VAIO® Computer
Quick Start
PCG-FRV30 Series
Contents
Notice to Users............................................5
Setting Up ..................................................15
Unpacking Your Computer .......................................15
Locating Controls and Ports......................................16
Getting Started ..........................................21
Turning On Your Computer......................................21
Using the Touch Pad .................................................23
Registering Your Computer ......................................24
Locating Your VAIO Computer User Guide ............25
Setting Up A Dial-Up Connection ............................27
Turning Off Your Computer .....................................28
VAIO Recovery Wizard Utility...................29
Troubleshooting........................................31
Support Options.........................................................34
3
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
4
Notice to Users
© 2003 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights
reserved. This manual and the software
described herein, in whole or in part, may not
be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any
machine-readable form without prior written
approval.
transported or used outside the United States.
Software specifications are subject to change
without notice and may not necessarily be
identical to current retail versions.
Updates and additions to software may require
an additional charge. Subscriptions to online
service providers may require a fee and credit
card information. Financial services may
require prior arrangements with participating
financial institutions.
SONY ELECTRONICS INC. PROVIDES NO
WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS
MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN
AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH
REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE
SOFTWARE, OR SUCH OTHER
As an ENERGY
STAR® Partner, Sony
Corporation has
INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL
SONY ELECTRONICS INC. BE LIABLE
FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,
determined that this
product meets the
ENERGY STAR®
guidelines for energy
efficiency.
CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL
DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON TORT,
CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING
OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR
THE USE THEREOF.
The International ENERGY STAR® Office
Equipment Program is an international program
that promotes energy saving through the use of
computers and other office equipment. The
program backs the development and
dissemination of products with functions that
effectively reduce energy consumption. It is an
open system in which business proprietors can
participate voluntarily. The targeted products
are office equipment such as computers,
displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their
standards and logos are uniform among
participating nations. ENERGY STAR is a U.S.
registered mark.
Sony Electronics Inc. reserves the right to make
any modification to this manual or the
information contained herein at any time
without notice. The software described herein is
governed by the terms of a separate user license
agreement.
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. Some of the software may not be
5
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to
designate 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
connection may not communicate with each
other. Please refer to the documentation that
came with your compatible i.LINK device for
information on operating conditions and proper
connection. Before connecting compatible
i.LINK PC peripherals to your system, confirm
their operating system compatibility and
required operating conditions. All other
trademarks are trademarks of their respective
owners.
The Wireless LAN
*
functionality ,
which is
incorporated into
selected models
only, has passed Wi-
Fi certification and
complies with the
interoperability
specifications
established by
WECA (Wireless
Ethernet
Compatibility
Alliance).
End User / Product
Activation Requirements
* Selected models may come with a
Wireless LAN PC Card.
Certain software product(s) included with this
computer may include features such as copy
protection and content management technology.
Use of the software product(s) requires
agreement to applicable end user agreements
and full compliance with applicable product
activation procedures. Product activation
procedures and privacy policies will be detailed
during initial launch of the software product(s),
or upon certain reinstallations of the software
product(s) or reconfiguration of the computer,
and may be completed by Internet or telephone
(toll charges may apply).
Sony, DVgate Plus, Handycam, i.LINK,
Mavica, MagicGate™ Memory Stick, Memory
Stick, Memory Stick PRO, VAIO, and the
VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows Media, Windows,
Windows NT, and the Windows logo are
registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. Intel, SpeedStep, and Pentium are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation. PS/2 is a registered trademark of
IBM. Acrobat Reader, Photoshop, Photoshop
Elements, and Premiere are trademarks of
Adobe Systems Incorporated. PowerPanel is a
trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
Owner’s Record
This product incorporates copyright protection
technology that is protected by U.S. patents and
other intellectual property rights owned by
Macrovision Corporation. Use of this copyright
protection technology must be authorized by
Macrovision, and is intended for home and
other limited viewing uses only unless
The model number and serial number are
located on the bottom of your Sony VAIO®
computer. Record the model and serial numbers
in the space provided here, and keep in a secure
location. Refer to the model and serial numbers
when you call your Sony Service Center.
Model Number: ______________________
Serial Number:________________________
otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse
engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
6
Notice to Users
.
Safety Information
WARNING
To change the backup battery,
please contact your nearest Sony
Service Center.
❑
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose your computer to rain or moisture.
Caution: The use of optical
instruments with this product will
increase eye hazard. As the laser
beam used in this product is
harmful to the eyes, do not
attempt to disassemble the
cabinet. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.
❑
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the
cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.
❑
❑
Never install modem or telephone wiring
during a lightning storm.
Never install telephone jacks in wet
locations unless the jack is specifically
designed for wet locations.
(For optical drive) Danger: Visible
and invisible laser radiation when
open. Avoid direct exposure to
beam.
❑
Never touch uninsulated telephone wire
or terminals unless the telephone line has
been disconnected at the network
interface.
Caution: To reduce the risk of fire,
use only No. 26 AWG or larger
telecommunication line cord.
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Use caution when installing or modifying
telephone lines.
AVERTISSEMENT
Avoid using the modem during an
electrical storm.
❑
Pour prévenir tout risque d’incendie ou
d’électrocution, garder cet appareil à
l’abri de la pluie et de l’humidité.
Do not use the modem or a telephone to
report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
❑
Pour prévenir tout risque d’électrocution,
ne pas ouvrir le châssis de cet appareil et
ne confier son entretien qu’à une personne
qualifiée.
A socket outlet should be as close as
possible to the unit and easily accessible.
i.LINK, PC Card, and USB connectors are
not supplied with Limited Power Sources.
❑
❑
Ne jamais effectuer l’installation de fil
modem ou téléphone durant un orage
électrique.
To prevent possible damage to your
computer during transportation, first
attach any supplied connector covers and
slot protectors in their appropriate
locations, and secure the battery pack in
the battery bay.
Ne jamais effectuer l’installation d’une
prise téléphonique dans un endroit
mouillé à moins que la prise soit conçue à
cet effet.
❑
Ne jamais toucher un fil téléphonique à
découvert ou un terminal à moins que la
ligne téléphonique n’ait été débranche de
l’interface réseau.
7
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
If you have questions about this product, you
can write to the Sony Customer Information
Service Center at 12451 Gateway Blvd., Ft.
Myers, FL 33913 or find Sony Customer
Service on the Web at:
❑
❑
❑
Soyez très prudent lorsque vous installez
ou modifiez les lignes téléphoniques.
Évitez d’utiliser le modem durant un
orage électrique.
N'utilisez pas le modem ni le téléphone
pour prévenir d'une fuite de gaz quand
vous êtes près de la fuite.
Regulatory Information
❑
❑
❑
L’appareil doit être le plus près possible
d’une prise murale pour en faciliter
l’accès.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name:
Sony
Des connecteurs i.LINK, PC Card, et
USB ne sont pas fournis avec des Sources
d’Énergie Limitées.
Model No.:
PCG-9L1L
Responsible Party:
Sony Electronics
Inc.
Afin de prévenir des indemnités à votre
ordinateur pendant la transportation,
attachez d’abord tous les volets de
connecteurs et protecteurs
d’emplacements comme il faut, et insérez
la batterie dans le logement de la batterie.
Address:
680 Kinderkamack
Road
Oradell, NJ 07649
Telephone:
201-930-6972
(For FCC-related
matters only.)
Pour changer la pile de rechange,
veuillez contacter votre centre de
service Sony le plus près.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
Avertissement: L'utilisation
d'instruments optiques avec ce
produit augmente les risques pour
les yeux. Puisque le faisceau
laser utilisé dans ce produit est
dommageable pour les yeux, ne
tentez pas de désassembler le
boîtier. Adressez-vous à un agent
de service qualifié.
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC 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 instructions, may cause
(Pour le lecteur optique) Danger:
Radiation laser visible et invisible
si ouvert. Évitez l’exposition
directe au faisceau.
Attention : Afin de réduire les
risques d'incendie, n'utilisez
qu'un cordon de communication
N0. 26 AWG ou plus gros.
8
Notice to Users
harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be
information must be provided to the telephone
company.
This modem uses the USOC RJ11C telephone
jack.
A telephone plug and jack used to connect this
equipment to the premises wiring and telephone
network must comply with the applicable FCC
Part 68 rules and requirements adopted by the
ACTA.
determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:
❑
❑
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
The REN is used to determine the number of
devices which may be connected to the
Increase the separation between the
equipment and the receiver.
telephone line. Excessive RENs on a telephone
line may result in the devices not ringing in
response to an incoming call. In most, but not
all areas, the sum of RENs should not exceed
five (5.0). To be certain of the number of
devices that may be connected to a line, as
determined by the total RENs, contact the
telephone company. For products approved
after July 23, 2001, the REN for this product is
part of the product identifier that has the format
US: AAAEQ##TXXXX. The digits represented
by ## are the REN without a decimal point
(e.g., 03 is a REN of 0.3). For earlier products,
the REN is separately shown on the label.
❑
❑
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications to the computer not expressly
approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
Only peripherals (computer input/output
devices, terminals, printers, etc.) that comply
with FCC Class B limits may be attached to this
computer product. Operation with non-
compliant peripherals is likely to result in
interference to radio and television reception.
If this equipment causes harm to the telephone
network, the telephone company will notify you
in advance that temporary discontinuance of
service may be required. But if advance notice
is not practical, the telephone company will
notify the customer as soon as possible. Also,
you will be advised of your right to file a
complaint with the FCC if you believe it is
necessary.
All cables used to connect peripherals must be
shielded and grounded. Operation with cables
connected to peripherals that are not shielded
and grounded may result in interference to radio
and television reception.
The telephone company may make changes in
its facilities, equipment, operations, or
FCC Part 68
procedures that could affect the operation of the
equipment. If this happens, the telephone
company will provide advance notice in order
for you to make the necessary modifications in
order to maintain uninterrupted service.
This equipment complies with Part 68 of the
FCC rules and the requirements adopted by the
ACTA. On the bottom of this equipment is a
label that contains, among other information, a
product identifier in the format
If trouble is experienced with this equipment,
for repair or warranty information, please
US:AAAEQ##TXXXX. If requested, this
9
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
contact 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972),
or write to the Sony Customer Information
Service Center, One Sony Drive, Park Ridge,
NJ 07656. If the equipment is causing harm to
the telephone network, the telephone company
may request that you disconnect the equipment
until the problem is resolved.
IC RSS-210 (Canada)
(Applies to wireless LAN models only)
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the device.
Repair of this equipment should be made only
by a Sony Service Center or Sony authorized
agent. For a Sony Service Center near you, call
1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972).
To prevent radio interference to the licensed
service, this device is intended to be operated
indoors and away from windows to provide
maximum shielding. Equipment (or its transmit
antenna) that is installed outdoors is subject to
licensing.
Connection to party line service is subject to
state tariffs. Contact the state public utility
commission, public service commission, or
corporation commission for information.
The term “IC:” before the certification /
registration number only signifies that the
Industry Canada technical specifications were
met.
If your home has specially wired alarm
equipment connected to the telephone line,
ensure the installation of this equipment does
not disable your alarm equipment. If you have
questions about what will disable alarm
equipment, consult your telephone company or
a qualified installer.
(S’applique aux modèles sans fil de LAN
seulement) L’utilisation de ce dispositif est
autorisée seulement aux conditions suivantes:
(1) il ne doit pas produire de brouillage et (2)
l’utilisateur du dispositif doit être prêt à
accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique reçu,
même si ce brouillage est susceptible de
compromettre le fonctionnement du dispositif.
Use a surge arrestor to protect against electrical
surges.
FCC Radio Frequency
Exposure (United States)
Pour empêcher que cet appareil cause du
brouillage au service faisant l’objet d’une
licence, il doit être utilisé à l’interieur et devrait
être placé loin des fenêtres afin de fournir un
écran de blindage maximal. Si le matériel (ou
son antenne d’émission) est installé a
(Applies to wireless LAN models only) This
equipment complies with FCC radiation
exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be
installed and operated with minimum distance
of 8 inches (20 cm) between the radiator and
body (excluding extremities: hands, wrists, and
feet).
l’exterieur, il doit faire l’objet d’une licence.
L’expression “IC:” avant le numéro
d’homologation / enregistrement signifie
seulement que les spécifications techniques
d’Industrie Canada ont été respectées.
This device and its antenna(s) must not be co-
located or operating with any other antenna or
transmitter. Users are not permitted to modify
this transmitter device. Any unauthorized
change made to this device could void your
authority to operate this device.
10
Notice to Users
Telephone Consumer
Protection Act of 1991
(United States)
RECYCLING LITHIUM ION
BATTERIES
RECYCLING
LITHIUM-ION
BATTERIES
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of
1991 makes it unlawful for any person to use a
computer or other electronic device, including
FAX machines, to send any message unless
such message clearly contains in a margin at the
top or bottom of each transmitted page or on the
first page of the transmission, the date and time
it is sent and an identification of the business or
other entity, or other individual sending the
message, and the telephone number of the
sending machine or such business, other entity,
or individual. (The telephone number provided
may not be a 900 number or any other number
Lithium-Ion
batteries are
recyclable.
You can help
preserve our
environment by
returning your used
rechargeable
batteries to the
collection and
recycling location
nearest you.
for which charges exceed local or long-distance
transmission charges.)
For more information regarding recycling of
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-
In order to program this information into your
facsimile machine, see your fax software
documentation.
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.
Telephone Consumer
Guidelines (Canada)
Please refer to your telephone directory under
‘Privacy Issues’ and/or ‘Terms of Service.’ For
more detailed information, please contact:
CRTC
Terrasses de la Chaudière, Tour centrale
1 promenade du Portage, 5 étage Hull
PQ K1A 0N2.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est
conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
11
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
RECYCLAGE DES
ACCUMULATEURS AUX
IONS DE LITHIUM
Do not handle damaged or leaking
lithium ion batteries.
Danger of explosion if battery is
incorrectly replaced. Replace
only with the same or equivalent
type recommended by the
manufacturer. Discard used
batteries according to the
RECYCLAGE DES
ACCUMULATEU
RS AUX IONS DE
LITHIUM
Les accumulateurs
aux ions de lithium
sont recyclables.
manufacturer’s instructions.
The battery pack used in this
device may present a fire or
chemical burn hazard if
mistreated. Do not disassemble,
heat above 140°F (60°C) or
incinerate. Dispose of used
battery promptly. Keep away from
children.
Vous pouvez
contribuer à
préserver
l’environnement en
rapportant les piles
usées dans un point
de collection et
recyclage le plus
proche.
Ne pas utiliser des batteries au
lithium ionisé qui sont
endommagées ou qui fuient.
Pour plus d’informations sur le recyclage
des accumulateurs, téléphonez le numéro
gratuit 1-800-822-8837 (Etats-Units et
Canada uniquement), ou visitez
Une batterie non conforme
présente un danger d'explosion.
La remplacer seulement par une
batterie identique ou de type
équivalent recommandé par le
fabricant. Évacuer les batteries
usées selon les directives du
fabricant.
Avertissment: Ne pas utiliser des
accumulateurs aux ions de lithium qui sont
endommagées ou qui fuient.
La manutention incorrecte du
module de batterie de cet
appareil présente un risque
d'incendie ou de brûlures
chimiques. Ne pas démonter,
incinérer ou exposer à une
température de plus de 60°C.
Évacuer promptement la batterie
usée. Garder hors de portée des
enfants.
12
Notice to Users
INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE
AVIS D’INDUSTRIE CANADA
NOTICE: This equipment meets the applicable
Industry Canada Terminal Equipment Technical
Specifications.
REMARQUE: Cet équipement est conforme
aux Spécifications Techniques des Équipements
Terminaux d’Industrie Canada en vigueur.
The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) for this
terminal equipment is 0.2. The REN assigned to
each terminal equipment provides an indication
of the maximum number of terminals allowed
to be connected to a telephone interface. The
termination on an interface may consist of any
combination of devices subject only to the
requirement that the sum of the Ringer
Equivalence Numbers of all the devices does
not exceed five.
Le Nombre Équivalent de Sonneries (REN) de
cet équipement terminal est 0,2. Le REN
attribué à chaque équipement terminal indique
le nombre maximum de terminaux que l’on
peut connecter à une interface téléphonique. Il
est possible de raccorder à une interface
plusieurs combinaisons d’appareils, mais la
somme des Nombres Équivalents de Sonneries
de tous ces appareils ne doit pas dépasser cinq.
13
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
14
Setting Up
Setting Up
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO® computer. Sony has
combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and
communications to provide state-of-the-art personal computing.
Unpacking Your Computer
Main Unit
AC Adapter
Power Cord
Rechargeable Battery
✍ Recovery CDs are not included with your computer. Instead, a hard disk drive recovery
program is built into your computer. For more information, see “VAIO Recovery
Wizard Utility” on page 29.
15
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
Locating Controls and Ports
Front
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Power indicator
8
Left and right buttons
Touch pad
Battery indicator
9
Power button
10
11
12
13
14
Memory Stick® media indicator
Keyboard
Scroll lock indicator
Caps lock indicator
Num lock indicator
Hard disk drive indicator
Model name
Speakers
Computer screen (LCD)
16
Locating Controls and Ports
Back
1
2
3
Modem jack
4
5
6
Parallel (printer) port
Network (Ethernet) port
Monitor (VGA) port
Air vent
USB 2.0 port (high-/full-/low-speed
supported)
Only connect 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX cables to the
Network (Ethernet)
port. Do not connect any other type of network cable or any telephone line to
this port. 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 a network, refer to your online VAIO®
Computer User Guide or contact your network administrator. See “Locating
Your VAIO Computer User Guide” on page 25 for more information.
17
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
Left
1
2 USB 2.0 ports (high-/full-/low- 5
i.LINK® (IEEE 1394) S400 port
speed supported)
2
3
4
A/V OUT jack
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
6
7
8
Air vent
PC Card slots
Memory Stick® media slot
18
Locating Controls and Ports
Right
1
2
DC IN port
3
4
Optical drive
Battery bay
EJECT button
Bottom
1
Reset button
19
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
20
Getting Started
Getting Started
The supplied battery is not charged when you unpack it. To charge it for future
use, install the battery, and then connect the AC adapter to power your computer.
The battery charges from AC power regardless if the computer is on or off. See
the “Powering Your Computer” chapter of your on-screen VAIO® Computer
User Guide for more information.
Turning On Your Computer
To turn on your computer
1
2
3
Slide the RELEASE latch to the right and lift the lid while holding the
bottom of the computer firmly.
Push the battery bay cover down to open it. The battery bay cover swings out
but does not detach from the computer.
Slide the battery (with the logo facing up) into the battery bay. If the
computer is on, it automatically detects the battery.
Inserting the Battery
RELEASE latch
Battery
(supplied)
4
Push the battery bay cover up until it clicks into place.
21
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
5
6
Plug the AC adapter cable into the DC IN port.
Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an AC outlet.
Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer
DC IN port
AC adapter
(supplied)
Power cord
(supplied)
.
✍ Use only the supplied AC adapter with your computer.
7
Press the power button until the green power indicator lights up.
Turning on the Computer
Power indicator
Power button
✍ If you hold down the power button, the computer turns off.
22
Using the Touch Pad
Using the Touch Pad
The computer contains a pointing device called a touch pad. You can point to,
select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touch pad.
Locating the Touch Pad
Touch pad
Left and right buttons
Touch Pad Action Description
Sliding one finger Equivalent to using a mouse to place the pointer on an item.
Tapping once
Tapping twice
Equivalent to pressing the left button once.
Equivalent to pressing the left button twice.
23
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
Touch Pad Action Description
Sliding one finger Equivalent to using the mouse to drag an item.
while pressing the
left button
Moving your finger Equivalent to scrolling vertically. (The scroll function is
along the right edge available only with programs that support a touch pad scroll
of the touch pad
feature.)
Moving your finger Equivalent to scrolling horizontally. (The scroll function is
along the bottom to available only with programs that support a touch pad scroll
scroll horizontally feature.)
Registering Your Computer
✍ 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
registration opportunities later.
Take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive
these benefits by registering your computer:
❑
❑
❑
Sony Customer Support — Talk to a support representative to troubleshoot
problems you may have with your computer.
Limited Warranty Extension — Protect your investment. See the Warranty
Card for more details.
Product Information Notification — By giving Sony your contact
information, you will enable Sony to reach you regarding performance
updates and upgrades.
24
Locating Your VAIO Computer User Guide
Locating Your VAIO Computer User Guide
The on-screen VAIO® Computer User Guide is a searchable help file that
contains detailed information on how to use your new computer.
To open the user guide
1
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and then click Help and Support.
The Help and Support Center window appears, displaying information
about your VAIO® computer and Microsoft® Windows® operating system.
Locating the VAIO User Guide
User Guide Link
2
Click VAIO User Guide in the Pick a Help topic column. A second Help
and Support Center window appears, which offers information about your
computer.
25
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
VAIO User Guide Window
1
2
User guide table of contents
Link to Electronic Flyer
List of computer help topics
List of updates and supplemental
information
3
Link to the Sony Computing
Support Web site
List of your computer’s hardware
specifications and preinstalled software
information (Internet access required)
26
Setting Up A Dial-Up Connection
Setting Up A Dial-Up Connection
The Connection Wizard guides you through the process of choosing an Internet
Service Provider (ISP) or setting up an existing account, and connecting to the
Internet.
To set up a dial-up connection
1
Connect a telephone cable to your computer. See “Setting up a dial-up
Internet connection” in the Internet and Network Connections chapter of
your on-screen VAIO® Computer User Guide.
2
Click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and
then click New Connection Wizard. The New Connection Wizard
appears.
New Connection Wizard
3
4
5
6
Click Next.
If it is not already selected, click Connect to the Internet.
Click Next.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
27
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
Turning Off Your Computer
Using the power button to turn off your computer may result in loss of data.
Follow the steps below to properly turn off your computer and avoid losing data.
To turn off your computer
1
2
3
Close all operations.
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar.
Click Turn Off Computer at the bottom of the Start menu to display the
Turn off computer window, and select Turn Off.
✍ Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.
4
Wait for your computer to turn off automatically. The computer is off when
the power indicator turns off.
✍ During a period of inactivity, you can conserve battery life by using power saving
modes. See “Conserving Battery Power” in the VAIO® Computer User Guide for more
information.
✍ If you are unable to turn off the computer, press and hold the power button until the
computer turns off. Data that is not saved when the computer is turned off may be
lost.
28
VAIO Recovery Wizard Utility
VAIO Recovery Wizard Utility
System and Application Recovery CDs are not supplied with your VAIO®
computer. Your VAIO computer is equipped with the VAIO Recovery Wizard, a
fast and easy-to-use system recovery utility. This system and application
recovery utility enables you to recover preinstalled software programs, the
operating system, and to create a VAIO Recovery Media Kit.
About the VAIO Recovery Wizard utility
❑
❑
❑
❑
Use the several recovery options to restore your preinstalled software
programs and specific partitions on your hard disk drive.
Follow the instructions that guide you through several recovery options
choosing the default selections or customizing your computer's recovery.
Discover the advantages of recovering your computer without using CDs or
other external media.
Create your own Recovery Media Kit, using your purchased CD or DVD
media.
Creating a Recovery Media Kit
You can create your Recovery Media Kit using CD or DVD media* that can be
used if your system does not start. The Recovery Media Kit enables you to
reclaim the space reserved for the recovery partition (approximately 5 GB).
For more information about creating the Recovery Media Kit, see the VAIO
Recovery Options online guide:
1
Click Start in the Windows® taskbar, and then click Help and
Support.
2
From the VAIO Help and Support Center, click VAIO Recovery
Options.
* The number of CDs and/or DVDs required to create a Recovery Media Kit may vary,
depending on the computer model purchased.
29
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
Visit the Sony Computing Support Web site for the latest information about using
the VAIO Recovery Wizard or Recovery Media Kit.
To purchase a VAIO Recovery Media kit
1
2
3
Go to the Sony Direct Accessories and Parts Center Web site at
Enter your computer model number (for example, PCG-XXXX), and click
List Parts and accessories.
Follow the online instructions to order the Recovery Media Kit.
✍ If you are not able to access the Sony Direct Accessories and Parts Center Web site,
contact a customer service representative at 1-800-488-7669.
Using the VAIO Recovery Wizard Help
For more information about recovery options or instructions on using the VAIO
Recovery Wizard utility program, see the VAIO Recovery Wizard Help.
Access the Help by following these steps:
1
2
3
4
Turn on your computer.
Click Start in the Microsoft® Windows® taskbar and click All Programs.
Click VAIO Recovery Wizard. The VAIO Recovery Wizard utility appears.
Click Help. The VAIO Recovery Wizard Help appears in a separate
window*.
* If you do not perform a recovery operation, your system prompts you to restart your
computer when closing the VAIO Recovery Wizard utility.
30
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
What do I do if my computer won’t start?
❑
If your computer comes with a floppy disk drive, make sure the drive is
empty.
❑
If you are using an external display, make sure the display is plugged into a
power source and turned on. Make sure the brightness and contrast controls
are adjusted correctly. See the guide that came with your display for details.
❑
❑
If the computer is plugged into a power strip or uninterruptible power supply
(UPS), make sure the power strip or UPS is turned on and working.
Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source or, if you
are using battery power, make sure the battery is inserted properly and
charged. You will know the power is on by the blinking power indicator. If
the computer is properly connected to a power source and still does not
work, follow these steps:
1
2
Disconnect the AC adapter and remove the battery.
Wait one minute.
✍ If your computer has a reset button, you can use a thin, straight object (such as a
paper clip) to press this button to reset the computer. See “Locating Controls and
Ports” on page 16 for a description of the buttons on your computer.
3
4
Reattach the AC adapter and reinsert the battery.
Turn on the power.
❑
Condensation may have accumulated on the computer causing it to
malfunction. If this is the case, wait at least one hour to use the computer.
What do I do if the message, “Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to
setup” appears at the bottom of the screen?
1
2
Press the F2 key to launch the BIOS Setup window.
Set the date (month/day/year). Press Enter.
31
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
3
4
Use the Down Arrow key
minute: second), and press Enter.
to select System Time, set the time (hour:
Use the Right Arrow key to select the Exit tab, and press the Down
to select Get Default Values. The message Load default
Arrow key
values for all SETUP items appears.
5
6
Press Enter. When the Setup Confirmation window appears, select Yes,
and press Enter.
Select Exit (Save Changes), and press Enter. When the Setup
Confirmation window appears again, select Yes, and press Enter. The
computer restarts.
✍ If you receive this message on a regular basis, contact Sony Computing Support
(http://www.sony.com/pcsupport).
What do I do if the Windows operating system does not start?
❑
For models with a floppy disk drive, make sure the computer does not have a
non-bootable floppy disk in the drive. If a non-bootable floppy disk is in the
drive, remove the floppy disk and restart the computer.
❑
You may need to initialize the BIOS.
1
2
Turn off the computer.
Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer, and restart
the computer.
3
4
Press the F2 key when the Sony logo appears to launch the BIOS Setup
window.
Use the Right Arrow key
to select the Exit menu, and then use the
Down Arrow key to select Get Default Values. The message Load
default values for all SETUP items appears.
5
6
Press Enter. When the Setup Confirmation window appears, select
Yes, and press Enter.
Select Exit (Save Changes), and press Enter. When the Setup
Confirmation window appears again, select Yes, and press Enter. The
computer restarts.
32
Troubleshooting
My computer stopped responding. How do I turn it off?
❑
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and select Turn Off Computer.
Select Turn Off Computer and click OK.
❑
Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously. When the Windows Task
Manager dialog box appears, select the Shut Down menu and click Turn
Off.*
✍ Pressing the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously or turning off the computer with the
power button or switch may cause loss of data.
If these options do not work, press and hold the power button or slide and hold
the power switch until the computer turns off. You can also remove the power
supply as a final alternative.
* Recommended if the computer stops responding while playing a CD or DVD.
33
VAIO® Computer Quick Start
Support Options
If you have questions about your computer or the preinstalled programs, refer to
the following sources for answers in the sequence listed below.
1
2
VAIO® Computer Documentation
The on-screen VAIO® Computer User Guide and the printed VAIO®
Computer Quick Start provide information on how to maximize your
computer capabilities and solve common problems.
Program Guides and Help Files
The preinstalled programs on your computer may come with individual
help guides. These guides are stored on the hard disk as on-screen Help
files. You can find the Help files from the Help menu under the specific
program. To see a list of the preinstalled programs, click Start on the
Windows® taskbar, and select All Programs (or Programs for Windows
2000 models).
3
4
Operating System Online Support
Your computer comes preinstalled with a Microsoft® Windows®
operating system. For operating system support, you can visit Microsoft®
Sony Computing Support
This service provides instant access to information on commonly
encountered problems. Type a description of the problem and the
Knowledge Database searches for the corresponding solutions online.
You can visit Sony Computing Support at:
34
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