Sony PCG-GR200 Series, Quick Start Manual

Page 1: ...VAIO Notebook Quick Start PCG GR200 Series ...

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Page 3: ...k 27 Shutting Down Your Notebook 28 Adding Memory 31 Precautions and Procedures 32 Typical expansion memory configuration 33 Removing a memory module 34 Installing a memory module 36 Viewing the amount of memory 37 About the Software on Your Notebook 39 Software Overview 40 Application Driver and System Recovery CDs 46 Using Your Recovery CDs Windows 2000 47 Using Your Recovery CDs Windows XP 51 ...

Page 4: ...ting the LCD Screen 62 Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad 63 Troubleshooting Drives PC Cards and Peripheral Devices 65 Troubleshooting Software 68 Troubleshooting the Modem 70 Troubleshooting Audio 71 Troubleshooting the Printer 72 Getting Help 73 Software Support Information 75 Index 79 ...

Page 5: ...d Portability Rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power Sony audio and video quality High quality MPEG1 MPEG2 video which supports full screen display and enables you to take advantage of today s advanced multimedia applications games and entertainment software Multimedia features Enjoy the stereo speakers or use a pair of headphones not supplied to listen to audio CDs and D...

Page 6: ...rds Optical drive CD RW DVD Combo or DVD ROM 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 capacity and a rich multimedia computing experience Optical drives play most DVD ROM DVD R CD ROM CD RW and CD R discs Th...

Page 7: ...al Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition manual or Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional manual Explains how to use the basic features of this latest Windows operating system VAIO Notebook Notes on Use Explains notes on use and offers safety tips Specifications Sheet Details the hardware specifications for your notebook Main unit The removable hard disk drive and removable optical disc drive are preinst...

Page 8: ... 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 System Recovery CD s Enables you to format the C partition of the hard disk drive then reinstall the operating system and software titles that shipped with your notebook if they become corrupted or are erased Other Packet containing special product ...

Page 9: ... to troubleshoot problems you may be having with your notebook Limited Warranty Protect your investment See the Warranty Card for more details 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 your computer during the first session you are provided with additional reg...

Page 10: ...an Internet Service Provider ISP or setting up an existing account Setting up your dial up connection Windows XP Home Edition Windows XP Professional 1 Click Start from the Windows taskbar and select All Programs 2 Point to Accessories Communications and then click New Connection Wizard The Location Information window appears Location Information window 3 Follow the instructions on screen and then...

Page 11: ...Setting up your dial up connection 11 Phone and Modem Options window 4 Select the location from where you are dialing and then click OK The New Connection Wizard appears ...

Page 12: ...VAIO Notebook Quick Start 12 New Connection Wizard 5 Follow the on screen instructions to finish setting up your dial up connection ...

Page 13: ...Professional 1 Double click the Connect to the Internet icon on the Windows desktop The Internet Connection Wizard appears Internet Connection Wizard 2 Follow the on screen instructions to finish setting up your dial up connection and to choose your ISP ...

Page 14: ...VAIO Notebook Quick Start 14 ...

Page 15: ...15 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 ...

Page 16: ...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 17: ... Jog Dial control 4 Memory Stick slot 2 Center Jog Dial control 5 PC Card slots 3 CD RW DVD Combo Drive or DVD ROM drive in multipurpose bay This multipurpose bay can house either an optical disc drive or an optional second battery 6 i LINK IEEE1394 S400 port S400 ...

Page 18: ...VAIO Notebook Quick Start 18 Right 1 Air vent 2 Drive bay with removable hard disk drive 3 Battery bay ...

Page 19: ...jack 10 Headphone jack 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 ventil...

Page 20: ...VAIO Notebook Quick Start 20 Bottom 1 Tilt stands 2 Multipurpose bay RELEASE lever 3 Port replicator connector ...

Page 21: ...V 240V AC 50 60 Hz Do not share the AC outlet with other 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...

Page 22: ...e of power The second battery pack inserts into the multipurpose bay on the left side of the notebook See Using a Second Battery Pack in the online 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 inse...

Page 23: ...y 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 comp...

Page 24: ...n 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 The battery is charging Off The notebook is using AC power Battery indicators ...

Page 25: ...the notebook 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 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 t...

Page 26: ...leave the battery pack in temperatures 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 ...

Page 27: ...er indicator turns on 3 If necessary adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display as follows To increase brightness press Fn F5 then the up or right arrow key To decrease brightness press Fn F5 then the down or left arrow key Opening the notebook Power button If you hold the power button down for more than four seconds the notebook turns off LCD lock lever Power indicator Power button ...

Page 28: ...dows XP 1 Click Start on the Windows taskbar 2 Click Turn Off Computer at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Turn off computer dialog box 3 Select Turn Off 4 Wait for your notebook to turn off automatically The notebook is off when the power indicator turns off To avoid potential loss of data follow these steps to shut down your notebook Respond to any prompts warning you to save document...

Page 29: ...SB devices 2 Restart the notebook You can restart your notebook by pressing the Ctrl Alt Delete keys simultaneously 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 still unable to shut down the notebook press the power button and hold it for more than four seconds This operat...

Page 30: ...VAIO Notebook Quick Start 30 ...

Page 31: ...tions flyer that came with your notebook for the amount of memory pre installed Expansion memory modules are available as options For memory upgrades use only PC133 CL2 SDRAM SO DIMMs gold lead contacts This section describes how to replace memory modules in your computer Precautions and Procedures Typical expansion memory configuration Removing a memory module Installing a memory module Viewing t...

Page 32: ...n 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 cellophane wrappers for example Ground yourself by maintaining contact with an unpainted metal portion of the chassis while performing the procedure Do not...

Page 33: ...nsion memory configuration Models with 256 MB memory The 384 MB and 512 MB memory configurations may require the removal and replacement of original factory installed memory modules Total System Memory MB Slot 1 MB Slot 2 MB 256 256 384 256 128 512 256 256 ...

Page 34: ...k and remove the battery pack s 3 After your notebook has cooled loosen and remove the screw that 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 Removing the memory module cover Screwdriver Screw ...

Page 35: ...ule 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 2 Pull the memory module in the direction of the arrow 1 Pull the tabs in the direction of the arrow The memory module is released 2 1 1 ...

Page 36: ...ed memory 2 Remove the new memory module from its packaging 3 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 Installing memory module 1 Slide the memory 2 Press the module into place until it clicks module into the slot ...

Page 37: ... VAIO and then 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 the steps described in the Installing a Memory Module section The amount of memory displayed in the Sony Notebook Setup screen is not always correct The video adapter uses some system memory and that amo...

Page 38: ...VAIO Notebook Quick Start 38 ...

Page 39: ... play learn and communicate as soon as you turn it on This section provides the following information An overview of the various software that come with your notebook and the activities you can perform with your software Details on your Sony application driver and system recovery CDs ...

Page 40: ...hotos immediately Explore endless creative possibilities for your personal images with Adobe Photoshop Elements Adobe Premiere LE Windows XP only Adobe Systems Inc Adobe Premiere LE offers interface and editing tools for producing movies for video multimedia or the Web View source clips and edited footage simultaneously on screen You can create your own personal video clips that are up to three ho...

Page 41: ...s the Web Outlook Express and other tools in Internet Explorer also help you have a great experience when you are on the Web Microsoft Office XP Professional Small Business on selected models Microsoft Corp With Microsoft Office XP you ll find a powerful new technology that will help you get work done more quickly by providing real time context sensitive options for important actions from formatti...

Page 42: ...e works in the background to continuously protect your PC by scanning the files you download from the Web and receive as e mail attachments Each time you connect to the Internet Norton Antivirus updates its virus definitions to deliver automatic protection today and in the future PictureGear Sony Electronics Inc This image management software displays images from your hard drive a Sony digital sti...

Page 43: ...c news and sports RealProducer G2 Windows 2000 only Real Networks Inc RealProducer converts your audio and video files or live feeds into RealAudio and RealVdieo for the Internet or your intraner RealProducter is easy to use gives you better control over your content and is packed with exclusive features Featuring support for CD quality RealVideo 8 RealProducer is an excellent choice for both begi...

Page 44: ...e webmail account customized news and local weather reports comics and more Sony Style ConnectSM Windows XP only E Solutions Sony Style Connect provides excellent dial up as well as DSL Internet connection services To find out which plan is best for you visit http www sonystyleconnect com and find out what is available in your area VAIO Action Setup Sony Electronics Inc VAIO Action Setup manages t...

Page 45: ...nd file stored in a Memory Stick media in a visually pleasing artistic manner VisualFlow software not only plays a selected movie or sound file but also enables playback of files by other applications such as PictureGear Memory Stick Slideshow and Windows Explorer WinDVD InterVideo Inc WinDVD is a simple to use DVD player including all the features you would expect to find in a standard consumer D...

Page 46: ...erased Driver Recovery CD s Sony Electronics Inc This CD enables you to reinstall individual device drivers if they become corrupted or are erased System Recovery CD s Sony Electronics Inc This CD enables you to format the C partition of the hard disk drive and then reinstall the operating system and software titles that shipped with your notebook if they become corrupted or are erased Use it to r...

Page 47: ...n Recovery CD contact Sony Customer Support You can also use the Application Recovery CD to install Windows drivers utilities and libraries on your notebook 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 drive The Application Recovery utility loads automatically 3 When the Appli...

Page 48: ...r software applications using VAIO Support Agent The Driver Recovery CD utility has an information vault that contains the original characteristics for the preinstalled software applications that are protected by VAIO Support Agent To use the System Recovery CD s You can use the System Recovery CD s to reinstall the operating system and software titles that shipped with your notebook if they becom...

Page 49: ...nstructions to complete the recovery process If your notebook does not 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 the...

Page 50: ... system Updating the taskbar In the event that a system recovery is necessitated do the following to optimize your notebook s performance 1 Right click the Adaptec Create CD icon in the status area of the taskbar The taskbar properties menu is displayed 2 Select Disable Adaptec Create CD A dialog box appears prompting you to confirm the setting 3 Click the Yes button Your system may include one or...

Page 51: ...tion If you have any questions on using the Application Recovery CD contact Sony Customer Support 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 drive The Application Recovery utility loads automatically 3 When the Application Recovery menu appears select the icon for the applic...

Page 52: ...einstalling specific drivers with the Driver Recovery CD 1 Turn on your notebook If your notebook is already on close all applications 2 When the Windows desktop appears insert the Driver Recovery CD in the optical disc drive 3 Click Start in the Windows taskbar and then Control Panel The Control Panel window appears 4 Click Performance and Maintenance and then System The System Properties dialog ...

Page 53: ...the device driver from your system Click OK to confirm this action Repeat as necessary 8 Restart your computer To restart click Start in the Windows taskbar Turn Off Computer and then click Restart 9 When the Windows desktop reappears Windows will automatically reinstall the device drivers from the Driver Recovery CD ...

Page 54: ...will perform a Full Restore with Format It formats the hard disk drive then restores all the original software 1 Insert the Sony System Recovery CD in the optical drive 2 Shut down your notebook as described in the Shutting Down Your Notebook section of your printed Quick Start 3 Wait four seconds and turn on your notebook 4 Click OK to signify you have read and accept the Microsoft End User Licen...

Page 55: ...it Save Changes and then press the Enter key The message Save configuration changes and exit now appears 7 Check that Yes is selected then press the Enter key The notebook 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 Windows Insert the Application Recovery CD to automatically ...

Page 56: ...VAIO Notebook Quick Start 56 ...

Page 57: ... so try these suggestions before you contact Sony Computing Support http www sony com pcsupport Troubleshooting Your 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 58: ... and turned on Check that the brightness and contrast controls are adjusted correctly See the manual that came with the display for details Condensation may cause the notebook to malfunction If this occurs do not use it for at least one hour Take the battery pack out of the notebook unplug the power cord plug it in again and then turn on the power My notebook starts but a BIOS error appears When t...

Page 59: ...ll does not start follow the steps below to start the BIOS 1 Turn off the notebook 2 Remove any peripheral devices connected to the notebook 3 Turn the notebook on again 4 Press the F2 key when the Sony logo appears The BIOS setup menu screen appears 5 Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu 6 Press the arrow keys to select Get Default Values and then press Enter The message Load default conf...

Page 60: ...estart as described in the preceding step you can restart the notebook by pressing Ctrl Alt Delete simultaneously and then clicking Turn Off 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 If your notebook stops responding while playing a CD or DVD stop the CD DVD restart the notebook by pressing C...

Page 61: ...neously and then selecting Restart from the drop down list The sound of my notebook s fan is too loud Use the PowerPanel utility to change the Thermal Control Strategy setting to Quiet This setting slows down the CPU speed See PowerPanel Help for more information Why does the System Properties dialog box display a slower CPU speed than advertised Your computer uses speed controlling technology The...

Page 62: ...ted 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 Windows XP Click Start point to Control Panel and then click the Display icon Windows 2000 Click S...

Page 63: ...e to the notebook 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 You must restart the notebook to make the touchpad work again If your touchpad is interpreting a single tap as a double click you must adjust the button assignments Follow...

Page 64: ...ff Computer Shut Down on the Windows dialog box Wait at least four seconds and then restart the computer 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 the Ctrl Alt Delete keys simultaneously to stop playback and restart the notebook If you...

Page 65: ...er s instructions A dirty or damaged disc may cause the notebook to stop responding while it tries to read the disc If 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 drive does not have the mute setting enabled i LINK is a Sony trademark used to designate that a product c...

Page 66: ...en Check that the notebook is turned on Press the Eject button on the optical drive If the Eject button does not work open the tray by inserting a thin pointed object such as a paper clip in the hole to the right of the Eject button I cannot use Digital Video DV devices The message DV equipment seems to be disconnected or turned off appears Check that the DV device is turned on and that the cables...

Page 67: ...connect the i LINK cable from both computers and reconnect it 2 Wait for the computers to respond If neither computer responds after a few moments restart both computers i LINK is a Sony trademark used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connec tion The i LINK connection may vary depending on the software applications operating system and compatible i LINK devices All products with a...

Page 68: ...c model you purchased is preconfigured with all necessary components for CD R and CD RW capability Downloading the optional RealJukebox CD burning component to create any CDs on your computer may interfere with normal system operations I cannot use the DVgate software If your notebook is using the Ultimate Battery Life profile for its power saving mode you cannot use DVgate or Smart Connect softwa...

Page 69: ...al Area Connection with device name WAN Network Driver and select Disable Verify that your AOL connection still functions satisfactorily with the WAN Network Driver disabled If you need to reverse this setting repeat the steps above and select Enable ...

Page 70: ... s 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 Provider IS...

Page 71: ... and that they are charged If you are using an application that has its own volume control check that the volume is turned up Check the volume controls in 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 batter...

Page 72: ...ony Notebook Setup Screen for details on using Sony 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 1 Windows XP Click Start and then select Control Panel Windows 2000 Click Start point to Settings and then select Control Panel 2 Click the Printers and other Hardware folder ...

Page 73: ...ide you with information on how to maximize your notebook capabilities and solve common problems The quick start is supplied with your notebook 2 Software Manuals and Online Help Files The software preinstalled on your notebook may come with an online manual These manuals are stored on the hard disk drive as online Help files You can find the Help files from the Help menu under the specific softwa...

Page 74: ...nformation on commonly encountered problems Enter a description of your problem and the Knowledge Database searches for the corresponding solutions online You can access Sony Computing Support at http www sony com pcsupport 6 Sony Fax on Demand This service which requires a fax machine or your fax software provides answers to commonly asked questions You can use this automated service to request a...

Page 75: ...675 6126 fee based support fax 206 628 5737 e mail techdocs adobe com hours M F 6 AM 5 PM PT Web site http www aol com phone 800 827 6364 hours 7 days a week 24 hours a day Web site http www compuserve com phone 800 848 8990 hours M F 8 AM 1AM Sat Sun 10 AM 10PM Web site http www roxio com en support phone 408 934 7283 hours M F 6 AM 5 PM PT Web site http help netscape com phone 888 4 SONY PC 888 ...

Page 76: ...eb site http www antivirus com pc cillin phone 949 387 7800 e mail support trendmicro com hours 7 days a week 6 AM 6 PM PT Web site http www apple com phone 512 674 8700 hours 7 days a week 6 AM 6 PM PT Web site http service real com rjoptions html e mail http service real com help call html online form Web site http www sony com pcsupport phone 888 4 SONY PC 888 476 6972 Support from 1 888 4 SONY...

Page 77: ...Service Center For the Sony Service Center nearest you call 1 888 4 SONY PC 1 888 476 6972 or find Sony Customer Service on the Web at http www sony com pcsupport Web site http www intervideo com jsp Support jsp phone 510 651 0888 e mail support intervideo com ...

Page 78: ...VAIO Notebook Quick Start 78 ...

Page 79: ...rge status indicator light 24 charging battery packs 23 choosing power source 22 computer 73 features 5 locating controls and ports 16 registering 9 setting up 16 shutting down 28 starting 27 troubleshooting 58 unpacking 7 connecting power source 21 controls locating 16 D DC In 21 dial up connection 10 Driver Recovery CD 48 52 drives floppy disk 16 E expansion memory configuration 33 F features 5 ...

Page 80: ...troubleshooting 65 phone cable 16 ports DC In 21 locating 16 power cord 21 switch 27 power source 21 connecting 21 power sources 22 connecting 21 printer troubleshooting 72 R rechargeable battery packs 21 22 recharging battery packs 23 Recovery CD 47 51 registering your notebook 9 removing memory module 34 restoring data 47 51 S second battery pack 22 selecting power source 22 Setting up your dial...

Page 81: ...touchpad troubleshooting 63 troubleshooting 57 58 audio 71 drives PC Cards and peripheral devices 65 LCD 62 modem 70 mouse and touchpad 63 printer 72 software 68 startup 28 29 turning on computer 27 U unpacking the computer 7 V ventilation slot 19 viewing the amount of memory 37 W Windows Start button 28 taskbar 28 60 ...

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Page 84: ...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 4 658 965 11 ...