Sony VAIO PCG-FX301 User manual

N
Sony notebook
user guide
PCG-FX301

Sony Notebook User Guide
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Notice
© 2001 Sony Corporation. 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 Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby
expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the
software or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, 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.
Macrovision: This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and
other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection
technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless
otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
Sony Corporation 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.
Sony, DVgate, i.LINK™ and the i.LINK™ logo, PictureGear, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are
trademarks of Sony Corporation.
i.LINK™ is is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection.
Microsoft, Windows and the Windows logo, Windows Media and Outlook are trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S. Microsoft
Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
Adobe® and Adobe®Acrobat®Reader are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks used under license. QuickTime is registered in the U.S. and other countries.
RealPlayer is a trademark or registered trademark of RealNetworks, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.

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VirusScan is a trademark of Network Associates Corporation.
All other names of systems, products and services are trademarks of their respective owners. In the manual, the ™or ®marks are not
specified.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Energy Star
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
The International ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of
computers and their 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.

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Safety information
Owner's record
The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony notebook. Record the serial number in the space provided
here. Refer to the model and serial number if you call VAIO-Link.
Serial number: ________________________
Model: PCG-962C
Warnings
General
 Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.
 To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
 To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your notebook to rain or moisture.
 Avoid using the modem during a thunder storm.
 Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
 To change the backup battery, please contact your nearest Sony Service Center.

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Audio/video
 Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any
equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.
Connectivity
 Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe storm.
 Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations.
 Be cautious when installing or modifying telephone lines.
 Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your notebook completely from
mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.
 Please make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
 Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected
at the network interface.
CD/DVD-ROM
 Misuse of the optical instrument supplied with your notebook can cause eye hazard. As the laser beam
used in this product is harmful to eyes, do not attempt any disassembling process. For servicing, refer to
qualified personnel only.
 There are visible and invisible radiations when the DVD-ROM drive is open: avoid direct exposure to the
laser beam.

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Regulatory information
This product conforms to the following European Directives:
73/23/EEC (Low Voltage Directive)
89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC (EMC Directives)
93/68/EEC (CE Marking Directive)
1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive)
This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 55024 for use in following areas: residential, commercial and light-industrial.
This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than
3 metres (9.8 feet).
The DVD-ROM-drive is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair
and maintenance only by authorized Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
TO EN 60825-1

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Disposing of lithium ion batteries
 Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly at end-of-life.
 Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
 The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not
disassemble, heat above 60°C (140°F) or incinerate.
 Keep away from children.
 Your notebook is equipped with an internal backup memory battery. For changing this battery, please
contact VAIO-Link: http://www.vaio-link.com
 In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.
 Use the public collection system.

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Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing a 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.
Here are just some of the features your VAIO notebook has to offer:
 Exceptional performance - Your PC includes a fast processor, a fast DVD-ROM drive and an internal
modem.
 Portability - The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power.
 Sony audio and video quality - A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take advantage of today’s
advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.
 Multimedia features –Enjoy audio, video CDs and DVDs.
 Interconnectivity –Your computer has Ethernet and i.LINK™functionalities. i.LINK™is a bi-directional
digital interface for exchanging data.
 Windows®- Your system includes the Windows®Millennium operating system from Microsoft.
 Communications - Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet...
 Excellent customer support - If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check
the VAIO-Link web site for a possible solution:
http://www.vaio-link.com
Before contacting VAIO-Link, you may try to solve the problem by reading the User Guide or the manuals
and help files for the peripherals or software.

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Documentation pack
Your Documentation Pack contains paper and online user guides on a Documentation CD-ROM.
Printed documentation
 A Getting Started brochure, where you find a brief description of the items in your box and some
specifications of your notebook;
 A Customer Guide, where you find all the basic information to start using your notebook;
 A Safety Regulations Flyer;
 A Modem Regulations Flyer applying to the modem;
 Yo u r Sony Guarantee conditions.
Online documentation
1The Sony Notebook User Guide:
 Using Your Sony Notebook shows you how to use the standard components of your system. In this
part of the manual, you will also find out what you can do with a Memory Stick™.
 Connecting Peripheral Devices explains how you can add functionality by connecting various
peripherals.
 Getting Help explains the support options available to you, and offers basic troubleshooting tips.
 Precautions provides facts and advice about using your notebook.
 Specifications provides details on your computer, drivers and accessories.
 Glossary refers to terms used in this manual.
2Refer to your Software Guide for information on the bundled software and the Sony applications.
 About the Software is a short description of the features of the software pre-installed on your
system.
 Customizing your notebook explains how to set your system and power management.
 Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs explains how to perform a system and application recovery.

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3Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and
troubleshooting.
4Refer to the Microsoft Quick Start manual for more information on Windows.
5Go to http://www.club-vaio.sony-europe.com to find online tutorials about your favorite VAIO software.

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Your notebook and its accessories
Following hardware items are in the box:
1 main unit 7 weight saver
2 product recovery CD-ROMs 8 video cable
3 documentation pack 9 phone plug (country specific)
4 AC adapter 10 phone cable
5 rechargeable battery pack 11 power cord
6 removable floppy disk drive
(installed at factory)
12 CD/DVD-ROM drive

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Ergonomic considerations
You will be using your notebook as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you
should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable
environments:
 Position of your computer –Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms
horizontal (2), with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard,
touchpad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Have breaks during
sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.
 Furniture and posture –Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet
are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and
avoid slouching forward or leaning far backwards.

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 Viewing angle of the computer’s display –Use the display’s tilting feature to find the best position.
You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position.
Adjust the brightness setting of the display as well.
 Lighting –Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the
display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for
your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.
 Placement of an external display –When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable
viewing distance. Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in
front of the monitor.
 Tilt stands –You use the tilt stands to place the computer at an angle that allows comfortable typing.

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Using your notebook
This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal and
external devices.
Locating controls and connectors
Right
1 power button (page 28)
2 DVD-ROM drive (page 37)
3 multi-purpose bay for weight saver or
second battery with weight saver or
removable floppy disk drive)
(page 40)
(page 42)

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Left
 AC adapter mains connector and power cord: hazardous voltage, according to EN 60950.
All other connectors for this notebook are SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage), according to EN 60950.
1 TV Out connector (page 65) 4 i.LINK™connector (page 73)
2 microphone connector (page 69) 5 PC Card slots (page 45)
3 headphone connector (page 68) 6 battery bay (page 20)

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Front
1 LCD screen (page 35) 7 battery 1 and 2 indicators (page 34)
2 speakers (page 35) 8 hard disk drive indicator (page 34)
3 keyboard (page 31) 9 Num Lock indicator (page 34)
4 touchpad (page 36) 10 Caps Lock indicator (page 34)
5 left/right buttons (page 36) 11 Scroll Lock indicator (page 34)
6 power indicator (page 34)

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Back
 There is a ventilation slot located near the USB connector. Do not cover the ventilation slot when the computer is on.
1 phone line jack (page 58) 5 monitor connector (page 62)
2USBconnector (page 70) 6 Ethernet connector (page 76)
3 serial connector (page 72) 7 USB connector (page 70)
4printer (page 72) 8DCIn (page 19)

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Bottom
1 release lever (page 12)
2 tilt stands (page 12)

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Connecting a power source
You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.
Using the AC adapter
To use the AC adapter, proceed as follows:
1Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (1) into the DC In connector (2) on the computer.
2Plug one end of the power cord (3) into the AC adapter.
3Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
 Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter.
To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.
Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

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Using the battery pack
You can use one or two batteries as a source of power. You can insert the second battery pack into the multi-
purpose bay on the right side of the computer. Additional battery packs are available as a separate option.
The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.
Inserting the battery pack
To insert the battery pack, proceed as follows:
1Open the cover of the battery bay.
2Insert the battery pack with the label facing down into the battery bay on the left side of the computer.
3Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks.
 When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.