About the Software on
your Sony Notebook
PCG-GR series
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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.
About the software on your Sony notebook
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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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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About the software on your Sony notebook
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.
®
Trademarks
Sony, DVgate, i.LINK™, Jog Dial™, ImageStation, PictureGear, Picture Toy, PowerPanel, MovieShaker, Smart Capture, Sony Notebook
Setup, UI Design Selector, SonicStage, VisualFlow, Memory Stick™, and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks
of Sony Corporation. The Windows and Windows
All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
®
XP Professional logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
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
Jog Dial™ Utility
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 Out on your camera), and saves them as graphic
files on your hard drive.
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About the software on your notebook
ImageStation
Sony Electronics
Sony ImageStation is an easy way to share your digital pictures and videos with family and friends. Use
ImageStation with the PictureGear, SmartCapture and MovieShaker software to make the most of your
images and movies. When you sign up as a Sony ImageStation member, you can store your pictures and even
order prints. Go to the following website to join for FREE:
http://www.imagestation-europe.com
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About the software on your Sony notebook
MovieShaker
®
Sony Electronics
MovieShaker
text. All you do is import your clips, pick the tune you want and MovieShaker
choose to take control and produce your very own movie. You choose the exact clip sequence, special
effects, and transitions. You can also import your own music and MovieShaker
®
creates personal movies - complete with transitions, special effects, background music, and
®
does the rest. You can also
®
will automatically match the
length of the song to the length of your movie.
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 and panoramas, and
so on (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.
About the software on your notebook
PictureToy
Sony Electronics
PictureToy is Sony’s drawing application, using a highly accurate pen tool. As well as drawing from scratch,
you can edit images using over 70 images. Adding spectacles and flowers to pictures is just as much fun as it
sounds!
PowerPanel
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.
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About the software on your Sony notebook
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
SonicStage
Sony Electronics
SonicStage 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, SonicStage technology allows it to be played back on the PC but prevents
unauthorized distribution. The purpose of SonicStage technology is to create an environment in which
larger quantities of high-quality music can be distributed without subsequent unauthorized distribution of
the music files. SonicStage is delivered with a CD-R module allowing you to easily create music CDs from your
files.
The SonicStage software 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.
Sony Notebook Setup
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About the software on your Sony notebook
Sony Electronics
Use Sony Notebook Setup to consult system information, specify preferences for system behaviour, and
change hardware settings for your Sony notebook.
UI Design Selector
Sony Electronics
You can change the window design of the Sony software compatible with UI Design Selector.
About the software on your notebook
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.
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.
About the software on your Sony notebook
!
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.
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About the software on your notebook
Operating system and other pre-installed software
Windows® XP Professional
Microsoft Corporation
Built on the proven Windows
foundation you can count on to keep your computer up and running when you need it most. Not only is the
operating system more reliable, it also offers features that make it much faster and easier to recover from
system problems.
From its fresh, new look to its more intuitive, task-based design, Windows
computing experience easier than it’s ever been. With support for the latest security standards and
enhanced Firewall protection, Windows
privacy.
For questions and technical assistance, go online to:
About the software on your Sony notebook
http://support.microsoft.com/directory
Internet Explorer 6.0
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. Internet Explorer 6
includes many new and enhanced features that can simplify the daily tasks that you perform on the Web,
while helping you maintain the privacy of your personal information. With the new innovative browser
capabilities, including media playback, automatic picture resizing, and more, you can experience the Web
®
2000 operating system, Windows® XP Professional delivers a reliable
®
XP Professional will make your
®
XP Professional also keeps your data secure and maintains your
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About the software on your notebook
exactly the way that you want. Internet Explorer 6.0 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.
http://support.microsoft.com/directory
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 5.0
Adobe Systems Incorporated
Acrobat
®
Reader software allows you to view, navigate, and print electronic documents in Adobe Portable
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:
About the software on your Sony notebook
http://www.adobe.com
Adobe® Premiere® LE 6.0
Adobe Systems Incorporated
Complementary with DVgate Motion, Microsoft video and QuickTime software, Adobe
(* PCG-GR215SP model only) lets 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
easy to use and versatile.
For questions and technical assistance, go online to:
http://www.adobe.com
®
LE combines professional video editing capabilities and high quality output in a product that is
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®
Reader is installed, you can open and view PDF files
®
Premiere® LE*
®
About the software on your notebook
ArcSoft Panorama Maker™ 2000
ArcSoft
ArcSoft Panorama Maker™ 2000 is an easy-to-use image entertainment program that seamlessly stitches
multiple photos into a single panoramic picture. It enables you to create eye-catching, large-format
panoramas with point-and-click simplicity. You can also view your panoramas from different perspectives.
For questions and technical assistance, go online to
http://www.arcsoft.com/products/software/en/panoramamaker2000.html
QuickTime 5.0
Apple Computer, Inc.
QuickTime is the Apple technology that makes video, sound, music, 3D and virtual reality come alive for your
Internet browser and Windows.
About the software on your Sony notebook
For further information, see the website at:
http://www.apple.com/quicktime
Real Entertainment Center
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.
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About the software on your notebook
For further information, see the website at:
http://www.real.com
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
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
About the software on your Sony notebook
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
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About the software on your notebook
WinDVD
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, 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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Discover VAIO Remote Control
Discover VAIO Remote Control
VAIO Remote Control is your gateway to the VAIO world. VAIO Remote Control is easy to use and
incorporates everything you need to start using your VAIO computer. Launch software applications and go
to Sony websites from here in an instant.
By default, you can find VAIO Remote Control in the Start menu, after which you can copy it to your desktop for easy access.
Overview
Here are the features of the VAIO Remote Control:
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1 Info Box Contains a brief description of an
item when you move the cursor over
it.
2 Language
options
3 Language
display
4 License Click here to view the End User
5 Links Reveals the links to useful Sony
6 Central Remote
Control buttons
7 Steering wheel The spheres in this area represent
8 Close Closes the Remote Control window.
You will need to configure your Internet connection to access the
websites.
Click to select your preferred
language.
Click to display/hide the language
list.
License Agreement in 13 languages.
websites.
Click an application area to reveal
the software items. You can access
Utilities, Video, Audio and Image
software from here.
the applications and useful links.
Discover VAIO Remote Control
Launching software applications and websites
Follow this simple sequence to launch an application or a website:
1 Move the cursor over the application you want to use or the link you want to see.
The info box displays a description of the item.
2 Click the sphere to start the launch sequence.
The sphere moves closer to the info box and the word GO appears.
3 Click GO to launch.
For software applications, the program is launched in full-screen.
For links, Internet Explorer is opened and the Sony website is launched.
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Using Smart Capture
Using Smart Capture
Capturing still images
You can capture still images from i.LINK™ compatible devices.
To capture still images, proceed as follows:
1 Connect an i.LINK™ compatible device to your notebook.
2 Launch Smart Capture from the Start menu, in All Programs / Smart Capture / Smart Capture.
3 Adjust the focus on the subject.
4 Click the Capture button in the Smart Capture window.
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The Finder window appears, displaying the image of the subject.
The Still Viewer window appears with the image you shot in the Still Image Display area.
5 To end 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 All 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 All 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.
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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 All 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.
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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, 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, and select Control Panel.
2 Select Appearance and Themes, then select Display.
3 Double-click UI Design Selector.
The UI Design Selector dialog box appears.
4 Click on << or >> and select the design you like.
5 Click Apply.
The UI Design Selector window design changes, to give you a preview of the design you chose for the
Sony software.
6 To try another design, click on << or >>.
About the software on your Sony notebook
7 Click OK once you are satisfied with your choice.
The UI Design Selector dialog box disappears and changes the window design of Sony software as you
selected.
Setting up your notebook
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The Sony Notebook Setup utility allows you to consult system information, specify preferences for system
behaviour, 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 All Programs, select Sony Notebook Setup.
The basic window appears; use the Basic/Advanced tab to display more features.
taskbar.
Customizing your notebook
3 Select the tab for the item you want to change.
4 Once finished, click OK.
This dialog box contains the following tabs:
Tab Des cri ptio n
About This Computer Displays system information, including memory
Printer Selects printer port mode settings.
Initial Setting Selects the drive and device order you wish to use
Touchpad When you connect an optional mouse to your
About the software on your Sony notebook
Power On Password Sets the password to secure your computer.
Enable Ports Disables port to release resources to the system. To
Basic/Advanced Toggles between Advanced mode (additional
For more information about each option, click Help on the Notebook Setup screen to display the Help file.
capacity, serial number, and BIOS version.
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.
computer, you can disable your touchpad. You can
also customize your mouse settings by means of the
mouse utility in this tab.
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.
change the serial settings, click Advanced on the
Basic / Advanced tab
screens with advanced settings) and Basic mode of
display. Advanced mode includes Serial and View
Resources tabs
.
.
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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 specific power profiles manually from the menu;
Ability to edit and create new profiles;
Ability to display detailed battery information;
Activating PowerPanel
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About the software on your Sony notebook
When you start the computer, the PowerPanel icon appears in the system tray by default.
If the computer is running on AC power, you see PowerPanel’s Performance icon:
If it is running on battery power, you see PowerPanel’s Battery Life icon:
To see the CPU state and the current power profile, simply point to the icon.
To select a power profile, right-click the icon.
To change profiles, proceed as follows:
1 Right-click on the PowerPanel icon in the system tray and select Profiles.
2 In the Profiles menu, select a profile.
The appropriate power settings will be activated.
Customizing your notebook
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
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
Maximum Battery Life – Provides
About the software on your Sony notebook
Maximum Performance – Provides the
AC Power – The power management
Power Management Off – Turns off all
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power saving features to give you
maximum battery life and good
performance. It reduces the brightness of
the display and puts the system into
Standby mode after a specified time
period.
best system performance while still
conserving power.
state when AC power is in use.
PowerPanel automatically loads the AC
profile unless you disable this feature.
power management features such as
Standby and Hibernate modes.
Customizing your notebook
Other preset profiles
Icon Description
Word Processing – Optimizes power management
Spreadsheet – Reduces the LCD brightness to
Presentation – Keeps the display on at all times while
About the software on your Sony notebook
Communications – Extends battery life by initiating
Games – Disables the display and the Hard Disk
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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.
'medium', as your software does not require higher
performance.
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.
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.
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
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 ( or ) in the system tray.
2 Select Profiles.
3 Select Automatic Profile Selection.
Displaying detailed battery information
About the software on your Sony notebook
You can display detailed information of your computer's battery.
To display battery information, proceed as follows:
1 Double-click the PowerPanel icon ( or ) in the system tray.
The Battery Information dialog box appears.
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2 Select the Battery tab.
This tab contains information such as the estimated battery life remaining and charging time.
Battery icon Battery status
discharging: the icon is blue
Customizing your notebook
Battery icon Battery status
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 PowerPanel icon in the system tray. The CPU state and
the selected power profile are displayed.
About the software on your Sony notebook
Performance : This icon appears when you use your notebook with the AC adapter, when the CPU
operates at high speed.
Battery Life : This icon appears when you use your notebook with a battery, when the CPU operates at
low speed.
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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
For more detailed information on what you can do with PowerPanel, refer to the Help files of PowerPanel.
Customizing your notebook
Selecting display modes
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, and then click Control Panel.
The Control Panel appears.
2 Double-click Appearance and Themes, and then select Display.
The Display Properties dialog box appears.
3 Click the Settings tab.
4 Click the Advanced button.
About the software on your Sony notebook
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.
6 Click Apply and then OK.
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.
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 All 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 that you recreate an Emergency Repair Disk each time your computer undergoes major changes (a new program installation, for
example).
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.
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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.
Performing a system recovery
About the software on your Sony notebook
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.
! 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.
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Using the product recovery CD-ROMs
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 disc drive.
3 Shut down your computer (Start/Turn Off Computer/Turn Off).
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 sure you want to continue.
7 Click Y (Yes).
8 You will be asked again whether you are sure you want to continue.
9 Confirm.
About the software on your Sony notebook
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 disc 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 want to make any changes to the partitions on your
hard disk.
At this stage you have 3 options:
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Using the product recovery CD-ROMs
Recovering the system without changing partitions.
Recovering the system with modified partition sizes.
Aborting the recovery process.
Recovering the system without changing partitions
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 Follow the instructions on the screen.
4 When the recovery process is finished, remove the product recovery CD-ROM from the drive.
5 Press any key to restart your notebook.
About the software on your Sony notebook
Recovering the system with modified partition sizes
You are recommended to carefully read the section Using partitioned drives before choosing this option.
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.
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Using the product recovery CD-ROMs
6 Follow the instructions on the screen.
7 When the recovery process is finished, remove the product recovery CD-ROM from the drive.
8 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.
!
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.
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.
About the software on your Sony notebook
To perform an application recovery, proceed as follows:
1 Take the final 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 drive.
4 Access the drive through My Computer 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.
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.
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Using the product recovery CD-ROMs
Reinstalling a device driver
Some applications or peripherals require specific drivers which you will not find in the Windows®
Driver Cache folder. To help you find or restore typical drivers needed by your pre-installed applications,
you can use the final product recovery CD-ROM.
To reinstall a device driver, proceed as follows:
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About the software on your Sony notebook
1 First check whether the driver you want to reinstall is on the final product recovery CD-ROM. Only device
drivers that are not delivered with Windows
2 Check all underlying sub-directories for the appropriate driver.
3 Next, launch the Add Hardware Wizard (click Start/Control Panel/Performance and Maintenance/
System/Hardware/Add Hardware Wizard to install the appropriate device).
If you installed a more recent driver you will get a warning message, in this case just ignore the warning
®
can be found in the Drivers folder.
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 with DVgate.
Although 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 optimise 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.
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.
About the software on your Sony notebook
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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