Sony PCG-F520 Primary User Manual

®

VAIO Notebook
User Guide

PCG-F520

®

Notice to Users

© 2000 Sony Electronics Inc. All ri ghts
reserved. This manual and the software
described herein, in whole or in part, may
not be reproduced , translated, or reduced
to any machine-readable form without
prior written approval.

SONY ELECTRONICS INC. PROVIDES
NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO
THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR
OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR
PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO THIS
MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR SUCH
OTHER INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT
SHALL SONY ELECTRONICS INC. BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL
DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON
TORT, CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE,
ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION
WITH THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE,
OR OTHER INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE USE
THEREOF.

Sony Electronics Inc. reserves the right to
make any modification to this manual or
the information contained her ein at any
time without notice. The software
described herein is governed by the terms
of a separate user license agreement.

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

Updates and additions to software may
require an addi tional char ge . Subscrip tions
to online service providers may require a
fee and credit card information. Financial

services may require prior arrangements
with participating financial institutions.

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

E

product meets the

S

TAR guidelines for energy

efficiency.

NERGY

The International 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 effectively
reduce energy consumption. It is an open
system in which business proprietors can
participate voluntarily. The targeted
products are office equipment such as
computers, displays, printers, facsimiles
and copiers. Their standards and logos are
uniform among participating nations.

E

NERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

Sony, i.LINK, VAIO and the VAIO logo are
trademarks of Sony Corporation.
Windows, Windows NT, and the Windows
logo are register ed trademarks of Microso ft
Corporation. Intel, SpeedStep, and
Pentium are trademarks of Intel
Corporation.

This product incorporates copyright
protection technology that is protected by
method claims of certain U.S. patents and
other intellectual property rights owned by
Macrovision Corporation and other rights
owners. Use of this copyright protection
technology must be authorized by
Macrovision Corporation, and is intended
for home and other limited viewing uses
only unless otherwise authorized by
Macrovision Corporation. Reverse
engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

All other trademarks are trademarks of
their respective owners.

Owners Record

The model number and serial number are
located on the bottom of your Sony VAIO®
Notebook. 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-9251

To change the backup battery,



please contact your nearest
Sony Service Center.

Pour changer la pile de



rechange, veuillez contacter
votre centre de service Sony le
plus près.

Serial Number:________________________

Safety Information

WARNING

❏

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do
not expose your notebook computer
to rain or moisture.

❏

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

❏

Never install modem or telephone
wiring during a lightning storm.

❏

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

❏

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

❏

Use caution when installing or
modifying telephone lines.

❏

Avoid using the modem during an
electrical storm.

❏

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

❏

A socket outlet should be as close as
possible to the unit and easily
accessible.

For CD-ROM: The use of



optical instruments with the
CD-ROM drive will increase
eye hazard.

Pour le CD-ROM: L'utilisation



d'instruments optiques avec les
lecteurs CD-ROM augmente
les risques pour les yeux.

AVERTISSEMENT

❏

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

❏

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

❏

Ne jamais effectuer l’installation de fil
modem ou téléphone durant un orage
électrique.

❏

Ne jamais effectuer l’installation
d’une prise téléphonique dans un
endroit mouillé à moins que la prise
soit conçue à cet effet.

❏

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

❏

Soyez très prudent lorsque vous
installez ou modifiez les lignes
téléphoniques.

❏

Évitez d’utiliser le modem durant un
orage électrique.

❏

N’utilisez pas le modem ni le
téléphone pour prévenir d’une fuite
de gas si vous êtes près de la fuite.

❏

L’appareil doit être le plus près
possible d’une prise murale pour en
faciliter l’accès.

For questions regarding your product or
for the Sony Service Center nearest you,
call 1-888-476-6972 in the United States or
1-800-961-7669 in Canada. Sony Customer
Support can be reached at www.sony.com/
pcsupport

The number below is for FCC related
matters only.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

interference by one or more of the
following measures:

❏

Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna.

❏

Increase the separation between the
equipment and the receiver.

❏

Connect the equipment into an outlet
on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.

❏

Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.

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

Trade Name: SONY

Model No.: PCG-9251

Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.

Address: 1 Sony Drive

Park Ridge, NJ 07656

Telephone: [phone]

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, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

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

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

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

FCC Part 68

This equipment complies with Part 68 of
the FCC rules. On the bottom of this
equipment is a label that contains, among
other information, the FCC equivalence
number (REN) for this equipment. If
requested, this information must be
provided to the telephone company.

This modem uses the USOC RJ-11
telephone jack.

The REN is used to determine the quantity
of devices which may be connected to the
telephone line. Excessive RENs on the
telephone line may result in the devices no t
ringing in response to an incoming call. In
most, but not all ar eas, the s um of the RENs
should not exceed five (5.0). To be certain
of the number of devices that may be
connected to the line, as determined by the
total RENs, contact the telephone company
to determine the maximum REN for the
calling area.

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

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

is causing harm to the telephone network,
the telephone company may request that
you remove the equipment from the
network until the problem is resolve d.

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

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

Telephone Consumer
Protection Act of 1991
(United States)

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

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

If trouble is experienced with this
equipment, please contact 1-888-4SONYPC
(1-888-476-6972), or write to the Sony
Customer Information Center, One Sony
Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, for repair
and /or w arranty information. If the tr ouble

Telephone Consumer
Guidelines (Canada)

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

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

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

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

DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION
BATTERY

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

In some areas the disposal of lithium

✍

ion batteries in household or business
trash may be prohibited.

For the Sony Service Center nearest you,
call 1-888-476-6972 in the 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



incorrectly replaced. Replace
only with the same or equivalent
type recommended by the
manufacturer. Discard used
batteries according to the
manufacturers instructions.

Une batterie non conforme



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

The battery pack used in this



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

heat above 212°F (100°C) or

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

La manutention incorrecte du



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

INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE

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

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

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

Repairs to certified equipment should be
coordinated by a representative designated
by the supplier. Equipment malfunctions
or any repairs or alterations made by the
user to this equipment may give the
telecommunications company cause to
request that the user disconnect the
equipment.

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

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

NOTICE: The Ringer Equivalence Number
(REN) assigned to each terminal device
provides an indication of the maximum
number of terminals allowed to be
connected to a telephone interface. The

termination on an interface may consist of
any combination of devices subject only to
the requirement that the sum of the Ringer
Equivalence Numbers of all the devices
does not exceed 5. The Ringer Equivalence
Number for this equipment is 0.4.

AVIS DE LINDUSTRIE
CANADA

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

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

Avant d’installer ce matériel, l’utilisateur
doit s’assurer qu’il est permis de le
raccorder aux installati o ns d e l’entreprise
locale de télécommunication. Le matériel
doit également être installé en suivant une
méthode acceptée de raccordement.
L’abonné ne doit pas oublier qu’il est
possible que la conformité aux conditions
énoncées ci-dessus n’empêche pas la
dégradation du service dans certaines
situations.

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

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

particulièrement importante dans les
régions rurales.

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

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

La terminaison d’une interface
téléphonique peut consister en une
combination de quelques dispositifs, à la
seule condition que la somme d’indices
d’équivalence de la sonnerie de tous les
dispositifs n’excède pas 5. L’indice
d’équivalence de la sonnerie de ce matériel
est de 0.4.

Contents

Welcome...............................................................................1

Features.............................................................................................1

Unpacking Your Notebook ............................................................3

Manuals.................................................................................................3

Recovery CDs .......................................................................................4

Software CDs........................................................................................4

Other......................................................................................................4

Using Your Notebook .......................................................... 5

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

Front.......................................................................................................5

Left .........................................................................................................6

Right.......................................................................................................7

Back .......................................................................................................7

Bottom....................................................................................................8

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

Using the AC Adapter.........................................................................9

Using Battery Power............................................................................9

Starting Your Computer ...............................................................13

Shutting Down Your Computer..................................................14

Registering Your Computer.........................................................15

Using the Keyboard.................................................... ...................16

Combinations and Functions with the Windows Key .................17

Indicators.............................................................................................18

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key..............................19

VAIO Action Setup........................................................................21

Programmable Power Keys................................ ............................ ..21

Internal Timer......................................... ............................ ................21

Using the Touchpad .......................................... ..... .......................22

EN

N

Notebook User Guide

Using the Floppy Disk Drive........................................................23

Using the CD-ROM........................................................................25

Using PC Cards ..............................................................................27

Using Smart Connect.....................................................................30

Using Infrared Communication Devices....................................31

Using Power Saving Modes..........................................................33

Normal Mode .....................................................................................33

System Idle Mode ..............................................................................33

System Suspend Mode......................................................................34

System Hibernation Mode................................................................34

Using a Second Battery Pack ........................................................35

Using the Weight Saver.................................................................37

Connecting Peripheral Devices ......................................... 39

Connecting a Phone Line ..............................................................40

Connecting the Port Replicator ....................................................41

Connecting a Printer........................ .... ..........................................45

Connecting an External Display...................................................46

Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard................... .... ......48

Connecting External Speakers......................................................49

Connecting an External Microphone...........................................50

Connecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder...........................51

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device ......................52

Troubleshooting ................................................................ 53

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

Using the System and Application Recovery CDs....................60

Using the System Recovery CD(s) ...................................................60

Using the Application Recovery CD(s)...........................................62

Adding Memory................................................................. 63

Specifications ..................................................................................66

Index................................................................................... 69

®

Welcome

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

Features

For a complete description of the specifications of your VAIO® notebook, see page 66.

Exceptional performance: Your notebook includes a fast Intel®

❑

Pentium® III processor and a V.90 compatible modem.*
Portability: The rechargeable batte ry pack pro v ides hours of use without

❑

AC power.
Sony audio and video quality: High-quality MPEG1 video, which

❑

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

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

regulations.



Multimedia features: Enjoy the stereo speakers or use headphones (not

❑

Notebook User Guide

supplied) to listen to audio and video CDs.
Microsoft® Windows® operating system: Your system comes with

❑

Microsoft® Windows® 98 Second Edition.
Communications: Access popular online services, send e-mail, browse

❑

the Internet, and use fax features.
CD-ROM: Your system comes equipped with a built-in 24X (maximum)

❑

CD-ROM drive.*

* Data on a CD-ROM is read at a variable transfer rate, ranging from 10.3X at the innermost track to

24X at the outermost track (the data transfer standard 1X rate is 150 kbytes/s). The average data
transfer rate is 17.2X or 2580 kbytes/s.

Unpacking Your Notebook

Unpacking Your Notebook

Remove the following hardware items from the box:

!

Main unit



The removable floppy disk drive is located in the multipurpose bay.

†

Rechargeable
battery pack

Weight saver

Power cord

AC adapter

Video cable

Manuals

❑

Read Me First

contains Frequently Asked Questions, the most up-to-date

information on using your computer, and software support information.

❑

The

VAIO® Notebook User Guide

(this manual) contains information on
how to get the most from your computer, find help, and solve common
problems. It also includes product specifications.

❑

The

VAIO® Consumer Information Guide

contains ergonomic

considerations and your computer’s limited warranty statement.
The Microsoft® Windows® 98 Second Edition

❑

Getting Started

explains how to use the basic features of the operating system.

manual

"

Notebook User Guide

Recovery CDs

System Recovery CD(s)

❑

Application Recovery CD(s)

❑

Software CDs

Microsoft® Word® 2000

❑

Other

Setting up your VAIO® Notebook (poster)

❑

Packet containing special product offers

❑

Using Your Notebook

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

Locating Controls and Connectors

Front

1

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen (page 19) Battery 1 and 2 indicators (pages 11, 18)

2

Speakers (pages 19, 49) Hard disk drive indicator (page 18)

3

Keyboard (page 16) Num Lock indicator (page 18)

4

Touchpad (page 22) Caps Lock indicator (page 18)

5

Left/right buttons (page 22) Scroll Lock indicator (page 18)

6

Power indicator (page 10)

7
8

9
10
11

#

$

Left

Notebook User Guide

1 5
2 6
3 7
4

S400 i.LINK® connector (page 51) Microphone connector (pages 46, 50)

Infrared port (page 31) PC card slots (page 27)

Video out Battery bay (page 9)

Headphone connector (pages 46, 49)

Right

526

7

PPK buttons (see the online

1

document Customizing Your VAIO®
Notebook for information on use)

Locating Controls and Connectors

CD-ROM drive (page 25)

3

%

Power button Multipurpose drive bay (pages 23, 35, 37)

2 4

Back

cover

Modem jack (page 40) Monitor connector (page 46)

1

/ Mouse/Keyboard connector (page 48) USB connectors (page 52)

3
4

Serial connector DC In connector (page 9)

Printer connector (page 45)

&

Bottom

Notebook User Guide

There is a ventilation slot located between the USB connector and the DC In connector.
Do not cover the ventilation slot when your computer is on.

Port replicator connector cover (pages 42, 44) Tilt stands

1 3

Multipurpose drive bay RELEASE lever (pages 36, 38)

2

Connecting a Power Source

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.



Notebook

AC adapter
(supplied)

DC In

Power cord (supplied)

'

Using Battery Power

You can use one or two battery packs as a source of power. The second
battery pack inserts into the multipurpose drive bay on the right side of the
computer. (See “Using Po wer Saving Modes” on page 33.) 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)

Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks.



When attaching your computer to the port replicator, do not attempt to insert or
remove the battery pack. Lifting and turning the computer with a port replicator
attached could cause a temporary loss of power.

Notebook User Guide

Label side facing down

To charge the battery pack

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” in the online document

Customizing Y our VAIO® Notebook

for

information on checking the battery life.

Connecting a Power Source

There are two battery indicator lights on the computer:

Battery indicators

Secondary battery pack

(not supplied)

Battery pack (supplied)

Battery Indicator Meaning



1

2

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

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

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.



Notebook User Guide

To determine the amount of time the battery lasts, see Displaying Battery
Information in the online manual Customizing Your VAIO® Notebook. When the
battery power is running low, both the battery and power indicators blink.
When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack in the
battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.
See Using a Second Battery Pack on page 35 for information on installing and
charging a battery pack in the multipurpose 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 should either attach the AC adapter to
recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery.
You can extend battery life by changing the power-management modes in the
PowerPanel utility. See Using Power Saving Modes on page 33.
The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be
recharged at any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery
life.
The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source.
When battery life is nearly depleted, the battery indicator starts flashing.
For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not
enter 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.



Close the cover of the battery bay.



You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not
connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in
System Suspend mode.

Starting Your Computer

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



LCD lock lever

Press the power button on top of the computer until the green power



indicator light turns on.

Starting Your Computer

!

Power
button

Power indicator

Powe r button

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

If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display. To decrease



the brightness, press Fn+F5 and then the down or left arrow key. To
increase the brightness, press Fn+F5 and then the up or right arrow key.

"

Notebook User Guide

Shutting Down Your Computer

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

Click the Start button on the Windows® taskbar.



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



Windows dialog box.

Select Shut down.



Click OK.



Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.

Wait 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 press the power button and hold it 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 in the online document Customizing

Your VAIO® Notebook.

Registering Your 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 a fast and direct return of your VAIO

❑

notebook to Sony for service of your computer.

If you have not already registered, follow these steps to use your notebook’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 40.

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.

$

Notebook 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.

Escape Key

Shift key

Function keys

Print Screen key

Correction
keys

Ctrl key

Applications key

Fn key

Alt key

Windows 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 devoted to moving the cursor on the screen.
Correction keys The Insert, Back Space, and Delete keys enable you to make

corrections in your documents.
Function keys The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to

perform designated tasks. For example, in many applications, F1 is the

Help key. The task associated with each function key may vary from

one application to the next.
Escape key The Esc (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.
Print Screen key The Print Screen key takes an electronic snapshot of the screen and

places it in the Windows Clipboard. You can then paste the screen

shot into a document and print it.

Using the Keyboard

Key Description

Operator keys Several keys are always used with at least one other key: Ctrl, Alt, and

Shift. When held down with another key, the Ctrl (Control) and Alt
(Alternate) keys offer another way to give commands. For example, in
many applications, instead of choosing the Save command from a
menu, you can hold down Ctrl and press S (referred to as Ctrl+S). The
Shift key operates the same way as on a typewriter; it is used to
produce capital letters or special symbols such as @ and $.

Windows key The key with the Windows logo displays the Windows Start menu; it is

the equivalent of clicking the Start button on the taskbar. See
Combinations and Functions with the Windows Key on page 17.

Fn key The Fn key is used in combination with other keys to issue commands.

See Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key on page 19.

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.

%

Combinations and Functions with the Windows Key

Combination Function

+ F1

+ Tab

+ E

+ F

+ Ctrl + F

+ M

Shift + + M

+ R

Fn + + Insert

Displays Windows Help.

Switches the selected button on the taskbar.

Displays Windows Explorer.

Displays the Windows Find: All Files window to find a file or
folder. This is the equivalent of selecting Find and then Files or
Folders from the Start menu.

Displays the Windows Find: Computer window where you can
locate other computers. This is the equivalent of selecting Find
and then Computer from the Start menu.

Minimizes all displayed windows.

Returns all minimized windows to their previous size.

Displays the Run window. This is the equivalent of selecting Run
from the Start menu.

Displays the Properties window. This is the equivalent of double­clicking the System icon in the Control Panel.

&

Notebook User Guide

Indicators

Indicator Function

Power Light is green when the power to the computer is turned on. Light is red

in System Idle mode, and flashes red in System Suspend mode. The light
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 bay on the

1

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

2

Hard disk Lights when data is being read from or written to the hard drive. Do

left side of the computer.

bay on the right side of the computer.

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

Light On Off

Num Lock The number keys in the numeric

keypad are active.

Caps Lock The letters appear in uppercase as

you type. The Shift key lowers the
case of typed letters when Caps

The alphanumeric character keys in
the keypad area are active.

Letters appear in lower case as you
type (unless you hold down the Shift
key).

Lock is on.

Scroll Lock The screen scrolls differently.

(Exactly how it scrolls depends on

Information moves across the display

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

Using the Keyboard

➜

➜

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

Combinations/
Feature Function

Puts the system into System Suspend mode, a power- management

Fn+ (ESC)
System Suspend

Fn+ (F2)
Display power source status

Fn+ (F3)
Mute On/Off

Fn+ (F4)
Speaker volume

state. To return the system to the active state, press any key or press
the power button on your computer.

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

Using AC
power

Charging a
battery pack

Toggles the built-in speaker off and on.

Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.

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

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

➜

'

➜

Fn+ (F5)
Brightness control

Fn+ (F6)
Contrast control

LCD

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

LCD

Fn+ only/

(F8)

Control TV out

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 .
Adjusts the screen contrast.

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

Only LCD

LCD and external display

Only external displa y

Toggles between LCD-only and dual LCD/TV display modes.

LCD and external display

Only LCD



Notebook User Guide

Combinations/
Feature Function

Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you

Fn+ (F12)
System Hibernation

execute this command, the state of the system and state of the
peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system power
is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power
button to turn on power.

Fn+D
Video standby

Fn+F
Change the
display size

Fn+S
System Idle

Some functions are not available until Windows launches.

Turns off the LCD 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 Action Setup



VAIO Action Setup

VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your computer's Programmable
Power Keys (PPK), and internal timer. An overview of each of these
functions is provided below. For more information on changing the settings
using VAIO Action Setup, from the Start menu, go to Programs, VAIO
Action Setup, VAIO Action Setup.

Programmable Power Keys

You r So ny computer comes with technolo gy that allows you to access your
favorite applications easily. The three Programmable Power Keys (PPK) at
the top of you keyboard are shortcut buttons that can be programmed to carry
out a variety of computer operations automatically. If you wish, yo u can use
the VAIO Action Setup software to change the Programmable Power Keys’
preset functions. See the online document

Notebook

for details.

Customizing Your VAIO®

Internal Timer

The VAIO Action Setup software allows you to set your computer’s internal
timer to launch certain applications automatically. The timer can start
applications even when the computer is in the System Hibernation Mode.

Some software applications take longer than others to launch. It is advisable to
confirm in advance the amount of time your selected application takes to start.

r

Notebook 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.

Pointe

Touchpad

Left button

Right button

Action Description

Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer on an item or object.
Click Press the left button once.
Double-click Press the left button twice.
Right-click Press the right button once. In many applications, this action displays a

shortcut menu of context-sensitive choices.
Drag Slide one finger while pressing the left button.
Scroll Move your finger along the right edge of the touchpad to scroll 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, click the Start button, select Settings and then Control Panel. Click the
Mouse icon in the Control Panel and click the Help button.

Using the Floppy Disk Drive

!

Using the Floppy Disk Drive

The computer comes with the floppy disk dri v e i n the multipurpose 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 until the LED indicator light

❑

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

Do not press the Eject button when the LED indicator is turned on. Otherwise, data
may be lost.

Eject button

LED indicator

"

Notebook 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.

Slide the drive out of the multipurpose drive bay.



Insert the weight saver. See Using the Weight Saver on page 37.



Multipurpose RELEASE lever

To reinsert the floppy disk drive

Turn off the computer.



If another device is in the multipurpose drive bay, remove the device as



shown above, or see To remove the second battery pack on page 36.

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



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

multipurpose drive bay

Floppy disk drive

Using the CD-ROM

e

Your computer comes with a CD-ROM.

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 in the online document
Customizing Your VAIO® Notebook for more information on System Suspend and
System Hibernation modes.

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



The tray slides out.

Using the CD-ROM

#

Eject button

Place a CD-ROM in the tray with the label side facing up. Push the disc onto



the hub until the disc clicks into place.

Label sid
facing up

$

Close the tray by pushing it gently.



Notebook User Guide

Be sure to seat the disc firmly over the hub fingers. If you do not seat the disc firmly,
you could damage your CD-ROM drive and you may not be able to open the tray.
When you finish using a disc, wait until the LED indicator light 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 in the online document
Customizing Your VAIO® Notebook 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.

Using PC Cards

%

Using PC Cards

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

The PC card slots can accommodate two Type I or two Type II PC cards, or one Type III
PC card. These slots are compatible with a 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 in the online document Customizing Your VAIO® Notebook 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 out from the computer and push it in



toward the computer.

&

Remove the PC card slot protector.



Notebook User Guide

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.

Insert with the
arrow facing forward

PC card

Do not force a card into the slot as this 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.

To remove a PC card

Close any applications that are using the PC card.



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



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.



Using PC Cards

'

!

Notebook User Guide

Using Smart Connect

The preinstalled Smart Connect software allo ws you to use an i.LINK® cable
(not supplied) to connect your VAIO notebook to another VAIO computer
that also has Smart Connect. You can then use one computer to copy, delete,
and edit files on the other computer. You can also print from a printer
attached to either computer.

When you use Smart Connect to connect two VAIO computers, you must assign each
computer a unique name by which it can be identified when the two computers are
networked.

See the Smart Connect online help for more information.

i.LINK cable

i.LINK cables compatible with your VAIO notebook include cables with the
following part numbers: VMC-IL4415 (a 1.5-meter cable with a 4-pin
connector at each end), VMC-IL4615 (a 1.5-meter cable with a 4-pin
connector at one end and a 6-pin connector at the other), and VMC-IL4408A
(a 0.8-meter cable with a 4-pin connector at each end).

Using Infrared Communication Devices

!

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 still camera or other computers.

To use infrared communication with another computer

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

!

Notebook User Guide

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 check box
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 together, 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.

3

The active area of infrared transmission extends about 39

/8 inches (1 meter) with a

radius of approximately 15 degrees.

e

h

c

n

i

8

/

3

9

3

approximately

15 degrees

)

m

1

(

s

Infrared port

Using Power Saving Modes

!!

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 char ge drops below 5 pe rcent, reg ardless of
the power management setting yo u se lec t.

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. To 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 umber in this mode.

To activate System Idle mode

Press Fn+S, or use the PowerPanel utility.

To return to normal mode

Press any key.

!"

Notebook User Guide

System Suspend Mode

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

To activate System Suspend mode

Press Fn+Esc, or press the power bu tton and release it immediately. You can
also use the PowerPanel utility to enter System Suspend mode.

To return to normal mode

Press any key.

System Hibernation Mode

The state of the system is saved on the hard dri ve and po wer 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 Hibernation mode.

To return to normal mode

Turn on the computer by pressing the power button. 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 press the power button 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.

Using a Second Battery Pack

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. When 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 multipurpose drive bay, remove the device. See



To remove the floppy disk drive on page 24.

Insert the battery pack into the multipurpose drive bay.



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

!#

multipurpose drive bay

Battery pack

Label side facing down

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



There is a RELEASE lever on the bottom of the weight saver. Slide the lever
toward the front of the computer to lock the weight saver. See also Using
the Weight Saver on page 37.

Battery pack

Weight saver

!$

Notebook User Guide

To charge the second battery pack

Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is connected to A C po wer. The
battery indicator flashes while the battery is char ging. See also “To charge the
battery pack” on page 10 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 in the online document Customizing Your VAIO® Notebook.

To remove the second battery pack

If you attach two battery packs, you can remo ve either of them without
shutting down the computer. When removing one battery pack, make sure
that the other battery pack’s indicator light is on. If the indicator light of the
battery pack you are removing is on, right-click the battery icon on the task
tray and click the “Switch discharge battery” option.

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, and 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 le ver

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



Reinsert the weight saver. See Using the Weight Saver on page 37.



Using the Weight Saver

Using the Weight Saver

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

To attach the weight saver

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



To remove the floppy disk drive on page 24 or To remove the second
battery pack on page 36.

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



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

!%

Manually lock the weight savers Release lever.



Weight saver (supplied)

!&

e

Notebook User Guide

To 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.

After removing the weight saver, pull out the weight savers hinged arm



and fold it into the weight saver.

Arrow 1: Weight saver Release l

Arrow 2: Release lever

Connecting Peripheral Devices

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

Phone line (page 40)

❑

Port replicator (page 41)

❑

Printer (page 45)

❑

External display (page 46)

❑

External mouse or keyboard (page 48)

❑

External speakers (page 49)

❑

External microphone (page 50)

❑

Digital video camera recorder (page 51)

❑

Universal Serial Bus (USB) device (page 52)

❑

Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals.
You do not need to turn off your computer to connect USB devices.
Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables.
Turn on the computer only after turning on all peripherals.

!'

"

Notebook User Guide

Connecting a Phone Line

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

In order to register your Sony VAIO notebook, 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 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 may result in excess electrical current and could
cause a malfunction in the internal modem.

Phone line jack

Wall jack

Connecting the Port Replicator

5

637

Connecting the Port Replicator

Your notebook supports the use of an optional port replicator
(PCGA-PRF1A). Attaching a port replicator enables you to connect
additional peripherals to your computer.

"

1
2

4

Network (Ethernet) USB (page 52)

Monitor (page 46) Printer (page 45)

Serial DC In (page 9)

/ Mouse/Keyboard (page 48)

The port replicator can be powered only with an AC power adapter. Do not remove the
AC adapter from the port replicator or the AC outlet while using the port replicator;
this may cause data damage or hardware malfunctions.
When you attach your computer to the port replicator for the first time, the installation
of the network driver starts automatically.

"

Notebook 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 connect the AC adapter directly to the port replicator.

When attaching your computer to the port replicator, do not attempt to insert or
remove the battery pack. Lifting and turning the computer with an attached port
replicator could cause a temporary loss of power.

Turn off your computer and disconnect all peripherals.



On the bottom of the computer, slide the port replicator connector cover



open.

Port replicator connector

Attach the bottom of the computer to the port replicator connector until it



clicks.

Notebook

Port replicator

Connecting the Port Replicator

"!

Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the



connector on the

DC IN

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

AC adapter

Power cord

Use the AC adapter that comes with your computer.

The power indicator light turns green.

Release lever

Power

Port replicator connector

Turn on the computer.



""

Notebook 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 a Printer

Connecting a Printer

You can connect your computer to a printer that is compatible with
Windows® 98.

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.

Power cord

Printer

"#

to
Printer

Printer cable
(supplied with the printer)

See the manual that came with your printer for more information on installation and
use.
If your printer stops functioning after resuming from a power-saving mode, see I
cannot print on page 58.
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 in the
online document Customizing Your VAIO® Notebook.

"$

Notebook User Guide

Connecting an External Display

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

Computer display (monitor) (page 46)

❑

Multimedia computer display (page 46)

❑

Projector (page 47)

❑

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

to

Monitor

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

To connect a multimedia computer display

Display cable (not supplied)

You can connect the notebook 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.

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

Connecting an External Display

To connect a projector

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

Projector

to

to
Monitor

Power cord

"%

RGB signal cabl e

Audio cable (not supplied)

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

To select a display

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

Use the

Fn+F7

in the online document

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

Customizing Your VAIO® Notebook

for more

information.

To Press Result

Switch to an
external display

Fn+F7 Toggles between the LCD, the external display connected

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

Only LCD

LCD and external display

Only external display

"&

Notebook User Guide

Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard

You can connect a PS/2® style mouse or keyboard.
Plug the keyboard cable or mouse cable into this connector with the mark

facing up.

Mouse

or Keyboard

To connect both a mouse and keyboard at the same time, use the optional
PS/2 division connector.

See Using the Keyboard on page 16 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.
Do not connect or disconnect the PS/2 device (keyboard or mouse) when the computer
is on. It may cause malfunction.
The Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 (not supplied) is a USB device. So you must connect
it to the USB connector.

Connecting External Speakers

"'

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.

Speaker cable

to

Headphones

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

(supplied with speakers)

#

Notebook User Guide

Connecting an External Microphone

You can enhance the quality of sound input by using an e xte rnal micropho ne.

Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use. The microphone should be
compliant with the plug-in power microphone.

To connect an external microphone

Use the to locate the Microphone connector. Pl ug the microphone cable

❑

into this connector.

Microphone

to
Microphone

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

Connecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder

Connecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder

You can connect an i.LINK-enabled digital video camera recorder to
the S400 i.LINK (IEEE1394) 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 camera recorder.

Digital video
camera recorder

#

to i.LINK

to DV In/Out

i.LINK cable
(not supplied)

The Sony digital video camera recorder 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.LINK­compatible.
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 400 Mbps; however, the actual transfer rate
is the lowest transfer rate of the slowest external device connected to your computer.
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.

#

Notebook 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 mouse PCGA-UMS1 with this computer.
The USB mouse software driver is preinstalled in the computer. Plug the
USB mouse into the USB connector, and restart the computer. All necessary
drivers will be loaded.

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

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 contact Sony Customer Support
(www.sony.com/pcsupport).

When you reconnect devices be sure to turn off the computer as described in Shutting
Down Your Computer on page 14. 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 39.
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 ha ve occurred. Do not use the computer for at

❑

least one hour and then turn on the computer.
When the internal backup battery is low on power, it may not be able to

❑

start your system properly. The message “Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to
setup” would appear at the bottom of the display . Should this happen, you
need to initialize the BIOS. Follow steps 3 to 8 below.

#!

#"

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

❑

Notebook User Guide

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

If the floppy disk drive is empty, follow the steps below 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 now? 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 plugged into 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.

Troubleshooting

My computer locks up

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

❑

##

button, click Shut Down, and then click Restart the computer.
If you cannot restart as described in the preceding step, you can restart the

❑

computer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
If the previous step does not work, press the power button and hold it for

❑

at least four seconds. This turns off the power.
If your computer locks up while playing a CD-ROM, stop the 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 either the printed or the online version of Read Me First for a complete
list of phone numbers.

My CD-ROM drive tray does not open

Make sure the computer is turned on.

❑

Press the Eject button on the CD-ROM drive.

❑

If the Eject button does not work, you can open the tray by inserting a

❑

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.

❑

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

❑

Notebook User Guide

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

❑

or

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

❑

to increase the volume.

➜

inserted properly and that they are charged.
If you are using an application that has its o wn v olume 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 properly

❑

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 batt eries, check
that the batteries are inserted properly and that they are charged.

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 ja ck. See “Connec ting a

❑

Phone Line” on page 40 for details.
Check that the phone line is working. You can check the line by plugging

❑

in an ordinary phone and listening for 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

❑

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

My modem connection is slow

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

Troubleshooting

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 (ISP), 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 50 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 Ke yb oard ”
on page 48 for details.

#%

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 enable the touchpad using Sony Notebook Setup.
You can access Sony Notebook Setup from the Windows® Start menu.

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 off 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

Notebook User Guide

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 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,

❑

press the power button 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.

My PC card is not working

Make sure the PC card is compatible with Windows.

❑

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 PowerP anel utility to change the Thermal Control Strategy setting to
Quiet. This setting slows down the CPU fan speed. See the PowerPanel He lp
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 bidirectional. If the printer port mode is set to bidirectional, change it
to ECP. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” in the online
document

Customizing Your VAIO® Notebook

for details on using Sony

Notebook Setup.
Your connected printer may not function after the computer resumes from

❑

a power-saving mode. When this occurs, follow the procedures below to
reset the printer connection:

Right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop, and then select



Properties.

Click the Device Manager tab.



Select Refresh, and then click OK. The printer should now function properly.



Troubleshooting

#'

Power Management

The operating system may become unstable if a lower power state such as
system hibernation is initiated and then changed before the operating system
completely enters the lower power state. To restore the computer to its
normal operating stability, close all open applications, press the power
button, and hold it for four seconds or more to completely shut down the
computer.

$

Notebook 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)

Yo u 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 dri v e. If you e xperience a pro blem with your compu ter,
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 “Using the Application Recovery CD(s)”
on page 62.

The System Recovery CD contains a backup copy of all the software
originally installed on your hard disk drive. It can be used only to recover the
hard disk of the notebook 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 without formatting the hard disk.
Word 2000 must be restored from the enclosed CD-ROM.

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

❑

all the original software. If your hard drive is partitioned into C and D
drives, the computer offers you the option to reformat the drive into a
single partition. Word 2000 must be restored from the enclosed CD-R OM.

Operating System Only restores the Windo w s® operating system, the

❑

notebook 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.

Using the System and Application Recovery CDs

To use the System Recovery CD(s)

Insert the Sony System Recovery CD in the CD-ROM drive.



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

Shut down your computer as described in Shutting Down Your Computer



on page 14.

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 the first CD to run the System Recovery program. You are
prompted to insert the second CD once the information from the first CD has been
installed.
The recovery process takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

$

If your computer does not start from the Recovery CD

Press the power button 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.

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



from the Recovery CD.

$

Notebook User Guide

Using the Application Recovery CD(s)

The Application Recovery CD(s) allows you to reinsta ll individual
applications and device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased.
Reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct a
problem you are experiencing with 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 60.

Yo u can also use the Application 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 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.

Your system may include one or two Application Recovery CDs. 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.

Adding Memory

In the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the
functionality of your computer. Your system comes with 64 MB of installed
memory (64 MB x 1). By inserting optional memory modules in your
computer's expansion slot, you can increase the memory up to 256 MB (128
MB x 2). 64 MB and 128 MB expansion memory modules are available as
optional memory modules. F or memory upgrades, use only PC-100 SDRAM
SO-DIMM (gold lead contacts). Sony computer supplies, accessories, and
peripherals can be purchased from your Sony-authorized dealer or by
contacting Sony at http://www.sony.com/accessories.

The size of your memory may differ if you purchased a specially configured system.

Make sure you observe the proper safety precautions when you install memory
modules in your computer. See the bulleted list below. Be careful when adding
memory. Mistakes when installing or removing a memory module may cause a
malfunction.

The procedures described below assume familiarity with the general

❑

terminology associated with personal computers and with the safety
practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying
electronic equipment.

Disconnect the system from its power source and from any

❑

telecommunications links, networks, or modems before you open the
system or follow any of the procedures described below. Failure to do so
may result in personal injury or equipment damage.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage memory modules and other

❑

components. Perform the procedures described below only at an ESD
workstation. If such a station is not available, do not work in a carpeted
area, and do not handle materials that produce or hold static electricity

$!

$"

Notebook User Guide

(cellophane wrappers, for example). Ground yourself by maintaining
contact with an unpainted metal portion of the chassis while performing
the procedure.

Do not open the memory module package until you are ready to install the

❑

module. The package protects the module from ESD.
Use the special bag for preventing ESD or use aluminum foil when you

❑

store the memory module.

Typical expansion memory configuration

Total System Memory (MB) Slot 1 ( MB) Slot 2 (MB)

128 64 64

192 64 128

256 128 128

To remove a memory module

Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices, such as



your printer.

Unplug the computer and remove the battery packs.



Wait until the computer cools down. Then unscrew the screw at the bottom



of your computer. Loosen the screw with an appropriate screwdriver.

screw

Touch a metal object (such as the connector panel on the back of your



computer) to discharge static electricity.

Remove the memory module.



2 Pull the memory module in

the direction of the arrow.

1 Pull the tabs in the direction of the arrows.

The memory module is released.

Tighten the screw on the bottom of the computer.



Your computer comes with a memory module installed in the memory slot. To upgrade
your memory you will need to remove this module from the slot before installing your
upgrade memory.

To install a memory module

Follow steps 1 to 4 of To remove a memory module.



Remove the memory module from its packaging.



Install the memory module.



Adding Memory

$#

1 Slide the memory module into the slot. 2 Press the module into place until it clicks.

Tighten the screw on the bottom of the computer.



To view the amount of memory

Turn on the computer.



Click the Start button, point to VAIO, and click Sony Notebook Setup.



The Sony Notebook Setup screen appears.

Click the About This Computer tab to view the amount of system



memory. If the additional memory is not shown, repeat steps 1-4 in To
install a memory module.

$$

Notebook User Guide

Specifications

Model PCG-F520

Processor

500 MHz

*

Intel® Pentium® III

Hard Disk Drive

Standard RAM

LCD Screen

L2 Cache Memory

MPEG

Graphics

Sound Capabilities

Diskette Drive

CD-ROM Drive

Laser Diode Properties

Modem

Infrared

Drive Bay

Expansion Capabilities

Built-in Capabilities

Telecommunication
Capabilities



6.0 GB

64 MB SDRAM, expandable to 256 MB

13.0 SVGA HPA

256 KB (on die)

MPEG1

128-bit accelerator with 2.5 MB SGRAM

16-bit CD-quality stereo sound

Removable 3.5 1.44 MB

Reads CD data from 10.3X to 24X variable transfer rate.

CD-ROM drive wave length 795 nm; laser output 16.5 µW

K56flex technology/V.90 compatible modem

Supports 4 Mbps, 1.1 Mbps, and 115 Kbps IrDA Standard

Supports floppy disk drive (included)

Supports second rechargeable battery (optional)

Type II PC cards and

Type III PC card

Card Bus support

Microphone

Stereo speakers

Digital touch pad

Data and fax send/receive



**



Connection Capabilities

Supplied Accessories

Service

2 USB ports

i.LINK

Serial port

Keyboard/mouse (PS/2® style)

VGA monitor

Video out

Parallel (printer)

Phone line (RJ-11)

Microphone

Headphone

Port replicator

Infrared port

Video cable

Floppy disk drive

Rechargeable battery

AC adapter and power cord

Weight saver

90-day limited express service

Extendible to one year from original date

of purchase upon registration

***

Model PCG-F520

Limited Warranty

90-day parts/labor standard

Extendible to one year from original

date of purchase upon registration

Specifications

***

$%

Power Requirements

Power Management

49.5 watts maximum (19.5V DC/AC 120-240V)

Energy Star compliant

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)

Battery

Dimensions

Lithium-ion, supports dual battery operation

12.7(w) x 1.9(h)



x 10.4(d)

(324 x 46.9 x 265.5 mm)

Weight

7.0 lbs. (3.2 kg) (with battery and weight saver)

7.4 lbs. (3.4 kg) (with battery and floppy disk drive)

Operating Temperature

41º F to 95º F (+5º C to 35º C) temperature gradient less than 18º F

(10º C) per hour

Operating Humidity

20% to 80% (not condensed), provided that humidity is less than

65% at 95º F (35º C), hygrometer reading of less than 84º F (29º C)

Storage Temperature

-4º F to 140º F (-20º C to 60º C), temperature gradient less than 18º F
(10º C) per hour

Storage Humidity

10% to 90% (not condensed) provided that humidity is less than 20%

at 140º F (60º C), hygrometer reading of less than

95º F (35º C)

* MHz denotes microprocessor internal clock speed; other factors may affect application

performance.

 The size of your hard disk may differ if you purchased a specially configured system. GB means

one billion bytes when referring to hard drive capacity. Accessible capacity may vary.

**Data on a CD-ROM is read at a variable transfer rate, ranging from 10.3X at the innermost track

to 24X at the outermost track (the data transfer standard 1X rate is 150 kbytes/s). The average data
transfer rate is 17.2X or 2580 kbytes/s.

 Maximum speed for faxing is 14.4 kbps. Your modem is capable of downloading at maximum of

56 kbps using K56flex technology or V.90. Your online service or Internet Service Provider,
however, may not support this technology or operate at this speed.

***Certain restrictions apply.

Height measured at thickest point. Thinnest height is 35.8 mm (1.4).



Specifications are subject to change without notice.

$&

Index

A

AC adapter
AC power
adding

hardware
memory
peripherals
printers

adjusting

brightness

contrast
Alt key
Application Recovery CD
Applications key
attaching port replicator

5, 9

9

39

63

39

45

13, 19

19

17

17

B

battery packs

charging

indicator light status

indicator lights

inserting

inserting into battery bay

loading

power status

rechargeable

removing
brightness

adjusting
built-in speakers

See also speakers
buttons

Eject

left

right

5, 9
10, 36

5, 11, 18, 35

9

9

11

9

12, 35, 36

13, 19

5

19

25, 26

5

5

42

62

11

Start (Windows 98)

14

C

cables

phone
power cord

cameras

digital video recorder
canceling commands
Caps Lock

indicator light
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs

ejecting

inserting

troubleshooting
charge status indicator li ght
charging battery packs
choosing

power source
coin-operated telephones
computer

lithium ion battery

9

setting up

starting

troubleshooting

unpacking
connecting

coin-operated telephones

digital video recorder

external keyboard

external speakers

hard drives

microphone

monitor

mouse

5

9

51

16

5

18

26

25

55

11

10, 36

9

40

vi

5

13

53, 55

3

40

51

41

49

27

50

41, 46

41

$'

%

Notebook User Guide

multimedia computer display
multiple phone lines
network

27, 41

party phone lines

40

PBX
phone line
port replicator
power source
printer
projector
USB device
weight saver

40

41, 42

9

45

47

52

37

40

40

connectors

DC In
headphone
i.LINK
infrared
keyboard
Line In
microphone
monitor
mouse
network
Printer
printer
Serial port
USB

9, 41

6

6

31

5, 7, 41

6

6

41

7, 41

41
7, 45
45

41

7, 41

contrast

adjusting
correction keys
Ctrl key

17

cursor-movement keys

19

16, 17

17

D

DC In
digital still camera
digital video camera
disconnecting port replicator
diskettes

display

9, 41

31

51

ejecting

23

inserting into drive

troubleshooting

options

47

56

See also monitor

selecting

47

23

44

46

disposal of lithium ion battery

vi

drives

floppy disk

5

installing additional hard disk

DV devices

troubleshooting

DV In/Out

51

57

DVD-ROM drive

closing tray
opening tray
using

25

26

25

DVD-ROM drive tray

troubleshooting

55

E

Eject button
ejecting

battery packs
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs
diskettes

weight saver
Energy Star
Escape key
expansion memory configuration
Express Service technical support
external devices

display

speakers

23, 25, 26

36

23

38

ii

16

47

See also monitor

19, 49

F

58

fan
faxes

laws governing
floppy disk drive

5

cable

disconnecting

troubleshooting

20

Fn
Fn key

17

combination commands
function keys

16, 17

v

5

24

56

19

H

hard drives

indicator light

5, 18

27

26

64
15

Index

%

installing additional

headphone connector

27

6, 46

Help

Mouseware

22

I

i.LINK
IEEE-1394
indicator lights

infrared communication devices

infrared port
infrared transmission

input devices
Insert key
inserting

installing

interference
internal speakers

6, 51

51

18

battery
Caps Lock
charge status
hard drive
Num Lock
power
Scroll Lock

other computers

active distance
troubleshooting

battery pack

5, 11, 18, 35

5, 18

11
5, 18
5, 18

5

5, 18

31

31

32

32

iv

17

9

CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs
diskettes into drive

hard drives
hardware

27

39

memory module
peripherals

39

iv

23

65

See speakers

K

keyboard

17, 41

connector

5, 7

L

5

LCD

lock lever
selecting to display output
troubleshooting

13

54

47

31

25

LCD (Video) Standby mode
LED indicator
left button

23

5

54

lever

13

LCD

weight saver release
Limited Warranty card
Line In

6

36

15

Liquid Crystal Display screen

See LCD
lithium ion battery

disposal

safety precautions

vi

vi

loading

battery pack

9

M

memory module

expansion

installing

removing
microphone

connecting

connector

troubleshooting

64

65

64

6

50

46

57

modem

laws governing

troubleshooting
monitor

7, 41

connecting

connector

selecting

switching among

46

47

v

56

46

19

mouse

connector

troubleshooting
Mouse Properties screen

7

57

22

Mouseware

accessing help

features

22

22

multimedia computer display
multiple phone lines

40

N

navigation keys
network

16, 17

46

%

Notebook User Guide

connecting
connector
port replicator

27

41

41

Notebook Computer
Num Lock

indicator light

5

18

numeric keypad area

O

opening

DVD-ROM drive tray
operator keys
output devices

adding

17

iv

45

P

party phone lines

40

PBX
PC card

inserting

release button

removing

slot protector

27

slots

troubleshooting
phone

5

cable

connecting line

40

jack

laws governing
port replicator

connecting

disconnecting

44

lever

network
power

18

cord

9

indicator light

switch

13

power saving modes

System Hibernation

System Idle

System Suspend

Video Standby
power sources

connecting

40

27

27

29

28

41, 42

44

41

5

20, 33

20

9

9

40

v

5

58

33

34

16

25

20, 34

Print Screen key
printer

7

connecting
connector

45

port
troubleshooting

Printer connector

16

41, 45

45

58

7, 41, 45

Programmable Power Keys (PPK),

using

projector

21

47

R

radio interference
rechargeable battery packs
recharging battery packs
Recovery CD
registering

your computer

removing

battery packs
diskettes
floppy disk drive
memory module

replacing

battery packs
restoring data
right button

5

iv

9

10

62

15

12

23

24

64

35

62

S

screen

See LCD
Scroll Lock

indicator light
second battery pack
selecting

display

LCD

monitor

power source
Serial connector
Shift key
Shut Down Windows dialog box

shutting down

troubleshooting
speakers

built-in

5

18

9, 35

47

47

47

9

41

17

14

14

58

5

5

Index

%!

external
switching
troubleshooting

volume
Specifications
Start button

49

19

56

19

66

14

starting

computer
startup problems

13

14

switching

display

monitor

19

19

System Hibernation mode
System Idle mode
System Recovery CD
System Suspend mode

20, 33

60

19, 34

T

touchpad
troubleshooting

turning on

TV

5, 22, 57

startup

computer

14, 53

13

interference

53

iv

20, 34

connecting
fold-out arm
removing

Windows 98

Control Panel
Explorer
Find window

17

help

17

key
key combinations
Start button
taskbar

37

37

38

32

17

17

17

14

14, 55

U

unpacking the computer
USB

connecting

connector

mouse

52

7, 41, 52

52

3

V

ventilation slot
video camera
Video Standby mode
viewing the amount of memory
volume control

of fan

troubleshooting

8

51

20

19

58

56

W

warranty
weight saver

15

attaching

35

65

%"