About the Software on
your Sony Notebook
PCG-GR Series
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About the software on your Sony notebook
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Notice
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. Software specifications are subject to change without notice and may not necessarily
be identical to current retail versions. Updates and additions to software may require an additional charge. Subscriptions to online
service providers may require a fee and credit card information. Financial services may require prior arrangements with participating
financial institutions.
© 2001 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
End user software license agreement
This End User Software License Agreement (the EULA) is a legal agreement between you and Sony Corporation (hereinafter referred
to as Sony), a corporation organized under Japanese Law, the manufacturer of your Sony computer system (the SONY HARDWARE).
Please read this EULA carefully before installing or using the software distributed together with this EULA (the SONY SOFTWARE). By
installing or using the SONY SOFTWARE, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. You may use the SONY SOFTWARE only in
connection with the use of the SONY HARDWARE. SONY SOFTWARE is licensed; not sold.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, software distributed together with separate End User Software License Agreement (the Third Party
EULA), including but not limited to Windows
EULA.
If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, please return the SONY SOFTWARE together with the SONY HARDWARE to the place
where you obtained it.
1. License. This SONY SOFTWARE and the related documentation are licensed to you by Sony. This EULA allows you to use the SONY
SOFTWARE for your personal use for a single SONY HARDWARE outside a network and only to make one copy of the SONY SOFTWARE
in machine-readable form for back-up purposes only.
®
operating system provided by Microsoft Corporation, shall be covered by the Third Party
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About the software on your Sony notebook
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2. Restrictions. The SONY SOFTWARE contains copyrighted material and other proprietary material. In order to protect them, and
except as permitted by applicable law, you may not decompile, reverse engineer or disassemble the SONY SOFTWARE in whole or in
part. Except for the transfer of the SONY SOFTWARE together with the SONY HARDWARE and prior agreement of the recipient to be
bound by the terms and conditions of this EULA, you may not sell or rent the SONY SOFTWARE and its copy to any third party.
3. Limited Warranty. Sony warrants the media on which the SONY SOFTWARE is recorded to be free from physical defects for a period
of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as evidenced by a copy of the receipt. During the applicable warranty period, Sony will
replace free of charge such media proved to be defective, provided they are returned properly packaged to the place where you
obtained it, together with your name, address, and proof of date of purchase. Sony will have no responsibility to replace media
damaged by accident, abuse, or misapplication. The above limited warranty replaces all other representations, conditions and
warranties, whether express or implied, by statute or otherwise and Sony expressly disclaims all other warranties and all conditions
including, but not limited to, the implied warranties and/or conditions of satisfactory quality and fitness for a particular purpose. The
terms of this limited warranty do not affect or prejudice your statutory rights as an ultimate consumer, neither do they limit or exclude
any liability for death or personal injury caused by the negligence of Sony.
4. Termination. This EULA is effective until terminated. You may terminate this EULA at any time by destroying the SONY SOFTWARE,
related documentation, and all copies thereof. This EULA will terminate immediately without notice from Sony, if you fail to comply
with any provision of this EULA. Upon termination you must destroy the SONY SOFTWARE, related documentation, and all copies
thereof.
5. Governing Law. This EULA shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan.
Should you have any questions concerning this EULA or this limited warranty, please refer to the Customer Service Guide on how to
contact VAIO-Link.
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Energy Star
As an Energy Star Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency. The
International Energy Star Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use
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.
Energy Star is a U.S. registered mark.
About the software on your Sony notebook
Trademarks
Sony, DVgate, i.LINK™, Center Jog Dial, PictureGear, PowerPanel, MovieShaker, Smart Capture, Smart Connect, Smart Connect Monitor,
Sony Notebook Setup, UI Design Selector, VisualFlow, OpenMG Jukebox, Memory Stick™, Memory Stick Formatter and the Memory
Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. The Windows and Windows
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
®
2000 Professional logo are
About the software on your notebook
About the software on your notebook
Your Sony notebook is ready to help you work, play, learn, and communicate as soon as you turn it on. This
section gives you an overview of what you can do with the software installed on your notebook.
Sony software
Center Jog Dial™ Control
Sony Electronics
The Jog Dial™ utility allows you to configure the Jog Dial™ on your computer. In this application, you can
select the Sony applications, or others, that you want the Jog Dial™ to pilot; you can also configure the Jog
Dial™ to start any application, establish a dial-up connection, or read an e-mail, simply by turning and
pressing the Jog Dial™. Finally, the Jog Dial™ utility allows you to configure your i.LINK™ connections, and
About the software on your Sony notebook
to set a Timer that can launch any application at a specific time. The back button on the right of the Jog
Dial™ allows you to go back to the previously defined Jog Dial™ configuration.
DVgate
Sony Electronics
DVgate is a kit of 3 complementary applications: DVgate Motion, DVgate Still, and DVgate Assemble. This
collection makes it easy to select and edit digital video clips, then bring them together into a professionallooking home video. Use i.LINK™ to connect your digital video camera, and the computer operates as an
editing desk that can capture, preview, cut and assemble your selection and save the sequences in AVI and
MPEG1 formats. DVgate Still displays digital video images sent from a digital video cassette recorder or a
digital video camera recorder (only possible if you have DV In/Out on your camera), and saves them as
graphic files on your hard drive.
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About the software on your notebook
Memory Stick Formatter
Sony Electronics
Memory Stick Formatter is a special software for formatting Memory Sticks™. Use this software whenever
you reformat Memory Sticks™. Moreover, you may be able to (re)format Memory Sticks™ that can not be
identified on Windows
following capacities: 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB. When you format Memory Sticks™ with this
software, all data on the Memory Stick™ will be lost. If necessary, perform a backup of your data before
formatting.
MovieShaker
Sony Electronics
MovieShaker
®
creates personal movies - complete with transitions, special effects, background music, and
text. All you do is import your clips, pick the tune you want and MovieShaker
About the software on your Sony notebook
choose to take control and produce your very own movie. You choose the exact clips order, special effects,
and transitions. You can also import your own music and MovieShaker
of the song to the length of your movie.
OpenMG Jukebox
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®
by using this software. Memory Stick Formatter supports Memory Sticks™ with the
®
does the rest. You can also
®
will automatically match the length
Sony Electronics
OpenMG is a copyright protection technology developed by Sony Corporation and designed to allow
recording and playback of digital music data on a personal computer. Once the data is encrypted and
recorded onto the hard disk, OpenMG technology allows it to be played back on the PC but prevents
unauthorized distribution. The purpose of OpenMG technology is to create an environment in which larger
quantities of high-quality music can be distributed without subsequent unauthorized distribution of the
About the software on your notebook
music files. Open MG Jukebox is the software element within the OpenMG system that encrypts and
manages music files either downloaded to a personal computer by using the EMD services or adopted (or
created) from your own CD or the Internet.
PictureGear
Sony Electronics
Create your own environment with the Digital Image Library (photos, backgrounds, wallpapers, slide shows,
etc). PictureGear is your assistant for creating and implementing personal screen savers, panoramas
(combined images)... You can even animate your preferred gif files with Gif Animation Tools, create labels
for all media with PictureGear Label Maker, or play back movies in a variety of formats. You can also create
albums from your favourite images and upload them to a Web page.
PowerPanel
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About the software on your Sony notebook
Sony Electronics
The PowerPanel utility controls the power management of your notebook and provides key information
about system activity and battery life. Automatic power management selects the most appropriate profile,
depending on the application you are working with and the conditions of use.
Smart Capture
Sony Electronics
Connect a digital camera to your computer to shoot still images and video clips, which you can view or send
by e-mail. The Smart Capture Finder displays images from the camera and allows you to adjust the settings
or create effects. Smart Capture enables you to capture images via i.LINK™ compatible devices or create a
panorama picture using the panorama assist function. The final panorama will be created in PictureGear,
using the individual snapshots made in Smart Capture.
About the software on your notebook
Smart Connect and Smart Connect Monitor
Sony Electronics
With Smart Connect and Smart Connect Monitor you can copy, edit or delete files on another VAIO
computer (equipped with Smart Connect) connected to your computer with an i.LINK™ cable. You can also
print a document on a printer connected to another VAIO computer.
Sony Notebook Setup
Sony Electronics
Use Sony Notebook Setup to consult system information, specify preferences for system behavior, and
change hardware settings for your Sony notebook.
UI Design Selector
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About the software on your Sony notebook
Sony Electronics
You can change the window design of the Sony software compatible with UI Design Selector.
VisualFlow
Sony Electronics
VisualFlow allows you to browse interactively through the contents of your Memory Sticks™ (optional), your
hard drive, or any other drive on your computer. VisualFlow can display Memory Stick™ files in a variety of
ways, and allows you to play / display still images, movies or sound files within VisualFlow or with other
software.
About the software on your notebook
Product Recovery CD-ROMs
Sony Corporation
The Product Recovery CD-ROMs allow you to reinstall the system, the software shipped with your computer
and the bundled device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individual device
driver may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer, without you having to recover the
entire system.
!
You can only use the Recovery CD-ROMs on the Sony notebook you purchased, and not on any other Sony PC or other manufacturer's PC.
About the software on your Sony notebook
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About the software on your notebook
Operating system and other pre-installed software
Windows® 2000 SP1
Microsoft Corporation
®
Windows®2000 SP1 (Service Pack 1) makes your computer work better by integrating tightly
®
2000 SP1, your system takes better advantage and has improved support of the latest
About the software on your Sony notebook
Microsoft
with the Internet and networks and providing better system performance and easier system diagnostics and
maintenance.
With Windows
graphics, sound, and multimedia technologies. Easy addition and removal of peripheral devices, and the
convergence of the TV and PC in your home are also featured.
This exciting operating system is built on the groundbreaking features introduced with Windows
the same time, Windows
technologies.
For questions and technical assistance, go online to:
http://support.microsoft.com/directory
Internet Explorer 5.5
Microsoft Corporation
Internet Explorer is the Microsoft Internet browser allowing you to surf the World Wide Web. The Setup
Wizard configures your computer to connect automatically to your service provider. A full e-mail package
enables you to send and receive mail - including attached files - across the Internet. NetMeeting, Outlook
Express and Microsoft Chat are just some of the components bundled with Internet Explorer 5.5. Internet
Explorer 5.5 also includes 128-bit encryption, the highest possible level of protection for all your Internet
communications, including credit card use and financial transactions. A complete online tutorial helps new
users become comfortable using the Internet.
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®
®
2000 SP1 maintains the best support for older Windows-based applications and
NT. At
About the software on your notebook
For questions and technical assistance, go online to:
http://support.microsoft.com/directory
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 4.1
Adobe Systems Incorporated
Acrobat
Document Format (PDF), an open file format that is intended to preserve the conformity of documents
created on all major computer platforms. Once Acrobat
from within your Web browser by clicking a PDF file embedded in an HTML file. You quickly see the first
page while the rest of the document is being downloaded.
For questions and technical assistance, go online to:
http://www.adobe.com
®
Reader software allows you to view, navigate, and print electronic documents in Adobe Portable
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®
Reader is installed, you can open and view PDF files
About the software on your Sony notebook
Adobe® Premiere® LE
Adobe Systems Incorporated
®
Complementary with DVgate Motion, Microsoft video and QuickTime software, Adobe
you capture, record, create and edit movies with video, sound, animations, photographs, drawings, text and
other material. A set of windows allows you to plan a construction, import clips, edit and build your own
movie with preset or your own special effects. Different tools, including various effects and transitions, help
you to prepare your images for editing on tape or CD-ROM. Adobe
®
Premiere® LE combines professional
video editing capabilities and high quality output in a product that is easy to use and versatile.
When re-installing, please enter the serial number: MSM420B7147938-145.
For questions and technical assistance, go online to:
http://www.adobe.com
* Depending on your model.
Premiere® LE* lets
About the software on your notebook
Drag'n Drop CD 1.0
DigiOn / Easy Systems Japan
Drag'n Drop CD is designed to be the most simple software to make your own CDs. Users can create their
own audio CDs or data CDs that can be read on many PCs. Drag'n Drop CD can also create your own backup
CD from the original CD that you own. The operation is simple: select the files that you wish to write, and
drag and drop them into an appropriate box that corresponds to the CD format. After dropping them,
simply press the CD Create button.
For further information, see the website at:
http://www.easy.co.jp/dde/sony
QuickTime 4.1.2
Apple
About the software on your Sony notebook
QuickTime is the Apple technology that makes video, sound, music, 3D and virtual reality come alive for your
Internet browser and Windows.
For further information, see the website at:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime
Real Entertainment Center
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Real Entertainment Center contains two software programs: RealPlayer and RealJukebox.
RealNetworks - RealPlayer
RealPlayer is the RealNetworks video and audio player, which lets you access 2,500 radio stations featuring
music, news and sports.
For further information, see the website at:
http://www.real.com
About the software on your notebook
RealNetworks - RealJukebox
RealJukebox is your personal music management system. RealJukebox lets you build, manage, and play your
digital music library on your personal computer.
For further information, see the website at:
http://www.real.com
About the software on your Sony notebook
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About the software on your notebook
Symantec Norton AntiVirus
Symantec
With Norton AntiVirus, you can scan files, folders, or entire drives for viruses, and quarantine infected files
for submission to the Symantec AntiVirus Research Center (SARC). Files submitted to SARC are analyzed and
the results are reported automatically within seven days. When you configure Norton AntiVirus adequately,
your computer is safe. Norton AntiVirus can automatically check boot records for viruses at system startup,
check programs for viruses at the time you use them, scan all local hard drives for viruses once per week, and
monitor your computer for any activity that might indicate the work of a virus in action. It can also scan files
you download from the Internet and check floppy disks for boot viruses when you use them.
For more information, see the online helpfiles and the website at:
http://www.symantec.com/techsupp
WinDVD
About the software on your Sony notebook
InterVideo, Inc.
InterVideo Inc.'s WinDVD is a simple-to-use DVD player. WinDVD combines all the features you would expect
to find on a standard consumer DVD player, in addition to some very advanced functionalities, such as full
VCD 2.0 support, full precision video decoding, a choice of user interfaces, and video display options. You
can play DVD movies, interactive DVD titles, MPEG video content, video and audio CDs. WinDVD
automatically determines the type of disc in the DVD drive and uses the correct playback method.
For questions and technical assistance, go online to:
http://www.intervideo.com
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Using Smart Capture
Using Smart Capture
You can use Smart Capture to shoot still images and record video clips from a digital camera connected to
your computer.
Capturing still images
You can capture still images from i.LINK™ compatible devices.
To capture still images, proceed as follows:
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1 Connect an i.LINK™ compatible device to your notebook.
2 Launch Smart Capture from the Start menu, in Programs / Smart
Capture / Smart Capture.
The Finder window appears, displaying the image of the subject.
3 Adjust the focus on the subject.
4 Click the Capture button in the Smart Capture window.
The Still Viewer window appears with the image you shot in the Still
Image Display area.
5 To e n d Smart Capture click the button in the top right corner of the
window.
Using Smart Capture
Displaying captured images in Still Viewer
From the Start menu, select Programs / Smart Capture and click Still Viewer. You can display, save or
delete your images or send them by e-mail.
To end Still Viewer, click the button.
Sending still images via e-mail
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You can capture still images in the following sizes: 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120 and 80 x 60 pixels.
When capturing a small resolution image (i.e., 80 x 60 pixels) , the displayed image on the Finder window may appear blurred.
A gap may appear when a rapid-moving object is displayed. However, this is not a malfunction.
You can create a panorama picture by using PictureGear 2.5SE or higher.
You can capture still images and video clips from a digital video camera using Smart Capture.
About the software on your Sony notebook
To send still images via e-mail, proceed as follows:
®
1 Click the Start button on the Windows
2 Point to Programs and click Smart Capture.
3 Click Still Viewer.
4 Select the still image you want to send via e-mail, using or .
5 Click Mail.
Your e-mail window appears with the selected file attached to your message.
6 Send the e-mail.
You need to set up MAPI (Messaging Application Program Interface) when using the e-mail software. MAPI is a Microsoft® Windows program
interface that enables you to send e-mails from within a Windows application and to attach the document you are working on to the e-mail note.
taskbar.
Using Smart Capture
Shooting video clips
With a video camera connected to your computer you can use Smart Capture to capture video clips, as well
as play them or send them via e-mail.
To capture video clips, proceed as follows:
1 Launch Smart Capture.
2 Select Movie using the Switch Capture Mode button.
3 Turn the camera towards the subject.
4 Adjust the image.
5 Click the Capture button to shoot a video clip (you can shoot up to 60 seconds, according to the settings
6 Click the Capture button when finished.
About the software on your Sony notebook
7 Click to playback the images. Click to pause, to stop playback.
8 To end Smart Capture, click .
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The image appears in the Finder.
you chose in the Recording options section).
The Movie Player window appears, it contains the captured video clip.
You can shoot video clips in the following formats:
Non-compressed:
- Video 160 x 120, 24 bits, max. 10 frames/sec.
- Audio PCM, 11.025 kHz, 16 bits, monophonic
Compressed:
- Video MPEG1 160 x 112, maximum of 30 frames/sec.).
- Audio MPEG1, 44.1 kHz (effective maximum equivalent to 11.025 kHz), monophonic.
A gap may appear when a rapid-moving object is displayed. However, this is not a malfunction.
Using Smart Capture
Sending video clips via e-mail
If you shoot a video clip in a low resolution format, its size will be reasonable and can therefore be sent by
e-mail.
To send video clips via e-mail, proceed as follows:
1 Click the Start button on the Windows
2 Point to Programs and then Smart Capture.
3 Click Movie Player.
4 Click Mail.
5 Choose the compression rate by moving the slider.
6 Click Start Compression.
About the software on your Sony notebook
7 Accept and send the e-mail.
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®
taskbar.
The Compression Settings window appears.
When compression is completed, a window message asks you if you want to attach the file to your
e-mail.
Customizing your notebook
Customizing your notebook
The following sections briefly describe how to change the main settings of your notebook. Among other
things, you will learn how to prepare your modem for use, how to use and customize the look of your Sony
software and utilities, etc.
Configuring your modem
Before you can start using your internal modem, or each time you use your modem while travelling, make
sure that the country of the active location defined in the Phone and Modem Options dialog box matches
the country you are dialing from.
To configure your modem, proceed as follows:
1 Click Start, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
About the software on your Sony notebook
2 Double-click Phone and Modem Options.
The Phone and Modem Options Properties dialog box appears.
3 Double-click the currently selected location on the Dialing Rules tab.
If more than one location is available, double-click the location that is highlighted.
The Edit Location dialog box appears.
4 Check the country/region settings, and make sure it matches the place you are dialing from.
5 If you modified your location settings, click Apply on the Dialing Rules tab, and then click OK.
Before applying new country settings, please make sure your phone line is disconnected from your VAIO notebook.
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Customizing your notebook
Changing your window design
You can change the window design of Sony software compatible with UI Design Selector.
To change the window design using UI Design Selector, proceed as follows:
1 Click Start, point Settings, then click Control Panel.
2 Double-click UI Design Selector.
The UI Design Selector dialog box appears.
3 Click on << or >> and select the design you like.
4 Click Apply.
The UI Design Selector window design changes, to give you a preview of the design you chose for the
Sony software.
5 To try another design, click on << or >>.
6 Click OK once you are satisfied with your choice.
About the software on your Sony notebook
The UI Design Selector dialog box disappears and changes the window design of Sony software as you
selected.
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Customizing your notebook
Setting up your notebook
The Sony Notebook Setup utility allows you to consult system information, specify preferences for system
behavior, and change hardware settings for your VAIO notebook.
To use Sony Notebook Setup, proceed as follows:
1 Click the Start button on the Windows
2 In Programs, select Sony Notebook Setup.
The Basic window appears; you can then enhance the features by clicking the Basic / Advanced tab.
3 Select the tab for the item you want to change.
4 Once finished, click OK. This dialog box contains the following tabs:
Tab Desc ripti on
®
taskbar.
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About the software on your Sony notebook
About This Computer Displays system information, including
memory capacity, serial number, and BIOS
version.
Printer Selects printer port mode settings.
Initial Setting Selects the drive and device order you wish
to use for loading the operating system.
You can specify the hard drive as well as
other drives inserted into your computer.
You can change the volume of the sounds
while the operating system is loading.
Touchpad When you connect an optional mouse to
your computer, you can disable your
touchpad. You can also customize your
mouse settings by means of the mouse
utility.
Customizing your notebook
Tab Desc ripti on
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About the software on your Sony notebook
Power On Password Sets the password to secure your computer.
Enable Ports Disables port release resources to the
Basic/Advanced Toggles between Advanced mode
For more information about each option, click Help on the Notebook Setup screen to display the help file.
If you use this option, remember the
password at all times. If you forget the
password, you cannot change this setting
anymore, and you will not be able to start
your computer.
system. To change the serial settings, click
Advanced on the Basic/Advanced tab.
(additional screens with advanced settings)
and Basic mode of display. Advanced
mode includes Serial and View
Resources tabs.
Customizing your notebook
Managing power
The PowerPanel utility controls the power management of your notebook and provides key information
about system activity and battery life. The automatic power management selects the most advantageous
profiles, or lets you customize the profiles you choose, according to your own needs, with the goal of
extended battery life.
PowerPanel has the following features:
Automatic Profile Selection (APS) based on the currently active application;
Ability to select special Power Profiles manually from the menu;
Ability to edit and create new profiles;
Ability to display detailed battery information;
It works in harmony with your Windows settings.
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About the software on your Sony notebook
Activating PowerPanel
When starting the computer, the PowerPanel icon appears in the system tray by default.
When pointing on the PowerPanel icon, you will see a tooltip with the active power management profile.
You can select a power profile from the menu or a power management profile by right-clicking this icon.
You can use the PowerPanel toolbar as well.
To use the PowerPanel toolbar, proceed as follows:
1 Right-click the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
2 Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, then click Power Management.
The Power Management toolbar appears on the taskbar (you can change it into a floating window by
dragging and dropping it on your desktop).
3 Click the first item in the toolbar to open the Profile menu.
Customizing your notebook
4 Click the button corresponding to the profile.
The appropriate power management setting will be activated.
When you use the battery pack as power source, your system selects the Maximum Battery Life power management profile by default. If you select
a different power management profile while using battery power, the same profile will automatically be selected the next time you use the battery
pack to power your computer.
Activating power management profiles
PowerPanel provides several predefined power management profiles. Each profile consists of a group of
specific power management settings that are designed to meet specific power management goals, ranging
from maximum power management to no power management.
Main preset profiles
Icon Description
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About the software on your Sony notebook
Maximum Battery Life – Provides power saving features
to give you maximum battery life and good performance. It
reduces the brightness of the display and puts it into
Standby mode after a specified time period.
Maximum Performance – Provides the best system
performance while still conserving power.
AC Power – The power management state when AC power
is in use. PowerPanel automatically loads the AC profile
unless you disable this feature.
Power Management Off – Turns off all power
management features such as Standby and Hibernate
modes.
Customizing your notebook
Other preset profiles
Icon Description
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Word Processing – Optimizes power management with longer timeouts on
the hard disk and display screen. You can also establish settings for LCD
(Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby to optimize power
management for your system.
Spreadsheet – Reduces the LCD brightness to 'medium', as your software
does not require higher performance. The sleep timer is activated.
Presentation – Keeps the display on at all times while it conserves power.
This option is ideal for slideshow presentations. You can establish settings for
LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby to optimize
power management for your system.
Communications – Extends battery life by initiating a quick display time-
out. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk
Standby, and Standby to optimize power management for your system.
Games – Disables the display and the Hard Disk Spindle Down timer.
Camera – Optimizes performance and power requirements for camera
usage.
DVD – Optimizes performance and power requirements for DVD usage.
Automatic Profile Selection - Analyses the performance of each
application you choose and matches the profiles to its needs.
Customizing your notebook
Activating power management commands
PowerPanel provides power management commands that you can use to activate specific power
management functions and to control power for a specific device. You might use these commands when you
want to override a profile setting or initiate an immediate action.
Icon Description
Standby – Puts the system into Standby mode, a
power management state that saves the state of
the system and peripheral devices in memory
(RAM). Power consumption is reduced to
minimum, and the system remains on. To return
the system to the active state, press any key or the
power button on your computer.
Hibernate – Sets the system to the lowest level of
About the software on your Sony notebook
power consumption. The system writes the state of
the system and peripheral devices to the hard disk
and turns off the system power. To return the
system to the original state, use the power button
to turn the power on.
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Customizing your notebook
Selecting automatic profiles
A Power Profile is a set of timer values for a variety of system devices. PowerPanel automatically selects the
profile associated with the application you are using and changes profiles as you switch between
applications.
Power Management lets your system enter energy saving modes by levelling some energy consuming
parameters, such as LCD brightness, or hard disk activity.
To select automatic profiles, proceed as follows:
1 Right-click the PowerPanel icon in the system tray.
2 Select Profiles.
3 Select Automatic Profile Selection.
Or,
About the software on your Sony notebook
1 Right-click the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
2 Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu.
3 Select Power Management.
The Power Management toolbar appears in the taskbar.
You can change it into a floating window by dragging and dropping it on your dektop.
4 Click the first icon on the Power Management toolbar.
5 Select Automatic Profile Selection.
You can customize the PowerPanel taskbar to suit your portable computing needs. You can edit the pre-defined Power Management settings or
create new profiles.
When using the notebook with a battery, the CPU can be set to Maximum Battery Life mode to save battery power.
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Customizing your notebook
Displaying detailed battery information
You can display detailed information of your computer's battery. The following section briefly describes how
to display your computer's general battery information.
To display battery information, proceed as follows:
1 Double-click the PowerPanel icon in the system tray.
The Battery Information dialog box appears.
2 Select the Battery tab.
This tab contains information such as the estimated battery life remaining and charging time.
Battery icon Battery status
About the software on your Sony notebook
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discharging: the icon is blue
fully charged: the icon is
completely blue with an AC
power plug
charging: the icon is blue with a
red clip attached to the terminal
no battery: the icon is blue with
a yellow cross over it
Customizing your notebook
Displaying CPU information
You can also view the performance level of your notebook.
To do so, you just have to move your cursor over the CPU icon in your system tray.
One of the two following icons will be displayed:
Maximum Performance: this icon appears when you use your notebook with the AC adapter, then
the CPU operates at high speed.
Battery Optimized Performance: this icon appears when you use your notebook with a battery, then
the CPU operates at low speed.
Selecting display modes
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About the software on your Sony notebook
This notebook uses the ATI video controller. You can select which display is used when the notebook is
connected to an external display. When you connect an external display, you can switch the display between
your notebook's LCD and the external monitor.
Before you can select a display, you need to shut down your notebook, connect the external display (TV,
panel or monitor) to your notebook, and restart.
To select a display, proceed as follows:
1 Click the Start button, point to Settings and then point to Control Panel.
The Control Panel appears.
2 Double-click Display.
The Display Properties dialog box appears.
3 Click the Settings tab.
Customizing your notebook
4 Click the Advanced button.
The (Multiple Monitors) and Mobility Radeon Properties dialog box appears.
5 Click the Displays tab to set the display settings.
If you cannot see the movie on the external display, set the external display to Primary. Select the
Displays tab and deselect the Monitor or TV bottom left button to change it from Secondary to
Primary.
You cannot have a display on TV and on another display at the same time.
You may not be able to display the notebook LCD screen and an external display or a projector at the same time, depending on the types of computer
displays and projectors you are using.
If the display resolution of your notebook is more than 800 x 600 dots, a part of the image cannot be displayed on your TV display. You can see the
hidden area on your TV display by moving the cursor on your computer. If you want to display the full image, you need to change the display resolution
of your notebook to 640 x 480 dots.
Before turning on the computer, turn off the peripheral devices.
About the software on your Sony notebook
If you want more information on the ATI video controller, click the ATI icon in the taskbar and click Help.
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Creating an Emergency Repair Disk (ERD)
Creating an Emergency Repair Disk (ERD)
The backup utility helps you create a copy of the data on your hard disk. In the event that the original data
on your hard disk is accidentally erased or overwritten, or becomes inaccessible because of a hard disk
malfunction, you can use the copy to restore your lost or damaged data.
To create an Emergency Repair Disk, proceed as follows:
1 Click Start.
2 Point to Programs, Accessories, then System Tools and finally Backup.
The Backup window appears.
3 From the Too l s menu, choose Create an Emergency Repair Disk.
4 Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.
You will need a blank 1.44 MB floppy disk to create an Emergency Repair Disk.
About the software on your Sony notebook
It is recommended to recreate an Emergency Repair Disk each time your computer undergoes major changes (new program installation, …).
The repair process relies on information that is saved in the system root/repair folder. You may not change or delete this folder.
Choosing Also back up the registry to the repair directory, will save your current registry files in a folder within your system root/repair folder.
This is useful if you need to recover your system in the event your hard disk has failed.
Additional information on the repair process is available in the help files (see the Getting Started online book in Introducing
Windows
®
2000 Professional).
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Using the product recovery CD-ROMs
Using the product recovery CD-ROMs
The set of Product Recovery CD-ROMs supplied with your computer allow you to perform a full system
recovery, and help you reinstall individual applications or the device drivers manually.
The system recovery process allows you to reinstall an image of the hard disk as it was before you started
using your notebook.
Perform a System Recovery in the following cases:
In the event of a serious system crash.
If you want to modify the size of your partitions.
Perform an Application Recovery if you need to:
Reinstall an individual driver if a device is not functioning properly.
Reinstall an individual application if you have problems running it.
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About the software on your Sony notebook
Performing a system recovery
Use this option only when your system is seriously damaged, e.g., if Windows® does not work any longer, or
your PC behaves abnormally. The system recovery will completely reinstall the originally configured system
on your C: drive. Your D: drive data will not be deleted if you choose to keep the same partition settings. If
you decide to modify the size of your partitions, the existing data on both drives (C: and D:) will be deleted.
When performing a system recovery, you can opt for a Standard Recovery or an Advanced Recovery.
When choosing a Standard Recovery, you leave the current partition sizes untouched. When choosing an
Advanced Recovery, you can adapt the partition sizes.
You can only use these product recovery CD-ROMs on the Sony notebook you purchased and not on any other Sony PC or other manufacturer's PC!
To perform a system recovery, your port replicator should be disconnected.
The recovery process can last up to sixty minutes.
Using the product recovery CD-ROMs
Please note that only the Advanced Recovery allows you to select the size of the C: partition when starting a recovery. When recovering your system,
you also need to choose between FAT32 and NTFS for the file management system you want to use. The default option is FAT32. The Standard
Recovery always chooses FAT32.
! Applying a system recovery means that you will lose all your data stored on your C: drive (and your D: drive if you modify partition settings).
! Make sure that your computer is connected to AC (not to batteries) before you attempt a system recovery.
! When the recovery is performed, you must remove the recovery CD-ROM from the drive before restarting the computer. If the CD-ROM is still in the
drive, you will restart a recovery process.
Performing a standard system recovery
To perform a standard system recovery, proceed as follows:
1 Take the system recovery CD-ROM.
2 Turn on your computer (using AC power only) and insert the system recovery CD-ROM into the DVD-ROM
drive.
About the software on your Sony notebook
3 Shut down your computer (Start/Shut Down/Shut Down).
4 Wait ten seconds.
5 Turn your computer back on.
6 On the first screen that appears, press S (Standard).
The system recovery CD screen appears, asking you if you are really sure you want to continue.
7 Click Y (Yes).
8 You will be asked again whether you are really sure to continue.
9 Confirm.
By default, your notebook file management system is FAT32. Only the advanced recovery allows you to format your files using either FAT3 2 or
NTFS. You can change your FAT32 file system to NTFS at any time. However, make sure you fully understand the concept of file management system
under Windows
documentation and/or ask your system or network administrator.
You can only convert from FAT32 to NTFS, but not from NTFS to FAT32.
®
2000 before switching from FAT32 to another file management system. For more information, carefully read the Windows® 2000
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Using the product recovery CD-ROMs
Performing an advanced system recovery
To perform an advanced system recovery, proceed as follows:
1 Take the system recovery CD-ROM.
2 Turn on your computer (using AC power only) and insert the system recovery CD-ROM into the DVD-ROM
drive.
3 Shut down your computer.
4 Wait ten seconds.
5 Turn your computer back on.
6 On the first screen that appears, press A (Advanced).
The system recovery CD screen appears, asking if you wish any changes made to the partitions on your
hard disk.
At this stage 3 options are available.
About the software on your Sony notebook
Recovering the system without changing partitions
Recovering the system without changing partitions.
Recovering the system with modified partition sizes.
Aborting the recovery process.
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To recover the system without changing partitions, proceed as follows:
1 Press C to keep your current partitions.
This is the recommended option if you do not need to modify the partition sizes and if you want to
restore your C: drive while keeping the data on your D: drive untouched.
2 Press G to proceed with the system recovery.
3 Select the file system you want to use: FAT32 or NTFS.
4 Follow the instructions on the screen.
Using the product recovery CD-ROMs
5 When the recovery process is finished, remove the product recovery CD-ROM from the drive.
6 Press any key to restart your notebook.
Recovering the system with modified partition sizes
To recover the system with modified partition sizes, proceed as follows:
1 Press P to modify partitions on your notebook.
Select this option only if you need to change the sizes of your partitions.
2 On the next screen, press Y to confirm the deletion of the current partitions.
The next screen displays a selection of sizes for your new C: drive. According to the option you select, the
recovery process will create 1 or 2 partitions on the hard disk.
3 Confirm your selection on the next screen.
4 Wait until the new partitions are created and the notebook reboots.
5 Press G to proceed with the system recovery.
About the software on your Sony notebook
6 Select the file system you want to use: FAT32 or NTFS.
7 Follow the instructions on the screen.
8 When the recovery process is finished, remove the product recovery CD-ROM from the drive.
9 Press any key to restart your notebook.
Please note that this option will delete all existing data both on the C: and D: drives before starting the recovery.
!
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Aborting the recovery process
The recovery process always warns you when the decision you are asked to take cannot be undone.
Whenever possible, the recovery screens allow you either to go back to the previous screen, or to abort the
recovery process.
Using the product recovery CD-ROMs
Performing an application recovery
The application recovery utility allows you to reinstall individual applications. Reinstalling a program can fix
the problems encountered if it does not correctly run anymore.
To perform an application recovery, proceed as follows:
1 Take the last product recovery CD-ROM.
2 Turn on your computer (using AC power only) and wait until Windows has booted up.
3 Insert the product recovery CD-ROM into the DVD-ROM drive.
4 Open the drive through Windows Explorer and click the Apps directory.
5 Open the directory that corresponds to the application you want to recover.
6 Double-click the Setup program.
7 Follow the instructions in the Installer.
About the software on your Sony notebook
You must run the last product recovery CD-ROM from Windows.
The application will not run from DOS.
When performing an application recovery, you do not lose data on your hard disk.
In most cases, it is advised to uninstall an application before reinstalling it.
Reinstalling a device driver
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Some applications or peripherals require specific drivers which you will not find in the Windows® Drivers
folder. To help you find or restore typical drivers needed by your pre-installed applications, you can use the
last product recovery CD-ROM.
To reinstall a device driver, proceed as follows:
1 First check whether the driver you want to reinstall is on the last product recovery CD-ROM. Only device
drivers that are not delivered with Windows
®
can be found in the Drivers folder.
Using the product recovery CD-ROMs
2 Check all underlying sub-directories for the appropriate driver.
3 Next, launch the Add/Remove Hardware Wizard (click Start, point to Settings/Control Panel, and
then double-click Add/Remove Hardware to install the appropriate device).
About the software on your Sony notebook
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Using partitioned drives
Using partitioned drives
In My Computer or Windows Explorer, you may have noticed the availability of two drives (C: and D:).
Your hard disk drive comes from the factory with 2 logical partitions: this does not mean that your computer
contains two physical hard disks.
When you start using your notebook, your C: drive contains all the files required by Windows and other preinstalled software, while the D: drive is empty. The D: drive is the ideal storage space for all your documents
and files, especially big ones like digital motion pictures captured by DVgate.
Allthough you can perform a system recovery and change the partition settings in order to have one C: drive only, this option is not recommended for
using video editing applications like DVgate.
To optimize data storage, use the C: drive to install new applications, and save all your documents and files to the D: drive. Moreover, doing so will
prevent the loss of your data in the case you need to perform a system recovery.
About the software on your Sony notebook
Do not try to add, delete, or resize partitions unless you really need to. Changing partition settings might delete all your files on the hard disk.
If you need to perform a system recovery, but do not want to lose all the data stored on your hard disk, copy all the files you want to keep on the
D: drive. During the system recovery process, choose to keep the current partition information. Doing so will keep your D: drive unchanged after the
recovery process.
If you do need to change the size of your partitions, you can do so by performing a system recovery. In this case, it is important to be aware that all
data on your hard disk will be deleted. If you need to keep existing files, be sure to back them up before performing the system recovery.
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