Sony PCG-GRT100 User Manual

VAIO® Computer
Quick Start

PCG-GRT100 Series

Notice to Users............................................5

Setting Up ..................................................15

Unpacking Your Computer.......................................16

Applying Ergonomics ...............................................18

Locating Controls and Ports......................................19

Getting Started ..........................................25

Turning On Your Computer......................................26

Using the Touch Pad .................................................31

Registering Your Computer ......................................32

Locating Your VAIO Computer User Guide ............33

Setting Up A Dial-Up Connection ............................36

Turning Off Your Computer .....................................38

Expanding Your Computing Power .........39

Upgrading Memory...................................................40

Locating Preinstalled Programs ................................40

Caring for Your Computer ........................41

Storing Your Computer.............................................42

Using Cables and Connections..................................42

Cleaning Your Computer ..........................................43

Handling the LCD Screen .........................................43

VAIO Recovery Options............................45

About Recovery Options ...........................................46

3

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

About the Recovery Media Kit.................................48

Using the VAIO Recovery Wizard...........................52

Using the Application Recovery and

System Recovery CDs ..............................61

Application and System Recovery CDs....................62

Using Your Recovery CDs .......................................62

Troubleshooting........................................69

Computer ..................................................................69

Support Options ........................................................74

Index...........................................................75

4

Notice to Users

© 2003 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights
reserved. This manual and the software
described herein, in whole or in part, may not
be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any
machine-readable form without prior written
approval.

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

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

This product contains software owned by Sony
and licensed by third parties. Use of such
software is subject to the terms and conditions
of license agreements enclosed with this
product. Some of the software may not be

transported or used outside the United States.
Software specifications are subject to change
without notice and may not necessarily be
identical to 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.

As an ENERGY

STAR® Partner, Sony

Corporation has
determined that this
product meets the

ENERGY STA R®

guidelines for energy
efficiency.

The International
Equipment Program is an international program
that promotes energy saving through the use of
computers and other office equipment. The
program backs the development and
dissemination of products with functions that
effectively reduce energy consumption. It is an
open system in which business proprietors can
participate voluntarily. The targeted products
are office equipment such as computers,
displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their
standards and logos are uniform among
participating nations.
registered mark.

ENERGY STAR® Office

ENERGY STAR is a U.S.

5

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

The Wireless LAN
functionality

which is
incorporated into
selected models
only, has passed Wi­Fi certification and
complies with the
interoperability
specifications
established by
WECA (Wireless
Ethernet
Compatibility
Alliance).

* Selected models may come with a PC

Card.

Sony, DVgate Plus, Handycam, i.LINK,
Mavica, MagicGate™ Memory Stick, Memory
Stick, VAIO, and the VAIO logo are trademarks
of Sony Corporation. Microsoft, Windows
Media, Windows, Windows NT, and the
Windows logo are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. Intel, SpeedStep, and
Pentium are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Intel Corporation. PS/2 is a
registered trademark of IBM. Acrobat Reader,
Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, and Premiere
are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
PowerPanel is a trademark of Phoenix
Technologies Ltd.

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

*

,

i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to
designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394
connection. The i.LINK connection may vary,
depending on the software applications,
operating system, and compatible i.LINK
devices. All products with an i.LINK
connection may not communicate with each
other. Please refer to the documentation that
came with your compatible i.LINK device for
information on operating conditions and proper
connection. Before connecting compatible
i.LINK PC peripherals to your system, confirm
their operating system compatibility and
required operating conditions. All other
trademarks are trademarks of their respective
owners.

End User / Product
Activation Requirements

Certain software product(s) included with this
computer may include features such as copy
protection and content management technology.
Use of the software product(s) requires
agreement to applicable end user agreements
and full compliance with applicable product
activation procedures. Product activation
procedures and privacy policies will be detailed
during initial launch of the software product(s),
or upon certain reinstallations of the software
product(s) or reconfiguration of the computer,
and may be completed by Internet or telephone
(toll charges may apply).

Owner’s Record

The model number and serial number are
located on the bottom of your Sony VAIO®
computer. Record the model and serial numbers
in the space provided here, and keep in a secure
location. Refer to the model and serial numbers
when you call your Sony Service Center.
Model Number: ______________________
Serial Number:________________________

6

Notice to Users

Safety Information

WARNING

❑

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

❑ To avoid electrical shock, do not open the

cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.

❑ Never install modem or telephone wiring

during a lightning storm.

❑ Never install telephone jacks in wet

locations unless the jack is specifically
designed for wet locations.

❑ Never touch uninsulated telephone wire

or terminals unless the telephone line has
been disconnected at the network
interface.

❑ Use caution when installing or modifying

telephone lines.

❑ Avoid using the modem during an

electrical storm.

❑ Do not use the modem or a telephone to

report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.

❑ A socket outlet should be as close as

possible to the unit and easily accessible.

❑ i.LINK, PC Card, and USB connectors are

not supplied with Limited Power Sources.

.

To change the backup battery,
please contact your nearest Sony
Service Center.

Caution: The use of optical
instruments with this product will
increase eye hazard. As the laser
beam used in this product is
harmful to the eyes, do not
attempt to disassemble the
cabinet. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.

(For optical drive) Danger: Visible
and invisible laser radiation when
open. Avoid direct exposure to
beam.

Caution: To reduce the risk of fire,
use only No. 26 AWG or larger
telecommunication line cord.

AVERTISSEMENT

Pour prévenir tout risque d’incendie ou

❑

d’électrocution, garder cet appareil à
l’abri de la pluie et de l’humidité.

❑ Pour prévenir tout risque d’électrocution,

ne pas ouvrir le châssis de cet appareil et
ne confier son entretien qu’à une personne
qualifiée.

❑ Ne jamais effectuer l’installation de fil

modem ou téléphone durant un orage
électrique.

❑ Ne jamais effectuer l’installation d’une

prise téléphonique dans un endroit
mouillé à moins que la prise soit conçue à
cet effet.

❑ Ne jamais toucher un fil téléphonique à

découvert ou un terminal à moins que la
ligne téléphonique n’ait été débranche de
l’interface réseau.

7

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

❑ Soyez très prudent lorsque vous installez

ou modifiez les lignes téléphoniques.

❑ Évitez d’utiliser le modem durant un

orage électrique.

❑ N'utilisez pas le modem ni le téléphone

pour prévenir d'une fuite de gaz quand
vous êtes près de la fuite.

❑ L’appareil doit être le plus près possible

d’une prise murale pour en faciliter
l’accès.

❑ Des connecteurs i.LINK, PC Card, et

USB ne sont pas fournis avec des Sources
d’Énergie Limitées.

Pour changer la pile de rechange,
veuillez contacter votre centre de
service Sony le plus près.

Avertissement: L'utilisation
d'instruments optiques avec ce
produit augmente les risques pour
les yeux. Puisque le faisceau
laser utilisé dans ce produit est
dommageable pour les yeux, ne
tentez pas de désassembler le
boîtier. Adressez-vous à un agent
de service qualifié.

(Pour le lecteur optique) Danger:
Radiation laser visible et invisible
si ouvert. Évitez l’exposition
directe au faisceau.

Attention : Afin de réduire les
risques d'incendie, n'utilisez
qu'un cordon de communication
N0. 26 AWG ou plus gros.

If you have questions about this product, you
can write to the Sony Customer Information
Service Center at 12451 Gateway Blvd., Ft.
Myers, FL 33913 or find Sony Customer
Service on the Web at:
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: Sony

Model No.: PCG-8M2L, PCG-

8M3L, PCG-8M1R,
PCG-8M2R

Responsible Party: Sony Electronics

Address: 680 Kinderkamack

Tel ep hon e:
(For FCC-related
matters only.)

This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this

Inc.

Road
Oradell, NJ 07649

201-930-6972

8

Notice to Users

equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be

determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:

❑ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

❑ Increase the separation between the

equipment and the receiver.

❑ Connect the equipment to an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

❑ Consult the dealer or an experienced

radio/TV technician for help.

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

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

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

FCC Part 68

This equipment complies with Part 68 of the
FCC rules and the requirements adopted by the
ACTA. On the bottom of this equipment is a
label that contains, among other information, a
product identifier in the format
US:AAAEQ##TXXXX. If requested, this
information must be provided to the telephone
company.

This modem uses the USOC RJ11C telephone
jack.

A telephone plug and jack used to connect this
equipment to the premises wiring and telephone
network must comply with the applicable FCC
Part 68 rules and requirements adopted by the
ACTA.

The REN is used to determine the number of
devices which may be connected to the
telephone line. Excessive RENs on a telephone
line may result in the devices not ringing in
response to an incoming call. In most, but not
all areas, the sum of RENs should not exceed
five (5.0). To be certain of the number of
devices that may be connected to a line, as
determined by the total RENs, contact the
telephone company. For products approved
after July 23, 2001, the REN for this product is
part of the product identifier that has the format
US: AAAEQ##TXXXX. The digits represented
by ## are the REN without a decimal point
(e.g., 03 is a REN of 0.3). For earlier products,
the REN is separately shown on the label.

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

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

If trouble is experienced with this equipment,
for repair or warranty information, please
contact 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972),
or write to the Sony Customer Information
Service Center, One Sony Drive, Park Ridge,

9

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

NJ 07656. If the equipment is causing harm to
the telephone network, the telephone company
may request that you disconnect the equipment
until the problem is resolved.

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

Connection to party line service is subject to
state tariffs. Contact the state public utility
commission, public service commission, or
corporation commission for information.

If your home has specially wired alarm
equipment connected to the telephone line,
ensure the installation of this equipment does
not disable your alarm equipment. If you have
questions about what will disable alarm
equipment, consult your telephone company or
a qualified installer.

Use a surge arrestor to protect against electrical
surges.

FCC Radio Frequency Exposure (United States)

(Applies to wireless LAN models only) This
equipment complies with FCC radiation
exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be
installed and operated with minimum distance
of 8 inches (20 cm) between the radiator and
body (excluding extremities: hands, wrists, and
feet).

This device and its antenna(s) must not be co­located or operating with any other antenna or
transmitter. Users are not permitted to modify
this transmitter device. Any unauthorized
change made to this device could void your
authority to operate this device.

IC RSS-210 (Canada)

(Applies to wireless LAN models only)
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the device.

To prevent radio interference to the licensed
service, this device is intended to be operated
indoors and away from windows to provide
maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit
antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to
licensing.

The term “IC:” before the certification /
registration number only signifies that the
Industry Canada technical specifications were
met.

(S’applique aux modèles sans fil de LAN
seulement) L’utilisation de ce dispositif est
autorisée seulement aux conditions suivantes:
(1) il ne doit pas produire de brouillage et (2)
l’utilisateur du dispositif doit être prêt à
accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique reçu,
même si ce brouillage est susceptible de
compromettre le fonctionnement du dispositif.

Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du
brouillage au service faisant l’objet d’une
licence, il doit être utilisé à l’interieur et devrait
être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un
écran de blindage maximal. Si le matériel (ou
son antenne d’émission) est installé a
l’exterieur, il doit faire l’objet d’une licence.

L’expression “IC:” avant le numéro
d’homologation / enregistrement signifie
seulement que les spécifications techniques
d’Industrie Canada ont été respectées.

10

Notice to Users

Telephone Consumer
Protection Act of 1991
(United States)

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of
1991 makes it unlawful for any person to use a
computer or other electronic device, including
FAX machines, to send any message unless
such message clearly contains in a margin at the
top or bottom of each transmitted page or on the
first page of the transmission, the date and time
it is sent and an identification of the business or
other entity, or other individual sending the
message, and the telephone number of the
sending machine or such business, other entity,
or individual. (The telephone number provided
may not be a 900 number or any other number

for which charges exceed local or long-distance
transmission charges.)

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

Telephone Consumer Guidelines (Canada)

RECYCLING LITHIUM ION BATTERIES

RECYCLING
LITHIUM-ION
BATTERIES

Lithium-Ion
batteries are
recyclable.

You can help
preserve our
environment by
returning your used
rechargeable
batteries to the
collection and
recycling location
nearest you.

For more information regarding recycling of
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800­822-8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/.

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.

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

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

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

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

11

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

RECYCLAGE DES ACCUMULATEURS AUX IONS DE LITHIUM

RECYCLAGE DES
ACCUMULATEU
RS AUX IONS DE
LITHIUM

Les accumulateurs
aux ions de lithium
sont recyclables.

Vous pouvez
contribuer à
préserver
l’environnement en
rapportant les piles
usées dans un point
de collection et
recyclage le plus
proche.

Pour plus d’informations sur le recyclage
des accumulateurs, téléphonez le numéro
gratuit 1-800-822-8837 (Etats-Units et
Canada uniquement), ou visitez
http://www.rbrc.org/.

Avertissment: Ne pas utiliser des
accumulateurs aux ions de lithium qui sont
endommagées ou qui fuient.

Do not handle damaged or leaking
lithium ion batteries.

Danger of explosion if battery is
incorrectly replaced. Replace
only with the same or equivalent
type recommended by the
manufacturer. Discard used
batteries according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.

The battery pack used in this
device may present a fire or
chemical burn hazard if
mistreated. Do not disassemble,
heat above 140°F (60°C) or
incinerate. Dispose of used
battery promptly. Keep away from
children.

Ne pas utiliser des batteries au
lithium ionisé qui sont
endommagées ou qui fuient.

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

La manutention incorrecte du
module de batterie de cet
appareil présente un risque
d'incendie ou de brûlures
chimiques. Ne pas démonter,
incinérer ou exposer à une
température de plus de 60°C.
Évacuer promptement la batterie
usée. Garder hors de portée des
enfants.

12

Notice to Users

INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE

NOTICE: This equipment meets the applicable
Industry Canada Terminal Equipment Technical
Specifications.

The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) for this
terminal equipment is 0.2. The REN assigned to
each terminal equipment provides an indication
of the maximum number of terminals allowed
to be connected to a telephone interface. The
termination on an interface may consist of any
combination of devices subject only to the
requirement that the sum of the Ringer
Equivalence Numbers of all the devices does
not exceed five.

AVIS D’INDUSTRIE CANADA

REMARQUE: Cet équipement est conforme
aux Spécifications Techniques des Équipements
Terminaux d’Industrie Canada en vigueur.

Le Nombre Équivalent de Sonneries (REN) de
cet équipement terminal est 0,2. Le REN
attribué à chaque équipement terminal indique
le nombre maximum de terminaux que l’on
peut connecter à une interface téléphonique. Il
est possible de raccorder à une interface
plusieurs combinaisons d’appareils, mais la
somme des Nombres Équivalents de Sonneries
de tous ces appareils ne doit pas dépasser cinq.

13

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

14

Setting Up

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

15

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Unpacking Your Computer

Carton Contents

Power cord

Main unit

Weight saver

Battery

AC adapter

These hardware components are included.

VAIO Computer Documents

❑ VAIO® Computer User Guide — A searchable on-screen help file that

contains detailed information on how to use your new computer. See
“Locating Your VAIO Computer User Guide” on page 33 for more
information.

❑ VAIO® Computer Quick Start — Contains information on unpacking and

setting up your computer for immediate use.

❑ VAIO® Computer Specifications (Windows® XP) — An on-screen file

that details the hardware specifications and lists the installed programs on
your computer. See “Locating Your VAIO Computer User Guide” on
page 33 for more information.

❑ VAIO® Computer Specifications (Windows® 2000) — A printed sheet

that details your computer's hardware specifications.

16

Unpacking Your Computer

Software CDs

Depending on the model you purchased, additional program CDs may be
included with your computer.

Recovery CDs

Only computers equipped with the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional
operating system come with Recovery CDs. Computers with the Microsoft®
Windows® XP operating system feature a Hard Disk Drive recovery process that
eliminates the need for Recovery CDs.

✍ For more information on Hard Disk Drive recovery for models with Windows® XP, see

“VAIO Recovery Options” on page 39.

❑ Application Recovery CDs — Enables you to reinstall individual programs

and device drivers.

❑ System Recovery CDs — Enables you to restore the operating system and

programs that shipped with your computer. This CD restores your computer
to its original factory settings, so user data and programs installed since you
started using your computer will be lost.

17

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Applying Ergonomics

Your computer is a portable device and can be used in a variety of environments.
Whenever possible, you should apply the following ergonomic considerations:

❑ Position of your computer — Place the computer directly in front of you as

you work. Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral,
comfortable position while using the keyboard, touch pad, or external
mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Take breaks during
sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain
muscles or tendons.

❑ Furniture and posture — Sit in a chair with good back support and

armrests. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the floor. A
footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture
and avoid slouching forward or leaning far backward.

❑ Viewing angle of the computer’s display — Tilt the display to find the best

viewing angle. Also try adjusting the brightness setting of the display.
Following these suggestions can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue.

❑ Lighting — Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare

or reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the
display. You can purchase accessories for your display that help reduce
glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

❑ Placement of an external display — When using an external display, set

the display at a comfortable viewing distance. Make sure the display screen
is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

18

Locating Controls and Ports

Front

Locating Controls and Ports

13

14

10

1 LCD screen 9 Wireless LAN switch

16

15

12

11

*

2 Speakers 10 Volume Up/Down buttons
3 Keyboard 11 Touch pad, Left / right buttons
4 Power indicator 12 Power button, Magnify button
5 Battery indicator 13 Memory Stick® media indicator
6 Battery 2indicator 14 Num lock indicator
7 Hard disk drive indicator 15 Caps lock indicator
8 Wireless LAN indicator

* Wireless LAN functionality available on selected models only.

*

16 Scroll lock indicator

19

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Back

1 Air vent 6 USB 2.0 ports
2 DC IN port 7 Network (Ethernet) port
3 Printer port 8 Modem jack
4 Monitor (VGA) port 9 Microphone jack
5 Video Out port 10 Headphone jack

Only connect 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX cables to the Network (Ethernet)
port. Do not connect any other type of network cable or any telephone line to
this port. Connecting cables other than those listed above may result in an
electric current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire
in the port. To connect the unit to a network, refer to your on-screen VAIO®
Computer User Guide or contact your network administrator. See “Locating
Your VAIO Computer User Guide” for more information.

20

Left

Locating Controls and Ports

1 Memory Stick® media slot 4 PC Card slots (Two slots)
2 i.LINK® (IEEE 1394) S400

5 Optical drive eject button

port

3 PC Card eject button 6 Optical drive

21

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Right

1 Battery bay 3 Air vent
2 Hard disk drive

22

Locating Controls and Ports

Bottom

1 Port replicator connector 3 Release switch
2 Reset button 4 Air vent

23

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

24