Sony PCG-R505ECP User Manual

VAIO® Computer
Quick Start

PCG-R505 Series

Contents

Welcome.......................................................5

Features .......................................................................6

Unpacking Your Computer .........................................7

Registering Your Computer ........................................9

Accessing the User Guide ...........................................9

About Adding Memory ...............................................9

Setting Up Your Dial-Up Connection.......................10

Setting Up Your VAIO Computer .............13

Locating Controls and Ports......................................14

Connecting the Docking Station ...............................20

Disconnecting the Docking Station...........................22

Connecting a Power Source ......................................25

Starting Your Computer ............................................31

Shutting Down Your Computer ................................32

Software and Support Information ..........33

Software Overview....................................................34

Software Support Information...................................35

Using the Recovery CDs...........................39

Application, Driver, and System Recovery CDs.......40

3

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Using Your Recovery CDs ....................................... 40

Troubleshooting........................................47

Troubleshooting Your Computer.............................. 48

Troubleshooting the Docking Station ....................... 51

Troubleshooting the LCD Screen ............................. 52

Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad .............. 52

Getting Help...............................................55

Support Options ........................................................ 55

Index...........................................................57

4

Welcome

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

5

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Features

✍ For complete specifications of your VAIO® computer, refer to the Specifications flyer

supplied with your computer.

❑ Exceptional performance — Your computer includes a mobile Intel®

Pentium® III processor

❑ Portability — Rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without

*

and a V.90 modem.

†

AC power, even while you use the optional docking station.

❑ Sony audio and video quality — High-quality MPEG2 video, which

supports full-screen display (12.1-inch Active Matrix LCD screen) and
enables you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications,
games, and entertainment software.

❑ Multimedia features — Enjoy the stereo speakers or use headphones (not

supplied) to listen to audio and video CDs.

❑ Microsoft® Windows® operating system — Your system includes the

latest Microsoft® Windows® operating system.

❑ Communications — Access popular online services, send e-mail, browse

the Internet, and use fax features.

❑ Wireless functionality — Your computer can connect to a Local Area

Network (LAN) and the Internet, all without direct cable connections.

‡

* CPU speed will be reduced under certain operating conditions.
† Actual upload and download speeds may vary due to line conditions, ISP support, and gov-

ernment regulations.

‡ Wireless LAN capabilities are available on selected models only.

6

Unpacking Your Computer

Unpacking Your Computer

Remove the following hardware, documents, and CDs from the box:

Hardware

Main Unit Power Cord

AC Adapter

Docking Station

* Docking station supplied with selected models.

*

Rechargeable Battery Pack

Documents

❑ VAIO® Computer User Guide — A searchable online help file that

contains detailed information on how to use your new computer. To open
this file, click Start on the taskbar, Help and Support, and then VAIO User
Guide.

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

setting up your computer, supplementary updates, and software information.

❑ Microsoft® Windows® manual — Explains how to use the basic features

of the latest Windows operating system.

7

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

❑ VAIO® Computer Specifications (Windows® XP) — an online file that

details the hardware specifications and lists the installed software
applications for your computer.

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

that details your computer's hardware specifications.

❑ VAIO Computer Safety Information — Explains notes on use and offers

safety tips.

Software CDs

❑ Microsoft® Word — Enables you to reinstall Microsoft Word to the

VAIO® computer you purchased, if the application becomes corrupted or is
erased.

Recovery CDs

❑ Application Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to reinstall individual

applications if they become corrupted or are erased.

❑ Driver Recovery CD(s) (Windows® 2000) — Enables you to reinstall

individual device drivers if they become corrupted or are erased.

❑ System Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to restore the operating system and

software that shipped with your computer if they become corrupted or are
erased. This CD restores your computer to its original factory settings, so
user data and applications installed since you started using your computer
will be lost.

✍ To use these recovery CDs, connect the docking station (supplied with selected

models) or an optional optical drive to the computer. See “Using Your Recovery CDs”
in the online VAIO® Computer User Guide for more information.

Other

❑ Packet containing special product offers

❑ Limited Warranty Card

8

Registering Your Computer

Registering Your Computer

Take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive
these benefits by registering your computer:

❑ Sony Customer Support — Talk to a Support Representative to

troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer.

❑ Limited Warranty — Protect your investment. See the Warranty Card for

more details.

✍ You are prompted to register your computer the first time you turn on the unit. Follow

the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process. If you are not able to
register your computer during the first session, you are provided with additional
registration opportunities later.

Accessing the User Guide

The online VAIO® Computer User Guide is a searchable online help file that
contains detailed information on how to use your new computer. To open this
file, click Start on the taskbar, Help and Support, and then VAIO User Guide.

About Adding Memory

Depending on the configuration you purchased, your computer may accept
additional memory modules. For information about installation procedures, refer
to the online User Guide and print those relevant steps. The specifictions
supplied with your computer (either online for Windows XP or printed for
Windows 2000, depending on your computer's operating system) lists the amount
of installed memory and required memory modules for upgrades.

9

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Setting Up Your Dial-Up Connection

This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up connection. The
Connection Wizard guides you through the process of connecting to the Internet
and choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or setting up an existing account.

Setting up your Internet connection (Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system)

1 Click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and then

click New Connection Wizard. The Location Information window appears.

Location Information window

2 Follow the on-screen instructions, and then click OK to continue. The Phone

and Modem Options window appears.

10

Setting Up Your Dial-Up Connection

Phone and Modem Options window

3 Select the location from where you are dialing, and click OK. The New

Connection Wizard window appears.

New Connection Wizard window

4 Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your Internet

connection.

11

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Setting up your dial-up connection (Microsoft® Windows®

2000)

1 Click Start, point to Programs, Accessories, Communications, and then click

Internet Connection Wizard. The Internet Connection Wizard window
appears.

Internet Connection Wizard window

2 Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your Internet

connection.

12

Setting Up Your VAIO Computer

This section describes the following:

❑ Locating Controls and Ports

❑ Connecting the Docking Station

❑ Disconnecting the Docking Station

❑ Connecting a Power Source

❑ Starting Your Computer

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer

13

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Locating Controls and Ports

Front

OFF ON

5

4

6

WIRELESS
LAN

1 Hard disk drive indicator 9 Touchpad

2 Num lock indicator 10 Left and right buttons

3 Caps lock indicator 11 Power indicator

4 Scroll lock indicator 12 Battery indicator

5 LCD screen 13 Memory Stick® media indicator

6 Speakers 14 Docking station indicator

7 Power button 15 Wireless LAN indicator

8 Keyboard 16 Wireless LAN switch

* Wireless LAN capabilities are available on selected models.

*

*

14

Back

1 Battery port

Left

Locating Controls and Ports

12 3

4

5

1 DC In port 4 Memory Stick® media slot

2 USB port 5 PC Card slot

3 Air vent

15

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Right

1 USB port 5 Peripheral device DC Out port

2 Headphone jack 6 VGA (monitor) port

3 Microphone jack 7 Ethernet port

4 i.LINK® (IEEE 1394) S400

8 Telephone line jack

port

Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet port. Do not
connect any other type of network cable or any telephone line. 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 the network, contact your network administrator.

16

Locating Controls and Ports

Removing Rubber Tab

Rubber tab

✍ Gently pull the rubber tab away from the computer to find the Ethernet port and phone

line jack.

Bottom

1 Docking station connector 5 Air vent

2 Battery Unlock/Lock switch 6 Reset switch

3 Battery Unlock switch 7 Ventilation fan

4 Air vent

17

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

On the Docking Station

Your computer may come with a PCGA-DSM51 docking station, depending on
the model you purchased. This docking station offers the following features:

❑ A floppy disk drive.

❑ An optical drive.

❑ A back panel that enables you to connect additional peripherals to your

computer, as shown below.

Back Panel

1 USB ports 5 Ethernet/Network port

(10BASE-T/100BASE-TX)

2 VGA (monitor) port 6 i.LINK®

*

(IEEE 1394)

S400 port

3 Serial port 7 Printer port

4 DC In port

18

Locating Controls and Ports

Left

1 Left lever 3 Floppy disk drive

2 Air vent

Right

1 Optical drive 3 DC In indicator

2 Undock switch 4 Right lever

19

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Connecting the Docking Station

You may connect your computer to the docking station as long as it is not in a
power saving mode, i.e., Standby or Hibernate. Connecting the computer while it
is in a power saving mode may result in data loss or a computer malfunction.
Note the following before connecting your computer to the docking station:

❑ Disconnect the VGA, USB, AC, and Ethernet devices from your computer.

Leaving these devices connected while you connect the docking station
could damage them.

❑ Ensure that the battery is installed. If you install a charged battery, you can

connect the docking station while the computer is on.

To connect your computer to the docking station

1 Plug one end of the AC adapter cable into the DC In port of the docking

station and the other end into an AC outlet. The LED of the DC In port
switches on.

2 Holding the computer with the front side facing you, insert the two holes on

the front of the computer into the two corresponding latches protruding from
the front side of the docking station.

Latching the Computer to the Docking Station

Latches Protruding
from Docking Station

Docking Station

3 Firmly press down the two rear corners of the computer until it clicks into

place and is securely fastened to the docking station.

20

Be careful not to press the top of the computer too strongly. The LCD display
may be damaged.

Securing the Computer to the Docking Station

Firmly press down the two rear corners
of the computer until it clicks into place.

Connecting the Docking Station

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VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Disconnecting the Docking Station

You may disconnect the computer from the docking station when the computer is
off or on. However, do not disconnect the computer from the docking station
while the docking indicator is on, while the computer is in Standby or Hibernate
mode, or while battery power is low. If you do attempt to disconnect the docking
station in any of these three states, you may lose data or the computer may
malfunction.

✍ When the battery is low, turn off the computer before you disconnect the docking

station.

Follow one of the two procedures below to disconnect the docking station when
the computer is off or on.

To disconnect the docking station when the computer is off

1 Disconnect all peripheral devices from the computer and the docking station.

2 Remove all objects placed on top of the computer.

3 Pull out the two release levers on either side of the rear corners of the

docking station.

Releasing the Computer from the Docking Station

Pull release levers on either side of
rear corners of docking station

4 Remove the computer from the docking station, while moving the computer

slightly back to disengage it from the two front latches of the docking
station.

22

Disconnecting the Docking Station

Removing the Computer from the Docking Station

To disconnect the docking station when the computer is on

You can use the Start Menu in the Windows® task tray or the UNDOCK switch
on the docking station to disconnect your computer from the docking station
while the computer is on.

✍ (Microsoft® Windows® XP) If you switch user accounts using Fast User Switching,

the UNDOCK switch function on the docking station will be interrupted. Instead, follow
the instructions to disconnect the docking station from the Start menu.

From the Start menu

1 Click Start on the Windows® taskbar.

2 Select Unlock Computer to access the Undock Complete dialog box.

Wait for the docking indicator to switch off before undocking the computer.

✍ Once the Undock Complete dialog box appears, continue to step 3 to finish undocking

the computer. This prevents you from leaving the computer on the docking station in
this released state for too long.

23

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Docking Indicator

OFF ON

WIRELESS
LAN

Docking Station Indicator

3 Release and remove your computer. See “To disconnect the docking station

when the computer is off” on page 22 for instructions.

To use the UNDOCK switch

1 Pull the UNDOCK switch on the right side of your computer. The Undock

Complete dialog box appears.

✍ Once the Undock Complete dialog box appears, continue to step 2 to finish undocking

the computer. This prevents you from leaving the computer on the docking station in
this released state for too long.

UNDOCK switch

UNDOCK Switch

2 Release and remove your computer as described in “To disconnect the

docking station when the computer is off” on page 22.

24

Connecting a Power Source

Connecting a Power Source

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

To use the AC adapter

1 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In port on the

computer.

2 Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.

3 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.

Connecting AC Adapter

Computer

DC In

AC Adapter
(supplied)

Power Cord

(supplied)

Notes on the AC adapter

❑ Your computer operates on 100-240V AC 50/60 Hz.

❑ Do not share the AC outlet with other power-consuming equipment, such as

a copy machine or shredder.

❑ You can purchase a power strip with a surge protector. This device prevents

damage to your computer caused by sudden power surges such as those that
may occur during an electrical storm.

❑ Do not place heavy objects on the power cord.

❑ To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord itself.

❑ Unplug your computer from the wall outlet if you will not be using the

computer for a long time.

25

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

❑ The LED indicator on the AC adapter may be turned on until the AC adapter

is unplugged from your computer.

❑ When the AC adapter is not used, unplug it from the AC outlet.

❑ Use only the supplied AC adapter. Do not use any other AC adapter.

Using battery power

You can use a battery pack as a source of power. The battery pack that comes
with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase. Follow the steps
below to insert and charge the battery pack.

To insert the battery pack

You do not need to turn off the computer to insert the battery pack when your
computer is connected to the AC adapter.

1 Close the cover of the computer.

2 Switch the Unlock/Lock switch on the bottom of the computer to the Unlock

position.

Unlock/Lock Lever

Unlock/Lock Switch

Unlock Switch

3 Align the grooves and tabs on the battery with the tabs and notches on the

back of the computer, and slide the battery toward the computer until it
clicks into place.

26

Connecting a Power Source

Inserting Battery Pack

Battery

Grooves

4 Slide the lock lever into the Lock position to secure the battery on the

computer.

To charge the battery pack

1 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

2 Insert the battery pack.

The battery is charging whether or not the computer is turned on or off. The
battery indicator flashes in a double-blink pattern as the battery charges.

3 When the battery is 85 percent full, the battery indicator turns off. It takes

longer to recharge the battery when the computer is turned on than when it is
turned off.

✍ To charge the battery completely, continue charging for one additional hour. See

“Displaying Battery Information” in your online VAIO® Computer User Guide for more
information.

The battery indicator on the front of the computer indicates the
battery pack.

status of the

27

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Battery Indicator

Battery Indicator

Battery Indicator
Status Meaning

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.

✍ Both the battery and power indicators blink when the battery is running out of power.

To remove the battery pack

You can remove the battery pack while your computer is on or off; however, if
you remove the battery pack while your computer is on, make sure the computer
is connected to the AC adapter.

1 Close the cover of the computer.

2 Slide the Unlock/Lock switch to the Unlock position.

3 Slide the Unlock/Lock switch to the Unlock position and slide the battery

away from the computer.

28

Connecting a Power Source

Removing Battery Pack

Battery Unlock/Lock
Switch

Lock Switch

✍ 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 the computer is in a
power saving mode.

Notes on the battery

❑ To determine the remaining battery charge, see “Displaying Battery

Information” in your online user guide for more information.

❑ Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is connected to AC power.

The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.

❑ If your battery level falls to less than 10 percent, 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. See “Using Power Saving Modes” in the VAIO®
Computer User Guide.

❑ The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium-ion battery and

can be recharged at any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does
not affect battery life.

❑ The battery indicator is on while you use the battery pack as a power source.

When battery life is nearly depleted, the battery indicator flashes.

❑ Your computer may not enter Hibernate mode when the battery life is low, if

certain software applications are active, or if certain peripheral devices are
connected. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, save your data
frequently and manually activate a power management mode.

29

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

❑ Never leave the battery pack in temperatures above 140° F (60° C), such as

under direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.

❑ Battery life is shorter in a cold environment. This is due to decreased battery

efficiency at low temperatures.

❑ Charge the battery at temperatures between 50° F and 80° F (10° C to

30° C). Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.

❑ While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery pack heats up.

This is normal and is not cause for concern.

❑ Keep the battery pack away from all sources of heat.

❑ Keep the battery pack dry.

❑ Do not open or try to disassemble the battery pack.

❑ Do not expose the battery pack to any mechanical shock.

❑ If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the

battery pack from the computer to prevent damage to the battery.

❑ If, after fully charging the battery pack, the battery power is still low, the

battery pack may be reaching the end of its life and should be replaced.

❑ You do not need to discharge the battery completely before recharging.

❑ If you have not used the battery pack for a considerable amount of time,

recharge the battery.

30

Starting Your Computer

Starting Your Computer

1 Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow and lift the cover.

Opening Computer

Release lever

2 Press the power button located on the right side of the computer until the

green power indicator turns on.

Turning on Computer

Power Indicator

Power Button

✍ If you hold the power button in the On position for more than four seconds, the

computer turns off.

3 If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display. To decrease

the brightness, press Fn+F5 and then the down or left arrow key. To increase
the brightness, press Fn+F5 and then the up or right arrow key.

31

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Shutting Down Your Computer

To avoid potential loss of data, follow these steps to turn off your computer.

1 Click Start on the Windows® taskbar.

2 (Windows XP) Click Turn Off Computer at the bottom of the Start menu to

display the Turn Off computer dialog box, and click Turn Off.
(Windows 2000) Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display
the Shut Down Windows dialog box, and click Shut Down.

✍ Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.

3 Wait for your computer to turn off automatically. The computer is off when

the power indicator turns off.

4 Turn off any attachments connected to your computer.

✍ During a period of inactivity, you can conserve battery life by using Standby mode. See

“Controlling Power Management” in the online VAIO® Computer User Guide for more
information.

If you are unable to turn off your computer:

1 Close or end all operations.

❑ Close all applications.

❑ Remove the PC Cards.

❑ Disconnect USB devices.

2 Restart the computer. (Windows XP) Press the key combination

Ctrl+Alt+Delete. The Windows Task Manager screen appears. Click the
Shut Down tab, and select Restart. (Windows 2000) Press the key
combination Ctrl+Alt+Delete. The Windows Security screen appears. Click
Shut Down, and select Restart from the drop-down list.

✍ If you are still unable to shut down the computer, you can press the power button and

hold it for more than four seconds. This operation may result in data loss.

32

Software and Support Information

Your VAIO® computer is ready to help you work, play, learn, and
communicate as soon as you turn it on. This section provides the
following:

❑ Software Overview

❑ Software Support Information

33

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Software Overview

Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software listed below,
depending on the configuration you purchased. Preinstalled software may not be
identical to retail versions or include supporting documentation.

❑ Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® — Adobe Systems Inc.

❑ Adobe® Photoshop® Elements

❑ Adobe® Photoshop® Elements Trial Version

❑ America Online® — America Online, Inc.

❑ AT&T WorldNet® Service

❑ ArcSoft PhotoPrinter® 2000 Pro

❑ DigitalPrint — Sony Electronics Inc.

❑ Drag'n Drop CD/DVD

❑ DVgate

❑ EarthLink Network Total Access® — EarthLink, Inc.

❑ Microsoft® Word

❑ Microsoft® Office XP Professional

❑ Microsoft® Office XP Small Business Edition

❑ MovieShaker™ — Sony Electronics Inc.

❑ PC-Cillin® 2000 — Trend Micro, Inc.

❑ PicoPlayer™ — Sony Electronics Inc.

❑ PictureGear™

❑ Quicken® 2002 New User Edition

❑ QuickTime® — Apple Computer, Inc.

❑ RealJukebox®

❑ RealPlayer®

❑ Smart Capture — Sony Electronics Inc.

❑ Smart Connect

❑ SonicStage™ — Sony Electronics Inc.

❑ Sony ScreenBlast™ ACID

™

— Sony Electronics Inc.

*

*

*

— RealNetworks, Inc.

*

*

— DigiOn, Inc., and Easy Systems Japan Ltd.

*

— Microsoft Corp.

— Sony Electronics Inc.

— RealNetworks, Inc.

— Sony Electronics Inc.

*

— Adobe Systems Inc.

*

— Adobe Systems Inc.

*

— AT& T C or p.

*

— ArcSoft, Inc.

*

— Microsoft Corp.

*

— Microsoft Corp.

†

— Intuit Inc.

*

— Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment

* On selected models.
† Existing Quicken users may be required to pay upgrade fee.

34

Software Overview

❑ Sony ScreenBlast™ Sound Forge

❑ Sony on Yahoo! — Yahoo! Inc.

❑ VAIO Action Setup

❑ VAIO Support Agent — Sony Electronics Inc.

❑ WinDVD® 2000 — InterVideo, Inc.

*

— Sony Electronics Inc.

*

— Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment

Software Support Information

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®, Photoshop® Elements, Photoshop® Elements
Trial Version (Adobe Systems Inc.)

Web site http://www.adobe.com/

e-mail [e-mail]

phone [phone] (fee-based support)

fax [phone]

hours M-F, 6 AM-5 PM (PST)

Apple QuickTime® (Apple Computer, Inc.)

Web site http://www.apple.com

phone [phone]

hours M-F, 6 AM-6 PM (PST)

America Online® (America Online, Inc.)

Web site http://www.aol.com

telephone [phone]

hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

* On selected models.

35

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Arcsoft PhotoPrinter® 2000 Pro (ArcSoft, Inc.)

Web site http://www.arcsoft.com

e-mail [e-mail]

phone [phone]

fax [phone]

hours M-F, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM (PST)

EarthLink™ Network Total Access (EarthLink Network Inc.)

Web site http://support.earthlink.net/

e-mail [e-mail]

telephone [phone]

hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

PC-Cillin® 2000 (Trend Micro, Inc.)

Web site http://www.antivirus.com/pc-cillin/support/

phone [phone]

*

hours M-F, 8 AM-5 PM (PST)

* Support from 949-387-7800 is free of charge, but subject to delays. Support from 900-820-

8324 is fee-based, but offers immediate response.

Quicken® 2002 New User Edition (Intuit Inc.)

Web site http://www.intuit.com/support

phone [phone]

*

hours M-F, 5 AM-5 PM (PST)

* Support from 900-555-4932 is fee-based. Support from 800-644-3193 is automated and free

of charge.

RealJukebox®, RealPlayer® (RealNetworks, Inc.)

Web site(s) http://service.real.com/rjoptions.html

e-mail http://service.real.com/help/call.html (online e-mail form)

36

Software Overview

Sony Applications (Sony Electronics Inc.)

Web site http://www.sony.com/pcsupport

phone 888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972)

*

hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

* Support from 1-888-4-SONY-PC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of pur-

chase.

Windows® Operating System, Word, Office XP Professional, XP Small
Business (Microsoft Corp.)

Web site http://www.sony.com/pcsupport

phone 888-4SONYPC (888-476-6972)

*

hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

* Support from 1-888-4-SONY-PC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of pur-

chase.

WinDVD® 2000 (InterVideo, Inc.)

Web site http://www.intervideo.com

phone [phone]

Sony Service Center

For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC
(1-888-476-6972) or find Sony Customer Service on the Web at
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

37

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

38

Using the Recovery CDs

This section provides you with details on your Sony Application, Driver,
and System Recovery CDs.

❑ Application, Driver, and System Recovery CDs

❑ Using Your Recovery CDs

39

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Application, Driver, and System Recovery CDs

Your computer comes with the following Application Recovery and System
Recovery CDs. You will need an optical disc drive (supplied with selected
models) to use these recovery CDs. If your computer does not come with an
optical disc drive, use an external optical disc drive.

Application Recovery CD(s)

Sony Electronics Inc.

This CD enables you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers if
they become corrupted or are erased.

Driver Recovery CD(s) (Windows® 2000)

Sony Electronics Inc.

This CD enables you to reinstall individual device drivers if they become
corrupted or are erased.

System Recovery CD(s)

Sony Electronics Inc.

This CD enables you to restore the operating system and software that shipped
with your computer if they become corrupted or are erased. This CD restores
your computer to its original factory settings, so user data and applications
installed since you started using your computer will be lost.

✍ For models that come with a docking station, make sure you connect the docking

station to the computer before using the recovery CDs.

Using Your Recovery CDs

The following sections describe how to use the Application Recovery, Driver
Recovery, and System Recovery utilities.

Using the Application Recovery CD(s)

The Application Recovery CD utility enables you to reinstall individual software
applications, device drivers, and to repair software applications if they become
corrupted or are erased. Reinstalling an individual software application or device
driver may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer,
peripheral hardware, or software. You may not need to reinstall the entire

40

Application, Driver, and System Recovery CDs

contents of your hard drive. To reinstall all the software titles that shipped with
your computer, use the System Recovery CD(s). See “Using the System
Recovery CD(s)” for more information.

✍ You must be in Windows® to run the Application Recovery CD utility.

To reinstall software applications using the Application Recovery CD(s)

1 Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all open

applications.

2 When the Windows desktop appears, insert Sony Application Recovery CD

No. 1 into your computer’s optical disc drive. The Application Recovery
utility loads automatically.

3 When the Application Recovery menu appears, select the icon for the

application you want to restore, and then follow the on-screen instructions to
complete the recovery process.

✍ Your system may include one or more Application Recovery CDs. If you have more

than one Application Recovery CD, insert the first CD to run the Application Recovery
program. You may be prompted to insert the next CD, depending on the application
you wish to restore.

41

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

To reinstall device drivers using the Application Recovery CD(s) (Windows XP)

1 Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all

applications.

2 When the Windows desktop appears, insert Application Recovery CD No. 1

into the optical disc drive.

3 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and click Control Panel. The Control

Panel window appears.

4 Click Performance and Maintenance, and click System. The System

Properties dialog box appears.

5 From the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.

6 Click to select the unknown device or the device that requires the driver

installation. The unknown device(s) is identified by a yellow question mark.

7 From the Action menu, click Uninstall. This removes the device driver from

your system. Click OK. Repeat for each device driver as necessary.

8 Restart your computer. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, select Turn Off

Computer, and then click Restart.When the desktop appears, Windows
automatically reinstalls the device driver(s) from the Application Recovery
CD.

✍ Your system includes one or more Application Recovery CDs. Insert Application

Recovery CD No. 1, to start the application or driver recovery process. You are
prompted to insert the next CD(s), depending on the software application or driver you
wish to restore.

If you have any questions about using the Application Recovery CD(s), visit
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport, or contact Sony Customer Support at 1-888-4­SONY-PC.

42

Application, Driver, and System Recovery CDs

Using the Driver Recovery CD(s)

The Driver Recovery CD utility (Windows® 2000) enables you to reinstall
individual drivers if they become corrupted or are erased. You can reinstall an
individual driver to correct a problem that you are experiencing with your
computer, hardware, or software application. VAIO Support Agent, an
application repair utility, uses a vault feature on the Driver Recovery CD(s) to
repair software applications.

If you need to reinstall all of the software applications that shipped with your
computer, use the System Recovery CD.

You must be in Windows® to run the Driver Recovery CD utility.

To use the Driver Recovery CD(s) (On selected models)

1 Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all

applications.

2 When the Windows® desktop appears, insert the Driver Recovery CD in the

optical disc drive.

3 Click My Computer or Windows Explorer to view the contents of the Driver

Recovery CD.

4 Select the appropriate driver.

43

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Using the System Recovery CD(s)

The System Recovery CD(s) enables you to format your hard disk drive and
restores all original software applications. Your computer is returned to the
original factory settings.

The System Recovery process removes all software that you may have
installed since you started using your computer. Reinstall any applications
that were not included with the computer when you purchased it.

You can use the System Recovery CD(s) to reinstall the operating system and
software titles that shipped with your computer if they become corrupted or are
erased. You may not need to reinstall the entire contents of your hard drive. If
you experience a problem with your computer, reinstalling an individual device
driver or software title may correct the problem. Use the Application Recovery
CD(s) to reinstall individual applications and to reinstall device drivers. See
“Using the Application Recovery CD(s)” for more information.

The System Recovery CD(s) contains a backup copy of all the software
originally installed on your hard disk drive. It can be used only to recover the
hard disk of the computer you purchased.

System Recovery options

❑ System Drive Recovery — All data on Drive C is deleted. The factory

default settings and software applications are restored on this drive only.

❑ Change Partition Size — All partitions, custom installations, and changes

are removed from the hard disk drive. You can set the partition sizes for both
the Drive C and Drive D. The original, preinstalled operating system and
software applications are restored.

❑ Recovery to Original Factory Defaults — All data and partitions are

removed from the hard disk drive. All original factory settings, operating
system, and preinstalled software is restored.

The System Recovery utility does not back up your system’s data. If you wish
to retain your system data, perform a backup to an external media.

44

Application, Driver, and System Recovery CDs

To use the System Recovery CD(s)

Your system may take a few minutes to load necessary files. A blue screen
appears during the downloading process.

1 Insert the Sony System Recovery CD in the optical disc drive. The System

Recovery utility starts from the optical disc drive. The first CD must be in
the drive when your turn on the computer.

2 Shut down your computer as described in the “Shutting Down Your

Computer” section of your supplied Quick Start.

3 Wait 30 seconds and turn on your computer.

4 The VAIO System Recovery Utility dialog box appears. Click Next.

5 At the pop-up prompt, select Yes to begin the system recovery process.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

If your computer does not start from the Recovery CD

1 Press the power button and hold it for more than four seconds to turn off the

computer.

2 Turn on the computer. When the Sony logo is displayed, press the F2 key.

The BIOS setup menu screen appears.

3 Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.

4 Press the arrow keys to select “Get Default Values” and then press the Enter

key. The message “Load default values for all SETUP items.” appears.

5 Make sure “Yes” is selected, and press the Enter key.

6 Press the arrow keys to select “Save and Exit,” and press the Enter key. The

message “Save configuration changes and exit now?” appears.

7 Make sure “Yes” is selected, and press the Enter key. The computer restarts

from the Recovery CD.

45

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

✍ Your system may include one or more System Recovery CDs. If you have more than

one System Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the System Recovery program.
You are prompted to insert the second CD once the information from the first CD has
been installed.

The recovery process takes from 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

After recovering your system using the System Recovery CD(s), you may be
prompted to insert your Application Recovery CD(s) after restarting Windows.
Insert the Application Recovery CD to automatically complete recovery of your
system.

46

Troubleshooting

This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter
when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try
these suggestions before you contact Sony Computing Support
(http://www.sony.com/pcsupport). Consult the following sections:

❑ Troubleshooting Your Computer

❑ Troubleshooting the Docking Station

❑ Troubleshooting the LCD Screen

❑ Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad

47

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Troubleshooting Your Computer

My computer does not start.

❑ Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned

on. Check that the power indicator on the computer’s front panel shows that
the power is on.

❑ Check that the battery packs are inserted properly and that they are charged.

❑ If you are connected to a docking station with a floppy disk drive or an

external floppy disk drive, make sure there is no floppy disk in the floppy
disk drive.

❑ Confirm that the power cord and all cables are connected firmly, as

described in “Connecting a Power Source” on page 25.

❑ If the computer is plugged into a power strip or UPS, make sure the power

strip or UPS is turned on and working.

❑ If you are using an external display, check that it is plugged into a power

source and turned on. Check that the brightness and contrast controls are
adjusted correctly. See the manual that came with your display for details.

❑ Take the battery pack off the computer, unplug the power cord and plug it in

again, then turn on the power.

❑ If the power control button does not function, remove the AC adapter and

battery pack. Wait one minute, then reattach them, and press the power
button.

❑ Condensation may cause the computer to malfunction. If this occurs, do not

use the computer for at least one hour.

My computer starts but a BIOS error appears.

When the internal backup battery is low on power, your system may not start
properly, and the message “Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to setup” may appear at
the bottom of the screen. Follow these steps:

1 Press the F2 key. The BIOS Setup menu appears.

2 Set the date (month/day/year). Press the Enter key.

3 Press to select System Time, then set the time (hour: minute: second).

48

Ð

Press the Enter key.

Troubleshooting Your Computer

4 Press to select Exit, then press to select Get Default Values. The

5 Press the Enter key. The Setup Confirmation window appears.

6 Select Yes, and press the Enter key.

7 Select Exit (Save Changes), then press the Enter key. The Setup

8 Select Yes, then press the Enter key. The computer restarts.

Î

message “Load default values for all SETUP items” appears.

Confirmation window appears.

Ð

✍ If this occurs on a regular basis, contact Sony Computing Support

(http://www.sony.com/pcsupport).

My computer starts, but the message “Operating system not found” appears and Windows does not start.

❑ If you have connected a docking station with a floppy disk drive or an

external floppy disk drive, make sure there is no floppy disk in the floppy
disk drive.

❑ If a non-bootable floppy disk is in the drive, proceed as follows:

1 Shut down the computer, then remove the floppy disk.

2 Restart the computer and confirm that the Windows operating system

starts properly.

❑ If the Windows operating system still does not start, follow the steps below

to initialize the BIOS:

1 Remove any floppy disk from the floppy disk drive.

2 Shut down the computer.

3 Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer.

4 Turn on the computer.

5 Press the F2 key when the Sony logo appears. The BIOS setup menu

window appears.

6 Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.

7 Press the arrow keys to select Get Default Values, then press the Enter

key. The message “Load default values for all SETUP items” appears.

49

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

8 Press the Enter key, and select Yes.

9 Use the arrow keys to select Exit (Save Changes), then press the Enter

key. The message “Save configuration changes and exit now?” appears.

10 Select Yes, then press the Enter key. The computer restarts.

If your computer continues to display the message “Operating system not found,”
and Windows does not start, use your supplied System Recovery CD to restore
the software titles shipped with your computer. See “To use the System Recovery
CD(s)” on page 45 for more information.

The System Recovery process removes all software that you may have
installed since you started using your computer.

My computer stops responding or does not shut down.

It is best to shut down your computer using the Turn Off Computer command
(Microsoft® Windows® XP) or the Shut Down command (Windows 2000) on
the Windows Start menu. Using other methods, including those listed below, may
result in loss of unsaved data.

❑ (Windows XP) On the Windows® taskbar, click Start, select Turn Off

Computer, and then click Turn Off.
(Windows 2000) On the Windows taskbar, click Start, then Shut Down, then
select Shut Down again, and click OK.

❑ (Windows XP) If you cannot shut down your computer as described in the

preceding step, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously, and click
Turn Off Computer on the Windows Security window.
(Windows 2000) If you cannot shut down your computer as described in the
preceding step, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously, and click
Shut Down on the Windows Security window.

❑ If the preceding step does not work, press and hold the power button for at

least 4 seconds to turn off the power.

❑ Unplug the computer from the AC adapter and remove the battery pack from

your computer.

❑ (Windows XP) If your computer stops responding while playing a CD or

DVD, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously and click Turn Off
Computer on the Windows Security window.
(Windows 2000) If your computer stops responding while playing a CD or

50

Troubleshooting Your Computer

DVD, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously and click Shut Down
on the Windows Security window.

✍ Pressing the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously or turning off the computer with the

power button may result in data loss in files that are currently open.

Troubleshooting the Docking Station

I cannot operate the optical drive in the docking station, when
the docking station is connected to the computer.

Follow these steps to set the i.LINK® network switch.

1 Disconnect your computer from the docking station.

2 Disconnect the AC adapter and all cables from your docking station.

3 Set the i.LINK® network switch on the bottom of the docking station to the

unmarked side, with a thin pen tip.

4 Connect the docking station to the computer.

5 Turn on your computer.

✍ Do not set the i.LINK network switch when the computer is on. This causes the

computer to malfunction.

Set the i.LINK network switch after removing all cables connected to the docking
station.

I cannot remove the disc.

You cannot remove the disc when the computer is in power saving mode. Return
to normal mode, then press the Eject button. See the “Using Power Saving
Modes” section in the VAIO® Computer User Guide for information on how to
return to normal mode.

The disc tray does not eject even after I press the Eject button.

Open the tray by inserting a thin, straight object (such as a paper clip) in the
manual eject hole.

51

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

Troubleshooting the LCD Screen

My LCD screen is blank.

❑ Verify that the computer is plugged into a power source and it is turned on.

❑ Verify that the power indicator on the computer is on.

❑ Verify that the battery pack(s) is inserted properly and is charged.

❑ The computer may be in LCD (Video) Standby mode. Press any key to

activate the screen.

❑ The display mode may be set to external display mode. Press and hold the Fn

key while pressing the F7 key several times.

Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad

My mouse does not work.

❑ If you are using a USB mouse, verify that the mouse is plugged into the USB

port. See “Connecting a USB Device” in the online user guide for more
information.

❑ If you are still experiencing problems, use your supplied Driver Recovery

CD (Windows® 2000) or Application Recovery CD (Windows® XP) to
reinstall the mouse drivers. See “Using Your Recovery CDs” on page 40 for
more information.

My touchpad does not work properly.

❑ You may have disabled the touchpad without connecting a mouse to the

computer. To enable the touchpad:

1 (Windows XP) Press the Windows key and use the arrow keys to select

All Programs. Press the Enter key. (Windows 2000) Press the Windows
key and use the arrow keys to select Programs. Press the Enter key.

2 Use the arrow keys to select Sony computer Setup, and press the Enter

key.

3 Select Sony Notebook Setup again, and press the Enter key.

4 Use the arrow keys to select the Touchpad tab.

5 Press the Tab key to select Enable Touchpad, and then press Enter.

52

Troubleshooting the LCD Screen

6 Press the Enter key.

❑ Restart the computer to activate the touchpad again.

❑ If your touchpad is interpreting a single tap as a double-click, adjust the

button assignments. Follow these steps:

1 (Windows XP) Press the Windows key and use the arrow keys to select

All Programs. Press the Enter key. (Windows 2000) Press the Windows
key and use the arrow keys to select Settings. Press the Enter key.

2 (Windows XP) Select Sony Notebook Setup, and press the Enter key.

Select Sony Notebook Setup again. (Windows 2000) Select Control
Panel, and then press the Enter key.

3 (Windows XP) Select the Touchpad tab and press the Alt+S keys

simultaneously. (Windows 2000) Select Mouse, and then press the Enter
key. The Mouse Properties dialog box appears.

4 Make sure the Buttons tab is open, and change the button assignments in

the Mouse Properties dialog box. Press the Enter key to save your
changes and close the dialog box.

❑ If you are still experiencing problems, make sure another mouse was not

installed.

❑ You may need to use your Driver Recovery CD (Windows® 2000) or

Application Recovery CD (Windows® XP) to reinstall the mouse drivers.
See “Using Your Recovery CDs” on page 40 for more information.

The pointer does not move when I use the Touchpad or Mouse.

❑ The computer should be restarted. Follow these steps:

1 Press the Windows key.

2 Press the “U” key, and wait for at least four seconds.

3 Press the “R” key to restart the computer.

❑ (Windows XP) If the computer does not restart, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete

keys simultaneously. In the Windows Task Manager dialog box, click the
Shut Down menu, and select Restart. (Windows 2000) If the computer does
not restart, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously and click Shut Down on
the Windows Security window.

53

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

❑ If you cannot restart your computer as described in the steps above, press

and hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down the
computer.

❑ If the pointer does not move while playing a disc, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete

keys simultaneously to stop playback and restart the computer.

❑ If you are still experiencing problems, check that another mouse was not

installed.

❑ You may need to use your supplied Driver Recovery CD (Windows® 2000)

or Application Recovery CD (Windows® XP) to reinstall the touchpad or
mouse drivers. See “Using Your Recovery CDs” on page 40 for more
information.

54

Getting Help

Sony provides you with several support resources to answer questions
about your VAIO® computer or the preinstalled software. Refer to these
resources in the order they are listed.

Support Options

If you have questions about your computer or the preinstalled software, refer to
the following sources for answers in the sequence listed below.

1 VAIO® Computer User Guide

The online VAIO® Computer User Guide and the printed VAIO®
Computer Quick Start provide you with information on how to maximize
your computer capabilities and solve common problems.

2 Software Manuals and Online Help Files

The software preinstalled on your computer may come with an online
manual. These manuals are stored on the hard disk drive as online Help
files. You can find the Help files from the Help menu under the specific
software application. Some software applications may come with a
printed manual.

3 Operating System Online Support

Your computer comes preinstalled with Microsoft® Windows®. For
operating system support, you can access Microsoft® customer support
at: http://support.microsoft.com/directory/.

137

VAIO® Computer User Guide

4 VAIO Support Agent

You can find VAIO Support Agent by clicking Start and selecting Help
and Support. Using advanced diagnostic technology, Sony’s VAIO
Support Agent runs scheduled protections of your applications, network
settings, and other important software settings. When your software is
protected, you can use VAIO Support Agent to repair software problems
by restoring your software to any of the previously protected states.

5 Sony Computing Support

This service provides instant access to information on commonly
encountered problems. Enter a description of your problem and the
Knowledge Database searches for the corresponding solutions online.
You can access Sony Computing Support at:
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

6 Sony Fax-on-Demand

This service, which requires a fax machine or your fax software, provides
answers to commonly asked questions. You can use this automated
service to request a list of available topics, and select the topics that you
want to receive. To contact the Sony fax-on-demand service, call:
1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972).

7 Sony Customer Support

Sony and Microsoft software support is available free of charge for 90
days after the original date of purchase. You can call and speak with a
Sony Customer Support Representative without using your computer by
calling: 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972).

8 Sony Service Center

For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC
(1-888-476-6972) or find Sony Customer Service on the Web at
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

138

Index

A

AC adapter 25
AC power 25
Application Recovery CD 40

B

battery pack

charging
indicator light status 28
indicator lights 27
inserting 26
loading 26
power status 27
rechargeable 25
removing 28
using 29

battery power 25
brightness

adjusting

buttons

left
right 14

27

31

14

C

Caps Lock 14
charge status indicator light 27
charging battery pack 27
choosing

power source

computer

controls and connectors
features 6
setting up 13, 14

25

14

shutting down 32
troubleshooting 48
unpacking 7

connecting

dial-up

10

Internet 10
network 18
power source 25

connectors

DC In

25

infrared 16
network 18
Serial port 18

controls

14

D

DC In 25
dial-up connection 10
docking station

troubleshooting

51

E

Ethernet

removing protective tab

Ethernet port 16

F

features 6

G

getting help 55

H

headphone

connector

15

17

57

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

55

help

I

indicator lights

battery

27

Caps Lock 14
charge status 27
Num Lock 14
power 14

infrared port 16
inserting

battery pack

internal speaker 14
Internet connection 10

26

K

keyboard 14

L

LCD

troubleshooting

loading

battery pack

52

26

M

mouse

troubleshooting

52

N

network connector 16
Num Lock 14

P

power

indicator light
switch 31

power sources 25

connecting 25

14

R

rechargeable battery pack 25
recharging battery pack 27
Recovery CDs 40
removing

battery pack

28

restoring data 40

S

selecting

power source

Serial port 18
setting up 13
shutting down computer 32
Sony Fax-on-Demand 56
Sony Service Center 37
starting computer 31
startup problems 32
System Recovery CD 44

25

T

technical support 55
touchpad 14

troubleshooting 52

troubleshooting 48

docking station 51
LCD screen 52
mouse and touchpad 52
startup 32

U

unpacking the computer 7

58

http://www.sony.com/vaio

Printed in USA © 2002 Sony Electronics Inc. 4-664-856-01