Contents Welcome...5 Unpacking Your Notebook ...7 Registering Your Notebook ...9 Setting Up Your Dial-Up Connection ...10 Setting Up Your VAIO® Notebook ...15 Locating Controls and Ports ...16 Connecting a Power Source ...21 Starting Your Notebook ...27 Shutting Down Your Notebook...28 Adding Memory ...31 Precautions and Procedures...32 Typical expansion memory configuration...33...
Page 4
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start Troubleshooting...55 Getting Help...61 Support Options ... 62 Software Support Information ... 64 Index...67...
Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO® notebook. 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, see the Specifications flyer supplied with your notebook.
Page 6
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start ❑ Multimedia features — Enjoy the stereo speakers or use a pair of headphones (not supplied) to listen to audio CDs and DVDs. ❑ Microsoft® Windows® operating system — Your system includes Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional, Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition, or Microsoft®...
Unpacking Your Notebook Remove the following hardware items from the box: Main unit Rechargeable battery pack * The removable optical disc drive is preinstalled in your notebook. Documents ❑ VAIO® Notebook User Guide — A searchable online help file that contains detailed information on how to use your new notebook.
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start ❑ VAIO® Notebook Notes on Use — Explains notes on use and offers safety tips. ❑ VAIO® Notebook Specifications flyer — Details the hardware specifications for your notebook. Software CDs ❑ Microsoft® Word — Enables you to reinstall Microsoft Word to the VAIO®...
Registering Your Notebook Take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive these benefits by registering your notebook: ❑ Sony Customer Support — Talk to a Support Representative to troubleshoot problems you may be having with your notebook.
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start Setting Up Your Dial-Up Connection This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up connection for the first time. The Connection Wizard guides you through the process of connecting to the Internet and then choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or setting up an existing account.
Page 11
Phone and Modem Options window Select the location from where you are dialing and then click OK. The New Connection Wizard appears. Setting Up Your Dial-Up Connection...
Page 12
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start New Connection Wizard Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your dial-up connection.
Page 13
(Windows® 2000 Professional) Double-click the Connect to the Internet icon on the Windows desktop. The Internet Connection Wizard appears. Internet Connection Wizard Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your dial-up connection and to choose your ISP. Setting Up Your Dial-Up Connection...
Setting Up Your VAIO® Notebook This section describes all the controls and ports on your notebook, how to connect your notebook to a power source, and how to start and shut down your notebook. ❑ Locating Controls and Ports ❑ Connecting a Power Source ❑...
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start Locating Controls and Ports Front Memory Stick® indicator Num Lock indicator Caps Lock indicator Scroll Lock indicator Power indicator Battery 1 indicator Battery 2 indicator Hard disk drive indicator LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen Keyboard Speakers Left and right buttons Touchpad Power button...
Page 17
Left PC Card slots Back button for center Jog Dial™ control Center Jog Dial™ control CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive or DVD-ROM drive in multipurpose bay Eject button * This multipurpose bay can house either an optical disc drive or an optional second battery. Manual eject button Memory Stick®...
Page 18
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start Right Drive bay with hard disk drive Battery bay Headphone jack Microphone jack USB port * There is a protruding dot above the Microphone jack to further distinguish it from other jacks and ports. Do not connect a microphone to the Headphone jack.
Page 19
Back Air vent DC In port Ethernet port VGA 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.
Page 20
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start Bottom Tilt stands Multipurpose bay RELEASE lever Reset button Port replicator connector...
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 port on the notebook. Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter. Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start ❑ The LED indicator on the AC adapter may be turned on until the AC adapter is unplugged from your notebook. ❑ When the AC adapter is not used, unplug it from the AC outlet. ❑ Use only the AC adapter supplied.
Page 23
Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the right side of the notebook. Inserting battery pack Lift the battery bay cover up until it clicks. ✍ If the port replicator is attached to your notebook, do not attempt to insert or remove the battery pack.
Page 24
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start There are two battery indicators on the notebook Battery indicators Battery Indicator Description Indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the right side of the notebook. Indicates the status of the battery pack in the multipurpose bay on the left side of the notebook.
Page 25
To remove the battery pack Push the battery bay cover down to open it. Pull out the battery pack. Removing the battery pack Push in and lift up the battery bay cover until it clicks. You will lose data if you remove the battery pack while the notebook is on and not connected to the AC adapter, or if you remove the battery while the notebook is in a power saving mode.
Page 26
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start ❑ If the battery level falls below 10 percent, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery, or shut down your notebook and insert a fully charged battery. ❑ You can extend battery life by changing the power management modes in the PowerPanel™...
Starting Your Notebook Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover. Opening the notebook L C D l o c k l e v e r Press the power button on top of the notebook until the green power indicator turns on.
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start Shutting Down Your Notebook To avoid potential loss of data, follow these steps to shut down your notebook. (For Windows® 2000) Click the Start button on the Windows® taskbar. Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut Down Windows dialog box.
Page 29
Turn off any peripherals connected to your notebook. ✍ During a period of inactivity, you can conserve battery life by using Standby mode. See “Controlling Power Management” in the online User Guide for more information. If you are unable to shut down your notebook. Close or end all operations as follows: ❑...
Adding Memory In the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the functionality of your notebook. The amount of memory on your notebook will vary depending on the model you purchased. See the Specifications flyer that came with your notebook for the amount of memory preinstalled.
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start Precautions and Procedures The procedures described below assume that you are familiar with the general terminology associated with personal notebooks and with common safety practices required for using and modifying electronic equipment. Personal injury or equipment damage may result from failure to take these precautions. Make sure you observe the proper safety precautions when you install memory modules in your notebook.
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start Removing a memory module Shut down your notebook and disconnect all peripheral devices, such as your printer. Unplug your notebook and remove the battery pack(s). After your notebook has cooled, loosen and remove the screw that secures the cover of the memory bay on the bottom of your notebook.
Page 35
Remove the memory module. Removing memory module 1 P u l l t h e t a b s i n t h e d i r e c t i o n o f t h e a r r o w T h e m e m o r y m o d u l e i s r e l e a s e d .
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start Installing a memory module Follow steps 1 to 4 of “Removing a memory module” on page 34 for removing the preinstalled memory. Remove the new memory module from its packaging. Install the memory module by sliding it into the memory module slot. Push the module into place until it clicks.
The amount of memory displayed in the Sony Notebook Setup screen is not always correct. The video adapter uses some system memory, and that amount of memory does not appear as part of the total memory shown in the Sony Notebook Setup screen.
About the Software on Your Notebook Your VAIO® notebook is ready to help you work, play, learn, and communicate as soon as you turn it on. This section provides you with information on the following topics: ❑ Software Overview ❑ Application, Driver, and System Recovery CDs ❑...
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start Software Overview Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software listed below, depending on the configuration you purchased. Preinstalled software may not be identical to retail versions, or include supporting documentation. Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® Adobe Systems Inc.
Page 41
With ArcSoft PhotoPrinter 2000 Pro software you can create business cards, handouts, calendars, mailing labels, and much more. DigitalPrint Sony Electronics Inc. This image management software makes it fun and easy to edit, import, and organize your digital pictures in a photo album for rich digital printing to any standard color laser or ink-jet printer.
Page 42
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start EverQuest (On selected models) Sony Online Entertainment Inc. This introductory edition of EverQuest, a living, constantly evolving fantasy world, takes users to new heights of online role-playing gaming. Enter an enormous virtual environment—an entire world with its own diverse species, economic systems, alliances, and politics.
Page 43
Sony Electronics Inc. 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...
Page 44
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start Quicken® Intuit Inc. Quicken software is the fastest, easiest way to organize your finances. Quicken software works just like your checkbook, so it's easy to learn and use. You can even pay your bills online. Quicken software manages all of your finances, bank accounts, credit cards, investments, and loans.
Page 45
Sony ScreenBlast™ Sound Forge (On selected models) Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment Sony ScreenBlast Sound Forge allows you to record, edit, and process mono or stereo audio files for your multimedia or Internet projects. Whether you want to use a number of professional effects, convert video into streaming media, or synchronize audio to video —...
Page 46
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start Sony on Yahoo! Yahoo! Inc. Personalize your own web portal with Sony on Yahoo! Get a free webmail account, customized news and local weather reports, comics, instant messaging, and more. VAIO Support Agent Sony Electronics Inc.
CDs. To use your recovery CDs, see “Using Your Recovery CDs” on page 48 for more information. Application Recovery CD(s) Sony Electronics Inc. This CD enables you to reinstall individual applications if they become corrupted or are erased. Driver Recovery CD(s) Sony Electronics Inc.
✍ You must be in Windows to run the Application Recovery CD. If you have any questions on using the Application Recovery CD, contact Sony Customer Support. Turn on your notebook. If your notebook is already on, close all applications.
Page 49
To use the Driver Recovery CD(s) The Driver Recovery CD utility enables you to reinstall individual drivers if they become corrupted or are erased. You can reinstall an individual driver to correct a problem that you are experiencing with your notebook, hardware, or software application.
Page 50
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start From the Actions menu, choose Properties. The Properties dialog box for that device appears. Properties dialog box Click Reinstall Driver. The Hardware Update Wizard appears. Click next. The wizard will search for the correct driver on your Driver Recovery CD.
Page 51
Use My Computer or Windows Explorer to view the contents of the Driver Recovery CD. Select the appropriate driver. To use the System Recovery CD(s) The System Recovery utility formats your hard disk drive and restores all original software applications. Your computer is returned to the original factory settings.
Page 52
Press the power button and hold it for more than 4 seconds to turn off the notebook. Turn on the notebook. 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.
Make sure “Yes” is selected, then press the Enter key. The notebook restarts from the Recovery CD. ✍ Your system may include one or more System Recovery CDs. If you have two or more System Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the System Recovery program.
Troubleshooting This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your notebook. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you visit the Sony Computing Support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport. ❑ Troubleshooting Your Notebook ❑...
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start Troubleshooting Your Notebook My notebook does not start. ❑ Check that the notebook is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on. Check that the power indicator on the front panel of the notebook indicates that the power is on.
Page 57
Turn off the notebook. Remove any peripheral devices connected to the notebook. Turn the notebook back on. Press the F2 key when the Sony logo appears. The BIOS setup menu screen appears. Press the directional arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
Page 58
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start My notebook stops responding or does not shut down. It is best to shut down your notebook using the Turn Off Computer /Shut Down command on the Windows® Start menu. Using other methods, including those listed here, may result in loss of unsaved data. ❑...
See “Connecting a PS/2® External Mouse or Keyboard” in the online User Guide for more information. ❑ If you are using an optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 series, check that the mouse is plugged into the USB port. ❑...
Page 60
VAIO® Notebook Quick Start ❑ If your touchpad is interpreting a single tap as a double-click, you must adjust the button assignments. Follow these steps: Press the Windows key and use the arrow keys to select Control Panel, and then Mouse. Change the button assignments in the Mouse Properties dialog box.
Getting Help Sony provides you with several support resources to answer questions about your VAIO® notebook or the preinstalled software. Refer to these resources in the order they are listed.
Help and Support. (Windows® 2000) 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 protected states.
Page 63
1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972). Sony Customer Support Software support is available free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. You can call and speak with a Sony Customer Support Representative without using your notebook by calling: 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972).
510-440-9901 510-440-1270 hours M-F, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM (PST) Drag’n Drop CD (DigiOn, Inc., and Easy Systems Japan Ltd.) Web site http://www.easy.co.jp/dde/sony/tosupportne.html EarthLink Network Total Access® (EarthLink, Inc.) Web site http://support.earthlink.net/ e-mail support@earthlink.net phone 800-890-5128 or 800-890-6356 hours...
Page 65
Sony Applications (Sony Electronics Inc.) Web site http://www.sony.com/pcsupport phone 888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972) hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day * Support from 1-888-4-SONY-PC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. Software Support Information...
Web site http://www.sony.com/pcsupport phone 888-4SONYPC (888-476-6972) hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day * Support from 1-888-4-SONY-PC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. WinDVD® (InterVideo, Inc.) Web site http://www.intervideo.com phone 510-651-0888...
Index 7, 21 AC adapter connection notes using AC power adding memory Application Recovery CD battery pack notes 7, 22 battery packs charging indicator light status indicator lights inserting inserting into battery bay rechargeable removing using brightness adjusting buttons Start (Windows) cables power cord 6, 17...
Page 68
Setting up your dial-up connection setting up your PC support Shut Down Windows dialog box shutting down shutting down software support information Software list Sony Fax-on-Demand service Sony Service Center 21, 22...
Page 69
starting Notebook startup problems support software support, technical technical support touchpad troubleshooting troubleshooting mouse and touchpad notebook 28, 29 shutting down startup turning on Notebook unpacking the computer ventilation slot viewing the amount of memory Windows Start button 28, 58 taskbar...