using a Second Battery Pack .............................................................. 47

Using the Weight Saver .......................................................................49

Connecting peripheral devices

PC card modem .................................................................................... 52

Activating the functionnality of your modem PC Card................. 54

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Port Replicator.......................................................................................56

Printer.....................................................................................................59

External Display....................................................................................60

Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Device......................................63

To use Memory Sticks..........................................................................65

Digital Video Camera Recorder..........................................................66

MiniDisc® deck with MD Player........................................................67

External Mouse or Keyboard..............................................................69

External Speakers..................................................................................70

External Microphone............................................................................71

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device.....................................................72

Getting Help

About Sony’s Support Options...........................................................73

Troubleshooting...................................................................................74

Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs............................................82

Notes on Use......................................................................85

Specifications.....................................................................91

Index...................................................................................93

Welcome

Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO Notebook Computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing. Here are just some of the features your Sony Notebook Computer has to offer (read the details in the Specifications chapter of this guide).

❑ Exceptional performance - Your PC includes a fast Intel

fast CD-ROM drive or a DVD-ROM drive (according to the model), and a PC card modem (according to the model).

❑ 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.

❑ Communications - Access popular online services, send and receive

e-mails, browse the Internet, and use the dialing and fax features.

❑ Excellent customer support - If you have any problem with your

computer, you can contact VAIO-Link by telephone, fax or e-mail (see your Customer Service Guide for phone numbers and addresses). Before calling VAIO-Link, you may try to solve the problem by reading your User Guide (troubleshooting chapter) or the manuals and Help files of the peripherals or software.

processor, a

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

About the User Guides

This User Guide :

❑ 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.

❑ Getting Help explains the support options available to you, and

offers basic troubleshooting tips.

❑ Notes on Use provides facts and advice about using your notebook

computer.

❑ Specifications of your computer, drivers and accessories.

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-installled on your system

❑ Customizing your notebook explains you how to set your system

and power management with Sony Notebook Setup, PPK Setup, PowerPanel, BatteryScope... Learn how to set your display with NeoMagic Screen Display option.

On-line User Guides are included with your computer as electronic documents.

and enjoy the Dual

Unpacking Your Notebook Computer

Remove the following hardware items from the box:

Welcome

DVD- / CD-ROM drive

(installed)

PC card modem*

Main unit

AC adapter

Rechargeable battery pack

CD-ROM

Phone plug*

Power cord

Floppy disk drive

(installed at factory)

User manualsProduct Recovery

Phone cable*

Weight Saver

✍*Depending on the type of Sony Notebook you purchased, the PC card modem (and

accessories) may be optional. However, you need to have these peripherals to enjoy some of the features described in this manual.

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

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.

Computer positioned directly in front of you

Arms at desk level

Wrists relaxed and flat

❑ 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 brightness setting 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 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.

❑ 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.

❑ Tilt stands – You use the tilt stands to place the computer at an angle

that allows comfortable typing.

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, the disk drives, the battery...

Locating the Controls and Connectors

Front

LCD screen (page 30)

Speakers (page 30)

Keyboard (page 26) Num Lock indicator (page 29)

Touchpad (page 32)

Left/right buttons (page 32) Scroll Lock indicator (page 29)

Power indicator (page 29)

Battery 1 and 2 indicators (page 29)

Hard disk drive indicator (page 29)

Caps Lock indicator (page 29)

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Left

1 5

1 Power switch (page 22)

2 6

Infrared port (page 43) PC card slots (page 37)

m Microphone connector (page 71) Battery bay (page 18)

i Headphone connector

✍

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

S200 i.LINK

connector (page 66)

All other connectors for this notebook are SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage), according to EN 60950.

Right

1 3

PPK buttons (page 40) Multi-purpose bay (pages 33, 35)

2 4

DVD-ROM / CD-ROM drive (page 35) Internal microphone

Back

Using Your Notebook Computer

cover

1 4

/ Mouse/Keyboard connector (page 69)

2 5

Serial connector (page 63)

3 6

Printer (page 59)

a Monitor connector (page 60)

USB connector (page 72)

DC In (page 17)

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Bottom

Port replicator connector cover Tilt stands

Release lever

✍

There is a ventilation slot located near the USB connector. Do not cover the ventilation slot

when your computer is on.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

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

the computer.

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

Notebook computer

DC in

SELV according to EN 60950

✍

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.

AC adapter (supplied)

Power cord (supplied)

Hazardous Voltage accordin g to EN 60950

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Using Battery Power

You can use one or two battery packs as a source of power. You can insert the second battery pack into the multi-purpose bay on the right side of the computer. (See “ Using a Second Battery Pack” on page 47.). 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. Follow the steps below to insert and charge the battery pack.

To insert the battery pack

1 Open the cover of the battery bay.

2 Insert 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 until it clicks.

Using Your Notebook Computer

To charge the battery pack

1 Connect the AC adapter to the computer. 2 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. To charge the battery completely, continue charging for an additional hour.

A fully charged battery pack supplies power for approximately 2 to 3 hours. The time varies according to your system configuration. See your Software guide,in “Displaying Battery Information" for information on checking the battery life.

There are two battery indicator lights on the computer:

Battery indicators

Battery pack (supplied)

Battery Indicator Meaning

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.

Secondary battery pack (not supplied)

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Battery Indicator Light Status

On The computer is using battery power.

Single blink The battery is running out of power.

Double blink The battery is charging.

Off The computer is using AC power.

Meaning

✍ For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter

system hibernation mode when 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.

When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink. To determine the time the battery lasts, see your Software guide, in "Displaying Battery information".

See “Using a second battery pack” for information on installing and charging a battery pack in the multi-purpose bay.

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

You can extend battery life by changing the power management modes in the PowerPanel utility. See your Software guide, in “Controlling Power Management".

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 depleted, the battery indicator starts flashing.

Using Your Notebook Computer

To remove the battery pack

1 Open the cover of the battery bay. 2 Pull out the battery pack.

3 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 system suspend mode.

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Starting Your Computer

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

cover.

LCD lock lever

2 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.

Power indicator

3 If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display with

Fn+F5. To increase the brightness, use the up or right arrow keys. To decrease use the down or left arrow keys.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Shutting Down Your Computer

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

1 Click the Start button on the Windows

98 taskbar.

2 Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut

Down Windows dialog box.

3 Select Shut down. 4 Click OK.

✍

Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.

5 Wait for your computer to turn off automatically. The power indicator

(green) turns off.

6 Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.

✍

If you are unable to shut down your computer using the steps described previously, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys at the same time 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 your Software guide, in "Controlling Power Management".

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Registering Windows® 98

✍

You must register Windows® 98 before you can use the computer.

The first time you turn on your computer, you need to complete a few steps to register and configure the Windows installed on your computer.

The on-screen instructions guide you through the registration and configuration process. The following is an overview of the process.

98 software that is already

1 Gathering information:

❑ Enter your name. ❑ Read and accept the License Agreement. ❑ Enter your Certificate of Authenticity number located on the

cover of the Microsoft Windows

2 Windows

❑ Click the Finish button on the Windows

98 setup:

98 Getting Started manual.

98 Setup Wizard screen.

3 Selecting your computer settings:

❑ If necessary, change the Time Zone, Date and Time on the Date/

Time Properties screen.

4 Learning about Windows

❑ If you want, take the tour of Windows

98:

98.

Using Your Notebook Computer

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 for phone numbers).

❑ Guarantee – Protect your investment. See the Guarantee Card for the

terms and conditions and please refer to your Customer Service Guide for more information.

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 to a phone line”.

1 Enter the information requested in the online registration form. 2 Click the Register now button and complete the form.

Click 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.

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Using the Keyboard

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

Escape Key Function keys Print Screen key

Correction keys

Shift key

Ctrl key

Fn key

Windows 98 key

Applications key

Alt key

Numeric keypad area

Navigation keys

Keys Descriptions

Numeric keypad area

Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform mathematical calculations such as addition and subtrac tion. Note that you must press the Num Lock key to acti vate 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.

Correction keys The Insert, Back Space, and Delete keys enable you to

make corrections in your documents.

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 associ ated with each function key may vary from one applica tion to the next.

Escape key The Esc (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Keys Descriptions

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 applica tions, 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 $.

Win dows

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

98 key".

Fn key The Fn key is used in combination with other keys to

issue commands. See “Combinations and functions with the Fn key”.

Applications key The Applications key displays a shortcut menu of con

text-sensitive choices; pressing this key is the equivalent of clicking the right mouse button.

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Combinations and Functions with the Windows

Combinations Functions

+ F1 Displays Windows Help

+ Tab Switches the selected button on the taskbar.

+ E Displays Windows Explorer.

+ F 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.

+ Ctrl + F Displays the Windows Find: Computer window

where you can locate other computers. This is the equivalent of selecting Find and then Computer 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 + + Insert Displays the Properties window. This is the

equivalent of double-clicking the System icon in the Control Panel.

98 Key

Indicators

Indicator Functions

Using Your Notebook Computer

Power

Battery 1 Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the battery

Battery 2 Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the multi-

Hard disk Lights when data is read from or written to the hard

Light

Num Lock

Caps Lock

Power on: lights green. System Idle mode: lights amber.

System suspend mode: flashes amber.

bay on the left side of the computer.

purpose bay on the right side of the computer.

drive. Do not enter System Suspend mode or turn off the computer when this indicator light is on.

On Off

Turns on when the number keys area in the numeric keypad are active.

Turns on when the letters appear in uppercase as you type. The Shift key lowers

Turns off when the alphanumeric character keys in the key pad area are active.

Turns off when letters appear in lower case as you type (unless you

hold down the Shift key). the case of typed letters when Caps Lock is on.

Scroll Lock

Turns on when the screen scrolls dif ferently. (Exactly how

Turns off when

information moves across

the display normally. it scrolls depends on the specific application. It has no effect in many applications.)

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

Combinations/Feature Functions

Fn+ (ESC) System Suspend

Puts the system into System Suspend mode, a power management state. To return the system to the active state, press any key.

Fn+ t (F2) Display power status

Fn+ (F3)

Displays the power status, as in the example below:

Using Ac power Charging the

Toggles the built-in speaker off and on.

Speaker switch

Fn+ 2 (F4) Speaker volume

Adjusts the built-in speakers volume. To increase volume, press Fn+F4, then V or b To decrease volume, press Fn+F4, then v or B

Fn+ 8 (F5) Brightness control

Adjusts the brightness of the LCD. To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5, then V or b To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5, then v or B

Fn+ 6 (F6) Contrast control

Only applicable for models equipped with an HPA display: To increase contrast, press Fn+F6, then V or b To decrease contrast, press Fn+F6, then v or B

LCD

Fn+ / (F7) Switch to the external display

LCD

Fn+ / (F8) Not available on this model.

Toggles through the LCD, external display (connected to the Monitor connector) and both LCD and external display.

Only LCD

Only external display

battery

LCD and external display

Fn+ (F12) System Hibernation

Fn+S System Idle

Fn+D Video standby

Fn+E Eject DVD- / CD-ROM

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

Puts the system into Idle mode, a power management state. To return to the active state, press any key.

Turns off the LCD in order to save power.

Ejects the DVD-ROM / CD-ROM tray.

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