Sony PCG-R505JEK, PCG-R505JLK, PCG-R505JSK User Guide

Welcome.......................................................7

Using Your VAIO Notebook........................9

Using the Keyboard.....................................................9

The notebook keyboard keys.............................................11

Indicators ...........................................................................13

Indicator lights...................................................................13

The Windows key in combination with other keys ...........14

The Fn key in combination with other keys ......................15

Using the Touchpad ..................................................17

Using PC Cards .........................................................19

Connecting VAIO Computers...................................22

If your notebook is connected to the optional docking station
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VAIO Action Setup...................................................25

Using the Center Jog Dial Control ............................26

Using the center Jog Dial control ......................................26

Launcher mode ..................................................................27

Guide Mode .......................................................................28

Using the center Jog Dial control with Sony software ......28

Using the center Jog Dial control with other software ......29

Using Memory Stick Media......................................30

Types of Memory Stick media...........................................30

Write-protecting a Memory Stick media ...........................32

Formatting a Memory Stick media....................................32

Notes on Memory Stick media ..........................................33

Cautions on Memory Stick media .....................................33

Using Power Saving Modes......................................35

Normal mode .....................................................................35

Standby mode ....................................................................35

Hibernate mode..................................................................35

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Using a Phone Line...................................................37

Using the LAN..........................................................38

Connecting Peripheral Devices ...............39

Connecting the Optional Docking Station................39

Connecting the notebook to the docking station............... 41

Disconnecting the notebook from the docking station...... 42

Connecting the Floppy Disk Drive...........................47

Connecting an Optical Drive ....................................49

Playing a DVD.................................................................. 50

Handling and cleaning CD and DVD media..................... 51

Writing data to CD-R/RW media...................................... 51

Connecting a Printer .................................................53

To connect a printer .......................................................... 53

Connecting an i.LINK Device ..................................55

Connecting an External Display ...............................58

To connect a monitor ........................................................ 58

To connect a projector....................................................... 59

Connecting a USB Device ........................................62

To connect a USB device.................................................. 62

Connecting External Speakers..................................64

Connecting an External Microphone........................65

Customizing Your VAIO Notebook..........67

Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen...........67

Sony Notebook Setup tabs................................................ 69

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Controlling Power Management ...............................70

Viewing the Power Management status icons ...................70

Activating the Power Management toolbar .......................70

Power Management profiles ..............................................71

Power Management commands.........................................73

Conserving battery power..................................................74

Displaying Battery Information ................................75

To activate the battery information toolbar .......................75

Battery icon descriptions ...................................................75

Displaying detailed battery information ............................76

Selecting the Display Mode ......................................78

Changing the window design of Sony software ................80

Adding Memory .........................................81

Precautions and Procedures.......................................81

Installing a Memory Module.....................................83

Removing a Memory Module ...................................87

About the Software on Your Notebook ...89

Overview...................................................................89

DVgate ......................................................................95

To defragment a partition ..................................................95

DVgate plug-in for Adobe Premiere..................................95

MovieShaker .............................................................97

Importing images and sound clips .....................................97

Create a movie using Shaker .............................................97

Editing clips and scenes.....................................................98

Saving a movie...................................................................99

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OpenMG Jukebox...................................................100

Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) services .............. 100

To start OpenMG Jukebox 2.0........................................ 101

To record a CD................................................................ 102

To transfer songs (check-in/check-out)........................... 103

Additional OpenMG Jukebox features ........................... 105

Notes on using Portable Players...................................... 106

PictureGear .............................................................107

Managing your pictures .................................................. 107

Creating a photo album................................................... 107

Using Panorama Maker................................................... 107

Making still images and panoramic from MPEG ........... 108

Smart Capture .........................................................109

Using Still mode.............................................................. 110

Using Net Movie mode................................................... 114

Using ImageStation......................................................... 117

VisualFlow..............................................................120

To use VisualFlow.......................................................... 120

Application, Driver, and System Recovery CDs....121

Using Your Recovery CDs .....................................122

Using the Application Recovery CD(s) .......................... 122

Using the Driver Recovery CD(s)................................... 123

Using the System Recovery CD(s) ................................. 123

Recovering Microsoft Word ........................................... 125

Software Support Information ................................126

Troubleshooting......................................129

Troubleshooting Your Notebook............................129

Troubleshooting the Docking Station.....................133

Troubleshooting the LCD Screen ...........................135

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Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad.............136

Troubleshooting Drives, PC Cards, and Peripheral De-

vices.........................................................................137

Troubleshooting the Software.................................139

Troubleshooting the Modem ...................................140

Troubleshooting Audio ...........................................141

Troubleshooting the Printer.....................................142

Getting Help.............................................143

Support Options.......................................................143

VAIO Support Agent ..............................................145

To use the Quick Fix Wizard...........................................145

To use Common Solutions...............................................147

To use Support Central ....................................................149

About automatic updates .................................................153

Index.........................................................157

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Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and
welcome to the VAIO User Guide. This user guide provides detailed
information on all aspects of using your new VAIO computer, from
keyboard functions to preinstalled software applications. In the left
navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more about, and
that information will be displayed in the main window.

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Using Your VAIO Notebook

This section describes the following aspects of your new computer:

❑ Using the Keyboard
❑ Using the Touchpad
❑ Using PC Cards
❑ Connecting VAIO Computers
❑ VAIO Action Setup
❑ Using the Center Jog Dial Control
❑ Using Memory Stick Media
❑ Using Power Saving Modes
❑ Using a Phone Line
❑ Using the LAN

Using the Keyboard

Your notebook keyboard is very similar to that of a typewriter, but the keyboard
has additional keys that perform specific computer-related tasks.

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Keyboard

Shift

Key

Ctrl Key

Fn Key

Windows Key

Alt Key

Function K eys

Numeric Keypad Area

Print Screen Key

Applications Key

Correction Keys

Backspace

Key

Fn
Key

Navigation Keys

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The notebook keyboard keys

Key Description

Using Your VAIO Notebook

Numeric k eypad
area

The numeric keypad area contains the keys found on a
typical calculator. Use this area to type numbers or to
perform mathematical calculations such as addition and
subtraction. Note the following:

❑ To activate the numeric keypad, press the Num Lock

key, which causes the Num Lock light to come on and
remain on until the numeric keypad is deactivated.

❑ To deactivate the Num Lock key, press the Num Lock

key again, which causes the Num Lock light to go off.

Navigation keys The Left/Right/Up/Down arrows are devoted to move the

cursor on the screen and also function as the Home, End,
Page Up, and Page Down keys, respectively.

Correction keys The Insert, Backspace, and Delete keys enable you to make

corrections in your documents.

Function keys The 12 function keys along the top of the keyboard are used

to perform designated tasks. For example, in many
applications, F1 is the Help key. The task associated with
each function key may vary from one application to the next.

Escape key The Esc (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.

Print Screen key The Print Screen key takes an electronic snapshot of the

screen and places it in the Windows Clipboard. You can then
paste the screen shot into a document and print it.

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Key Description

Operator keys Several keys are always used with at least one other key:

Ctrl, Alt, and Shift. When held down with another key, the
Ctrl (Control) and Alt (Alternate) keys offer another way to
give commands. For example, in many applications, instead
of choosing the Save command from a menu, you can hold
down Ctrl and press S (referred to as Ctrl+S). The Shift key
operates the same way as on a typewriter; it is used to
produce capital letters or special symbols such as @ and $.

Windows key The key with the Windows logo displays the Windows Start

menu; it is the equivalent of clicking the Start button on the
task bar. See “Indicators” for more information.

Fn key The Fn keys at the left and right sides work the same and are

used in combinationwith other k eys to issue commands. See
“The Fn key in combination with other keys” for more
information.

Applications key The Applications key displays a shortcut menu of context-

sensitive choices; pressing this key is the equivalent of
clicking the right mouse button.

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Using Your VAIO Notebook

Indicators

Indicator Function

Power Light is green when the notebook is powered on, flashes amber

when the notebook is in Standby mode, and turns off when the
notebook is in Hibernate mode or is powered off.

Battery Indicates the status of the battery, which is attached at the rear

of the notebook.

Memory Stick Indicates the Memory Stick slot is in use.

Docking Station Indicates the Docking Station is in use.

Indicator lights

Light On Off

Hard disk Data is being read from or

written to the hard drive. Do
not enter Standby mode or
turn off the notebook when
this indicator light is on.

The hard drive is not being
accessed.

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Light On Off

Num Lock The number keys in the

numeric keypad are active.

Caps Lock Letters appear in uppercase as

youtype.TheShiftkeylowers
the case of typed letters when

The character keys in the
keypad area are active.

Letters appear in lower case as
you type (unlessyou hold down
the Shift key).

Caps Lock is on.

Scroll Lock The screen scrolls differently.

(Exactly how it scrolls

Information moves across the

display normally.
depends on the specific
application. It has no effect in
many applications.)

The Windows key in combination with other keys

Combination Function

+ F1 Displays Windows Help.

+ Tab Switches the selected button on the taskbar.

+ E Displays Windows Explorer.

+ F Displays the Windows Find: All Files window to find a file or

folder.This is the equivalent of selecting Find then Files or
Folders from the Start menu.

+ C trl + F Displays the Windows Find: Computer window where you can

locate other computers. This is the equivalent of selecting Find
then Computer from t he Start menu.

+ M Minimizes all displayed windows.

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Combination Function

Using Your VAIO Notebook

Shift +

Returns all minimized windows to their previous size.

+M

+ R Displays the Run window. This is the equivalent of selecting

Run from the Start menu.

Fn + +
Insert

Displays the Properties window. This is the equivalent of
clicking the System icon in the Control Panel.

The Fn key in combination with other keys

Combination/
Feature Functions

Fn+ (F3)
Speaker switch

Fn+ (F4)
Speaker volume

Fn+ (F5)
Brightness
control

Toggles the built-in speaker off and on.

Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.
To increase volume, press Fn+F4, then or .
To decrease volume, press Fn+F4, then or .

Adjusts brightness of the LCD.
To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5, then or .
To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5, then or .

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Combination/
Feature Functions

Fn+ /
(F7)
Switch to the
external display

Fn+ (F12)
Hibernate

Toggles through the LCD and external display.

Only LCD

LCD and external display

Only external display

Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When
you execute this command, the state of the system and state
of the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the
system power is turned off. To return the system to the
original state, use the power switch to turn on power.

Fn +F
Display control

Minimizes or maximizes the display window. Maximizing
the display window allows you to view the display at a
greater resolution.

✍ You can also carry out these functions using the cente r Jog Dial™ control. Some

functions are not ava ilable until Windows launches.

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Using the Touchpad

Using the Touchpad

The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device called a touchpad. You can point
to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touchpad.

Touchpad

Pointer

Touchpad

Right Button

Left Button

Actions Descriptions

Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointeron an item o r

object.
Click Press the left button once.
Double-click Press the left button twice.
Right-click Press the right button once. In many applications, this action

displays a shortcut menu of context-sensitive choices.
Drag Slide one finger while pressing the left button.
Scroll Move your finger along the right edge of the touchpad to scroll

vertically. Move your finger along the bottom edge to scroll

horizontally. (The scroll function is available only with

applications that support a touchpad scroll feature.)

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✍ See Mouse Properties for information on touchpad features, such as cli cking both

buttons simulta neously, adjusting touchpad speed, and Easy Launcher functions. To
access Mouse Properties, press the Start button, select Settings, and then select
Control Panel. Double-click the Mouse icon in th e Control Panel.

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Using PC Cards

Using PC Cards

Your notebook includes a PC Card slot. PC Cards allow you to connect portable
external devices.

✍ Note the following:

❑ The PC Card slot can accommodate one Type I or Type II PC Card and is

compatible with a CardBus.

❑ Some PC Cards may require that you disable idle devices when using the PC

Card. You can use Sony Notebook Setup to disab le devices. See “Displaying the
Sony Notebook Setup Screen” for more information.

❑ Be sure to use the most recent software dri ver provided by the PC Card

manufacturer.

❑ If an “!” mark appears on the Device Manager tab in the System Properties dialog

box, remove the software driver then reinstall it.

To insert a PC Card

✍ You do not need to shut down the notebook before inserting or removing a PC Card.

1 Insert the PC Card into the PC Card slot with front label facing up.
2 Gen tly push the card into the slot until the card is fixed into the connector

and the release button pops out.

Inserting PC Card

Insert with the arrow

facing forward.

PC Card

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✍ Note the following:

❑ Do not force a card into the slot. It may damage the connector pins.
❑ If you have difficulty inserting a card, check that you are inserting the card with

the correct orientation.

❑ Do not carry your notebo ok while the head of the PC Card (such as a wireless

LAN card) is out of the slot. Pressure or shock may damage the connector pins.

❑ See the manual that came with your PC Card for more information on its use.

To remove a PC Card

✍ If your notebook is turned on, perform the following procedure to remove the PC Card

from the notebook. Otherwise, your system might crash and you might lose data that
you did not previously save.

If your notebook is turned off, do not perform this pro cedure.

1 Close any application that uses the PC Card, otherwise data may be lost.
2 Click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon in the t askbar and select the card.
3 Click Stop, in the Stop a Hardware device dialog box, confirm the device to

stop and click OK.

4 Click Close to close the Unplug or Eject Hardware window.
5 Pull the PC Card release button up and press it in toward the notebook.

Removing PC Card

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Using PC Cards

6 Gently grasp the card and pull it out.

Do not choose a USB disk or a Sony i.LINK optical drive in the Stop a Hardware
device dialog box.

If you removed a Sony i.LINK optical drive by mistake, disconnect the docking
station and reconnect it. See “Disconnecting the notebook from the docking
station” for more information.

✍ In some cases, if your notebook alternates bet w een normal power operation and

power saving mode while the PC Card is inserted, the notebook may not recognize the
connected device. In such a case, reboot your notebook to correct the problem.

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Connecting VAIO Computers

The preinstalled Smart Connect software enables you to use an optional
i.LINK®

*

cable to connect your VAIO notebook to another VAIO computer that
also has Smart Connect. You can then use one computer to edit, copy or delete
files on the other computer. You can also print from a printer attached to either
computer.

See Smart Connect online help for more information.

Connecting with an i.LINK cable

i.LINK Cable (optional)

✍ Note the following:

❑ When you connect two VAIO computers, you must assign each computer a

unique name. The computers can be identified by this unique name when the two
computers are networked together.

❑ If you have previously purchased a VAIO computer or notebook that does not

have Smart Connect 3.0 software preinstalled, consult the Sony Web site for
support options (http://www.sony.com/pcsupport) .

* i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394

connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, oper­ating system, and i.LINK-compatible devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may
not communicate with each other.
Please refer to the documentation that came with your i.LINK-compatible device for infor­mation on operating conditions and proper connection. Before connecting i.LINK-compati­ble PC peripherals to your system, such as CD-RW or hard disk drive, confirm their
operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.

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Connecting VAIO Computers

If your notebook is connected to the optional docking station

If you want to exchange data with another computer using the optional i.LINK
cable and your notebook is connected to the docking station, perform the
following:

1 Disconnect your notebook from the docking station as described in the

“Disconnecting the notebook from the docking station” section.

2 Disconnect the AC adapter and all cables from the docking station.
3 Using a thin pen tip, set the i.LINK network switch on the bottom of the

docking station to the side marked .

Do not set the i.LINK ne tw ork s witc h w h en the no te bo ok is on . Th e no te bo ok
will malfunction.

i.LINK Network Switch

i.LINK Network Switch

4 Connect the docking station to your notebook as described in the

“Connecting the notebook to the docking station” section.

5 Turn on the notebook, and use the i.LINK cable to connect your notebook to

another computer.

6 After you have finished the tasks you needed to perform to end the “smart

connect” session, proceed as follows:

❑ Disconnect your notebook from the docking station.
❑ Disconnect the i.LINK cable and all other cables from the docking

station.

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❑ Set the i.LINK network switch to the unmarked side.

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VAIO Action Setup

VAIO Action Setup

VAIO Action Setup manages the settingsfor your notebook’s center Jog Dial™
control, Memory Stick®media, and i.LINK® interface. An overview of some of
the functions controlled by VAIO Action Setup is provided below. For more
information on changing the settings using VAIO Action Setup, right-click the
Jog Dial Utility icon or in the task tray and click Help Topics.

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Using the Center Jog Dial Control

Your notebook is equipped with a center Jog Dial control located below the
touchpad and between the left and right buttons. The center Jog Dial control
enables you to open an application, folder, or document from a predefined list by
rotating and pressing the center Jog Dial control. In addition, when you press the
center Jog Dial control, you can turn on your notebook automatically and start
the selected application or document.

Center Jog Dial Control

Turn

Press

Center Jog Dial Control

The Jog Dial control window always appears in the display. It is either in the
launcher mode or in the guide mode.

Using the center Jog Dial control

This section explains how to use the center Jog Dial control. For information on
how to change the settings of the center Jog Dial control, right-click the Jog Dial
Utility icon or in the task tray and click Help Topics.

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Using the Center Jog Dial Control

Launcher mode

The Jog Dial control window is in launcher mode until a software applicationis
launched or the Jog Dial control window becomes active. When you select an
item in the Jog Dial window and it is displayed between orange bars, you can
press the center Jog Dial control to view a submenu of that item.

Using Launcher mode

To use the center Jog Dial control, click the Jog Dial control window or the Jog
Dial Utility icon in the task tray. Alternatively, you can press the Ctrl key and the
center Jog Dial control while the Jog Dial window is active to switch to launcher
mode.

Jog Dial Launcher

To select a desired item, proceed as follows:

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1 Rotate the center Jog Dial control to select the item you want, then press the

center Jog Dial control. The Jog Dial launcher window switches to guide
mode and shows the function of the center Jog Dial control.

Jog Dial Guide

2 Rotate or press the center Jog Dial control to use the desired function.
3 To select another item, repeat steps 1 through 3 above.

Guide Mode

The Jog Dial control window is in the guide mode when software is in use and
the software window is active. Depending on the softwareyou are using, youcan
select items from the displayed list using the center Jog Dial control. You can
switch between guide mode and launcher mode by pressing the Ctrl key and the
center Jog Dial control.

Using Guide mode

The Jog Dial control window displays the function of the center Jog Dial control.

Using the center Jog Dial control with Sony software

If Sony software that supports the center Jog Dial control is active, you can use
the functions of the center Jog Dial control that are allocated to that software. For
more information on functions allocated to software, see the software
application’s online Help.

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Using the Center Jog Dial Control

Using the center Jog Dial control with other software

If the software you are using does not support the center Jog Dial control, you
can still use the center Jog Dial control to scroll the window or adjust the window
size.

Using a dialog box

When a window such as Screen Properties is active, the Dialog box is displayed
in the Jog Dial window. You can select an item in the window by rotating the
center Jog Dial control. Pressing the center Jog Dial control is the equivalent of
pressing Enter or Select.

Jog Dial Guide Dialog Box

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Using Memory Stick Media

This compact, portable, and versatile recording medium has a data capacity
exceeding that of a floppy disk. The medium is specially designed for
exchanging and sharing digital data with compatible products. Because it is
removable, the media can be used for external data storage.

Types of Memory Stick media

The following two types of Memory Stick media can be used with your
notebook:

❑ MagicGate™ media (hereafter called MG Memory Stick media), which

is provided with copyright protection.

❑ Memory Stick media, which does not have the same copyright

protection as MagicGate media.

Some music files encoded with secure copyright protection may be stored on
MG Memory Stick media but not on regular Memory Stick media. You can also
use MagicGate media-compatible devices to record and playback music when
they are connected to your notebook.

You can store mixed data on the Memory Stick media. For example, you can
copy an image on to MG Memory Stick media that already contains music.

What is MagicGate media?

MagicGate media provides copyright p rotection that consists of authentication
and encryption technology. Authentication technology ensures that protected
content is only transferred between compliant devices and media. Protected
content is recorded and transferred in an encrypted format to prevent
unauthorized duplication or playback.

✍ MG Memory Stick media has the MG mark .

To insert a Memory Stick media

1 Insert the Memory Stick media with the arrow facing upward and toward the

Memory Stick media slot.

✍ Inserting the media in the wr ong direction may dama ge the connector pins.

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Using Memory S tick Media

2 Carefully slide the Memory Stick media in unt il it clicks in place.

Inserting Memory Stick Media

Insert Memory Stick media
with arrow facing forward .

Memory Stick media

✍ At the default setting, Visual Flow™ application starts automatically when you insert a

Memory Stick media. You can change this setting in VAIO Action Setup.

To view the contents of Memor y Stick medi a

Click the Removable Disk (S:) icon under My Computer to see the contents of
the Memory Stick media.

To remove a Memory Stick media

1 Ensure that the access light is off.
2 Push the Memory Stick media in toward the notebook.
3 When the Memory Stick media ejects, pull it out.

✍ Be careful when removing the Memory Stick media, as it may eject completely from

the slot.

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LOCK

LOCK LOCK

Write-protecting a Memory Stick media

Memory Stick media is designed with a write-protect tab to protect valuable data
from accidental erasure or overwriting. Move the tab to the right or left to set or
release write-protection.

Write-protect off Data can be saved on the Memory Stick media.
Write-protect on Data can be read from but not saved on the Memory Stick

media.

Using the Write-protect Tab

Write-protect

off

(Back of Memory St ick Media)

Write-protect

on

Formatting a Memory Stick media

Memory Stick media is formatted for immediate use when you purchase it. If you
need to reformat a Memory Stick media, use the Memory Stick Formatter that is
provided with the media. Follow the procedures included here. For more details
about using Memory Stick Formatter, refer to Formatter Help.

Reformatting erases all c urrent dat a that is st ored on a Me mory Stick media .
Before you reformat, confirm that the media does not contain files you want
to keep.

1 Insert the Memory Stick media into the notebook. See “To insert a Memory

Stick media” for information on inserting Memory Stick media.

2 Click the Start button, point to Programs, click Memory Stick Utility, and

then cli ck Memory Stick Formatter.

3 Click Start Formatter. Memory Stick Formatter begins.

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Using Memory S tick Media

Notes on Memory Stick media

❑ When the erasure prevention switch of the Memory Stick media is set to

LOCK, data cannot be recorded or erased.

❑ Before using Memory Stick media, back up important data.
❑ Wait a minimum of 10 seconds after the Memory Stick media finishes

reading or writing data before removing the media.

❑ If the media is removed prem aturely, a blue screen with an error message

appears, prompting you to continue or exit. Reinsert the media into the slot
and press Enter to continue.This allows the media to finish reading or
writing data.

❑ You can enjoy video clips that you have recorded with Memory Stick media-

compatible video camera recorders.

❑ The media slot can accommodate one Memory Stick media at a time.
❑ You may copy images from a digital video camera using Memory Stick

media.

❑ Only MagicGate™ Memory Stick media can be used with copyright

protected data such as music.

❑ Copyright protected music cannot be checked-out to any Memory Stick

media other than MG Memory Stick media.

❑ Recorded music is limited to private use only. Using recorded music for any

other purpose requires permission of the copyright holders.

❑ Sony is not responsible for music files that cannot be recorded from a CD or

downloaded from other sources.

❑ Formatting Memory Stick media erases all data (including music data)

previously saved to it. Before you format Memory Stick media, confirm that
the media does not contain files you want to keep.

Cautions on Memory Stick media

❑ Do not use the media in locations that are subject to static electricity or

electrical noise.

❑ Do not touch the media connector with your finger or metallic objects.
❑ Do not attach labels other than the supplied label to a media.
❑ Do not bend, drop, or apply strong shock to the media.
❑ Do not disassemble or modify the media.

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❑ Do not allow the media to get wet.
❑ Do not use or store the media in a location that is subject to:

❑ Extremely high temperatures, such as in a car parked in the sun
❑ Direct sunlight
❑ High humidity or p laces with corrosive substances

❑ To prolong the life of the media, use the supplied storage case. See the

instructions that come with your media for more information on use.

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Using Power Saving Modes

Using Power Saving Modes

When you use a battery as the source of power for your notebook, you can take
advantage of power management settings to conserve battery life. In addition to
the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your
notebook has two distinct power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate. When
using battery power, be aware that the notebook automatically enters Hibernate
mode when the remainingbattery charge drops below 5 percent, regardless of the
power management setting you select.

✍ If the bat tery level falls below 10 percent, you should either attach the A C adapter to

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

Normal mode

Normal mode is the normal state of your notebook when it is in use. The power
indicator light displays green when your notebook is in this mode. To save
power, you can turn off a specific device such as the LCD or the hard disk.

Standby mode

In Standby Mode the notebook saves the current state of the system in RAM and
switches off power to the CPU. The amber power indicator light flashes in this
mode.

To activate Standby mode

To activate Standby mode, press the power button and release it immediately.
You can also use the PowerPanel utility to enter Standby mode.

To return to Normal mode

Press any key to return to normal mode.

Hibernate mode

In the Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the hard drive and
power is turned off. The power indicator light is off in this mode.

To activate Hibernate mode

To activate Hibernate mode, press the key combination Fn+F12.

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✍ The “Save to Disk Manager” window appears, and then the notebook enters Hibernate

mode.
Do not move the note book until its power indicator light tur ns off.

To return to Normal mode

To return to normal mode, turn on the notebook by pressingthe power button.
The notebook returns to its previous state.

✍ When returning from Hibernate mode, the system status stored on the hard d isk is

erased and the notebook starts normally if you press the power button and hold for
more than four seconds.

❑ Timerequiredtoreturntonormalmode

Standby requires less time than Hibernate to return to normal mode.

❑ Power consumption

Standby uses more power than Hibernate.

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Using a Phone Line

Using a Phone Line

You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services, the
Internet, and Sony Customer Support.

In order to register your Sony VAIO® notebook, register your software online,
and use Sony Customer Support, you must connect the notebook to a phone line.

1 Gently peel back the rubber phone jack cover. Pulling the phone jack cover

too hard could damage it.

✍ Do not plug the phone cable into the Ethernet port located to the left of the phone

jack as this may damage your notebook.

2 Plug one end of the phone cable into the phone jack, under the phone jack

cover. Make sure you insert the phone cable from the rear of the notebook
and that the modular jack clicks into place.

3 Plug the other end into the wall jack.

Plugging Phone Cable into Phone Jack

Phone Jack

Phone Cable (optional)

✍ Your notebook does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated

telephone, and may no t work with multiple phone li nes or a private branch exchange
(PBX). Some of these connections might result in excess electri cal current and could
cause a malfunction in the int ernal modem.

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Using the LAN

You can connect your notebook to 10Base-T and 1 00Base-TX-type Local Area
Networks (LANs). For the detailed settings and devices needed to connect to the
network, please ask your network administrator.

Connecting to LAN

Ethernet
Cable

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 net work, contact your network administr ator.

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Connecting Peripheral Devices

You can add functionality to your notebook by connectingit to a variety of
peripherals, as discussed in the following sections:

❑ Connecting the Optional Docking Station
❑ Connecting the Floppy Disk Drive
❑ Connecting an Optical Drive
❑ Connecting a Printer
❑ Connecting an i.LINK Device
❑ Connecting an External Display
❑ Connecting a USB Device
❑ Connecting External Speakers
❑ Connecting an External Microphone

Connecting the Optional Docking Station

Your notebook supports an optional docking station that provides the following:

❑ A floppy disk drive.
❑ An optical drive.
❑ A back panel that enables you to connect additional peripherals to your

notebook as shown below.

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Back Panel

1

4

23

65

7

1 USB ports 5 Ethernet port

(10BaseT/100Base-TX)

2 Monitor port 6 i.LINK*

®

(IEEE 1394)

S400 port

3 Serial port 7 Printer port
4 DC In port

Left

1 Left lever 3 Floppy disk drive
2 Air vent

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Connecting Peripheral Devices

Right

1 Optical drive 3 DC In indicator
2 UNDOCK switch 4 Right lever

Connecting the notebook to the docking station

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

✍ Note the following before connecting your notebook to the docking station:

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

these devices connecte d while you connect the dock ing station could damage
them.

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

connect the docking station while the notebook is on.

Follow the procedure below to connect your notebook to the docking station:
1 Plug one end of the AC adapter cable into the DC In port of the docking

stationandtheotherendintoanACoutlet.TheLEDoftheDCInport
switches on.

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

the front of the notebook into the two correspondinglatches protruding from
the front side of the docking station.

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Latching the Notebook to the Docking Station

Latches Protruding

from Docking Station

Docking Station

3 Firmly press with your thumbs the two rear corners of the notebook, until

your notebook clicks in place and is securely fastened to the docking station.

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

Securing the Notebook to the Docking Station

Firmly press down with your thumbs
the two rear corner of the no tebook

Disconnecting the notebook from the docking station

There are two p rocedures to consider when disconnecting your notebook from
the docking station:

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Connecting Peripheral Devices

❑ Disconnecting the docking station when the notebook is off.
❑ Disconnecting the docking station when the notebook is on.

Beware of the following to ensure proper operation of your notebook:
❑ Do not disconnect the notebook from the docking station while the

docking indicator is on.

❑ Do not disconnect the docking station during power saving modes, i.e.,

while the notebook is in Standby or Hibernate mode.

❑ If you do any of the above, you may lose data or cause the notebook to

malfunction.

❑ Do not disconnect the notebook from the docking station, if the battery

power is low; you may lose data. Shut down your notebook first, then
disconnect fro m the docking station.

Perform the appropriate procedure below to disconnect the docking station.

Disconnecting the docking station when the notebook is off

✍ Before disconnecting your not e book from the docking st ation, ensure the following:

❑ All i.LINK devices are disconnected from your notebook and docking station.
❑ No object is place d on top of the notebook.

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

docking station, to release the notebook from the docking station.

Releasing the Notebook from the Docking Station

Pull re lease lev ers on ei ther side of
rear corner s of docking st ation

2 Remove the notebook from the docking station, while moving the notebook

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

Removing the Notebook from the Docking Station

Disconnecting the docking station when the notebook is on

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

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Connecting Peripheral Devices

From the Start menu

1 Click the Start menu in the Windows task tray.
2 Select Eject PC to access the “Undock C omplete” dialog box.

Wait for the docking indicator light to switch off before undocking the
notebook.

✍ Once the “Undock Complete” dialog box appears, conti nue on to step 3 to finish

undocking the note book. This prevents from leaving the notebook on the docking
station in this released state for too long.

Docking Indicator Light

Docking
Indicator Light

3 Release and remove your notebook as described in the “Disconnecting the

docking station when the notebook is off” section.

Using the UNDOCK switch

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

Complete” dialog box appears.

✍ Once the “Undock Complete” dialog box appears, conti nue on to step 2 to finish

undocking the note book. This prevents from leaving the notebook on the docking
station in this released state for too long.

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UNDOCK switch

UNDOCK
Switch

2 Release and remove your notebook as described in the “Disconnecting the

docking station when the notebook is off” section.

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Connecting the Floppy Disk Drive

Connecting the Floppy Disk Drive

You can use the floppy disk drive in the optional docking station. If you do not
utilize the docking station drive, you can connect an optional PCGA-UFD5
floppy disk drive to one of the two USB ports on your notebook.

Do not use an optional PCGA-UFD5 floppy disk drive while your notebook is
connected to the dock in g sta tio n.

To insert a floppy disk

1 Hold the floppy disk with the label side facing up.
2 Gently push the floppy disk into the drive until it clicks into place.

Inserting Floppy Disk

Floppy disk

To remove a floppy disk

❑ When you finish using the floppy disk, wait until the LED indicator light

turns off and then press the Eject button to remove the floppy disk.

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Removing Floppy Disk

Eject Button

Notes on handling floppy disks

❑ Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the floppy disk.
❑ Keep floppy disks away from magnets.
❑ Keep floppy disks away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.

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Connecting an Optical Drive

Connecting an Optical Drive

You may use the optional PCGA-DSD5 CD-RW/DVD Docking Station or
PCGA-DSD5 DVD Docking Station with your notebook. Both Sony optional
docking stations come with a built-in optical drive. If you do not utilize the
docking station drive, you can connect an optional optical drive, such as PCGA­CD51/A, to the PCMCIA PC Card slot.

Do not use an optional optical drive while your notebook is connected to the
docking station.

To insert a disc

✍ If you are using a PC Card (such as a wireless LAN card) with its head out of the slot,

remove it before you insert a disc.

1 Press the Eject button. The disc tray slides out.

Inserting a Disc

Eject Button

2 Place the disc in the tray with the label side facing up. Push the disc onto the

hub until the disc clicks into place.

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Inserting Disc

Disc

3 Close the tray by pushing it gently. The BUSY indicator on thedrive flashes

while your notebook reads data from the disc.

✍ When the note book is in power saving mode, the tray will not open.

Playing a DVD

❑ To ach ieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, it is r ecommended

that you close all open applications before playing a DVD movie.

❑ When playing DVD movies on battery power, set the power management

profile to DVD. With other profiles, the movies are choppy. As an
alternative, you can set the power management profile to Automatic Profile
Selection, which will cause the DVD profile to be selected automatically
whenever you insert a DVD. See “Controlling Power Management” for
information on how to set the power management profile.

❑ You can play DVDs using the WinDVD® software. See the help file that

came with the WinDVD software for details.

❑ Some discs recorded at 20 or 24 bits may produce noise while playing. If

you have audio devices connected, this may cause damage to your hearing
and the speakers. Reduce the volume before playing such discs.

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Connecting an Optical Drive

✍ Note the following for playing a DVD:

❑ Do not switch between LCD and ext ernal display while playing a DVD video.
❑ Do not put your notebook into power saving mode while playing a DVD video.
❑ Do not install the software that comes with DVD51/A drive.
❑ Some DVD videos may allow limited operations or functions, or present sound

noise or dropped f rames.

Memory-resident disc utilities, such as the screen saver and virus checker,
may cause unstable operation or data loss. Deactivate these utilities (if they
are active) before writing data to a disc.

Handling and cleaning CD and DVD me dia

Proper care of the disc is essential to maintain its reliability. Follow these
guidelines:

Handling

❑ Do not drop or bend the disc.
❑ Do not touch the surfaceof the disc. Fingerprints and duston the surface of a

disc may cause read errors.

Cleaning

❑ For normal cleaning, hold the disc by its edge and use a soft cloth to wipe the

surface from the center out.

❑ If the disc is badly soiled, moisten a soft cloth with water, wring it out well,

and use it to wipe the surface of the disc from the center out. Wipe off any
remaining moisture with a dry soft cloth.

❑ Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, commercially available

cleaners or anti-static spray, as they may cause damage to the disc.

Writing data to CD-R/RW media

You can use Drag’n Drop CD™ software to write data to a CD-R or CD-RW. To
use Drag’n Drop CD, see the online help manual that comes with the software.

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✍ Note the following when using an optical dri ve to write to a CD-R/RW:

❑ For optimal writing speed, deact ivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus

software before writing data to a disc.

❑ For best results, use CD-Rs that are co mpatible with 4x speed.
❑ Do not put your notebook into power saving mode while usi ng Drag’n Drop CD.

Beware of the following:
❑ Do not use the Eject PC option in Windows or press the UNDOCK switch on

the docking station while writing da ta to a CD -R or CD-RW. Doing so may
severely damage yo ur notebook.

❑ Do not strike or shake the notebook while writing data to a disc.
❑ Memory-resident disc utilities, such a s the sc reen s aver and v irus c hecker,

may cause unstable opera tio n or da ta los s . Dea ct iva te these ut ilitie s (if
they are active) before writing da ta to a dis c .

❑ Always use the AC adapter as the power source for your notebook when you

are writing data to a CD-R or CD -RW. Using battery power ma y result in
data transfer failure.

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Connecti ng a Printer

Connecting a Printer

❑ You can connect a Windows 2000 compatible parallel port printer to the

optional docking station.

❑ You can also connect a Windows 2000 compatible USB printer to either of

your notebook’s two USB ports.

✍ Turn off the notebook before connecting peri pherals. In normal use, you shoul d t urn

on the peripherals before turning on your notebook.

To connect a printer

To a parallel port

1 Locate the Printer port on the docking station.
2 Plu g the printer cable (supplied with the printer) into the Printer port.

Connecting a Printer to the Docking Station

Power cord

To

Printer

Printer cable (supplied with the printer)

To USB ports

1 Locate the USB ports on your notebook and printer.
2 Plug the optional USB printer cable into one of the two USB ports.

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Connecting a USB Printer

Power cord

To USB port

Printer

USB printer cable (not supplied)

✍ Note the following:

❑ See the manuals that came with your printer for more information on printer

installation and operation.

❑ Before operating the p rin te r, ensure that the Printer settin g in th e So ny No te b ook

Setup software is prop erly set. See “Displayin g the Sony Notebook Setup
Screen” for more information.

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Connecting an i.LINK Device

Connecting an i.LINK* Device

Your VAIO notebook includes an i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port, which you
can use to connect to a compatible i.LINK device such as a digital video camera
recorder.

To connect a digital video camera recorder

Plug one end of an i.LINK cable into the S400 port on the right side of the
notebook and the other end into the DV In/Out port on the digital video camera
recorder. If your digital video camera recorder includes a Memory Stick® media
slot, you can copy images from it to your notebook via a Memory Stick media.
Copy images to the Memory Stick media and insert the media into the Memory
Stick media slot on your notebook. See “Using Memory Stick Media” for more
information on using Memory Stick media.

* i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394

connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, oper­ating system, and i.LINK-compatible devices. All products with an i.LINK connectionmay
not communicate with each other.
Please refer to the documentation that came with your i.LINK-compatible device for infor­mation on operating conditions and proper connection. Before connecting i.LINK-compati­ble PC peripherals to your system, such as CD-RW or hard disk drive, confirm their
operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.

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Connecting Digital Video Camera Recorder

To DV In/Out

To S400

i.LINK

i.LINK cable
(optional)

Digital video
camera re c order

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Connecting an i.LINK Device

✍ Note the following:

❑ The above figure displays connection to a Sony digital video camera; your digital

video camera recorder may need to be connected differently.

❑ Only Sony digital video cameras and ports labeled “DV In/Out” or “i.LINK” are

compatible i.LINK devices.

❑ See the manual that came with your digital video camera recorder for more

information on installatio n an d use .

❑ The i.LINK port does not supply power to external devices. If the external devi ce

requires power from the i.LINK port, you cannot use the device with your
notebook.

❑ The VAIO notebook supports transfer rat es up to 400 Mbps; however, the actual

transfer rate is the lowest transfer rat e of th e external device.

❑ The i.LINK features available may vary depending on the software applic ations

you use. See the documentation that came with your software for more
information.

❑ You can connect a digital video camera to the i.LINK port on your notebook or the

i.LINK port on the optional port replicator. When a camera is connected to the
i.LINK port on the notebook, you should not connect any other devices to the
i.LINK port on the port replicator. When a camera is connected to the i.LINK port
on the port replicator, you should not connect any other devices to the i.LINK port
on the notebook.

i.LINK cables compatible with your VAIO notebook include cables with the
following part numbers: VMC-IL4415A (a 1.5-meter cable with a 4-pin
connector at each end),VMC-IL4615A (a 1.5-meter cable with a 4-pin connector
at one end and a 6-pin connector at the other). You can purchase these cables
from your local retailer, through the Sony VAIO® Direct Web site
(http://vaio.sonystyle.com) or by calling 1-888-315-7669 (toll free).

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Connecting an External Display

You can connect a computer display (monitor) or projector to your notebook or
docking station.

To connect a monitor

Using the notebook

1 Locate the monitor port on the left side of the notebook.
2 Plug the optional display cable into the monitor port.

✍ Ensur e that one end of the power cord of the monitor is plugged into the display, and

the other end is plugged into an AC outlet.

Connecting Monitor

Computer display

Power cord

Display cable (optional)

✍ You cannot use the Monit or port on your notebook when the docking station is

connected to the notebook.

Using the docking station

1 Locate the monitor port on the rear panel of the docking station.
2 Plug the optional display cable into the monitor port.

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Connecting an External Display

✍ Ensur e that one end of the pow er cord of the monitor is plugged into the display, and

the other end is plugged into an AC outlet.

Connecting Monitor

Computer display

display

Power Cord

Power co rd

Display cable (optional)

✍ See the manuals that came with your prin ter, and the docking station if applicable, fo r

more information on printer installation and operation.

To connect a projector

You can use a projector, such as the Sony LCD Projector, as an external display.

Using the notebook

1 Locate the monitor port on the left side of the notebook.
2 Plug the RGB signal cable into the monitor port.
3 Plug the audio cable into the green Headphone jack on the right side of the

notebook.

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Connecting projector

To Headphones

Audio cable

RGB signal cable

Using the docking station

Projector

Power cord

1 Locate the monitor port on the rear panel of the docking station.
2 Plug the optional monitor adapter into the monitor port.
3 Plug the audio cable into the green Headphone jack on the right side of the

notebook.

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Connecting projector

Connecting an External Display

Projector

To

Headphones

Audio cable

RGB signal cable

Power cord

✍ Note the following:

❑ See the manual that came with your projector for more information on

installation and operation.

❑ You cannot use the Monitor port on your notebook when the docking station is

connected to the notebook.

To select a display

When you connect an external display to the monitor port, you can press Fn+F7
to toggle the outputbetweenthe Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), the external
monitor, or both devices. See “Selecting the Display Mode”for more

information.

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Connecting a USB Device

You can connect a Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices such as an external
mouse, keyboard, speaker, and microphone to your notebook.

To connect a USB device

Using the notebook

1 Locate a USB port on the notebook. There are two USB ports on the

notebook, one on the right side and one on the left side.

2 Plug on end of the USB cable into a port and the other end into the USB

device.

Connecting USB Device

USB mouse

To

USB

Using the docking station

1 Locate a USB port on the optional docking station.There are two USB

ports located on the back side of the docking station.

2 Plug one end of the USB cable into a port and the other end into the USB

device.

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Connecting a USB Device

Connecting USB Device

USB mouse

To

USB

You can use an optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 series (not supplied)
with this notebook. Since t he USB mouse software driver is preinstalled in the
notebook, you simply plug the USB mouse into the USB port to use it.One USB
port supports one USB device.

✍ See the manual that came with your USB device for more information on its

installation and use.

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Connecting External Speakers

You can connect external speakers to your notebook to enhance the sound quality
of your computer.

✍ Note the following when connecting external speakers:

❑ Make sure your speakers are designed for computer use.
❑ Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on.
❑ Do not place floppy disks on the speakers; the magnetic field of the speakers may

damage the data on the floppy disks.

To connect external speakers

1 Locate the green Headphone jack on the right side of your notebook.
2 Plug the speaker cable into the Headphone jack.

Connecting Speakers to the Headphone Jack

Speakers

Speaker cable

To Head phones

(supplied with speakers)

✍ See the manual that comes with your speake rs for more information on installation

and use.

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Connecting an External Microphone

Connecting an External Microphone

You can use an external microphone to enhance the quality of the sound input.

✍ Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use. The microphone should be

compliant with th e plug-in power micro phone.

To connect an external microphone

1 Locate the red Microphone jack on the right side of your notebook.
2 Plug the microphone cable into the Microphone jack.

Connecting Microphone to Microphone Jack

Microphone
(optional)

To Microphone

✍ See the manual that comes with your microphone for more information on installation

and use.

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66

Customizing Your
VAIO Notebook

The following sections briefly describe how to change your notebook’s
default settings:

❑ Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen
❑ Controlling Power Management
❑ Displaying Battery Information
❑ Selecting the Display Mode

Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen

To display the Sony Notebook Setup screen:

1 Click the Start button on the Windows® taskbar.
2 Point to VAIO and click Sony Notebook Setup.

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Sony Notebook Setup Screen

3 Select the tab for the item you want to change. See “Sony Notebook Setup

tabs” for more information.

4 After you finish making your changes, click OK.

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Customizing Your VAIO Notebook

Sony Notebook Setup tabs

Tab Description

About This Computer Display system information, including memory

capacity, serial number, and BIOS version.

Printer Select printer port mode settings.

Initial Setting Change the volume of the sounds that play while the

operating system is loading. Select the order of drives
and devices from which you want to load the operating
system. You can specify the hard drive as well as other
drives inserted into your notebook.

Touchpad When you connect an optional mouse to the Serial port

of your notebook, you can make your touchpad
inactive. You can also customize the settings of your
mouse using the mouse utility.

Power On Password Set the password to secure your notebook.

Enable Ports Enable or disable ports. Disabling ports releases

resources to the system. To change the serial settings,
click Advanced on the B asic/Advanced tab.

Basic/Advanced Switch between Advanced mode (additional screens

with advanced settings) and Basic mode of display.

✍ For mo re information about each option, click Help on the Sony Notebook Setup

screen to display the Help file.

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Controlling Power Management

The PowerPanel™ utility allows you to control the power settings of your
notebook and provides key information about system activity and battery life.
The following sections briefly describe how to conserve your notebook’s battery
power.You can also refer to PowerPanel help for more detailed information. To
activate a profile or command, see “Displaying Battery Information” for more
information.

Viewing the Power Management status icons

The Power Management status icons are displayed i n the task tray at the lower
right side of your screen. Move the pointer over the icons to see the tool tip that
displays information about the active profile. The Battery status icon indicates
the batt ery power level and the CPU status icon indicates the performance level
of the CPU.

Activating the Power Management toolbar

1 Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
2 Select Toolbars from the pop-up menu, and then click P ower Management.

The Power Management toolbar appears on the taskbar.

The current profile icon is highlighted on the Power Management toolbar. It is
the first icon farthest to the left, and its appearance changes depending on which
power management profile is currently selected. To change the power
management profile, click the current profile icon, then select a new profile from
the pop-up list. See “Power Management profiles” for a description of available
options. To select another power management profile, click that icon in the
Power Management toolbar.

✍ When you u se the battery pack to po wer your notebook, your system selects the

Maximum Battery Life power management profile by default. If you select a different
power management p rofile while using battery power, the new profile is selected
automatically the next ti me you use the battery pack to power your notebook.

Refer to PowerPanel help for information on customizing the Power Management
toolbar.

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Controlling Power Management

Customizing Power Management settin gs

You can customize powermanagement settings, such as the system timer and the
brightness of the screen. To customize a setting:

1 Click the Current Profile icon on the Power Management toolbar.
2 Select Edit/Create Profiles from the menu.
3 Click a profile whose setting you want to change, from the list in the left

panel.

4 Double-click an item whose setting you want to change from the list in the

right panel.

5 Clickthedesiredsetting.
6 Click the File menu, then click Save.
7 Click the File menu, then click Exit.

Power Management profiles

The PowerPanel utility provides several predefined power management profiles.
Each profile consists of a group of power management settings that are designed
to meet specific power management goals—ranging from maximum power
management to no power management. You can change the settings for any of
the predefined profiles (except for the Disable Power Management profile), or
you can create your own profile to suit your portable computing needs. The
predefined profiles are:

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Icon Description

Maximum Performance

Provides the best system performance while still conserving power.

Maximum Battery Life

Provides power saving features to give you maximum battery life and
good performance. It slows the notebook and puts it into Standby mode
after a specified time period.

Disable Power Management

Turns off all power management features such as Standby and
Hibernate modes.
You can not change the settings of this profile.

AC Power

The power management state when AC power is in use. Similar to the
Power Management Off setting. Power Management automatically
loads the AC profile unless you disable this feature.

Games

Disables the display and the Hard Disk Standby timer.

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Presentation

Keeps the display on at all times while it conserves power. This option
is ideal for slide show presentations. You can establish settings for
LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby to optimize
power management for your system.

Camera

Optimizes performance and power requirements for camera usage.

DVD

Optimizes performance and power requirements for DVD usage.

Icon Description

Word Processing

Optimizes power management with longer timeouts on the hard disk
and display screen. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video)
Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby to optimize power
management for your system.

Spreadsheet

Optimizes performance and power requirements for spreadsheet
applications.

Communications

Extends battery life by initiating a quick display timeout. The Internal
modem remains powered. You can also establish settings for LCD
(Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby to optimize power
management for your system.

Automatic Profile Selection

Automatically switches to a profile suitable for active applications.

Controlling Power Management

Power Management commands

PowerPanel™ also provides power management commands that you can use to
activate specific power managementfunctions and to control power for a specific
device. You can use these commands to override a profile setting or initiate an
immediate action.

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Icon Description

Standby Mode

Puts the system into Standby mode, a power management state that
saves the state of the system and peripheral devices in memory
(RAM). Power consumption reduces to a minimum, and the system
remains on. To return the system to the active state, press any key or
the power button on your notebook.

Hibernate Mode

Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. The system
writes the state of the system and peripheral devices to the hard disk
and turns off the system power. To return the system to the original
state, use the power button to turn on power. The system saves the
data in the Save to Disk Partition on the hard drive.

Conserving battery power

When using the notebook with a battery, the LCD display and the hard drive can
be set to switch off automatically to conserve battery power.

See “Power Management profiles” for more information.

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Displaying Battery Information

Displaying Battery Information

You can display detailed information for each of the batteries in your notebook.
The following sections briefly describe how to display your notebook’s general
battery information. Refer to PowerPanel help for more detailed information.

To activate the battery information toolbar

1 Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
2 Select Toolbars from the pop-up menu, then click Battery Information. The

Battery Information toolbar appears on the taskbar.

You can also view the total capacity remaining in the battery by placing the
pointer over the battery status icon in the task tray on the lower right side of the
screen.

Battery Information Toolbar

❑ Percentage indicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining battery

capacity.

❑ Time indicator — Displays estimated time (hours/minutes) remaining

before the battery fully drains, also referred to as the time-to-empty.

Battery icon descriptions

Battery Icon Battery Status

Charging

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Battery Icon Battery Status

Fully charged

Discharging

No battery

Displaying detailed battery information

Double-click the battery icon on the task tray to display the Battery Information
window. The screen appears displaying the Battery tab, which contains
information such as the estimated time-to-empty and charging time.

Battery Information Window

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Displaying Battery Information

Customizing the Battery Information toolbar and alarm system

You can customize the Battery Information toolbar to suit your portable
computing needs, including modifications to the alarm settings. Refer to
PowerPanel help for more information.

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Selecting the Display Mode

This notebook uses the Intel® video controller, which enables you to select the
desired display when the notebook is connected to an external monitor. When
you connect an external display, you can switch t he display mode between your
notebook’s LCD display and the external monitor.

To s elect the display mode, proceed as follows: (See also the “Connecting an
External Display” section.)

1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, then click Control Panel. The

Control Panel appears.

2 Double-click Display to access the Display Properties window.

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Selecting the Display Mode

3 Click the Settings tab, then click the Advanced button to display the Intel®

82815 Graphics Controller Properties dialog box.

Intel® 82815 Graphics Controller Properties Screen

4 Click the Intel® 82815 Graphics Technology tab, then click the Graphics

Properties button.

5 Click the Driver Configuration tab.
6 Ensure that the Synchronous Dis play Mode box is selected, then click

Apply.

7 Click the Device tab.
8 Select the type of display.

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✍ You may not be able to display the notebook LCD scree n and an external display or

projector at the same time, d epending on the types of computer displays and
projectors you are u sing.

T u rn on the note bo ok after you turn on the peripheral devices.

Changing the window design of Sony software

To change the window design

1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, then point to Control Panel.
2 C lick UI Design Selector.
3 Click << or >> and select the desired design.
4 Click Apply.
5 The “UI Design Selector” window design changes. The window design for

your Sony software will match the “UI Design Selector” window.

6 To try another selection, click << or >> then click OK.
7 The UI Design Selector closes and the Sony software window design

displays.

✍ This fe at ure is available with UI Design Sel ector-compatible software only.

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Adding Memory

In the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the
functionality of your notebook. The amount of memory on your notebook
will vary depending on the model you purchased. Expansion memory
modules are available as options. For memory upgrades, use only
PC100 (CL2) SDRAM SO-DIMM (gold lead contacts). This section
describes how to replace memory modules in your computer:

❑ Precautions and Procedures
❑ Installing a Memory Module
❑ Removing a Memory Module

Precautions and Procedures

Sony recommends memory upgrades be performed by a n authorized Sony
Service Ce nter. To fi nd the nearest center or agent, se e
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

Make sure that you observe the pr oper safety precautions when you install a
memory module in your notebook. See the bulleted list belo w. Be careful
when adding memory. Mistakes when installing or removing a memory
module may cause a malfunction.

❑ The procedures described below assume familiarity with the general

terminology associated with personal computers and with the safety
practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying
electronic equipment.

❑ Disconnect the system from its power source and from any

telecommunicationslinks, networks, or modems beforeyou open the system
or follow any of the procedures described below. Failure to do so may result
in personal injury or equipment damage.

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❑ Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage disk drivesand other components.

Perform the procedures described b elow only at an ESDworkstation.If such
a station is not available, do not work in a carpeted area, and do not handle
materials that produce or hold static electricity (cellophane wrappers, for
example). Ground yourself by maintaining contact with an unpainted metal
portion of the chassis while performing the procedure.

❑ Do not open the memory module package until you are ready to install the

module. The package protects the module from ESD.

❑ Use the special bag for preventing ESD or usealuminum foil when you store

the memory module.

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Installing a Memory Module

Installing a Memory Module

1 Shut downyournotebookanddisconnectall peripheraldevices,such as your

printer.

2 Unplug the notebook and remove the battery packs.
3 Wait until the notebook cools down. Then unscrew the two screws with the

mark on the bottom of your notebook.

Screws on Bottom of Notebook

4 Slide the LCD lock lever and lift the cover. Slide the keyboard toward the

LCD display, then lift it away slightly.

Lifting the Keyboard

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5 Lift the keyboard from the LCD display side, then gently turn it over on the

touchpad space. Be careful not to detach the cable when lifting the keyboard.

Turning the Keyboard

Cable

6 You must remove the existing memory module. See “Removing a Memory

Module” for instructions.

7 Remove the memory module from its packaging.
8 Install the memory module.

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Installing a Memory Module

✍ Note the following:

❑ Be careful not to touch the ot her components on the motherboard.
❑ Be sure that both ends of the memory module click into place.

Installing the Memory Module

9 Gently replace the keyboard, then press it into your notebook. Be carefulnot

to detach the cable when lifting the keyboard.

Replacing the Keyboard

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10 Close the notebook cover, then tighten the screws on the bottom of the

computer.

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Removing a Memory Module

Removing a Memory Module

1 Perform steps 1 to 5 in the “Installing a Memory Module” section.
2 Touch a metal object (such astheport panel on the backof your notebook) to

discharge static electricity.

3 Remove the memory module.
4 Perform steps 8 and 9 in the “Installing a Memory Module” section.

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About the Software on Your Notebook

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

❑ Overview
❑ Using YourRecovery CDs
❑ Software Support Information

Overview

Adobe Acrobat Reader®

Adobe Systems Inc.

Acrobat Reader software allows you to view, navigate, and print electronic
documents in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF)—an open fileformat that
is intended to preserve the fidelity of documents created on all major computer
platforms.

America Online®

America Online, Inc.

America Online is a popular Internet online service. Stay in touch with family
and friends with easy-to-usee-mail, manage your personal finances, get the latest
news and sports scores, and chat with thousands of others who share your
interests.

CompuServe® 2000

CompuServe Interactive Services Inc.

CompuServe is the most comprehensivesource of organized business and
educational information online today. CompuServe allows you to access the
vastness of the Internet, without wasting time wading through it. Maximize your
time online with CompuServe.

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Drag’n Drop CD®

DigiOn Inc. and Easy Systems Japan Ltd.

Drag'n Drop CD is designed to be the most simple software to make your own
CD. Users can create their own best AudioCD, or data CD that can be read in
many PCs. With Drag'n Drop CD you can also create your own backup CD from
the original CD that you own.

DVgate™

Sony Electronics Inc.

Connect a digital video camera recorder to the i.LINK® port and capture your
own video clips and still images. You can edit the clips from your video, add
others, and combine clips into new movie segments. You can also save your
images in a variety of popular file formats.

JogDial Utility

Sony Electronics Inc.

JogDial Utility allows you to easily scroll, launch applications, access settings,
and perform other useful functions by manipulating the center Jog Dial™
control, which is located near the touchpad.

Microsoft

® Word

Microsoft Corporation

Microsoft Word makes it easy to create common Web, e-mail, and print
documents for use around the world. It embraces HTML as a first-class file
format and extends this software’s ease-of-use to the Web and e-mail. Word also
extends that ease-of-use to international users, making it simple to create
multilingual documents.

MovieShaker™

Sony Electronics Inc.

Sony’s original MovieShaker software creates personal movies that have
transitions, background music and text. Just import your video clips and “shake”
with the click of a mouse. Your personal movies are easy to create and fun to
share with family and friends. (See the “MovieShaker” section for more
information.)

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About the Software on Your Notebook

Netscape Communicator

®

Netscape Communications Corporation

Netscape Communicator is an all-in-one Internet tool that makes it easy to
browse the Web, send Internet e-mail, chat, read newsgroups and compose great
Web documents.

Norton AntiVirus™

Symantec Corporation

Norton AntiVirus is the world’s leading anti-virus software. Just install it and
forget it. It’s always working in the background to protect your PC, and now it
automatically updates its virus definitions when you’re connected to the Internet.
It also scans files you download from the Web, as well as attachments you get
through e-mail.

OpenMG™ Jukebox

Sony Electronics Inc.

OpenMG Jukebox software enables you to import digital audio files by
downloading audio files from Electronic Music Distributino (EMD) services
over digital networks, such as the Internet. You can record audio CDs onto your
hard drive in a variety of formats.

PictureGear™

Sony Electronics Inc.

This image management software displays images from your hard drive, a Sony
Digital Still Camera, or a Sony Mavica® Camera. The images appear in a
convenient light-table format, so that you can easily view the contents of an
entire folder. (See the “PictureGear” section for more information.)

PowerPanel™

Phoenix Technologies Ltd.

The PowerPanel utility controls the power management of your notebook and
provides key information about system activity and battery life. Automatic power
management selects the most appropriate profile, depending on the application
with which you are working and the conditions of use. See the “Controlling
Power Management” or PowerPanel help for details.

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Prodigy Internet®

Prodigy Communications Corporation

An online service that helps you find what you need online faster and smarter.
Prodigy delivers powerful online content such as sports scores, stock quotes,
news, and easy access to Excite, plus quality customer service, all at a
competitive price.

Quicken

® 2001

Intuit, Inc.

Quicken is a fast, easy way to organize your finances. Quicken works just like
your checkbook, so it is easy to learn and use. Quicken manages all your
finances, bank accounts, credit cards, investments, and loans. You can even pay
your bills online.

QuickTime™

Apple Computer, Inc.

QuickTime is the Apple technology that makes video, sound, music, 3D, and
virtual reality come alive for your Internet browser and Windows.

RealJukebox®

RealNetworks Inc.

RealJukebox is one of the world’smost widely used personal musicmanagement
systems. Using RealJukebox, you can capture the contents of a music CD,
manage and play back your music and view various music related information
via the Internet. This custom RealJukebox for Sony allows seamless check-out
capabilities to a wide ran ge of Sony personal audio devices, and offers
convenient links to Sony products and music service home pages.

RealPlayer®

RealNetworks Inc.

RealPlayer is the RealNetworks video and audio player which lets you access
2,500 radio stations featuring music, news and sports.

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About the Software on Your Notebook

RealProducer® G2

RealNetworks Inc.

RealProducer converts your audio and video files, or live feeds, into RealAudio
and RealVideofor the Internet or your intranet.RealProducer is easy to use, gives
you better control over your content, and is packed with exclusive features.
Featuring support for CD-quality RealAudio 8 and VHS-quality RealVideo 8,
RealProducer is an excellent choice for both beginners and pros.

Smart Capture

Sony Electronics Inc.

Smart Capture is a fun new way to send multimedia messages via e-mail. Smart
Capture manages the i.LINK connection between your notebook and a Sony
Digital Handycam® camcorder that supports the i.LINK i nterface. It allows you
to capture compressed video or still images that you can save or share via e-mail.
A smart solution to computer, digital audio/video and network convergence.

Smart Connect

Sony Electronics Inc.

Smart Connect allows you to use an i.LINK cable to connect your VAIO
notebook to another computer that supports Smart Connect. Youcanthen use one
computer to copy, delete, and edit files on the o ther computer. You can also print
from a printer attached to either computer.

VAIO Action Setup

Sony Electronics Inc.

VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your notebook’s Shortcut keys and
i.LINK interface.

VAIO Support Agent

Sony Electronics Inc.

VAIO Support Agent provides immediate, interactive, on-line support.

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VisualFlow™

Sony Electronics Inc.

VisualFlow is a state-of-the-art Sony multimedia browser designed specifically
for Memory Stick media. It displays any still pictures, movie, or sound files
stored i n a Memory Stick media in a visually pleasing, artistic manner.
VisualFlow not only plays a selected movie or sound file, but also enables
playback of files by other applications like PictureGear, Memory Stick
Slideshow, and Windows Explorer.

WinDVD™ 2000

InterVideo, Inc.

WinDVD is a simple-to-use DVD player including all the features you would
expect to find i n a standard consumer DVD player, while also offering advanced
display and navigation features such as zoom, pan, bookmark, and time search.

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DVgate

DVgate

In order to improve the performance of your notebook’s DVgate™ motion
software, the hard disk drive on your notebook has been formattedwith two
partitions, C and D. The C partition holds 40 percent, and theD partition holds 60
percent of the entire drive capacity. DVgate software saves files to the D
partition. This prevents large video captures from consuming th e available space
on your C partition. To maintain optimum performance of DVgate software, you
should defragment or format the D partition regularly.

To defragment a partition

Before you defragment a partition, make sure you back up all files that you
want to save.

❑ Click the Start button in the Windows® taskbar.
❑ Click Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, and then Disk

Defragmenter. The Disk Defragmenter window appears.

Select the drive you want to defragment from the list, and click the Defragment
button. See Windows® Help for more information on defragmenting.

DVgate plug-i n for Adobe Premiere

If your VAIO® notebook does not come with Adobe Premiere pre-installed and
you subsequently purchase that software,you must install a plug-in to enable
DVgate™ 2.3 software.

Installing the DVgate plug-in

To install the plug-in for Adobe Premiere® 5.1 and 5.1LE, proceed as follows:

❑ Click Start in the Windows® taskbar and select Run.
❑ Click Browse and, from your C: drive, select Program Files, and Sony, and

Dvgate, and Premiere Plug-in, and then 5.1.

❑ Select “Setup.exe” and click Open. Then click OK to install the plug-in.

To install the plug-in for Adobe Premiere® 6.0, proceed as follows:

❑ Click Start in the Windows

®

taskbar and select Run.

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❑ Click Browse and, from your C: drive, select Program Files, and Sony,and

Dvgate, and Premiere Plug-in, and then 6.0.

❑ Select “Setup.exe” a nd click Open. Then click OK to install the plug-in.

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MovieShaker

MovieShaker

This application can be used to create fun and innovative movies without any
knowledge of film editing. In a few simple steps, motion pictures can be
combined with special effects, still images (pictures), and music files and then
saved in a format most computers can play.

Main Window

Workin g Pa nel

Clip tray

Product tray

Editing trays

Help

Trash

Importing images and sound clips

1 Click (File Import) or (DV Import).
2 Findthefileyouwanttoadd.
3 Select the file.
4 Click Open. The file is added to the Clip tray.

✍ Importi ng files over 75 seconds in leng th may cause MovieShaker software to stop

responding.

Create a movie using Shaker

After adding clip(s) to the Clip tray, you can create a short movie using the
Shaker feature. Shaker randomly select clips from the Clip tray to create a
30-second scene.

1 Click the Shake tab.
2 Select a mood by clicking a face in the Shaker tray.

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Shaker Tray

3 Click . A 30-second scene is automatically generated and saved

to the Product tray.

4 To preview, switch the Work Panel to Product tray mode and press play.

✍ Scenes created with Shaker begin with black frame and after processing are placed in

the first available sl ot on the Product tray. Limit the number of sc enes placed on the
Product tray to 10 or less. MovieShaker software may stop responding if too many
scenes are placed on the Product tray.

Editing clips and scenes

You can edit your movie by adding effects and text, adjusting the color and
contrast, and modifying the length of clips.

Working Panel

Monitor

T rim P alette

Effect Knobs

Adding effects to a scene or a clip:

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Sound
Color

Speed

Effect Palette

MovieShaker

1 Double-click the clip or scene to move it to the Working Panel.
2 Select the Effects tab from the Editing tray.
3 Drag and drop the Effect you want to add from the Effects tray to the Effects

palette on the Working Panel.

✍ To preview an Effect, click on the clip in the Working panel monitor. Your clip displays

with the new effect on the Effect tray monitor.

4 See help for instructions on adjusting effect duration and replaying

clips/scenes.

Saving a movie

1 Verify that the clip(s) you want to save is on the Product tray. See Help for

more details on saving movies.

2 Click Export.
3 Select the format in which you want the document to be saved.
4 Click Next.
5 Locate the folder to which you want the file saved.
6 Name the file.
7 Click Save.

Exporting movies may take a long time to complete—Saving movies as DV
(Digital Video) takes the longest and Quick-Save is the fastest. MovieShaker
can play video files up to 65 MB in length.

✍ For DV playback and smooth video playback, we recommend the following

resolution/refresh rates: 1024 x 768/75 Hz or lower.

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OpenMG Jukebox

OpenMG Jukebox is a software application that utilizes Sony Corporation’s
copyright protection technology. OpenMG Jukebox maintains the holder’s
copyrights by preventing unauthorized distribution of digital audio files.

OpenMG Jukebox software enables you to playand record audio CDs and import
digital audio files while maintaining the copyright information of the contents.
When you recordan audio CD with OpenMG Jukebox, it is encoded in ATRAC3
format onto your notebook’s hard drive. You can download digital audio files
from Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) services. The imported data can be
played on your notebook or transferred to external devices or media. OpenMG
Jukebox converts your existing MP3 and WAV format audio files into OpenMG
format (WAV format audio files are converted into ATRAC3 format or changed
into OpenMG MP3 format).

Your VAIO® Notebook ships with OpenMG Jukebox 2.0 installed. Other
external devices that are compatibl e w ith OpenMG Jukebox may contain an
earlier version of the software (Version 1.0, 1.1, or 1.2). Do not install an
earlier version of OpenMG Jukebox on your notebook, as this may cause the
software to work improperly or damage your audio files.

Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) services

EMD allows you to download music files via the Internet. To use Internet
services that are compatible with OpenMG Jukebox, you need:

❑ Access to the Internet from your notebook. Sign up with an Internet Service

Provider (ISP) and configure your notebook for Internet access before using
EMD services.

❑ An EMD service provider. Consult the provider for details regarding service.

✍ To protect your personal data, Sony uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), an encryption

protocol for communication between your browser and Sony’s World Wide Web
(WWW) server. If you are accessing the Internet from an enterprise Local Area
Network (LAN), y ou may not be able to use SSL due to the proxy se rver of the LAN.
Contact your network administrator for more information.

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