Contents Welcome...5 Features ...6 Unpacking Your Computer ...7 Registering Your Computer ...9 Accessing the User Guide ...9 About Adding Memory ...9 Setting Up Your Dial-Up Connection ...10 Setting Up Your VAIO Computer ...13 Locating Controls and Ports ...14 Connecting the Docking Station ...20 Disconnecting the Docking Station...22 Connecting a Power Source ...25 Starting Your Computer ...31...
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VAIO® Computer Quick Start Using Your Recovery CDs ... 40 Troubleshooting...47 Troubleshooting Your Computer... 48 Troubleshooting the Docking Station ... 51 Troubleshooting the LCD Screen ... 52 Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad ... 52 Getting Help...55 Support Options ... 55 Index...57...
Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO® computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.
AC power, even while you use the optional docking station. ❑ Sony audio and video quality — High-quality MPEG2 video, which supports full-screen display (12.1-inch Active Matrix LCD screen) and enables you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.
Unpacking Your Computer Remove the following hardware, documents, and CDs from the box: Hardware Main Unit Docking Station * Docking station supplied with selected models. Documents VAIO® Computer User Guide — A searchable online help file that ❑ contains detailed information on how to use your new computer. To open this file, click Start on the taskbar, Help and Support, and then VAIO User Guide.
VAIO® Computer Quick Start VAIO® Computer Specifications (Windows® XP) — an online file that ❑ details the hardware specifications and lists the installed software applications for your computer. VAIO® Computer Specifications (Windows® 2000) — a printed sheet ❑ that details your computer's hardware specifications. VAIO Computer Safety Information —...
Registering Your Computer Take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive these benefits by registering your computer: Sony Customer Support — Talk to a Support Representative to ❑ troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer.
VAIO® Computer Quick Start Setting Up Your Dial-Up Connection This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up connection. The Connection Wizard guides you through the process of connecting to the Internet and choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or setting up an existing account. Setting up your Internet connection (Microsoft®...
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Phone and Modem Options window Select the location from where you are dialing, and click OK. The New Connection Wizard window appears. New Connection Wizard window Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your Internet connection. Setting Up Your Dial-Up Connection...
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VAIO® Computer Quick Start Setting up your dial-up connection (Microsoft® Windows® 2000) Click Start, point to Programs, Accessories, Communications, and then click Internet Connection Wizard. The Internet Connection Wizard window appears. Internet Connection Wizard window Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your Internet connection.
Setting Up Your VAIO Computer This section describes the following: Locating Controls and Ports ❑ Connecting the Docking Station ❑ Disconnecting the Docking Station ❑ Connecting a Power Source ❑ Starting Your Computer ❑ ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer...
VAIO® Computer Quick Start Locating Controls and Ports Front Hard disk drive indicator Num lock indicator Caps lock indicator Scroll lock indicator LCD screen Speakers Power button Keyboard * Wireless LAN capabilities are available on selected models. OFF ON WIRELESS Touchpad Left and right buttons Power indicator...
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Back Battery port Left DC In port USB port Air vent Locating Controls and Ports Memory Stick® media slot PC Card slot...
VAIO® Computer Quick Start Right USB port Headphone jack Microphone jack i.LINK® (IEEE 1394) S400 port Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the connect any other type of network cable or any telephone line. Connecting cables other than those listed above may result in an electric current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the port.
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Removing Rubber Tab ✍ Gently pull the rubber tab away from the computer to find the Ethernet port and phone line jack. Bottom Docking station connector Battery Unlock/Lock switch 6 Battery Unlock switch Air vent Locating Controls and Ports Rubber tab Air vent Reset switch Ventilation fan...
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VAIO® Computer Quick Start On the Docking Station Your computer may come with a PCGA-DSM51 docking station, depending on the model you purchased. This docking station offers the following features: A floppy disk drive. ❑ ❑ An optical drive. A back panel that enables you to connect additional peripherals to your ❑...
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Left Left lever Air vent Right Optical drive Undock switch Locating Controls and Ports Floppy disk drive DC In indicator Right lever...
VAIO® Computer Quick Start Connecting the Docking Station You may connect your computer to the docking station as long as it is not in a power saving mode, i.e., Standby or Hibernate. Connecting the computer while it is in a power saving mode may result in data loss or a computer malfunction. Note the following before connecting your computer to the docking station: Disconnect the VGA, USB, AC, and Ethernet devices from your computer.
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Be careful not to press the top of the computer too strongly. The LCD display may be damaged. Securing the Computer to the Docking Station Connecting the Docking Station Firmly press down the two rear corners of the computer until it clicks into place.
VAIO® Computer Quick Start Disconnecting the Docking Station You may disconnect the computer from the docking station when the computer is off or on. However, do not disconnect the computer from the docking station while the docking indicator is on, while the computer is in Standby or Hibernate mode, or while battery power is low.
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Removing the Computer from the Docking Station To disconnect the docking station when the computer is on You can use the Start Menu in the Windows® task tray or the UNDOCK switch on the docking station to disconnect your computer from the docking station while the computer is on.
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VAIO® Computer Quick Start Docking Indicator Release and remove your computer. See “To disconnect the docking station when the computer is off” on page 22 for instructions. To use the UNDOCK switch Pull the UNDOCK switch on the right side of your computer. The Undock Complete dialog box appears.
Connecting a Power Source You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source. To use the AC adapter Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In port on the computer. Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.
VAIO® Computer Quick Start The LED indicator on the AC adapter may be turned on until the AC adapter ❑ is unplugged from your computer. When the AC adapter is not used, unplug it from the AC outlet. ❑ ❑ Use only the supplied AC adapter.
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Inserting Battery Pack Slide the lock lever into the Lock position to secure the battery on the computer. To charge the battery pack Connect the AC adapter to the computer. Insert the battery pack. The battery is charging whether or not the computer is turned on or off. The battery indicator flashes in a double-blink pattern as the battery charges.
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VAIO® Computer Quick Start Battery Indicator Battery Indicator Status Meaning The computer is using battery power. Single blink The battery is running out of power. Double blink The battery is charging. The computer is using AC power. ✍ Both the battery and power indicators blink when the battery is running out of power. To remove the battery pack You can remove the battery pack while your computer is on or off;...
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Removing Battery Pack Battery Unlock/Lock Switch ✍ You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in a power saving mode.
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VAIO® Computer Quick Start Never leave the battery pack in temperatures above 140° F (60° C), such as ❑ under direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun. Battery life is shorter in a cold environment. This is due to decreased battery ❑...
Starting Your Computer Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow and lift the cover. Opening Computer Release lever Press the power button located on the right side of the computer until the green power indicator turns on. Turning on Computer Power Indicator ✍...
VAIO® Computer Quick Start Shutting Down Your Computer To avoid potential loss of data, follow these steps to turn off your computer. Click Start on the Windows® taskbar. (Windows XP) Click Turn Off Computer at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Turn Off computer dialog box, and click Turn Off.
Software and Support Information Your VAIO® computer is ready to help you work, play, learn, and communicate as soon as you turn it on. This section provides the following: Software Overview ❑ Software Support Information ❑...
QuickTime® — Apple Computer, Inc. RealJukebox® — RealNetworks, Inc. ❑ RealPlayer® — RealNetworks, Inc. ❑ ❑ Smart Capture — Sony Electronics Inc. Smart Connect — Sony Electronics Inc. ❑ SonicStage™ — Sony Electronics Inc. ❑ Sony ScreenBlast™ ACID ❑ * On selected models.
Sony ScreenBlast™ Sound Forge ❑ Sony on Yahoo! — Yahoo! Inc. ❑ ❑ VAIO Action Setup VAIO Support Agent — Sony Electronics Inc. ❑ WinDVD® 2000 — InterVideo, Inc. ❑ Software Support Information Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®, Photoshop® Elements, Photoshop® Elements Trial Version (Adobe Systems Inc.)
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VAIO® Computer Quick Start Arcsoft PhotoPrinter® 2000 Pro (ArcSoft, Inc.) Web site http://www.arcsoft.com e-mail support@arcsoft.com phone 510-440-9901 510-440-1270 hours M-F, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM (PST) EarthLink™ Network Total Access (EarthLink Network Inc.) Web site http://support.earthlink.net/ e-mail support@earthlink.net telephone 800-890-5128, 800-890-6356 hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day PC-Cillin®...
888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972) hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day * Support from 1-888-4-SONY-PC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of pur- chase. Windows® Operating System, Word, Office XP Professional, XP Small Business (Microsoft Corp.) Web site http://www.sony.com/pcsupport...
Using the Recovery CDs This section provides you with details on your Sony Application, Driver, and System Recovery CDs. Application, Driver, and System Recovery CDs ❑ ❑ Using Your Recovery CDs...
CDs. If your computer does not come with an optical disc drive, use an external optical disc drive. Application Recovery CD(s) Sony Electronics Inc. This CD enables you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers if they become corrupted or are erased.
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To reinstall software applications using the Application Recovery CD(s) Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all open applications. When the Windows desktop appears, insert Sony Application Recovery CD No. 1 into your computer’s optical disc drive. The Application Recovery utility loads automatically.
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Recovery CD No. 1, to start the application or driver recovery process. You are prompted to insert the next CD(s), depending on the software application or driver you wish to restore. If you have any questions about using the Application Recovery CD(s), visit http://www.sony.com/pcsupport, or contact Sony Customer Support at 1-888-4- SONY-PC.
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Using the Driver Recovery CD(s) The Driver Recovery CD utility (Windows® 2000) enables you to reinstall individual drivers if they become corrupted or are erased. You can reinstall an individual driver to correct a problem that you are experiencing with your computer, hardware, or software application.
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VAIO® Computer Quick Start Using the System Recovery CD(s) The System Recovery CD(s) enables you to format your hard disk drive and restores all original software applications. Your computer is returned to the original factory settings. The System Recovery process removes all software that you may have installed since you started using your computer.
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Press the power button 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. Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
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VAIO® Computer Quick Start ✍ Your system may include one or more System Recovery CDs. If you have more than one System Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the System Recovery program. You are prompted to insert the second CD once the information from the first CD has been installed.
Troubleshooting This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you contact Sony Computing Support (http://www.sony.com/pcsupport). Consult the following sections: Troubleshooting Your Computer ❑...
VAIO® Computer Quick Start Troubleshooting Your Computer My computer does not start. ❑ Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on. Check that the power indicator on the computer’s front panel shows that the power is on.
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Shut down the computer. Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer. Turn on the computer. Press the F2 key when the Sony logo appears. The BIOS setup menu window appears. Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
VAIO® Computer Quick Start Press the Enter key, and select Yes. Use the arrow keys to select Exit (Save Changes), then press the Enter key. The message “Save configuration changes and exit now?” appears. 10 Select Yes, then press the Enter key. The computer restarts. If your computer continues to display the message “Operating system not found,”...
DVD, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously and click Shut Down on the Windows Security window. ✍ Pressing the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously or turning off the computer with the power button may result in data loss in files that are currently open. Troubleshooting the Docking Station I cannot operate the optical drive in the docking station, when the docking station is connected to the computer.
All Programs. Press the Enter key. (Windows 2000) Press the Windows key and use the arrow keys to select Programs. Press the Enter key. Use the arrow keys to select Sony computer Setup, and press the Enter key. Select Sony Notebook Setup again, and press the Enter key.
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All Programs. Press the Enter key. (Windows 2000) Press the Windows key and use the arrow keys to select Settings. Press the Enter key. (Windows XP) Select Sony Notebook Setup, and press the Enter key. Select Sony Notebook Setup again. (Windows 2000) Select Control Panel, and then press the Enter key.
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VAIO® Computer Quick Start If you cannot restart your computer as described in the steps above, press ❑ and hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If the pointer does not move while playing a disc, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete ❑...
Getting Help Sony provides you with several support resources to answer questions about your VAIO® computer or the preinstalled software. Refer to these resources in the order they are listed. Support Options If you have questions about your computer or the preinstalled software, refer to the following sources for answers in the sequence listed below.
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1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972). Sony Customer Support Sony and Microsoft software support is available free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. You can call and speak with a Sony Customer Support Representative without using your computer by calling: 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972).
Index AC adapter AC power Application Recovery CD battery pack charging indicator light status indicator lights inserting loading power status rechargeable removing using battery power brightness adjusting buttons left right Caps Lock charge status indicator light charging battery pack choosing power source computer controls and connectors...
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Recovery CDs removing battery pack restoring data selecting power source Serial port setting up shutting down computer Sony Fax-on-Demand Sony Service Center starting computer startup problems System Recovery CD technical support touchpad troubleshooting troubleshooting docking station LCD screen mouse and touchpad...