Sony VAIO PCG-GRT815E Installation instructions

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Hardware Guide
PCG-GRT series

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Notice
© 2003 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 U.S.patents and other intellectual property
rights. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited
viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified.
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 licence agreement.
Please note that the illustrations in this manual may not necessarily apply to your model. Please see the Specifications
sheet for the specific configuration of your VAIO.

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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.
Owner's record
The serial number and model number are located on the bottom of your Sony computer. Record the numbers and refer to them if you
call VAIO-Link. See also the printed Specifications document.

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Safety Information
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 VAIO computer to rain or moisture.
❑If reporting a gas leak, do not use the modem or a telephone in the vicinity of the leak.
❑Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm.
❑To change the backup battery, please contact your nearest Sony Service Centre.
❑Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals.
❑Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables.
❑Turn on the computer only after turning off all peripherals.
❑Do not move your computer while the system is in Standby mode.
❑The magnetic properties of some objects can have serious consequences for your hard disk drive. They
can erase the data on the hard disk drive and cause the computer to malfunction. Do not place your
computer near or on any objects which emit magnetic fields, mainly:
❑TV sets
❑Speakers
❑Magnets and magnetic bracelets.
Audio/video
❑Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any
equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.

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Connectivity
❑Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe lightning storm.
❑Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations.
❑Take care when installing or modifying telephone lines.
❑Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your computer completely from
mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.
❑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.

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Regulatory information
Sony hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of European
Directive 1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive).
Declaration of Conformity
The European Union is targeting the free movement of goods for the internal market and to prevent technical barriers to trade. This
effort has resulted in several EU Directives asking that manufacturers make their products comply with essential standards.
Manufacturers are required to affix the "CE" mark on the products they sell and to draw up a "Declaration of Conformity" (DoC).
Primarily, the Declarations of Conformity are intended for the market surveillance authorities as proof that products satisfy the required
standards. Additionally, Sony provides these EU DoC's on the website http://www.compliance.sony.de as a service to our customers.
You can search for all Declarations of Conformity available for a specific product by typing in the model name in the search box above.
A list of matching documents will be displayed and can be downloaded. Please note that the availability of declarations depends on
the scope of the EU Directives and the individual product specifications.
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 not longer
than 3 metres (9.8 feet).
Before activating the built-in modem, please read the Modem Regulations leaflet.
The optical disc 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 authorised Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
TO EN 60825-1

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In case your model is equipped with Wireless LAN, please read the Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet before activating the Wireless
LAN functionality.
Depending on the country, usage of the Wireless LAN functionality may be restricted. For country-specific details, please refer to the
Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet. The Wireless LAN PC functionality which is incorporated into this unit has passed Wi-Fi certification,
and complies with the interoperability specifications established by WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance).

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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 the 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.
❑Dispose of used batteries promptly and properly.
❑Keep away from children.
❑In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.
❑Use the public collection system.
Disposing of internal memory backup battery
❑Your computer is equipped with an internal memory backup battery that should not have to be replaced
during the lifetime of the product. For changing this battery, please contact VAIO-Link.
❑Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced.
❑Dispose of properly at end-of-life.
❑In some areas the disposal of lithium ion and other non-hazardous batteries in household or business
waste may be prohibited.
❑Please use the public collection system.

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Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in
audio, video, computing and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.
Here are the main features you can enjoy:
❑Exceptional performance.
❑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 and video CDs.
❑Interconnectivity – Your computer has Ethernet, USB 2.0 (High-speed/Full-speed/Low-speed) and i.LINK
functionalities. i.LINK is a bidirectional digital interface for exchanging data. With the Memory Stick you
can easily exchange and share digital data with compatible products.
❑Wireless technology – Thanks to the Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g) technology, you can communicate
freely, without cables or wires*.
❑Windows - Your system includes Microsoft’s Windows XP Professional or Home Edition* with Service
Pack 1 operating system.
❑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 website for a possible solution:
http://www.vaio-link.com
Before contacting VAIO-Link, please try to solve the problem by reading this guide, your printed Guide
to Troubleshooting and Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc* or Guide to
Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO system*, or the manuals and help files for the
peripherals or software.
* Depending on your model.

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Documentation pack
Your Documentation Pack contains printed information and user guides to read on your computer.
Depending on your model, the user guides are compiled in the VAIO Info Centre on the VAIO Recovery
and Documentation Disc or on your hard disk drive.
Printed documentation
❑A Getting Started brochure, where you will find a brief description of the items in your box, and how
to setup your computer;
❑A Specifications sheet, containing a table of specifications , a list of bundled software and an overview
of all connectors.
❑A Guide to Troubleshooting and Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc**, where
you will find solutions to common problems, an explanation of the purpose and use of the VAIO
Recovery and Documentation Disc delivered with your computer, and VAIO-Link information.
OR:
A Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO system**, where you will find solutions to
common problems, an explanation of the VAIO hard disk drive recovery, and VAIO-Link information;
❑A Dual Language Operating System leaflet*;
❑A Triple Language Operating System leaflet*;
❑You r Sony Guarantee conditions;
❑A Safety Regulations leaflet;
❑A Wireless Lan Regulations leaflet**;
❑A Modem Regulations leaflet.
* Depending on your country. Dual Language Operating Systems are available in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Depending on your country. Triple Language Operating Systems are available in Switzerland.
** Depending on your model.

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Non-printed documentation
The documentation available in the VAIO Info Centre includes the following guides:
❑The Hardware Guide (this guide);
❑The Software Guide, which contains short descriptions of the software features available with VAIO
systems.
Further sources
1Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and
troubleshooting.
2Go to http://www.club-vaio.com to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO software.

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Ergonomic considerations
You will be using your computer 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.
❑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.

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❑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.
❑Positioning 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.

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Using your VAIO computer
Once you have read and followed the information in the printed Getting Started guide and
Specifications sheet, you can start using your computer safely and confidently.
Read on to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.
❑Connecting a power source (page 14)
❑Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup (page 18)
❑Shutting down your computer safely (page 20)
❑Using the keyboard (page 21)
❑Using the touchpad (page 24)
❑Using the disc drive (page 25)
❑Using the weight saver (page 31)
❑Using PC Cards (page 32)
❑Using the Memory Stick (page 35)
❑Using the modem (page 38)
❑Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 41)
❑Using power saving modes (page 48)
❑Managing power with PowerPanel (page 52)

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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 (4).
✍Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.
To disconnect your computer completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.
Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
Using the battery pack
Depending on your model, you can use one or two batteries as a source of power. 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.

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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 up into the battery bay 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.
Charging the battery pack
To charge the battery pack, proceed as follows:
1Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
2Insert the battery pack.
The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink
pattern as the battery charges).
Depending on your modelel, your computer has one or two battery indicator lights.
Battery indicator light status Meaning
On The computer is using battery power.
Single blink The battery is running out of power.
Double blink The battery is charging.
Off The computer is using AC power.

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✍When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink.
Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the
computer.
If the battery level falls below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully
charged battery.
You can extend battery life by changing the power management modes in the PowerPanel utility.
The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does
not affect battery life.
The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When the battery life is nearly depleted, both the battery and power
indicators start flashing.
For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low. 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.
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.
Removing the battery pack
To remove the battery pack, proceed as follows:
1Turn off the computer.
2Open the cover of the battery bay.
3Pull out the battery pack.
4Close the cover of the battery bay.
✍You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while
the computer is in Standby mode.

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Using the second battery pack
You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery packs, you can extend the time you
use your computer with battery power. When using two battery packs, the battery pack you insert first,
charges first. The battery pack you insert second, charges when the first battery pack is 85 percent full. You
can monitor which battery pack is charging by observing the battery indicator lights.
See Using the weight saver (page 31) to insert and to remove a second battery pack.
✍If you attach two batteries, you can remove one of them without shutting down the computer. When removing one battery pack, make sure that the
other battery pack indicator is on. If the indicator of the battery pack you are going to remove is on, right-click the battery icon in the system tray and
click the Switch Battery option.

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Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup
The Sony Notebook Setup utility allows you to consult system information, specify preferences for system
behaviour, and set up password protection for your VAIO computer.
To use Sony Notebook Setup, proceed as follows:
1Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar.
2In All Programs, select Sony Notebook Setup and then click Sony Notebook Setup.
The Sony Notebook Setup window appears.

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3Select the tab for the item you want to change.
4Once finished, click OK.
The item has been changed.
✍For more information about each option, click Help on the Sony Notebook Setup screen to display the help file.
If you open Sony Notebook Setup as a limited user, then only the About This Computer tab will be visible.
Tab Description
About This Computer Displays system information, including memory capacity, serial number, and BIOS version.
Initial Setting Selects the drive and device order you wish to use for loading the operating system. You can
specify the hard drive as well as other drives inserted into your computer. You can change the
volume of the sounds played while the operating system is loading.
Power On Password Sets the password to secure your computer.
If you use this option, remember the password at all times. If you forget the password, you cannot
change this setting anymore, and you will not be able to start your computer.
Device Disables ports or devices to release resources to the system. To change the port settings, select a
port and click Settings in the Device tab.