Sony VAIO PCG-X29 User Manual
nN
Sony Notebook
Computer
User Guide
PCG-X29
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
2
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Notice to Users
©
2000 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. This manual and the software described herein, in whole or
in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form without prior written
approval.
Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information
contained herein and hereby expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the software or such other information. In no event shall
Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages, whether based on tort,
contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information
contained herein or to use thereof.
Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained
herein at any time without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate
user license agreement.
Sony, DVgate, i.LINK
TM
, Mavica, PictureGear, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the
VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Windows, the Windows 98 and the Windows 2000 logos
are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Intel, MMX, Celeron and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
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Safety Information
Owner’s Record
The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony notebook computer. Record
the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call VAIOLink.
Serial number:________________________
Model number:
PCG-8491
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Regulatory Information
This product conforms to the following European Directives:
73/23/EEC (Low Voltage Directive)
89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC (EMC Directives)
93/68/EEC (CE Marking Directive)
This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 50082-1 for use in following areas: residential,
commercial and light-industrial.
This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using
connection cables shorter than 3 metres (9.8 feet)
Depending on the model:
The DVD-ROM / CD-ROM is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser
Product Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair and maintenance only by authorized Sony technicians.
Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.
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WARNINGS
General
❏
Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.
❏
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
❏
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your VAIO notebook computer to rain or moisture.
❏
Avoid using the modem during an electrical storm.
❏
Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM
❏
The use of the optical instruments intalled in your notebook computer will increase eye hazard. As the
laser beam used in this product is harmful to eyes, do not attempt to disassemble the cabinet. For
servicing, refer to qualified personnel only.
DVD-ROM ( for models equipped with a DVD-ROM drive)
❏
There are visible and invisible radiations when the DVD-ROM drive is open : avoid direct exposure to
the laser beam.
Audio/Video
❏
Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any
equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.
Connectivity
❏
Never install modem or telephone wiring during a lightning storm.
❏
Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations
❏
Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.
❏
Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your notebook completely from
mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.
❏
Please make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
❏
Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected
at the network interface.
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DISPOSAL
OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY
!
Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly.
!
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions (see
below).
!
The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not
disassemble, heat above 100°C (212°F) or incinerate. Dispose of used battery promptly.
!
Keep away from children.
!
Your notebook is equipped with an internal backup memory battery. For changing this battery, please contact
VAIO-Link .
✍
Disposal of Lithium ion
batteries
Dispose of properly at end-oflife.
In some areas the disposal of
lithium ion batteries in
household or business waste
may be prohibited.
Please use the public collection
system.
Welcome
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO notebook computer. Sony has combined
leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing and communications to provide
you with state-of-the-art personal computing.
Here are just some of the features your VAIO notebook computer has to offer (read
the details in the Specifications chapter of this guide).
❑
Exceptional performance
- Your PC includes a fast Intel® processor, a fast
DVD-ROM drive and a PC card modem (depending on the model).
❑
Portability
- The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC
power.
❑
Sony audio and video quality
- A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to
take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and
entertainment software.
❑
Multimedia features
- Enjoy the stereo speakers to listen to audio and video CDs.
❑
Windows®
- Your system includes the latest operating system from Microsoft.
❑
Communications -
Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails,
browse the Internet...
❑
Excellent customer support
- If you have any problem with your computer, you
can contact VAIO-Link by Internet and e-mail (see your Customer Service Guide
for addresses). Before contacting VAIO-Link, you may try to solve the problem
by reading your User Guide (troubleshooting chapter) or the manuals and Help
files for the peripherals or software.
Welcome
About the User Guides
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About the User Guides
Your Documentation Pack contains paper and on-line user guides on a
Documentation CD-ROM:
Printed Documentation:
❑
A
Setting Up
poster in colour and a
Getting Started
brochure; a
Customer
Guide
, where you will find all the basic information to start using your notebook
computer;
❑
A complete Regulatory and safety information poster;
❑
Your Sony Guarantee conditions.
On-line Documentation:
1
This User Guide:
❑
Using Your Sony Notebook Computer
shows you how to use the standard
components of your system.
❑
Connecting Peripheral Devices
explains how you can add functionality by
connecting various peripherals.
❑
Getting Help
explains the support options available to you, and offers basic
troubleshooting tips.
❑
Notes on Use
provides facts and advice about using your notebook computer.
❑
Specifications
provides details on your computer, drivers and accessories.
2
Refer to your
Software Guide
for information on the bundled software and the
Sony applications.
Welcome
About the User Guides
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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❑
About the Software
is a short description of the features of the software pre-
installed on your system.
❑
Customizing your notebook
explains how to set your system and power
management with Sony Notebook Setup, VAIO Action Setup, PowerPanel,
BatteryScope, etc.
Learn how to set your display with NeoMagic
®
and enjoy the Dual Screen
Display option (Windows
®
98 only).
3
Consult the
On-line Help
files of the software you're using for detailed
information on features and troubleshooting.
Welcome
Unpacking Your Notebook Computer
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Unpacking Your Notebook Computer
Remove the following hardware items from the box:
✍
*Depending on the type of
Sony notebook computer you
have purchased, some
accessories may be optional.
However, you need to have
these peripherals to enjoy
some of the features described
in this manual.
Rechargeable battery
pack
Floppy disk drive
Weight Saver
Product Recovery CD-ROMs
DVD-ROM drive
(installed at factory)
AC adapter
PC card modem
*
Phone plug (country specific)
*
Phone cable
*
Main unit
Floppy disk drive connecting cable
Docking Station
FDD stand for docking
station
Documentation Pack
Power cord
Welcome
Ergonomic Considerations
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Ergonomic Considerations
You will be using your notebook computer as a portable device in a variety of
environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the
following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments:
❑
Position of your computer –
Place the computer directly in front of you as you
work. Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable
position while using the keyboard, touchpad, or external mouse. Let your upper
arms hang naturally at your sides. Take breaks during sessions with your
computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.
Computer positioned directly
in front of you
Arms at desk level
Wrists relaxed and flat
Welcome
Ergonomic Considerations
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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❑
Furniture and posture –
Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of
the chair so your feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more
comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or
leaning far backwards.
❑
Viewing angle of the computer’s display –
Use the display’s tilting feature to
find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting
the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the
display as well.
❑
Lighting –
Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and
reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the
display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce
glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.
❑
Placement of an external display –
When using an external display, set the
display at a comfortable viewing distance. Make sure the display screen is at eye
level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Using Your Notebook Computer
This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your
computer’s internal devices, such as the touchpad, the disk drives and the battery...
Locating the Controls and Connectors
Left
PC card slots
(page 48)
Battery bay
(page 20)
S400 i.LINK
TM
connector
(page 78)
✍
AC adapter mains connector
and power cord: hazardous
voltage, according to
EN 60950.
All other connectors for this
notebook are SELV (Safety Extra
Low Voltage), according to
EN 60950.
1 3
2
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Front
Power indicator
(page 24)
Caps Lock indicator
(page 31)
Speakers
(page 32)
Battery 1 and 2 indicators
(page 21)
Scroll Lock indicator
(page 31)
Touchpad
(page 39)
Hard disk drive indicator
(page 31)
LCD screen
(page 32)
Left/right buttons
(page 39)
Num Lock indicator
(page 31)
Keyboar d
(page 28)
1
5
9
2
6
10
3
7
11
4
8
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Right
1
Power button
(page 24)
Jog Dial
(page 28)
i
Headphone
connector
(page 83)
Multi-purpose bay
(page 44)
m
Microphone
connector
(page 83)
Intercooler flap
1
3
5
2
4
6
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Back
Docking station / FDD
connector
(page 62)
USB connector
(page 85)
a
Monitor connector
(page 72)
DC In
(page 18)
✍
There are ventilation slots on
the sides and the back of your
computer. Do not cover the
ventilation slots when your
computer is on.
1 3
2 4
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Bottom
Intercooler flap lever Drive RELEASE lever
1 2
Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
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Connecting a Power Source
You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.
Using the AC Adapter
1
Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover.
The bottom part is lifted automatically and the connector part on the back
appears.
2
Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on the
computer.
3
Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.
4
Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
✍
Use your notebook only with
the supplied AC adapter.
To disconnect your notebook
completely from mains voltage,
unplug the AC adapter.
Please make sure that the
socket outlet is easily
accessible.
✍
AC adapter mains connector
and power cord: hazardous
voltage, according to
EN 60950.
All other connectors for this
notebook are SELV (Safety Extra
Low Voltage), according to
EN 60950.
1
3
2
SELV according to EN 60950
Power cord (hazardous voltage
according to EN 60950)
(supplied)
Notebook computer
AC adapter
(supplied)
DC in
Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Using Battery Power
You can use one or two batteries as a source of power. You can insert the second
battery pack into the multi-purpose bay on the right side of the computer (See “ Using
a Second Battery Pack”). Additional battery packs are available as a separate option.
The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of
purchase. Follow the steps below to insert and charge the battery pack.
To insert the battery pack
1
Open the cover of the battery bay.
2
Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the left side of the computer.
3
Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks.
Battery pack
(supplied)
Label facing down
Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
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To charge the battery pack
1
Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
2
Insert the battery pack.
The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in
a double blink pattern as the battery charges). When the battery is 85 percent full, the
battery indicator light turns off. This process takes approximately two hours. To
charge the battery completely, continue charging for an additional hour.
A fully charged battery pack supplies power for approximately 2 to 3 hours. The time
varies according to your system configuration. See your Software guide,in
“Displaying Battery Information" for information on checking the battery life.
There are two battery indicator lights on the computer:
Secondary battery pack
(not supplied)
Battery pack
(supplied)
Battery indicators
Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Battery Indicator Meaning
1
Indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the left
side of the computer.
2
Indicates the status of the battery pack in the multi-purpose bay on
the right side of the computer.
Battery Indicator Light Status Meaning
On
The computer is using battery
power.
Single blink
The battery is running out of power.
Double blink
The battery is charging.
Off
The computer is using AC power.
Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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✍
For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter system
hibernation mode when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save
your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as system suspend or system
hibernation.
When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink.
To determine the time the battery lasts, please refer to "Displaying Battery information" in your Software
Guide.
Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues
to charge while you are using the computer.
If the battery level falls to below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or
shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery.
You can extend battery life by changing the power management modes in the PowerPanel utility. See your
Software guide, in “Controlling Power Management".
The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged at any time.
Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life.
The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When battery life is nearly
depleted, the battery indicator starts flashing.
When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it
uses power from the AC outlet.
Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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To remove the battery pack
1
Open the cover of the battery bay.
2
Pull out the battery pack.
3
Close the cover of the battery bay.
!
You may lose data if you
remove the battery pack while
the computer is on and not
connected to the AC adapter or
if you remove the battery while
the computer is in system
suspend mode.
Using Your Notebook Computer
Starting Your Computer
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Starting Your Computer
1
Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover.
The bottom part is lifted automatically and the connector part on the back
appears.
2
Press the power button of the computer until the green power indicator light
turns on.
3
If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display with Fn+F5. To
increase the brightness, use the up or right arrow keys. To decrease use the down
or left arrow keys.
✍
If you hold the power switch in
the on position for more than
four seconds, the computer will
turn off.
LCD lock lever
Power button
Power indicator
Using Your Notebook Computer
Shutting Down Your Computer
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Shutting Down Your Computer
1
Click the Start button on the Windows® taskbar.
2
Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut Down
Windows dialog box.
3
Select Shut down.
4
Click on OK.
5
Wait for your computer to turn off automatically. The power indicator will turn
off.
6
Turn off any peripheral connected to your computer.
!
To avoid potential loss of data,
follow these steps to shut
down your computer.
✍
Respond to any prompts
warning you to save
documents.
✍
If you are unable to shut down
your computer using the steps
described above,
-close all software in use,
-remove the PC cards if
inserted,
-disconnect any USB devices,
then shut down the computer.
If the previous steps do not
work, see the Troubleshooting
section of this User Guide.
During a period of inactivity,
you can conserve battery life by
using System Suspend mode.
See "Controlling Power
Management" in your Software
Guide for further details.
Using Your Notebook Computer
Closing the Front Panel
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Closing the Front Panel
Close the front panel by holding the clip on the left top of the front panel. If you touch
the LCD screen, you will leave fingerprints on the LCD screen. Use the supplied filter
cleaner to wipe the LCD screen. See "Notes on Use" for more information.
The bottom part of the computer does not close automatically. Close the bottom part
as illustrated below.
Clips
Intercooler flap
Intercooler flap lever
Using Your Notebook Computer
Registering Your Computer
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Registering Your Computer
You can take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and
receive the following benefits by registering your computer with Sony:
❑
VAIO-Link –
You can contact VAIO-Link by Internet or e-mail (see your
Customer Service Guide for addresses).
❑
Guarantee –
Protect your investment. See the Guarantee sheet for the terms and
conditions and please refer to your Customer Service Guide for more
information.
Follow these steps to use the Sony Notebook Computer’s online registration service:
1
Click on the Welcome button on your Desktop,
2
Click Next,
3
Click Internet,
4
Fill in your Registration card fields,
5
Scroll down to the bottom of the form and click Send,
6
Click OK.
✍
You must connect your phone
line before using any online
services, including the online
registration service. Please
refer to “Connecting to a
phone line”.
✍
To access the on-line
Registration web page, you
must have a connection to the
internet.
✍
You need to plug in the PC
Card Modem* and the phone
line to use the communication
features described in this
manual.
*Depending on the model, this
accessory could be optional.
Using Your Notebook Computer
Using the Keyboard
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Using the Keyboard
Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer’s, but the keyboard has
additional keys that perform specific notebook computer-related tasks.
Keys Descriptions
Numeric keypad
area
Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric
keypad area to type numbers or to perform mathematical calculations
such as addition and subtraction. Note that you must press the Num
Lock key to activate the numeric keypad. (When you do so, the Num
Lock light will illuminate.)
Navigation keys Several keys are devoted to moving the cursor on the screen.
Print screen key
Application key
Numeric keypad area
Alt key
Shift key
Fn key
Ctrl key
Windows
®
key
Escape key
Function keys
Correction keys
Navigation keys
Fn key
Using Your Notebook Computer
Using the Keyboard
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Correction keys The Insert, Back Space, and Delete keys enable you to make
corrections in your documents.
Function keys The twelve 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.
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 is used to produce capital letters or special symbols such as
@ and $.
Win dows
®
key The key with the Windows® logo displays the Windows® Start menu;
it’s the equivalent of clicking the Start button on the task bar. See
"Combinations and functions with the Windows
®
key" for further
details.
Fn key The Fn key is used in combination with other keys to issue
commands. See “Combinations and functions with the Fn key”.
Keys Descriptions
Using Your Notebook Computer
Using the Keyboard
Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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Combinations and Functions with the Windows® Key
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.
Combinations Functions
+ 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 and then Files or
Folders from the Start menu.
+ Ctrl + F Displays the Windows Find: Computer window where you can
locate other computers. This is the equivalent of selecting Find
and then Computer from the Start menu.
+ M Minimizes all displayed windows.
Shift + + M Returns all minimized windows to their previous size.
+ 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 double-
clicking the System icon in the Control Panel.
Keys Descriptions
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