Sony PCG-F190, PCG-F150, PCG-F180, PCG-F160 User Manual

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

PCG-F150/PCG-F160/PCG-F180/PCG-F190

Notice to Users

© 1999 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. This manual and th e software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable fo rm wit h out prior written approval.

SONY ELECTRONICS INC. PROVIDES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HER E BY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHA NTABILITY 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, WHET HE R B AS E D ON TORT, CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMAT ION 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 outs ide the United States. Softw are 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 inform at ion. Financial services may require prior ar ran g e m e nt s with participatin g fin ancial institution s.

As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony Corporation has determined that this product meets the

T AR guidelines for ener gy

efficiency.

The Internation al ENERGY STAR Office 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 eff ectively reduce energy consumption. It is an open system in which business proprieto rs c an participate voluntarily. The targeted products are office equipment such as computers, displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their standards and logos are uniform among part ic ip ating nations.

NERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

Sony, i.LINK, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Windo ws , Windows NT, and the Windows 98 logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel, MMX, and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.

All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

NERGY

Safety Information

Owner’s Record

The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony VAIO Notebook Computer. Record the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call your Sony Service Center.

Model Number: PCG-F150/PCG-F160/ PCG-F180/PCG-F190

Serial Number:______ __________________

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 se rvicing to qualified personnel only. Never install mo de m 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 tel ephone line has been disconnected at the network interface. Use caution when installing or

❏

modifying telephone lines. Avoid using the mo de m during an

❏

electrical storm. Do not use the modem or a telephone

❏

to report a gas leak in the v icinity of the leak. A socket outlet should be as close as

❏

possible to the u n it and easily accessible.

The laser beam used in the DVD-

ROM drive unit is harmful to the eyes. Do not attempt to disassemble the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

AVERTISSEMENT

Pour prévenir tout risque d’incendie

❏

ou d’électrocution, gar der cet appar ei l à l’abri de la pluie et de l’ humidité. Pour prévenir tout risque

❏

d’électrocution, ne pas ouvir le châssis de cet appareil et ne confier son entretien qu’à une personne qualifiée. L’appareil doit être le plus près

❏

possible d’une p r ise murale pou r en faciliter l’accès.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Na me: SONY Model No: PCG-F150/PCG-F160/

PCG-F180/PCG-F190 Responsible Party:

Sony Electronics Inc.

Address:

1 Sony Drive

Park Ridge, NJ 07656 Te lep h one No.: 201-930-6970 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, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, inc luding any inte rference that may cause undesired ope ration .

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 pr ovide reason able protection against harmful interference in a resident ial installation . This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and use d in accordance with the instructions, may cause 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 caution ed 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, p rinters, etc.) that comply with FCC Class B limits may be attached to this computer product. Operation with non-compliant peripherals is likely to result in in terference to rad io and television rece p t ion.

All cables used to co nnect peripher als 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, the FCC equivalence number (REN) for this equipment. If requested, this information must be provided to the telephone company.

This modem uses the USO C RJ-11 telephone jack.

The REN is used to determine the quantity of devices which may be connected to t he 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 t ele phone compa ny to determine the maximum REN for the calling area.

If the terminal equipment (Notebook Computer PCG-F150/PCG-F160/ PCG-F180/PCG-F190) 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 possib le . Al so, you will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if y o u b elieve 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 modifi cations in order to maintain unin terrupted service .

If trouble is ex perienced with this equipment (Notebook Computer PCG-F150/PCG-F160/PCG-F180/ PCG-F190), please contact 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972), or w rite to the So n y Customer Information Center, One Sony Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 for repair and/or warranty information. If the trouble is causing harm to the telephone network, the telephone company may request that you remove the equipment from the network until the problem is resolv ed.

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 p ossible provincial tariffs. (Contact the st at e or provincial utility service commission, public service commission or corporation commission for information.)

Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (United States)

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful for any p erson t o 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 pag e 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 infor ma ti o n in to your facsimile machine, see your fax software documentatio n.

Telephone Consumer Guidelines (Canada)

Plea se refer to your telephone di rectory under ‘Privacy Issues’ and/or ‘Terms of Service.’ For more detailed information please contact:

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

This Class B digital apparatus com plies 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 are as the disp osal of lith ium i on batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited.

For the Sony Service Center nearest you call 1-888-476-6972 in th e United States or

1-800-961-7669 in Canada

Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries.

Ne pas manipuler les batteries au lithium-ion qui fuient ou sont endommagées.

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrect ly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalen t 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. Évacue r les batteries usées selon les directives du fabricant.

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 batte rie usée. Garder hors de portée des enfants.

INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE

NOTICE: The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification me ans that the equipment meets certain teleco mmuni cati ons networ k protective, operation al an d s afe t y 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 aw are that compliance with the above conditions ma y not prevent degradation of s e rvice in some situations.

Repairs to certified e qu ipment should be coordinated by a repr esentat ive designated by the supplier. Equipment malfunctions or any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment may give the

telecommuni cations 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 inte rn al metallic wa t e r p ip e system, if present, a re connected together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.

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

NOTICE: The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned to each t e rminal device provides an indicati on of t he m a xi mum number o f te rminals a llowed to be connected to a telephone interface. The termination on an int er face may consist of any combination of d e vi ce s sub ject 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 0.4.

AVIS DE L’INDUSTRIE CANADA

AVIS: L’étiquette d’Industrie Cana da identifie le m atériel homologué.

Cette étiquett e certifie que le ma t ériel est conforme aux normes de protection, d’exploitation et de sécu rité des rés eau x de télécommu ni cations, comme le prescrivent les documents concernant les exigences techniques relatives au mat éri el termina l. Le Ministère n’assure toutefois pas que le matériel fonctionnera à la satisfaction de l’utilisateur.

Avan t d’installer ce ma t é rie l, l’utilisateur doit s’assurer qu’il es t permis de le raccorder aux installations de l’entrepr ise 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 serv ic e dan s c e rt aines situations.

Les réparations de matérie l h o mologué 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’util isateur 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’éner gie électrique, des l ignes téléphoniques et des canalisati on s d’e au métalliques, s’il y en a, sont racco rdés ensemble. Cette précaution est particulièreme nt importante dans les régions rurales.

Avertissement: L’utilisateur ne doit pas tenter de faire ces raccord ements lui-même; il doit avoir recours à un servic e d’inspection des install at io ns électriques, ou à un électricien, selon le cas.

AVIS: L’indice d’équivalence de la sonnerie (IES) assigné à chaque dis positif 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.

Welcome

Ergonomic Considerations.............................................................2

Using Your Notebook Computer

Locating the Controls and Connectors.........................................5

Connecting a Power Source ...........................................................9

Starting Your Computer ...............................................................14

Shutting Down Your Computer..................................................15

Registering Windows

Registering Your Computer.........................................................17

Using the Keyboard.......................................................................18

Using the Touchpad......................................................................24

Using the Floppy Disk Drive .......................................................25

Using the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM Drive......................................27

Using PC Cards..............................................................................29

Using Infrared Communication Devices....................................32

Using Power Saving Modes.........................................................34

Using a Second Battery Pack........................................................36

Using the Weight Saver ................................................................ 38

98.............................................................16

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Connecting a Phone Line ..............................................................42

Connecting the Port Replicator....................................................43

Connecting a Printer......................................................................47

Connecting an External Display...................................................48

Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard.............................51

Connecting External Speakers......................................................52

Connecting an External Microphone...........................................53

Connecting a Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Device .......54

Connecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder...........................55

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................56

Customizing Your Notebook Computer

Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen.............................57

Controlling Power Management..................................................59

Displaying Battery Information...................................................62

Selecting the Display Mode..........................................................65

Starting Your Favorite Software with Programmable Power

Key (PPK) Setup .............................................................................69

Using the Dual Display Function.................................................71

Getting Help

Troubleshooting .............................................................................75

Replacing the Internal Backup Battery........................................82

Using the System and Application Recovery CDs....................84

Notes on Use................................................... .... ..... .......... 87

Limited Warranty Statement............................................93

Index...................................................................................99

Welcome

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

About the User Guide

The User Guide offers a quick introduction and reference to your Sony Notebook computer.

❑ 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.

❑ Limited Warranty Statement provides your product warranty

statement and explains how to extend your warranty for an additional nine mo nt hs .

The online User Guide is included with your computer as an electronic document. It includes additional information on using the Sony software products that are installed on your computer and how to customize your Sony notebook com p uter.

VAIO 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 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.

❑ V iew ing angl e of the computer’ s displa y – Use the display’s tilting

feature to find the best position. Y ou can r educe eye strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the display also.

Welcome

❑ 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.

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

that allows comfortable typing.

❑ Placement of an external display – When using an external display,

set the display at a comfortable viewing distance. Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

Using Your Notebook Computer

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

Locating the Controls and Connectors

Front

LCD screen (pages 22, 87) Battery 1 and 2 indicators (pages 11, 21)

Speakers (pages 22, 52) Hard disk drive indicator (page 21)

Keyboard (page18) Num Lock indicator (page 21)

Touchpad (page24) Caps Lock indicator (page 21)

Left/right buttons (page 24) Scroll Lock indicator (page 21)

Power indicator (page11)

7 8 9

10 11

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Left

Power switch (page 14)

1 5

Kensington Security Cable Lock port

2 6

Infrared port connector (page 32) PC card slots (page 29)

3 7 4 8

Microphone connector (pages 49, 53)

Battery bay (page 10)

Headphone connector (pages 49, 52)

™

S200 i.LINK

connector (page55)

Using Your Notebook Computer

526

Right

PPK buttons (page 69) Drive bay (pages 25, 36, 38)

1 3

DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive (page 27) Internal microphone

2 4

Back

cover

Phone line jack (page 42)

/ Mouse/Keyboard connector (page51)

3 4

Serial connector (page 54)

Printer connector (page 47)

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There is a ventilation slot located between the USB connector and the DC In connector. Do

Monitor connector (page 48)

USB connector (page 56)

DC In connector (page 9)

not cover the ventilation slot when your computer is on.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Bottom

Port replicator connector cover (pages 44, 46) Tilt stands

1 3

Drive bay RELEASE lever (pages 37, 39)

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

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

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

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

DC In

Notebook computer

AC adapter (supplied)

Power cord (supplied)

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Using Battery Power

You can use one or two battery packs as a source of power. The second battery pack inserts into the drive bay on the right side of the computer. (See “Using Power Saving Modes” on page 34.) 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

Open the cover of the battery bay.

Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the left side of the

computer.

Battery pack (supplied)

Label side facing down

Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks.

✍

When attaching your computer to the po rt repl icator, do not attempt to ins ert or re move the battery pack. Lifting and turning the computer with an attached docking station could cause a temporary loss of power.

Using Your Notebook Computer

T o ch ar ge the bat ter y pac k

Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

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. See “Displaying Detailed Battery Information” on page 63 for information on checking the battery life.

There are two battery indicator lights on the computer:

Battery indicators

Secondary battery pack (not supplied)

Battery pack (supplied)

Battery Indicator Meaning

Battery Indicator Light Status Meaning

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.

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To determine the amount of time the battery lasts, see “Displaying Battery Information” on page 62.

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

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

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink. When the computer is directly connect ed 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” on page 36 for information on installing and charging a

battery pack in the drive 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 sho uld either attach the A C adapter to recha rge 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 “Using Power Saving Modes” on page 34. The battery pack s up plied wi th yo ur co mp uter is a lit hium ion ba ttery an d 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

System Hibernation 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 System Suspend or System Hibernation.

To remove the battery pack

Open the cover of the battery bay.

Pull out the battery pack.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Close the cover of the battery bay.

Y ou 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.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Starting Y our Computer

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

cover.

LCD lock lever

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.

If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD displa y. To

decrease the brightness, press Fn+F 5 and then the do wn or left a rrow key. To increase the brightness, press Fn+F5 and then the up or right arrow key.

Power indicator

Using Your Notebook Computer

Shutting Down Your Comp uter

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

Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.

Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to displa y the Shut

Down Windows dialog box.

Select Shut down.

Click OK.

✍

Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.

W a it for your computer to turn off automatically . The power indicator

(green) turns off. Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.

✍

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

During a period of inactivity, you can conserve battery life by using System Suspend mode. See “Controlling Power Management” on page59.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Registering Windows® 98

The first time you turn on your computer, you need to complete a few steps to register and configure the Windo ws 98 software that is already installed.

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

✍

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

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 98

W i n d ow s 98 set u p :

Click the Finish button on the Windows 98 Setup Wizard screen. Selecting your computer settings:

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

Getting Sta rted

manual.

Registering your computer:

For details on registering your computer, see “Registering Your Computer” on page 17. You can also sign up for your 100 free hours of Internet service at this time.

Learning about Windows 98:

If you wish, take the tour of Windows 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.

❑ Sony Customer Support – Talk to a Support Representative to

troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer.

❑ Extended Limited Warranty – Protect your investment. Extend your

Warranty nine months for a total of 12 months from the original date of purchase when you register your computer.

❑ Express service – Provides convenient resolution of problems. ❑ Free Internet access – Use the Internet for up to 100 free hours when

you sign up with GTE (no credit card necessary). Free access expires 100 hours or 60 days after signing up, whichever occurs first.

If you have not already registered, follow these steps to use your notebook computer’s online registration service.

You must connect your phone line before using any online services, including the online

✍

registration service. See “Connecting a Phone Line” on page 42.

Click the Sony VAIO Registration icon on the VAIO desktop.

Enter the information requested on the first online registration form.

Press the Tab key to move from box to box. Click the Next button to advance to the next form.

Complete the remaining forms by clicking the Next button each time

you complete a form.

The computer automatically transfers your registration information using your built-in modem and a toll-free telephone number.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Using the Keyboard

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

Correction

Escape Key Function keys Print Screen key

keys

Shift key

Ctrl key

Fn key

Alt key

Windows 98 key

Applications key

Numeric keypad area

Navigation keys

Key Description

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 be on.)

Navigation keys Several keys are devot ed 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 associated with each function key may vary from one application to the next.

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

Using Your Notebook Computer

Key Description

Print Screen key T he Print Screen key tak es an electronic sn apshot of the

screen and places it in the Windows Clipboard. You can then paste the screen shot into a docume nt and print i t .

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 choo sing the Save command f rom a menu, you can hold down Ctrl and press S (referred to as Ctrl+S). The Shift key operates the same way as on a typewriter; it is used to produce capital letters or special symbols such as @ and $.

Wi ndows 98 key The key with the W in dows logo display s the Windows 98

Start menu; it is t he equivalent of clicking the Start button on the taskbar. See “Combinations and Functions with the Windows 98 Key” on page 20.

Fn key The Fn key is used in combi nation with other keys to

issue commands. See “Comb ina t ions a nd Fu nctions with the Fn Key” on page 22.

Applications key The Applications key displays a shortcut menu of

context-sensitive choices. Pressing this key is the equivalent of clicking the right mouse button.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Combinations and Functions with the Windows 98 Key

Combination Function

+ F1 Displays Windows Help. + Tab Switches the selected button on the task ba r. + E Displays W indows Explorer. + F Displays the Windows Find: All Files window to f ind

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: Compute r 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 equ ivalent 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.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Indicators

Indicator Function

Power Light is green when the power to the computer is tu rned

on. Light is red in System Idle mode, and flashes red in System Suspend mode. Turns off when the computer is in System Hibernation mode or powered off.

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

Battery 2 Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the drive

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

Light On Off

Num Lock The number keys in the

Caps Lock The letters appear in

Scroll Lock The screen scro lls d ifferently.

bay on the left side of the computer.

bay on the right side of the computer.

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

The alphanumer ic character

numeric keypad are acti ve.

keys in the keypad area are active.

Letters appear in lower case as uppercase as you type. The Shift key lowers the case of

you type (unless you hold

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

Information moves across the (Exactly how it scrolls

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

➜

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

Combinations/

Function

Feature

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 or pr ess the power sw itch on your computer .

Fn+ (F2) Display power source status

Fn+ (F3 )

Displays the power source status, as in the example below:

Using AC power

Toggles the built-in speaker off and on.

Mute On/Off Fn+ (F4)

Speaker volume

Fn+ (F5) Brightness control

Adjusts the built-in speaker volume. To increase volume, press Fn+F4, then or ➜. To decrease volume, press Fn+F4, then or .

Adjusts the brightness of the LCD. To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or

➜

To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or

Fn+ (F6) Contrast control

Contrast control display. Adjusts the contrast. To increase the contrast, press Fn+F6, then or ➜.

➜

To decrease contrast, press Fn +F6, then or .

LCD

Fn+ / (F7) Switch to the external monitor/LCD

Toggles through the LCD, external displa y (c onnected to the Monitor connector) and bo th LCD and external display.

Only LCD

LCD and external display

Only external display

Fn+F8 Not available on this model. Fn+ (F12)

System Hibernation

Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the state of the system and state of th e peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system power is turned off. T o return the system to the originals state, use the power switch to turn on powe r.

Charging a battery pack

➜

Using Your Notebook Computer

Combinations/ Feature

Fn+E Eject DVD-ROM/ CD-ROM

Fn+D Video standby

Fn+F Change the display size

Fn+S System Idle

* The Fn+F6 (contrast control) function is available on model PCG-150 only. † The DVD-ROM drive is available on models PCG-F180/PCG-F190. The CD-ROM drive is available on

models PCG-F150/PCG-F160.

✍

Some functions are not available until Windows launches.

Function

Ejects the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive.

Turns off the LCD in order to save power. To turn the LCD back on, press any key.

Zooms the display size in or out when the display is set to a low resolution.

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

†

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Using the Touchpad

The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device called a touchpad. You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touchpad.

Pointer

Touchpad

Action Description

Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place th e pointer on a n item

or object. Click Press the left button once. Double-click Press the left button twice. Right-click Press the right butt on o nc e. In many applicatio ns, this ac tion

displays a shortcut menu of context-sensitive choices. Drag Slide one finger while pressing the left button. Scroll Move your finger along the right edge of the touchpad to scr oll

vertically. Move your finger along the bottom to scroll

horizontally. (The scroll function is available only with

applications that support a touchpad scroll feature.)

✍

See Mouse Help for information on touchpad features, such as clicking both buttons simultaneously, adjusting touchpad speed, and Easy Launcher functions. To access Mouse Help, press the Sta rt button , sel ect Setting s, and then select Control Panel. Click the M ouse icon in the Control Panel and click the Help button.

Right button

Left button

Using Your Notebook Computer

Using the Floppy Disk Drive

The computer comes with the floppy disk drive in the drive bay .

To insert a diskette

Hold the diskette with the label side facing up.

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

Diskette

Floppy disk drive

To remove a diskette

❑ When you finish using the diskette, wait unti l the L E D indicator

turns off and then press the Eject button to remove the diskette.

Eject button

LED indicator

Do not press the Eject button whe n the LED i ndicator is turne d on. Ot herwis e , da ta may be lost.

✍

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

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

To remove the floppy disk drive

Turn off the computer.

There is a RELEASE lever on the bottom of the computer. Slide this

lever in the direction of the arrow.

Drive RELEASE lever on bottom

Slide the drive out of the drive bay.

Insert the weight saver. See “Using the Weight Saver” on page 38.

To reinsert the floppy disk drive

Turn off the computer.

If another device is in the drive bay, remove the device. See “To

remove the floppy disk drive” on page 26 or “To remove the second battery pack” on page 37.

Insert the floppy disk drive into the drive bay with the VAIO label

facing up. Continue pushing the drive into the bay until the RELEASE lever locks into place.

Drive bay

Floppy disk drive

Using Your Notebook Computer

Using the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM Drive

Your computer comes with a DVD-ROM drive (models PCG-F180/F190) or CD-ROM drive (models PCG-F150/F160). If your computer is equipped with a DVD-ROM drive, you can play both DVD-ROMs and CD-ROMs.

To insert a disc

Turn on the computer.

✍

When the computer is in System Suspend or System Hibernation mode, you cannot insert a disc. See “Controlling Power Management” on page59 for more information on System Suspend and System Hibernation modes.

Press the Eject button to open the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive.

The tray slides out.

Eject button

Place a DVD-ROM/CD-ROM in the tray with the label side facing

up. For DVD-ROMs, which can be played on both sides, the side of the disc facing up is the side that plays. Push the disc onto the hub until the disc clicks into place.

Label side facing up

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Close the tray by pushing it gently.

✍

Be sure to seat the disc firmly over the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive hub fingers. If you do not seat the disc firmly, you could damage your DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive and you may not be able to open the tray.

When you finish using a disc, wait until the LED indicator turns off, then press the Eject button to remove the disc.

When the computer is in System Suspend or System Hibernation mode, you cannot remove a disc. See “Controlling Power Management” on page 59 for more information about System Suspend and System Hibernation modes.

If the disc does not come out when you press the Eject button, turn off the computer and insert a thin, pointed object into the manual eject hole.

To play DVD-ROMs

To achieve optimum performance when playing DVD-ROMs, you should use the following recommendations: Your computer should not be connected to the port replicator while playing DVD movies or using DVD applications. Close any open applications before playing a DVD-ROM movie. The DVD player automatically adjusts the screen properties when you play a DVD movie. Depending on the display setup properties you have selected, you may need to use the Fn + F command to expand the movie to full screen size.

✍

When playing DVD movies on battery power, set the power management profile to Maximum Performance. With other profiles, the movies are choppy.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Using PC Cards

Your computer includes two PC card slots. PC cards allow you to connect portable external devices such as another hard disk drive, or to connect a network.

✍

The PC card slots can accommodate (at the same time) two Type I, two Type II, or one Type III PC card. These slots are compatible with Card Bus.

Some PC cards may require that you disable idle devices when using the PC card. You can use Sony Notebook Setup to disable devices. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” on page 57 for details.

Be sure to use the most recent software driver provided by the PC card manufacturer. If an “!” mark appears on the Device Manager tab in the System Properties dialog box,

remove the software driver and then reinstall it. You may not be able to use some PC cards or some functions of the PC card with this

computer.

To insert a PC card

Use the lower slot for Type III PC cards.

✍

You do not need to shut down the computer before inserting or removing a PC card.

Pull the PC card release button up away fr om the computer and push

it in toward the computer.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Remove the PC card slot protector.

When you use a Type III PC card, you need to remove both the top and bottom PC card slot protectors.

Insert the PC card into the PC card slot, front label facing up. Gently

push the card into the slot until the card is fixed into the connector. The release button comes out.

PC card

✍

Do not force a card into the slot. It may damage the connector pins. If you have difficulty inserting a card, check that you are inserting the card with the correct orientation. See the manual that came with your PC card for more information on use.

For some PC cards, if you alternate between normal power operation and the System Suspend or System Hibernation power management modes while the card is inserted, you may find that a device connected to your system is not recognized. Reboot your system to correct the problem.

Using Your Notebook Computer

T o re move a PC card

Close any applications that are using the PC card.

Click the PC card icon in the taskbar and close the card.

Pull the PC card release button up and press it in toward the

computer. Gently grasp the card and pull it out.

Insert the PC card slot protector back into the empty slot.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Using Infrared Communication Devices

Your computer includes an infrared port, located on the left side. You can use this port to communicate with other infrared-equipped devices with compatible protocols, such as a digital stil l camera or other computers.

To use infrared communication with a digital still camera

Align the infrared ports on the computer and the digital camera so that they are in a direct line.

Infrared port

To use infrared communication with another computer

Align the infrared ports on the two computers so that they are in a direct line.

Using Your Notebook Computer

✍

Infrared communication capability can be turned on and off. By default, it is not enabled when your system is shipped. To enable infrared use, click the infrared icon in the Windows Control Panel and select the Enable infrared communication checkbox on the Options tab.

You can disable infrared communication when you are not using it to conserve battery life. Use the infrared icon in the Windows Control Panel to enable and disable infrared

communication. Do not use the icon in the taskbar. Check the Status tag of the Infrared Monitor in the Windows Control Panel to determine if

the infrared device is detected. If the two devices are too far apart or too close togeth er, data transfer may be interrupted or

there may be noise in the transmission. Do not cover the infrared ports with your hand or any other object. Avoid direct sunlight, fluorescent light, or flashing incandescent light near the infrared

ports. See the manual that came with your digital still camera or other infrared communication

device for more information on installation and use. The active area of infrared transmission extends about 39 3/8 inches (1 meter) with a radius

of 15 degrees.

degrees

)

(

Infrared port

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Using Power Saving Modes

When you use a battery as the source of power for your computer, you can take advantage of power management settings to conserve battery life. In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has three distinct power saving modes: System Idle, System Suspend, and System Hibernation. When using battery power , you should be aware that the computer automatically enters System Hibernation mode when the remaining battery charge drops below 7 percent, regardless of the power management setting you select.

✍

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

Normal Mode

This is the normal state of your computer when it is in use. The green power indicator light is on in this mode. T o save power, you can turn off a specific device such as the LCD or the hard disk.

System Idle Mode

This mode is convenient if you do not need to use your computer for a brief period. The hard disk and video display enter a low power state, and the CPU clock and processor stop. The power indicator light is red in this mode.

To activate System Idle mode

Press Fn+S, or use the PowerPanel utility.

To return to normal mode

Press any key. Note that resuming from System Idle using the touchpad or mouse is not possible. You must press a key, a PPK, or the power switch.

Using Your Notebook Computer

System Suspend Mode

The computer saves the current state of the system in RAM and switches off power to the CPU. The red power indicator light flashes in this mode.

To activate System Suspend mode

Press Fn+Esc, or slide the power switch forward and release it immediately. You can also use the PowerPanel utility to enter Syst em Suspend mode.

To return to normal mode

Press any key.

System Hibernation Mode

The state of the system is saved on the hard drive an d power is turned off . The power indicator light is off in this mode.

To activate System Hibernation mode

Press Fn+F12. The “Save to Disk Manager” screen appears, and then the computer enters System Hibernation mode. You can also use the PowerPanel utility to enter System Hib ernation mode.

To return to normal mode

Turn on the computer by sliding th e power sw itch forward. The computer returns to its previous state.

When returning from System Hibernation mode, the system status stored on the hard disk is

✍

erased and the computer starts normally if you slide the power switch forward and hold for more than four seconds.

❑ Time to return to normal mode

System Idle requires less time than System Suspend, and System Suspend requires less time than System Hibernation.

❑ Power consumption

System Idle uses more power than System Suspend, and System Suspend uses more power than System Hibernation.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Using a Second Battery Pack

You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery packs, you can extend the time that you use your computer with battery power. Wh en using two battery packs, the battery pack you insert first charges first. The battery pack you insert second charges when the first battery pack is 85 percent full. You can monitor which battery pack is charging by observing the battery indicator lights.

To insert a second battery pack

If another device is in the drive bay, remove the device. See “To

remove the floppy disk drive” on page 26. Insert the battery pack into the drive bay.

If the battery is being used, the battery 2 indicator light turns on.

Drive bay

Battery pack

Label side facing down

Attach the weight saver to the computer to stabilize the battery pack.

See also “Using the Weight Saver” on page 38.

Battery pack

Weight saver

Using Your Notebook Computer

T o ch ar ge the second battery pack

Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is connected to AC power. The battery indicator flashes while the battery is charging. See also “To charge the battery pack” on page 11 for more information.

Battery indicators

Second battery pack (not supplied)

Battery pack (supplied)

✍

To determine the amount of time the battery lasts, see “Displaying Battery Information” on page 62.

To remove the second ba tt ery pack

There is a Release lever on the bottom of the weight saver . To remove

the battery pack, slide this lever in the direction of arrow 1, then slide the RELEASE lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of arrow 2.

Arrow 2: RELEASE lever

Arrow 1: Weight saver Release lever

Remove the weight saver, and then pull out the battery pack.

Reinsert the weight saver. See “Using the Weight Saver” on p age 38.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Using the Weight Saver

The weight saver protects the drive bay when it is empty.

To attach the weight saver

If another device is in the drive bay, remove the device. See “To

remove the floppy disk drive” on page 26 or “To remove the second battery pack” on page 37.

Fold out the hinged arm of the weight saver and then push on the

hinged arm to lock it into place. Slide the weight sa ver in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.

Weight saver (supplied)

Manually lock the weight saver’s RELEASE lever.

Using Your Notebook Computer

T o remove the Weight Saver

There is a release lever on the bottom of the weight saver. To remove

the weight saver, slide this lever in the direction of arrow 1, then slide the RELEASE lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of arrow 2.

Arrow 1: Weight saver Release lever

Arrow 2: RELEASE lever

After removing the weight saver, pull out the weight saver’s h inged

arm and fold it into the weight saver.

Connecting Peripheral Devices

You can add functionality to your computer by connecting any of these peripherals:

❑ Phone line (page 42) ❑ Port replicator (page 43) ❑ Printer (page 47) ❑ External display (page 48) ❑ External mouse or keyboard (page 51) ❑ External speakers (page 52) ❑ External microphone (page 53) ❑ Digital still camera or other serial device (pa ge 54) ❑ Digital video camera recorder (page 55) ❑ Universal Serial Bus (USB) device (page 56)

Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals.

✍

Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables. Turn on the computer only after turning on all peripherals.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Connecting a Phone Line

You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services and the Internet.

✍

In order to register your Sony VAIO Notebook Computer, register your software online, and use Sony Customer Support, you must connect to a phone line. You must register your computer to receive the extended warranty.

Plug one end of the phone cable into the phone line jack on the

computer.

Phone line jack

Phone cable (not supplied)

Plug the other end into the wall jack.

✍

Your computer does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX). Some of these connections might result in excess electrical current and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem.

Connecting Peripheral Devices

637

Connecting the Port Replicator

Your notebook computer supports the use of an optiona l port replicator. Attaching a port replicator enables you to connect additio na l periphera ls to your computer.

Network (Ethernet)

Monitor (page 48) Printer (page 47)

Serial (page 54)

/ Mouse/Keyboard (page51)

✍

The port replicator can be powered only with an AC power adapter. Do not remove the AC

USB (page 56)

DC In (page 9)

adapter from the port replicator or the AC outlet while using the port replicator; this may cause data damage or hardware malfunctions.

When using the port replicator for the first time, install the driver supplied with the port replicator. When installation is complete, a message appears asking if you want to change the system setup. Click Yes, then reboot your computer.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

To attach your computer to the port replicator

To supply power to your computer while it is connected to the port replicator, you can conn ect the AC adapter directly to the port replicator.

✍

When attaching your computer to the po rt repl icator, do not attempt to ins ert or re move the battery pack. Lifting and tur ning the com puter wi th an attache d port repl icator co uld caus e a temporary loss of power.

Turn off your computer and disconnect all peripherals.

On the bottom of the computer, lift the port replicator connector

cover.

Port replicator connector

Attach the bottom of the computer to the port replicator connector

until it clicks.

Notebook computer

Port replicator

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the

DC IN

connector on the port replicator. Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an AC outlet.

AC adapter

✍

Use the AC adapter that comes with your computer or the optional Sony PCGA-AC71 adapter .

Power cord

The power indicator light turns green.

Release lever

Turn on the computer.

Power

Port replicator connector

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

To remove your computer from the port replicator when the power is off

Turn off your computer and the connected peripherals.

Pull the levers on each side of the port replicator to disengage the

computer from the port replicator.

Lever

Lift the computer away from the port replicator.

Close the port replicator connector cover on the bottom of your

computer.

✍

It is extremely important to close the port replicator connector cover after removing your computer from the port replicator. If the cover is left open, dirt may get inside and damage the computer.

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Connecting a Printer

You can connect a Windows 98-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.

To connect a printer

❑ Use the symbol to locate the Printer connector. Plug the printer

cable (supplied with the printer) into this port on the computer.

Printer

to Printer

See the manual that came with your printer for more information on installation and use.

✍

Before using the printer, you may need to change the Printer setting in the Sony Notebook Setup software. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” on page 57.

Printer cable (supplied with the printer)

Power cord

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Connecting an External Display

You can connect an external display to your notebook computer. For example, you can use the computer with any of the following:

❑ Computer display (monitor) (page 48) ❑ Multimedia computer display (page 49) ❑ Projector (page 50)

To connect a computer display

❑ Use the symbol on the back of the computer to locate the Monitor

connector . Plug the display cable (not supplied) into this connector on the back of the computer.

❑ If necessary, plug one end of the display power cord into the display,

and the other end into an AC outlet.

Computer display

Power cord

Monitor

See the manual that came with your computer display for more information on installation

✍

and use.

Display cable (not supplied)

Connecting Peripheral Devices

To connect a multimedia computer display

You can connect the notebook computer to a multimedia computer display that includes built-in speakers and a microphone.

Use the symbol to locate the Monitor connector. Plug the display

cable into this connector. Use the symbol to locate the Headphone connector. Plug the

speaker cable into this connector. Use the symbol to locate the Microphone connector. Plug the

microphone cable into this connector.

to Monitor

Multimedia computer display

Power cordDisplay cable

✍

See the manual that came with your multimedia computer display for more information on installation and use.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

To connect a projector

You can use a projector, such as the Sony LCD Projector, as an external display.

Projector

to Monitor

Power cord

RGB signal cable

✍

See the manual that came with your projector for more information on installation and use.

Audio cable (not supplied)

To select a display

When you connect an external display to the monitor connector, you can toggle the output among the Liquid Crys tal Display (LCD), the external monitor, or both devices.

Use the

Fn+F7

keys to select a display. See also “Selecting the Display

Mode” on page 65 for more information.

To Press Result

Switch to an external display

Fn+F7 Toggles among the LCD, the external display

connected to the Monitor connector, and both the LCD and external display.

Only LCD

LCD and external display

Only external display

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard

You can connect an external mouse or keyboard to the computer by plugging the mouse or keyboar d i n t o t h e / Mouse/Keyboard connector. To connect both a mouse and keyboard at the same time, you must use the port replicator. Connect the keyboard to the / Mouse/ Keyboard connector, and the mouse to the port replicator. The Mouse/Keyboard connector requires a PS/2 plug or adapter .

To connect an external mouse or keyboard

❑ Use the / symbol to locate the Mouse/Keyboard connector.

Plug the keyboard cable or mouse cable into this connector with the mark facing up.

Serial connector of the

Mouse

-style

See “Using the Keyboard” on page 18 for more information on using the keyboard.

✍

See the manual that came with your mouse or keyboard for more information on installation and use.

Before you connect or disconnect the mouse or keyboard, turn off the computer. Before connecting a mouse to the Serial port, make sure the mouse is compatible with a

serial port.

Mouse/Keyboard

Keyboard

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Connecting External Speakers

You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers.

Make sure your speakers are designed for computer use.

✍

Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on. Do not place diskettes on the speakers; the speakers’ magnetic field may damage the data

on the diskettes.

To connect external speakers

❑ Use the symbol to locate the Headphone connector. Plug the

speaker cable into this connector.

Speakers

Speaker cable

Headphone

(supplied with speakers)

See the manual that came with your speakers for more information on installation and use.

✍

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Connecting an External Microphone

You can enhance the quality of so und input by using an external microphone.

Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use.

✍

To connect an external microphone

❑ Use the to locate the Microphone connector. Plug the microphone

cable into this connector.

Microphone

See the manual that came with your microphone for more information on installation and

✍

use.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Connecting a Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Device

You can connect other computer peripherals, such as the Sony Digital Still Camera, to the Serial connector on your computer.

To connect a digital still camera

❑ Use the symbol to locate the Serial connector. Plug the connecting

cable (not supplied) into this port on the computer and into the Digital I/O connector on the digital still camera.

Digital still camera

to Digital I/O

to Serial

The Sony Digital Still Camera is pictured; you may need to connect your camera differently.

✍

Connecting cable (not supplied)

See the manual that came with your digital camera or other serial device for more information on installation and use.

If you use a digital camera that has an infrared data communication system or other infrared communication device, see “Using Infrared Communication Devices” on page32.

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Connecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder

You can connect a digital video camera recorder to the S200 i.LINK™ (IEEE 1394) connector.

To connect a digital video camera recorder

❑ Plug one end of the i.LINK cable (not supplied) into the i.LINK

connector on the left side of the computer and the other end into the DV In/Out connector on the digital video cam e ra recorder.

Digital video camera recorder

to DV In/Out

The Sony digital video camera recorder (DCR-PC7) is pictured; you may need to connect

✍

your camera differently. On Sony digital video cameras, connectors labeled “DV In/Out” or “i.LINK” are i.LINK-

compatible. See the manual that came with your digital video camera recorder for more information on

installation and use. Do not connect more than one digital video camera at a time. The software supplied with

your computer will not recognize multiple cameras. The i.LINK connector on the computer does not supply power to external devices. If the

external device requires power from the i.LINK connector, you cannot use the device with the computer.

The computer supports transfer rates up to 200 Mbps; however, the actual transfer rate is the lowest transfer rate of the external device.

The i.LINK features available may vary depending on the software applications you use. See the documentation that came with your software for more information.

to i.LINK

i.LINK cable (not supplied)

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device

You can connect a USB device to your computer.

To connect a USB device

❑ Use the symbol to locate the USB connector. Plug one end of the

USB cable into this port and the other end into the USB device.

USB device

to USB

USB connecting cable (not supplied)

You can use the optional Sony USB mous e PCGA-UMS1 with this computer. The USB mouse software driver is preinstalled in the computer. Therefore you only need to plug the USB mouse into the USB connector.

See the manual that came with your USB device for more information on installation and

✍

use.

Customizing Your Notebook Computer

You can customize the settings of your notebook computer . The following sections briefly describe how to change your computer’s default settings. You can also refer to the Sony Notebook Setup Help for more detailed information.

Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen

To display the Sony Notebook Setup screen:

Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.

Point to VAIO and click Sony Notebook Se tup.

Select the tab for the item you want to change. See “Notebook Setup

Tabs” o n page 58. After you finish, click OK.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Notebook Setup Tabs

Tab Description

About This Computer Display system information, including memory

capacity, serial number, and BIOS version.

Audio Change the volume of the sounds that play while th e

operating system is loading. Printer Select printer port mode settings. Power On

Device Sequence

Touchpad When you connect an optional mouse to the Serial

Power On Password Set the password to secure your computer. Enable Ports Change the hardware resour ces such as I/O ad dress,

Basic/Advanced Toggle be tween Adv anced mo de (additi ona l scr eens

Select the order of drives and devices from which

you want to load the operating system. You can

specify the hard drive as well as other drives

inserted into your computer.

port of your computer , you can make your touchpad

inactive. You can also customize the settings of your

mouse using the mouse utility.

IRQ, or DMA depending on the optional hard ware

or software you use. Disabling ports releases

resources to the system. To change the serial or

infrared settings, click Advanced on the Basic/

Advanced tab.

with advanced settings) and Basic mode of display.

Advanced mode includes Serial, Infrared, and View

Resources tabs.

✍

For more information about each option, click Help on the Sony Notebook Setup screen to display the Help file.

Customizing Your Notebook Computer

Controlling Power Management

The PowerPanel utility allows you to co ntrol the power m an ag ement of your notebook computer and provides key info rmation about system activity and battery life. The following sections brief ly describe how to conserve your computer’s battery power. You can also refer to the PowerPanel Help for more detailed information.

Power Management Profiles

PowerPanel provides several predefined power management profil es. Each profile consists of a group of specific power management settings that are designed to meet specific power management goals—ranging from maximum power manage ment to no power management. You ca n change the settings for any of the predefined profiles or you can create your own profile to suit your portable computing needs. The predefined profiles are:

Icon Description

–

Maximum Performance

while still conserving power.

Maximum Battery Life

you maximum battery life and good performance. It slows the computer and puts it into System Suspend mode after a specified time period.

Disable Power Management

features such as System Suspend and System Hibernation modes.

Provides the best system performance

–

Provides power saving features to give

–

Turns off all power management

–

AC Power

use. Similar to the Power Management Off setting. PowerPanel automatically loads the AC profile unless you disable this feature.

Games

Presentation

power. This option is ideal for slide show presentations. You can establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and System Suspend to optimize power management for your system.

The power management state when AC power is in

–

Disables the display and the Hard Disk Standby timer.

–

Keeps the display on at all times wh ile it conserves

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Icon Description

–

Word Processing

timeouts on the hard disk and display screen. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and System Suspend to optimize power management for your system.

Spreadsheet

spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft Excel.

Communications

timeout. The Internal modem remains powered. You can als o establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and System Suspend to optimize power management for your system.

Automatic Profile Selection

suitable for active applications.

Optimizes power management with longer

–

Optimizes performance and power requirements for

–

Extends battery life by initiati ng a quick di splay

–

Automatically switches to a profile

Power Management Commands

PowerPanel also provides power management commands that you can use to activate specific power management functions and to control power for a specific device. You might use these commands when you want to override a profile setting or initiate an immediate action, such as putting the system into Video Standby mode before the Video Standby timer expires.

Icon Descriptio n

System Idle

consumption. This state stops the CPU clock and puts all peripherals into low power mode. To return the system to the active state, press any key or power switch on your system.

System Suspend

power management state that saves the state of the system and peripheral devices in memory (RAM). Power consumption reduces to a minimum, and the system remains on. To return the system to the active state, press any key or the power switch on you r computer.

System Hibernation –

consumption. The system writes the state of the system and peripheral devices to the hard disk and turns off the system power. To return the system to the original state, use the power switch to turn on power. The system saves the data in the Save to Disk Partition on the hard drive.

LCD (Video) Standby

turn off the Video Standby timer, the display remains active except when the system enters System Suspend mode. The video display system is one of the largest consumers of power in the system.

– Puts the system into Idle mode, a state of low power

– Puts the system into System Suspend mode, a

Provides for the lowest level of power

–

Turns off the LCD to save power. If you

Customizing Your Notebook Computer

T o ac t iva te Powe rP ane l

When you start your computer, the PowerPanel toolbar appears along the right edge of the screen by default. If the toolbar does not appear, right-click the t a skbar at the botto m of the screen. Select Toolbar from the pop-up menu , then click PowerP anel. The PowerPanel appears on the taskbar.

The Current Profile icon appears on the PowerPanel toolbar. To change the profile, click the profile icon, then select a profile from the list of profiles.

To select the power management command, click the power management button you want to set.

✍

Refer to the PowerPanel Help for information on customizing the PowerPanel toolbars. When you use the battery pack to power your computer, your system selects the Maximum

Battery Life power management profile by default. If you select a different power management profile while using battery power, that profile is selected automatically the next time you use the battery pack to power your computer.

To customize the power management settings

You can change t he po wer managem ent s etti ngs, s uch as the syst em ti mer and brightness of the screen.

Click the profile icon on the PowerPanel toolbar.

Select Edit Profile from the menu.

Click a profile for which you want to change the setting.

Double-click an item for which you want to change the setting.

Click a desired setting.

Click the File menu, then click Save.

Click the File menu, then click Close.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Displaying Battery Information

You can display detailed information for each of the batteries in your computer. The following sections briefly describe how to display yo ur computer’s general battery informa tion. You can also refer to the BatteryScope Help for more detailed information.

Activating BatteryScope

To activate BatteryScope

When you start your computer, the BatteryScope toolbar appears along the right edge of the screen by default. If the toolbar does not appear, right-click the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. Select Toolbar from the pop-up menu, then click BatteryScope. The BatteryScope appears on the taskbar.

You can also view battery gauges on the shared PowerPanel and BatteryScope toolbar.

❑ Percentage indicator

Displays the percentage of the remaining capacity.

❑ T ime indica tor

Displays estimated time (hours/minutes) remaining before the battery fully drains, also referred to as the time-to-empty.

Customizing Your Notebook Computer

Battery Icon Descriptions

Battery icon Battery status

Discharging

Fully charged

Charging

Not in use

No battery

Displaying Detailed Battery Information

You can obtain detailed information about the batteries.

❑ Click the battery icon on the taskbar to display the BatteryScope

window. The screen appears displaying the General tab, which contains

information such as the estima ted t ime- to-empty and charging time.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

To display information on individual batteries

Click the Primary battery tab to display information for the battery in

the bay on the left side. Click the Secondary battery tab to display information for the battery

in the bay on the right side. You can display the information about each battery, such as estimated

time-to-empty, manufacturer, capacity, and other information.

To customize the BatteryScope toolbar and alarm system

You can customize the BatteryScope toolbar to suit your portable computing needs, including modifications to the alarm settings. Refer to the BatteryScope Help for more information.

Customizing Your Notebook Computer

Selecting the Display Mode

When you connect an external display, you can toggle the display mode between the LCD on your computer and external displays.

Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.

Point to Settings and click Control Panel.

Click Display.

Click the Settings tab, then click the Advanced button.

Click the NeoMagic® tab.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Select the type of display:

External (CRT/Projector)

Internal (LCD) Displays the LCD of your computer.

✍

You can turn off the computer's LCD display by removing the checkmark from the LCD option under Internal Display.

If you select CRT/Projector and turn off the LCD, you can use the Refresh Rate slider to change the display's ho rizontal frequ ency . T his s etting can b e made only f or CR T disp lay . If you select Independent Display Timing (see page 67), you can change both the resolution and the refresh rate.

Click OK. If you have made changes, the System settings change

dialog box appears. Select Yes to restart Windows. If you have not made changes, click OK to close the Display

Properties screen.

✍

Depending on the types of computer displays and projectors you are using, you may not be able to display the computer's LCD and external display simultaneously.

Displays an external computer display or RGB connected projector that is connected to the Monitor connector on your computer.

Customizing Your Notebook Computer

Using a CRT or Projector

When you select CRT/Projector as the display mode, you can make additional settings, described as follows:

After selecting CRT/Projector as the type of external display (step 6

on page 66), click Advanced Settings. Click the External Display Options tab.

Select the following options:

External Display Device:

CRT Connects with the external computer display. Projector Connects with the projector.

Monitor Settings:

Independent Display Timing

Projector Settings:

Type Select the projector's resolution from the drop-

Click OK.

✍

You cannot select Independent Display Timing when the display is set to True Color (24 bit).

Click to place a checkmark when you want to set the resolution and refresh rate differently from the computer's LCD. To change the resolution and refresh rate, see the notes to step 6 on page 66.

down box.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Display Spe c ifications

LCD Display Mode Resolution Number of colors

1024 x 768 65,536* (PCG-F150); 16,770,000* (PCG-F160/180/190) 800 x 600 16,770,000* 640 x 480 16,770,000*

* Achieved by graphic accelerator's dithering function

External Display Mode Resolution Number of colors

1280 x 1024 256 1024 x 768 16,770,000 800 x 600 16,770,000 640 x 480 16,770,000

Customizing Your Notebook Computer

Starting Your Favor ite Software wit h Programmable Power Key (PPK) Setup

The PPK Setup software enables you to start your favorite software by simply pressing the Programmable Power Keys. This section briefly describes how to use the Programmable Power Keys. Y ou can also refer to the PPK Setup Help for more detailed information.

Programmable Power Ke ys

Programmable Power Keys

Your computer has three Programmable Power Keys, w hich are set to activate as follows by default:

Press: To activate:

P1 P2 P3

* When power is off, pressing this key turns your computer on.

VAI O dem o The e-mail software System Suspend mode

To use the PPK Setup window:

Double-click the PPK Setup icon on the taskba r. The PPK Setup

window appears. Click a Programmable Power Key tab for the Programmable Power

Key you want to use. Click the combination of keys you want to use.

Select “Select from the registered files list,” then click Next.

Select a desired setting, then click OK.

Click OK.

✍

You can change PPK launch files, select files not currently registered, or disable the PPK. Refer to the PPK Help for more detailed information.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Using the internal Timer:

You can use the internal Timer to start software at a specific time. Y ou can use this feature when the computer is on or in System Suspend mode.

✍

When selecting software that uses a phone line: The computer may not be able to disconnect the phone line due to communication and server conditions. Be sure to monitor the status of the software w hen running PPK Setup , and manual ly disconnect the ph one line if you notice a malfunction. Furthermore, when using the Timer to start the software, it is advised that you set the computer to enter System Suspend or System Hibernation mode after a certain time. This allows the computer to disconnect the phone line if the computer fails to disconnect the line normally. However, the computer cannot disconnect the phone line when it enters System Suspend mode if the internal modem ring resume is set to On.

Customizing Your Notebook Computer

Using the Dual Display Function

The dual display function allows you to distribute portions of your desktop across separate displays. For example, if you have an external monitor attached to the monitor connector, your LCD display and the monitor can function as a single desktop. You can move the cursor off one display and onto the other. This allows you to drag objects, such as an open application window or a toolbar , f rom one display to the other. This configuration of a single desktop distributed across separate displays is referred to as a virtual desktop.

Virtual desktop

External monitor

Your LCD display

Selecting dual display mode

You must restart Wi ndows to use dual display mode. Save y our work and close any open applications before changing to dual display mode, then follow these steps:

Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.

Point to Settings and click Control Panel.

Click the Display icon.

Click the Settings tab.

Click the Advanced button.

Click the NeoMagic tab.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Check the Set Dual-Display option and click OK. The System Settings

Change dialog box appears. Click Yes to restart your system .

Repeat steps 1 to 3 to display the Display Properties screen.

Click the dis p la y ic on number 2.

Click Yes.

Click OK.

Setting the colors and resolution for each display

You can set the display colors and resolution for each display that is part of a virtual desktop.

Follow steps 1 to 4 above to display the Display Properties screen. Select the display you wish to change (1 or 2) by clicking on the icon of the display. You can change colors by selecting an option from the Colors list. Use the slider in the Screen area to change the resolution. Click OK or Apply. Click OK to confirm that you want to make the changes.

Customizing the virtual desktop

You can customize dual display mode by changing the position of the two desktops that comprise the virtual desktop.

In the Display Properties screen, drag the icons of display 1 or display 2, moving them to a new position relative to each other. The two display icons must be connected to create a virtual desktop. Click OK to apply the change.

Releasing the dual display setting

You must restart Windows to return to single display mode. Save your work and close any open applications before returning to single display mode. Follow the steps in the section above on Selectin g d ual display mode. In step 7, remove the check from the Set Dual-Display option. You must restart Windows before the change takes effect.

Getting Help

Sony provides several support options for your Sony computer. When you have questions about your computer and the preinstalled software, check these sources for answers, in the following sequence:

VAIO Notebook

Computer Read Me First

VAIO Notebook

Computer User Guide

Online User

Guide

Manuals and

online help files that may accompany your preinstalled software

Knowledge

Database

Contains a complete list of the items that ship with your computer, product specifications, software support information, and the most up-to-date information on using your computer .

Explains how to use your notebook computer and connect peripheral devices.

This electronic version of the additional information on the preinstalled software titles. You can access this guide from the Windows Start menu by selecting Programs/VAIO/ Documentation.

Most of the manuals for preinstalled soft wa re are located on your hard disk drive as online help files. You can access the online help files from the Help menu in the specific application. A printed manual is available for some applicati ons.

Provides instant access to information on commonly encountered problems. Enter a description of your problem and the Knowledge Database searches for the corresponding solutions online. You can access the Sony Knowledge Databas e at: http://www.sony .com/pcsupport/

User Guide

contains

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Sony

Fax-on-Demand

Calling Sony

Customer Support

This service provides you wit h answers to commonly asked questions. You can use this automated service to request a lis t of av ailab le topic s an d then se lect the topics that you want to receive. To contact the Sony fax-on-demand service, call 1-888-4SONYP C (1-888-476-6972). (Requires a fax machine or your fax software.)

You can call and speak with a Sony Customer Support Representative without using your computer by calling 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6 972). Soft ware su pport is avai lable fr ee of charge for 90 days after the origin al da te of purchase.

Getting Help

Troubleshooting

This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you call Sony Customer Support.

When you reconnect devices be sure to turn off the computer as described in “Shutting

✍

Down Your Computer” on page 15. Turning off the computer using other methods may result in data loss.

My computer does not start

Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is

❑

turned on. Check that the power indicator on the front panel of the computer indicates that the power is on.

❑ Check that the battery packs are inserted properly and that they are

charged.

❑ Make sure there is no diskette in the floppy disk drive. ❑ Confirm that the power cord and all cables are connected firmly, as

described in “Connecting Peripheral Devices” on page 41.

❑ If you plugged the computer into a power strip or UPS, make sure the

power strip or UPS is turned on and working.

❑ If you are using an external display, check that it is plugged into a

power source and turned on. Check that the brightness and contrast controls are adjusted correctly. See the manual that came with your display for details.

❑ Moisture condensation may have occurred. Do not use the computer

for at least one hour and then turn on the computer.

❑ Your computer’s internal backup battery may be low on power.

Change the backup battery located on the bottom of your computer, following the procedure in “Replacing the Internal Backup Battery” on page 82.

When I turn on my computer, the message “Operating system not found” appears and Windows does not start

Check the floppy disk drive to see if a non-bootable diskette is in the

❑

drive.

❑ If a non-bootable diskette is in the drive, turn off the computer,

remove the diskette, and then turn on the computer again. Confirm

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

that Windows starts properly. If Windows still does not start, follow the procedure below to initialize the BIOS.

❑ If the floppy disk drive is empty, follow the steps belo w to initialize

the BIOS:

Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer.

Turn the computer off and then turn it on again.

Turn on the computer and press the F2 key when the Sony logo appears.

The BIOS setup menu screen appears. Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.

Press the arrow keys to select Get Default Values and then press the Enter

key. The message “Load default configuration now?” appears. Check that [Yes] is selected, then press the Enter key.

Press the arrow keys to select Exit (Save Changes) and then press the Enter

key. The message “Save configuration changes and exit no w?” appears. Check that [Yes] is selected, then press the Enter key. The computer

restarts.

If your computer still displays the message “Operating system not found” and Windows does not start, contact Sony Customer Support.

My LCD does not display anything

❑ Check that the computer is pl ugg ed in t o a power source and that it is

turned on. Check that the power indicator on the front panel of the computer is on.

❑ Check that the battery packs are inserted properly and that they are

charged.

❑ The computer may be in LCD (Video) Standby mode. Press any key

to activate the display.

The screen image on my external display is not centered or sized properly

Use the controls on your external display to adjust the image. See the manual supplied with your display for more information.

My computer “locks up”

Try restarting the computer. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start

❑

button, click Shut Down, and then click Resta rt the computer.

❑ If you cannot restart as described in the preceding step, you can

restart the computer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete.

Getting Help

❑ If the previous step does not work, slide the power switch toward the

front and hold it for at least four seconds. This turns off the power.

❑ If your computer locks up while playing a DVD-ROM/CD-ROM,

stop the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM, and restart the computer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete.

Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete may result in data loss in files that are currently open.

✍

My software program “locks up” or crashes

Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical support. See the online version of Read Me First for a complete list of phone numbers.

My DVD-ROM drive tray does not open

❑ Make sure the computer is turned on. ❑ Press the Eject button on the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive. ❑ If the Eject button does not work, you can open the tray by inserting a

sharp, pointed object into the hole to the right of the Eject button.

I cannot play a CD-ROM

❑ Make sure the label of the CD-ROM is facing up. ❑ If the CD-ROM requires software, make sure the software is installed

according to the program’s instructions.

❑ Moisture condensation may have occurred. Leave the computer for at

least 1 hour while the computer is turned on.

❑ Clean the CD-ROM. ❑ Check the speaker volume.

I cannot play a DVD-ROM

If a region code warning appears when you are using the DVD

❑

player, it could be that the D VD-ROM you are trying to play is incompatible with the DVD-ROM drive in your notebook computer. The region code is listed on the disc’s packaging.

❑ If you hear audio but cannot see video, your computer’s video

resolution may be set too high. For best results, change the Windows Control Panel/Display/Settings to 800 x 600 using 256 colors.

➜

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

❑ If you see video but cannot hear audio, check all o f the following:

Make sure your DVD player’s mute setting is off. Check the master volume setting in the audio Mixer. If you have connected speakers externally, check the volume settings in your computer speakers and check the connections between your speakers and the computer. Check the Windows Control Panel/System/Device Manager to see that the drivers are installed properly.

❑ A dirty or damaged disc may cause the computer to “hang” while it

tries to read the disc. If necessary, reboot the computer, remove the disc, and then check that it is not dirty or damaged. For cleaning instructions, see “On Cleaning CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs” on page 90.

When I click an application icon a message appears, such as “You must insert the application CD into your CD-ROM drive,” and the software does not start

Some titles require specific files that are located on the application’s

❑

CD-ROM. Insert the disc and try starting the program again.

❑ Make sure you place the disc in the tray with the label side facing up.

My floppy disk drive cannot write to a diskette

If the diskette is write-protected, disable the write-protect feature or

❑

use a diskette that is not write-protected.

❑ Check that the diskette is properly inserted into the floppy disk drive.

My speakers have no sound

❑ If the built-in speakers are turned off, press Fn+F3 to turn on the

speakers.

❑ If the speaker volume is turned to the minimum, press Fn+F4, and

then press

❑ If your computer is powered by batteries, check that the battery packs

to increase the volume.

➜

are inserted properly and that they are charged.

❑ If you are using an application that has its own volume control, check

that the volume is turned up.

❑ Check the volume controls in Windows 98. ❑ If you connect external speakers, check that the speakers are pr operly

connected and the volume is turned up. If the speakers have a mute button, make sure it is off. If the speakers are powered by batteries, check that the batteries are inserted properly and that they are charged.

Getting Help

❑ If you have connected an audio cable to the Headphone connector,

disconnect the cable.

My modem does not work

❑ Check that the phone line is plugged into the line jack. See

“Connecting a Phone Line” on page 42 for details.

❑ Check that the phone line is working. You can check the line by

plugging in an ordinary phone and listening f or a dial tone.

❑ Check that the phone number the program is dialing is correct. ❑ Check that the software you are using is compatible with the

notebook computer modem. (All preinstalled programs are compatible.) Call the software publisher or Sony Customer Support.

My modem connection is slow

The computer’s modem uses K56flex™ technology and V.90 capability. Many factors influence modem connection speed, including telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equi pment (such as fax machines or other modems). If you think your modem is not connecting properly to other PC-based modems, fax machines, or your Internet Service Provider, check the following:

❑ Have your phone company check that your phone line is free from

any line noise.

❑ If your problem is fax-related, check that there are no problems with

the fax machine you are calling and that it is compatible with fax modems.

❑ If you are having a problem connecting with your Internet Service

Provider, check that the ISP is not experiencing technical problems.

❑ If you have a second phone line available, try connecting the modem

to that line.

My microphone does not work

If you are using an external microphone, check that the microphone is plugged into the Microphone connector. See “Connecting an External Microphone” on page 53 for details.

My mouse does not work

❑ If you are using an external mouse, check that the mouse is plugged

into the mouse connector. See “Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard” on page 51 for details.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

❑ If you connected an external mouse while your computer is on , you

must restart your computer.

❑ If you are using an optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1, check

that the mouse is plugged into the USB connector.

My touchpad does not work

You may have disabled the touchpad while no mouse was connected to the computer. If so, you must restart the computer to make the touchpad work again.

I cannot use DV devices. The message “DV equipment seems to be disconnected or turned off” appears.

Check that the DV device is turned on and that the cables are

❑

properly connected.

❑ If you are using multiple i.LINK devices, the combination of the

connected devices may cause unstable operation. In this case, turn of f the power to all connected devices and disconnect unused devices. Check the connection, then turn on the power again .

My touchpad interprets a single tap as a double-click

Click the Mouse icon in the Control Panel and then change the button assignments in the Mouse Properties dialog box. One of the buttons is assigned to the double-click action.

My computer does not shut down

It is best to shut down your computer using the Shut Down command on the Windows 98 Start menu. Using other methods, including those listed here, may result in loss of unsaved data. If the Shut Down command does not work properly, follow these steps:

❑ Restart the computer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete. If this does not

work, slide the power switch forward and hold it for at least four seconds to turn off the power.

❑ Unplug the computer from the AC adapter and remove the battery

pack from your computer.

Getting Help

My PC card is not working

Make sure the PC card is compatible with Windows 98.

❑ ❑ Use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices you are not

currently using.

The sound of my computer’s fan is too loud

Use the PowerPanel utility to change the Thermal Control Strategy setting to Quiet. This setting slows down the CPU speed. See the PowerPanel Help for more information.

I cannot print

The default setting for the printer port mode is correct for most printers. If you cannot print, try changing the printer port mode. In Sony Notebook Setup, select the Printer tab. If the printer port mode is set to ECP, change it to bi-directional. If the printer port mode is set to bi-directional, change it to ECP. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” on page 57 for details on using Sony Notebook S et up.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Replacing the Internal Backup Battery

The backup battery will last about three years. When the battery is low on power, replace it with a Sony lithium battery CR2025 or compatible.

To replace the backup battery

Turn off the computer and connected devices, then unplug all the

cables. Unscrew the battery cover to open it.

Screw 1

Screw 2

Remove the battery.

Insert a new battery and close the cover.

Follow the procedure below to set the clock.

To set date and time

After replacing the backup battery, be sure to set the time as follows:

Turn on the computer.

The message “Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to Setup” appears at the bottom of the display.

Press F2.

The BIOS Setup menu starts.

Getting Help

➜

Set the date (month/day/year).

Press Enter to move to the next item. To enter 01/31/1999, for example, follow these steps: Type 1, press Enter, type 31, press Enter, type 1999, then press Enter.

➜

Press to select System Time, then set the time

(hour:minute:sec ond). Press Enter to move to the next item. Press ➜ to select Exit, then press to select Get Default Values.

The message “Load default configuration now?” appears. Make sure that Yes is se lected and press Enter.

If No is selected, press to select Yes. Select Exit (Save Changes), then press Enter.

The message “Save configuration changes and exit now?” appears. Make sure that Yes is se lected and press Enter.

The computer restarts.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Using the System and Application Recovery CDs

The following sections describe how to use the System Recovery and Application Recovery utilities.

Using the System Recovery CD(s)

You can reinstall software titles that shipped with your computer if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. You may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive. If you experience a problem with your computer, reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct the problem. Use the Application Recovery CD(s) to reinstall individual applications or device drivers. See “Usin g the Application Recovery CD(s)” on page 86.

The System Recovery CD contains a backup copy of all the software originally installed on you r hard disk drive. It can be used only to

recover the hard disk of the notebook computer you purchased.

The System Recovery utility gives you three options:

❑ Full Restore without Format restores all the software titles that

originally came with your computer witho ut fo rmatting the hard disk.

❑ Full Restore with Format formats the hard disk drive and then

restores all the original software.

❑ Operating System Only restores the Windows 98 operating system,

the notebook computer utility programs, and the device drivers that shipped with your computer.

If you choose the Full Restore with Format or Operating System Only option,

your hard disk will be formatted, which removes all the information on the hard disk drive. You will lose any software you have installed and any other files you have created since you started to use your computer. This means you will have to reinstall any applications that were not included with the computer when you purchased it. If you choose the Full Restore without Format option, you may need to reinstall applications that were not included with the computer when you purchased it. If you have any questions on using the System Recovery CD, contact Sony Customer Support.

Getting Help

T o use the System Recovery CD(s)

✍

You need to complete the Windows 98 registration process when you use the System Recovery CD. Make sure you have the product ID number located on the cover of your Microsoft Windows 98 “Getting Started” manual. You will need this number to complete the recovery process.

Insert the Sony System Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM

drive.

✍

The System recovery utility boots from the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive. It must be in the DVDROM/CD-ROM drive when you turn on the computer.

Shut down your computer as described in “Shutting Down Your

Computer” on page 15. Wait four seconds and turn on your computer.

Click OK to signify you have read and accept the Microsoft End-User

License Agreement. When the System Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen

instructions to complete the recovery process.

✍

Your system may include one or two System Recovery CDs. If you have two System Recovery CDs, insert th e first C D to run th e Sys tem R ecov ery progr a m. You are prompted to insert the second CD once the information from the first CD has been installed.

The recovery process takes from 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

If your computer does not start from the Recovery CD

Slide the power switch forward and hold it for more than four

seconds to turn off the computer. Turn on the computer. When the Sony logo is displayed, press the F2

key. The BIOS setup menu screen appears. Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.

Press the arrow keys to select Get Default Values and then press the

Enter key. The message “Load default configuration now?” appears. Check that [Yes] is selected, then press the Enter key.

Press the arrow keys to select Exit (Save Changes) and then press the

Enter key. The message “Save configuration changes and exit now?” appears.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

Check that [Yes] is selected, then press the Enter key. The computer

restarts from the Recovery CD.

Using the Application Recovery CD(s)

The Application Recovery CD(s) allow s you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individ ual device driver or software title may correct a problem you ar e experiencing wi th your computer, and you may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive. If you do need to reinstall all the software titles that shipped with your computer , use the System Recovery CD(s). See “Using the System Recovery CD(s)” on page 84.

You can also us e the A pplication Recovery CD to install Windows NT Workstation 4.0 drivers on your computer.

✍

You must be in Windows to run the Application Recovery CD. The application will not run from DOS. If you have any questions on using the Application Recovery CD, contact Sony Customer Support.

To use the Application Recovery CD(s)

Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all

applications.

When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Sony Application

Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive. The Application Recovery utility loads automatically.

When the Application Recovery menu appears, select the icon for the

application you want to restore and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the recovery process.

✍

Y ou r system ma y incl ud e one or two App lica ti on Recov ery CD s. If you have two Application Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the Application Recovery program. You may be prompted to insert the second CD, depending on the application you wish to restore.

For a list of the contents of the Application Recovery CD(s), see the online version of

Me First.

Read

Notes on Use

This section describes safety guidelines an d precautions to help protect your computer from potential damage.

On 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.

❑ Using the computer in low temperature conditions ma y produce a

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

❑ A residual image may appear on the screen if the same image is

displayed for a lengthy period of time. The residual image disappears in a while. You can use a screen saver to prevent residual images.

❑ 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.

On the Power Source

❑ 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.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

❑ 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.

❑ When the AC adapter is not used, unplug it from the AC outlet. ❑ Use only the AC adapter supplied. Do not use an y other AC adapter.

On Handling

❑ 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 liqui d 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 obje cts on top of the

computer.

On Installation

❑ 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 95º F (35º C) or less than

50º F (10º C)

❑ 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 t hat may block its ventilation slots. Leave a space of at least 8 inches behind the back panel of the computer.

Notes on Use

❑ 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.

❑ Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables;

otherwise, problems may result.

❑ Do not use cut or damaged connection cables. ❑ Your computer will not work with party lines, cannot be connected to

a coin-operated telephone, and may not work w ith multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX).

❑ 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 disco nnect your service until you correct the problem.

On Moisture Condensation

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.

On Handling Diskettes

❑ Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the

diskette.

❑ Keep diskettes away from magnets. ❑ Keep diskettes away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.

On Handling CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs

Do not touch the surface of the disc.

❑ ❑ Do not drop or bend the disc.

VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide

On Cleaning CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs

Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors.

❑

Proper care of the disc is essential to maintain its reliability. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, commer cially available cleaners or anti-static spray, as they may cause damage to the disc.

❑ For normal cleaning, hold the disc by its edge and use a soft cloth to

wipe the surface from the center out.

❑ If the disc is badly soiled, moisten a soft cloth with water, wring it out

well, and use it to wipe the surface of the disc from the center out. Wipe off any remaining moisture with a dry soft cloth.

On Using Batteries

❑ 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 30° 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.

Sony PCG-F190, PCG-F150, PCG-F180, PCG-F160 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Notice to Users

Safety Information

Owner’s Record

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 68

Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (United States)

Telephone Consumer Guidelines (Canada)

DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY

INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE

AVIS DE L’INDUSTRIE CANADA

Contents

Welcome

About the User Guide

Ergonomic Considerations

Using Your Notebook Computer

Locating the Controls and Connectors

Front

Left

Right

Back

Bottom

Connecting a Power Source

Using the AC Adapter

Using Battery Power

To insert the battery pack

T o ch ar ge the bat ter y pac k

To remove the battery pack

Starting Y our Computer

Shutting Down Your Comp uter

Registering Windows® 98

Registering Your Computer

Using the Keyboard

Combinations and Functions with the Windows 98 Key

Indicators

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

Using the Touchpad

Using the Floppy Disk Drive

To insert a diskette

To remove a diskette

To remove the floppy disk drive

To reinsert the floppy disk drive

Using the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM Drive

To insert a disc

To play DVD-ROMs

Using PC Cards

To insert a PC card

T o re move a PC card

Using Infrared Communication Devices

To use infrared communication with a digital still camera

To use infrared communication with another computer

Using Power Saving Modes

Normal Mode

System Idle Mode

To activate System Idle mode

To return to normal mode

System Suspend Mode

To activate System Suspend mode

To return to normal mode

System Hibernation Mode

To activate System Hibernation mode

To return to normal mode

Using a Second Battery Pack

To insert a second battery pack

T o ch ar ge the second battery pack

To remove the second ba tt ery pack

Using the Weight Saver

To attach the weight saver

T o remove the Weight Saver

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Connecting a Phone Line

Connecting the Port Replicator

To attach your computer to the port replicator

To remove your computer from the port replicator when the power is off

Connecting a Printer

To connect a printer

Connecting an External Display