Sony Vaio PCG-GR150 Page 43 Quick Start Manual Download | Manualshive

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43

6

Troubleshooting

You may encounter common problems when using your Sony VAIO

®

Notebook.

Since many problems have simple solutions, try the suggestions provided in this
chapter before you contact Sony PC Support (http://www.sony.com/pcsupport).
This chapter provides you with information on the following topics:

❑

Troubleshooting the Notebook

❑

Troubleshooting the LCD Screen

❑

Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad

❑

Troubleshooting Drives, PC Cards, and Peripheral Devices

❑

Troubleshooting Software

❑

Troubleshooting the Modem

❑

Troubleshooting Audio

❑

Troubleshooting the Printer

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Summary of Contents for Vaio PCG-GR150

Page 1: ...1 VAIO Notebook Quick Start PCG GR150 150K PCG GR170 170K ...

Page 2: ...VAIO Notebook Quick Start 2 ...

Page 3: ...ng Modes 25 3 Adding Memory 27 Precautions and Procedures 28 Removing a Memory Module 30 installing a Memory Module 31 Viewing the amount of memory 32 4 About the Software on Your Notebook 33 Overview of Software 34 Using Your Recovery CDs 39 5 Troubleshooting 43 Troubleshooting the Notebook 44 Troubleshooting the LCD Screen 48 Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad 49 Troubleshooting Drives PC Ca...

Page 4: ...VAIO Notebook Quick Start 4 Troubleshooting the Modem 54 Troubleshooting Audio 55 Troubleshooting the Printer 56 6 Getting Help 57 Support Options 58 VAIO Support Agent 59 ...

Page 5: ...ok Sony has combined leading edge technology in audio video computing and communications to provide you with state of the art personal computing In this chapter you will find information on the following topics Features Unpacking Your Notebook Registering Your Notebook ...

Page 6: ... features Removable hard disk drive Take advantage of the increased computing versatility and expansion capabilities that a removable drive affords Optical disc drive Your system includes either a CD RW DVD Combo Drive or a DVD ROM drive The CD RW DVD Combo Drive utilizes a new optical storage technology that combines the features of both a CD RW drive and DVD ROM drive providing increased storage...

Page 7: ...ing Your Notebook Remove the following hardware items from the box Main unit The removable hard disk drive and removable optical disc drive are preinstalled in your notebook Power cord AC adapter Rechargeable battery pack Weight saver ...

Page 8: ... Details the hardware specifications for your notebook Software CDs Microsoft Word Enables you to reinstall Microsoft Word to the VAIO Notebook you purchased Recovery CDs Application Recovery CD s Enables you to reinstall individual applications if they become corrupted or are erased Driver Recovery CD s Enables you to reinstall individual device drivers if they become corrupted or are erased Syst...

Page 9: ...these steps to use the online computer registration service 1 Make sure your notebook is connected to a phone line 2 Click the registration icon on the VAIO desktop 3 Enter the information requested on the first online registration form 4 Click the Next button to advance to the next form 5 Complete the remaining forms by clicking the Next button each time you complete a form 6 The notebook automat...

Page 10: ...VAIO Notebook Quick Start 10 ...

Page 11: ...pter you will find information on how to set up and install your Sony VAIO Notebook The following topics are discussed Locating Controls and Ports Connecting a Power Source Starting Your Notebook Shutting Down Your Notebook Using Power Saving Modes ...

Page 12: ...icator 8 LCD Liquid Crystal Display screen 2 Num Lock indicator 9 Keyboard 3 Caps Lock indicator 10 Speakers 4 Scroll Lock indicator 11 Left and right buttons 5 Power indicator 12 Touchpad 6 Battery 1 and 2 indicators 13 Battery bay 7 Hard disk drive indicator 14 Power button 2 3 4 ...

Page 13: ...e that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connection The i LINK connection may vary depending on the software applications operating system and compatible i LINK devices All products with an i LINK connector may not communicate with each other Refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i LINK device for information on operating conditions and proper connection Before connecting compati...

Page 14: ...VAIO Notebook Quick Start 14 Right 1 Cooling vent 2 Drive bay with removable hard disk drive 3 Battery bay ...

Page 15: ...k 10 Headphone jack Warning 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 There is a v...

Page 16: ...VAIO Notebook Quick Start 16 Bottom 1 Tilt stands 2 Multipurpose bay Release lever 3 Port replicator connector ...

Page 17: ...her power consuming equipment such as a copy machine or shredder You can purchase a power strip with a surge protector This device prevents damage to your notebook caused by sudden power 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 notebook from the w...

Page 18: ...pose bay on the left side of the notebook See Using a Second Battery Pack in the online VAIO Notebook User Guide for more information Additional battery packs are available as a separate option The battery pack that comes with your notebook 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 Push the battery bay cov...

Page 19: ...charges 3 When the battery is 85 percent full the battery indicator turns off This process takes 3 hours when your notebook is using AC power Inserting battery pack If the port replicator is attached to your notebook do not attempt to insert or remove the battery pack Lifting and turning the notebook with a port replicator attached could cause a temporary loss of power To charge the battery comple...

Page 20: ...purpose bay Battery indicators Battery Indicator Description 1 Indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the right side of the notebook 2 Indicates the status of the battery pack in the multipurpose bay on the left side of the notebook Battery Indicator Light Status Description On The notebook is using battery power Single blink The battery is running out of power Double blink...

Page 21: ...bay it uses power from the AC outlet See Using a Second Battery Pack in the online User Guide for information on installing and charging a battery pack in the multipurpose bay Keep the battery pack in the notebook while it is directly connected to AC power The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the notebook If the battery level falls below 10 percent you should either attach the ...

Page 22: ...ures 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 process...

Page 23: ...g your notebook for the first time the VAIO InitManager dialog box will appear Please select OK to begin initial setup If you do not execute the initial setup you cannot use VAIO original hardware functions such as Power Management tools the scroll function of the touchpad and keyboard shortcut key combined with the Fn key Power button If you hold the power button down for more than four seconds t...

Page 24: ...e notebook is off when the power indicator turns off 6 Turn off any peripherals connected to your notebook If you are still unable to shut down your notebook follow the procedure below 1 Close or end all operations as follows Close all applications Remove the PC Cards Disconnect USB devices 2 Restart the notebook You can restart your notebook by pressing Ctrl Alt Delete simultaneously To avoid pot...

Page 25: ...rn off a specific device such as the LCD or the hard disk drive Standby Mode In Standby Mode the notebook saves the current state of the system in RAM and switches off power to the CPU The amber power indicator flashes in this mode To activate Standby mode To activate Standby mode press the power button and release it immediately You can also use the PowerPanel utility to enter Standby mode To ret...

Page 26: ... to normal mode Standby requires less time than Hibernate to return to normal mode Power consumption Standby uses more power than Hibernate Windows 2000 The Save to Disk Manager screen appears and then the notebook enters Hibernate mode Do not move the notebook until its power indicator turns off When returning from Hibernate mode the system status stored on the hard disk is erased and the noteboo...

Page 27: ...to install and replace memory modules to expand the functionality of your notebook In this chapter you will find information on the following topics Precautions and Procedures Removing a Memory Module Installing a Memory Module Viewing the Amount of Memory ...

Page 28: ...ny of the procedures described below Personal injury or equipment damage may result from failure to take these precautions Electrostatic discharge ESD can damage memory modules and other components Perform the procedures described below 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 ce...

Page 29: ...ansion memory configuration Models with 256 MB Memory Typical expansion memory configuration Total System Memory MB Slot 1 MB Slot 2 MB 128 128 192 128 64 256 128 128 384 128 256 512 256 256 Total System Memory MB Slot 1 MB Slot 2 MB 256 128 128 384 128 256 512 256 256 ...

Page 30: ...at secures the cover of the memory bay on the bottom of your notebook Use an appropriate screwdriver 4 Touch a metal object such as the connector panel on the back of your notebook to discharge any static electricity 5 Remove the memory module Removing the memory module cover Removing memory module Screwdriver Screw 2 Pull the memory module in the direction of the arrow 1 Pull the tabs in the dire...

Page 31: ...Install the memory module by sliding it into the memory module slot Press the module into place until it clicks 4 Tighten the screw on the cover of the memory bay Your notebook comes with a memory module installed in the memory slot To upgrade your memory removal of these modules may be necessary before installing your upgrade memory module Installing memory module 1 Slide the memory module into t...

Page 32: ...askbar 2 Select Programs then select Sony Notebook Setup and click Sony Notebook Setup The Sony Notebook Setup screen appears 3 Click the About This Computer tab to view the amount of system memory If the additional memory is not shown repeat steps 1 through 4 in installing a Memory Module on page 31 and restart the notebook ...

Page 33: ...IO Notebook is ready to help you work play learn and communicate as soon as you turn it on In this chapter you will find information on the software that comes with your notebook and how to use the Recovery CDs Overview of Software Using Your Recovery CDs ...

Page 34: ...ong with complete audio video synchronization America Online America Online Inc http www aol com America Online is a popular Internet online service Stay in touch with family and friends with easy to use e mail manage your personal finances get the latest news and sports scores and chat with thousands of others who share your interests ArcSoft PhotoPrinter 2000 Pro Windows Me only ArcSoft Inc http...

Page 35: ... custom CDs a simple process Microsoft Word Microsoft Corporation http www sony com pcsupport Microsoft Word makes it easy to create shared Web e mail and print documents for use around the world It embraces HTML as a first class file format and extends Word s ease of use to the Web and e mail Word also extends that ease of use to international users making it simple to create multilingual documen...

Page 36: ...record audio CDs onto your hard drive in a variety of formats PictureGear Sony Electronics Inc http www sony com pcsupport This image management software displays images from your hard drive a Sony digital still camera or a Sony Mavica camera The images appear in a convenient light table format so that you can easily view the contents of an entire folder See PictureGear in the online VAIO Notebook...

Page 37: ...onvenient links to Sony product and music service home pages RealPlayer RealNetworks Inc http service real com rjoptions html RealPlayer is the RealNetworks video and audio player which let you access 2 500 radio stations featuring music news and sports RealProducer G2 RealNetworks Inc http service real com rjoptions html RealProducer converts your audio and video files or live feeds into RealAudi...

Page 38: ...to desktop presentations VAIO Action Setup Sony Electronics Inc http www sony com pcsupport VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your notebook s Shortcut keys and i LINK interface VAIO Support Agent Sony Electronics Inc http www sony com pcsupport VAIO Support Agent provides immediate interactive on line support See VAIO Support Agent on page 59 for more information WinDVD InterVideo Inc htt...

Page 39: ...use the Application Recovery CD to install Windows drivers on your notebook To use the Application Recovery CD s 1 Turn on your notebook If your notebook is already on close all applications 2 When the Windows desktop appears insert the Sony Application Recovery CD in the optical disc drive The Application Recovery utility loads automatically 3 When the Application Recovery menu appears select the...

Page 40: ...nal characteristics for the preinstalled software applications that are protected by VAIO Support Agent See VAIO Support Agent on page 59 for instructions on how to fix your software problems Using the System Recovery CD s You can use the System Recovery CD s to format the C partition of the hard disk drive then reinstall the operating system and software titles that shipped with your notebook if ...

Page 41: ...t start from the Recovery CD 1 Press the power button and hold it for more than four seconds to turn off the notebook 2 Turn on the notebook When the Sony logo is displayed press the F2 key The BIOS setup menu screen appears 3 Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu 4 Press the arrow keys to select Get Default Values and then press the Enter key The message Load default configuration now appe...

Page 42: ...st 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 After recovering your system using the System Recovery CD you may be prompted to insert your Application Recovery CD after restarting Windows Insert the Application Recovery CD to automatically compl...

Page 43: ...ore you contact Sony PC Support http www sony com pcsupport This chapter provides you with information on the following topics Troubleshooting the Notebook Troubleshooting the LCD Screen Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad Troubleshooting Drives PC Cards and Peripheral Devices Troubleshooting Software Troubleshooting the Modem Troubleshooting Audio Troubleshooting the Printer ...

Page 44: ...s are connected firmly as described in the Connecting a Power Source section of the printed Quick Start If you plugged the notebook 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 check that it is plugged into a power source and turned on Check that the brightness and contrast controls are adjuste...

Page 45: ...f the notebook and then remove the floppy disk 2 Restart the notebook and confirm that Windows starts properly If Windows still does not start follow the steps below to initialize the BIOS 1 Turn off the notebook 2 Remove any peripheral devices connected to the notebook 3 Turn the notebook back on 4 Press the F2 key when the Sony logo appears The BIOS setup menu screen appears 5 Press the arrow ke...

Page 46: ...ot restart as described in the preceding step you can restart the notebook by pressing Ctrl Alt Delete simultaneously and clicking Shut Down on the Windows Security screen If the previous step does not work press and hold the power button for at least four seconds This turns off the power Windows Me If your notebook stops responding while playing a CD or DVD stop the CD DVD and restart the noteboo...

Page 47: ... Hibernate feature is disabled click the Enable button 4 Click OK and restart your notebook The power management setting is not responding Your notebook s operating system may become unstable if it is interrupted or if you attempt to make changes before the notebook completely enters a lower power state such as Hibernate To restore the notebook to its normal operating stability 1 Close all open ap...

Page 48: ...previous screen Press the Windows key and D twice to refresh the screen The image on my connected external display is not centered or sized properly Use the controls on your external display to adjust the image See the manual that came with your display for more information I want to change the video resolution of my display Follow this procedure to change the video resolution of your display Clic...

Page 49: ...otebook To enable the touchpad 1 Press the Windows key and use the arrow keys to select Programs and then Sony Notebook Setup 2 Select the Touchpad tab using the arrow keys 3 Select Enable Touchpad and then press Enter Please check the instructions that came with your notebook You must restart the notebook to make the touchpad work again If your touchpad is interpreting a single tap as a double cl...

Page 50: ...press Ctrl Alt Delete simultaneously and click Shut Down on the Windows Security screen to restart the notebook If you cannot restart your notebook as described in the step above press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to turn off the notebook If the pointer does not move while playing a disc press Ctrl Alt Delete simultaneously to stop playback and restart the notebook If you a...

Page 51: ...f necessary restart the notebook remove the disc and then check it for dirt or damage If you see video but can not hear audio check all of the following Check that your optical disc drive does not have the mute setting enabled Check the volume setting in the audio mixer If you are using external speakers check the volume settings and then check the connections between your external speakers and th...

Page 52: ... installed properly Check that the PC Card is compatible with Microsoft 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 Check that any necessary drivers were installed properly See Using the Driver Recovery CD on page 40 for more informatio...

Page 53: ...into your optical disc drive appears and the software does not start Some titles require specific files that are located on the application CD Insert the disc and try starting the program again Make sure you place the CD in the tray with the label side facing up I cannot use the DVgate software If your notebook is using the Ultimate Battery Life profile for its power saving mode you cannot use DVg...

Page 54: ...CD on page 40 for more information My modem connection is slow Your notebook is equipped with a V 90 K56flex compatible modem Many factors may 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 ...

Page 55: ...ation that has its own volume control check that the volume is turned up Check the volume controls in the Windows taskbar 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 I...

Page 56: ...ony Notebook Setup Your connected printer may not function after the notebook resumes from a power saving mode If this occurs follow these steps to reset the printer connection Windows Me Only Right click the My Computer icon on the desktop then select Properties Click the Device Manager tab Select Refresh then click OK The printer should function properly Windows 2000 Only Double click the My Com...

Page 57: ...h several support resources to answer questions about your Sony VAIO Notebook or the preinstalled software In this chapter you will find information on where to find and use the resources available to you Support Options VAIO Support Agent ...

Page 58: ...m directory 4 VAIO Support Agent You can find VAIO Support Agent from the Windows desktop Using advanced diagnostic technology Sony s VAIO Support Agent runs scheduled protections of your applications network settings and other important software settings When your software is protected you can use VAIO Support Agent to repair software problems by restoring your software to any of the previously p...

Page 59: ...ms Quick Fix Wizard Common Solutions and Support Central This section briefly describes these three features and the automatic update capability of the VAIO Support Agent Using the Quick Fix Wizard The VAIO Support Agent records and maintains a history of the VAIO Support Agent protected applications by taking a snapshot of the application at regular timed intervals and storing it for future use S...

Page 60: ...ix my software option 4 Select the software you wish to repair from the drop down list 5 Next select a date time from the drop down list that corresponds to the last time when the software worked properly 6 Click Next to continue Follow the instructions on the screen To view a list of software applications protected by VAIO Support Agent click on the Pick the software drop down list Quick Fix Wiza...

Page 61: ...utions dialog box appears 2 Double click on the desired category to expand and view available SupportActions VAIO Support Local Server C program files support com provides a list of SupportActions available on your computer s hard disk drive VAIO Support Local Server http sdcglobal4 sel sony com provides a list of SupportActions available from the Internet Common Solutions dialog box 1st level Con...

Page 62: ...cess Every 24 hours the Agent self activates to contact the Sony Support Server to check for new updates or fixes needed for your system This updating action only occurs while you are connected to the Internet and when more than 24 hours has passed since the last update Each time the VAIO Support Agent prepares to check for updates the Agent Status Update dialog box appears and asks you to respond...

Page 63: ...to contact the Sony Support Server for any updates or fixes The Agent discontinues any update retrieval and does not prompt again for your permission to update Deny the Agent your permission to contact the Sony Support Server for the current update or fix The Agent discontinues the current update retrieval but prompts again for your permission for the next scheduled update Update Notification Once...

Page 64: ...port Agent Properties To control the VAIO Support Agent automatic update feature follow these steps 1 In the VAIO Support Agent main screen select Tools then select Properties The VAIO Support Agent Properties dialog box appears 2 Select one of three options to customize the automatic update feature 3 Click OK When clicking on the flashing ambulance icon you must be connected to the Internet to re...

Page 65: ...test software updates for your protected software Support Central also lets you contact live support agents for additional help 1 Connect to the Internet 2 From the VAIO Support Agent main window click Support Central The Support Central Welcome page appears 3 Click Enter Portal to begin using Support Central First time users will be asked to register with Support Central You must have Internet ac...

Page 66: ...stration information so you are only required to register once If you log on to your computer with a different user name or have recovered your system using the System Recovery CDs Support Central may require you to register again Support Central Registration page ...

Page 67: ...ent Issues page displays enabling you to continue working on your open issues or to close them if you are finished Support Central has a tracking feature that stores your current issues enabling you to return and work on them later Support Central Current Issues page ...

Page 68: ...on to Support Central with a new issue or if you do not have any open issues the Support Wizard appears You can begin searching on the new issues Support Central Support Wizard page You must be connected to the Internet to use Support Central ...

Page 69: ...battery packs 19 choosing power source 18 connecting phone line 26 power source 17 D DC In 17 drive bay 14 Driver Recovery CD 40 drives CD RW DVD 6 13 DVD ROM 6 13 hard disk 6 14 optical disc 6 DVD ROM drive 6 13 E expansion memory configuration 29 F floppy disk drive troubleshooting 51 H hard disk drive 6 14 Hibernate mode 25 I inserting battery pack 18 installing memory module 31 L LCD lock leve...

Page 70: ...rce 17 power sources 18 connecting 17 R rechargeable battery packs 17 recharging battery packs 19 removing memory module 30 S second battery pack 18 selecting power source 18 Shut Down Windows dialog box 24 shutting down 24 Software overview list 33 Sony Fax on Demand service 58 speakers troubleshooting 55 Standby mode 25 starting notebook 23 startup problems 24 T troubleshooting drives 51 optical...

Page 71: ......

Page 72: ...ermission is prohibited All rights reserved Sony VAIO the VAIO logo VAIO Smart DVgate Handycam Media Bar MovieShaker PictureGear and i LINK are trademarks of Sony All other trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners Printed in USA 4 655 646 11 ...

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