Sony PCG-FX900 User Manual

Sony notebook user guide

PCG-FX900 series

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Sony Notebook User Guide

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Notice

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 licence agreement.

Trademarks

Sony, DVgate, DigitalPrint, Smart Capture, SonicStage, MovieShaker, VAIO System Information, UI Design Selector, i.LINK and the i.LINK logo, VAIO Edit Components, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

EverQuest is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc.

i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection.

Microsoft, Windows and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Adobe, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe PhotoShop Elements are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

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QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks used under licence. 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.

Symantec Norton AntiVirus is a trademark of Symantec Corporation.

WinDVD is a trademark or registered trademark of InterVideo Inc.

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.

ENERGY STAR

As an ENERGY STAR® Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR® guidelines for energy efficiency.

The International E of 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.

NERGY STAR

Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use

marks are not

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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 contact VAIO-Link.

Serial number: ________________________ Model number (model name in brackets):

PCG-9G6M (PCG-FX902P) / PCG-9G1M (PCG-FX905P)

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 VAIO notebook to rain or moisture. ❑ Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical 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. ❑ Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals. ❑ Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables. ❑ Turn on the computer only after turning off all peripherals. ❑ The magnetic properties of some objects can have serious consequences for your hard disk drive. They

can erase the data on the hard disk drive and cause the computer to malfunction. Do not place your computer near or on any objects which emit magnetic fields, mainly:

❑ TV sets

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❑ Speakers ❑ Magnets ❑ Magnetic bracelets.

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 lightning 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.

Optical disc drive

❑ Misuse of the optical instruments 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 optical disc drive is open: avoid direct exposure to the

laser beam.

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Regulatory information

Sony hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of European Directive 1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive).

Declaration of Conformity

The European Union is targeting the free movement of goods for the internal market and to prevent technical barriers to trade. This effort has resulted in several EU Directives asking that manufacturers make their products comply with essential standards. Manufacturers are required to affix the "CE" mark on the products they sell and to draw up a "Declaration of Conformity" (DoC). Primarily, the Declarations of Conformity are intended for the market surveillance authorities as proof that products satisfy the required standards. Additionally, Sony provides these EU DoC's on the website http://www.compliance.sony.de You can search for all Declarations of Conformity available for a specific product by typing in the model name in the search box above. A list of matching documents will be displayed and can be downloaded. Please note that the availability of declarations depends on the scope of the EU Directives and the individual product specifications.

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 not longer than 3 metres (9.8 feet).

Before activating the built-in modem, please read the Modem Regulations guide.

The optical disc 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.

as a service to our customers.

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

TO EN 60825-1

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Disposing of lithium ion batteries

❑ Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly. ❑ Danger of explosion if the 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.

❑ Dispose of used batteries promptly and properly. ❑ Keep away from children. ❑ In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited. ❑ Use the public collection system.

Disposing of the internal memory backup battery

❑ Your VAIO notebook is equipped with an internal memory backup battery that should not have to be

replaced during the lifetime of the product. For information on changing this battery, please contact VAIO-Link at http://www.vaio-link.com

❑ Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. ❑ Dispose of properly at its end-of-life. ❑ In some areas the disposal of lithium ion and other non-hazardous batteries in household or business

waste may be prohibited.

❑ Please use the public collection system.

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

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 CD-RW/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 and video CDs as well as DVD movies. ❑ Interconnectivity – Your computer has Ethernet and i.LINK™ functionalities. i.LINK™ is a bidirectional

digital interface for exchanging data.

❑ Windows ❑ 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 website for a possible solution:

http://www.vaio-link.com

Before contacting VAIO-Link, you may try to solve the problem by reading this user guide or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.

- Your system includes Microsoft’s Windows® XP Professional operating system.

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Documentation pack

Your documentation pack contains printed information as well as online user guides on the supplied documentation CD-ROM and/or on the application CD-ROM.

Printed documentation

❑ A Getting Started brochure, where you can find a brief description of the items in your box, some

specifications of your notebook, and how to set up your notebook;

❑ A Troubleshooting Guide, where you can find all the basic information you need to start using your

notebook as well as troubleshooting and VAIO-Link information;

❑ You r Sony Guarantee conditions; ❑ A Safety Regulations guide; ❑ A Modem Regulations guide applying to the modem.

Online documentation

1 The Hardware Guide:

❑ Using your 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. ❑ Glossary refers to terms used in this manual.

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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 delivered with your

system.

❑ Using Video software explains how to use Sony video software: DVgate, MovieShaker and Smart

Capture.

❑ Managing audio files with SonicStage explains how to convert your existing MP3, WMA and

WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format.

❑ Using DigitalPrint explains how you get the most enjoyment out of your photographs taken with

a digital camera.

❑ Customizing your notebook explains how to set your system and power management. ❑ Installing and updating applications explains how to install, run or uninstall a software

application.

❑ Managing drivers explains how to install, update or uninstall a driver. ❑ Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs explains how to perform a system and application recovery. ❑ Using partitioned drives tells you what you can do with partitioned drives.

3 Refer to the Specifications online document for details on your computer, drivers and accessories. 4 In the VAIO-Link Customer Service Guide you will find all the VAIO-Link information you need,

including specific contact numbers for each country.

5 Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and

troubleshooting.

6 Refer to the Microsoft Quick Start manual for more information on Windows 7 Go to http://www.club-vaio.sony-europe.com

to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO

software.

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Sony Notebook User Guide

Your notebook and its accessories

The following hardware items are in the box:

1 main unit 6 weight saver

2 product recovery CD-ROMs 7 video cable

3 documentation pack 8 phone cable

4 AC adapter 9 power cord

5 rechargeable battery pack 10 phone plug

✍ If you find an extra phone plug in the box, see Using the correct phone plug (page 57).

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Sony Notebook User Guide

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:

❑ Positioning 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.

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Sony Notebook User Guide

❑ 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.

❑ 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.

❑ Positioning 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.

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 (page 14) ❑ Connecting a power source (page 19) ❑ Starting your notebook (page 26)

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑ Shutting down your notebook (page 27) ❑ Using the keyboard (page 28) ❑ Using the touchpad (page 33) ❑ Using the CD-RW/DVD-ROM (page 34) ❑ Using the weight saver (page 38) ❑ Using the floppy disk drive (page 40) ❑ Using PC Cards (page 44) ❑ Using the Memory Stick™ (page 47) ❑ Using the modem (page 56) ❑ Using power saving modes (page 58)

Using your notebook

Locating controls and connectors

Right

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 power button (page 26)

2 CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive (page 34)

3 multi-purpose bay (page 20) / (page 40)

Using your notebook

Left

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 TV Out connector (page 68) 4 i.LINK™ connector (page 75)

2 microphone connector (page 71) 5 PC Card slots (page 44)

3 headphone connector (page 70) 6 battery bay (page 20)

Using your notebook

Front

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 LCD screen (page 32)

2 speakers (page 70)

3 keyboard (page 28)

4 touchpad (page 33)

5 left/right buttons (page 33)

6 power indicators (page 31)

7 battery 1 and 2 indicators (page 31)

8 hard disk drive indicators (page 31)

9 Num Lock indicators (page 31)

10 Caps Lock indicators (page 31)

11 Scroll Lock indicators (page 31)

Using your notebook

Back

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 phone line jack (page 56) 5 monitor(VGA) connector (page 65)

2USB port (page 72) 6 Ethernet connector (page 77)

3 serial connector / 7 USB port (page 72)

4 printer connector (page 73) 8 DC In connector (page 19)

✍ There is a ventilation slot located near the second 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 40)

2 tilt stands (page 11)

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.

✍ 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 multi-purpose bay on the right-hand 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

Sony Notebook User Guide

To insert the battery pack, proceed as follows:

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

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 2.5 hours if your notebook is on. To charge the battery completely, continue charging for an additional hour and a half. 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

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.

meaning

✍ 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.

Using your notebook

Sony Notebook User Guide

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.

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.

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

Sony Notebook User Guide

To insert a second battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 If the weight saver or the floppy disk drive is in the multi-purpose bay (1), remove it (see (page 40)). 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. 4 Slide the eject lever on the bottom of the weight saver towards the front of the computer to lock it.

✍ 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.

Using your notebook

Charging the second battery pack

To charge the second battery pack, proceed as follows:

Keep the battery pack (1+3) in the computer while it is connected to AC power. The battery indicator stops flashing when the battery is 85% full.

Sony Notebook User Guide

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.

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.

3 If necessary, adjust the brightness on the LCD display. To increase brightness, hold down the <Fn> key

and press <F5> repeatedly. To decrease brightness, hold down the <Fn> and <Shift> keys and press <F5> repeatedly.

✍ <Fn>+<F5> is only possible if Windows

If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will turn off.

is running.

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 Turn Off Computer.

Sony Notebook User Guide

3 Select Turn Off. 4 Wait for your computer to turn off automatically.

5 Turn off any peripheral connected to your computer.

✍ Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.

taskbar.

The Turn off computer dialog box appears.

The power indicator turns off.

If you are unable to shut down your computer:

- Close all software in use.

- R emo ve t he P C Ca rds, if in ser ted . To d o so, d oub le- cli ck t he Safely Remove Hardware icon in the taskbar. Select the hardware you want to unplug and click Stop.

- Disconnect any USB devices.

- Press the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> keys at the same time. If you have not changed the default settings, the Tas k M anager will appear. Select Shut Down then Turn Of f.

- Press <Alt>+<F4> to see the Turn off computer window, and click Tur n O f f. 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 or Hibernate mode (see Using

power saving modes (page 58)).

Using your notebook

Using the keyboard

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

Sony Notebook User Guide

Using your notebook

Keys Descriptions

Escape key (1) The <Esc> (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.

Function keys (2) The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform

Print Screen key (3) The <Print Screen> key takes an electronic snapshot of the screen and moves

Sony Notebook User Guide

Correction keys (4) The <Insert>, <Back Space> and <Delete> keys enable you to make

Navigation keys (5) These keys enable you to move the cursor on the screen.

Application key (6)

Numeric keypad area (7) Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad area

Operator keys (8-11-12) Several keys are always used with at least one other key: <Ctrl>, <Alt>, and

Windows

<Fn> key (10) The <Fn> key is used in combination with other keys to execute commands.

key (9)

designated tasks. For example, in many applications, <F1> is the Help key. The tasks associated with each function key may vary from one application to the other.

it to the Windows Clipboard. You can then paste the screenshot into a document and print it.

corrections.

The Application key displays a shortcut menu; pressing this key is equivalent to clicking the right mouse button.

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 illuminates.

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

The key with the Windows equivalent to clicking the Start button on the taskbar.

logo displays the Windows®Start menu; it is

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