Sony PCG-GRX616MK User Manual
Sony notebook user guide
PCG-GRX series
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Notice
© 2003 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.
This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machinereadable form without prior written approval.
Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby
expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the
software or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages,
whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information
contained herein or the use thereof.
Macrovision: This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and
other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection
technology must be 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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Trademarks
Sony, DVgate, Hotkey Utility, Memory Stick Formatter, MovieShaker, Network Smart Capture, PictureGear Studio, SonicStage, Sony
Notebook Setup, Sony Style Imaging, UI Design Selector, VAIO Edit Components, VAIO Web Phone, Memory Stick, the Memory Stick
logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
The Windows and Windows 2000 Professional logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394-connection.
Adobe, Adobe Photoshop Elements and Adobe Acrobat Reader are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
WinDVD for VAIO is a trademark or registered trademark of InterVideo Inc.
QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks used under licence. QuickTime is registered in the U.S. and other countries.
RealOne Player is a trademark or registered trademark of RealNetworks, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.
PowerPanel is a trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
Symantec Norton AntiVirus is a trademark of Symantec Corporation.
Drag’n Drop CD is a registered trademark of Easy Systems Japan Ltd.
EverQuest is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
All other names of systems, products and services are trademarks of their respective owners. In the manual, the ™ or
specified.
All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
®
marks are not
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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.
E
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.
Warnings
General
❑ Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.
❑ To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
❑ To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your VAIO notebook to rain or moisture.
❑ Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm.
❑ Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
❑ To change the backup battery, please contact your nearest Sony Service 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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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 optical instruments can cause eye hazard. As the laser beam used in this product is harmful to
eyes, do not attempt any disassembling process. For servicing, refer to qualified personnel only.
❑ There are visible and invisible radiations when the optical disc drive is open: avoid direct exposure to the
laser beam.
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Regulatory information
Sony hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of European
Directive 1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive).
Declaration of Conformity
The European Union is targeting the free movement of goods for the internal market and to prevent technical barriers to trade. This
effort has resulted in several EU Directives asking that manufacturers make their products comply with essential standards.
Manufacturers are required to affix the "CE" mark on the products they sell and to draw up a "Declaration of Conformity" (DoC).
Primarily, the Declarations of Conformity are intended for the market surveillance authorities as proof that products satisfy the required
standards. Additionally, Sony provides these EU DoC's on the website http://www.compliance.sony.de
You can search for all Declarations of Conformity available for a specific product by typing in the model name in the search box. 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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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 functionality of the PCWA-C150S PC card which is bundled with this unit has
passed Wi-Fi certification, and complies with the interoperability specifications established by WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility
Alliance).
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Disposing of lithium ion batteries
❑ Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly.
❑ Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
❑ The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not
disassemble, heat above 60°C (140°F) or incinerate.
❑ Dispose of used batteries promptly and properly.
❑ Keep away from children.
❑ In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.
❑ Use the public collection system.
Disposing of the internal memory backup battery
❑ Your VAIO notebook is equipped with an internal memory backup battery that should not have to be
replaced during the lifetime of the product. For information on changing this battery, please contact
VAIO-Link.
❑ Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced.
❑ Dispose of properly at its end-of-life.
❑ In some areas the disposal of lithium ion and other non-hazardous batteries in household or business
waste may be prohibited.
❑ Please use the public collection system.
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Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO notebook. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in
audio, video, computing and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.
Here are just some of the features your VAIO notebook has to offer:
❑ Exceptional performance - Your PC includes a fast processor, a fast CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive and an
internal modem.
❑ Portability - The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power.
❑ Sony audio and video quality - A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take advantage of today’s
advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.
❑ Multimedia features – Enjoy audio and video CDs.
❑ Interconnectivity – Your computer has MagicGate Memory Stick™, Ethernet and i.LINK™
functionalities. Memory Stick™ is Sony’s universal storage medium. i.LINK™ is a bi-directional digital
interface for exchanging data.
❑ Wireless technology – Thanks to the Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b) technology in PC Card format, you
can communicate freely, without cables or wires.
❑ Windows
Service Pack 3.
❑ Communications - Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet, and
more.
❑ Excellent customer support - If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check
the VAIO-Link website for a possible solution:
http://www.vaio-link.com
Before contacting VAIO-Link, you may try to solve the problem by reading the User Guide or the manuals
and help files for the peripherals or software.
®
- Your system includes the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional operating system with
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Documentation pack
Your Documentation Pack contains printed documents and online user guides in the VAIO Info Centre on
the Documentation CD-ROM.
Printed documentation
The printed part of your documentation contains:
❑ A Getting Started brochure, where you will find a brief description of the items in your box, and how
to setup your notebook;
❑ A Specifications sheet;
❑ A Troubleshooting Guide, where you will find all the basic information you need to start using your
notebook, as well as troubleshooting and VAIO-Link information;
❑ An Application CD Guide, which explains the purpose and use of the final system recovery disc. Use
this when (re)installing bundled software.
❑ You r Sony Guarantee conditions;
❑ A Safety Regulations leaflet;
❑ A Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet;
❑ A Modem Regulations leaflet.
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Online documentation
1 The Hardware Guide:
❑ Using your notebook shows you how to use the standard components of your system. In this part
of the manual you will also find out what you can do with a Memory Stick™ and how to use the
Wireless LAN functions.
❑ 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.
2 Refer to your Software Guide for information on the bundled software and the Sony applications.
❑ About the Software is a short description of the features of the software delivered with your
system.
❑ Using Video software explains how to use Sony video software: DVgate, MovieShaker and
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.
❑ Customizing your computer explains how to set your system and power management.
❑ Installing and updating applications explains how to install, run or uninstall a software
application.
❑ Managing drivers explains how to install, update or uninstall a driver.
❑ Using the Product Recovery CDs explains how to perform a system and application recovery.
❑ Using partitioned drives tells you what you can do with partitioned drives.
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3 In the VAIO-Link Customer Service Guide you will find all the VAIO-Link information you need,
including specific contact numbers and addresses for each country.
4 Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and
troubleshooting.
5 Refer to the Microsoft Quick Start manual for more information on Windows
6 Go to http://www.club-vaio.sony-europe.com
to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO
®
.
software.
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Your notebook and its accessories
The following hardware items are in the box:
1 Main unit 7 Phone plug (country-specific)
2 Product recovery CD-ROMs 8 Phone cable
3 Documentation pack 9 Power cord
4 AC adapter 10 CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive (internal)
5 Rechargeable battery pack 11 Wireless LAN PC Card
6 Weight saver
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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.
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❑ Viewing angle of the computer’s display – Use the display’s tilting feature to find the best position.
You can reduce eyestrain 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
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 17)
❑ Connecting a power source (page 22)
Sony Notebook User Guide
❑ Starting your notebook (page 30)
❑ Shutting down your notebook (page 31)
❑ Using the keyboard (page 32)
❑ Using the touchpad (page 37)
❑ Using the CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive (page 38)
❑ Using the weight saver (page 41)
❑ Using PC Cards (page 42)
❑ Using the Wireless LAN PC Card (page 45)
❑ Using the Memory Stick™ (page 55)
❑ Using the modem (page 65)
❑ Using power saving modes (page 67)
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Using your notebook
Locating controls and connectors
Right
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1 Battery bay (page 23)
2 Hard disk drive (page 35)
3 Ventilation slot (page 14)
4 Headphone connector (page 79)
5 Microphone connector (page 80)
6USB port (page 82)
✍ Do not cover the ventilation slot when the computer is on.
Using your notebook
Left
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1 MagicGate Memory Stick™ slot (page 55)
2USB port (page 82)
3 i.LINK™ (IEEE1394) S400 port (page 88)
4 PC Card slots (page 42)
5 Multipurpose bay (for weight
saver or second battery with
weight saver or removable
CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive)
(page 41)
(page 27)
(page 38)
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Using your notebook
Front
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1 Memory Stick™ indicator (page 35)
2 Num Lock indicator (page 35)
3 Caps Lock indicator (page 35)
4 Scroll Lock indicator (page 35)
5 Power indicator (page 35)
6 Battery 1 indicator (page 35)
7 Battery 2 indicator (page 35)
8 Hard disk drive indicator (page 35)
9 LCD screen (page 117)
10 Keyboard (page 32)
11 Internal speakers (page 79)
12 Left/right buttons (page 37)
13 Touchpad (page 37)
14 Power button (page 30)
Using your notebook
Back
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1 Ventilation slot (page 14) 5 Printer connector (page 86)
2DC In (page 22) 6USB port (page 82)
3 Ethernet connector (network) (page 90) 7 AV Out connector (page 76)
4 Monitor (VGA) connector (page 73) 8 Modem connector (page 65)
✍ 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
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1 Port replicator connector cover (page 70)
2 Memory module cover (page 110)
3 Multipurpose bay release lever (page 41)
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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.
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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.
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✍ 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.
Some models may be supplied with 2 power cords, respectively for a UK and for a Continental power outlet. In this case, please make sure you use
the power cord which corresponds to your type of power outlet.
Using your notebook
Using the battery pack
You can use one or two batteries as a source of power. You can insert the second battery pack into the
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:
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1 Open the cover of the battery bay.
2 Insert the battery pack with the label facing up into the battery bay on the right side of the computer.
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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.
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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 2.5 hours when the system is off/on. To charge the battery completely, continue
charging for an additional 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 multipurpose 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
Using your notebook
✍ The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and
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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.
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.
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 (see Using power saving modes (page 67)).
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
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.
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4 Close the cover of the battery bay.
✍ You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while
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the computer is in Standby mode.
Using your notebook
Using the second battery pack
You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery packs, you can extend the time you
use your computer with battery power. When using two battery packs, the battery pack you insert first,
charges first. The battery pack you insert second, charges when the first battery pack is 85 percent full. You
can monitor which battery pack is charging by observing the battery indicator lights.
Inserting the second battery pack
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Sony Notebook User Guide
To insert a second battery pack, proceed as follows:
1 If the weight saver or the optical disc drive is in the
multipurpose bay (1), remove it (see Using the weight
saver (page 41)).
2 Insert the battery pack (2) into the multipurpose bay.
The battery 2-indicator light turns on.
3 Attach the weight saver (3) to the computer to stabilize the
battery pack.
4 Slide the eject lever on the bottom of the weight saver
toward the front of the computer to lock it.
✍ If you attach two battery packs, you can remove one of them without shutting down the
computer. When removing one battery pack, make sure that the other battery pack
indicator is on. If the indicator of the battery pack you are going to remove is on, rightclick the PowerPanel 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.
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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 multipurpose bay release lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of the arrow.
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2 Remove the weight saver.
3 Pull out the battery pack.
4 Reinsert the weight saver.
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