Sony PCG-8A8M User Manual Download

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Sony Notebook

User Guide

Connecting peripheral devices

Removing a floppy disk

To remove a floppy disk, proceed as follows:

When you have finished using the floppy disk, wait until the LED indicator (1) turns off and then press the
eject button (2) to remove the disk.

✍

Before pressing the eject button, make sure that the LED indicator is turned off.

If the disk does not come out by pressing the eject button, disconnect the floppy disk drive from the computer.

Do not press the eject button while the LED indicator is on. It may damage the floppy disk.

Connecting a printer

You can connect a Windows

-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.

Connecting a printer using the USB connector

You can connect a USB printer compatible with your version of Windows

to your computer.

To connect a printer using the USB connector, proceed as follows:

Plug an optional USB printer cable into one of the USB connectors on your notebook or your optional
port replicator.
A USB connector is identified by the

symbol on your notebook, port replicator and printer.

Summary of Contents for PCG-8A8M

Page 1: ...N Sony notebook user guide P C G G R X 4 1 5 M K P C G G R X 4 1 5 M P ...

Page 2: ...ision Corporation and other rights owners Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information containe...

Page 3: ...espective owners ENERGY STAR As an ENERGY STAR Partner Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency The International ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of computers and their office equipment The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that e...

Page 4: ...vicing to qualified personnel only To prevent fire or shock hazard do not expose your VAIO notebook to rain or moisture Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak To change the backup battery please contact your nearest Sony Service Center Before you connect peripherals turn off the computer and all pe...

Page 5: ...ying telephone lines Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage unplug the AC adapter Please make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface Optical disc drive Misuse of optical instruments can cause ey...

Page 6: ...reas residential commercial and light industrial This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables not longer than 3 metres 9 8 feet The optical disc drive is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN 60825 1 Repair and maintenance only by authorized Sony technicians Improper ...

Page 7: ...hazard if mistreated Do not disassemble heat above 60 C 140 F or incinerate Keep away from children In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited Use the public collection system Disposing of internal memory backup battery Your notebook is equipped with an internal memory backup battery that should not have to be replaced during the lifetime o...

Page 8: ...software Multimedia features Enjoy audio and video CDs Interconnectivity Your computer has MagicGate Memory Stick Ethernet and i LINK functionalities Memory Stick is Sony s universal storage medium i LINK is a bi directional digital interface for exchanging data Windows Your system includes the Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional operating system Communications...

Page 9: ...rt using your notebook as well as troubleshooting and VAIO Link information Your Sony Guarantee conditions A Safety Regulations flyer A Modem Regulations flyer Online documentation 1 The Sony Notebook User Guide Using your notebook shows you how to use the standard components of your system In this part of the manual you will also find out what you can do with a Memory Stick Connecting peripheral ...

Page 10: ...talling and updating applications explains how to install run or uninstall a software application Managing drivers explains how to install update or uninstall a driver Using the Product Recovery CD ROMs explains how to perform a system and application recovery Using partitioned drives tells you what you can do with partitioned drives 3 Refer to the Specifications online document for details on you...

Page 11: ...s The following hardware items are in the box See the Specifications online document 1 Main unit 6 Weight saver 2 Product recovery CD ROMs 7 Phone plug country specific 3 Documentation pack 8 Phone cable 4 AC adapter 9 Power cord 5 Rechargeable battery pack 10 CD RW DVD ROM ...

Page 12: ...f you 1 Keep your forearms horizontal 2 with your wrists in a neutral comfortable position 3 while using the keyboard touchpad or external mouse Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides Have 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 Adjust the level of the chair so your f...

Page 13: ... 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 Positioning an external display When using an external display set the display at a comfortable viewing distance ...

Page 14: ...ng controls and connectors page 14 Connecting a power source page 19 Starting your notebook page 27 Shutting down your notebook page 28 Using the keyboard page 30 Using the touchpad page 35 Using the Jog Dial page 36 Using PC Cards page 39 Using Memory Stick page 42 Using the modem page 51 Using the correct phone plug page 52 Using the CD RW DVD ROM drive page 55 Using the weight saver page 59 ...

Page 15: ...k 14 n N Locating controls and connectors Right Do not cover the ventilation slot when the computer is on 1 Battery bay page 20 2 Hard disk drive 3 Ventilation slot 4 Headphone connector page 70 5 Microphone connector page 71 6 USB port page 73 ...

Page 16: ...5 n N Left 1 Memory Stick slot page 42 2 USB port page 73 3 i LINK IEEE1394 S400 port page 79 4 PC Card slots page 39 5 Multi purpose bay for weight saver or second battery with weight saver or removable CD RW DVD ROM drive page 59 page 55 page 23 ...

Page 17: ... 33 4 Scroll Lock indicator page 33 5 Power indicator page 33 6 Battery 1 indicator page 33 7 Battery 2 indicator page 33 8 Hard disk drive indicator page 33 9 LCD screen page 34 10 Keyboard page 34 11 Speakers page 34 12 Left right buttons page 35 13 Touchpad page 35 14 Jog Dial page 36 15 Back button for Jog Dial page 36 16 Power button page 27 ...

Page 18: ...n the left side of the back panel Do not cover the ventilation slot when the computer is on 1 Ventilation slot 5 Printer connector page 76 2 DC In page 19 6 USB port page 73 3 Ethernet connector network page 81 7 AV Out connector page 67 4 Monitor VGA connector page 65 8 Modem connector page 51 ...

Page 19: ...Sony Notebook User Guide Using your notebook 18 n N Bottom 1 Port replicator connector cover page 61 2 Memory module cover page 101 3 Multi purpose bay release lever page 59 ...

Page 20: ...ter 2 Plug one end of the power cord 3 into the AC adapter 3 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage unplug the AC adapter Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible Some models may be supplied with 2 power cords respectively for a UK and for a Continental power o...

Page 21: ...e battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase Inserting the battery pack To insert the battery pack proceed as follows 1 Open the cover of the battery bay 2 Insert the battery pack with the label facing up into the battery bay on the right side of the computer 3 Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks When the computer is directly connected to A...

Page 22: ...ns off This process takes a few hours when the system is off on To charge the battery completely continue charging for an additional hour There are two battery indicator lights on the computer 1 indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the right side of the computer 2 indicates the status of the battery pack in the multi purpose bay on the left side of the computer Battery in...

Page 23: ...ck supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged 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 the battery life is nearly depleted both the battery andpower indicators starts flashing For some software applications and some peripheral devices your comp...

Page 24: ...d not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in Standby mode Using the second battery pack You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack With two battery packs you can extend the time you use your computer with battery power When using two battery packs the battery pack you insert first charges first The battery pack you insert second charges when the ...

Page 25: ...weight saver or the optical disc drive is in the multi purpose bay 1 remove it 2 Insert the battery pack 2 into the multi purpose bay The battery 2 indicator light turns on 3 Attach the weight saver 3 to the computer to stabilize the battery pack 4 Slide the eject lever on the bottom of the weight saver toward the front of the computer to lock it ...

Page 26: ...ttery packs you can remove one of them without shutting down the computer When removing one battery pack make sure that the other battery pack indicator is on If the indicator of the battery pack you are going to remove is on right click the PowerPanel icon or CPU icon icon in the system tray and click the Switch battery option Charging the second battery pack To charge the second battery pack pro...

Page 27: ...the second battery pack To remove the second battery pack proceed as follows 1 Slide the multi purpose bay release lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of the arrow 2 Remove the weight saver 3 Pull out the battery pack 4 Reinsert the weight saver ...

Page 28: ...rrow and lift the cover 2 Press the power button 2 of the computer until the green power indicator 3 light turns on 3 If necessary press Fn F5 to adjust the brightness of the LCD display To increase the brightness use the up or right arrow keys To decrease use the down or left arrow keys If you press the power button for more than four seconds the computer will turn off ...

Page 29: ...sking you to consider the other users If you are unable to shut down your computer Close all software in use If applicable remove the PC Card To do so double click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the taskbar Select the hardware you want to unplug and click Stop Disconnect any USB devices Press Alt F4 and select Turn Off from the screen that appears If this does not work you can press the power ...

Page 30: ... you want to unplug and click Stop Disconnect any USB devices Then press the Ctrl Alt Delete keys at the same time to enter the Windows Security feature Close any application that cannot close normally with the Task Manager These applications are labelled as Not Responding and restart your system If this does not work you can press the power button for more than four seconds This will shut down th...

Page 31: ...Sony Notebook User Guide Using your notebook 30 n N Using the keyboard Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer s but has additional keys that perform specific notebook related tasks ...

Page 32: ...is equivalent to clicking the right mouse button Numeric keypad area 7 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 indicator illuminates Operator keys 8 11 12 Several keys are al...

Page 33: ...d a file or folder This is equivalent to selecting Search Windows XP or Search For files or Folders Windows 2000 from the Start menu Ctrl F Displays the Search Results Computers window where you can locate other computers M Minimizes all displayed windows Shift M Returns all minimized windows to their previous size R Displays the Run window This is equivalent to selecting Run from the Start menu F...

Page 34: ... from or written to the hard drive Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the computer when this indicator light is on The hard drive is not being accessed Num Lock Turns onwhen the number keys in the numeric keypad are active Turns off when the alphanumeric character keys in the keypad area are active Caps Lock Turns on when the characters appear in uppercase as you type The Shift key lowers the c...

Page 35: ...F4 and then or To decrease volume press Fn F4 and then or Fn F5 brightness control Adjusts the brightness of the LCD To increase lightness intensity press Fn F5 and then or To decrease light intensity press Fn F5 and then or Fn F7 switch to the external display Toggles between the LCD external display connected to the monitor connector and both LCD and external display Fn F8 Toggles between the LC...

Page 36: ...e pointer 2 on an item or object Click Press the left button 3 once Double click Press the left button twice Right click Press the right button 4 once In many applications this action displays a shortcut menu Drag Slide one finger while pressing the left button Scroll Move your finger along the right edge of the touchpad to scroll vertically Move your finger along the bottom to scroll horizontally...

Page 37: ...ebook 36 n N Using the Jog Dial Your computer is equipped with a Jog Dial with Back button on your computer near the touchpad You can turn and or press the Jog Dial to scroll the window select software adjust the internal speaker volume etc ...

Page 38: ...next to an item in the Jog Dial window you can display a submenu for that item by selecting it and pressing the Jog Dial The Jog Dial window switches to Guide mode when you start an application and its window becomes active Depending on the application the Jog Dial window displays different commands that you can select or execute by rotating or pressing the Jog Dial You can adjust the size of the ...

Page 39: ... function 3 Turn or press the Jog Dial to use the Jog Dial function 4 To select another item switch to Launcher mode and repeat this procedure 5 Use the Back button on the right of the Jog Dial to go back to the previous state of the Jog Dial window Software supporting the Jog Dial If the Sony software supporting the Jog Dial is active you can use the Jog Dial functions allocated to each software ...

Page 40: ...he PC Card is automatically detected by your system Windows XP The Safely Remove Hardware icon appears in the system tray Windows 2000 The Unplug or eject Hardware icon appears in the system tray Some devices may not function properly if you repeat Returning to Normal mode from Standby mode or Hibernate mode The computer will return to its original state if you restart it The PC Card slots can acc...

Page 41: ...n and Standby or Hibernate power management modes while the card is inserted you may find that a device connected to your system is not recognized Reboot your system to correct the problem Do not carry your notebook while touching the head of a PC Card as pressure or shock may damage the connector pins Removing a PC Card Follow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on If it ...

Page 42: ... Click OK 7 Click Close 8 Eject the PC Card release button and then press it to eject the card 9 Gently press the card and pull it out If you unplug the PC Card from the computer when it is still turned on your system might crash and you might lose data that you did not save before Before you remove the PC Card click the PC Cardicon in the taskbar and close the card Close any applications that use...

Page 43: ...e Memory Stick can already be used with an ever increasing range of compatible products including Audio systems Visual devices VAIO products CLIE handhelds Mobile phones There are currently two different types of Memory Stick The generic Memory Stick coloured blue The MagicGate Memory Stick coloured white You can purchase Memory Sticks from the Sony Style website http www sonystyle europe com or f...

Page 44: ...obust structure of the stick gives it a longer lifespan than other storage devices Durability the same Memory Stick can be used tens of thousands of times Forward compatibility the Memory Stick s current format is designed to be compatible with future products and higher capacity Memory Sticks The future of Memory Stick Memory Stick s potential is virtually unlimited with the number of compatible ...

Page 45: ... you can expand the capabilities of your VAIO computer in the following scenarios With your still digital camera share your holiday pictures instantly by e mail From your handycam to your VAIO make the most of your captured moments with the VAIO s movie editing tools Carry pictures on you by copying image files from the Internet to your VAIO to your CLIE handheld With your voice recorder add your ...

Page 46: ...sic to your home movies for example Transfer and share data between several digital products MagicGate Copyright Protection Technology SDMI Secure Digital Music Initiative Compliance SonicStage software So that you further distinguish a MagicGate Memory Stick from a generic one look for the logo printed on it a protruding dot located on the back MagicGate is a copyright protection technology that ...

Page 47: ...uthorized distribution on the Internet Since it is compatible with MagicGate you can use SonicStage to transfer music that you have downloaded onto your PC to your MG Memory Stick and playback on other Magic Gate equipped devices and media Copyright protection People who create artistic works such as music are entitled to a copyright meaning that they have exclusive rights to dictate how their wor...

Page 48: ...for private usage only Compatible devices There are nearly 80 Memory Stick enabled products on the market or announced for introduction world wide ranging from camcorders and portable music players to voice recorders and many other electronic devices You can currently use Memory Sticks with the following Sony products Visual Cybershot digital camera Mavica digital camera PC TRV and VX series digit...

Page 49: ...ck Memory Sticks are designed with an erasure prevention switch to protect valuable data from accidental erasure or overwriting Move the tab to the right or left to set or release write protection When the erasure prevention switch is off data can be saved on the Memory Stick When the erasure prevention switch is on data can be read from but not saved on the Memory Stick The 128 MB Memory Stick ha...

Page 50: ...e the Memory Stick into the slot until it clicks in place The Memory Stick is automatically detected by your system and appears in your My Computer window as a local drive under the appropriate letter depending on the configuration of your computer Hold the Memory Stick with the arrow pointing in the correct direction when you insert it into the slot To avoid damaging the computer or the Memory St...

Page 51: ...s follows 1 Check that the access light is off 2 Push the Memory Stick in towards the notebook The Memory Stick ejects 3 Pull the Memory Stick out of the slot Always remove the Memory Stick gently or it may pop out unexpectedly It is recommended that you remove the Memory Stick before shutting down the computer ...

Page 52: ...forcefully Your computer cannot be connected to a coin operated telephone and may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange PBX If you connect the modem to a parallel connected phone line the modem or the other connected device may not function properly Some of these connections may result in excess electrical current and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem Only D...

Page 53: ...orrect phone plug If there are two phone plugs in the box make sure you use the correct one for the country you are in as follows UK The connector can be identified by its cuboid shape and flat pins Netherlands The connector can be identified by its protruding pins ...

Page 54: ...attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery Using 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 while not working you can turn off a specific device such as the LCD or the hard disk Using Standby mode The computer saves the current state of the ...

Page 55: ...it immediately The computer goes into Hibernate mode Windows 2000 Go to the Start menu click Shut Down and then choose Hibernate from the drop down menu or press Fn F12 keys To return to Normal mode proceed as follows Turn on the computer by pressing the power button The computer returns to its previous state When the computer is in Hibernate mode you cannot insert a disc Hibernate mode requires m...

Page 56: ...equipped with a CD RW DVD ROM drive To insert a disc proceed as follows 1 Turn on the computer 2 Press the eject button 1 to open the drive The tray slides out 3 Place a disc in the middle of the tray with the label side facing up until the disc clicks into place 4 Close the tray by pushing it gently ...

Page 57: ... into the manual eject hole Using the DVD function To achieve optimum performance when playing DVD ROM discs you should follow these recommendations You can play DVDs using the DVD ROM drive and the WinDVD software See the help file on the WinDVD software for details Your computer should not be connected to the port replicator while playing DVD movies or using DVD applications Close all open appli...

Page 58: ... labeled on your DVD disc or on the packaging you cannot play the disc on this player Do not try to change the region code settings of the DVD ROM drive Any difficulties caused by changing the region code settings of DVD ROM drive are out of warranty When a DVD video disc is inserted in the DVD ROM drive you cannot toggle between LCD and TV by pressing Fn F8 When a TV is connected a part of the vi...

Page 59: ... not use discs with any other shape star heart card etc as this may damage the CD RW drive Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data to a disc For optimal writing speed deactivate the screensaver before writing data to a disc Memory resident disc utilities may cause unstable operation or data loss Deactivate these utilities before writing data to a disc For best results use the CD Rs ...

Page 60: ... are installed in the multi purpose bay To attach the weight saver proceed as follows 1 If another device is in the multi purpose bay remove the device 2 Slide the weight saver in the direction of the arrow until it clicks into place To remove the weight saver proceed as follows 1 Slide the multi purpose bay release lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of the arrow 2 Remove the wei...

Page 61: ...necting an external display page 64 Connecting external speakers page 70 Connecting an external microphone page 71 Connecting an external mouse or keyboard page 72 Connecting a Universal Serial Bus USB device page 73 Connecting a printer page 76 Connecting an i LINK device page 79 Connecting two VAIO notebooks page 81 Connecting to a network LAN page 82 Hot plug and play devices should be plugged ...

Page 62: ...rt replicator or the AC outlet when using the port replicator this may cause data damage or hardware malfunctions When connecting video cables to S Video out and Video out simultaneously only the S Video out connector can be used 1 DC In port page 19 7 S Video out connector page 67 2 USB port page 73 8 Ethernet netwerk port 10BASE T 100BASE TX page 81 3 Serial port 9 Monitor VGA port page 64 4 Rig...

Page 63: ...ndicator DC IN of the port replicator turns green 4 Align the bottom connector of the notebook with the connector on the port replicator and push down until it clicks into place 5 Turn on the notebook Whenyouuse the port replicator for the first time the installation of the network drivers starts automatically When attaching your computer to the port replicator do not attempt to insert or remove t...

Page 64: ... port replicator to disconnect the computer from the port replicator 3 Lift the notebook away from the port replicator 4 Close the port replicator connector cover on the bottom of your computer It is extremely important to close the port replicator connector cover after removing your computer from the port replicator If the cover is left open dust may get inside and damage the computer To disconne...

Page 65: ...ay monitor Multimedia computer display TV Projector Turn off your computer and the peripherals unplug the AC adapter and the power cord before connecting the external display Connect the power cord after connecting all other cables Turn on the peripherals then turn on your computer Connected external displays are used as second screens On Windows systems only you can also use an external display t...

Page 66: ...t replicator To connect a computer display proceed as follows 1 Plug the display cable 1 not supplied into the monitor VGA connector 2 on the notebook or the port replicator 2 If necessary plug one end of the display s power cord 3 into the display and the other end into an AC outlet You cannot use the monitor connector on your notebook when the port replicator is connected to the notebook ...

Page 67: ...y that includes built in speakers and a microphone To connect a multimedia computer display proceed as follows 1 Plug the display cable 1 into the monitor VGA connector 2 on the computer or on the port replicator 2 Plug the speaker cable 3 into the headphone connector 4 on the computer 3 Plug the microphone cable 5 into the microphone connector 6 on the computer ...

Page 68: ...rmation on installation and use If you insert a DVD in your DVD ROM drive to watch a video on your TV the Fn F8 key combination might not activate the function to toggle between your LCD and TV Solution 1 Eject your DVD from your computer 2 Once the DVD is ejected toggle between your LCD and your TV with the combination Fn F8 Your image displays now on both LCD and TV Re insert your DVD to launch ...

Page 69: ...le 1 optional into the right and left line out and the Video out connector 2 and the other end into the Audio Left and Audio Right connectors and the Video connector on your TV 3 Plug one end of the S video cable 3 optional into the S Video out connector 4 and the other end into the S video connector on your TV 4 Switch the input channel of the TV to external input 5 Set up the TV configuration sy...

Page 70: ...he symbol 2 Plug the audio cable 3 not supplied into the earphone connector 4 identified by the symbol 3 Plug the RGB signal cable and the audio cable into the connectors of the projector 5 4 Connect the power cord 6 of the projector into an AC outlet You may not be able to display the computer s LCD and the external display together depending on the types of computer display and projector used Yo...

Page 71: ...nect external speakers proceed as follows 1 Plug the speaker cable 1 into the headphone connector 2 2 Plug the other end of the speaker cable into the external speaker 3 Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on Make sure your speakers are designed for computer use Do not place diskettes on the speakers their magnetic field may damage the data on the diskettes ...

Page 72: ...n internal microphone If you need to use a sound input device for example to chat on the Internet you need to plug in an external microphone To connect an external microphone proceed as follows 1 Plug the microphone cable 1 into the microphone connector 2 identified by the symbol Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use ...

Page 73: ...time Of course you can always connect an external USB mouse or keyboard See Connecting a Universal Serial Bus USB device page 73 Before you connect or disconnect the mouse or the keyboard turn off the computer To connect an external mouse or keyboard proceed as follows 1 Plug the mouse cable 1 or the keyboard cable 2 with the symbol facing up into the PS 2 mouse keyboard connector 3 identified by ...

Page 74: ... using the USB device There are 3 USB ports on your notebook at the back at the left at the right and 2 USB ports at the back of the optional port replicator Connecting a USB mouse To connect a USB mouse proceed as follows 1 Choose the USB connector you prefer to use at the back left or right of the notebook 1 or the optional port replicator 2 Plug the USB mouse cable 2 into the USB connector You ...

Page 75: ...urchase a USB floppy disk drive and connect it to your computer To connect a USB floppy disk drive proceed as follows 1 Choose the USB connector you prefer to use 2 Plug the USB floppy disk drive cable 1 into the USB connector 2 The VAIO logo on the disk drive should be facing up Your USB floppy disk drive is now ready for use ...

Page 76: ...d then unplug the USB cable If the floppy disk drive is not removed properly your system may crash and you may lose any unsaved data If your computer is off you can directly unplug the USB cable from the computer Inserting a floppy disk To insert a floppy disk proceed as follows 1 Hold the disk 1 with the label side facing up 2 Gently push the disk into the drive 2 until it clicks into place ...

Page 77: ...py disk drive from the computer Do not press the eject button while the LED indicator is on It may damage the floppy disk Connecting a printer You can connect a Windows compatible printer to your computer to print documents Connecting a printer using the USB connector You can connect a USB printer compatible with your version of Windows to your computer To connect a printer using the USB connector...

Page 78: ... 2 Plug the printer power cord into an AC outlet Before using the printer you may need to change the Printer settings in the Sony Notebook Setup software Turn off your computer and the printer unplug the AC adapter and the power cord before connecting the printer ...

Page 79: ...equipped with a printer connector To connect a printer using the printer connector proceed as follows 1 Plug the printer cable 1 supplied with the printer into the printer connector 2 identified by the symbol 2 Plug the printer power cord 3 into an AC outlet Before using the printer you may need to change the Printer settings in the Sony Notebook Setup software ...

Page 80: ...lable may vary depending on the software applications you use Refer to the documentation that came with your software for more information i LINK cables compatible with your VAIO notebook include cables with the following part numbers VMC IL4415A a 1 5 meter cable with a 4 pin connector at each end VMC IL4408Series a 0 8 meter cable with a 4 pin connector at each end An i LINK connection with othe...

Page 81: ...deo camera recorder 2 Launch the DVgate application On Sony digital video cameras connectors labeled DV Out DV In Out or i LINK are i LINK compatible The Sony digital video camera recorder is an example your digital video camera recorder may need to be connected differently If your digital video camera recorder includes a Memory Stick slot you can copy images from it to your computer via a Memory ...

Page 82: ...AIO computer to your computer with an optional i LINK cable 1 If the second computer has the Windows XP operating system you just need the i LINK cable If the second computer has a different operating system you need a software application such as Smart Connect You can also print a document on a printer connected to another VAIO computer ...

Page 83: ...t to the network consult your Network Administrator The default settings make your computer able to connect to the network If the main unit is docked you can only use the Ethernet network connector on the port replicator For more information about connecting your notebook to the network please consult the Hardware troubleshooting sectionof the VAIO Link website How to troubleshoot network problems...

Page 84: ... your notebook A Customer Guide where you will find all the basic information you need to start using your notebook as well as troubleshooting and VAIO Link information Your Sony Guarantee conditions A Safety Regulations flyer A Modem Regulations flyer Online user guides on your hard disk drive 1 The Sony Notebook User Guide Using your notebook shows you how to use the standard components of your ...

Page 85: ... explains how to set your system and power management Installing and updating applications explains how to install run or uninstall a software application Managing drivers explains how to install update or uninstall a driver Using the Product Recovery CD ROMs explains how to perform a system and application recovery Using partitioned drives tells you what you can do with partitioned drives 3 Refer...

Page 86: ...u have any problem with your computer you can access the VAIO Link web site Go to http www vaio link com VAIO Link Response Centre Before contacting VAIO Link Response Centre try to solve the problem by reading the User Guides and help files for the peripherals or software You need to plug in the phone cable and configure your modem for use before using the communication features described in this...

Page 87: ... 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 If you have plugged the computer into a UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply make sure the UPS is turned on and works If you are using an external display check that it is plugged into a power source and turned on Check that you ...

Page 88: ...ppears 4 Set the date month day year 5 Press Enter 6 Press the arrow keys to select System Time 7 Set the time hour minute second 8 Press Enter 9 Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu 10 Press the arrow keys to select Get Default Values and then press Enter The message Load default configuration now appears 11 Make sure that Yes is selected and then press Enter 12 Press the arrow keys to se...

Page 89: ...r If this does not work press the power button and hold it for at least four seconds This turns off the power Unplug the computer from the AC adapter and remove the battery pack from your computer My computer does not shut down Windows 2000 It is recommended that you shut down your computer using the Shut Down command on the Windows Start menu Using other methods including those listed here may re...

Page 90: ...stop the CD ROM and shut down the computer by pressing Alt F4 and clicking Turn Off in the Turn off computer screen My computer locks up Windows 2000 If you suspect one application is locking your system you can try to stop it To do this press Ctrl Alt Delete simultaneously and select the application or the process that is locking your system and then click Shut Down on the Windows Security screen...

Page 91: ...ional port replicator If you are using an optional Sony USB mouse check that the appropriate driver and software are properly installed Check that the USB mouse is plugged into the USB connector About the display My LCD does not display anything Check that the computer and display are both plugged into a power source and that they are turned on Check that the power indicator on the front panel of ...

Page 92: ...ot open Make sure the computer is turned on Press the eject button on the disc drive If the eject button does not work you can open the tray by inserting a thin pointed object into the hole to the right of the eject button I cannot play a CD ROM After inserting the CD wait for a few seconds for the system to detect it before you try to access it Make sure the label of the disc is facing up If the ...

Page 93: ...d check the connections between your speakers and the computer In the Device Manager check that the correct drivers are installed properly To display the Device Manager click Start Windows 2000 click Settings and select Control Panel Double click the System icon On the Hardware tab click the Device Manager button A dirty or damaged disc may cause the computer to hang while it tries to read the dis...

Page 94: ...rties 4 Select the Settings tab 5 Change the Current Write Speed field to 2x 6 Click OK The VAIO notebook has a maximum recording rate of 8x for CD R and 4x for CD RW discs Reading speed of CD RW is slow Generally the reading speed of a CD RW is slower than that of a CD ROM or CD R The reading speed can also vary depending on the type of format When I double click an application icon a message suc...

Page 95: ...y one hour My floppy disk drive cannot write to a diskette 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 Your diskette may be corrupt Try to insert another diskette The optional PCGA UFD5 USB floppy disk drive is not recognized as drive A Windows XP To set the U...

Page 96: ...hat it is charged 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 If you use 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 batteries power the speakers check that the batteries are inserted properly and that...

Page 97: ...e and listening for a dial tone Check that the phone number the program is dialing is correct In the Phone and Modem Options dialog box Control Panel Phone and Modem Options check that your modem is listed on the Modems tab and that the location information is correct on the Dialing Rules tab Each time you use your modem while traveling make sure that the country of the active location defined in ...

Page 98: ...ms 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 If you are having a problem connecting with your Internet Service Provider check that the ISP is not experie...

Page 99: ...g other brands may cause problems with the i LINK devices My PC Card is not working Make sure the PC Card is compatible with your version of Windows Use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices you are not currently using If you are using two PC Cards use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable the devices you are not currently using I cannot print Check that the printer cables are co...

Page 100: ...se all open applications and restart your computer Frequent recording of images to a digital video device while using DVgate sometimes causes this error Your DV device will need to have DV In Out in order to be able to transfer your files to the DV device About power management The power management setting is not responding Your notebook s operating system may become unstable if a lower power stat...

Page 101: ...een two VAIO computers Disconnect then reconnect the i LINK cable If you still have no connection after waiting for a while restart both computers If either computer has just returned from a power saving mode the connection may be affected In this case make sure you perform a full restart before connecting them ...

Page 102: ... modules to expand the functionality of your notebook 256 MB of memory is preinstalled in one of the two available memory module bays 256 MB x 1 You can add an optional 256 MB memory module to increase memory up to 512 MB For memory upgrades use only PC200 CL2 5 SDRAM SO DIMMs gold leaf contacts Electrostatic discharge can damage electronic components Before touching a memory expansion board ensur...

Page 103: ...e until you are ready to install the module The package protects the module from ESD Use the special bag delivered with the memory module or wrap the module in aluminium foil to protect it from electrostatic discharge Do not place the memory module in places subject to Heat sources such as radiators or air ducts Direct sunlight Excessive dust Mechanical vibration or shock Strong magnets or speaker...

Page 104: ...e computer and remove the battery pack 3 Wait until the computer cools down 4 Turn your computer upside down 5 Open the cover on the bottom by unscrewing the screw turn counter clockwise 6 To remove the memory module pull the tabs in the direction of the arrows 1 The memory module is released 7 Pull the memory module in the direction of arrow 2 8 Close the cover 9 Gently tighten the screw ...

Page 105: ...connect all peripheral devices 2 Unplug the computer and remove the battery packs 3 Wait until the computer cools down 4 Turn your computer upside down 5 Open the cover on the bottom by unscrewing the screw turn counter clockwise 6 Remove the new memory module from its packaging 7 Install the memory module by sliding it into the memory module slot ...

Page 106: ...rn on the computer Viewing the amount of memory To view the amount of memory proceed as follows 1 Turn on the computer 2 Go to Sony Notebook Setup via the Start menu The Sony Notebook Setup dialog box appears 3 In the About this Computer tab you can view the amount of system memory If the additional memory does not appear repeat the whole procedure and restart the notebook ...

Page 107: ... while the power is on Do not turn off the power or restart the computer while reading or writing data Do not use your computer in a place subject to extreme change of temperature If the hard disk is damaged the data cannot be restored 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 e...

Page 108: ...ower surges such as those that may occur during an electrical storm Do not place heavy objects on the power cord 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 supplied AC adapter Do not use any other AC...

Page 109: ...adio 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 cannot be connected to a coin operated telephone and may not work with a private branch exchange PBX If the ...

Page 110: ...d errors Always hold the disc by its edge and its central hole as shown Proper care of the disc is essential to its continuous reliability Do not use solvents such as benzine thinning agents 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 ...

Page 111: ...ats 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 If after fully charging t...

Page 112: ... and extended play If you experience a ringing in your ears reduce the volume or discontinue use On handling the Memory Stick Do not touch the Memory Stick connector with your finger or metallic objects Use only the label supplied with the Memory Stick as a label Do not bend drop or apply strong shock to the Memory Stick Do not disassemble or modify Memory Sticks Do not let Memory Sticks get wet D...

Page 113: ...CPI a CD ROM player can be turned off by the operating system if it is not in use Application recovery A recovery process that enables you to recover any of the applications initially available on the computer Performing an application recovery is useful when an individual application does not run properly or to reinstall a driver when a device does not work properly Application recovery CD ROM CD...

Page 114: ...tional peripherals such as printers or monitors Driver A driver is software enabling you to use hardware devices For example in order for you to be able to use a printer you must first install its driver Many drivers such as the mouse driver come with the operating system DVD ROM Short for Digital Video Disc A type of read only CD with a minimum capacity of 4 7 GB maximum capacity can reach 17 GB ...

Page 115: ...hnology using liquid crystals and light polarisation to provide sharp flicker free images on a screen comprised of millions of tiny cells Color can be produced by two basic techniques Passive matrix is the less expensive of the two technologies The active matrix technology or TFT produces better quality but is also more expensive LED Short for Light Emitting Diode A semiconductor device that light...

Page 116: ...computer It defines how the computer reads and writes information to its disks and other hardware Windows 2000 Windows Millennium Edition Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition are examples of operating systems found on VAIOs Partition A partition is a logical division of a computer s hard disk A two partition hard drive would typically contain C and D drives Partitioning is particula...

Page 117: ... A port replicator is similar to a docking station but does not include additional slots for adding expansion boards or storage devices Processor The processor is the brains of the computer it processes the instructions of your system s programs The processor is also known as the CPU or microprocessor and can be found on the motherboard see this word of your computer Product recovery CD ROM The pr...

Page 118: ...a system recovery is useful in the event of a serious system crash or if you want to modify the size of your partitions System recovery CD ROM CD ROM that is supplied with your computer and that enables a VAIO computer user to recover the hard disk image that was available when the computer was purchased TFT Short for Thin Film Transistor Top of the range notebook display for excellent picture qua...

Page 119: ...rmation Technology IT skills WAN WAN Wide Area Network is a computer network connected together and covering a relatively large geographical area This is in contrast to LAN where the network is usually set up within one building or small geographical area The largest existing WAN is the Internet XGA Short for Extended Graphic Array a graphics standard An XGA board can provide up to 1 024 x 768 pix...

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Sony PCG-8A8M, User Manual

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