Sony VAIO PCG-VX80 Series User manual

VAIO® Computer
Quick Start
PCG-VX80 Series

3
Welcome.......................................................5
Features .......................................................................5
Unpacking Your Computer.........................................6
Registering Your Computer ........................................9
Setting up your dial-up connection ...........................10
Setting Up Your VAIO Computer .............13
Locating Controls and Ports......................................14
Connecting a Power Source ......................................18
Starting Your Computer............................................24
Turning Off Your Computer .....................................26
Software and Support Information ..........27
Software Overview....................................................28
Software Support Information...................................29
Using the Recovery CDs...........................33
Application and System Recovery CDs....................34
Using Your Recovery CDs........................................35
Troubleshooting........................................41
Getting Help...............................................47
Support Options.........................................................47
Index...........................................................49

VAIO® Computer Quick Start
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Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of the 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.
Features
Here are just some of the features your VAIO® computer has to offer:
❑Exceptional performance — Your computer includes a fast Intel®
Pentium® processor.
❑Portability — The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without
AC power.
❑Wireless functionality*— Your computer can connect to a Local Area
Network (LAN) and the Internet, all without direct cable connections.
❑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.
❑Microsoft® Windows® operating system — Your system includes a
Microsoft® Windows® operating system.
❑Communications — Access popular online services, send and receive
e-mail, browse the Internet, and use fax features.
* Wireless LAN capabilities are available on selected models only.
✍For a complete description of the specifications of your VAIO® computer, see the
VAIO® Computer Specifications sheet supplied with your computer.

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Unpacking Your Computer
Remove the following hardware items from the box:
Main Unit Power Cord
AC Adapter
i.LINK Optical Disc Drive Rechargeable Battery Pack
Vertical Installation Base Cable Clip
Peripheral Cable Manual Eject Pin

Unpacking Your Computer
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Documents
❑VAIO® Computer User Guide — A searchable online help file that
contains detailed information on how to use your new computer. To open
this file, click Start on the Windows® operating system taskbar, Help and
Support, and VAIO User Guide.
❑VAIO® Computer Quick Start — Contains information on unpacking and
setting up your computer, the features of your computer, and how to solve
common problems.
❑Microsoft® Windows® manual — Explains how to use the basic features
of the Windows® operating system installed on your computer.
❑VAIO® Computer Safety Information — Explains notes on using your
computer and offers safety tips.
❑VAIO® Computer Specifications — An online file that details the
hardware specifications and lists the installed software applications for your
computer. To access this file, open the VAIO® User Guide and click on the
specifications link on the Welcome page.
Software CD
❑Microsoft® Word — Enables you to reinstall Microsoft Word to your
VAIO computer, if the application becomes corrupted or is erased.
Recovery CDs
❑Application Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to reinstall individual
applications and device drivers if they become corrupted or are erased.
❑System Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to restore the operating system and
software that shipped with your computer if they become corrupted or are
erased. This CD restores your computer to its original factory settings, so
user data and applications installed since you started using your computer
will be lost.
✍To use these recovery CDs, you will need an optical drive. See “Using Your
Recovery CDs” in the online VAIO® Computer User Guide for information on how
to use these CDs.

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Other
❑Packet containing special product offers
❑Limited Warranty card

Registering Your Computer
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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 encounter with your computer.
❑Limited Warranty — Protect your investment. See the Warranty Card for
more details.
Accessing the User Guide
The online VAIO® Computer User Guide is a searchable online help file that
contains detailed information on how to use your new computer. To open this
file, click Start on the Windows® taskbar, select Help and Support, and click
VAIO User Guide.
About Adding Memory
Depending on the configuration you purchased, your computer may accept
additional memory modules. For information about installation procedures, refer
to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide and print those relevant steps. The
supplied Specifications sheet lists the amount of memory installed and required
memory modules for upgrades.
✍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.

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Setting up your dial-up connection
This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up connection. The
Connection Wizard guides you through the process of connecting to the Internet
and choosing an Internet service provider (ISP) or setting up an existing account.
Setting up your Internet connection
1Click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click
New Connection Wizard. The Location Information screen appears.
2Follow the on-screen instructions, and click OK. The Phone and Modem
Options screen appears.
3Select the location from where you are dialing, and click OK. The New
Connection Wizard appears.
Location Information screen

Setting up your dial-up connection
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4Follow the on-screen instructions.
New Connection Wizard

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Setting Up Your VAIO Computer
This section describes all the controls and ports on your computer, how to
connect your computer to a power source, and how to start and shut down
your computer.
❑Locating Controls and Ports
❑Connecting a Power Source
❑Starting Your Computer
❑Turning Off Your Computer

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Locating Controls and Ports
Front
1Hard disk drive indicator 9Left/right buttons
2Num Lock indicator 10 Power indicator
3Caps Lock indicator 11 Battery indicator
4Scroll Lock indicator 12 Wireless LAN indicator
5Speakers 13 Memory Stick® media indicator
6Touchpad 14 Memory Stick® media slot
7Jog Dial™ Control 15 Power indicator
8Jog Dial™ back button 16 Display

Locating Controls and Ports
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Left
1Ethernet port 5Peripheral device DC OUT port*
* Compatible with certain optical disc drivers
2VGA (monitor) port 6USB port
3Wireless LAN ON/OFF switch 7PC Card Slot
4i.LINK® (IEEE 1394) S400
port
Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet port.
Do not connect any other type of network cable or any telephone line.
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 the network, contact your network
administrator.

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Right
1Modem jack 4Microphone jack
2USB port 5Ventilation fan*
* Do not cover the ventilation fan while the computer is on.
3Headphone jack 6DC IN port

Locating Controls and Ports
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Bottom
1Battery LOCK/UNLOCK lever 3Ventilation fan*
* Do not cover the ventilation fan while the computer is on.
2Battery UNLOCK lever 4Reset button†
† To press the Reset button, use a thin, straight object (such as a paper clip).

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Connecting a Power Source
You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.
Using the AC adapter
1Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN port on the
computer.
2Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.
3Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
Notes on the AC adapter
❑Your computer operates on 100V-240V AC 50/60 Hz.
❑Do not share the AC outlet with other power-consuming equipment, such as
a copy machine or shredder.
❑You can purchase a power strip with a surge protector. This device prevents
damage to your computer caused by sudden power surges such as those that
may occur during an electrical storm.
Connecting the AC adapter
✍Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your computer
completely from the main power source, unplug the AC adapter. Make sure the
electrical outlet is easily accessible.
Power cable
AC adapter
(supplied)
DC IN port

Connecting a Power Source
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❑Do not place heavy objects on the power cord.
❑To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord itself.
❑Unplug your computer from the wall outlet if you will not be using the
computer for a long time.
❑The LED indicator on the AC adapter may be turned on until the AC adapter
is unplugged from your computer.
❑When the AC adapter is not used, unplug it from the AC outlet.
❑Use only the AC adapter supplied. Do not use any other AC adapter.
Using battery power
You can use one battery pack as a source of power. The battery pack that comes
with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase. Follow the steps
below to insert and charge the battery pack.
To insert the battery pack
1Make sure the LOCK/UNLOCK lever on the bottom of the computer is in
the UNLOCK position.
2Align the grooves and tabs on the battery with the notches and tabs on the
back of the computer. Slide the battery toward the computer until it clicks
into place.
3Slide the LOCK/UNLOCK lever into the lock position.

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To charge the battery pack
1Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
2Insert the battery pack.
The computer automatically charges the battery. The battery indicator
flashes in a double-blink pattern as the battery charges. When the battery is
85 percent full, the battery indicator turns off. This process takes several
hours. It takes longer to recharge the battery when the computer is turned on
than when it is turned off.
Inserting battery pack
✍To charge the battery completely, continue charging for an additional hour. See
“Displaying Battery Information” in the online VAIO® Computer User Guide for
more information.