How it Works
Sony
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PCG-VX89
Marketing Specifications
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User Guide
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Service Manual
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Table of contents
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Sony PCG-VX89, PCG-VX89K, PCG-VX89P User Guide

Welcome.......................................................7
Powering Your Computer...........................9
Using AC Power........................................................10
Connecting the AC adapter................................................10
Turning on the computer....................................................11
Using Batteries..........................................................13
Inserting a battery ..............................................................13
Displaying battery information ..........................................15
Charging a battery..............................................................18
Notes on batteries...............................................................20
Frequently asked questions................................................20
Conserving Battery Power ........................................22
Using power saving modes ................................................22
Using PowerPanel ..............................................................23
Frequently asked questions................................................27
Internet and Network Connections..........29
Internet Connections .................................................30
Setting up a dial-up Internet connection ............................30
Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection ........................32
Customizing your Internet connection...............................35
Frequently asked questions................................................35
Network Connections................................................37
Using Ethernet and dial-up connections ............................37
Using wireless LAN connections ......................................40
Checking your network connection status .........................46
Frequently asked questions................................................46
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Connecting another VAIO Computer ....................... 49
Connecting VAIO computers............................................ 49
Disconnecting VAIO computers....................................... 51
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 51
CDs, DVDs, and Optical Drives................53
Connecting External Optical (Disc) Drives..............54
i.LINK optical (disc) drives .............................................. 54
PC Card optical (disc) drives ............................................ 56
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 58
Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs ....................... 59
Copying and Playing CDs......................................... 61
Playing CDs ...................................................................... 61
Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R................................. 62
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 63
Printer Connections..................................69
Printing With Your Computer ..................................70
Connecting a printer.......................................................... 70
Disconnecting a printer ..................................................... 71
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 72
Computer Features ...................................73
Using the Keyboard ..................................................74
Combinations and functions with the Windows key ........ 76
Indicators........................................................................... 77
Combinations and functions with the Fn key.................... 78
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Using the Touchpad ..................................................81
Customizing the touchpad .................................................82
Frequently asked questions................................................83
Using the Jog Dial Control........................................85
Using the Jog Dial Control ................................................85
Using the Jog Dial Navigator icon.....................................86
Using the Indicate Window ...............................................86
Using Jog Dial Launcher ...................................................87
Changing Jog Dial Navigator settings ...............................90
Using Memory Stick Media.....................................91
Selecting Memory Stick media..........................................91
Inserting Memory Stick media ..........................................92
Viewing the contents .........................................................93
Formatting Memory Stick media .......................................94
Removing Memory Stick media........................................94
Frequently asked questions................................................95
Using the Multilingual User Interface Language
Option........................................................................97
Changing Numbers, Currency, Time, and Date Formats ..98
Changing the window design of Sony software........99
Audio and Video Connections ...............101
Using i.LINK Digital-Video Recorders ..................102
Connecting an i.LINK digital video recorder..................102
Disconnecting the i.LINK digital video recorder ............103
Using a digital video camera recorder .............................104
Notes on connecting an i.LINK device............................104
Frequently asked questions..............................................105
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Using Computer Monitors and Projectors .............. 106
Connecting a computer monitor...................................... 106
Connecting a projector .................................................... 107
Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector ............. 110
Using Speakers .......................................................111
Connecting speakers ....................................................... 111
Disconnecting external speakers..................................... 112
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 114
Using Microphones.................................................117
Connecting a microphone ............................................... 117
Disconnecting a microphone........................................... 117
Using a microphone or other device to record ................ 118
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 119
PC Cards and Floppy Disk Drives .........121
Using Floppy Disk Drives ......................................122
Connecting a floppy disk drive ....................................... 122
Inserting and removing floppy disks............................... 123
Disconnecting a floppy disk drive .................................. 124
Carrying the floppy disk drive ........................................ 125
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 125
Using PC Cards.......................................................127
Inserting PC Cards .......................................................... 127
Removing PC Cards........................................................ 128
Connecting and disconnecting PC Card drives............... 129
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 131
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Connecting Mice and Keyboards...........133
Using External Mice and Keyboards ......................134
Connecting a Mouse or Keyboard ...................................134
Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard................................135
Frequently asked questions..............................................136
Preinstalled Programs ............................137
Software Programs On Your Computer..................138
Frequently asked questions..............................................143
DVgate Application Notes ......................................145
Recording images to a digital video device .....................145
Adjusting image resolution ..............................................145
Saving to your hard disk drive.........................................145
Memory Upgrades ...................................147
Upgrading Your Computer’s Memory....................148
Precautions and procedures .............................................148
Removing and installing memory modules .....................149
Using the Recovery CDs.........................155
Application and System Recovery CDs..................156
Using Your Recovery CDs......................................156
Using the Application Recovery CD(s) ...........................156
Using the System Recovery CD(s) ..................................158
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Troubleshooting and Support................161
Troubleshooting Your Computer............................ 162
Troubleshooting Batteries....................................... 166
Troubleshooting the Printer ....................................167
Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad ............ 168
Troubleshooting the Modem................................... 171
Troubleshooting Networks ..................................... 172
Troubleshooting DVDs and CDs ............................ 175
Troubleshooting i.LINK Drives.............................. 178
Troubleshooting Floppy Disk Drives ..................... 179
Troubleshooting PC Cards...................................... 180
Troubleshooting Audio-Video Connections ........... 181
Troubleshooting the LCD screen............................ 184
Troubleshooting Memory Stick Media................... 185
Troubleshooting Software....................................... 187
Software Support Information ................................189
Sony Service Center........................................................ 190
Computer Support Information...............................191
6

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide. This user guide provides detailed information on all aspects of using your new VAIO computer, from keyboard functions to preinstalled software programs. In the left navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more about, and that information will be displayed in this main window.
✍ View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about
your computer.
✍ View the VAIO® Computer Specifications, which lists your computer’s hardware
specifications and preinstalled software information, such as descriptions and contact information.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
8

Powering Your Computer

Your VAIO® computer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This chapter explains how to install and use these supplied accessories to power your computer. It also describes ways you can efficiently utilize the battery as a power source.
❑ Using AC Power
❑ Using Batteries
❑ Conserving Battery Power
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VAIO Computer Quick Start

Using AC Power

The supplied battery is not charged when you receive your computer. To use your computer immediately, use the supplied AC adapter as a power source. The computer charges the battery while you use AC power. See “Using Batteries” for more information on installing and using batteries.
❑ Connecting the AC adapter
❑ Turningonthecomputer

Connecting the AC adapter

To connect the AC adapter
1 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In port on your
computer or docking station.
Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer
DC In port
Power cord (supplied)
AC adapter (supplied)
2 Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter, and plug the other end
into an AC outlet.
✍ Use only the supplied AC adapter with your computer.
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Using AC Power

Turning on the computer

To turn on the computer
1 Slide the release lever to the right, and lift the cover while holding the
bottom of the computer firmly.
Opening the Computer
Release lever
2 Press the power button until the green power indicator lights up.
Turning on the Computer
Power indicator
Power button
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
✍ If you hold the power button down for more than four seconds, the computer turns
off.
3 If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display as follows:
❑ To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or .
❑ To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or .
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Using Batteries

Using Batteries
A battery is an auxiliary power source you can use when your computer is not plugged into an AC outlet. Your computer may come equipped with one or two battery bays, depending on the model you purchased. If your computer comes with two battery bays, you can purchase a second rechargeable battery to extend your computing time. Regardless how many batteries you use, you can always extend the life of the battery by conserving power. See “Conserving Battery Power” for more information.
❑ Inserting a battery
❑ Removing a battery
❑ Displaying battery information
❑ Charging a battery
❑ Notes on batteries
❑ Frequently asked questions
✍ The battery that comes with your computer is not charged at the time of purchase.

Inserting a battery

To insert a battery
1 Turn the computer over, and slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switches on the
bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.
2 Align the grooves and tabs on the battery with those on the back of the
computer.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Inserting a Battery
Battery
Grooves
3 Slide the battery into the computer until it clicks into place.
4 Slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch into the LOCK position.
✍ If the port replicator is attached to your computer, do not insert or remove the battery.
Lifting and turning the computer with the port replicator attached could cause a temporary loss of power.
For some software programs and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode when the battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Standby or Hibernate.

Removing a battery

If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the computer to avoid damaging the battery. You can remove the battery when the computer is on or off.
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Using Batteries
If the computer is on, connect the AC adapter and exit a power saving mode before you remove the battery.
To remove a battery
1 Turn the computer over, and slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch on the
bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.
2 Slide the battery away from the computer.
Removing a Battery
Battery
Battery LOCK/ UNLOCK switch
Battery LOCK switch

Displaying battery information

You can display the remaining battery charge on the Battery Information toolbar and/or the Battery Information window.
To display the Battery Information toolbar
1 Right-click the center of the Windows® taskbar.
2 Select Toolbars from the pop-up menu, and click Battery Information.The
Battery Information toolbar appears on the taskbar.
✍ If the Battery Information toolbar is hidden behind the taskbar icons, right-click the
taskbar and click to cancel Lock the Taskbar, then click and drag the edge of the Battery Information toolbar to the left until it is in clear view.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
The total charge remaining in the battery is listed in percent and real-time values. The following toolbar indicates that there is 100 percent or approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes of battery charge left.
Battery Information Toolbar
❑ Percentage indicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining capacity.
❑ Time indicator — Displays estimated time (hours : minutes) remaining
before the battery fully discharges, also known as the time-to-empty.
To close the Battery Information toolbar
1 Right-click the Battery Information toolbar.
2 Select Toolbars from the pop-up menu, and click to cancel Battery
Information.TheBattery Information toolbar disappears from the toolbar.
To display the Battery Information window
Double-click the CPU icon on the Windows taskbar. The Battery Information window appears.
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Using Batteries
Battery Information Window
❑ Battery tab — Displays the total charge remaining in the battery. You can
click Advanced for specific information on the battery.
❑ Alarms tab — Displays the alarm settings, which notify you when the
battery is fully charged and is too low. You can change your computer’s alarm settings on this window.
✍ Click Help in the lower right corner of the window for more information.
The battery icons that appear on the Battery Information toolbar and the Battery Information window indicate the current status of the installed battery.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Battery icon Battery status
Charging
Fully charged
Discharging
No battery

Charging a battery

You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or you have not used the battery for a considerable amount of time. The lithium-ion battery supplied with your computer may be recharged at any time, whether you wait until the battery is completely or partially discharged. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life. If you charge the battery and find that battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life, and you may need to replace it.
✍ The battery supplied with your computer is not charged at the time of purchase.
To charge a battery
You can charge the battery when the computer is on or off. However, the battery will charge faster when the computer is off. Charging the battery takes several hours. See your VAIO® Computer Specifications for the approximate time needed to charge your battery.
✍ Charge the batteries at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 30°C). Lower
temperatures require a longer charging time.
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Using Batteries
1 Insert the battery into the battery bay. If you want to charge more than one
battery, insert the second battery into the computer. See “Inserting a battery” for more information.
2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer. The computer automatically
charges the battery as long as the computer is using AC power.
The battery indicator blinks in a double pattern while the battery charges. The battery indicator stops blinking when the battery is 85 percent full. To ensure the battery is 100 percent full, continue charging it for at least an additional hour after the indicator stops blinking.
✍ When using two batteries, the battery you insert first charges first. The second battery
you insert begins charging when the first battery is 85 percent full.
Battery Indicator
Battery indicator
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Battery Indicator Status Description
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.

Notes on batteries

❑ Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140° F (60° C), such as under
direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.
❑ While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery heats up. This is
normal and is not cause for concern.
❑ Keep the battery away from all sources of heat.
❑ Keep the battery dry.
❑ Do not open or disassemble the battery.
❑ Do not expose the battery to any mechanical shock.
❑ Battery life is shorter in a cold environment because of decreased battery
efficiency at low temperatures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know when the battery is charged?
To determine the remaining battery charge, see “Displaying Battery Information” in the online VAIO® Computer User Guide for more information.
When is the computer using AC power?
When the computer is directly connected to the AC adapter, it uses AC power, even if a battery is installed.
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Using Batteries
When should I recharge the battery?
❑ When the battery level falls below 10 percent.
❑ When both the battery and power indicators blink.
❑ When you have not used the battery for a considerable amount of time.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start

Conserving Battery Power

You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel or power schemes to conserve battery power. Conserving battery power may significantly extend your computing time, depending on how you use your computer.
❑ Using power saving modes
❑ Using PowerPanel
❑ Frequently asked questions

Using power saving modes

In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has two distinct power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate. You can use the Standby and Hibernate power saving modes to override a profile setting or initiate an immediate action.
❑ Standby — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices in memory
(RAM). Power consumption reduces to a minimum, and the system remains on.
❑ Hibernate — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices in the
Save to Disk Partition on the hard disk and power is turned off. Power consumption reduces to a minimum, and the system is turned off. Hibernate mode consumes the lowest level of power. The computer automatically enters Hibernate mode when the remaining battery charge drops below 5 percent, regardless of the setting you select.
To activate Standby mode
1 Press the key combination Fn+Esc or Fn+F12. The amber power indicator
flashes in this mode.
2 PressanykeytoreturntoNormalmode.
To activate Hibernate mode
1 Press the power button and release it immediately. Do not move the
computer until the power indicator turns off.
2 Press the power button to return to normal mode.
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Conserving Battery Power
✍ If the computer does not activate Hibernate mode, see “Frequently asked questions”
for more information.

Using PowerPanel

The PowerPanel utility enables you to select and customize a predefined power management profile to conserve battery life. The following table describes all the predefined power management profiles in PowerPanel. Your computer is set to Automatic Profile Selection by default. You can customize the settings for all the following profiles, except the Disable Power Management profile.
Profile 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 computer and puts it into Standby mode after a specified time period.
Ultimate Battery Life
Extends the Maximum Battery Life by disabling the i.LINK port.
Power Management Off
Disables all power management settings, such as Standby and Hibernate modes. You cannot change the settings of this profile.
AC Power
Indicates 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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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Profile Icon Description
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 mode 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.
Word Processing
Optimizes power management with longer time-outs on the hard disk and display screen. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.
Spreadsheet
Optimizes performance and power requirements for spreadsheet programs.
Communications
Extends battery life by initiating a quick display time-out. The Internal modem remains powered. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.
Automatic Profile Selection
Switches automatically to a profile suitable for active software programs.
* On selected models.
✍ Do not choose the Automatic Profile Selection when connected to AC power.
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Conserving Battery Power
To select a profile
1 Right-click the CPU icon on the Windows taskbar.
2 Select Profiles from the pop-up menu.
3 Click the profile on the pop-up list. The profile settings are implemented
instantly. See “Using PowerPanel” for descriptions on available profiles.
When you use the battery to power your computer, your system automatically selects the Maximum Battery Life power management profile by default. If you select a different power management profile while using battery power, that profile is selected automatically the next time you use the battery to power your computer.
✍ See the PowerPanel help file for information on customizing the power management
profiles.
To customize your profile settings
You can customize your profile settings to sustain enough power for a particular computing function.
1 Right-click the CPU icon on the Windows® taskbar.
2 Select Edit/Create Profiles from the pop-up menu.
3 In the left panel, select the profile that you want to change.
4 Right-click the setting under System, LCD(Video), Hard Disk,orOther
Devices that you want to change. See the following table for a description of
each setting.
5 Make your changes from the shortcut menu.
6 Click File, and click Save.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Power profile Description
CPU Control
*
Sets the processor speed. You can select either Performance, Adaptive, Battery Life,orMore Battery Life.These selections are listed in order from the greatest to least amount of power consumed.
System Standby Timer
Sets the time it takes the system to activate the Standby mode when it is idle. The longer you allow the computer to sit idle while it is not in a power saving mode the more power the computer will consume.
Hibernate Timer Sets the time it takes the system to activate the Hibernate mode
when it is idle. The longer you allow the computer to sit idle while it is not in a power saving mode the more power the computer consumes. Hibernate mode conserves more power than Standby mode.
ThermalControl Strategy
1
Lid Close Action
Sets the speed of the processor fan. You can adjust the fan speed to Quiet, which is the lowest setting, or Performance.
Sets the state of your system when you close the computer’s lid. You can select either Standby or Hibernate mode, or you can select LCD Off. Hibernate or LCD Off conserves the most power.
Hibernate on Low Battery
Sets the state of your system when the battery power is low. You can turn this setting On or Off.
LCD Brightness Sets the brightness of the LCD screen. You can select a
brightness level of one to nine, with one being the darkest setting. The darker you set the LCD screen, the more power you conserve.
LCD Standby Timer
Sets the time it takes the system to activate the Standby mode for the LCD when the system is idle. This setting only shuts off power to the LCD. The system itself still functions on full power.
26
Power profile Description
Conserving Battery Power
HDD Standby Timer
Sets the time it takes the system to activate the Standby mode for the hard disk drive when the system is idle. This setting only shuts off power to the hard disk drive.
i.LINK Port Sets the power to the i.LINK port. If you do not use the i.LINK
port, you can disable power to this port to conserve battery power.
Memory Stick Port Power­saving
* Slows the processor speed.
Sets the power to the Memory Stick slot. If you do not use a Memory Stick, disable power to this slot to conserve battery power.

Frequently asked questions

Can my computer enter Hibernate mode while using battery power?
For some software programs and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode when the battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Standby or Hibernate.
When should I replace the battery?
If, after fully charging the battery, the battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life and should be replaced.
Why is the battery warm?
While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery heats up. This is normal and is not cause for concern.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
28

Internet and Network Connections

❑ Internet Connections
❑ Network Connections
❑ Connecting another VAIO Computer
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VAIO Computer Quick Start

Internet Connections

This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the Internet. The New 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. When you connect to the Internet, you can register your VAIO® computer, use online services, and gain access to Sony Computing Support.
❑ Setting up a dial-up Internet connection
❑ Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection
❑ Customizing your Internet connection
❑ Frequently asked questions

Setting up a dial-up Internet connection

Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your computer to a telephone jack via a telephone cable (not supplied). Once you have set up your telephone cable, you’re ready to connect to the Internet.
To connect a telephone cable
1 Locate the Modem jack on your computer. For location information, see
Locating Ports and Controls in the Setting Up chapter of your printed VAIO® Computer Quick Start guide.
2 Plug one end of the telephone cable into the Modem jack. Make sure it clicks
into place.
3 Plug the other end into the wall jack.
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