Sony F400 Service Manual
Sony Notebook
Computer
User Guide
PCG-F400 / PCG-F403 / PCG-F409
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Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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2
Notice to Users
©
2000 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.
TM
Sony, DVgate, i.LINK
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.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
, Mavica, PictureGear, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the
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 VAIOLink.
Serial number:________________________
Model number:
PCG-F400 / PCG-F403 / PCG-F409
NERGY STAR
As an E
has determined that this product
meets the E
for energy efficiency.
The International E
Office Equipment Program is an
international program that
promotes energy saving through
the use of computers and their
office equipment. The program
backs the development and
dissemination of products with
functions that effectively reduce
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
energy consumption. It is an open
system in which business
proprietors can participate
voluntarily. The targeted products
are office equipment such as
computers, displays, printers,
facsimiles and copiers. Their
standards and logos are uniform
among participating nations.
NERGY STAR
E
mark.
Partner, Sony
NERGY STAR
NERGY STAR
is an U.S. registered
guidelines
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WARNING
❏
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.
Regulatory Information
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)
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CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
TO EN 60825-1
m
Depending on 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.
4
✍
Disposal of Lithium ion
batteries
Dispose of properly at end-of-life.
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
In some areas the disposal of lithiu
ion batteries in household or
business waste may be prohibited.
Please use the public collection
system.
DISPOSAL
!
!
!
!
!
OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY
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 incinerate. 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.
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Contents
Welcome
About the User Guides ..........................................................................9
Unpacking Your Notebook Computer .............................................11
Ergonomic Considerations .................................................................12
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors.............................................. 14
Connecting a Power Source ...............................................................19
Starting Your Computer .....................................................................25
Shutting Down Your Computer ........................................................26
Registering Your Computer ...............................................................27
Using the Keyboard ............................................................................28
Using the Touchpad ............................................................................ 35
Using the Floppy Disk Drive .............................................................37
Using the DVD-ROM / CD-ROM Drive .......................................... 40
Using PC Cards .................................................................................... 42
Using Programmable Power Keys (PPK) .......................................44
Using Smart Connect .......................................................................... 47
Using Infrared Communication Devices .........................................48
Using Power Saving Modes ...............................................................50
5
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Using a Second Battery Pack .............................................................52
Using the Weight Saver ......................................................................55
Connecting peripheral devices
PC card modem* .................................................................................. 58
Port Replicator .....................................................................................61
Printer ....................................................................................................64
External Display .................................................................................. 66
AV Devices ........................................................................................... 69
Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Device ..................................... 70
Memory Sticks™ ..................................................................................72
Digital Video Camera Recorder ........................................................73
MiniDisc® deck with MD Player ......................................................74
External Mouse or Keyboard .............................................................76
External Speakers ................................................................................ 77
External Microphone ..........................................................................78
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device ....................................................79
Getting Help
About Sony’s Support Options ..........................................................80
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................82
Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs ...........................................94
6
Notes on Use .....................................................................98
Adding Memory ...................................................................................98
Other precautions .............................................................................. 103
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Specifications ...................................................................110
Index ................................................................................114
7
Welcome
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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).
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
Exceptional performance
❑
ROM drive and a PC card modem (depending on the model).
Portability
❑
power.
Sony audio and video quality
❑
take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and
entertainment software.
Multimedia features
❑
Windows® 98 Second Edition
❑
from Microsoft.
Communications -
❑
browse the Internet...
Excellent customer support
❑
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 for the peripherals or software.
- The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC
- Your PC includes a fast Intel® processor, a fast DVD-
- A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to
- Enjoy the stereo speakers to listen to audio and video CDs.
- Your system includes the latest operating system
Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails,
- If you have any problem with your computer, you
Welcome
About the User Guides
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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About the User Guides
Your Documentation Pack contains paper and on-line user guides on a
Documentation CD-ROM:
Printed Documentation:
Setting Up
A
❑
Guide
, where you will find all the basic information to start using your Notebook
Computer;
A complete Regulatory and safety information poster;
❑
Your Sony Guarantee conditions.
❑
poster in colour and a
On-line Documentation:
This User Guide:
1
Getting Started
brochure; a
Customer
9
Using Your Sony Notebook Computer
❑
components of your system.
Connecting Peripheral Devices
❑
connecting various peripherals.
Getting Help
❑
troubleshooting tips.
Notes on Use
❑
Specifications
❑
Refer to your
2
Sony applications:
explains the support options available to you, and offers basic
provides facts and advice about using your notebook computer.
provides details of your computer, drivers and accessories.
Software Guide
shows you how to use the standard
explains how you can add functionality by
for information on the bundled software and the
Welcome
About the User Guides
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10
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
About the Software
❑
installed on your system
Customizing your notebook
❑
management with Sony Notebook Setup, PPK Setup, PowerPanel, BatteryScope,
etc.
Learn how to set your display with NeoMagic
Display option.
Consult the
3
information on features and troubleshooting.
On-line Help
is a short description of the features of the software pre-
explains how to set your system and power
®
and enjoy the Dual Screen
files of the software you're using for detailed
Welcome
About the User Guides
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✍
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
*Depending on the type of Sony
Notebook you have purchased,
some accessories may be
optional. However, you need to
have these peripherals to enjoy
some of the features described in
this manual.
Unpacking Your Notebook Computer
Remove the following hardware items from the box:
DVD- / CD-ROM drive
(installed at factory)
AC adapter
PC card
modem
Main unit
*
Rechargeable
battery pack
Product Recovery
CD-ROMs
Power cord
Phone plug
(country specific)
Floppy disk drive
*
Documentation Pack
Video cable
Phone cable
Weight Saver
*
Welcome
About the User Guides
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Ergonomic Considerations
You will be using your notebook computer 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:
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.
Welcome
About the User Guides
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Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
Furniture and posture –
❑
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 backwards.
Viewing angle of the computer’s display –
❑
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 as well.
Lighting –
❑
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 –
❑
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
❑
comfortable typing.
Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and
– You use the tilt stands to place the computer at an angle that allows
Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of
Use the display’s tilting feature to
When using an external display, set the
Using Your Notebook Computer
3
4
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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 and the battery...
Locating the Controls and Connectors
Right
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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1
PPK buttons (page 44)
2
Power button
DVD-ROM / CD-ROM drive
)
(page 40
Multi-purpose bay (pages 37,
40)
5
Internal microphone
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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✍
AC adapter mains connector and
power cord: hazardous voltage,
according to EN 60950.
All other connectors for this
notebook are SELV (Safety Extra
Low Voltage), according to
EN 60950.
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
Left
S400 i.LINKTM connector
1 4
(page 73)
2 5
Infrared port (page 48)
Video Out connector
3 6
i
Headphone connector (page 77) Battery bay (page 20)
m
Microphone connector (page 78)
PC card slots (page 42)
7
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
Front
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Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
!
1
LCD screen (page 33) Left/right buttons (page 35) Num Lock indicator (page 32)
2
Speakers (page 33)
3 7
Keyboard (page 28) Battery 1 and 2 indicators (page 31) Scroll Lock indicator (page 32)
4
Touchpad (page 35) Hard disk drive indicator (page 31)
5
6
Power indicator (page 25) Caps Lock indicator (page 32)
!
8
9
10
11
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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✍
There is a ventilation slot located
near the USB connector. Do not
cover the ventilation slot when
your computer is on.
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
Back
Cover
1 4
Mouse connector (page 76)
2 5
Serial connector (page 70)
3 6
Printer (page 64)
a
Monitor connector (page 66)
USB connectors (page 79)
DC In (page 19)
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
Bottom
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Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
1
Port replicator connector cover Tilt stands
2
Release lever
3
Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
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✍
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
Connecting a Power Source
You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.
Using the AC Adapter
Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on the
1
computer.
Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.
2
Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
3
Notebook computer
3
1
DC in
SELV according to EN 60950
AC adapter
(supplied)
Power cord (hazardous voltage
2
according to EN 60950)
(supplied)
Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
Using Battery Power
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 right side of the computer. (See “
Using a Second Battery Pack”.). 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
Open the cover of the battery bay.
1
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the left side of the computer.
2
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Battery pack
(supplied)
Label facing down
Using Your Notebook Computer
B
Connecting a Power Source
Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks.
3
To charge the battery pack
Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
1
Insert the battery pack.
2
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.
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
There are two battery indicator lights on the computer:
attery indicators
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Secondary battery pack
(not supplied)
Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
Battery Indicator Meaning
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Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
1
2
Battery Indicator Light Status Meaning
On
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.
The computer is using battery
power.
Single blink
Double blink
Off
The battery is running out of power.
The battery is charging.
The computer is using AC power.
Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
✍
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, please refer to "Displaying Battery information" in
your Software Guide.
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
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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.
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Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
To remove the battery pack
Open 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
1
Pull out the battery pack.
2
Close the cover of the battery bay.
3
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Using Your Notebook Computer
Starting Your Computer
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✍
If you press the power button for
more than four seconds, the
computer will turn off.
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
Starting Your Computer
Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover.
1
LCD lock lever
Press the power button of the computer until the green power indicator light
2
turns on.
Power indicator
Power button
If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display with Fn+F5. To
3
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
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!
To avoid potential loss of data,
follow these steps to shut down
your computer.
✍
Respond to any prompts warning
you to save documents.
If you are unable to shut down
your computer using the steps
described above,
-close all software in use,
-remove the PC cards if inserted,
-disconnect any USB devices,
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
Shutting Down Your Computer
Click the Start button on the Windows®98 Second Edition taskbar.
1
Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut Down
2
Windows dialog box.
Select Shut down.
3
Click on OK.
4
Wait for your computer to turn off automatically. The power indicator will turn
5
off.
Turn off any peripheral connected to your computer.
6
Using Your Notebook Computer
Registering Your Computer
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✍
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
You must connect your phone line
before using any online services,
including the online registration
service. Please refer to
“Connecting to a phone line”.
To access the on-line Registration
web page, you must have a
connection to the internet.
You need to plug in the PC Card
Modem* and the phone line to
use the communication features
described in this manual.
*Depending on the model, this
accessory could be optional.
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 –
❑
Customer Service Guide for addresses and phone numbers).
Guarantee –
❑
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:
Click on the Welcome button on your Desktop,
1
Click Next,
2
Click Internet,
3
Fill in your Registration card fields,
4
Scroll down to the bottom of the form and click Send,
5
Click OK.
6
You can contact VAIO-Link by telephone, fax or e-mail (see your
Protect your investment. See the Guarantee Card for the terms and
Using Your Notebook Computer
Using the Keyboard
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.
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Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
Escape key
Shift key
Ctrl key
Fn key
Windows
Alt key
®
98 key
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
subtraction. Note that you must press the Num Lock key
to activate the numeric keypad. (When you do so, the
Num Lock light will illuminate.)
Function keys
Print screen key
Correction keys
Navigation keys
Application key
Numeric keypad area
Using Your Notebook Computer
Using the Keyboard
Keys Descriptions
Navigation keys Several keys are devoted to moving the cursor on the
Correction keys The Insert, Back Space, and Delete keys enable you to
Function keys The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard
Escape key The Esc (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.
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screen.
make corrections in your documents.
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.
29
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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 $.
®
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" for further details.
Using Your Notebook Computer
Using the Keyboard
Keys Descriptions
Fn key The Fn key is used in combination with other keys to
Applications key The Applications key displays a shortcut menu of
Combinations and Functions with the Windows®98 Key
Combinations Functions
+ F1 Displays Windows Help
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
+ Tab Switches the selected button on the taskbar.
+ E Displays Windows Explorer.
+ F Displays the Windows Find: All Files window to find
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issue commands. See “Combinations and functions with
the Fn key”.
context-sensitive choices; pressing this key is the
equivalent of clicking the right mouse button.
a file or folder. This is the equivalent of selecting
Find and then Files or Folders from the Start menu.
30
+ 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.
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