Sony PCG-FX301 User Manual
Sony notebook
user guide
PCG-FX301
N
Read this first
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
2
Read this first
Notice
© 2001 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.
This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machinereadable form without prior written approval.
Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby
expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the
software or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages,
whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information
contained herein or the use thereof.
Macrovision: 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.
Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without
notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.
Sony, DVgate, i.LINK™
trademarks of Sony Corporation.
i.LINK™ is is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection.
Microsoft, Windows and the Windows logo, Windows Media and Outlook are trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S. Microsoft
Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
®
Adobe
QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks used under license. QuickTime is registered in the U.S. and other countries.
RealPlayer is a trademark or registered trademark of RealNetworks, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.
and Adobe® Acrobat® Reader are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
and the i.LINK™ logo, PictureGear, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are
Read this first
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
3
VirusScan is a trademark of Network Associates Corporation.
All other names of systems, products and services are trademarks of their respective owners. In the manual, the ™ or
specified.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
®
marks are not
Energy Star
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
The International E
computers and their 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.
NERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.
E
NERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of
Read this first
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
4
Safety information
Owner's record
The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony notebook. Record the serial number in the space provided
here. Refer to the model and serial number if you call VAIO-Link.
Serial number: ________________________
Model:
PCG-962C
Warnings
General
Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your notebook to rain or moisture.
Avoid using the modem during a thunder storm.
Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
To change the backup battery, please contact your nearest Sony Service Center.
Read this first
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
Audio/video
Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any
equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.
Connectivity
Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe storm.
Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations.
Be cautious when installing or modifying telephone lines.
Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your notebook completely from
mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.
Please make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected
at the network interface.
CD/DVD-ROM
Misuse of the optical instrument supplied with your notebook can cause eye hazard. As the laser beam
used in this product is harmful to eyes, do not attempt any disassembling process. For servicing, refer to
qualified personnel only.
There are visible and invisible radiations when the DVD-ROM drive is open: avoid direct exposure to the
laser beam.
5
Read this first
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
6
Regulatory information
This product conforms to the following European Directives:
73/23/EEC (Low Voltage Directive)
89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC (EMC Directives)
93/68/EEC (CE Marking Directive)
1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive)
This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 55024 for use in following areas: residential, commercial and light-industrial.
This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than
3 metres (9.8 feet).
The DVD-ROM-drive is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair
and maintenance only by authorized Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
TO EN 60825-1
Read this first
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
Disposing of lithium ion batteries
Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly at end-of-life.
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.
The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not
disassemble, heat above 60°C (140°F) or incinerate.
Keep away from children.
Your notebook is equipped with an internal backup memory battery. For changing this battery, please
contact VAIO-Link: http://www.vaio-link.com
In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.
Use the public collection system.
7
Welcome
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
8
Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing a 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.
Here are just some of the features your VAIO notebook has to offer:
Exceptional performance - Your PC includes a fast processor, a fast DVD-ROM drive and an internal
modem.
Portability - The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power.
Sony audio and video quality - A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take advantage of today’s
advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.
Multimedia features – Enjoy audio, video CDs and DVDs.
Interconnectivity – Your computer has Ethernet and i.LINK™ functionalities. i.LINK™ is a bi-directional
digital interface for exchanging data.
Windows® - Your system includes the Windows® Millennium operating system from Microsoft.
Communications - Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet...
Excellent customer support - If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check
the VAIO-Link web site for a possible solution:
http://www.vaio-link.com
Before contacting VAIO-Link, you may try to solve the problem by reading the User Guide or the manuals
and help files for the peripherals or software.
Welcome
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
9
Documentation pack
Your Documentation Pack contains paper and online user guides on a Documentation CD-ROM.
Printed documentation
A Getting Started brochure, where you find a brief description of the items in your box and some
specifications of your notebook;
A Customer Guide, where you find all the basic information to start using your notebook;
A Safety Regulations Flyer;
A Modem Regulations Flyer applying to the modem;
Yo ur Sony Guarantee conditions.
Online documentation
1 The Sony Notebook User Guide:
Using Your Sony Notebook shows you how to use the standard components of your system. In this
part of the manual, you will also find out what you can do with a Memory Stick™.
Connecting Peripheral Devices explains how you can add functionality by connecting various
peripherals.
Getting Help explains the support options available to you, and offers basic troubleshooting tips.
Precautions provides facts and advice about using your notebook.
Specifications provides details on your computer, drivers and accessories.
Glossary refers to terms used in this manual.
2 Refer to your Software Guide for information on the bundled software and the Sony applications.
About the Software is a short description of the features of the software pre-installed on your
system.
Customizing your notebook explains how to set your system and power management.
Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs explains how to perform a system and application recovery.
Welcome
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
10
3 Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and
troubleshooting.
4 Refer to the Microsoft Quick Start manual for more information on Windows.
5 Go to http://www.club-vaio.sony-europe.com
to find online tutorials about your favorite VAIO software.
Welcome
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
11
Your notebook and its accessories
Following hardware items are in the box:
1 main unit 7 weight saver
2 product recovery CD-ROMs 8 video cable
3 documentation pack 9 phone plug (country specific)
4 AC adapter 10 phone cable
5 rechargeable battery pack 11 power cord
6 removable floppy disk drive
(installed at factory)
12 CD/DVD-ROM drive
Welcome
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
12
Ergonomic considerations
You will be using your notebook as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you
should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable
environments:
Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms
horizontal (2), with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard,
touchpad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Have breaks during
sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.
Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet
are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and
avoid slouching forward or leaning far backwards.
Welcome
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
Viewing angle of the computer’s display – Use the display’s tilting feature to find the best position.
You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position.
Adjust the brightness setting of the display as well.
Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the
display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for
your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.
Placement of an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable
viewing distance. Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in
front of the monitor.
Tilt stands – You use the tilt stands to place the computer at an angle that allows comfortable typing.
13
Using your notebook
Using your notebook
This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal and
external devices.
Locating controls and connectors
Right
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
14
1 power button (page 28)
2 DVD-ROM drive (page 37)
3 multi-purpose bay for weight saver or
second battery with weight saver or
removable floppy disk drive)
(page 40)
(page 42)
Using your notebook
Left
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
15
1 TV Out connector (page 65) 4 i.LINK™ connector (page 73)
2 microphone connector (page 69) 5 PC Card slots (page 45)
3 headphone connector (page 68) 6 battery bay (page 20)
AC adapter mains connector and power cord: hazardous voltage, according to EN 60950.
All other connectors for this notebook are SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage), according to EN 60950.
Using your notebook
Front
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
16
1 LCD screen (page 35) 7 battery 1 and 2 indicators (page 34)
2 speakers (page 35) 8 hard disk drive indicator (page 34)
3 keyboard (page 31) 9 Num Lock indicator (page 34)
4 touchpad (page 36) 10 Caps Lock indicator (page 34)
5 left/right buttons (page 36) 11 Scroll Lock indicator (page 34)
6 power indicator (page 34)
Using your notebook
Back
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
17
1 phone line jack (page 58) 5 monitor connector (page 62)
2USB connector (page 70) 6 Ethernet connector (page 76)
3 serial connector (page 72) 7 USB connector (page 70)
4printer (page 72) 8DC In (page 19)
There is a ventilation slot located near the USB connector. Do not cover the ventilation slot when the computer is on.
Using your notebook
Bottom
Sony Notebook User Guide
1 release lever (page 12)
2 tilt stands (page 12)
nN
18
Using your notebook
Connecting a power source
You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.
Using the AC adapter
To use the AC adapter, proceed as follows:
1 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (1) into the DC In connector (2) on the computer.
Sony Notebook User Guide
2 Plug one end of the power cord (3) into the AC adapter.
3 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
nN
19
Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter.
To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.
Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
Using your notebook
Using the battery pack
You can use one or two batteries as a source of power. You can insert the second battery pack into the multipurpose bay on the right side of the computer. Additional battery packs are available as a separate option.
The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.
Inserting the battery pack
To insert the battery pack, proceed as follows:
nN
20
Sony Notebook User Guide
1 Open the cover of the battery bay.
2 Insert the battery pack with the label facing down into the battery bay on the left side of the computer.
3 Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks.
When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.
Using your notebook
Charging the battery pack
To charge the battery pack, proceed as follows:
1 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
2 Insert the battery pack.
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
21
The computer automatically charges the battery (1) (the battery indicator (2) light flashes in a double
blink pattern as the battery charges). When the battery is 85% full, the battery indicator light turns off.
This process takes approximately one hour for the PCG-FX301. To charge the battery completely,
continue charging for an additional hour.
There are two battery indicator lights on the computer:
1 Indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the left side of the computer.
2 Indicates the status of the battery pack in the multi-purpose 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.
Using your notebook
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
22
battery indicator light status meaning
double blink The battery is charging.
off The computer is using AC power.
When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink.
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.
The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged 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 the battery life is nearly depleted, the battery indicator starts
flashing.
For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode when battery life is low. To avoid loss
of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Standby or
Hibernate.
When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.
Using your notebook
Removing the battery pack
To remove the battery pack, proceed as follows:
1 Turn off the computer.
2 Open the cover of the battery bay.
3 Pull out the battery pack.
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
23
4 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 Standby mode.
Using your notebook
Using the second battery pack
You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery packs, you can extend the time 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.
Inserting the second battery pack
nN
24
Sony Notebook User Guide
To insert a second battery pack, proceed as follows:
1 If the floppy disk drive is in the multi-purpose bay (1), remove it.
2 Insert the battery pack (2) into the multi-purpose bay.
The battery 2 indicator light turns on.
3 Attach the weight saver (3) to the computer to stabilize the battery pack.
Using your notebook
4 Slide the eject lever on the bottom of the weight saver toward the front of the computer to lock it.
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
25
If you attach two battery packs, you can remove one of them without shutting down the computer. When removing one battery pack, make sure that
the other battery pack indicator is on. If the indicator of the battery pack your are going to remove is on, right click the battery icon in the system tray
and click the Switch Discharge Battery option.
Using your notebook
Charging the second battery pack
To charge the second battery pack, proceed as follows:
1 Keep the battery pack (1-3) in the computer while it is connected to AC power.
2 When the battery indicator stops flashing, the battery is fully charged.
Sony Notebook User Guide
nN
26
The battery indicator (2) flashes while the battery is charging.
Using your notebook
Removing the second battery pack
To remove the second battery pack, proceed as follows:
1 Slide the eject lever on the bottom of the weight saver, in the direction of arrow 1.
2 Slide the release lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of arrow 2.
Sony Notebook User Guide
3 Remove the weight saver.
4 Pull out the battery pack
5 Reinsert the weight saver.
nN
27
Using your notebook
Starting your notebook
To start your computer, proceed as follows:
1 Slide the LCD lock lever (1) in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover.
Sony Notebook User Guide
2 Press the power button (2) of the computer until the green power indicator (3) light turns on.
nN
28
3 If necessary, press <Fn>+<F5> to adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display. To increase the
brightness, use the up or right arrow keys. To decrease, use the down or left arrow keys.
<Fn> + <F5> is only possible if Windows is running.
If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will turn off.
Using your notebook
Shutting down your notebook
It is important that you shut down your computer properly so you do not lose unsaved data.
To shut down your computer, proceed as follows:
1 Click the Start button on the Windows
2 Click Shut Down.
Sony Notebook User Guide
3 Select Shut down.
4 Click OK.
5 Wait for your computer to turn off automatically.
6 Turn off any peripheral connected to your computer.
nN
29
®
taskbar.
The Shut Down Windows dialog box appears.
The power indicator turns off.
Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.
If you are unable to shut down your computer:
- Close all software in use.
- Remove the PC Cards, if inserted. To do so, double-click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon in the taskbar. Select the hardware you want to
unplug and click Stop.
- Disconnect any USB devices.
- Then press the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> keys at the same time to enter the Windows Security feature to close any application that can not
close normally, and restart your system.
If this does not work, you can press the power button for more than four seconds. This will shut down the computer. This operation may result in data
loss.
If you want to shut down the computer for a short period only, you can save power by using the Standby mode.
Using your notebook
Registering your notebook
You can take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive the following
benefits by registering your computer:
Sony Notebook User Guide
To register your Sony notebook, proceed as follows:
1 Click the Registration icon on your desktop.
2 Click Next.
3 Click Internet.
4 Fill in your Registration card fields.
5 Scroll down to the bottom of the form and click Send.
6 Click OK.
nN
30
VAIO-Link – If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, you can check the VAIO-Link web
site for a possible solution:
http://www.vaio-link.com
Guarantee – Protect your investment. See the Guarantee sheet for the terms and conditions and refer
to your Customer Service Guide for more information.
You must connect your phone line before using any online services, including the online registration service.
To access the online Registration web page, you must have a connection to the Internet.
Loading...