Sony PCG-GRT716S, PCG-GRT786M, PCG-GRT785E, PCG-GRT796HP, PCG-GRT715E User Manual

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Sony Notebook User Guide

PCG-GRT series

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Sony Notebook User Guide

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Notice

This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form without prior written approval.

Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the software or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages, whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information contained herein or the use thereof.

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

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

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Sony Notebook User Guide

ENERGY STAR

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

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

NERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

NERGY STAR

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

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Safety information

Owner's record

The serial number and model number are located on the bottom of your Sony notebook. Record the serial number and the model number and refer to them if you call VAIO-Link. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

Warnings

Sony Notebook User Guide

General

❑ Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee. ❑ To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only. ❑ To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your VAIO notebook to rain or moisture. ❑ Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm. ❑ Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak. ❑ To change the backup battery, please contact your nearest Sony Service Centre. ❑ Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals. ❑ Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables. ❑ Turn on the computer only after turning off all peripherals. ❑ Do not move your computer while the system is in Standby mode. ❑ The magnetic properties of some objects can have serious consequences for your hard disk drive. They

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

❑ TV sets ❑ Speakers ❑ Magnets ❑ Magnetic bracelets.

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Sony Notebook User Guide

Audio/video

❑ Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any

equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.

Connectivity

❑ Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe lightning storm. ❑ Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations. ❑ Be cautious when installing or modifying telephone lines. ❑ Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your notebook completely from

mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.

❑ Please make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible. ❑ Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected

at the network interface.

Optical disc drive

❑ Misuse of the optical instruments supplied with your notebook can cause eye hazard. As the laser beam

used in this product is harmful to eyes, do not attempt any disassembling process. For servicing, refer to qualified personnel only.

❑ There are visible and invisible radiations when the optical disc drive is open: avoid direct exposure to the

laser beam.

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Sony Notebook User Guide

Regulatory information

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

Declaration of Conformity

The European Union is targeting the free movement of goods for the internal market and to prevent technical barriers to trade. This effort has resulted in several EU Directives asking that manufacturers make their products comply with essential standards. Manufacturers are required to affix the "CE" mark on the products they sell and to draw up a "Declaration of Conformity" (DoC).

Primarily, the Declarations of Conformity are intended for the market surveillance authorities as proof that products satisfy the required standards. Additionally, Sony provides these EU DoC's on the website http://www.compliance.sony.de

You can search for all Declarations of Conformity available for a specific product by typing in the model name in the search box above. A list of matching documents will be displayed and can be downloaded. Please note that the availability of declarations depends on the scope of the EU Directives and the individual product specifications.

This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 55024 for use in following areas: residential, commercial and light-industrial.

This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables not longer than 3 metres (9.8 feet).

The optical disc drive is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair and maintenance only by authorised Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.

as a service to our customers.

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

TO EN 60825-1

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Sony Notebook User Guide

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

Depending on the country, usage of the Wireless LAN functionality may be restricted. For country-specific details, please refer to the Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet. The Wireless LAN PC functionality which is incorporated into this unit has passed Wi-Fi certification, and complies with the interoperability specifications established by WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance).

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Sony Notebook User Guide

Disposing of lithium ion batteries

❑ Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly at end-of-life. ❑ Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type

recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

❑ The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not

disassemble, heat above 60°C (140°F) or incinerate.

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

Disposing of internal memory backup battery

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

during the lifetime of the product. For changing this battery, please contact VAIO-Link.

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

waste may be prohibited.

❑ Please use the public collection system.

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

Welcome

Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO notebook. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.

Here are just some of the features your VAIO notebook has to offer.

❑ Exceptional performance - Your PC includes a fast processor, a fast CD-RW/DVD-ROM or DVD±RW*

drive and an internal modem.

❑ Portability - The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power. ❑ Sony audio and video quality - A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take advantage of today’s

advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.

❑ Multimedia features – Enjoy audio and video CDs. ❑ Interconnectivity – Your computer has Ethernet, USB 2.0 (High-speed/Full-speed/Low-speed) and

i.LINK™ functionalities. i.LINK™ is a bidirectional digital interface for exchanging data. With the Memory Stick™ you can easily exchange and share digital data with compatible products.

❑ Wireless technology – Thanks to the Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b) technology, you can communicate

freely, without cables or wires*.

❑ Windows

Pack 1 operating system.

❑ Communications - Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet. ❑ Excellent customer support - If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check

the VAIO-Link website for a possible solution:

http://www.vaio-link.com

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

* Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

- Your system includes Microsoft’s Windows® XP Professional or Home Edition* with Service

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

Documentation pack

Your Documentation Pack contains printed information and user guides to read on your computer. The user guides are compiled in the VAIO Info Centre on the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc.

Printed documentation

❑ A Getting Started brochure, where you will find a brief description of the items in your box, and how

to setup your notebook;

❑ A Specification sheet, containing a table of specifications and a list of bundled software. ❑ A Guide to Troubleshooting / Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc booklet, where

you will find troubleshooting, VAIO-Link information and an explanation of the purpose and use of the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc.

❑ A Dual Language Operating System leaflet*; ❑ You r Sony Guarantee conditions; ❑ A Safety Regulations leaflet; ❑ A Wireless Lan Regulations leaflet**; ❑ A Modem Regulations leaflet.

* Depending on your country. Dual Language Operating Systems are available in Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

** Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

Documentation on disc

The online part of your documentation includes the following:

1 The Hardware Guide (this guide):

❑ Using your notebook shows you how to use the standard components of your system. In this part

of the manual you will also find out what you can do with a Memory Stick™ and how to use the Wireless LAN function*.

❑ Connecting peripheral devices explains how you can add functionality by connecting various

peripherals.

❑ Getting help explains the support options available to you, and offers basic troubleshooting tips. ❑ Precautions provides facts and advice about using your notebook. ❑ Glossary refers to terms used in this manual.

* Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

2 Refer to your Software Guide for information on the software and the Sony applications.

❑ About the Software delivered with your computer is a short description of the features of the

software delivered with your system.

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

Capture.

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

WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format.

❑ Using PictureGear Studio explains how to get the most enjoyment out of your photographs taken

with a digital camera.

❑ Using Click to DVD explains how to capture video images from a digital external device (camera,

VCR, etc.) and write them to a DVD*.

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑ Using VAIO Media explains how to enjoy music, video and photos through your home networking

environment.

❑ Customizing your computer explains how to configure your modem, set a wallpaper or select a

screensaver.

❑ Installing and updating applications explains how to install, run or uninstall a software

application.

❑ Managing drivers explains how to install, update or uninstall a driver.

3 In the VAIO-Link Customer Service Guide you will find all the VAIO-Link information you need,

including specific contact numbers for each country.

* Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

Online documentation

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

troubleshooting.

2 Refer to the Microsoft Quick Start manual for more information on Windows 3 Go to http://www.club-vaio.com

to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO software.

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

Your notebook and its accessories

The following items are in the box:

1 Main unit 6 Weight saver

2 VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc* 7 Phone cable

3 Documentation pack 8 Power cord

4 AC adapter 9 Phone plug (country-specific)**

5 Rechargeable battery pack

* See the printed Guide to Troubleshooting and Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc for details.

** Not available with models sold in Belgium or Spain.

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

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

Ergonomic considerations

You will be using your notebook as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments:

❑ Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms

horizontal (2), with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touchpad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.

❑ Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet

are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning far backwards.

Welcome

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑ Viewing angle of the computer’s display – Use the display’s tilting feature to find the best position.

You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the display as well.

❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the

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

❑ Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable

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

Using your notebook

This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal and external devices.

❑ Locating controls and connectors (page 16) ❑ Connecting a power source (page 21)

Sony Notebook User Guide

❑ Starting your notebook (page 28) ❑ Setting up your notebook with Sony Notebook Setup (page 29) ❑ Shutting down your notebook (page 31) ❑ Using the keyboard (page 32) ❑ Using the touchpad (page 37) ❑ Using the disc drive (page 38) ❑ Using the weight saver (page 41) ❑ Using PC Cards (page 42) ❑ Using Memory Stick™ (page 45) ❑ Using the modem (page 56) ❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 58) ❑ Using power saving modes (page 64) ❑ Managing power with PowerPanel (page 66)

Using your notebook

Locating controls and connectors

Right

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 Battery bay (page 22)

2 Ventilation slot (page 19)

3 LCD lock lever (page 28)

✍ Do not cover the ventilation slot when the computer is on.

Using your notebook

Left

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 MagicGate Memory Stick™ slot (page 45)

2 i.LINK™ (IEEE1394) S400 port (page 96)

3 PC Card slots (page 42)

4 Multipurpose bay (for weight saver or second

battery with weight saver or removable DVD±RW drive or a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combined drive)*

* Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

(page 24) / (page 41) / (page 38)

Using your notebook

Front

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 LCD screen (page 35)

2 Speakers (page 35)

3 Keyboard (page 32)

4 Touchpad (page 37)

5 Left/right buttons (page 37)

6 Power indicator (page 36)

7 Battery 1 and 2 indicators (page 36)

8 Hard disk drive indicator (page 36)

9 Memory Stick™ indicator (page 36)

10 Num Lock indicator (page 36)

11 Caps Lock indicator (page 36)

12 Scroll Lock indicator (page 36)

13 Power button (page 28)

14 Magnify button* /

15 Volume down button (page 35)

16 Volume up button (page 35)

17 Wireless LAN switch** (page 58)

* The Magnify button changes the image resolution. Be aware that some applications may not be supported.

** Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

Using your notebook

Sony Notebook User Guide

Back

1 Ventilation slot (page 19)

2 DC In (page 21)

3 Printer connector (page 95)

4 Monitor/VGA

connector

5 AV Out connector (page 80)

6 3 USB 2.0 ports* (page 90)

7 Ethernet connector

(network)

8 Modem connector (page 56)

9 Microphone

connector

10 Headphone

connector for headphones or external speakers

* This USB connector supports USB 2.0 standard. USB 2.0 is a new USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard which supports higher data transfer speed than USB 1.1. Connectors which support USB 2.0 support products with USB 1.1. There are 3 transfer modes:

- High-speed: 480 Mbps, this is the highest speed.

- Full-speed: 12 Mbps transfer mode.

- Low-speed: 1.5 Mbps transfer mode. Used for low-speed devices such as mouse and keyboards.

(page 77)

(page 99)

(page 88)

(page 87)

✍ There is a ventilation slot located on the left side of the back panel. Do not cover the ventilation slot when the computer is on.

Using your notebook

Bottom

Sony Notebook User Guide

1 Port replicator connector cover (page 73)

2 Modem module (page 56)

3 Multi-purpose bay release lever (page 24) / (page 41) / (page 38)

4 Reset button /

5 Memory module (page 125)

Using your notebook

Connecting a power source

You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.

Using the AC adapter

To use the AC adapter, proceed as follows:

1 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (1) into the DC In connector (2) on the computer.

Sony Notebook User Guide

2 Plug one end of the power cord (3) into the AC adapter. 3 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.

✍ Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter.

To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.

Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

Using your notebook

Using the battery pack

You can use one or two batteries as a source of power. You can insert the second battery into the multipurpose bay on the left side of the computer. Additional battery packs are available as a separate option. The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.

Inserting the battery pack

To insert the battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 Open the cover of the battery bay.

Sony Notebook User Guide

2 Insert the battery pack with the label facing up into the battery bay on the right side of the computer.

3 Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks.

✍ When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.

Using your notebook

Charging the battery pack

To charge the battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the AC adapter to the computer. 2 Insert the battery pack.

Sony Notebook User Guide

The computer automatically charges the battery (1) (the battery indicator (2) light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges). When the battery is 85% full, the battery indicator light turns off. This process takes approximately 2.5 hours when the system is on. To charge the battery completely, continue charging for 1 hour. There are two battery indicator lights on the computer: 1 indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the right side of the computer. 2 indicates the status of the battery pack in the multi-purpose bay on the left side of the computer.

Battery indicator light status

On The computer is using battery power.

Single blink The battery is running out of power.

Double blink The battery is charging.

Off The computer is using AC power.

Meaning

✍ When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power

indicators blink.

Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.

If the battery level falls below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to

recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery.

You can extend battery life by changing the power management modes in the PowerPanel utility.

Using your notebook

Sony Notebook User Guide

Removing the battery pack

To remove the battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 Turn off the computer. 2 Open the cover of the battery bay. 3 Pull out the battery pack. 4 Close the cover of the battery bay.

✍ You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on

The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life.

The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When the battery life is nearly depleted, both the battery and power indicators start flashing.

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Standby or Hibernate.

When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.

and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in Standby mode.

Using the second battery pack

You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery packs, you can extend the time you use your computer with battery power. When using two battery packs, the battery pack you insert first, charges first. The battery pack you insert second, charges when the first battery pack is 85 percent full. You can monitor which battery pack is charging by observing the battery indicator lights.

Using your notebook

Inserting the second battery pack

To insert a second battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 If the weight saver or the optical disc drive

2 Insert the battery (2) into the multi-

3 Attach the weight saver (3) to the

Sony Notebook User Guide

4 Slide the eject lever on the bottom of the

✍ If you attach two batteries, you can remove one of them

is in the multi-purpose bay (1), remove it.

purpose bay. The battery 2 indicator light turns on.

computer to stabilize the battery pack.

weight saver toward the front of the computer to lock it.

without shutting down the computer. When removing one battery pack, make sure that the other battery pack indicator is on. If the indicator of the battery pack you are going to remove is on, right-click the battery icon in the system tray and click the Switch Battery option.

Using your notebook

Charging the second battery pack

To charge the second battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 Keep the battery pack (1-3) in the computer while it is connected to AC power.

2 When the battery indicator stops flashing, the battery is 85% charged.

Sony Notebook User Guide

The battery indicator (2) flashes while the battery is charging.

Using your notebook

Removing the second battery pack

To remove the second battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 Slide the multi-purpose bay release lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of the arrow.

Sony Notebook User Guide

2 Remove the weight saver. 3 Pull out the battery pack. 4 Reinsert the weight saver.

Using your notebook

Starting your notebook

To start your computer, proceed as follows:

1 Slide the LCD lock lever (1) in the direction

2 Press the power button (2) of the computer

Sony Notebook User Guide

3 If necessary, press <Fn>+<F5> to adjust the

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

of the arrow, and lift the cover.

until the green power indicator (3) light turns on.

brightness controls for the LCD display. To increase the brightness, use the up or right arrow keys. To decrease, use the down or left arrow keys.

is running.

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

Using your notebook

Setting up your notebook with Sony Notebook Setup

The Sony Notebook Setup utility allows you to consult system information, specify preferences for system behaviour, and set up password protection 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 and then click Sony Notebook Setup.

Sony Notebook User Guide

taskbar.

The Sony Notebook Setup window appears.

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