Sony PCG-954A, PCG-951A, PCG-953A, PCG-9552, PCG-9532 User Manual

VAIO® Notebook User Guide

PCG-FX120/FX120K, PCG-FX140/FX140K, PCG-FX150/FX150K, PCG-FX170/FX170K, PCG-FX190/FX190K

VAIO Notebook User Guide

Notice to Users

© 2001 Sony Electronics Inc. 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 ELECTRONICS INC. PROVIDES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR SUCH OTHER INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL SONY ELECTRONICS INC. 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 THE USE THEREOF.

Sony Electronics Inc. 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.

This product contains software owned by Sony and licensed by third parties. Use of such software is subject to the terms and conditions of license agreements enclosed with this product. Some of the software may not be transported or used outside the United States. Software specifications are subject to change without notice and may not necessarily be identical to current retail versions.

Updates and additions to software may require an additional charge. Subscriptions to online service providers may require a fee and credit card information. Financial services may require prior arrangements with participating financial institutions.

As an ENERGY STAR

Partner, Sony Corporation has determined that this product meets the

ENERGY STAR

guidelines for energy efficiency.

The International Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of computers and other office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce 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. registered mark.

Sony, Handycam, i.LINK, Mavica, Media Bar, MovieShaker, PictureGear, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Microsoft, Windows Me, Windows Media, Windows, Windows NT, and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel, SpeedStep, and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation. PS/2 is a registered trademark of IBM.

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is

ENERGY STAR Office

ENERGY STAR is a U.S.

intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited. i.LINK is a SONY trademark used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.

All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

Owner’s Record

The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony VAIO® Notebook. Refer to the model and serial number when you call your Sony Service Center.

Model Numbers: PCG-9512, PCG-9522, PCG9532, PCG9542, PCG-9552, PCG-951A, PCG-952A, PCG-953A, PCG-954A, PCG955A

Serial Number:________________________

Safety Information

WARNING

❑

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your 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.

❑ A socket outlet should be as close

as possible to the unit and easily accessible.

! To change the backup battery,

please contact your nearest Sony Service Center.

! Caution - The use of optical

instruments with this product will increase eye hazard. As the laser beam used in this product is harmful to the eyes, do not attempt to disassemble the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

! For CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive,

DVD-ROM drive: Danger - Visible and invisible laser radiation when open. Avoid direct exposure to beam.

! Caution: To reduce the risk of fire,

use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunication line cord.

AVERTISSEMENT

VAIO Notebook User Guide

❑ Pour prévenir tout risque

d’incendie ou d’électrocution, garder cet appareil à l’abri de la pluie et de l’humidité.

❑ Pour prévenir tout risque

d’électrocution, ne pas ouvrir le châssis de cet appareil et ne confier son entretien qu’à une personne qualifiée.

❑ Ne jamais effectuer l’installation

de fil modem ou téléphone durant un orage électrique.

❑ Ne jamais effectuer l’installation

d’une prise téléphonique dans un endroit mouillé à moins que la prise soit conçue à cet effet.

❑ Ne jamais toucher un fil

téléphonique à découvert ou un terminal à moins que la ligne téléphonique n’ait été débranché de l’interface réseau.

❑ Soyez très prudent lorsque vous

installez ou modifiez les lignes téléphoniques.

❑ Évitez d’utiliser le modem durant

un orage électrique.

❑ N'utilisez pas le modem ni le

téléphone pour prévenir d'une fuite de gaz vous êtes près de la fuite.

❑ L’appareil doit être le plus près

possible d’une prise murale pour en faciliter l’accès

! Pour changer la pile de rechange,

veuillez contacter votre centre de service Sony le plus près.

! Avertissement - L'utilisation

d'instruments optiques avec ce produit augmente les risques pour les yeux. Puisque le faisceau laser utilisé dans ce produit est dommageable pour les yeux, ne tentez pas de désassembler le boîtier. Adressez-vous à un agent de service qualifié.

! Pour les lecteur CD-RW/DVD-

ROM, lecteur DVD-ROM: Danger : Radiation laser visible et invisible si ouvert. Évitez l’exposition directe au faisceau.

! Attention : Afin de réduire les

risques d'incendie, n'utilisez qu'un cordon de communication N0. 26 AWG ou plus gros.

If you have questions about this product, you can reach the Sony Customer Information Service Center at 1-888-4SONYPC; or write to the Sony Customer Information Service Center at 12451 Gateway Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33913 or find Sony Customer Service on the web at: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY

Model No.: PCG-9512

Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.

Address: 1 Sony Drive

Telephone: (For FCC-related matters only.)

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful

interference.

(2) This device must accept any interference

received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause

PCG-9522 PCG-9532 PCG-9542 PCG-9552 PCG-951A PCG-952A PCG-953A PCG-954A PCG-955A

Park Ridge, NJ 07656

201-930-6972

harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

❑ Reorient or relocate the receiving

antenna.

❑ Increase the separation between

the equipment and the receiver.

❑ Connect the equipment into an

outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

❑ Consult the dealer or an

experienced radio/TV technician for help.

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Only peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) that comply with FCC Class B limits may be attached to this computer product. Operation with noncompliant peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and television reception.

All cables used to connect peripherals must be shielded and grounded. Operation with cables, connected to peripherals, that are not shielded and grounded, may result in interference to radio and television reception.

FCC Part 68

This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. On the bottom of this equipment is a label that contains, among other information,

VAIO Notebook User Guide

the FCC equivalence number (REN) for this equipment. If requested, this information must be provided to the telephone company.

This modem uses the USOC RJ-11 telephone jack.

The REN is used to determine the quantity of devices which may be connected to the telephone line. Excessive RENs on the telephone line may result in the devices not ringing in response to an incoming call. In most, but not all areas, the sum of the RENs should not exceed five (5.0). To be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to the line, as determined by the total RENs, contact the telephone company to determine the maximum REN for the calling area.

If the terminal equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in advance that temporary discontinuance of service may be required. But if advance notice is not practical, the telephone company will notify the customer as soon as possible. Also, you will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it is necessary.

The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations or procedures that could affect the operations of the equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will provide advance notice in order for you to make the necessary modifications in order to maintain uninterrupted service.

If trouble is experienced with this equipment, you can reach the Sony Customer Information Service Center at 1-888-4SONYPC; or write to the Sony Customer Information Service Center at 12451 Gateway Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33913 or find Sony Customer Service on the web at: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport

Repair of this equipment should be made only by a Sony Service Center or Sony authorized agent. For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972).

This equipment cannot be used on public coin service provided by the telephone company. Connection to Party Line Service is subject to state and possible provincial tariffs. (Contact the state or provincial utility service commission, public service commission, or corporation commission, for information.)

Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (UnitedStates)

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful for any person to use a computer or other electronic device to send any message via a telephone facsimile machine unless such message clearly contains, in a margin at the top or bottom of each transmitted page or on the first page of the transmission, the date and time it is sent and an identification of the business, other entity, or individual sending the message, and the telephone number of the sending machine or such business, other entity, or individual.

In order to program this information into your facsimile machine, see your fax software documentation.

Telephone Consumer Guidelines (Canada)

Please refer to your telephone directory under ‘Privacy Issues’ and/or ‘Terms of Service.’ For more detailed information, please contact:

CRTC Terrasses de la Chaudiére, Tour centrale 1promenade du Portage, 5 étage Hull PQ K1A 0N2.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet àppareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY

You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory Service Center.

✍ In some areas the disposal of lithium

ion batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited.

For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1888-476-6972 in the United States or 1-800961-7669 in Canada.

! Do not handle damaged or leaking

lithium ion batteries.

! Ne pas manipuler les batteries au

lithium-ion qui fuient ou sont endommagées.

! The battery pack used in this

device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not disassemble, heat above 212

°F (100°C) or

incinerate. Dispose of used battery promptly. Keep away from children.

! La manutention incorrecte du

module de batterie de cet appareil présente un risque d'incendie ou de brûlures chimiques. Ne pas démonter, incinérer ou exposer à une température de plus de 100°C. Évacuer promptement la batterie usée. Garder hors de portée des enfants.

INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE

! 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.

! Une batterie non conforme

présente un danger d'explosion. La remplacer seulement par une batterie identique ou de type équivalent recommandé par le fabricant. Évacuer les batteries usées selon les directives du fabricant.

NOTICE: The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the equipment meets certain telecommunications network protective, operational and safety requirements as prescribed in the appropriate Terminal Equipment Technical Requirements document(s). The Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the user’s satisfaction.

Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection.

The customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions may not prevent degradation of service in some situations.

Repairs to certified equipment should be coordinated by a representative designated by the supplier. Equipment malfunctions or any repairs or alterations made by the user to this

VAIO Notebook User Guide

equipment may give the telecommunications company cause to request that the user disconnect the equipment.

Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground connections of the power utility, telephone lines and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.

Caution: Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but should contact the appropriate electric inspection authority, or electrician, as appropriate.

NOTICE: The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned to each terminal device provides an indication of the maximum number of terminals allowed to be connected to a telephone interface. The termination on an interface may consist of any combination of devices subject only to the requirement that the sum of the Ringer Equivalence Numbers of all the devices does not exceed 5. The Ringer Equivalence Number for this equipment is 0.2.

AVIS DE L’INDUSTRIE CANADA

AVIS: L’étiquette d’Industrie Canada identifie le matériel homologué.

Cette étiquette certifie que le matériel est conforme aux normes de protection, d’exploitation et de sécurité des réseaux de télécommunications, comme le prescrivent les documents concernant les exigences techniques relatives au matériel terminal. Le Ministère n’assure toutefois pas que le matériel fonctionnera à la satisfaction de l’utilisateur.

Avant d’installer ce matériel, l’utilisateur doit s’assurer qu’il est permis de le raccorder aux installations de l’entreprise locale de télécommunication. Le matériel doit également être installé en suivant une méthode acceptée de raccordement. L’abonné ne doit pas oublier

qu’il est possible que la conformité aux conditions énoncées ci-dessus n’empêche pas la dégradation du service dans certaines situations.

Les réparations de matériel homologué doivent être coordonnées par un représentant désigné par le fournisseur. L’entreprise de télécommunications peut demander à l’utilisateur de débrancher un appareil à la suite de réparations ou de modifications effectuées par l’utilisateur ou à cause de mauvais fonctionnement.

Pour sa propre protection, l’utilisateur doit s’assurer que tous les fils de mise à la terre de la source d’énergie électrique, des lignes téléphoniques et des canalisations d’eau métalliques, s’il y en a, sont raccordés ensemble. Cette précaution est particulièrement importante dans les régions rurales.

Avertissement: L’utilisateur ne doit pas tenter de faire ces raccordements lui-même; il doit avoir recours à un service d’inspection des installations électriques, ou à un électricien, selon le cas.

AVIS: L’indice d’équivalence de la sonnerie (IES) assigné à chaque dispositif terminal indique le nombre maximal de terminaux qui peuvent être raccordés à une interface.

La terminaison d’une interface téléphonique peut consister en une combination de quelques dispositifs, à la seule condition que la somme d’indices d’équivalence de la sonnerie de tous les dispositifs n’excède pas 5. L’indice d’équivalence de la sonnerie de ce matériel est de 0.2.

Contents

Welcome .................................................................................... 11

Features .......................................................................................................11

Unpacking Your Notebook .........................................................................12

Ergonomic Considerations ..........................................................................14

Setting Up Your VAIO® Notebook ........................................... 19

Locating Controls and Connectors ..............................................................19

Connecting a Power Source ........................................................................24

Starting Your Computer ..............................................................................30

Shutting Down Your Computer ..................................................................31

Using Your VAIO® Notebook ................................................... 33

Using the Keyboard ....................................................................................33

Using the Touchpad ....................................................................................38

Using the Floppy Disk Drive ......................................................................40

Using the Optical Drive ..............................................................................43

Using PC Cards ...........................................................................................49

Using a Second Battery Pack ......................................................................52

Using the Weight Saver ..............................................................................55

Using Smart Connect ..................................................................................57

Power Saving Modes ..................................................................................58

Connecting a Phone Line ............................................................................60

Connecting to the Local Area Network (LAN) ..........................................61

Connecting Peripheral Devices ............................................... 63

Connecting the Port Replicator ...................................................................64

Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard ..............................................68

Connecting a Printer ....................................................................................69

Connecting an External Display .................................................................70

Connecting a TV Display (For Models with TV Out Only) .......................73

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device ......................................75

Connecting an i.LINK

Connecting External Speakers ....................................................................78

Connecting an External Microphone ..........................................................79

® Device ................................................................76

VAIO Notebook User Guide

Customizing Your VAIO® Notebook ....................................... 81

Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen .............................................81

Controlling Power Management .................................................................83

Displaying Battery Information ..................................................................87

Selecting the Display Mode ........................................................................89

Adding Memory .........................................................................93

About the Software on Your Notebook ................................... 97

Overview .....................................................................................................97

MovieShaker™ .........................................................................................101

PictureGear™ ............................................................................................105

Software Support Information ..................................................................107

Application, System, and Driver Recovery CDs ......................................109

Using Your Recovery CDs .......................................................................110

Troubleshooting ......................................................................115

Specifications ..........................................................................127

* i.LINK is a SONY trademark used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 con-

nector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO® notebook. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.

Features

✍ For a complete description of the specifications of your VAIO® Notebook, see

“Specifications”

❑ Exceptional performance — Your notebook includes a mobile Intel

Pentium® III processor featuring Intel® SpeedStep™ technology and a V.90 compatible K56flex modem.

❑ Portability — Rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC

power.

❑ Sony audio and video quality — High-quality MPEG1/MPEG2 video,

which supports full-screen display and enables you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.

❑ Multimedia features — Enjoy the stereo speakers or use a headphone (not

supplied) to listen to audio and video CDs.

❑ Microsoft

Microsoft Windows

❑ Communications — Access popular online services, send e-mail, browse

Windows® operating system — Your system includes

Windows® Millennium Edition (WinMe) or Microsoft®

2000 Professional.

the Internet, and use fax features.

❑ Optical drive (DVD-ROM or CD-RW/DVD-ROM) — The CD-RW/

DVD-ROM drive utilizes a new optical storage technology that combines the features of both a CD-RW drive and DVD-ROM drive, providing increased

* Actual upload and download speeds may vary due to line conditions, ISP support, and gov-

ernment regulations.

VAIO Notebook User Guide

storage capacity and a rich multimedia computing experience. Optical drives play DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, CD-RW, and CD-R discs. (The CD-RW/DVDROM drive is available on select models only.)

✍ Your optical drive differs depending on the model you purchase.

Unpacking Your Notebook

Remove the following hardware items from the box:

Main unit

Power cord

AC adapter

Video cable (PCG-FX150/PCG-FX150K PCG-FX170/PCG-FX170K PCG-FX190/PCG-FX190K only)

* Removable floppy disk drive is in the multipurpose bay.

Rechargeable battery pack

Weight saver

Manuals

❑ VAIO® Quick Start — Contains information on unpacking and setting up

your notebook, supplementary updates, and software information.

Unpacking Your Notebook

❑ Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition Getting Started manual or the

Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional Getting Started manual —

Explains how to use the basic features of this latest Windows operating system.

Software CDs

❑ Microsoft® Word 2000 — Allows you to reinstall Microsoft Word to the

VAIO notebook you purchased.

Recovery CDs

❑ System Recovery CD(s) — Allows you to restore the software titles that

shipped with your computer if they become corrupted or are erased. It can only be used to restore the hard disk of the VAIO notebook you purchased.

❑ Application Recovery CD(s) — Allows you to reinstall individual

applications or device drivers if they become corrupted or erased.

❑ Driver Recovery CD(s) — Allows you to reinstall individual device drivers.

Use it to restore corrupted or erased files.

Other

❑ Packet containing special product offers

VAIO Notebook 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.

Ergonomic Position

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 and

armrests. 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

Ergonomic Considerations

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.

Notes on Setup

❑ Do not place your computer in a location subject to:

❑ Heat sources, such as radiators or air ducts ❑ Direct sunlight ❑ Excessive dust ❑ Moisture or rain ❑ Mechanical vibration or shock ❑ Strong magnets or speakers that are not magnetically shielded ❑ Ambient temperature of more than 95ºF (35ºC) or less than 40ºF

(5ºC)

❑ High humidity

❑ Do not place electronic equipment near your computer. The computer’s

electromagnetic field may cause a malfunction.

❑ Provide adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat buildup. Do not

place your computer on porous surfaces such as rugs or blankets, or near materials such as curtains or draperies that may block its ventilation slots. Leave a space of at least 8 inches (20 cm) behind the back panel of the computer.

❑ If the computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one,

moisture may condense inside your computer. In this case, allow at least an hour before turning on your computer. If any problems occur, unplug your computer, and contact your Sony Service Center.

❑ The computer uses high-frequency radio signals and may cause interference

to radio or TV reception. Should this occur, relocate the computer a suitable distance away from the set.

VAIO Notebook User Guide

❑ Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables; otherwise,

problems may result.

❑ Do not use cut or damaged connection cables. ❑ If the telephone company makes a service call to your home or office and

determines that your computer is responsible for a problem, the telephone company may bill you for the service call. Also, if you do not disconnect your computer when it is adversely affecting the telephone line, the telephone company has the right to disconnect your service until you correct the problem.

Handling Your Notebook

❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft, dry cloth or a soft cloth lightly moistened with

a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder, or solvent such as alcohol or benzine, as these may damage the finish of your computer.

❑ Should any solid object or liquid fall into the computer, shut down your

computer and then unplug it. You may want to have the computer checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.

❑ Do not drop the computer or place heavy objects on top of the computer.

Cleaning Your Notebook

❑ Make sure to disconnect the power cord before cleaning the computer. ❑ Avoid rubbing the LCD screen as this can damage the screen. Use a soft, dry

cloth to wipe the LCD screen.

❑ Clean the computer with a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent

solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent, such as alcohol or benzine.

Handling the LCD Screen

❑ Do not leave the LCD facing the sun as it can damage the LCD. Be careful

when using the computer near a window.

❑ Do not scratch the LCD or exert pressure on it. This could cause

malfunction.

Ergonomic Considerations

❑ Using the computer in low temperature conditions may produce a residual

image on the screen. This is not a malfunction. When the computer returns to normal temperature, the screen returns to normal.

❑ The screen becomes warm during operation. This is normal and does not

indicate a malfunction.

❑ The LCD is manufactured using high-precision technology. You may,

however, see tiny black points and/or bright points (red, blue, or green) that continuously appear on the LCD. This is a normal result of the manufacturing process and does not indicate a malfunction.

VAIO Notebook User Guide

Setting Up Your VAIO® Notebook

This section describes all the controls and connectors on your computer, how to connect your computer to a power source, and how to start and shut down your computer.

Locating Controls and Connectors

Front

1 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

screen 2 Speakers 8 Hard disk drive indicator 3 Keyboard 9 Num Lock indicator

7 Battery 1 and 2 indicators

VAIO Notebook User Guide

4 Touchpad 10 Caps Lock indicator 5 Left/right buttons 11 Scroll Lock indicator 6 Power indicator

Left

Locating Controls and Connectors

1 Video out (select models only) 4 i.LINK® (IEEE1394) S400

connector

2 Microphone connector 5 PC card slots 3 Headphone connector 6 Battery bay

* i.LINK is a SONYtrademark used only to designate that a prodcut contains an IEEE 1394

connector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.

VAIO Notebook User Guide

Right

1 PPK buttons 2 Power button 3 Optical drive(CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive for PCG-FX170/PCG-FX170K

PCG-FX190/PCG-FX190K) (DVD-ROM drive for PCG-FX120/PCG-FX120K/PCG-FX140 PCG-FX140K/PCG-FX150/PCG-FX150K)

4 Multipurpose bay

Locating Controls and Connectors

Back

cover

1 Modem jack 5 Monitor connector 2 USB connectors 6 Ethernet connector 3 Serial connector 7 DC In connector 4 Printer connector

Warning: Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet network port. Do not connect any other type of network cable or any telephone line. Connecting cables other than those listed above may result in an electric current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the connector. To connect the unit to the network, contact you network administrator.

✍ There is a ventilation slot located between the Ethernet connector and the USB

connector. Do not cover the ventilation slot when your computer is on.

VAIO Notebook User Guide

Bottom

1 Multipurpose bay RELEASE lever 2 Reset switch 3 Tilt stands

Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

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.

Connecting the AC adapter

Notebook

DC In

AC adapter (supplied)

Power cord

(supplied)

Notes on the AC Adapter

❑ Your computer operates on 100V-240V AC 50/60 Hz. ❑ Do not share the AC outlet with other power-consuming equipment, such as

a copy machine or shredder.

❑ You can purchase a power strip with a surge protector. This device prevents

damage to your computer caused by sudden power surges such as those that may occur during an electrical storm.

❑ Do not place heavy objects on the power cord. ❑ To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord itself. ❑ Unplug your computer from the wall outlet if you will not be using the

computer for a long time.

❑ The LED indicator on the AC adapter may be turned on until the AC adapter

is unplugged from your notebook.

❑ When the AC adapter is not used, unplug it from the AC outlet.

VAIO Notebook User Guide

❑ Use only the AC adapter supplied. Do not use any other AC adapter.

Using Battery Power

You can use one or two battery packs as a source of power. The second battery pack inserts into the multipurpose 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 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 To open the battery bay, press cover down.

✍ Cover swings out but does not detach.

Battery bay

Connecting a Power Source

Label side facing down

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

Inserting battery pack

Battery pack (supplied)

3 Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks.

✍ If the port replicator is attached to your computer, do not attempt to insert or remove

the battery pack. Lifting and turning the computer with a port replicator attached could cause a temporary loss of power.

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).

3 When the battery is 85% full, the battery indicator light turns off. For PCG-

FX120/FX120K, PCG-FX140/FX140K models, this process takes approximately 1.5 hours. For PCG-FX150/FX150K, PCG-FX170/FX170K, PCG-FX190/FX190K models, this process takes approximately 3.0 hours.

✍ To charge the battery completely, continue charging for an additional hour. See

“Displaying Battery Information”

VAIO Notebook User Guide

There are two battery indicator lights on the computer

Battery indicator lights

Battery Indicator Description

1 Indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the

left side of the computer.

2 Indicates the status of the battery pack in the multipurpose bay on

the right side of the computer.

Battery Indicator Light

Description

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.

To remove the battery pack

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

Removing the battery pack

3 Close the cover of the battery bay.

You will 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 a power-saving mode

Notes on the battery

Connecting a Power Source

❑ To determine the remaining battery charge, see “Displaying Battery

Information.”

❑ When the battery power is running low, both the battery and power

indicators blink.

❑ When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack

in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.

❑ See “Using a Second Battery Pack” for information on installing and

charging a battery pack in the multipurpose 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 below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter

to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery.

VAIO Notebook User Guide

❑ You can extend battery life by changing the power-management modes in

the PowerPanel utility. See “Power Saving Modes”

❑ 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.

❑ For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer

may not enter Hibernate mode when the battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power-management mode, such as Standby or Hibernate.

❑ Never leave the battery pack in temperatures above 140° F (60° C), such as

under direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.

❑ Battery life is shorter in a cold environment. This is due to decreased battery

efficiency at low temperatures.

❑ Charge the batteries at temperatures between 50° F and 80° F (10° C to

° C). Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.

❑ While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery pack heats up.

This is normal and is not cause for concern.

❑ Keep the battery pack away from all sources of heat. ❑ Keep the battery pack dry. ❑ Do not open or try to disassemble the battery pack. ❑ Do not expose the battery pack to any mechanical shock. ❑ If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the

battery pack from the computer to prevent damage to the battery.

❑ If, after fully charging the battery pack, the battery power is still low, the

battery pack may be reaching the end of its life and should be replaced.

❑ You do not need to discharge the battery before recharging. ❑ If you have not used the battery pack for a considerable amount of time,

recharge the battery.

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