background image

VAIO® Computer Quick Start

50

Troubleshooting Your Computer

Why doesn’t my computer start?

Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and is 
turned on. Make sure the power indicator shows the power is on. See 
“Connecting a Power Source” for more information.

Make sure the battery is inserted properly and is charged.

If the computer is connected to a docking station with a floppy disk drive or 
to an external floppy disk drive, make sure the floppy disk drive is empty.

If the computer is plugged into a power strip or Uninterruptible Power 
Supply (UPS), make sure the power strip or UPS is turned on and working.

If you are using an external display, make sure it is plugged into a power 
source and turned on. Make sure the brightness and contrast controls are 
adjusted correctly. See the manual that came with your display for details.

Remove the battery from the computer, unplug the power cord, and plug it in 
again. Turn on the power.

If the computer does not turn on, remove the AC adapter and battery. Wait 
one minute, and then reattach them before pressing the power button.

Condensation may cause the computer to malfunction. If this occurs, do not 
use the computer for at least one hour.

Unplug the power cord, press the reset button by using a thin, straight object 
(such as a paper clip), remove the battery if one is installed, plug the power 
cord in again, and turn on the computer. To find your computer’s reset 
button, see “Locating Controls and Ports” in the “Setting Up” chapter of 
your supplied VAIO® Quick Start.

Why does a BIOS error appear when my computer starts?

If the message “Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to setup” appears at the bottom of 
the screen, follow these steps:

1

Press 

F2

. The 

BIOS Setup

 menu appears.

2

Set the date (month/day/year). Press 

Enter

.

3

Press the 

Down Arrow

 key 

 to select 

System Time

, and then set the time 

(hour: minute: second). Press 

Enter

.

Summary of Contents for VAIO PCG-8G1L

Page 1: ...VAIO Computer Quick Start PCG GRZ530 ...

Page 2: ......

Page 3: ...1 Locating Your VAIO Computer User Guide 32 Setting Up A Dial Up Connection 33 Turning Off Your Computer 34 Expanding Your Computing Power 37 Upgrading Memory 38 Using the Recovery CDs 39 Application and System Recovery CDs 40 Using Your Recovery CDs 40 Caring for Your Computer 45 Storing Your Computer 46 Using Cables and Connections 46 Cleaning Your Computer 47 Handling the LCD Screen 47 ...

Page 4: ...VAIO Computer Quick Start 4 Troubleshooting 49 Troubleshooting Your Computer 50 Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touch Pad 54 Support Options 57 Index 61 ...

Page 5: ...nsed by third parties Use of such software is subject to the terms and conditions of license agreements enclosed with this product Some of the software may not be transported or used outside the United States Software specifications are subject to change without notice and may not necessarily be identical to current retail versions Updates and additions to software may require an additional charge...

Page 6: ... software applications operating system and compatible i LINK devices All products with an i LINK connection may not communicate with each other Please refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i LINK device for information on operating conditions and proper connection Before connecting compatible i LINK PC peripherals to your system such as a CD RW or hard disk drive confirm their...

Page 7: ...die ou d électrocution garder cet appareil à l abri de la pluie et de l humidité Pour prévenir tout risque d électrocution ne pas ouvrir le châssis de cet appareil et ne confier son entretien qu à une personne qualifiée Ne jamais effectuer l installation de fil modem ou téléphone durant un orage électrique Ne jamais effectuer l installation d une prise téléphonique dans un endroit mouillé à moins ...

Page 8: ...and used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications However there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation If this equipment does cause harmful interference to Pour changer la pile de rechange veuillez contacter votre centre de service Sony le plus près Avertissement L utilisation d instruments optiques avec ce pr...

Page 9: ...ve 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 If the terminal equipment causes harm to t...

Page 10: ...1 il ne doit pas produire de brouillage et 2 l utilisateur du dispositif doit être prêt à accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique reçu même si ce brouillage est susceptible de compromettre le fonctionnement du dispositif Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant l objet d une licence il doit être utilisé à l interieur et devrait être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fou...

Page 11: ...ironment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries call toll free 1 800 822 8837 or visit http www rbrc org Caution Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium Ion batteries RECYCLAGEDES ACCUMULATEU RS AUX IONS DE LITHIUM Les accumulateurs aux ions de lithium sont recyclables Vo...

Page 12: ...es does not exceed five Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer s instructions The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated Do not disassemble heat ab...

Page 13: ...ment terminal est 0 2 Le REN attribué à chaque équipement terminal indique le nombre maximum de terminaux que l on peut connecter à une interface téléphonique Il est possible de raccorder à une interface plusieurs combinaisons d appareils mais la somme des Nombres Équivalents de Sonneries de tous ces appareils ne doit pas dépasser cinq CD RW DVD ROM Laser Diode Properties Laser Output 151 50 µW CD...

Page 14: ...VAIO Computer Quick Start 14 ...

Page 15: ...hase 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 Unpacking Your Computer Applying Ergonomics Locating Controls and Ports ...

Page 16: ...ow to use your new computer See Locating Your VAIO Computer User Guide on page 32 for more information Main Unit Power Cord AC Adapter The appearance of the AC adapter plug may vary between models CD RW DVD drive The removable CD RW DVD drive is already inserted in your computer when you unpack the box Rechargeable Battery Port Replicator Cover Weight Saver ...

Page 17: ...rosoft Word Enables you to reinstall Microsoft Word to your VAIO computer if the application becomes corrupted or is erased Recovery CDs Application Recovery CD s Enables you to reinstall individual software programs and device drivers if they become corrupted or are erased System Recovery CD s Enables you to restore the operating system and software that shipped with your computer if they become ...

Page 18: ...he 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 computer s display Use the display s tilting feature to find the best viewing angle Also try adjusting the brightness setting of the display Following these suggestions can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue...

Page 19: ...cator 9 Left and right buttons 2 Num lock indicator 10 Hard disk drive indicator 3 Caps lock indicator 11 Battery 2 indicator 4 Scroll lock indicator 12 Battery 1 indicator 5 LCD screen 13 Power indicator 6 Power button 14 Jog Dial Control 7 Keyboard 15 Speakers 8 Touchpad 10 11 12 13 14 15 ...

Page 20: ...etwork Ethernet port Only connect 10BASE T and 100BASE TX cables to the Ethernet port Do not 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 To connect the unit to the network contact your network administrator 11 ...

Page 21: ... Controls and Ports 21 Left 1 Memory Stick media slot 4 Optical drive eject button 2 i LINK IEEE 1394 S400 port 5 Multipurpose bay for optical drive CD RW DVD drive or second battery not supplied 3 PC Card slot ...

Page 22: ...VAIO Computer Quick Start 22 Right 1 Air vent 3 Battery bay 2 Removable hard disk drive ...

Page 23: ...Locating Controls and Ports 23 Bottom 1 Tilt stands 3 Reset switch 2 Optical drive release lever 4 Port replicator connector ...

Page 24: ...VAIO Computer Quick Start 24 ...

Page 25: ...y support options You ll also learn how to locate your online VAIO Computer User Guide which contains step by step instructions for operating your computer Turning On Your Computer Using the Touch Pad Registering Your Computer Locating Your VAIO Computer User Guide Setting Up A Dial Up Connection Turning Off Your Computer ...

Page 26: ...Your Computer in your online VAIO Computer User Guide for more information about using batteries See also Locating Your VAIO Computer User Guide on page 32 To charge your battery 1 Open the computer lid 2 Push the battery bay cover down to open it The battery bay cover swings out but does not detach from the computer 3 Slide the battery with the logo facing up into the battery bay If the computer ...

Page 27: ...ks as the battery charges See Powering Your Computer in your online VAIO Computer User Guide for more information To connect the AC adapter 1 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN port on your computer or port replicator Inserting a Battery If a port replicator is attached to your computer do not insert or remove the battery Lifting and turning the computer with a port replicato...

Page 28: ...right and lift the cover while holding the bottom of the computer firmly 2 Press the power button until the green power indicator lights up Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer Use only the supplied AC adapter with your computer Opening the Computer DC IN port AC adapter supplied Power cord supplied The appearance of the AC adapter plug may vary between models Release lever ...

Page 29: ...ht Arrow key To decrease brightness press Fn F5 and then press the Down Arrow key or Left Arrow key Using the Touch Pad The keyboard contains a pointing device called a touch pad You can point to select drag and scroll objects on the screen using the built in touch pad Turning on the Computer If you hold down the power button the computer turns off Power indicator Power button ...

Page 30: ... Right click Press the right button once In many programs this action displays a shortcut menu of context sensitive choices Drag Slide one finger while pressing the left button Scroll Move your finger along the right edge of the touch pad to scroll vertically Move your finger along the bottom to scroll horizontally The scroll function is available only with programs that support a touch pad scroll...

Page 31: ...ty Protect your investment See the Warranty Card for more details Product Information Notification By giving Sony your contact information you will enable Sony to reach you regarding performance updates and upgrades You are prompted to register your computer the first time you turn on the unit Follow the on screen instructions to complete the registration process If you are not able to register yo...

Page 32: ...n the user guide 1 Click Start on the Windows taskbar and then click Help and Support The Help and Support Center window appears displaying information about your Microsoft Windows operating system 2 Click VAIO User Guide in the Pick a Help topic column A second Help and Support Center window appears which offers detailed information about your computer Finding the VAIO User Guide VAIO User Guide ...

Page 33: ...up connection 1 Connect a telephone cable to your computer See To connect a telephone cable in the Internet and Network Connections chapter of your online VAIO Computer User Guide 2 Click Start point to All Programs Accessories Communications and then click New Connection Wizard The New Connection Wizard appears VAIO User Guide Window 1 User guide table of contents List of computer help topics 2 E...

Page 34: ... button to turn off your computer may result in loss of data Follow the steps below to properly turn off your computer and avoid losing data To turn off your computer 1 Close or end all operations Close all programs Remove the PC Cards Disconnect USB devices 2 Click Start on the Windows taskbar 3 Select the Turn Off Computer or Shut Down command at the bottom of the menu New Connection Wizard ...

Page 35: ... Press the key combination Ctrl Alt Delete The Windows Task Manager dialog box appears Select Restart from the Shut Down menu Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents During a period of inactivity you can conserve battery life by using the power saving modes See Controlling Power Management in the online VAIO Computer User Guide for more information If you are still unable to shut down...

Page 36: ...VAIO Computer Quick Start 36 ...

Page 37: ...7 Expanding Your Computing Power This section helps you get started upgrading computer memory and locating information about preinstalled software programs Upgrading Memory Locating Preinstalled Programs ...

Page 38: ...lled audio video programs The following sources offer a list of preinstalled programs descriptions and information VAIO Computer User Guide The Preinstalled Programs chapter of your online VAIO Computer User Guide contains a list of programs descriptions and support information See Locating Your VAIO Computer User Guide on page 32 for more information VAIO Computer Specifications Windows XP The on...

Page 39: ...39 Using the Recovery CDs Application and System Recovery CDs Using Your Recovery CDs ...

Page 40: ...ams installed since you started using your computer will be lost Using Your Recovery CDs The following sections describe how to use the Application Recovery and System Recovery utilities Using the Application Recovery CD s Using the System Recovery CD s Using the Application Recovery CD s The Application Recovery CD s utility enables you to reinstall individual software programs device drivers and...

Page 41: ...desktop 2 Insert Application Recovery CD No 1 into your computer s optical drive 3 Click Start on the Windows taskbar and right click My Computer 4 Click Properties The System Properties dialog box appears 5 Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager 6 Right click the unknown device or the device that requires the driver installation and click Update Driver from the shortcut menu 7 In the Har...

Page 42: ... computer If you have any questions about using the Application Recovery CD s visit http www sony com pcsupport Using the System Recovery CD s The System Recovery CD s enables you to format your hard disk and restore all original software programs Your computer is returned to the original factory settings You can use the System Recovery CD s to reinstall the operating system and software titles th...

Page 43: ... Drive C and Drive D The original preinstalled operating system and software programs are restored Recovery to Original Factory Defaults All data and partitions are removed from the hard drive All original factory settings the operating system and preinstalled software are restored To use the System Recovery CD s Your system may take a few minutes to load necessary files A blue screen may appear d...

Page 44: ...and then press Enter The Setup Confirmation window appears again 7 Make sure Yes is selected and press Enter The computer restarts from the Recovery CD After recovering your system using the System Recovery CD s you may be prompted to insert your Application Recovery CD s after restarting the Windows operating system Insert the Application Recovery CD to automatically complete recovery of your sys...

Page 45: ...45 Caring for Your Computer This section provides information on how to safely use your Sony computer Storing Your Computer Using Cables and Connections Cleaning Your Computer Handling the LCD Screen ...

Page 46: ...ches 20 cm behind the back panel of the computer 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 one hour before turning on your computer If any problems occur unplug your computer and contact your Sony Service Center The computer uses high frequency radio signals and may interfere with radio or TV recept...

Page 47: ...s this can damage the screen Use a soft dry cloth to wipe the LCD screen Always disconnect the power cord before cleaning the computer 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 a malfunction Using the computer in low temperature conditions may ...

Page 48: ...VAIO Computer Quick Start 48 ...

Page 49: ...hooting topics refer to the online VAIO Computer User Guide Many problems have simple solutions so refer to these sources before you contact Sony Computing Support http www sony com pcsupport Troubleshooting Your Computer Troubleshooting the LCD Screen Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touch Pad Support Options Program Support Information ...

Page 50: ...isplay for details Remove the battery from the computer unplug the power cord and plug it in again Turn on the power If the computer does not turn on remove the AC adapter and battery Wait one minute and then reattach them before pressing the power button Condensation may cause the computer to malfunction If this occurs do not use the computer for at least one hour Unplug the power cord press the ...

Page 51: ...sk drive make sure there is no disk in the floppy disk drive non bootable If a non bootable floppy disk is in the drive proceed as follows 1 Turn off the computer and remove the floppy disk 2 Restart the computer and confirm that the Windows operating system starts properly If Windows still does not start follow these steps to initialize the BIOS 1 Remove any floppy disk from the floppy disk drive...

Page 52: ...below may result in loss of unsaved data Click Start on the Windows taskbar select Turn Off Computer and then click Turn Off If your computer does not turn off press Ctrl Alt Delete simultaneously When the Windows Task Manager dialog box appears click Turn Off from the Shut Down menu If your computer still does not turn off press and hold the power button for at least four seconds to turn off the ...

Page 53: ...dows Task Manager window appears 2 Press Alt to highlight the menu bar and press the Right Arrow key to select Shut Down 3 Press Enter 4 Press R to select restart 4 If this procedure does not work press and hold the power button for four seconds or longer to turn off the computer Troubleshooting the LCD Screen Why did the computer LCD screen go blank Your computer screen may go blank if the comput...

Page 54: ...operly You may have disabled the touch pad without connecting a mouse to the computer To enable the touch pad 1 Press the Windows key and then press the Up Arrow key to select All Programs 2 Press Enter 3 Press the Down Arrow key to select Sony Notebook Setup and press Enter 4 Select Sony Notebook Setup again and press Enter 5 Press the Right Arrow key to select the Device tab 6 Press the Tab key ...

Page 55: ...elect Apply and press Enter 6 Press the Tab key to select OK and press Enter If you are still experiencing problems make sure another mouse was not installed You may need to use your Application Recovery CD s to reinstall the mouse drivers See Using the Application Recovery CD s on page 40 for more information Why doesn t the pointer move when I use the touch pad or mouse You should restart your c...

Page 56: ... does not move while playing a disc press Ctrl Alt Delete simultaneously to stop playback and restart the computer If you are still experiencing problems make sure another mouse was not installed You may need to use your supplied Application Recovery CD s to reinstall the touch pad or mouse drivers See Using the Application Recovery CD s on page 40 for more information ...

Page 57: ...ating System Online Support Your computer comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows For operating system support you can access Microsoft customer support at http support microsoft com directory 4 VAIO Support Agent You can find VAIO Support Agent by clicking Start and selecting Help and Support Using advanced diagnostic technology Sony s VAIO Support Agent runs scheduled protections of your progr...

Page 58: ...s M F 6 A M 5 P M Pacific time Web site http www apple com telephone 800 275 2273 hours M F 6 A M 6 P M Pacific time Web site http www aol com telephone 800 827 3338 hours 7 days a week 24 hours a day 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 Web site http www antivirus com pc cillin support telephone 949...

Page 59: ... Support from 800 644 3193 is automated and free of charge hours M F 5 A M 5 P M Pacific time Web site s http service real com rjoptions html e mail http service real com help call html online e mail form Web site http www sony com pcsupport telephone 888 4 SONY PC 888 476 6972 1 1 Support from 1 888 4 SONY PC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase hours 7 days a week 24...

Page 60: ...VAIO Computer Quick Start 60 ...

Page 61: ...cifications online 33 storage 46 troubleshooting 50 turning off 34 turning on 26 unpacking 16 updates 33 connecting dial up 33 controls 19 D DC IN port 20 dial up connection 33 E Electronic Flyer 33 Energy Star 5 F faxes laws governing 10 H handling the LCD screen 47 hard disk drive indicator 19 help 32 49 I i LINK port 21 indicators battery 19 caps lock 19 hard disk drive 19 Memory Stick media 19...

Page 62: ...26 programs locating 38 R radio interference 9 Recovery CDs 40 regulatory information 8 reset switch 23 restoring data 40 S scroll lock indicator 19 shutting down computer 34 software locating 38 Sony Service Center 59 specifications 17 specifications online 33 starting computer 26 startup problems 35 support Sony 49 System Recovery CD 42 T technical support 49 touchpad 19 troubleshooting 54 using...

Page 63: ......

Page 64: ...http www sony com vaio Printed in USA 2002 Sony Electronics Inc 4 669 754 01 ...

Reviews: