Sony Laptop PCG 838 User Manual

®
VAIO Notebook Computer  
User Guide  
PCG-838  
®
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Safety Information  
AVERTISSEMENT  
Pour prévenir tout risque dincendie  
ou délectrocution, garder cet appareil  
à l’abri de la pluie et de l’humidité.  
Pour prévenir tout risque  
délectrocution, ne pas ouvir le châssis  
de cet appareil et ne confier son  
entretien quà une personne qualifiée.  
L’appareil doit être le plus près  
possible dune prise murale pour en  
faciliter l’accès.  
Owners Record  
The model number and serial number are  
located on the bottom of your Sony VAIO  
Notebook Computer. Record the serial  
number in the space provided here. Refer  
to the model and serial number when you  
call your Sony Service Center.  
Model Number: PCG-838  
Serial Number:________________________  
Regulatory Information  
WARNING  
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do  
not expose your notebook computer  
to rain or moisture.  
To avoid electrical shock, do not open  
the cabinet. Refer servicing to  
qualified personnel only.  
Declaration of Conformity  
Trade Name: SONY  
Model No: PCG-838  
Responsible Party:  
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.  
Never touch uninsulated telephone  
wire or terminals unless the telephone  
line has been disconnected at the  
network interface.  
Use caution when installing or  
modifying telephone lines.  
Avoid using the modem during an  
electrical storm.  
Sony Electronics Inc.  
Address:  
1 Sony Drive  
Park Ridge, NJ 07656  
Telephone No.: 201-930-6970  
This device complies with Part 15 of  
the FCC rules. Operation is subject  
to the following two conditions: (1)  
This device may not cause harmful  
interference, and (2) this device  
must accept any interference  
received, including interference  
that may cause undesired  
Do not use the modem or a telephone  
to report a gas leak in the vicinity of  
the leak.  
operation.  
A socket outlet should be as close as  
possible to the unit and easily  
accessible.  
This equipment has been tested and found  
to comply with the limits for a Class B  
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the  
Rules. These limits are designed to provide  
reasonable protection against harmful  
interference in a residential installation.  
This equipment generates, uses, and can  
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not  
installed and used in accordance with the  
instructions, may cause harmful  
! The laser beam used in the DVD-  
ROM drive unit is harmful to the  
eyes. Do not attempt to  
disassemble the cabinet. Refer  
servicing to qualified personnel  
only.  
interference to radio communications.  
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However, there is no guarantee that  
interference will not occur in a particular  
installation. If this equipment does cause  
harmful interference to radio or television  
reception, which can be determined by  
turning the equipment off and on, the user  
is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the  
following measures:  
The REN is used to determine the quantity  
of devices which may be connected to the  
telephone line. Excessive RENs on the  
telephone line may result in the devices not  
ringing in response to an incoming call. In  
most, but not all areas, the sum of the RENs  
should not exceed five (5.0). To be certain of  
the number of devices that may be  
connected to the line, as determined by the  
total RENs, contact the telephone company  
to determine the maximum REN for the  
calling area.  
Reorient or relocate the receiving  
antenna.  
Increase the separation between the  
equipment and the receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet  
on a circuit different from that to  
which the receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced  
radio/ TV technician for help.  
If the terminal equipment (Notebook  
Computer PCG-838) causes harm to the  
telephone network, the telephone company  
will notify you in advance that temporary  
discontinuance of service may be required.  
But if advance notice is not practical, the  
telephone company will notify the  
customer as soon as possible. Also, you  
will be advised of your right to file a  
complaint with the FCC if you believe it is  
necessary.  
You are cautioned that any changes or  
modifications not expressly approved in  
this manual could void your authority to  
operate this equipment.  
Only peripherals (computer input/ output  
devices, terminals, printers, etc.) that  
comply with FCC Class B limits may be  
attached to this computer product.  
Operation with non-compliant peripherals  
is likely to result in interference to radio  
and television reception.  
The telephone company may make  
changes in its facilities, equipment,  
operations or procedures that could affect  
the operations of the equipment. If this  
happens, the telephone company will  
provide advance notice in order for you to  
make the necessary modifications in order  
to maintain uninterrupted service.  
All cables used to connect peripherals must  
be shielded and grounded. Operation with  
cables, connected to peripherals, that are  
not shielded and grounded, may result in  
interference to radio and television  
reception.  
If trouble is experienced with this  
equipment (Notebook Computer PCG-  
838), please contact 1-888-4SONYPC  
(1-888-476-6972), or write to the Sony  
Customer Information Center, One Sony  
Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 for repair  
and/ or warranty information. If the  
trouble is causing harm to the telephone  
network, the telephone company may  
request that you remove the equipment  
from the network until the problem is  
resolved.  
FCC Part 68  
This equipment complies with Part 68 of  
the FCC rules. On the bottom of this  
equipment is a label that contains, among  
other information, the FCC equivalence  
number (REN) for this equipment. If  
requested, this information must be  
provided to the telephone company.  
Repair of this equipment should be made  
only by a Sony Service Center or Sony  
authorized agent. For the Sony Service  
Center nearest you, call 1-888-4SONYPC  
(1-888-476-6972).  
This modem uses the USOC RJ-11  
telephone jack.  
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This equipment cannot be used on public  
coin service provided by the telephone  
company. Connection to Party Line Service  
is subject to state and possible provincial  
tariffs. (Contact the state or provincial  
utility service commission, public service  
commission or corporation commission for  
information.)  
DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION  
BATTERY  
You can return your unwanted lithium ion  
batteries to your nearest Sony Service  
Center or Factory Service Center.  
In some areas the disposal of lithium ion  
batteries in household or business trash  
may be prohibited.  
Telephone Consumer  
Protection Act of 1991  
(United States)  
For the Sony Service Center nearest you  
call 1-888-476-6972 in the United States or  
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of  
1991 makes it unlawful for any person to  
use a computer or other electronic device to  
send any message via a telephone facsimile  
machine unless such message clearly  
contains, in a margin at the top or bottom  
of each transmitted page or on the first  
page of the transmission, the date and time  
it is sent and an identification of the  
1-800-961-7669 in Canada.  
! Do not handle damaged or leaking  
lithium ion batteries.  
! Ne pas manipuler les batteries au  
lithium-ion qui fuient ou sont  
endommagées.  
business, other entity, or individual  
sending the message, and the telephone  
number of the sending machine or such  
business, other entity, or individual.  
! Danger of explosion if battery is  
incorrectly replaced. Replace only  
with the same or equivalent type  
recommended by the  
In order to program this information into  
your facsimile machine, see your fax  
software documentation.  
manufacturer. Discard used  
batteries according to the  
manufacturers instructions.  
Telephone Consumer  
Guidelines (Canada)  
! Une batterie non conforme  
présente un danger d'explosion.  
La remplacer seulement par une  
batterie identique ou de type  
équivalent recommandé par le  
fabricant. Évacuer les batteries  
usées selon les directives du  
fabricant.  
Please refer to your telephone directory  
under Privacy Issues’ and/ or Terms of  
Service’. For more detailed information  
please contact:  
CRTC  
Terrasses de la Chaudiére, Tour centrale  
1 promenade du Portage, 5 étage  
Hull PQ K1A 0N2.  
This Class B digital apparatus complies  
with Canadian ICES-003.  
Cet àppareil numérique de la classe B est  
conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.  
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telecommunications company cause to  
request that the user disconnect the  
equipment.  
! The battery pack used in this  
device may present a fire or  
chemical burn hazard if mistreated.  
Do not disassemble, heat above  
212°F (100°C) or incinerate.  
Users should ensure for their own  
protection that the electrical ground  
connections of the power utility, telephone  
lines and internal metallic water pipe  
system, if present, are connected together.  
This precaution may be particularly  
important in rural areas.  
Dispose of used battery promptly.  
Keep away from children.  
! La manutention incorrecte du  
module de batterie de cet appareil  
présente un risque d'incendie ou  
de brûlures chimiques. Ne pas  
démonter, incinérer ou exposer à  
une température de plus de 100°C.  
Évacuer promptement la batterie  
usée. Garder hors de portée des  
enfants.  
Caution: Users should not attempt to make  
such connections themselves, but should  
contact the appropriate electric inspection  
authority, or electrician, as appropriate.  
NOTICE: The Ringer Equivalence Number  
(REN) assigned to each terminal device  
provides an indication of the maximum  
number of terminals allowed to be  
connected to a telephone interface. The  
termination on an interface may consist of  
any combination of devices subject only to  
the requirement that the sum of the Ringer  
Equivalence Numbers of all the devices  
does not exceed 5. The Ringer Equivalence  
Number for this equipment is 0.3.  
INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE  
NOTICE: The Industry Canada label  
identifies certified equipment. This  
certification means that the equipment  
meets certain telecommunications network  
protective, operational and safety  
requirements as prescribed in the  
appropriate Terminal Equipment Technical  
Requirements document(s). The  
Department does not guarantee the  
equipment will operate to the user s  
satisfaction.  
AVIS DE LINDUSTRIE  
CANADA  
AVIS: L’étiquette dIndustrie Canada  
identifie le matériel homologué.  
Before installing this equipment, users  
should ensure that it is permissible to be  
connected to the facilities of the local  
telecommunications company. The  
equipment must also be installed using an  
acceptable method of connection.  
Cette étiquette certifie que le matériel est  
conforme aux normes de protection,  
dexploitation et de sécurité des réseaux de  
télécommunications, comme le prescrivent  
les documents concernant les exigences  
techniques relatives au matériel terminal.  
Le Ministère nassure toutefois pas que le  
matériel fonctionnera à la satisfaction de  
l’utilisateur.  
The customer should be aware that  
compliance with the above conditions may  
not prevent degradation of service in some  
situations.  
Avant dinstaller ce matériel, lutilisateur  
doit sassurer quil est permis de le  
Repairs to certified equipment should be  
coordinated by a representative designated  
by the supplier. Equipment malfunctions  
or any repairs or alterations made by the  
user to this equipment may give the  
raccorder aux installations de lentreprise  
locale de télécommunication. Le matériel  
doit également être installé en suivant une  
méthode acceptée de raccordement.  
L’abonné ne doit pas oublier quil est  
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possible que la conformité aux conditions  
énoncées ci-dessus nempêche pas la  
dégradation du service dans certaines  
situations.  
Les réparations de matériel homologué  
doivent être coordonnées par un  
représentant désigné par le fournisseur.  
L’entreprise de télécommunications peut  
demander à lutilisateur de débrancher un  
appareil à la suite de réparations ou de  
modifications effectuées par l’utilisateur ou  
à cause de mauvais fonctionnement.  
Pour sa propre protection, lutilisateur doit  
s’assurer que tous les fils de mise à la terre  
de la source dénergie électrique, des lignes  
téléphoniques et des canalisations deau  
métalliques, sil y en a, sont raccordés  
ensemble. Cette précaution est  
particulièrement importante dans les  
régions rurales.  
Avertissement: Lutilisateur ne doit pas  
tenter de faire ces raccordements lui-même;  
il doit avoir recours à un service  
dinspection des installations électriques,  
ou à un électricien, selon le cas.  
AVIS: L’indice déquivalence de la sonnerie  
(IES) assigné à chaque dispositif terminal  
indique le nombre maximal de terminaux  
qui peuvent être raccordés à une interface.  
La terminaison dune interface  
téléphonique peut consister en une  
combination de quelques dispositifs, à la  
seule condition que la somme dindices  
déquivalence de la sonnerie de tous les  
dispositifs nexcède pas 5.  
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Contents  
Welcome  
Ergonomic Considerations ............................................................. 2  
Using Your Notebook Computer  
Locating the Controls and Connectors ......................................... 5  
Connecting a Power Source ........................................................... 8  
Starting Your Computer ............................................................... 12  
Shutting Down Your Computer .................................................. 13  
®
Registering Windows 98............................................................. 14  
Registering Your Computer ......................................................... 15  
Using the Keyboard ....................................................................... 16  
Using the Touchpad ...................................................................... 22  
Using the Floppy Disk Drive ....................................................... 23  
Using the DVD-ROM Drive ......................................................... 26  
Using the Headphone with Remote Control ............................. 30  
Using PC Cards .............................................................................. 33  
Using Infrared Communication Devices.................................... 36  
Using Power Saving Modes ......................................................... 38  
Using a Second Battery Pack........................................................ 40  
Using the Weight Saver ................................................................ 42  
Connecting Peripheral Devices  
Connecting a Phone Line.............................................................. 44  
Connecting the Docking Station .................................................. 45  
Connecting a Printer...................................................................... 53  
Connecting an External Display .................................................. 54  
ix  
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x
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard .............................57  
Connecting External Speakers......................................................58  
Connecting an External Microphone...........................................59  
Connecting a Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Device .......60  
Connecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder...........................61  
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device ......................62  
Customizing Your Notebook Computer  
Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen.............................63  
Controlling Power Management..................................................66  
Displaying Battery Information ...................................................70  
Selecting the Display Mode ..........................................................73  
Using the Dual Display Function.................................................77  
Getting Help  
Troubleshooting .............................................................................81  
Using the System and Application Recovery CDs ....................88  
Notes on Use  
Adding Memory .............................................................................96  
Limited Warranty Statement ............................................ 99  
Index................................................................................. 105  
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Welcome  
Congratulations on your purchase of the 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.  
About the User Guide  
The User Guide offers a quick introduction and reference to your Sony  
Notebook computer.  
Using Your VAIO® 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.  
Limited Warranty Statement provides your product warranty  
statement and explains how to extend your warranty for an  
additional nine months.  
The online User Guide is included with your computer as an electronic  
document. It includes additional information on using the Sony software  
products that are installed on your computer and how to customize your  
Sony notebook computer.  
1
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2
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Ergonomic Considerations  
You will be using your notebook computer as a portable device in a  
variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to  
apply the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and  
portable environments.  
Computer positioned  
directly in front of you  
Arms at desk  
level  
Wrists relaxed  
and flat  
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.  
Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support and  
armrests. 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 backward.  
Viewing angle of the computers display – Use the displays 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 also.  
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Welcome  
3
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.  
Tilt stand – You use the tilt stand to place the computer at an angle  
that allows comfortable typing.  
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.  
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4
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Using Your Notebook  
Computer  
This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use  
your computers internal and external devices, such as the touchpad,  
floppy disk drive, and DVD-ROM drive.  
Locating the Controls and Connectors  
Front  
Num Caps Scroll  
Lock Lock Lock  
1
2
1
2
3
4
7
8
9
LCD screen (pages 20, 91)  
Speakers (page 58)  
Power indicator (pages 12, 19)  
Battery 1 and 2 indicators (pages 19, 70)  
Hard disk drive indicator (page 19)  
Num Lock indicator (page 19)  
Keyboard (page 16)  
Microphone (page 59)  
10  
11  
12  
5
6
Touchpad (page 22)  
Caps Lock indicator (page 19)  
Scroll Lock indicator (page 19)  
Left/right buttons (page 22)  
5
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6
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Left  
Power switch (page 12)  
Hard disk drive  
1
2
3
4
5
6
Headphone connector (pages 30, 58)  
Microphone connector (page 59)  
Line In connector  
Battery bay (pages 9, 48)  
There is a ventilation slot located directly above the headphone connector. Do not cover the  
ventilation slot when your computer is on.  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
7
Right  
Phone line jack (page 44)  
PC card slots (page 33)  
Drive bay (pages 23, 26)  
1
2
3
Back  
cover  
cover  
Monitor connector (page 54)  
Docking station port (page 45)  
1
2
6
7
8
DC In (page 8)  
Serial connector (page 60)  
Infrared port (page 36)  
3
4
5
/
FDD/Printer connector (page 53)  
USB connector (page 62)  
/
Mouse/Keyboard connector (page 57)  
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8
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Connecting a Power Source  
You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power  
source.  
Using the AC Adapter  
1
Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on  
the computer.  
2
3
Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.  
Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.  
Notebook computer  
1
AC adapter  
(supplied)  
3
2
DC in  
Power cord (supplied)  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
9
Using Battery Power  
You can use one or two battery packs as a source of power. The second  
battery pack inserts into the drive bay on the right side of the computer.  
(See “Using Power Saving Modes” on page 38.) Additional battery packs  
are available as a separate option.  
The battery pack that comes with your computer is not fully charged at  
the time of purchase. Follow the steps below to insert and charge the  
battery pack.  
To insert the battery pack  
1
Open the cover of the battery bay.  
2
Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the left side of the  
computer.  
Battery pack  
(supplied)  
Label side facing down  
3
Close the cover of the battery bay.  
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10 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
To charge the battery pack  
1
2
Connect the AC adapter to the computer.  
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 two to  
four hours. The time varies based on your system configuration. See  
“Displaying Detailed Battery Information” on page 71 for information on  
checking the battery life.  
There are two battery indicator lights on the computer:  
Battery indicators  
1
2
Secondary battery pack  
(not supplied)  
Battery pack (supplied)  
Battery Indicator  
Meaning  
Indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay  
on the left side of the computer.  
1
Indicates the status of the battery pack in the drive bay on  
the right side of the computer.  
2
Battery Indicator  
Light Status  
Meaning  
On  
The computer is using battery power.  
The battery is running out of power.  
The battery is charging.  
Single blink  
Double blink  
Off  
The computer is using AC power.  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
11  
When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink.  
See “Using a Second Battery Pack” on page 40 for information on installing and charging a  
battery pack in the drive bay.  
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 “Using Power Saving Modes” on page 38.  
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.  
For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter  
System Hibernation 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 System Suspend or System Hibernation.  
To remove the battery pack  
1
2
Open the cover of the battery bay.  
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.  
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12 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Starting Your Computer  
1
Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the  
cover.  
LCD lock lever  
2
Slide the power switch on the left side toward the front of the  
computer until the green power indicator light turns on.  
Power indicator  
Power switch  
If you hold the power switch in the on position for more than four seconds, the  
computer turns off.  
3
If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display. To  
decrease the brightness, press Fn+F5 and then the down or left arrow  
key. To increase the brightness, press Fn+F5 and then the up or right  
arrow key.  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
13  
Shutting Down Your Computer  
! To avoid potential loss of data, follow these steps to shut down your computer.  
1
2
Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.  
Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut  
Down Windows dialog box.  
3
4
Select Shut down.  
Click OK.  
Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.  
5
6
Wait for your computer to turn off automatically. The power indicator  
(green) turns off.  
Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.  
If you are unable to shut down your computer using the steps described above, press the  
Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys at the same time to restart the computer. If you are unable to restart  
the computer in this way, you can slide the power switch forward and hold for four seconds.  
This operation may result in data loss.  
During a period of inactivity, you can conserve battery life by using System Suspend mode.  
See “Controlling Power Management” on page 66.  
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14 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Registering Windows® 98  
The first time you turn on your computer, you need to complete a few  
steps to register and configure the Windows 98 software that is already  
installed on your computer.  
You must register Windows 98 before you can use the computer.  
®
To install Windows NT Workstation 4.0 drivers on your notebook computer, you need to  
use the Application Recovery CD. See “Using the Application Recovery CD(s)” on page 90  
for instructions.  
The on-screen instructions guide you through the registration and  
configuration process. The following is an overview of the process.  
1
Gathering information:  
Enter your name.  
Read and accept the License Agreement.  
cover of the Microsoft Windows 98 Getting Started manual.  
2
3
4
Windows 98 setup: Click the Finish button on the Windows 98 Setup  
Wizard screen.  
Selecting your computer settings: If necessary, change the Time Zone,  
Date and Time on the Date/ Time Properties screen.  
Registering your computer: For details on registering your computer,  
see “Registering Your Computer” on page 15. You can also sign up  
for your 100 free hours of Internet service at this time.  
5
Learning about Windows 98: If you wish, take the tour of  
Windows 98.  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
15  
Registering Your Computer  
You can take advantage of Sonys commitment to quality customer  
support and receive the following benefits by registering your computer  
with Sony.  
Sony Customer Support – Talk to a Support Representative to  
troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer.  
Extended Limited Warranty – Protect your investment. Extend your  
Warranty nine months for a total of 12 months from the original date  
of purchase when you register your computer.  
Express service – Provides convenient resolution of problems.  
Free Internet access – Use the Internet for up to 100 free hours when  
you sign up with GTE (no credit card necessary). Free access expires  
100 hours or 60 days after signing up, whichever occurs first.  
If you have not already registered, follow these steps to use your  
notebook computer s online registration service.  
You must connect your phone line before using any online services, including the online  
registration service. See “Connecting a Phone Line” on page 44.  
1
2
Click the Sony VAIO Registration icon on the VAIO desktop.  
Enter the information requested on the first online registration form.  
Press the Tab key to move from box to box.  
3
4
Click the Next button to advance to the next form.  
Complete the remaining forms by clicking the Next button each time  
you complete a form.  
The computer automatically transfers your registration information using  
your built-in modem and a toll-free telephone number.  
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16 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Using the Keyboard  
Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter s, but the keyboard has  
additional keys that perform specific computer-related tasks.  
Escape Key  
Function keys  
Print Screen key  
Correction  
keys  
Navigation  
keys  
Shift key  
Ctrl key  
Fn key  
Applications key  
Numeric keypad area  
Alt key  
Windows 98 key  
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 be on.)  
Navigation keys  
Several keys are devoted to moving the cursor on the  
screen (the four arrow keys, which also function as the  
Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down keys).  
Correction keys  
Function keys  
The Insert, Back Space, and Delete keys enable you to  
make corrections in your documents.  
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.  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
17  
Keys  
Descriptions  
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 operates the same way as on a  
typewriter; it is used to produce capital letters or special  
symbols such as @ and $.  
Windows 98 key  
Fn key  
The key with the Windows logo displays the Windows 98  
Start menu; it is the equivalent of clicking the Start button  
on the task bar. See “Combinations and Functions with  
the Windows 98 Key” on page 18.  
The Fn key is used in combination with other keys to  
issue commands. The Fn keys at the left and right sides  
both work the same. See “Combinations and Functions  
with the Fn Key” on page 20.  
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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18 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Combinations and Functions with the Windows 98 Key  
Combinations  
Functions  
+ F1  
+ Tab  
+ E  
Displays Windows Help.  
Switches the selected button on the taskbar.  
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.  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
19  
Indicators  
Indicators  
Functions  
Power  
Lights when the power to the computer is turned on.  
Flashes in System Suspend mode.  
Turns off when the computer is in System Hibernation  
mode or powered off.  
Battery 1  
Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the battery  
bay on the left side of the computer.  
1
Battery 2  
Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the drive  
bay on the right side of the computer.  
2
Hard disk  
Lights when data is being read from or written to the  
hard drive. Do not enter System Suspend mode or turn  
off the computer when this indicator light is on.  
Light  
On  
Off  
Num Lock  
The number keys in the  
numeric keypad are active.  
The alphanumeric character  
keys in the keypad area are  
active.  
Caps Lock  
Scroll Lock  
The letters appear in  
uppercase as you type. The  
Shift key lowers the case of  
typed letters when Caps  
Lock is on.  
Letters appear in lower case as  
you type (unless you hold  
down the Shift key).  
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.)  
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20 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key  
Combinations/  
Feature  
Functions  
Puts the system into System Suspend mode, a  
power management state. To return the system to  
the active state, press any key or press the power  
switch on your computer. (Not available when  
connected to the docking station.)  
Fn+  
(ESC)  
System Suspend  
Displays the power status, as in the example below:  
Fn+  
(F2)  
Using AC  
power  
Charging the  
battery  
Display power source  
status  
Toggles the built-in speaker off and on.  
Fn+  
(F3)  
Mute on/ off  
Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.  
To increase volume, press Fn+F4, then  
To decrease volume, press Fn+F4, then  
Fn+  
(F4)  
or .  
or  
Speaker volume  
.
Adjusts the brightness of the LCD.  
To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then  
or .  
Fn+  
(F5)  
Brightness control  
To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then  
or  
.
Not available on this model.  
Fn+F6  
Toggles through the LCD, external display  
LCD  
Fn+  
/
(F7)  
(connected to the  
Monitor connector) and both  
Switch to the  
external monitor/ LCD  
LCD and external display.  
LCD and external display  
Only LCD  
Only external display  
Not available on this model.  
Fn+F8  
Disconnects from the docking station when the  
power is on. (Not available on all models.) Make  
sure there is a charged battery in the computer  
before you disconnect the docking station.  
Fn+  
(F9)  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
21  
Combinations/  
Feature  
Functions  
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. (Not  
available when connected to the docking station.)  
Fn+  
(F12)  
System Hibernation  
Zooms the display size in or out when the display is  
set to a low resolution.  
Fn+F  
Change the display  
size  
Turns off the LCD in order to save power.  
To turn the LCD back on, press any key.  
Fn+D  
Video standby  
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22 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
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.  
Pointer  
Right button  
Touchpad  
Left button  
Actions  
Descriptions  
Point  
Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer on an item  
or 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. When your  
finger reaches a touchpad edge, the pointer keeps moving until  
you lift your finger. Use this action to select and move objects.  
Scroll  
Move your finger along the right edge of the touchpad to scroll  
vertically. Move your finger along the bottom to scroll  
horizontally. (The scroll function is available only with  
applications that support a touchpad scroll feature.)  
See Mouseware Help for information on touchpad features, such as middle button click,  
adjusting touchpad speed, and Wheel Mouse functions. To access Mouseware Help, press  
the Start button, select Settings, and then select Control Panel. Click the Mouse icon in the  
Control Panel and click the Help button.  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
23  
Using the Floppy Disk Drive  
There are two ways to connect the floppy disk drive to your computer:  
Externally, by connecting it to the computers FDD/ Printer  
connector.  
Internally, by inserting it into the drive bay.  
The computer comes with the DVD-ROM drive in the drive bay. If you  
want to use both the DVD-ROM and the floppy disk drive at the same  
time, use the floppy disk drive as an external drive.  
If you connect the floppy disk drive externally while your computer is on,  
use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to select Floppy Disk Drive. See  
“Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” on page 63 for details.  
To connect the floppy disk drive externally  
Connect the floppy disk drive to the  
the external floppy disk drive cable.  
/
FDD/ Printer connector using  
Floppy disk drive  
(supplied)  
External floppy disk drive cable  
(supplied)  
/
to  
FDD/Printer  
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24 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
To insert the floppy disk drive  
1
Turn off the computer.  
If you use the Drive Bay tab in Sony Notebook Setup, you do not need to turn off the power  
before exchanging devices in the drive bay. See page 65.  
2
3
If another device is in the drive bay, remove the device. See “To  
remove the DVD-ROM drive” on page 28 or “To remove the second  
battery pack” on page 41.  
Insert the floppy disk drive into the drive bay with the VAIO label  
facing up. Continue pushing the drive into the bay until the Eject  
lever locks into place.  
Drive bay  
Floppy disk drive  
To insert a diskette  
1
2
Hold the diskette with the label side facing up.  
Gently push the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place.  
Diskette  
Floppy disk drive  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
25  
To remove a diskette  
When you finish using the diskette, wait until the LED indicator  
turns off and then press the Eject button to remove the diskette.  
Eject button  
LED indicator  
If you have difficulty removing a diskette from the floppy disk drive, remove the floppy disk  
drive from the drive bay.  
To remove the floppy disk drive  
1
2
Turn off the computer.  
There is an Eject lever on the bottom of the floppy disk drive. Slide  
this lever in the direction of the arrow.  
Drive Eject lever on bottom  
3
4
Slide the drive out of the drive bay.  
Insert the weight saver. See “Using the Weight Saver” on page 42.  
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26 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Using the DVD-ROM Drive  
Your computer comes with the DVD-ROM drive in the drive bay. You can  
remove it so that you can use other devices in the drive bay. Your  
DVD-ROM drive plays both DVD-ROMs and CD-ROMs.  
To insert a disc  
1
Turn on the computer.  
When the computer is in System Suspend or System Hibernation mode, you cannot  
insert a disc. See “Controlling Power Management” on page 66 for more information  
on System Suspend and System Hibernation modes.  
If you use the Drive Bay tab in Sony Notebook Setup, you do not need to turn off the  
power before exchanging devices in the drive bay. See “Changing Devices in the Drive  
Bay Using the Drive Bay Tab” on page 65.  
2
Press the Eject button to open the DVD-ROM drive.  
The tray slides out.  
Eject button  
3
Place a CD-ROM in the tray with the label side facing up. For DVDs,  
which can be played on both sides, the side of the disc facing up is the  
side that plays. Push the disc onto the hub until the disc clicks into  
place.  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
27  
Label side  
facing up  
4
Close the tray by pushing it gently.  
Be sure to seat the disc firmly over the DVD-ROM drive hub fingers. If you do not seat the  
disc firmly, you could damage your DVD-ROM drive and you may not be able to open the  
tray.  
When you finish using a disc, press the Eject button to remove the disc.  
When the computer is in System Suspend or System Hibernation mode, you cannot remove  
a disc. See Controlling Power Management” on page 66 for more information about  
System Suspend and System Hibernation modes.  
If the disc does not come out when you press the Eject button, turn off the computer and  
insert a thin, pointed object into the manual eject hole.  
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28 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
To remove the DVD-ROM drive  
1
2
Turn off the computer before removing the DVD-ROM drive.  
There is an Eject lever on the bottom of the DVD-ROM drive. Slide  
this lever in the direction of the arrow.  
Drive Eject lever on bottom  
3
4
Slide the drive out of the drive bay.  
Insert the weight saver. See “Using the Weight Saver” on page 42.  
To reinsert the DVD-ROM drive  
1
2
Turn off the computer.  
If another device is in the drive bay, remove the device. See “To  
remove the floppy disk drive” on page 25 or “To remove the second  
battery pack” on page 41.  
3
Insert the DVD-ROM drive into the drive bay with the label side  
facing up.  
Drive bay  
DVD-ROM drive  
(supplied)  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
29  
To play DVD-ROMs  
To achieve optimum performance when playing DVD-ROMs, you should  
use the following recommendations: Your computer should not  
be connected to the docking station while playing DVD movies or using  
DVD applications. Close any open applications before playing a  
DVD-ROM movie. The DVD player automatically adjusts the screen  
properties when you play a DVD movie. Depending on the display setup  
properties you have selected, you may need to use the Fn + F command  
to expand the movie to full screen size.  
When playing DVD movies on battery power, set the power management profile to  
Maximum Performance. With other profiles, the movies are choppy.  
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30 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Using the Headphone with Remote Control  
Your notebook computer includes a headphone, which you can use to  
listen to audio and video CDs and DVDs. You can listen to audio CDs  
even when your computer is in System Suspend mode.  
To use the remote control when your computer is active, you must use the  
Digital Media Park software. To use the remote control when your  
computer is in System Suspend mode, follow the directions in the next  
section.  
To use the remote control in System Suspend mode  
1
2
Connect the micro-plug of the headphone to the headphone remote  
control, not to the Headphone connector of the computer.  
Connect the headphone remote control to the Headphone  
connector on the computer.  
Headphone with  
remote control  
to  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
31  
3
While holding down the Fn key, press Esc.  
The computer enters System Suspend mode.  
Press the Stop button on the remote control.  
Press the Eject button to open the DVD-ROM drive.  
The tray slides out.  
4
5
6
7
Place the audio CD/ DVD in the tray and close the tray by gently  
pushing the tray.  
Press the  
Play button on the remote control.  
Playback begins.  
To stop playback, press the Stop button and press the Eject button on  
the DVD-ROM drive. Then remove the audio CD/ DVD.  
See “Controlling Power Management” on page 66 for more information about System  
Suspend mode.  
To recover from System Suspend mode, press any key on the keyboard.  
Use only the supplied headphone remote control. You cannot operate this computer with  
the remote control supplied with other models.  
If you cannot hear an audio CD/DVD in your headphone, right-click the speaker icon on the  
taskbar, select Open Volume Controls from the shortcut menu, and adjust the volume levels.  
To remove an audio CD/DVD from the DVD-ROM drive, remove the CD/DVD within one  
minute after pressing the Stop button on the remote control. If the tray does not open,  
press the Stop button and try again.  
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32 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Using the Remote Control to Play an Audio CD or DVD  
Hold  
(backwards)  
(play)  
(forward)  
Volume  
(stop)  
To  
Press  
Find the beginning of  
once  
the current track (AMS*)  
Find the beginning of  
previous tracks (AMS)  
repeatedly  
once  
Find the beginning of  
the next track (AMS)  
Find the beginning of  
repeatedly  
succeeding tracks (AMS)  
Go forward quickly  
Hold down  
Hold down  
Go backwards quickly  
*AMS = Automatic Music Sensor  
Using the Hold Switch  
You can use the Hold switch to lock the controls of the headphone remote  
control. When you are not using the headphone remote control, slide  
Hold in the direction of the arrow. To unlock, slide Hold back.  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
33  
Using PC Cards  
Your computer includes two PC card slots. PC cards allow you to connect  
portable external devices, such as another hard disk drive, or to connect a  
network.  
The PC card slots can accommodate (at the same time) two Type I, two Type II, or one Type  
III PC card. These slots are compatible with Card Bus and ZV (Zoomed Video) port.  
Some PC cards may require that you disable idle devices when using the PC card. You can  
use Sony Notebook Setup to disable devices. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup  
Screen” on page 63 for details.  
Be sure to use the most recent software driver 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 and then reinstall it.  
To insert a PC card  
Use the lower slot for Type III PC cards.  
You do not need to shut down the computer before inserting or removing a PC card.  
1
Pull the PC card release button up away from the computer and push  
it in toward the computer.  
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34 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
2
Remove the PC card slot protector.  
When you use a Type III PC card, you need to remove both the top  
and bottom PC card slot protectors.  
3
Insert the PC card into the PC card slot, front label facing up. Gently  
push the card into the slot until the card is fixed into the connector.  
The release button comes out.  
PC card  
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. See the  
manual that came with your PC card for more information on use.  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
35  
To remove a PC card  
1
2
3
Close any applications that are using the PC card.  
Click the PC card icon in the taskbar and close the card.  
Pull the PC card release button up and press it in toward the  
computer.  
4
5
Gently grasp the card and pull it out.  
Insert the PC card slot protector back into the empty slot.  
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36 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Using Infrared Communication Devices  
Your computer includes an infrared port, located on the back panel. You  
can use this port to communicate with other infrared-equipped devices  
with compatible protocols, such as a digital still camera or other  
computers.  
To use infrared communication with a digital still camera  
Align the infrared ports on the computer and the digital camera so that  
they are in a direct line.  
Infrared port  
To use infrared communication with another computer  
Align the infrared ports on the two computers so that they are in a direct  
line.  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
37  
Infrared communication capability can be turned on and off. By default, it is not enabled  
when your system is shipped. To enable infrared use, click the infrared icon in the Windows  
Control Panel and select the Enable infrared communication checkbox on the Options tab.  
You can disable infrared communication when you are not using it to conserve battery life.  
Use the infrared icon in the Windows Control Panel to enable and disable infrared  
communication. Do not use the icon in the taskbar.  
When you transfer files directly from devices other than the internal hard disk drive, such as  
a CD-ROM drive or hard disk drive on a network, set the System Suspend and System  
Hibernation timers to off.  
Check the Status tag of the Infrared Monitor in the Windows Control Panel to determine if  
the infrared device is detected.  
If the two devices are too far apart or too close together, data transfer may be interrupted or  
there may be noise in the transmission.  
Do not cover the infrared ports with your hand or any other object.  
Avoid direct sunlight, fluorescent light, or flashing incandescent light near the infrared  
ports.  
See the manual that came with your digital still camera or other infrared communication  
device for more information on installation and use.  
The active area of infrared transmission extends about 39 3/8 inches (1m) with a radius of 15  
degrees.  
Infrared port  
15  
degrees  
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38 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Using Power Saving Modes  
When you use a battery as the source of power for your computer, 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 computer has two distinct power saving modes:  
System Suspend and System Hibernation. When using battery power,  
you should be aware that the computer automatically enters System  
Hibernation mode when the remaining battery charge drops below  
7 percent, regardless of the power management setting you select.  
If the battery level falls to below 10 percent, you should either attach the AC adapter to  
recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery.  
Normal Mode  
This is the normal state of your computer when it is in use. The green  
power indicator light is on in this mode. To save power, you can turn off a  
specific device such as the LCD or the hard disk.  
System Suspend Mode  
The computer 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 System Suspend mode  
Press Fn+Esc, or slide the power switch forward and release it  
immediately. You can also use the PowerPanel utility to enter System  
Suspend mode.  
To return to normal mode  
Press any key.  
System Hibernation 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 System Hibernation mode  
Press Fn+F12. The “Save to Disk Manager” screen appears, and then the  
computer enters System Hibernation mode. You can also use the  
PowerPanel utility to enter System Hibernation mode.  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
39  
To return to normal mode  
Turn on the computer by sliding the power switch forward. The  
computer returns to its previous state.  
When returning from System Hibernation mode, the system status stored on the hard disk is  
erased and the computer starts normally if you slide the power switch forward and hold for  
more than four seconds.  
Time to return to normal mode:  
System Suspend requires less time than System Hibernation  
Power consumption:  
System Suspend uses more power than System Hibernation  
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40 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Using a Second Battery Pack  
You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery  
power. When using two battery packs, the battery pack you insert first  
charges first. The battery pack you insert second charges when the first  
battery pack is 85 percent full. You can monitor which battery pack is  
charging by observing the battery indicator lights.  
To insert a second battery pack  
1
If another device is in the drive bay, remove the device. See “To  
remove the floppy disk drive” on page 25 or “To remove the  
DVD-ROM drive” on page 28.  
If you use the Drive Bay tab in Sony Notebook Setup, you do not need to turn off the power  
before exchanging devices in the drive bay. See page 65.  
2
Insert the battery pack into the drive bay.  
The battery 2 indicator light turns on.  
Drive bay  
Battery pack  
Label side facing down  
3
Attach the Weight Saver to the computer to stabilize the battery pack.  
See also “Using the Weight Saver” on page 42.  
Weight saver  
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Using Your Notebook Computer  
41  
To charge the second battery pack  
Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is connected to AC power.  
The battery indicator flashes while the battery is charging. See also “To  
charge the battery pack” on page 10 for more information.  
Battery indicators  
1
2
Second battery pack  
(not supplied)  
Battery pack (supplied)  
To determine the amount of time the battery lasts, see “Displaying Battery Information” on  
page 70.  
To remove the second battery pack  
1
There is an Eject lever on the bottom of the weight saver. To remove  
the battery pack, slide this lever in the direction of the arrow.  
Weight saver Eject lever on bottom  
2
3
Remove the weight saver, and then pull out the battery pack.  
Reinsert the weight saver. See “Using the Weight Saver” on page 42.  
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42 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Using the Weight Saver  
The weight saver protects the drive bay when it is empty.  
To attach the Weight Saver  
1
2
If another device is in the drive bay, remove the device. See “To  
remove the floppy disk drive” on page 25, “To remove the  
DVD-ROM drive” on page 28, or “To remove the second battery  
pack” on page 41.  
Slide the weight saver in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.  
Weight saver (supplied)  
To remove the Weight Saver  
There is an Eject lever on the bottom of the weight saver. To remove the  
weight saver, slide this lever in the direction of the arrow.  
Weight saver Eject lever on bottom  
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Connecting Peripheral Devices  
You can add functionality to your computer by connecting any of these  
peripherals:  
Phone line (page 44)  
Docking station (page 45)  
Printer (page 53)  
External display (page 54)  
External mouse or keyboard (page 57)  
External speakers (page 58)  
External microphone (page 59)  
Digital still camera or other serial device (page 60)  
Digital video camera recorder (page 61)  
Universal Serial Bus (USB) device (page 62)  
Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals.  
Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables.  
Turn on the computer only after turning on all peripherals.  
43  
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44 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Connecting a Phone Line  
You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services and  
the Internet.  
In order to register your Sony VAIO Notebook Computer, register your software online, and  
use Sony Customer Support, you must connect to a phone line. You must register your  
computer to receive the extended warranty.  
1
Pull the PC card release buttons away from the computer.  
2
3
Plug one end of the phone cable into the phone line jack on the  
computer.  
Plug the other end into the wall jack.  
Phone line jack  
Phone cable  
Your computer does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated  
telephone, and may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX).  
Some of these connections might result in excess electrical current and could cause a  
malfunction in the internal modem.  
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Connecting Peripheral Devices  
45  
Connecting the Docking Station  
Your notebook computer supports the use of an optional docking station.  
Attaching a docking station enables you to connect additional peripherals  
to your computer. There are two types of docking stations: the Personal  
Docking Station (PCGA-DH8) and the Network Docking Station (PCGA-  
DB8). The Personal Docking Station does not include the SCSI, Network  
(ethernet), and i.LINK (IEEE 1394 interface) connectors.  
Video Out*  
Line Out  
1
2
3
8
9
Monitor (page 54)  
Printer (page 53)  
USB (page 62)  
Mouse/Keyboard (page 57)  
DC In (page 8)  
/
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
4
5
6
7
Serial (page 60)  
Network (ethernet)†  
Game  
Microphone (page 59)  
SCSI†  
i.LINK(IEEE 1394) (page 61)†  
Line In  
* Not available for the PCG-838.  
Network docking station only.  
The docking station can be powered only with an AC power adapter. Do not remove the AC  
adapter from the docking station or the AC outlet while using the docking station; this may  
cause data damage or hardware malfunctions.  
When your computer is connected to the docking station, you cannot use the System  
Suspend or System Hibernation power saving modes.  
Your computer should not be connected to the docking station when playing DVD-ROM  
discs.  
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46 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
To attach your computer to the docking station  
To supply power to your computer while it is connected to the docking  
station, you can connect the AC adapter directly to the docking station.  
1
2
Turn off your computer and disconnect all peripherals.  
On the back of the computer, lift the docking station port cover.  
Docking station port  
3
Align the indentation on the bottom of the computer with the guide  
post on the docking station.  
Notebook computer  
Docking station  
Guide post  
4
Make sure the docking station lever is in the RELEASE position. Align the  
guide posts on the docking station with the openings on the back of  
the computer, and then slide the computer in the direction of the  
arrow until it stops.  
Docking station port  
Guide posts  
Docking station  
lever (release  
position)  
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Connecting Peripheral Devices  
47  
5
Slide the docking station lever into the LOCK position to secure your  
computer in the docking station.  
6
Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN connector on  
the docking station. Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an  
AC outlet.  
Power cord  
AC adapter  
Use the AC adapter that comes with your computer or the optional Sony PCGA-AC7/  
PCGA-AC71 adapters.  
The power indicator light turns green.  
Battery  
charger  
In use  
Power  
Battery charger  
bay  
Drive bay  
Docking station  
7
Turn on the computer.  
The IN USE indicator light turns on.  
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48 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
To charge a battery pack using the docking station  
1
Open the cover of the battery charger bay.  
2
Insert the battery pack.  
Label side facing  
down  
Battery pack  
3
4
When the battery pack is fully inserted, close the cover.  
Connect the docking station to an AC outlet.  
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Connecting Peripheral Devices  
49  
The docking station automatically charges the battery. The  
battery  
charger indicator light is on while the battery is charging. When the  
battery is fully charged, the battery charger indicator light turns off.  
Make sure the docking station is in a horizontal position and do not move the docking  
station while the battery is in the docking station charger bay.  
To operate your computer using battery power, you must insert the battery in the  
computers battery bay. The docking station bay is designed to charge batteries and cannot  
be used as a power source for your computer or docking station.  
When charging two batteries at the same time, the battery in the computers battery bay  
has priority over the battery in the docking stations battery bay. Use the computers battery  
bay to charge the battery if you are in a hurry.  
If the computer is attached to the docking station, you cannot charge the battery in the  
docking station battery bay while the computers power indicator light is green or amber.  
The  
battery charger indicator light indicates that the battery is charging. To determine  
the actual amount of charge, insert the charged battery in the computer and use  
BatteryScope (see Displaying Battery Information” on page 70).  
To remove the battery pack  
1
2
Open the cover of the battery charger bay.  
Press the Eject button.  
Eject button  
Battery pack  
3
4
Pull out the battery pack.  
Close the cover of the battery charger bay.  
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50 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
To insert the floppy disk drive into the docking station  
You can use the floppy disk drive in the docking station while you are  
using the DVD-ROM drive in the computer. By using the drive bays in  
both the computer and the docking station, you can use both drives at the  
same time.  
Drive bay  
Floppy disk drive  
Turn off the computer before inserting or removing the drive.  
Use of the DVD-ROM drive in the docking station is not supported.  
To remove the drive  
There is an Eject lever on the bottom of the drive. Slide the lever in the  
direction of the arrow, and then pull the drive out of the bay. Insert the  
weight saver into the drive bay. See “Using the Weight Saver” on page 42.  
Do not leave the drive bay empty.  
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Connecting Peripheral Devices  
51  
To remove your computer from the docking station when the power is on  
1
2
Insert a charged battery in the computer.  
On the Start menu, select Eject. Alternatively, press Fn+F9.  
The IN USE indicator turns off. If you press Fn+F9, the computer beeps.  
Do not remove the computer before the IN USE indicator light turns off. Removing the  
computer before the light turns off may cause a malfunction.  
3
Slide the docking station lever forward into the RELEASE position to  
disengage the computer from the docking station.  
4
5
Lift the computer away from the docking station.  
Close the docking station port cover on the back of your computer.  
You cannot remove your computer from the docking station when the power is on  
unless you insert a charged battery in the computer first.  
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52 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
To remove your computer from the docking station when the power is off  
1
2
Turn off your computer and the connected peripherals.  
Slide the docking lever forward into the RELEASE position to disengage  
the computer from the docking station.  
3
4
Lift the computer away from the docking station.  
Close the docking station port cover on the back of your computer.  
If the docking station lever does not move, insert a thin, pointed object into the manual  
eject hole on the rear of the docking station.  
.
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Connecting Peripheral Devices  
53  
Connecting a Printer  
You can connect a Windows 98-compatible printer to your computer to  
print documents.  
To connect a printer  
Use the  
/
symbol to locate the FDD/ Printer connector. Plug the  
printer cable (supplied with the printer) into this port on the  
computer.  
Power cord  
Printer  
Printer cable  
(supplied with the printer)  
to  
/
FDD/Printer  
See the manual that came with your printer for more information on installation and use.  
Before using the printer, you may need to change the FDD/Printer setting in the Sony  
Notebook Setup software. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” on page 63.  
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54 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Connecting an External Display  
You can connect an external display to your notebook computer. For  
example, you can use the computer with any of the following:  
Computer display (monitor) (page 54)  
Multimedia computer display (page 55)  
Projector (page 56)  
To connect a computer display  
Use the  
symbol on the back of the computer to locate the Monitor  
connector. Plug the display cable into this connector on the back of  
the computer.  
If necessary, plug one end of the display power cord into the display,  
and the other end into an AC outlet.  
Computer display  
Power cord  
to  
Monitor  
Display cable  
See the manual that came with your computer display for more information on installation  
and use.  
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Connecting Peripheral Devices  
55  
To connect a multimedia computer display  
You can connect the notebook computer to a multimedia computer  
display that includes built-in speakers and a microphone.  
1
2
3
Use the  
cable into this connector.  
symbol to locate the Monitor connector. Plug the display  
Use the symbol to locate the Headphone connector. Plug the  
speaker cable into this connector.  
Use the symbol to locate the Microphone connector. Plug the  
microphone cable into this connector.  
to  
to  
to  
Monitor  
Multimedia  
computer display  
Display cable  
Power cord  
See the manual that came with your multimedia computer display for more information on  
installation and use.  
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56 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
To connect a projector  
You can use a projector, such as the Sony LCD Projector, as an external  
display.  
Projector  
to  
to  
Monitor  
Power cord  
RGB signal cable  
Audio cable (not supplied)  
See the manual that came with your projector for more information on installation and use.  
To select a display  
When you connect an external display to the monitor connector, you can  
toggle the output among the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), the external  
monitor, or both devices.  
Use the Fn+F7 keys to select a display. See also “Selecting the Display  
Mode” on page 73 for more information.  
To  
Press  
Result  
Switch to an  
external  
display  
Fn+F7  
Toggles among the LCD, the external display  
connected to the Monitor connector, and both  
the LCD and external display.  
LCD and external display  
Only external display  
Only LCD  
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Connecting Peripheral Devices  
57  
Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard  
You can connect an external mouse or keyboard to your computer. To  
connect both a mouse and a keyboard, use the docking station (see  
“Connecting the Docking Station” on page 45). The Mouse/ Keyboard  
connector requires a PS/ 2®-style plug or adapter.  
To connect an external mouse or keyboard  
Use the  
/
symbol to locate the Mouse/ Keyboard connector.  
Plug the keyboard cable or mouse cable into this connector with  
the mark facing up.  
Mouse  
or  
/
to  
Mouse/Keyboard  
Keyboard  
See “Using the Keyboard” on page 16 for more information on using the keyboard.  
See the manual that came with your mouse or keyboard for more information on  
installation and use.  
Before you connect or disconnect the mouse or keyboard, turn off the computer.  
Before connecting a mouse to the Serial port, make sure the mouse is compatible with a  
serial port.  
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58 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Connecting External Speakers  
You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by 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 diskettes on the speakers; the speakers’ magnetic field may damage the data  
on the diskettes.  
To connect external speakers  
Use the symbol to locate the Headphone connector. Plug the  
speaker cable into this connector.  
Speakers  
Speaker cable  
to  
(supplied with speakers)  
Headphone  
See the manual that came with your speakers for more information on installation and use.  
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Connecting Peripheral Devices  
59  
Connecting an External Microphone  
You can enhance the quality of sound input by using an external  
microphone.  
Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use.  
To connect an external microphone  
Use the to locate the Microphone connector. Plug the microphone  
cable into this connector.  
Microphone  
to  
Microphone  
See the manual that came with your microphone for more information on installation and  
use.  
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60 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Connecting a Digital Still Camera  
or Other Serial Device  
You can connect other computer peripherals, such as the Sony Digital Still  
Camera, to the Serial connector on your computer.  
To connect a digital still camera  
Use the  
symbol to locate the Serial connector. Plug the connecting  
cable into this port on the computer and into the Digital I/ O  
connector on the digital still camera.  
Digital still camera  
to Digital I/O  
to lOlOl  
Serial  
Connecting cable  
(not supplied)  
The Sony Digital Still Camera is pictured; you may need to connect your camera differently.  
See the manual that came with your digital camera or other serial device for more  
information on installation and use.  
If you use a digital camera that has an infrared data communication system or other infrared  
communication device, see Using Infrared Communication Devices” on page 36.  
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Connecting Peripheral Devices  
61  
Connecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder  
You can connect a digital video camera recorder to the i.LINK (IEEE 1394)  
connector on the docking station. See “Connecting the Docking Station”  
on page 45.  
To connect a digital video camera recorder  
Plug one end of the i.LINK cable into the i.LINK connector on the  
rear of the docking station and the other end into the DV In/ Out  
connector on the digital video camera recorder.  
to i.LINK  
Digital video  
camera recorder  
to DV In/Out  
i.LINK cable  
(supplied with docking station)  
The Sony digital video camera recorder (DCR-PC7) is pictured; your digital video camera  
recorder may need to be connected differently.  
On Sony digital video cameras, connectors labeled “DV In/Out” or “i.LINKare i.LINK-  
compatible.  
See the manual that came with your digital video camera recorder for more information on  
installation and use.  
Do not connect more than one digital video camera at a time. The software supplied with  
your computer will not recognize multiple cameras.  
The i.LINK connector on the docking station does not supply power to external devices. If  
the external device requires power from the i.LINK connector, you cannot use the device  
with the docking station.  
The docking station supports transfer rates up to 200 Mbps; however, the actual transfer  
rate is the lowest transfer rate of the external device.  
The i.LINK features available may vary depending on the software applications you use. See  
the documentation that came with your software for more information.  
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62 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device  
You can connect a USB device to your computer.  
To connect a USB device  
Use the symbol to locate the USB connector. Plug one end of the  
USB cable into this port and the other end into the USB device.  
USB device  
USB connecting cable  
(not supplied)  
to  
USB  
See the manual that came with your USB device for more information on installation and  
use.  
When you enable the PowerPanel setting that allows the computer to enter System Suspend  
mode or System Hibernation mode, your computer may enter System Suspend mode or  
System Hibernation mode while you are using a USB device, such as a USB mouse or a USB  
keyboard. Therefore, when using a USB device, select the AC Profile or change the profile  
setting in PowerPanel so that the computer does not enter System Suspend mode or System  
Hibernation mode. The default AC Profile settings do not allow the computer to enter  
System Suspend mode or System Hibernation mode. For details, see the PowerPanel Help.  
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Customizing Your  
Notebook Computer  
You can customize the settings of your notebook computer. The following  
sections briefly describe how to change your computers default settings.  
You can also refer to the Sony Notebook Setup Help for more detailed  
information.  
Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen  
To display the Sony Notebook Setup screen:  
1
2
Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.  
Point to VAIO and click Sony Notebook Setup.  
3
4
Select the tab for the item you want to change. See “Notebook Setup  
Tabs” on page 64.  
After you finish, click OK.  
63  
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64 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Notebook Setup Tabs  
Tab  
Descriptions  
About This Computer  
Display system information, including memory  
capacity, serial number, and BIOS version.  
Printer/ FDD  
Switch between connecting a printer or floppy disk  
drive without turning off the power. Change printer  
port mode settings.  
Power On  
Device Sequence  
Select the order of drives and devices from which  
you want to load the operating system. You can  
specify the hard drive inserted into the docking  
station as well as other drives inserted into your  
computer.  
Touchpad  
Drive Bay  
When you connect an optional mouse to the Serial  
port of your computer, you can make your touchpad  
inactive. You can also customize the settings of your  
mouse using the mouse utility.  
Change the device in the drive bay without turning  
off the power.  
Power On Password  
Enable Ports  
Set the password to secure your computer.  
Change the hardware resources such as I/ O address,  
IRQ, or DMA depending on the optional hardware  
or software you use. Disabling ports releases  
resources to the system. To change the serial, audio,  
and modem settings, click Advanced on the Basic/  
Advanced tab.  
Basic/ Advanced  
Toggle between Advanced mode (additional screens  
with advanced settings) and Basic mode of display.  
Advanced mode includes Serial, Audio, Built-in  
Modem, Enable Ports, View Resources, and Infrared  
tabs.  
For more information about each option, click Help on the Sony Notebook Setup screen to  
display the help file.  
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Customizing Your Notebook Computer  
65  
Changing Devices in the Drive Bay Using the Drive Bay Tab  
To exchange devices while the power is on, you should be aware of the  
following:  
Do not attempt to change devices in the drive bay while the power is  
on unless you use the sequence of steps on the Drive Bay tab.  
Do not switch to System Hibernation mode or System Suspend mode  
while changing a device.  
Do not change a device in the drive bay while your computer is  
accessing a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or floppy disk. Doing so may  
cause loss of data. Be sure to close active applications, other than  
Sony Notebook Setup, before changing a device.  
When installing a hard disk drive to the drive bay for the first time, it  
may take several minutes before you are able to use your computer.  
For optimum performance, you should turn off your computer when  
you insert a hard disk drive. If you insert a hard drive without  
turning off the power, you must reboot in order for the drive to run at  
optimum speed.  
When changing a device in the drive bay of the docking station, you  
must turn off the computer.  
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66 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Controlling Power Management  
The PowerPanel utility allows you to control the power management of  
your notebook computer and provides key information about system  
activity and battery life. The following sections briefly describe how to  
conserve your computers battery power. You can also refer to the  
PowerPanel Help for more detailed information. To activate a profile or  
command, see “To activate the PowerPanel Profiles toolbar” on page 68.  
Power Management Profiles  
PowerPanel provides four predefined power management profiles. Each  
profile consists of a group of specific 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 or you can create  
your own profile to suit your portable computing needs. The predefined  
profiles are:  
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 System Suspend mode after a specified  
time period.  
Power Management Off Turns off all power management features  
such as System Suspend and System Hibernation modes.  
AC Profile The power management state when AC power is in  
use. Similar to the Power Management Off setting. PowerPanel  
automatically loads the AC profile unless you disable this feature.  
Games Disables the display and the Hard Disk Spindle Down  
timer.  
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 Sleep, and  
System Suspend to optimize power management for your system.  
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Customizing Your Notebook Computer  
67  
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 Sleep, and System  
Suspend to optimize power management for your system.  
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 Sleep, and  
System Suspend to optimize power management for your system.  
Power Management Commands  
PowerPanel also provides power management commands that you can  
use to activate specific power management functions and to control  
power for a specific device. You might use these commands when you  
want to override a profile setting or initiate an immediate action, such as  
putting the system into Video Standby mode before the Video Standby  
timer expires.  
Icon  
Description  
System Suspend – Puts the system into System Suspend 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 switch on your  
computer.  
System Hibernation – 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 switch to  
turn on power. The system saves the data in the Save to Disk  
Partition on the hard drive.  
LCD (Video) Standby Turns off the LCD to save power. If you  
turn off the Video Standby timer, the display remains active except  
when the system enters System Suspend mode. The video display  
system is one of the largest consumers of power in the system.  
Hard Disk Sleep Turns off the hard disk spindle motor. Although  
you can manually turn off the power to the hard disk through this  
command, any system request to the hard disk turns on the power  
to the hard disk.  
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68 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Icon  
Description  
CPU Speed Control - Controls the speed at which the CPU  
performs. Click this button to open the Speed Control dialog box.  
When you select the Autocheck box, the CPU performs at full  
speed while the system is active and at 25% of full speed during  
periods of inactivity. Auto is the recommended option. You can also  
choose to run the CPU at 100%, 75%, 50%, or 25% of full speed  
regardless of whether the system is active or inactive. Using this  
command can help conserve battery power.  
PC CardControls the PC card sockets. Click this button to open  
the PC Card (PCMCIA) Properties dialog box. You can view the  
properties for the PC cards.  
To activate the PowerPanel Profiles toolbar  
1
Double-click the  
(atom) icon on the taskbar.  
The Profiles toolbar appears. When you move the pointer over the  
atom icon on the taskbar, a tooltip with the name of the active power  
management profile appears.  
When the Profiles toolbar is already visible on the desktop, double-clicking the atom icon  
hides the toolbar.  
2
Click the button you want to set.  
The power management settings associated with the profile you  
select become active.  
To display the Commands toolbar, right-click an empty portion of the toolbar and select  
Commands from the shortcut menu. Refer to the PowerPanel Help for information on  
customizing the PowerPanel toolbars.  
When you use the battery pack to power your computer, your system 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 pack to power your computer.  
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Customizing Your Notebook Computer  
69  
Changing the power management settings using the PowerPanel Profiles  
toolbar  
You can change power management settings, such as the settings for the  
System Suspend timer or the speed at which the CPU performs.  
1
Click the  
(atom) icon on the taskbar. The PowerPanel bar appears.  
(If the bar does not appear, click the Start button and point to Tool  
Center. Then point to Notebook Utility and select PowerPanel.)  
2
3
Right-click the Profiles icon for the item you want to change, then  
click Open. The Profile Manager starts.  
Double-click the item you want to change. A list of settings appears  
with a check mark indicating the current setting.  
4
5
6
Click the desired setting.  
Click the File menu, then click Save.  
Click the File menu, then click Close. The Profile Manager closes and  
the new setting is activated.  
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70 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Displaying Battery Information  
You can display detailed information for each of the batteries in your  
computer and docking station. The following sections briefly describe  
how to display your computer s general battery information. You can  
also refer to the BatteryScope Help for more detailed information.  
Activating BatteryScope  
To activate BatteryScope  
1
2
Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.  
Point to Tool Center and click BatteryScope. The battery icon appears  
on the taskbar.  
When you move the pointer over the battery icon on the taskbar, a  
tooltip appears indicating the total capacity remaining in the battery  
and the estimated time until the battery fully discharges.  
You can also view battery gauges on the shared PowerPanel and  
BatteryScope toolbar.  
Percentage indicator  
Displays the percentage of the remaining capacity.  
Time indicator  
Displays estimated time (hours/ minutes) remaining before the  
battery fully drains, also referred to as the time-to-empty.  
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Customizing Your Notebook Computer  
71  
Battery Icon Descriptions  
Battery icon  
Battery status  
Discharging  
Charging  
Not in use  
No battery  
Displaying Detailed Battery Information  
You can obtain detailed information about the batteries.  
Click the battery icon on the toolbar to display the BatteryScope  
window.  
The screen appears displaying the General tab, which contains  
information such as the estimated time-to-empty and charging time.  
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72 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
To display information on individual batteries  
1
2
Click the Primary battery tab to display information for the battery in  
the bay on the left side.  
Click the Secondary battery tab to display information for the battery  
in the bay on the right side.  
You can display the information about each battery, such as estimated  
time-to-empty, manufacturer, capacity, and other information.  
To customize the BatteryScope toolbar and alarm system  
You can customize the BatteryScope toolbar to suit your portable  
computing needs, including modifications to the alarm settings. Refer to  
the BatteryScope Help for more information.  
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Customizing Your Notebook Computer  
73  
Selecting the Display Mode  
When you connect an external display, you can toggle the display mode  
between the LCD on your computer and external displays.  
1
2
3
4
5
Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.  
Point to Settings and click Control Panel.  
Click Display.  
Click the Settings tab, then click the Advanced button.  
Click the NeoMagic® tab.  
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74 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
6
Select the type of external display:  
CRT/ Projector  
Displays an external computer display or RGB  
connected projector that is connected to the  
Monitor connector on your computer.  
TV  
This feature is not available on the PCG-838.  
If you select CRT/Projector, you can turn off the computer's LCD display by removing the  
checkmark from the LCD option under Internal Display.  
If you select CRT/Projector and turn off the LCD, you can use the Refresh Rate slider to  
change the display's horizontal frequency. This setting can be made only for CRT  
display. If you select Independent Display Timing (see page 75), you can change both  
the resolution and the refresh rate.  
7
8
Click OK. If you have made changes, the System settings change  
dialog box appears. Select Yes to restart Windows.  
If you have not made changes, click OK to close the Display  
Properties screen.  
Depending on the types of computer displays and projectors you are using, you may not be  
able to display the computer's LCD and external display simultaneously.  
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Customizing Your Notebook Computer  
75  
Using a CRT or Projector  
When you select CRT/ Projector as the display mode, you can make  
additional settings, described as follows:  
1
After selecting CRT/ Projector as the type of external display (step 6  
on page 74), click Advanced Settings.  
2
3
Click the External Display Options tab.  
Select the following options:  
External Display Device:  
CRT  
Connects with the external computer display.  
Connects with the projector.  
Projector  
Monitor Settings:  
Independent  
Display Timing  
Click to place a checkmark when you want to set  
the resolution and refresh rate differently from  
the computer's LCD. To change the resolution  
and refresh rate, see the notes to step 6 on  
page 74.  
Projector Settings:  
Type  
Select the projector's resolution from the drop-  
down box.  
4
Click OK.  
You cannot select Independent Display Timing when the display is set to True Color (24 bit).  
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76 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Display Specifications  
LCD Display Mode  
Resolution  
1024 x 768  
800 x 600  
640 x 480  
Number of colors  
16,770,000*  
16,770,000*  
16,770,000*  
* Achieved by graphic accelerator's dithering function  
External Display Mode  
Resolution  
1280 x 1024  
1024 x 768  
800 x 600  
Number of colors  
256  
16,770,000  
16,770,000  
16,770,000  
640 x 480  
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Customizing Your Notebook Computer  
77  
Using the Dual Display Function  
The dual display function allows you to distribute portions of your  
desktop across separate displays. For example, if you have an external  
monitor attached to the monitor connector, your LCD display and the  
monitor can function as a single desktop. You can move the cursor off one  
display and onto the other. This allows you to drag objects, such as an  
open application window or a toolbar, from one display to the other. This  
configuration of a single desktop distributed across separate displays is  
referred to as a virtual desktop.  
Virtual desktop  
External monitor  
Your LCD display  
Selecting dual display mode  
You must restart Windows to use dual display mode. Save your work and  
close any open applications before changing to dual display mode, then  
follow these steps:  
1
2
3
4
5
6
Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.  
Point to Settings and click Control Panel.  
Click the Display icon.  
Click the Settings tab.  
Click the Advanced button.  
Click the NeoMagic tab.  
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7
Check the Set Dual-Display option and click OK. The System Settings  
Change dialog box appears.  
8
9
Click Yes to restart your system.  
Repeat steps 1 to 3 to display the Display Properties screen.  
10 Click the display icon number 2.  
11 Click Yes.  
12 Click OK.  
Setting the colors and resolution for each display  
You can set the display colors and resolution for each display that is part  
of a virtual desktop.  
Follow steps 1 to 4 above to display the Display Properties screen. Select  
the display you wish to change (1 or 2) by clicking on the icon of the  
display. You can change colors by selecting an option from the Colors list.  
Use the slider in the Screen area to change the resolution. Click OK or  
Apply. Click OK to confirm that you want to make the changes.  
Customizing the virtual desktop  
You can customize dual display mode by changing the position of the two  
desktops that comprise the virtual desktop.  
In the Display Properties screen, drag the icons of display 1 or display 2,  
moving them to a new position relative to each other. The two display  
icons must be connected to create a virtual desktop. Click OK to apply the  
change.  
Releasing the dual display setting  
You must restart Windows to return to single display mode. Save your  
work and close any open applications before returning to single display  
mode. Follow the steps in the section above on Selecting dual display  
mode. In step 7, remove the check from the Set Dual-Display option. You  
must restart Windows before the change takes effect.  
78  
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Getting Help  
Sony provides several support options for your Sony computer. When  
you have questions about your computer and the preinstalled software,  
check these sources for answers, in the following sequence:  
1
VAIO Notebook  
Computer  
Read Me First  
Contains a complete list of the items that ship with  
your computer, product specifications, software  
support information, and the most up-to-date  
information on using your computer.  
2
3
VAIO Notebook  
Computer User  
Guide  
Explains how to use your notebook computer and  
connect peripheral devices.  
Online  
User Guide  
This electronic version of the User Guide contains  
additional information on the preinstalled software  
titles. You can access this guide from the Windows  
Start menu by selecting Programs/ VAIO/  
Documentation.  
4
5
Manuals and  
online help files  
that may  
accompany your  
preinstalled  
software  
Most of the manuals for preinstalled software are  
located on your hard disk drive as online help files.  
You can access the online help files from the Help  
menu in the specific application. A printed manual is  
available for some applications.  
Knowledge  
Database  
Provides instant access to information on commonly  
encountered problems. Enter a description of your  
problem and the Knowledge Database searches for  
the corresponding solutions online. You can access  
the Sony Knowledge Database at:  
http:/ / www.sony.com/ pcsupport/  
79  
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80 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
6
7
Sony  
Fax-on-Demand  
This service provides you with answers to commonly  
asked questions. You can use this automated service  
to request a list of available topics and then select the  
topics that you want to receive. To contact the Sony  
fax-on-demand service, call 1-888-4SONYPC  
(1-888-476-6972). (Requires a fax machine or your  
fax software.)  
Calling Sony  
Customer  
Support  
You can call and speak with a Sony Customer  
Support Representative without using your  
computer by calling 1-888-4SONYPC  
(1-888-476-6972). Software support is available free of  
charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase.  
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Getting Help  
81  
Troubleshooting  
This section describes how to solve common problems you may  
encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple  
solutions, so try these suggestions before you call Sony Customer  
Support.  
When you reconnect devices be sure to turn off the computer as described in “Shutting  
Down Your Computer” on page 13. Turning off the computer using other methods may  
result in data loss.  
My computer does not start  
Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is  
turned on. Check that the power indicator on the front panel of the  
computer indicates that the power is on.  
Check that the battery packs are inserted properly and that they are  
charged.  
Make sure there is no diskette in the floppy disk drive.  
Confirm that the power cord and all cables are connected firmly, as  
described in “Connecting Peripheral Devices” on page 43.  
If you plugged the computer into a power strip or UPS, make sure the  
power strip or UPS is turned on and working.  
If you are using an external display, check that it is plugged into a  
power source and turned on. Check that the brightness and contrast  
controls are adjusted correctly. See the manual that came with your  
display for details.  
Moisture condensation may have occurred. Do not use the computer  
for at least one hour and then turn on the computer.  
When the internal backup battery is low on power, it may not be able  
to boot your system properly. You can correct this situation as  
follows. Plug in the AC adapter and allow the computer to charge for  
one hour while the power is on. Do not use the computer during this  
time. After one hour, turn the power off and then on again. To charge  
the internal backup battery fully, keep the AC adapter connected for  
more than 24 hours after turning the power on. You can use your  
computer while charging the battery.  
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82 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
When I turn on my computer, the message “Operating system not found”  
appears and Windows does not start  
Check the floppy disk drive to see if a non-bootable diskette is in the  
drive.  
If a non-bootable diskette is in the drive, turn off the computer,  
remove the diskette, and then turn on the computer again. Confirm  
that Windows starts properly. If Windows still does not start, follow  
the procedure below to initialize the BIOS.  
If the floppy disk drive is empty, follow the steps below to initialize  
the BIOS:  
1 Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer.  
2 Turn the computer off and then turn it on again.  
3 Turn on the computer and press the F2 key when the Sony logo appears.  
The BIOS setup menu screen appears.  
4 Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.  
5 Press the arrow keys to select Get Default Values and then press the Enter  
key. The message “Load default configuration now?” appears.  
6 Check that [Yes] is selected, then press the Enter key.  
7 Press the arrow keys to select Exit (Save Changes) and then press the Enter  
key. The message “Save configuration changes and exit now?” appears.  
8 Check that [Yes] is selected, then press the Enter key. The computer  
restarts.  
If your computer still displays the message “Operating system not  
found” and Windows does not start, contact Sony Customer Support.  
My LCD does not display anything  
Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is  
turned on. Check that the power indicator on the front panel of the  
computer is on.  
Check that the battery packs are inserted properly and that they are  
charged.  
The computer may be in LCD (Video) Standby mode. Press any key  
to activate the display.  
The video output may be directed to an external display. Press Fn+F7  
until video output appears on the LCD.  
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Getting Help  
83  
The screen image on my external display is not centered or sized properly  
Use the controls on your external display to adjust the image. See the  
manual supplied with your display for more information.  
The video image on my screen is too dark  
If an external display is connected to the Monitor connector, disconnect  
the display.  
My computer “locks up”  
Try restarting the computer. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start  
button, click Shut Down, and then click Restart the computer.  
If you cannot restart as described in the preceding step, you can  
restart the computer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete.  
If the previous step does not work, slide the power switch toward the  
front and hold it for at least four seconds. This turns off the power.  
If your computer locks up while playing a CD-ROM, stop the  
CD-ROM, and restart the computer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete.  
Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete may result in data loss in files that are currently open.  
My software program “locks up” or crashes  
Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical  
support. See the online User Guide for a complete list of phone numbers.  
My DVD-ROM drive tray does not open  
Check that the DVD-ROM drive is properly inserted.  
Make sure the computer is turned on.  
Press the Eject button on the DVD-ROM drive.  
If the Eject button does not work, you can open the tray by inserting a  
sharp, pointed object into the hole to the right of the Eject button.  
I cannot play a CD-ROM  
Make sure the label of the CD-ROM is facing up.  
If the CD-ROM requires software, make sure the software is installed  
according to the programs instructions.  
Moisture condensation may have occurred. Leave the computer for at  
least 1 hour while the computer is turned on.  
Make sure the DVD-ROM drive is properly inserted.  
Clean the CD-ROM.  
Check the speaker volume.  
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84 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
I cannot play a DVD-ROM  
If a region code warning appears when you are using the DVD  
player, it could be that the DVD-ROM you are trying to play is  
incompatible with the DVD-ROM drive in your notebook computer.  
The region code is listed on the discs packaging.  
If you hear audio but cannot see video, your computers video  
resolution may be set too high. For best results, change the Windows  
Control Panel/ Display/ Settings to 800 x 600 using 256 colors.  
If you see video but cannot hear audio, check all of the following:  
Make sure the mute setting is off in your DVD player. Check the  
master volume setting in the audio Mixer. If you have connected  
speakers externally, check the volume settings in your computer  
speakers and check the connections between your speakers and the  
computer. Check the Windows Control Panel/ System/ Device  
Manager to see that the drivers are installed properly.  
A dirty or damaged disc may cause the computer to “hang” while it  
tries to read the disc. If necessary, reboot the computer, remove the  
disc, and then check that it is not dirty or damaged. For cleaning  
instructions, see “On Cleaning CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs” on  
page 94.  
When I click an application icon a message appears, such as “You must insert  
the application CD into your CD-ROM drive”, and the software does not start  
Some titles require specific files that are located on the applications  
CD-ROM. Insert the disc and try starting the program again.  
Make sure you place the disc in the tray with the label side facing up.  
My floppy disk drive cannot write to a diskette  
If the diskette is write-protected, disable the write-protect feature or  
use a diskette that is not write-protected.  
Check that the diskette is properly inserted into the floppy disk drive.  
My speakers have no sound  
If the built-in speakers are turned off, press Fn+F3 to turn on the  
speakers.  
If the speaker volume is turned to the minimum, press Fn+F4, and  
then press or to increase the volume.  
If your computer is powered by batteries, check that the battery packs  
are inserted properly and that they are charged.  
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Getting Help  
85  
If you are using an application that has its own volume control, check  
that the volume is turned up.  
Check the volume controls in Windows 98.  
If you connect external speakers, check that the speakers are properly  
connected and the volume is turned up. If the speakers have a mute  
button, make sure it is off. If the speakers are powered by batteries,  
check that the batteries are inserted properly and that they are  
charged.  
If you have connected a headphone or an audio cable to the  
Headphone connector, disconnect the cable.  
When I press Fn+F3, I see the message “Sound Disabled”  
Click the System icon in the Control Panel. Change the settings under  
Device Manager so that sound is enabled.  
My modem does not work  
Check that the phone line is plugged into the line jack. See  
“Connecting a Phone Line” on page 44 for details.  
Check that the phone line is working. You can check the line by  
plugging in an ordinary phone and listening for a dial tone.  
Check the PowerPanel modem setting. Select Modem On from the  
PowerPanel toolbar or menu.  
Check that the phone number the program is dialing is correct.  
Check that the software you are using is compatible with the  
notebook computer modem. (All preinstalled programs are  
compatible.) Call the software publisher or Sony Customer Support.  
My modem connection is slow  
The computer s modem uses K56flex™ technology and V.90 capability.  
Many factors influence modem connection speed, including telephone  
line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment (such as fax  
machines or other modems). If you think your modem is not connecting  
properly to other PC-based modems, fax machines, or your Internet  
Service Provider, check the following:  
Have your phone company check that your phone line is free from  
any line noise.  
If your problem is fax-related, check that there are no problems with  
the fax machine you are calling and that it is compatible with fax  
modems.  
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86 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
If you are having a problem connecting with your Internet Service  
Provider, check that the ISP is not experiencing technical problems.  
If you have a second phone line available, try connecting the modem  
to that line.  
My microphone does not work  
If you are using an external microphone, check that the microphone is  
plugged into the Microphone connector. See “Connecting an External  
Microphone” on page 59 for details.  
My mouse does not work  
If you are using an external mouse, check that the mouse is plugged  
into the mouse connector. See “Connecting an External Mouse or  
Keyboard” on page 57 for details.  
If you connected an external mouse while your computer is on, you  
must restart your computer.  
I cannot use DV devices. The message “DV equipment seems to be  
disconnected or turned off” appears.  
Check that the DV device is turned on and that the cables are  
properly connected.  
If you are using multiple i.LINK devices, the combination of the  
connected devices may cause unstable operation. In this case, turn off  
the power to all connected devices and disconnect unused devices.  
Check the connection, then turn on the power again.  
My touchpad interprets a single tap as a double-click  
Click the Mouse icon in the Control Panel and then change the button  
assignments in the Mouse Properties dialog box. One of the buttons is  
assigned to the double-click action.  
My computer does not shut down  
It is best to shut down your computer using the Shut Down command on  
the Windows 98 Start menu. Using other methods, including those listed  
here, may result in loss of unsaved data. If the Shut Down command does  
not work properly, follow these steps:  
Restart the computer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete. If this does not  
work, slide the power switch forward and hold it for at least four  
seconds to turn off the power.  
Unplug the computer from the AC adapter and remove the battery  
pack from your computer.  
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Getting Help  
87  
My PC card is not working  
Make sure the PC card is compatible with Windows 98.  
Use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices you are not  
currently using.  
The sound of my computers fan is too loud  
Use the PowerPanel utility to change the Thermal Control Strategy  
setting to Quiet. This setting disables the fan. See the PowerPanel Help  
for more information.  
I cannot print  
The default setting for the printer port mode is correct for most printers.  
If you cannot print, try changing the printer port mode. In Sony  
Notebook Setup, select the Printer/ FDD tab. If the printer port mode is  
set to ECP, change it to bi-directional. If the printer port mode is set to  
bi-directional, change it to ECP. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook  
Setup Screen” on page 63 for details on using Sony Notebook Setup.  
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88 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Using the System and Application  
Recovery CDs  
The following sections describe how to use the System Recovery and  
Application Recovery utilities.  
Using the System Recovery CD(s)  
You can reinstall software titles that shipped with your computer if they  
are corrupted or accidentally erased. You may not need to recover the  
entire contents of your hard drive. If you experience a problem with your  
computer, reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may  
correct the problem. Use the Application Recovery CD(s) to reinstall  
individual applications or device drivers. See “Using the Application  
Recovery CD(s)” on page 90.  
The System Recovery CD contains a backup copy of all the software  
originally installed on your hard disk drive. It can be used only to  
recover the hard disk of the notebook computer you purchased.  
The System Recovery utility gives you three options:  
Full Restore without Format restores all the software titles that  
originally came with your computer without formatting the hard  
disk.  
Full Restore with Format formats the hard disk drive and then  
restores all the original software.  
Operating System Only restores the Windows 98 operating system,  
the notebook computer utility programs, and the device drivers that  
shipped with your computer.  
! If you choose the Full Restore with Format or Operating System Only option,  
your hard disk will be formatted, which removes all the information on the  
hard disk drive. You will lose any software you have installed and any other  
files you have created since you started to use your computer. This means you  
will have to reinstall any applications that were not included with the  
computer when you purchased it. If you choose the Full Restore without  
Format option, you may need to reinstall applications that were not included  
with the computer when you purchased it. If you have any questions on using  
the System Recovery CD, contact Sony Customer Support.  
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Getting Help  
89  
To use the System Recovery CD(s)  
The DVD-ROM drive must be inserted in the computer to use the System Recovery CD. You  
cannot use the DVD-ROM drive in the docking station.  
You need to complete the Windows 98 registration process when you use the System  
Recovery CD. Make sure you have the product ID number located on the cover of your  
Microsoft Windows 98 “Getting Started” manual. You will need this number to complete  
the recovery process.  
1
2
Insert the Sony System Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM drive.  
The System recovery utility boots from the DVD-ROM drive. It must be in the DVD-ROM  
drive when you turn on the computer.  
Shut down your computer as described in “Shutting Down Your  
Computer” on page 13.  
3
4
Wait four seconds and turn on your computer.  
Click OK to signify you have read and accept the Microsoft End-User  
License Agreement.  
5
When the System Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen  
instructions to complete the recovery process.  
Your system may include one or two System Recovery CDs. If you have two System Recovery  
CDs, insert the first CD to run the System Recovery program. You are prompted to insert the  
second CD once the information from the first CD has been installed.  
The recovery process takes from 30 to 60 minutes to complete.  
If your computer does not start from the Recovery CD  
1
2
Slide the power switch forward and hold it for more than four  
seconds to turn off the computer.  
Turn on the computer. When the Sony logo is displayed, press the F2  
key. The BIOS setup menu screen appears.  
3
4
Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.  
Press the arrow keys to select Get Default Values and then press the  
Enter key. The message “Load default configuration now?” appears.  
5
Check that [Yes] is selected, then press the Enter key.  
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90 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
6
Press the arrow keys to select Exit (Save Changes) and then press the  
Enter key. The message “Save configuration changes and exit now?”  
appears.  
7
Check that [Yes] is selected, then press the Enter key. The computer  
restarts from the Recovery CD.  
Using the Application Recovery CD(s)  
The Application Recovery CD(s) allows you to reinstall individual  
applications and device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally  
erased. Reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may  
correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer, and you may  
not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive. If you do need  
to reinstall all the software titles that shipped with your computer, use the  
System Recovery CD(s). See “Using the System Recovery CD(s)” on  
page 88.  
You can also use the Application Recovery CD to install Windows NT®  
Workstation 4.0 drivers on your computer.  
You must be in Windows to run the Application Recovery CD(s). The application will not run  
from DOS. If you have any questions on using the Application Recovery CD(s), contact Sony  
Customer Support.  
To use the Application Recovery CD(s)  
1
2
Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all  
applications.  
When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Sony Application  
Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM drive. The Application Recovery  
utility loads automatically.  
3
When the Application Recovery menu appears, select the icon for the  
application you want to restore and then follow the on-screen  
instructions to complete the recovery process.  
Your system may include one or two Application Recovery CDs. If you have two Application  
Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the Application Recovery program. You may be  
prompted to insert the second CD, depending on the application you wish to restore.  
For a list of the contents of the Application Recovery CD(s), see the online version of Read  
Me First.  
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Notes on Use  
This section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help protect  
your computer from potential damage.  
On Handling the LCD Screen  
Do not leave the LCD facing the sun as it can damage the LCD. Be  
careful when using the computer near a window.  
Do not scratch the LCD or exert pressure on it. This could cause  
malfunction.  
Using the computer in low temperature conditions may produce a  
residual image on the screen. This is not a malfunction. When the  
computer returns to normal temperature, the screen returns to  
normal.  
A residual image may appear on the screen if the same image is  
displayed for a lengthy period of time. The residual image disappears  
in a while. You can use a screen saver to prevent residual images.  
The screen becomes warm during operation. This is normal and does  
not indicate a malfunction.  
The LCD is manufactured using high-precision technology. You may,  
however, see tiny black points and/ or bright points (red, blue, or  
green) that continuously appear on the LCD. This is a normal result  
of the manufacturing process and does not indicate a malfunction.  
On the Power Source  
Your computer operates on 100V-240V AC 50/ 60 Hz.  
Do not share the AC outlet with other power-consuming equipment,  
such as a copying machine or shredder.  
You can purchase a power strip with a surge protector. This device  
prevents damage to your computer caused by sudden power surges  
such as those that may occur during an electrical storm.  
Do not place heavy objects on the power cord.  
91  
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92 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord  
itself.  
Unplug your computer from the wall outlet if you will not be using  
the computer for a long time.  
When the AC adapter is not used, unplug it from the AC outlet.  
Use only the AC adapter supplied. Do not use any other AC adapter.  
On Handling  
Clean the cabinet with a soft, dry cloth or a soft cloth lightly  
moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of  
abrasive pad, scouring powder, or solvent such as alcohol or benzine,  
as these may damage the finish of your computer.  
Should any solid object or liquid fall into the computer, shut down  
your computer and then unplug it. You may want to have the  
computer checked by qualified personnel before operating it any  
further.  
Do not drop the computer or place heavy objects on top of the  
computer.  
On Installation  
Do not place your computer in a location subject to:  
Heat sources, such as radiators or air ducts  
Direct sunlight  
Excessive dust  
Moisture or rain  
Mechanical vibration or shock  
Strong magnets or speakers that are not magnetically shielded  
Ambient temperature of more than 95º F (35º C) or less than  
50º F (10º C)  
High humidity  
Do not place electronic equipment near your computer. The  
computer s electromagnetic field may cause a malfunction.  
Provide adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat build-up. Do  
not place your computer on porous surfaces such as rugs or blankets,  
or near materials such as curtains or draperies that may block its  
ventilation slots. Leave a space of at least 8 inches behind the back  
panel of the computer.  
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Notes on Use  
93  
The computer uses high-frequency radio signals and may cause  
interference to radio or TV reception. Should this occur, relocate the  
computer a suitable distance away from the set.  
Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables;  
otherwise, problems may result.  
Do not use cut or damaged connection cables.  
Your computer will not work with party lines, cannot be connected to  
a coin-operated telephone, and may not work with multiple phone  
lines or a private branch exchange (PBX).  
If the telephone company makes a service call to your home or office  
and determines that your computer is responsible for a problem, the  
telephone company may bill you for the service call. Also, if you do  
not disconnect your computer when it is adversely affecting the  
telephone line, the telephone company has the right to disconnect  
your service until you correct the problem.  
On Moisture Condensation  
If the computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one,  
moisture may condense inside your computer. In this case, allow at least  
an hour before turning on your computer. If any problems occur, unplug  
your computer, and contact your Sony Service Center.  
On Upgrading the System  
The procedures described in “Adding Memory” on page 96 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  
telecommunications links, networks, or modems before you open the  
system or do any of the procedures described in “Adding Memory” .  
Failure to do so may result in personal injury or equipment damage.  
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage disk drives and other  
components. Perform the procedures described in “Adding Memory”  
only at an ESD workstation. 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.  
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94 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
On Handling Diskettes  
Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the  
diskette.  
Keep diskettes away from magnets.  
Keep diskettes away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.  
On Handling CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs  
Do not touch the surface of the disc.  
Do not drop or bend the disc.  
On Cleaning CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs  
Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors.  
Proper care of the disc is essential to maintain its reliability. Do not  
use solvents such as benzine, thinner, commercially available cleaners  
or anti-static spray, as they may cause damage to the disc.  
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.  
On Using Batteries  
Never leave the battery pack in temperatures above 140° F (60° C),  
such as under direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.  
Battery life is shorter in a cold environment. This is due to decreased  
battery efficiency at low temperatures.  
Charge the batteries at temperatures between 50° F and 80° F (10° C  
to 30° C). Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.  
While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery pack heats  
up. This is normal and is not cause for concern.  
Keep the battery pack away from all sources of heat.  
Keep the battery pack dry.  
Do not open or try to disassemble the battery pack.  
Do not expose the battery pack to any mechanical shock.  
If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time,  
remove the battery pack from the computer to prevent damage to the  
battery.  
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Notes on Use  
95  
If, after fully charging the battery pack, the battery power is still low,  
the battery pack may be reaching the end of its life and should be  
replaced.  
You do not need to discharge the battery before recharging.  
If you have not used the battery pack for a considerable amount of  
time, recharge the battery.  
On Using the Headphone  
Road safety – Do not use headphone while driving, cycling, or  
operating any motorized vehicle. It may create a traffic hazard and is  
illegal in some areas. It can also be potentially dangerous to play your  
headphone at high volume while walking, especially at pedestrian  
crossings. You should exercise extreme caution or discontinue use in  
potentially hazardous situations.  
Preventing hearing damage – Avoid using headphone at high  
volume. Hearing experts advise against continuous, loud and  
extended play. If you experience a ringing in your ears, reduce the  
volume or discontinue use.  
On Maintenance  
Make sure to disconnect the power cord before cleaning the  
computer.  
Avoid rubbing the LCD screen as this can damage the screen. Use a  
soft, dry cloth to wipe the LCD screen.  
Clean the computer with a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild  
detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring  
powder or solvent, such as alcohol or benzine.  
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96 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Adding Memory  
In the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the  
functionality of your computer. You can increase memory to 192 MB by  
installing optional memory modules. A 64 MB memory module is already  
installed on your computer. You can add another memory module in a  
slot. 16, 32, 64, and 128 MB Expansion Memory Modules are available as  
optional memory modules.  
! Make sure you observe the proper safety precautions when you install memory  
modules in your computer. See “On Upgrading the System” on page 93.  
Be careful when adding memory. Mistakes when installing or removing a  
memory module may cause a malfunction.  
Electrostatic discharge can damage electronic components. Before touching a memory  
expansion board, ensure the following:  
You are discharged of static electricity by touching a grounded metal object.  
Do not work in a carpeted area.  
Do not open the package of the memory module until ready for use. The package  
protects the memory module from electrostatic discharge.  
Use the special bag for preventing electrostatic discharge or use aluminum foil when  
you store the memory module.  
To install a memory module  
1
2
Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices,  
such as your printer.  
Unplug your computer and remove the battery packs.  
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Notes on Use  
97  
3
Wait until the computer cools down. Then turn your computer  
upside down and open the cover on the bottom.  
turn  
counter-  
turn  
clockwise  
counter-  
clockwise  
panel  
screw  
panel  
screw  
4
5
Remove the memory module from its packaging.  
Install the memory module.  
Connectors  
1
2
Slide the memory module into the slot.  
1
2
The connectors snap into place when the board is correctly seated.  
6
7
8
Close the cover and tighten the screws.  
Turn on the computer.  
Click the My Computer icon with the right mouse button and select  
Properties.  
The System Properties screen appears.  
9
Click the Performance tab to view memory.  
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98 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
If the additional memory is not shown, repeat steps 1-9.  
To remove a memory module  
1
2
3
4
Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices.  
Unplug your computer and remove the battery packs.  
Turn your computer upside down and open the cover on the bottom.  
Touch a metal object (such as the connector panel on the back of your  
computer) to discharge static electricity.  
5
Remove the memory module.  
Pull the tabs in the direction of the arrows. The memory module is released.  
1
Pull the memory module in the direction of the arrow.  
2
6
Close the cover.  
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Limited Warranty Statement  
Notebook Computer Warranty  
The limited warranty on your VAIO Notebook computer covers parts and  
labor against defects in material or workmanship for a period of three  
months from the original date of purchase. You can extend the warranty  
period for an additional nine months by registering your computer. See  
“Registering Your Computer” on page 15. Once you register your  
computer, the limited warranty period is twelve months from the original  
date of purchase.  
There is a separate warranty for the battery included with your computer.  
See “Battery Limited Warranty” on page 103.  
For the purpose of this Limited Warranty “SONYmeans SONY ELECTRONICS INC. for Products  
purchased in the United States of America and Sony of Canada Ltd. for Products purchased in Canada.  
SONY warrants this computer hardware product (“the Product”) against defects in material or  
workmanship as follows:  
1. Labor: For a period of ninety (90) calendar days from the original date of purchase from SONY or a  
SONY authorized reseller, SONY will repair defects in material or workmanship in the Product at no  
charge, or pay the associated labor charges to a SONY authorized personal computer service facility. The  
ninety (90) day warranty period is extendible only to the original purchaser, for an additional period of  
nine (9) months, for a total of twelve (12) months from date of purchase when the Product is registered  
electronically prior to the expiry of ninety (90) days from the original date of purchase. After the  
applicable period you must pay for all labor charges.  
2. Parts: For a period of ninety (90) calendar days from the original date of purchase from SONY or a  
SONY authorized reseller, SONY will supply, at no charge, new or rebuilt, at SONY’s option, replacement  
parts in exchange for defective parts. Any replacement parts will be warranted for the remainder of the  
original warranty period or ninety (90) calendar days from installation by SONY’s authorized personal  
computer service facility, whichever is longer. The ninety (90) day warranty period is extendible only to  
the original purchaser, for an additional period of nine (9) months, for a total of twelve (12) months from  
date of purchase when the Product is registered electronically prior to the expiry of ninety (90) days from  
the original date of purchase. All defective parts replaced under this Limited Warranty will become the  
property of SONY.  
This Limited Warranty covers only the hardware components packaged with the Product. It does not  
cover technical assistance for hardware or software usage and it does not cover any software products  
whether or not contained in the Product; SONY excludes all warranties express or implied in respect of  
any software provided with the product and any such software is provided “AS ISunless expressly  
provided for in any enclosed software limited warranty. Please refer to the End User License Agreements  
included with the Product for your rights and obligations with respect to the software.  
99  
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100 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
This Limited Warranty is non-transferable. Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale (which is  
evidence that the Product is within the warranty period) must be presented to obtain warranty service. In  
addition, if replacement parts are required and you wish to receive the most expedient service available,  
you will be required to provide SONY with a credit card authorization to bill your credit card in the event  
you fail to return the original parts in the postage-paid envelope we provide. The credit card will only be  
charged for SONY’s list price for the part if the original part has not been returned within thirty (30) days.  
In respect of certain components you may be entitled to express warranty service during the warranty  
period, subject to certain restrictions. Please contact SONY as indicated below for further information.  
With respect to all service provided, it is your responsibility prior to Product service to backup the  
contents of your hard drive, including any data you have stored or software you have installed on the  
hard drive. It is likely that the contents of your hard drive will be lost or reformatted in the course of  
service and SONY will not be responsible for any damage to or loss of any programs, data or other  
information stored on any media or any part of any Product serviced hereunder or any consequential  
damages resulting therefrom.  
IF DURING THE REPAIR OF THE PRODUCT THE CONTENTS OF THE HARD DRIVE ARE ALTERED,  
DELETED, OR IN ANY WAY MODIFIED, SONY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE WHATSOEVER. YOUR  
PRODUCT WILL BE RETURNED TO YOU CONFIGURED AS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED (SUBJECT  
TO AVAILABILITY OF SOFTWARE).  
Be sure to remove all third party hardware, software, features, parts, options, alterations, and attachments  
not warranted by SONY prior to sending the Product to SONY for service. SONY is not liable for any loss  
or damage to these items.  
This Limited Warranty does not cover any consumable items (such as batteries) supplied with this  
Product; cosmetic damages; damage or loss to any software programs, data, or removable storage media;  
or damage due to (1) acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, commercial use or modifications of  
this Product; (2) improper operation or maintenance of this Product; (3) connection to improper voltage  
supply; or (4) attempted repair by any party other than a SONY authorized personal computer service  
facility. This Limited Warranty does not apply when the malfunction results from the use of this Product  
in conjunction with accessories, products or ancillary or peripheral equipment, or where it is determined  
by SONY that there is no fault with this Product itself. This Limited Warranty is valid only in the United  
States of America and Canada. This Limited Warranty is invalid if the factory applied serial number has  
been altered or removed from the Product.  
Repair or replacement of defective parts or hardware as provided under this Limited Warranty is the  
exclusive remedy of the consumer. SONY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR  
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR OTHER DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS  
OF PROFITS, LOSS OF REVENUE, LOSS OF DATA, LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT OR ANY  
ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, DOWN TIME AND PURCHASER’S TIME. FOR BREACH OF ANY  
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, BREACH OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR  
ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY RELATED TO THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT  
PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR  
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON THIS PRODUCT IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE  
DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.  
Some states or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages,  
or allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusions may  
not apply to you. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights  
which vary from state to state, or province to province.  
Technical Support: Although technical support is not provided free of charge under this Limited  
Warranty, SONY has established a telephone number for technical support. Charges may apply for  
technical support, unless and to the extent that free technical support for a limited period is provided in  
writing as a feature of your Product. Prior to placing your call, please have available the model and serial  
number for your Product, date of purchase, a list of all options installed in your Product and a detailed  
description of the problem.  
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Limited Warranty Statement  
101  
For Product support, online knowledge base, frequently asked questions, and free updates via the  
Internet: http:/ / www.sony.com/ pcsupport/  
For Product information, service assistance, resolution of a service problem, or technical assistance, call:  
1-888-4SONYPC (476 – 6972)  
Save this for future reference.  
© 1998 Sony Electronics Inc. and Sony of Canada Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without written  
permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. SONY is a registered trademark of Sony.  
GARANTIE RESTREINTE  
SONY DU CANADA LTÉE (“SONY) garantit comme suit ce Produit dordinateur (“le Produit”) contre  
tous vices de matières premières et de fabrication :  
1. Main-doeuvre : Pendant une période de quatre-vingt-dix (90) jours à compter de la date dachat  
originale chez SONY ou chez un de ses revendeurs autorisés, SONY réparera le Produit à ses frais ou en  
remboursera les frais de main-doeuvre au centre de réparation dordinateur personnel autorisé SONY.  
La période de garantie de quatre-vingt-dix (90) jours peut être prolongée au bénéfice de lacheteur  
original pour une période additionnelle de neuf (9) mois, soit un total de douze (12) mois à compter de la  
date dachat, lorsque le Produit est enregistré électroniquement. Après la période applicable, lacheteur  
doit payer tous les frais de main-doeuvre.  
2. Pièces : Pendant une période de quatre-vingt-dix (90) jours à compter de la date dachat originale chez  
SONY ou chez un de ses revendeurs autorisés, SONY fournira à ses frais des pièces de rechange neuves  
ou reconstruites, à sa discrétion, en échange des pièces défectueuses. Ces pièces de remplacement seront  
garanties pour le reste de la période originale de garantie ou pour quatre-vingt-dix (90) jours à compter  
de leur installation par un centre de service dordinateur personnel autorisé SONY, au plus long des deux  
termes. La période de garantie de quatre-vingt-dix (90) jours peut être prolongée au bénéfice de  
l’acheteur original pour une période additionnelle de neuf (9) mois, soit un total de douze (12) mois à  
compter de la date dachat, lorsque le Produit est enregistré électroniquement. Toutes les pièces  
défectueuses remplacées au titre de cette garantie restreinte deviennent la propriété de SONY.  
Cette garantie restreinte couvre uniquement les composants physiques emballés avec le Produit. Elle  
ninclut pas lassistance technique en rapport avec lutilisation du matériel ou du logiciel et ne couvre  
aucun logiciel, quil soit ou non fourni avec le Produit. Les logiciels sont fournis “TELS QUELS” à moins  
dêtre expressément couverts par une autre garantie restreinte spécifique. Veuillez vous reporter aux  
Contrats de licence dutilisation accompagnant le Produit quant à vos obligations en rapport avec les  
logiciels.  
Cette garantie restreinte est incessible.  
Pour vous prévaloir du service au titre de la garantie, vous devrez présenter une preuve dachat sous  
forme de facture de vente attestant que le Produit est couvert par la garantie en vigueur. Par ailleurs, si  
des pièces doivent être remplacées et que vous désirez obtenir le service le plus rapide possible, vous  
devrez fournir à SONY une autorisation lui permettant den porter le montant à votre carte de crédit  
advenant que vous négligiez de retourner les pièces originales dans lenveloppe affranchie qui vous est  
fournie. Seul le prix courant de SONY pour cette pièce sera porté à votre carte de crédit si la pièce ne lui  
est pas retournée dans un délai de trente (30) jours.  
Vous pouvez avoir droit au service de garantie exprès durant la période de garantie, sous réserve de  
certaines restrictions. Pour tout renseignement, veuillez communiquer avec SONY de la façon indiquée  
ci-après.  
Vous avez lentière responsabilité de faire une copie de sauvegarde du contenu du disque dur, incluant  
toute donnée en mémoire ou tout logiciel que vous y avez installé. Il est fort probable que le contenu du  
disque dur sera reformaté ou perdu en cours de service et SONY ne pourra être tenue responsable  
daucun dommage ni de la perte des programmes, des données ou de toute autre information gardée en  
mémoire sur tout support dinformation ou sur toute partie de tout Produit en réparation.  
SI, DURANT LA RÉPARATION DU PRODUIT, LE CONTENU DU DISQUE DUR EST ALTÉRÉ,  
SUPPRIMÉ OU MODIFIÉ, SONY NEN SERA AUCUNEMENT RESPONSABLE. LE PRODUIT VOUS  
SERA RETOURNÉ TEL QU’IL ÉTAIT CONFIGURÉ QUAND VOUS L’AVEZ ACHETÉ (SOUS RÉSERVE  
DE LA DISPONIBILITÉ DU LOGICIEL).  
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102 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Avant denvoyer le Produit à SONY pour le faire réparer, assurez-vous den retirer tous produits de tierce  
partie, logiciels, caractéristiques, pièces, options, altérations et accessoires non garantis par SONY car  
SONY nest pas responsable de la perte ou de lendommagement de ces articles.  
Cette garantie restreinte exclut les articles consommables (comme les batteries) fournis avec le Produit ;  
les dommages cosmétiques ; lendommagement ou la perte des logiciels, données et supports  
informatiques amovibles ; les dommages dus à 1) un cas fortuit, un accident, une mauvaise utilisation, un  
abus, une négligence, une utilisation commerciale ou une modification du Produit ; 2) lutilisation ou  
l’entretien incorrect du Produit ; 3) le branchement à une source électrique non conforme ; ou 4) toute  
tentative de réparation par tout autre quun centre de service dordinateur personnel autorisé SONY.  
Cette garantie restreinte ne sapplique pas si la défectuosité est causée par lutilisation du Produit en  
conjonction avec des accessoires, articles ou équipements périphériques ou connexes, ou si SONY  
détermine que le Produit lui-même ne comporte aucun défaut. Cette garantie restreinte nest valide quau  
Canada.  
Cette garantie restreinte est nulle si le numéro de série appliqué en usine a été modifié ou enlevé du  
Produit.  
La réparation ou le remplacement du matériel ou des pièces défectueuses tel que prévu au titre de cette  
garantie est le seul recours de lacheteur. SONY NE SERA AUCUNEMENT RESPONSABLE DE TOUT  
DOMMAGE INDIRECT OU CONSÉCUTIF POUR DÉROGATION À TOUTE GARANTIE EXPRESSE  
OU TACITE, RUPTURE DE CONTRAT, NÉGLIGENCE, RESPONSABILITÉ STRICTE OU TOUTE  
AUTRE THÉORIE JURIDIQUE EN RAPPORT AVEC CE PRODUIT. DE TELS DOMMAGES INCLUENT,  
ENTRE AUTRES, LE TEMPS DE LACHETEUR, LA PERTE DE PRODUCTIVITÉ, DE REVENUS ET DE  
PROFITS, ET LA PERTE DE DONNÉES OU D’UTILISATION DU PRODUIT OU DE TOUT  
ÉQUIPEMENT CONNEXE. SAUF DANS LA LIMITE OÙ LA LOI APPLICABLE L’INTERDIT, TOUTE  
GARANTIE TACITE DE VALEUR MARCHANDE OU DE CONVENANCE À UNE FIN PARTICULIÈRE  
DE CE PRODUIT EST RESTREINTE DANS SA DURÉE À LA DURÉE DE CETTE GARANTIE.  
Certaines provinces ne permettent pas lexclusion ou la restriction des dommages accidentels ou indirects  
et nadmettent pas de limites quant à la durée dune garantie tacite, de sorte que les exclusions/  
restrictions exprimées ci-dessus peuvent ne pas sappliquer. Cette garantie vous donne des droits  
spécifiques et vous pouvez en avoir dautres qui varient selon la province.  
Soutien technique : Bien que le soutien technique ne soit pas offert gratuitement au titre de cette garantie  
restreinte, SONY a prévu une ligne téléphonique à cet effet. Des frais peuvent être exigés à moins que le  
soutien technique gratuit et temporaire ne soit expressément indiqué par écrit comme caractéristique de  
votre Produit. Avant de placer lappel, assurez-vous davoir les numéros de modèle et de série du  
Produit, la date dachat, la liste des options qui y sont installées et une description détaillée du problème.  
Vous trouverez sur lInternet un appui direct, une base de renseignements, une foire aux questions et des  
mises à jour gratuites sous http:/ / www.sony.com/ pcsupport/  
Pour de linformation sur les produits, de laide avec le service, la résolution de problèmes de service ou  
pour une aide technique, veuillez composer le 1-888-4SONYPC (476-6972).  
À conserver pour référence future.  
©1998 Sony du Canada Ltée. Reproduction partielle ou complète interdite sans autorisation écrite  
préalable. Tous droits réservés. SONY est une marque déposée de Sony.  
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Limited Warranty Statement  
103  
Battery Limited Warranty  
The limited warranty on the battery included with your Sony VAIO  
Notebook Computer covers defects in material or workmanship for a  
period of 30 days from the original date of purchase. This warranty is not  
extendible.  
For the purposes of this Limited Warranty, SONYmeans Sony Electronics Inc. for Products purchased  
in the United States of America and Sony of Canada Ltd. for Products purchased in Canada. Sony  
warrants this Product against defects in material or workmanship for thirty (30) days from your purchase  
date. If this Product is determined to be defective, SONY will replace the Product at no charge to you.  
This Limited Warranty contains your exclusive remedy. SONY shall not be liable for any incidental or  
consequential damages for breach of any express or implied warranty on this product. Some states and  
provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above  
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights which vary  
from state to state or province to province. For information on obtaining warranty service, please call  
SONY at 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972).  
GARANTIE RESTREINTE  
Au titre de cette garantie restreinte, “SONYsignifie Sony du Canada Ltée pour les produits achetés au  
Canada et Sony Electronics Inc. pour les produits achetés aux États-Unis. SONY garantit ce produit contre  
tous vices de matières premières et de fabrication pour trente (30) jours à compter de la date dachat. Si ce  
produit est reconnu défectueux, SONY le remplacera à ses frais. Cette garantie restreinte est votre seul  
recours. SONY ne sera aucunement responsable de tout dommage indirect ou consécutif pour dérogation  
à toute garantie tacite ou expresse sur ce produit. Certaines provinces ne permettent pas lexclusion ou la  
restriction des dommages accidentels ou indirects, de sorte que les exclusions/ restrictions exprimées ci-  
dessus peuvent ne pas sappliquer. Cette garantie vous donne des droits spécifiques et vous pouvez en  
avoir dautres qui varient selon la province. Pour de linformation sur le service au titre de la garantie,  
veuillez appeler Sony au 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972).  
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104  
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Index  
BatteryScope utility 70, 72  
brightness  
A
About This Computer tab 64  
adjusting 12, 20  
built-in speakers 5  
buttons  
AC adapter 5, 8  
AC power 8  
AC Profile power setting 66  
accessing online support 14  
adding  
Eject 26, 27  
Finish 14  
left 5  
hardware 43  
Play 32  
memory 96  
right 5  
peripherals 43  
Start (Windows 98) 13, 63  
printers 53  
adjusting  
C
brightness 20  
cables  
air circulation 92  
Alt key 17  
floppy disk drive 5  
phone 5  
power cord 8  
video 5  
AMS (Automatic Music Sensor) 32  
Application Recovery CD 90  
Applications key 17  
attaching docking station 46  
cameras  
digital video recorder 61  
Sony Digital Still 60  
canceling commands 17  
Caps Lock 5  
B
Basic/ Advanced tab 64  
battery bay 6  
indicator light 19  
CD player 32  
remote control 32  
volume 32  
CD-ROM/ DVD-ROM discs  
cleaning 94  
battery packs 5, 9, 94  
charge status icons 71  
charging 10, 41  
indicator light status 10  
indicator lights 5, 10, 19, 40  
inserting 9  
ejecting 27  
handling 94  
inserting 26  
inserting into battery bay 9  
inserting into docking station 48  
loading 9  
playing 32  
power status 10  
CD-ROM/ DVD-ROM drive  
closing tray 27  
rechargeable 8  
removing 11, 40, 41  
105  
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106 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
opening tray 26  
USB device 62  
using 26  
weight saver 42  
changing  
display size 21  
charge status indicator light 10  
charging battery packs 10, 41  
using docking station 48  
choosing  
connectors  
DC In 7, 8, 45  
FDD/ Printer 7, 23, 53  
game 45  
headphone 6  
i.LINK 45  
power source 9  
infrared 7, 36  
cleaning computer 92  
coin-operated telephones 44  
computer  
keyboard 5, 7, 45  
Line In 6, 45  
Line Out 45  
cleaning 92  
condensation 93  
customizing 63  
microphone 5, 6, 45  
monitor 45  
mouse 7, 45  
lithium ion battery v  
setting up 5  
network 45  
phone line 7  
online support 79  
setup screen 63  
printer 53  
SCSI 45  
starting 12  
troubleshooting 81, 83  
upgrading 93  
Serial port 7, 45  
USB 7, 45  
correction keys 16, 17  
Ctrl key 17  
connecting  
coin-operated telephones 44  
digital still camera 60  
digital video recorder 61  
docking station 45, 46  
external keyboard 45, 57  
external mouse 57  
external speakers 58  
floppy disk drive 23  
game 45  
hard drives 33  
keyboard 57  
microphone 59  
monitor 45, 54  
cursor-movement keys 17  
customer assistance  
support options 79  
customizing your computer 63  
D
DC In 7, 8, 45  
digital still camera 36  
connecting 60  
digital video camera 61  
disconnecting  
docking station 20, 52  
diskettes  
mouse 45  
ejecting 25  
multimedia computer display 55  
multiple phone lines 44  
network 33, 45  
party phone lines 44  
PBX 44  
handling 94  
inserting into drive 24  
troubleshooting 84  
display  
changing size 21  
dual display 77  
mode 73  
phone line 44  
power source 8  
printer 53  
options 56  
serial device 60  
See also monitor  
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Index  
107  
selecting 56  
F
disposal of lithium ion battery v  
docking station 7  
connecting 45, 46  
faxes  
laws governing v  
FDD/ Printer connector 7, 23, 45, 53  
Finish button 14  
floppy disk drive 5  
bay 7  
disconnecting 20, 52  
inserting battery packs 48  
lever 46, 51  
network 45  
cable 5  
personal 45  
connecting 23  
using to charge batteries 48  
Double-click the (atom) icon on the  
taskbar. 68  
disconnecting 25  
troubleshooting 84  
Fn key 17  
drive bay 7  
combination commands 20  
function keys 16, 17  
weight saver 42  
Drive Bay tab 65  
drives 28  
G
DVD-ROM 28  
game connector 45  
floppy disk 5, 23  
glare 2  
installing additional hard disk 33  
dual display function 77  
DV In/ Out 45, 61  
DVD-ROM discs  
H
handling  
audio CDs 94  
troubleshooting 84  
DVD-ROM drive tray  
troubleshooting 83  
CD-ROM/ DVD-ROM discs 94  
diskettes 94  
Hard Disk Standby power setting 67  
hard drives 6  
E
indicator light 5, 19  
installing additional 33  
hardware  
installing memory modules 96  
online support 79  
headphone 5  
Eject button 25, 26, 27  
Eject lever 24, 25, 28, 41, 42, 50  
ejecting  
battery packs 41  
CD-ROM/ DVD-ROM discs 27  
diskettes 25  
connector 6  
weight saver 42  
electronic  
documentation 79  
Enable Ports tab 64  
ergonomic considerations 2, 3  
Escape key 16  
precautions 95  
headphones 55  
Help  
Mouseware 22  
help 79  
Hold switch 32  
Express Service technical support 15  
external devices  
display 3, 56  
I
i.LINK 45, 61  
IEEE 1394 45, 61  
indicator lights 19  
battery 5, 10, 19, 40  
See also monitor  
keyboard 57  
mouse 57  
speakers 58  
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108 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
Caps Lock 5, 19  
charge status 10  
hard drive 5, 19  
Num Lock 5, 19  
power 5  
Limited Warranty card 15  
Line In 6, 45  
Line Out 45  
Liquid Crystal Display screen  
See LCD  
Scroll Lock 5, 19  
infrared communication devices 36  
other computers 36  
infrared port 7, 36  
infrared transmission  
active distance 37  
troubleshooting 37  
input devices iv  
Insert key 17  
lithium ion battery  
disposal v  
safety precautions v  
loading  
battery pack 9  
location for computer 2  
M
maintenance 92, 95  
Maximum Battery Life power setting  
66  
inserting  
battery pack 9  
CD-ROM/ DVD-ROM discs 26  
diskettes into drive 24  
installing  
Maximum Performance power setting  
66  
memory module 96, 97  
installing 33, 96  
removing 98  
hard drives 33  
hardware 43  
memory 33, 96  
microphone 6  
memory modules 96  
peripherals 43  
interference iv, 92  
internal speakers  
See speakers  
connecting 59  
connector 5, 45, 55  
troubleshooting 86  
modem  
laws governing v  
troubleshooting 85  
moisture condensation 93  
monitor 7, 45  
K
keyboard 17, 45  
connecting 57  
connector 5, 7, 57  
connecting 54  
connector 55  
selecting 56  
L
switching among 20  
mouse  
LCD 91  
lock lever 12  
connecting 57  
reducing glare 2  
selecting to display output 56  
troubleshooting 82, 83  
left button 5  
connector 7  
troubleshooting 86  
Mouse Properties screen 22  
Mouseware  
lever  
accessing help 22  
features 22  
multimedia computer display 55  
multiple phone lines 44  
docking station 46, 51  
Eject 24, 25, 28, 41, 42, 50  
LCD 12  
lighting 2  
Limited Warranty 99  
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Index  
109  
indicator light 5  
switch 6, 12  
N
navigation keys 16, 17  
Power Management  
toolbar 68  
network  
connecting 33  
power management  
settings 66  
Power Management Off power setting  
66  
connector 45  
docking station 45  
Notebook Computer 5  
Notebook Setup tabs 64  
Notebook Setup utility 23  
Num Lock 5  
Power On  
Device Sequence tab 64  
Password tab 64  
indicator light 19  
numeric keypad area 16  
power saving modes 38  
System Hibernation 21, 38  
System Suspend 38  
Video Standby 21  
power setting  
O
online  
help 79  
AC Profile 66  
support  
Maximum Battery Life 66  
Maximum Performance 66  
Power Management Off 66  
System Hibernation 67  
System Suspend 67  
Video Standby 67  
power sources 9, 91  
connecting 8  
options 79  
opening  
CD_ROM/ DVD-ROM drive tray  
26  
operator keys 17  
output devices iv  
adding 53  
power standby  
P
Hard Disk Standby 67  
PowerPanel  
party phone lines 44  
PBX 44  
activating 68  
PC card  
customizing toolbar 66, 67  
PowerPanel Profiles toolbar 68  
precautions 92  
Print Screen key 17  
printer 7  
inserting 33  
release button 33, 44  
removing 35  
slot protector 34  
slots 33  
connecting 45, 53  
connector 23, 53  
troubleshooting 87  
Type III 33  
port 53  
Printer tab 64  
Performance tab 97  
personal docking station 45  
phone  
R
cable 5  
radio interference iv, 92  
rechargeable battery packs 8, 9  
recharging battery packs 10  
Recovery CD 90  
connecting line 44  
jack 7, 44  
laws governing v  
power 19  
registering  
cord 8  
Windows 98 14  
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110 VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide  
your computer 15  
regulatory information iii  
remote control  
audio CD player 32  
Hold switch 32  
removing  
Shift key 17  
Shut Down Windows dialog box 13  
Sony Fax-on-Demand service 80  
Sony Notebook Setup screen 63  
Sony Notebook Setup utility 23  
speakers 5  
battery packs 11  
diskettes 25  
built-in 5  
external 58  
floppy disk drive 25  
memory module 98  
replacing  
battery packs 40  
restoring data 90  
right button 5  
troubleshooting 84  
volume 20  
Start button 13, 63  
starting  
computer 12  
startup problems 13  
switching  
S
display 20  
screen  
monitor 20  
See LCD  
Scroll Lock 5  
System Hibernation mode 21, 38, 67  
System Suspend mode 20, 38, 67  
indicator light 19  
SCSI connector 45  
second battery pack 9, 40  
selecting  
T
technical support  
support options 79  
touchpad 5, 22  
Touchpad tab 64  
troubleshooting 81  
startup 13, 81  
turning on  
display 56  
LCD 56  
monitor 56  
power source 9  
Serial connector 7, 45, 60  
serial devices  
computer 12  
TV  
connecting 60  
digital still camera 60  
setting up  
interference iv, 92  
U
Windows 98 14  
setting up your PC  
online support 79  
setup screen  
upgrading  
computer 93  
USB  
About This Computer tab 64  
Basic/ Advanced tab 64  
displaying 63  
connecting 62  
connector 7, 45, 62  
V
Drive Bay tab 65  
Enable Ports tab 64  
Power On Device Sequence tab 64  
Power On Password tab 64  
Printer tab 64  
ventilation 92  
video cable 5  
video camera 61  
Video Standby mode 21  
Touchpad tab 64  
setup tabs 64  
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Index  
111  
W
warranty 15, 99  
weight saver 5  
attaching 40  
connecting 42  
removing 42  
Windows 98  
Certificate of Authenticity 14  
Control Panel 37  
Explorer 18  
Find window 18  
Finish button 14  
help 18  
key 17  
key combinations 18  
License Agreement 14  
registering 14  
setup 14  
Setup Wizard screen 14  
Start button 13  
taskbar 13, 83  
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