Sony PCV-L400 - Vaio Slimtop Computer User manual

i
VAIO Slimtop Computer/
VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer
User Guide
®
™
PCV-L400/PCV-L600/PCV-L600S

©1999 Sony Electronics Inc. Reproduction
in whole or in part without written
permission is prohibited. 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.
Sony, VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO Slimtop,
Ergo-Angle, AutoAlert, VAIO Smart,
Memory Stick, Digital Media Park, Mavica,
and PictureGear are trademarks of Sony.
Windows and the Windows logo are
registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. K56flex is a trademark of
Lucent Technologies Inc. and Rockwell
International. All other trademarks are
trademarks of their respective owners. Owner’s Record
The model number and serial
number are located on the back of
your Sony computer. Record the
model and serial numbers in the
space provided here. Refer to the
model and serial number when
you call your Sony Service Center.
Model Number:_____________
Serial Number:______________
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: PCV-L400/PCV-L600/PCV-L600S
Responsible Party:
Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 1 Sony Drive
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
Telephone No: 201-930-6970
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the two following
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interferencereceived, including interferencethat
may cause undesired operation.

3
Contents
Features .............................................................................................4
Unpacking Your Computer............................................................ 6
Locating Controls and Connectors................................................8
Attaching the Stand to the System Unit .....................................14
Registering Windows® 98............................................................ 15
Registering Your Computer......................................................... 16
Using the Programmable Power Keys (PPK) ............................17
Using Memory Stick Media..........................................................23
Using PC Cards..............................................................................25
Using the Standby Function.........................................................27
Shutting Down Your Computer .................................................. 28
Using the System Recovery CD(s)............................................... 30
Using the Application Recovery CD(s) ......................................32
About the Software on Your Computer .....................................33
For Answers to Your Software Questions.................................. 37
Troubleshooting............................................................................. 39
Specifications..................................................................................43
Index................................................................................................ 46

Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide4
Features
❑Exceptional performance: Your computer includes a fast Intel®
processor and a V.90 compatible data/fax modem.*
❑Ergo-Angle™Multimedia LCD display†: The exclusive dual-hinge
pedestal provides twice the flexibility of other LCD displays. Select
the perfect viewing angle and enjoy the built-in stereo speakers.
❑AutoAlert™E-mail Notification System†: Custom software
automatically downloads e-mail on a pre-set schedule via Microsoft
Outlook®. A light on the LCD display instantly lets you know when
new mail is received.
❑VAIO Smart™convertible keyboard: The innovative palm rest
converts to a keyboard cover for a sleek look when not in use. Six
Programmable Power Keys let you launch any application with the
push of a button; dual-sided mouse connections for left- or right-
hand use.
❑Sony Memory Stick™media slot: The next generation of digital
media, smaller than a stick of gum. Easily deliver information from
one electronic device to another, so you can transfer images, sounds,
data and text between cameras, computers, and more.
❑Compact components: Enjoy the small footprint and versatile set up
options available by positioning the components in an arrangement
of your choice.
❑Sony audio and video quality: High-fidelity 3D audio system and
high-powered 3D graphics (AGP) enable you to take advantage of
today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and
entertainment software.
✍Fora complete description of the specifications of your Sony computer, see “Specifications”
on page 43.
* Actual upload and download speeds may vary due to line conditions, ISP support, and government
regulations.
† Available only with the VAIO Slimtop™ LCD Computer.
Sony VAIO User’s Guide

Features 5
❑100 free hours of Internet access: Use the Internet for up to 100 free
hours when you sign up with GTE (no credit card required). Free
access expires 100 hours or 60 days after signing up—whichever
occurs first.
❑Preinstalled software titles: All the software on your computer is
preinstalled, configured, and ready for you to use right out of the box.
❑Windows®98: Your system includes the latest operating system from
Microsoft.
❑Communications: Access popular online services, browse the
Internet, send faxes, and more.

Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide6
Unpacking Your Computer
Computer and Supplied Accessories
Mouse
Stand Spacers
Phone cable
Power cable
Keyboard cable
Keyboard
System unit
(for vertical installation;
Ferrite core
screw is attached)
LCD
(VAIO Slimtop LCD models only)

Unpacking Your Computer 7
Manuals
❑Read Me First contains last-minute supplementary information and
software support numbers.
❑The VAIO Slimtop Computer/VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide
(this manual) contains features and specifications of your computer.
It also includes information on the applications included with your
system and how to contact software vendors, get started with your
computer, and solve common problems.
❑The VAIO Consumer Information Guide contains safety and regulatory
information, ergonomic considerations, information on help
resources, and your computer’s limited warranty statement.
❑The Microsoft®Windows®98 Getting Started manual explains how to
use the basic features of the Windows operating system.
Recovery CDs
❑System Recovery CD(s)
❑Application Recovery CD(s)
Other
❑Setting up your VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer (poster) or Setting up
your VAIO Slimtop Computer (poster)
❑Packet containing special product offers
Software CDs
❑Microsoft®Encarta®99 Encyclopedia
❑Microsoft®Money/Microsoft®Works

Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide8
Locating Controls and Connectors
Front Panel
1Power switch and indicator light
Turns on/off the computer and the display.
The indicator light is green while the power is on.
2 Floppy disk drive
Reads/writes data from/to the 3.5 inch floppy disk.
3Floppy disk eject button
Ejects the floppy disk.
4CD-ROM drive
Reads data from the CD-ROM.
5CD-ROM eject button
Ejects the CD-ROM.
6Manual eject hole
If the CD-ROM does not come out when you press the CD-ROM eject
button, insert a thin, pointed object into this hole to eject the CD-ROM
manually.
FD CD HD

Locating Controls and Connectors 9
* See “Using a Headphone or Microphone” on page 11 for importantinformation about connecting a
microphone and headphone.
7FD (Floppy disk drive) access indicator light
Lights in green while reading/writing data from/to the floppy disk.
8CD (CD-ROM drive) access indicator light
Lights in amber while reading data from the CD-ROM.
9HD (Hard disk drive) access indicator light
Lights in green while reading/writing data from/to the hard disk.
0MIC (Microphone) connector*
Connects a microphone (not supplied).
qa PHONES (Headphones) connector*
Connects headphones (not supplied).
qs VOLUME control
Adjusts the volume of the headphones connected to the PHONES
connector. VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer users should note that this
does not control the volume of the integrated LCD speakers.
qd PC CARD slot (with Zoomed Video support)
A PC Card (also called a PCMCIA card) can be installed in this slot.
PC cards enable you to add functionality to your system.
qf MEMORY STICK media slot
Insert a Sony Memory Stick™card into this slot. See “Using Memory
Stick Media” on page 23 for details on using Memory Stick media.
qg USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector
Connects a USB device.
FD CD HD

Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide10
Rear Panel
1 AC INPUT connector
Connects the supplied power cord.
2 LINE jack
Connects a phone cable to the wall jack.
3TELEPHONE jack
Connects the phone to the computer.
4 PRINTER connector
Connects a parallel device such as a printer or scanner.
5SERIAL connector
Connects a serial device such as a digital still camera.
6 MONITOR connector
Connects a standard CRT display.
7USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector
Connects a USB device.
8LINE IN connector
Connects an audio device.
9 LINE OUT connector
Connects an audio device or an active speaker.
PRINTER SERIAL MONITOR USB LINE LCD KEYBOARD
OUTIN
LINE PHONE
PRINTER SERIAL MONITOR USB LINE LCD KEYBOARD
OUTIN

Locating Controls and Connectors 11
Using a Headphone or Microphone
When you connect a microphone or headphone to your computer, attach
the supplied ferrite core at the end of the headphone or microphone cable
closest to the computer. Wrap the cable through the center of the ferrite
core. The following illustration shows how to attach the ferrite core when
you are using both a headphone and microphone.
0 LCD MONITOR connector (VAIO Slimtop LCD models only)
Connects the LCD that comes with the VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer.
Note: Do not connect any display to this connector other than the LCD
that is supplied with this system.
qa KEYBOARD connector
Connects a keyboard.
✍The LCD and keyboard cables already include a ferrite core. Do not remove the ferrite core
from these cables. (LCD cable available with VAIO Slimtop LCD models only.)
Plugs connected to
Microphone and
Ferrite core
the computer
headphone cables

Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide12
LCD (VAIO Slimtop LCD models only)
1Power indicator light
Light is green while the power is on. When the computer enters the
standby mode, this indicator light is amber.
2 Information LED
Light turns red to alert the user to activities, such as the arrival of
e-mail. See “Using the AutoAlert E-mail Notification System (VAIO
Slimtop LCD models only)” on page 20.
3 Brightness control
Adjusts the brightness of the screen.
4 Volume control
Adjusts the volume of the integrated speakers on the LCD display.

Locating Controls and Connectors 13
To adjust the height and viewing angle of the display (VAIO Slimtop LCD
models only)
Holding both sides of the display, push the display panel out and up, and
then adjust the viewing angle.
Set the display height so that it does not touch the keyboard, and adjust
the viewing angle approximately 27 degrees from eye level to the center
of the screen.
✍The LCD display is designed to maintain the best ergonomic viewing angle.

Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide14
Attaching the Stand to the System Unit
The main system unit can be oriented horizontally or vertically. If you
place the system in a vertical position, you must attach the supplied stand
to ensure stability.
1Place the system unit on its right side, with the front of the system
facing forward.
2Insert the grooved side of the stand into the ventilation holes of the
system so that the two screw holes are aligned and the stand’s fins are
at the rear of the unit.
3Secure the stand to the unit with the supplied screw.

Registering Windows® 98 15
Registering Windows®98
The first time you turn on your computer, you need to complete a few
steps to register and configure the Windows 98 software that is already
installed on your computer. You do not need to repeat these steps each
time you turn on your computer.
The on-screen instructions guide you through the registration and
configuration process. The following is an overview of the process.
1Gathering information:
❑Enter your name.
❑Read and accept the License Agreement.
❑Enter your Certificate of Authenticity number located on the
cover of the Microsoft Windows 98 Getting Started manual.
2Windows 98 setup: Click the Finish button on the Windows 98 Setup
Wizard screen.
3Selecting your computer settings: If necessary, change the Time Zone,
Date, and Time on the Date/Time Properties screen.
4Registering your computer: For details on registering your computer,
see “Registering Your Computer” on page 16. You can also sign up
for 100 free hours of Internet service at this time.
5Learning about Windows: If you want, take the tour of Windows.
✍You must complete the process described below before you can use your computer.

Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide16
Registering Your Computer
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 be having with your computer.
❑Limited warranty—Protect your investment. See “Limited Warranty
Statement” in the VAIO Consumer Information Guide for details.
❑Express Service—Provides convenient resolution of problems.
❑Free Internet access—Use the Internet for up to 100 free hours when
you sign up with GTE (no credit card necessary). Free access expires
after 100 hours of use or 60 days after signing up, whichever occurs
first.
If you have not already registered, follow these steps to use the computer
online registration service.
1Click the Sony VAIO Registration icon on the VAIO desktop.
2Enter the information requested on the first online registration form.
Press the TAB key to move from box to box.
3Click the Next button to advance to the next form.
4Complete the remaining forms by clicking the Next button each time
you complete a form.
The computer automatically transfers your registration information
using your built-in modem and a toll-free telephone number.
If you do not sign up for your free Internet account at the time of
registration, you can use the Easy Internet Access icon on the
Windows desktop to sign up later.
✍You must register your computer to extend the warranty from the initial 90-day warranty
period to one year from the original date of purchase.

Using the Programmable Power Keys (PPK) 17
Using the Programmable Power Keys (PPK)
Your Sony computer comes with technology that allows you to get to
your favorite applications easily. Each Programmable Power Key (PPK)
on your VAIO Smart Convertible Keyboard comes programmed to
launch a preset application with a single press of the key. If you wish, you
can use the PPK Setup software to change the Programmable Power
Keys’ preset functions. The PPK Setup software also allows you to set
your computer’s internal timer to launch certain applications
automatically.
The Programmable Power Keys are located at the top of your keyboard,
and are numbered P1 through P6. The keys work even when the
computer is turned off. Pressing one turns on the computer and launches
the preset application.
The six Programmable Power Keys come to you preprogrammed to
perform the functions listed in the table below.
Key Function
P1 (INTERNET) Starts Microsoft®Internet Explorer for Windows®.
P2 (MAIL) Starts Microsoft®Outlook®98.
P3 (WORK) Starts Microsoft®Works.
P4 (FINANCE) Starts Intuit®Quicken®99.
P5 (SETUP) Starts PPK Setup.
P6 (HELP) Opens a menu of help options.

Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide18
Changing the Functions of the Programmable Power Keys
To change the function of a Programmable Power Key:
1Press the P5 button on the keyboard, or double-click the PPK Setup
icon on the taskbar. The PPK Setup screen appears.
2Click the Programmable Power Key tab (“PPK1,2,3” or “PPK4,5,6”)
for the Programmable Power Key you want to change.
3Click the icon showing the key whose function you want to change.
The Assignment screen appears.
4Select “Change the assigned application” and click Next. The How to
Choose an Application screen appears.
5Click “Select application from Registered Files list” and then click
Next. The Assign Function screen appears.
6Select (highlight) an application in the Registered Files column and
then click Finish.
7The PPK tab appears. Click Apply. The application you have just
selected is now assigned to the Programmable Power Key you chose
in step 3.
8Click OK to exit PPK Setup.
✍Other options on the How to Choose an Application screen include “Register new
application,” “Select Predefined Functions,” and “Create a new Preset Script.” You can
press the Help button to learn more about these options.

Using the Programmable Power Keys (PPK) 19
Using the Internal Timer
You can use PPK Setup’s internal timer to start an application at a specific
time. The timer can start applications even when the power is off.
1Press the P5 button on the keyboard, or double-click the PPK Setup
icon on the taskbar. The PPK Setup screen appears.
2Click the Timer tab.
3Click the clock icon.
4If an application is already assigned to the timer, the Assignment
screen appears. Choose “Change the assigned application” and then
click Next.
If no application is currently assigned to the timer, the Assignment
screen does not appear; proceed to step 5.
5The How to Choose an Application screen appears. Choose “Select
application from Registered Files list” and then click Next.
6The Assign Function screen appears. Select an application in the
Registered Files column and then click Finish.
7The Timer tab appears. Click Apply, then click the Set button.
8The Timer Schedule Setting screen appears.
❑Select “One time only” if you want the application to launch only
once.
❑Select “Weekly” if you want the application to start at a certain
time on a regular basis, such as weekly or on certain days of the
week.
Then click Next.
9Specify the day and time for the timer to start. Note that the time is in
24 hour format. If you selected “Weekly” in the previous step, you
have the option of specifying more than one day. Then click Next.

Sony VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide20
10 The Post Processing screen appears. Entering information on this
screen is optional. If you wish, you can set the computer to shut
down or enter system standby mode after the timer finishes
launching an application. Click the Help button for instructions.
When you have finished, or if you do not wish to choose any options
on the Post Processing screen, click Finish.
11 The Timer tab appears. Click Apply. The timer is now set to launch
the application you selected in step 5.
12 Click OK to exit PPK Setup.
Using the AutoAlert E-mail Notification System (VAIO Slimtop
LCD models only)
Your VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer can be set up to notify you with an
Information LED when new mail arrives in your e-mail mailbox. The
Information LED turns red to indicate that new e-mail has arrived. For
this AutoAlert E-mail Notification System to work, you must use
Microsoft®Outlook®98 as your default e-mail software, and you must
have an Internet Service Provider with dial-up capabilities set up. As an
alternative, you can program PPK Setup to set the Information LED to
turn on when PPK Setup has successfully completed the task of dialing
up and connecting to receive mail; this works with Netscape
Communicator®4.5, Microsoft®Outlook®Express, and Microsoft
Outlook 98.
See “LCD (VAIO Slimtop LCD models only)” on page 12 for an
illustration showing the Information LED’s location.
✍Some software applications take longerthan others to launch. It isadvisable to confirm in
advance the amount of time your selected application takes to start.