Sony VAIO PCG-GRS150 User manual

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Welcome.......................................................7
Powering Your Computer ...........................9
Using AC Power........................................................10
Connecting the AC adapter................................................10
Turning on the computer....................................................11
Using the Battery.......................................................13
Inserting a battery ..............................................................13
Removing a battery............................................................14
Using a second battery .......................................................15
Displaying battery information..........................................17
Charging a battery..............................................................20
Notes on batteries...............................................................22
Frequently asked questions................................................22
Conserving Battery Power ........................................23
Using power saving modes ................................................23
Using PowerPanel..............................................................24
Frequently asked questions................................................28
Internet and Network Connections..........31
Internet Connections .................................................32
Setting up a dial-up Internet connection ............................32
Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection........................34
Customizing your Internet connection...............................36
Frequently asked questions................................................37
Network Connections................................................38
Using Ethernet and dial-up connections ............................39
Using wireless LAN connections ......................................41
Checking your network connection status .........................47
Frequently asked questions................................................47

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Connecting Another VAIO Computer ...................... 50
Connecting VAIO computers............................................ 50
Disconnecting VAIO computers....................................... 52
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 52
CDs, DVDs, and Optical Drives................55
Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs ....................... 56
Copying and Playing CDs......................................... 58
Playing CDs ...................................................................... 58
Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R................................. 59
Playing DVDs ...........................................................61
Connecting your computer to a TV................................... 61
Watching DVDs on a TV.................................................. 62
Disconnecting the TV from the computer......................... 64
Watching DVDs on your computer .................................. 64
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 65
Printer Connections..................................71
Printing With Your Computer .................................. 72
Connecting a printer.......................................................... 72
Disconnecting a printer ..................................................... 74
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 74
Computer Features ...................................77
Using the Keyboard .................................................. 78
Key locations and descriptions ......................................... 78
Combinations and functions with the Windows key ........ 80
Indicators........................................................................... 81
Combinations and functions with the Fn key.................... 82

3
Using the Touch Pad .................................................85
Describing the touch pad ...................................................85
Customizing the touch pad ................................................86
Frequently asked questions................................................87
Using the Jog Dial Control........................................89
Locating the Jog Dial Control............................................89
Using the Jog Dial Navigator icon.....................................90
Using the Jog Dial Bar.......................................................90
Using Jog Dial Launcher ...................................................91
Using Application and Scroll modes .................................92
Changing Jog Dial Navigator settings ...............................94
Using Memory Stick Media.....................................96
Selecting Memory Stick media..........................................96
Inserting Memory Stick media ..........................................97
Viewing the contents .........................................................97
Write-protecting Memory Stick media..............................98
Formatting Memory Stick media.......................................98
Removing Memory Stick media........................................99
Frequently asked questions..............................................100
Using the Language Option.....................................102
Changing Numbers, Currency, Time, and Date Formats 103
Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs ..104
Connecting Mice and Keyboards...........105
Using External Mice and Keyboards ......................106
Connecting a mouse or keyboard.....................................106
Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard................................108
Frequently asked questions..............................................108

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Floppy Disk Drives and PC Cards .........111
Using Floppy Disk Drives ......................................112
Connecting a floppy disk drive ....................................... 112
Inserting and removing floppy disks............................... 113
Notes on handling floppy disks....................................... 114
Disconnecting a floppy disk drive .................................. 115
Carrying the floppy disk drive ........................................ 115
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 116
Using PC Cards....................................................... 117
Inserting PC Cards .......................................................... 117
Removing PC Cards........................................................ 118
Connecting and disconnecting PC Card drives............... 119
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 121
Audio and Video Connections ...............123
Using i.LINK Digital-Video Recorders..................124
Connecting an i.LINK digital video recorder ................. 124
Disconnecting the i.LINK digital video recorder............ 125
Using a digital video camera recorder ............................ 126
Notes on connecting an i.LINK device........................... 126
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 127
Using Computer Monitors and Projectors .............. 128
Connecting a computer monitor...................................... 128
Connecting a multimedia computer monitor .................. 130
Connecting a projector .................................................... 130
Selecting a display mode................................................. 131
Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector ............. 134

5
Using Speakers........................................................135
Connecting speakers ........................................................135
Disconnecting external speakers......................................136
Adjusting the volume.......................................................136
Enabling the audio feature ...............................................137
Frequently asked questions..............................................138
Using Microphones .................................................140
Connecting a microphone ................................................140
Disconnecting a microphone ...........................................140
Using a microphone or other device to record.................141
Frequently asked questions..............................................142
Preinstalled Programs ............................143
Software Programs On Your Computer ..................144
Program overview............................................................144
Frequently asked questions..............................................148
DVgate Program Notes ...........................................150
Recording images to a digital video device .....................150
Adjusting image resolution..............................................150
Saving to your hard disk drive.........................................150
Program Support Information .................................152
Sony Service Center.........................................................153
Memory Upgrades ...................................155
Upgrading Your Computer’s Memory....................156
Precautions and procedures .............................................156
Typical expansion memory configuration .......................157
Removing and installing memory modules .....................157
Confirming added memory capacity................................159

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Port Replicators ......................................161
Connecting the Port Replicator...............................162
Locating features and ports............................................. 162
Using the Recovery CDs ........................165
Application and System Recovery CDs..................166
Using Your Recovery CDs ..................................... 166
Using the Application Recovery CD(s) .......................... 166
Using the System Recovery CD(s) ................................. 168
Troubleshooting and Support................171
Troubleshooting Your Computer............................ 172
Troubleshooting Batteries....................................... 176
Troubleshooting the Printer ....................................177
Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touch Pad ........... 179
Troubleshooting the Modem................................... 181
Troubleshooting Networks ..................................... 182
Troubleshooting DVDs and CDs............................ 185
Troubleshooting Floppy Disk Drives ..................... 189
Troubleshooting PC Cards......................................190
Troubleshooting Audio-Video Connections........... 191
Troubleshooting the Computer Screen (LCD)........ 194
Troubleshooting Memory Stick Media................... 196
Troubleshooting Programs...................................... 198
Computer Support Information...............................200

7
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and
welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide.
This user guide provides detailed information on all aspects of using your
new VAIO computer, from keyboard functions to preinstalled software
programs.
In the left navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more
about, and that information will be displayed in this main window.
✍View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about
your computer.
✍View the VAIO® Computer Specifications, which lists your computer’s hardware
specifications and preinstalled software information, such as descriptions and contact
information.

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9
Powering Your Computer
Your VAIO® computer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This
chapter explains how to install and use these supplied accessories to
power your computer. It also describes ways you can efficiently utilize the
battery as a power source.
❑Using AC Power
❑Using the Battery
❑Conserving Battery Power

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Using AC Power
The supplied battery is not charged when you receive your computer. To use your
computer immediately, use the supplied AC adapter as the power source. While
the computer uses AC power, it automatically charges the battery if it is inserted.
See “Using the Battery” for more information on installing and using your
battery.
❑Connecting the AC adapter
❑Turningonthecomputer
Connecting the AC adapter
To connect the AC adapter
1Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN port on your
computer or docking station.
2Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter, and plug the other end
into an AC outlet.
Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer
✍Use only the AC adapter supplied with your computer.
DC IN port AC adapter
(supplied) Power cord
(supplied)

Using AC Power
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Turning on the computer
To turn on the computer
1Slide the release lever to the right, and lift the cover while holding the
bottom of the computer firmly.
2Press the power button until the power indicator turns on.
3If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the computer screen (LCD) as
follows:
Opening the Computer
Turning on the Computer
✍If you hold the power button down, the computer turns off.
Release lever
Power indicatorPower button

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❑To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or .
❑To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or .

Using the Battery
13
Using the Battery
A battery is an auxiliary power source you can use when your computer is not
plugged into an AC outlet. Your computer may come equipped with one or two
battery bays, depending on the model you purchased. If your computer comes
with two battery bays, you can purchase a second rechargeable battery to extend
your computing time. Regardless how many batteries you use, you can always
extend the life of the battery by conserving power. See “Conserving Battery
Power” for more information.
❑Inserting a battery
❑Removing a battery
❑Using a second battery
❑Displaying battery information
❑Charging a battery
❑Notes on batteries
❑Frequently asked questions
Inserting a battery
To insert a battery
1Push the battery bay cover down to open it. The battery bay cover swings out
but does not detach from the computer.
✍The battery that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of
purchase.
Opening the Battery Bay

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2Slide the battery into the battery bay. If the computer is on, it automatically
detects the battery.
3Push the battery bay cover up until it clicks into place.
Some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from
activating Hibernate mode when the battery is low or the computer is running on
AC power. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your
data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as
Standby or Hibernate. See “Using power saving modes” for more information.
Removing a battery
If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the
battery from the computer to avoid damaging the battery. You can remove the
battery when the computer is on or off.
Inserting a Battery
✍If a port replicator is attached to your computer, do not insert or remove the battery.
Lifting and turning the computer with the port replicator attached could cause a
temporary loss of power.
If the computer is on, connect the AC adapter and exit a power saving mode
before you remove the battery.
Battery (supplied)
VAIO logo facing up

Using the Battery
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To remove a battery
1Pushthebatterybaycoverdowntoopenit.
2Pull the battery out of the battery bay.
3Push in and lift up the battery bay cover until it clicks into place.
Using a second battery
To insert a second battery
1If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove that device.
2Insert the battery into the multipurpose bay. When the computer uses the
second battery, the Battery 2 indicator turns on.
Removing a Battery
Inserting the Second Battery
Battery
Multipurpose bay

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3Slide the weight saver in the direction of the arrow until it clicks into place.
The weight saver stabilizes the battery.
4Make sure the Release lever is in the LOCK position.
To remove the second battery
1Make sure the Battery 2 indicator is off and the Battery 1 indicator is on or
the computer is connected to AC power. If the Battery 2 indicator is on:
1Double-click the CPU icon . The PowerPanel dialog box appears.
2On the Battery tab, click Primary Battery in the Battery Switch box.
3Click OK.
Inserting the Weight Saver
Locking the Weight Saver Release Lever
Battery
Weight saver
Release switch

Using the Battery
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2Turn the computer over, and unlock the multipurpose bay release lever.
3Pull the weight saver and battery gently from the multipurpose bay.
4Insert the weight saver into the multipurpose bay to protect the bay. See
“Using the Weight Saver” for more information.
Displaying battery information
You can display the remaining battery charge on the Battery Information toolbar
and/or the Battery Information window.
To display the Battery Information toolbar
1Right-click the center of the Windows® taskbar.
2Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click Battery Information.
The Battery Information toolbar appears on the taskbar.
The total charge remaining in the battery is listed in percent and real-time values.
The following toolbar indicates there is 100 percent or approximately 2 hours and
40 minutes of battery charge left.
Unlocking the Release Levers
✍If the Battery Information toolbar is hidden behind the taskbar icons, right-click the
taskbar and click to cancel Lock the Taskbar. Click and drag the edge of the Battery
Information toolbar to the left until it is in clear view.
Release lever
on bottom of
computer

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❑Percentage indicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining capacity.
❑Time indicator — Displays estimated time (hours : minutes) remaining
before the battery fully discharges, also known as the time-to-empty.
To close the Battery Information toolbar
1Right-click the Battery Information toolbar.
2Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click to cancel Battery
Information.TheBattery Information toolbar disappears from the toolbar.
To display the Battery Information window
❑Double-click the CPU icon on the Windows taskbar. The PowerPanel
window appears.
Battery Information Toolbar

Using the Battery
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❑Power Profile — Displays power management settings for various devices
on your system. You can change the settings to conserve power.
❑Battery tab — Displays the total charge remaining in the battery. You can
click Advanced for specific information on the battery.
❑Alarms tab — Displays the alarm settings, which notify you when the
battery is fully charged and is too low. You can change your computer’s
alarm settings from this window.
The battery icons that appear on the Battery Information toolbar and the
Battery Information window indicate the current status of the installed battery.
Battery Information Window
✍Click Help in the lower right corner of the window for more information.

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Charging a battery
You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or
you have not used the battery for a considerable amount of time. The lithium-ion
battery supplied with your computer may be recharged at any time, whether you
wait until the battery is completely or partially discharged. Charging a partially
discharged battery does not affect battery life. If you charge the battery and find
that battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life, and
you may need to replace it.
To charge a battery
You can charge the battery when the computer is on or off. However, the battery
will charge faster when the computer is off. Charging the battery takes several
hours. See your VAIO® Computer Specifications on the “Welcome” page for the
approximate time needed to charge your battery.
Battery icon Battery status
Charging
Fully charged
Discharging
No battery
✍The battery supplied with your computer is not charged at the time of purchase.
✍Charge the battery at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 30°C). Lower
temperatures require more time to charge.