This product contains software owned by Sony and licensed by third parties. Use of such software is subject to the terms and conditions of license agreements enclosed with this product.
Owner’s Record The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony VAIO Notebook. Record the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call your Sony Service Center.
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This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the...
Repair of this equipment should be made only by a Sony Service Center or Sony authorized agent. For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972).
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. Une batterie non conforme présente un danger d'explosion. La remplacer seulement par une batterie identique ou de type équivalent recommandé...
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AVIS DE L’INDUSTRIE CANADA AVIS: L’étiquette d’Industrie Canada identifie le matériel homologué. Cette étiquette certifie que le matériel est conforme aux normes de protection, d’exploitation et de sécurité des réseaux de télécommunications, comme le prescrivent les documents concernant les exigences techniques relatives au matériel terminal.
Contents Welcome... 1 Features ... 1 Unpacking Your Notebook Computer ... 2 Locating Controls and Connectors... 4 Connecting a Power Source ... 8 Starting Your Computer ... 12 Shutting Down Your Computer ... 13 ® Configuring Windows 98 Second Edition ... 14 Registering Your Computer ...
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Connecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder...53 Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device ...54 Troubleshooting ...55 Replacing the Internal Backup Battery...62 Changing the Window design of Sony Software...64 Using the System and Application Recovery CDs...65 About the Software on Your Computer...68 For Answers to Your Software Questions ...74...
Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing. Features For a complete description of the specifications of your VAIO Notebook Computer, see page 81.
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Unpacking Your Notebook Computer Remove the following hardware items from the box: † The removable floppy disk drive is located in the drive bay. Manuals Read Me First contains Frequently Asked Questions, the most up-to- date information on using your computer, and software support information.
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Software CDs ® Microsoft Works Suite 99 (5 cd set) Other Setting up your VAIO Packet containing special product offers ® Notebook Computer (poster)
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Locating Controls and Connectors Front LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen (page 20) Speakers (pages 20, 50) Keyboard (page 16) Touchpad (page 22) Left/right buttons (page 22) Power indicator (page 10) Battery 1 and 2 indicators (pages 10, 19) Hard disk drive indicator (page 19) Num Lock indicator (page 19) Caps Lock indicator (page 19)
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Left Power switch (page 12) Kensington Security Cable Lock port Infrared port connector (page 31) Microphone connector (pages 47, 51) Locating Controls and Connectors Headphone connector (pages 47, 50) ™ S200 i.LINK connector (page 53) PC card slots (page 27) Battery bay (page 9)
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Right PPK buttons (see the online document Customizing Your VAIO Notebook Computer for information on use) DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive (page 25) Back cover Phone line jack (page 40) Mouse/Keyboard connector (page 49) Serial connector (page 52) Printer connector (page 45) There is a ventilation slot located between the USB connector and the DC In connector.
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Bottom Port replicator connector cover (pages 42, 44) Drive bay RELEASE lever (pages 36, 38) Locating Controls and Connectors Tilt stands...
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Connecting a Power Source You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source. Using the AC Adapter Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on the computer.
Using Battery Power You can use one or two battery packs as a source of power. The second battery pack inserts into the drive bay on the right side of the computer. (See “Using Power Saving Modes” on page 33.) Additional battery packs are available as a seperate option.
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide To charge the battery pack Connect the AC adapter to the computer. Insert the battery pack. The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges). When the battery is 85 percent full, the battery indicator light turns off.
When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink. When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet. See “Using a Second Battery Pack”...
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Starting Your Computer Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover. LCD lock lever Slide the power switch on the left side toward the front of the computer until the green power indicator light turns on. Power switch If you hold the power switch in the On position for more than four seconds, the computer turns off.
Shutting Down Your Computer To avoid potential loss of data, follow these steps to shut down your computer. Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar. Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut Down Windows dialog box.
For details on registering your computer, see “Registering Your Computer” on page 15. You may sign up for Internet access with a Sony preferred Internet Service Provider. Learning about Windows 98: If you wish, take the tour of Windows 98.
Registering Your Computer You can take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive the following benefits by registering your computer with Sony. Sony Customer Support – Talk to a Support Representative to troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer.
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Using the Keyboard Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter’s, but the keyboard has additional keys that perform specific computer-related tasks. Escape Key Shift key Ctrl key Fn key Windows 98 key Description Numeric keypad Contains the keys found on a typical calculator.
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Description Print Screen key The Print Screen key takes an electronic snapshot of the screen and places it in the Windows Clipboard. You can then paste the screen shot into a document and print it. Operator keys Several keys are always used with at least one other key: Ctrl, Alt, and Shift.
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Combinations and Functions with the Windows 98 Key Combination + F1 + Tab + Ctrl + F Shift + Fn + + Insert Function Displays Windows Help. Switches the selected button on the taskbar. Displays Windows Explorer. Displays the Windows Find: All Files window to find a file or folder.
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Indicators Indicator Function Power Light is green when the power to the computer is turned on. Light is red in System Idle mode, and flashes red in System Suspend mode. Turns off when the computer is in System Hibernation mode or powered off. Battery 1 Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the battery bay on the left side of the computer.
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key Combinations/ Feature (ESC) System Suspend (F2) Display power source status (F3) Mute On/Off (F4) Speaker volume (F5) Brightness control (F6) Contrast control (F7) Switch to the external monitor/LCD Fn+F8 Function Puts the system into System Suspend mode, a power...
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Combinations/ Feature (F12) System Hibernation Fn+D Video standby Fn+F Change the display size Fn+S System Idle * The Fn+F6 (contrast control) function is available on model PCG-340 only. Some functions are not available until Windows launches. Function Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the state of the system and state of the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system power is turned off.
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Using the Touchpad The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device called a touchpad. You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touchpad. Touchpad Left button Action Description Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer on an item or object.
Using the Floppy Disk Drive The computer comes with the floppy disk drive in the drive bay. To insert a diskette Hold the diskette with the label side facing up. Gently push the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place. Floppy disk drive To remove a diskette When you finish using the diskette, wait until the LED indicator light...
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide To remove the floppy disk drive Turn off the computer. There is a RELEASE lever on the bottom of the computer. Slide this lever in the direction of the arrow. Slide the drive out of the drive bay. Insert the weight saver.
Using the DVD-ROM Your computer comes with a DVD-ROM drive (models PCG-F350 and PCG-F360) or CD-ROM drive (model PCG-F340). If your computer is equipped with a DVD-ROM drive, you can play both DVD-ROMs and CD-ROMs. To insert a disc Turn on the computer. When the computer is in insert a disc.
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Close the tray by pushing it gently. Be sure to seat the disc firmly over the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive hub fingers. If you do not seat the disc firmly, you could damage your DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive and you may not be able to open the tray.
III PC card. These slots are compatible with Card Bus. Some PC cards may require that you disable idle devices when using the PC card. You can use Sony Notebook Setup to disable devices. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” in the online document Customizing Your VAIO Be sure to use the most recent software driver provided by the PC card manufacturer.
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Remove the PC card slot protector. When you use a Type III PC card, you need to remove both the top and bottom PC card slot protectors. Insert the PC card into the PC card slot, front label facing up. Gently push the card into the slot until the card is fixed into the connector.
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To remove a PC card Close any applications that are using the PC card. Click the PC card icon in the taskbar and close the card. Pull the PC card release button up and press it in toward the computer. Gently grasp the card and pull it out.
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Using Smart Connect The preinstalled Smart Connect software allows you to use an i.LINK cable (not supplied) to connect your VAIO Notebook Computer to another VAIO computer that also has Smart Connect. You can then use one computer to copy, delete, and edit files on the other computer.
Using Infrared Communication Devices Using Infrared Communication Devices Your computer includes an infrared port, located on the left side. You can use this port to communicate with other infrared-equipped devices with compatible protocols, such as a digital still camera or other computers. To use infrared communication with another computer Align the infrared ports on the two computers so that they are in a direct line.
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Infrared communication capability can be turned on and off. By default, it is not enabled when your system is shipped. To enable infrared use, click the infrared icon in the Windows Control Panel and select the Enable infrared communication checkbox on the Options tab. You can disable infrared communication when you are not using it to conserve battery life.
Using Power Saving Modes When you use a battery as the source of power for your computer, you can take advantage of power management settings to conserve battery life. In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has three distinct power saving modes: System Idle, System Suspend, and System Hibernation.
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide System Suspend Mode The computer saves the current state of the system in RAM and switches off power to the CPU. The tan power indicator light flashes in this mode. To activate System Suspend mode Press Fn+Esc, or slide the power switch forward and release it immediately.
Using a Second Battery Pack You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery packs, you can extend the time that you use your computer with battery power. When using two battery packs, the battery pack you insert first charges first.
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide To charge the second battery pack Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is connected to AC power. The battery indicator flashes while the battery is charging. See also “To charge the battery pack” on page 10 for more information. Battery pack (supplied) To determine the amount of time the battery lasts, see “Displaying Battery Information”...
Using the Weight Saver The weight saver protects the drive bay when it is empty. To attach the weight saver If another device is in the drive bay, remove the device. See “To remove the floppy disk drive” on page 24 or “To remove the second battery pack”...
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide To remove the Weight Saver There is a release lever on the bottom of the weight saver. To remove the weight saver, slide this lever in the direction of arrow 1, then slide the RELEASE lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of arrow 2.
Connecting Peripheral Devices You can add functionality to your computer by connecting any of these peripherals: Phone line (page 40) Port replicator (page 41) Printer (page 45) External display (page 46) External mouse or keyboard (page 49) External speakers (page 50) External microphone (page 51) Digital still camera or other serial device (page 52) Digital video camera recorder (page 53)
Internet. In order to register your Sony VAIO notebook computer, register your software online, and use Sony Customer Support, you must connect to a phone line. You must register your computer to receive the extended warranty. Plug one end of the phone cable into the phone line jack on the computer.
Connecting the Port Replicator Your notebook computer supports the use of an optional port replicator. Attaching a port replicator enables you to connect additional peripherals to your computer. Network (Ethernet) Monitor (page 46) Serial (page 52) Mouse/Keyboard (page 49) The port replicator can be powered only with an AC power adapter. Do not remove the AC adapter from the port replicator or the AC outlet while using the port replicator;...
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide To attach your computer to the port replicator To supply power to your computer while it is connected to the port replicator, you can connect the AC adapter directly to the port replicator. When attaching your computer to the port replicator, do not attempt to insert or remove the battery pack.
Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the the port replicator. Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an AC outlet. Use the AC adapter that comes with your computer or the optional Sony PCGA-ACX1 adapter. power indicator light turns green.
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide To remove your computer from the port replicator when the power is off Turn off your computer and the connected peripherals. Pull the levers on each side of the port replicator to disengage the computer from the port replicator. Lift the computer away from the port replicator.
See the manual that came with your printer for more information on installation and use. Before using the printer, you may need to change the Printer setting in the Sony Notebook Setup software. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” in the online document...
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Connecting an External Display You can connect an external display to your notebook computer. For example, you can use the computer with any of the following: Computer display (monitor) (page 46) Multimedia computer display (page 47) Projector (page 48) To connect a computer display Use the...
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To connect a multimedia computer display You can connect the notebook computer to a multimedia computer display that includes built-in speakers and a microphone. Use the symbol to locate the Monitor connector. Plug the display cable into this connector. Use the symbol to locate the Headphone connector.
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide To connect a projector You can use a projector, such as the Sony LCD Projector, as an external display. Monitor RGB signal cable See the manual that came with your projector for more information on installation and use.
Do not connect or disconnect the PS/2 device (keyboard or mouse) when the computer is on. It may cause malfunction. The Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 (not supplied) is a USB device. So you must connect it to the USB connector.
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Connecting External Speakers You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers. Make sure your speakers are designed for computer use. Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on. Do not place diskettes on the speakers;...
Connecting an External Microphone You can enhance the quality of sound input by using an external microphone. Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use. The microphone should be compliant with the plug-in power microphone. To connect an external microphone Use the to locate the Microphone connector.
Digital I/O connector on the digital still camera. Serial The Sony Digital Still Camera is pictured; you may need to connect your camera differently. See the manual that came with your digital camera or other serial device for more information on installation and use.
DV In/Out connector on the digital video camera recorder. Digital video camera recorder to DV In/Out The Sony digital video camera recorder (DCR-PC7) is pictured; you may need to connect your camera differently. On Sony digital video cameras, connectors labeled “DV In/Out” or “i.LINK” are i.LINK- compatible.
USB connector. Plug one end of the USB cable into this port and the other end into the USB device. You can use the optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 with this computer. The USB mouse software driver is preinstalled in the computer.
This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you call Sony Customer Support. When you reconnect devices be sure to turn off the computer as described in “Shutting Down Your Computer”...
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Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer. Turn the computer off and then turn it on again. Turn on the computer and press the F2 key when the Sony logo appears. The BIOS setup menu screen appears. Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
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If your computer locks up while playing a DVD-ROM/CD-ROM, stop the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM, and restart the computer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete. Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete may result in data loss in files that are currently open. My software program “locks up” or crashes Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical support.
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide If you see video but cannot hear audio, check all of the following: Make sure your DVD player’s mute setting is off. Check the master volume setting in the audio Mixer. If you have connected speakers externally, check the volume settings in your computer speakers and check the connections between your speakers and the computer.
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Check that the software you are using is compatible with the notebook computer modem. (All preinstalled programs are compatible.) Call the software publisher or Sony Customer Support. My modem connection is slow The computer’s modem uses V.90 technology. Many factors influence modem connection speed, including telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment (such as fax machines or other modems).
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If you connected an external mouse while your computer is on, you must restart your computer. If you are using an optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1, check that the mouse is plugged into the USB connector. My touchpad does not work You may have disabled the touchpad while no mouse was connected to the computer.
My PC card is not working Make sure the PC card is compatible with Windows 98. Use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices you are not currently using. The sound of my computer’s fan is too loud Use the PowerPanel utility to change the Thermal Control Strategy setting to Quiet.
Replacing the Internal Backup Battery The backup battery will last about three years. When the battery is low on power, replace it with a Sony lithium battery CR2025 or compatible. To replace the backup battery Turn off the computer and connected devices, then unplug all the cables.
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Set the date (month/day/year). Press Enter to move to the next item. To enter 01/31/1999, for example, follow these steps: Type 1, press Enter, type 31, press Enter, type 1999, then press Enter. Press to select System Time, then set the time (hour:minute:second).
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Changing the Window design of Sony Software To change the window design of Sony software: Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. Click UI Control Panel. Click <<or>> and select the desired design.
If you choose the Full Restore without Format option, you may need to reinstall applications that were not included with the computer when you purchased it. If you have any questions on using the System Recovery CD, contact Sony Customer Support.
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Slide the power switch forward and hold it for more than four seconds to turn off the computer. Turn on the computer. When the Sony logo is displayed, press the F2 key. The BIOS setup menu screen appears. Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
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Workstation 4.0 drivers on your computer. You must be in Windows to run the Application Recovery CD. The application will not run from DOS. If you have any questions on using the Application Recovery CD, contact Sony Customer Support. To use the Application Recovery CD(s) Turn on your computer.
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide About the Software on Your Computer Your VAIO Notebook computer is ready to help you work, play, learn, and communicate as soon as you turn it on. This section gives you an overview of the activities you can perform with your software titles. For support information, see “For Answers to Your Software Questions”...
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CompuServe allows you to access the vastness of the Internet, without wasting time wading through it. Maximize your time online with CompuServe. DVgate™ Still Sony Electronics ® Connect a digital video camera recorder to the i.LINK connector and capture your own still images.
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Media Bar software is your all-in-one solution for audio/video playback. Media Bar software handles all common computer multimedia formats and controls selected Sony devices. In addition to audio/video library cataloging and playlist management, Media Bar software includes digital video quality control and effects features. Media Bar software seamlessly integrates a variety of new media formats with an easy-to-use software interface.
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Sony Electronics 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.
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Smart Connect Sony Electronics Smart Connect allows you to use an i.LINK cable to connect your VAIO computer to another VAIO computer that supports Smart Connect. You can then use one computer to copy, delete, and edit files on the other computer.
System Recovery CD(s) Sony Electronics This program allows you to restore the software titles that shipped with your computer if they become corrupted or are erased accidentally. It can be used only to restore the hard disk of this Sony computer.
* Support from 1-888-4SONY PC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. Sony Service Center For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972). ™ (Netscape Communications Corporation http://www.netscape.com/ 888-4SONYPC (888-476-6972) 7 days a week, 24 hours a day http://www.prodigy.com/...
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Adding Memory In the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the functionality of your computer. You can increase memory to 192 MB by installing optional memory modules. 64 MB of memory are already installed.
Typical expansion memory configuration Total System Memory (MB) † † 64 MB is the default memory amount. To install a memory module Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices, such as your printer. Unplug your computer and remove the battery packs. Wait until the computer cools down.
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Unscrew above the keyboard, then gently lift the keyboard to stand it in the slot under the hole where the screw goes. Be careful not to detach the cable when lifting the keyboard. Remove the new memory module from its packaging. insert here cable...
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Install the memory module. 1 Slide the memory module into the slot. Replace the keyboard and internal speaker cover. Gently press the cover and slide it to the left until it fits, then tighten the screws. Turn on the computer. Right-click the My Computer icon and select Properties.
VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide To remove a memory module Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices. Unplug your computer and remove the battery packs. Unscrew above the keyboard, then gently lift the keyboard to stand in the slot under the hole where the screw goes. Be careful not to detach the cable when lifting the keyboard.
Specifications Model Processor Hard Disk Drive Standard RAM LCD Screen L2 Cache Memory MPEG Graphics Sound Capabilities Diskette Drive CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive Laser Diode Properties Modem Infrared Drive Bay Expansion Capabilities Built-in Capabilities Telecommunication Capabilities * MHz denotes microprocessor internal clock speed; other factors may affect application performance. †...
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide Model Connection Capabilities Supplied Accessories Service Limited Warranty Power Requirements Power Management Battery Dimensions Weight Operating Temperature Operating Humidity Storage Temperature Storage Humidity ** Models PCG-F340, PCG-F350, and PCG-F360 may contain additional memory installed at the time of purchase.
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‡‡ Data on a DVD-ROM disc is read at a variable transfer rate, ranging from 1.7X at the innermost track to 4X at the outermost track (the data transfer standard 1X rate is 1392 kbytes/s). The average data transfer standard is approximately 2.85X or 3823 kbytes/s. A DVD-ROM drive reads data on a CD-ROM disc at a variable transfer rate, ranging from 10.3X at the innermost track to 24X at the outermost track.
See also speakers buttons Eject Finish left right Start (Windows 98) cables phone power cord cameras digital video recorder Sony Digital Still canceling commands Caps Lock indicator light CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs ejecting inserting troubleshooting CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive closing tray opening tray using...
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coin-operated telephones digital still camera digital video recorder external keyboard external speakers hard drives microphone monitor mouse multimedia computer display multiple phone lines network party phone lines phone line port replicator power source printer projector serial device USB device weight saver connectors DC In headphone...
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide troubleshooting Fn key combination commands function keys hard drives indicator light installing additional headphone connector Help Mouseware i.LINK IEEE-1394 indicator lights battery Caps Lock charge status hard drive Num Lock power Scroll Lock infrared communication devices other computers infrared port infrared transmission...
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Mouseware accessing help features multimedia computer display multiple phone lines navigation keys network connecting connector port replicator Notebook Computer Num Lock indicator light numeric keypad area opening CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive tray operator keys output devices adding party phone lines PC card inserting release button removing...
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VAIO Notebook Computer User Guide power source Serial connector serial devices connecting digital still camera setting up Windows 98 Shift key Shut Down Windows dialog box shutting down troubleshooting speakers built-in external switching troubleshooting volume Start button starting computer startup problems switching display monitor...