Sony VAIO PCG-X18 User manual

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Sony Notebook
Computer
User Guide
PCG-X18
© 2000 by Sony Corporation.

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Notice to Users
©2000 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 to use thereof.
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.LINKTM, Mavica, PictureGear, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the
VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Windows and the Windows 98 logo are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Intel, MMX, Celeron and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Safety Information
Owner’s Record
The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony Notebook Computer. Record
the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call VAIO-
Link.
Serial number:________________________
Model number:
PCG-X18
WARNING
 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.
 Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any
equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.
 To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your Sony Notebook Computer to rain or moisture.
 Never install modem or telephone wiring during a lightning storm.
 Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations
 Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected
at the network interface.
 Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.
 Avoid using the modem during an electrical storm.
 Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
 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.

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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)
This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 50082-1 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)
Depending on the model:
The DVD-ROM / CD-ROM 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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DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY
!Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly.
!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 (see
below).
!The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not
disassemble, heat above 100°C (212°F) or incinerate. Dispose of used battery promptly.
!Keep away from children.
!Your notebook is equipped with an internal backup memory battery. For changing this battery, please contact
VAIO-Link.
 Disposal of Lithium ion
batteries
Dispose of properly at end-of-
life.
In some areas the disposal of
lithium ion batteries in
household or business waste
may be prohibited.
Please use the public
collection system.

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Contents
Welcome
About the User Guides ........................................................................ 10
Unpacking Your Notebook Computer ............................................. 12
Ergonomic Considerations ................................................................. 13
Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors.............................................. 15
Connecting a Power Source ............................................................... 20
Starting Your Computer ..................................................................... 26
Shutting Down Your Computer ........................................................ 28
Closing the Front Panel ...................................................................... 30
Registering Your Computer ............................................................... 31
Using the Jog Dial ................................................................................ 32
Using the Keyboard ............................................................................ 37
Using the Touchpad ............................................................................ 44
Using the Floppy Disk Drive ............................................................. 46
Using the DVD-ROM Drive ............................................................... 50
Using PC Cards .................................................................................... 53
Using Smart Connect .......................................................................... 57
Using Infrared Communication Devices ......................................... 58

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Using Power Saving Modes ............................................................... 60
Using a Second Battery Pack ............................................................. 62
Using the Weight Saver ...................................................................... 65
Connecting peripheral devices
PC card modem* .................................................................................. 67
Mini docking station ........................................................................... 69
External Mouse or Keyboard ............................................................. 74
Floppy Disk Drive ............................................................................... 75
Printer .................................................................................................... 77
External Display .................................................................................. 79
To use diskettes with the Digital Mavica ......................................... 83
Memory Sticks™ .................................................................................. 85
Digital Video Camera Recorder ........................................................ 86
AV Devices ........................................................................................... 88
External Speakers ................................................................................ 92
External Microphone .......................................................................... 93
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device .................................................... 94
Getting Help
About Sony’s Support Options .......................................................... 95
Troubleshooting ................................................................................... 97
Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs ......................................... 110

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Notes on Use
Adding Memory ................................................................................. 114
Placing a Keycap ................................................................................ 121
Other precautions .............................................................................. 122
Specifications ................................................................... 130
Index ................................................................................ 133

Welcome
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Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO Notebook 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 just some of the features your Sony Notebook Computer has to offer (read
the details in the Specifications chapter of this guide).
 Exceptional performance - Your PC includes a fast Intel®processor, a fast DVD-
ROM drive and a PC card modem (depending on the model).
 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 the stereo speakers to listen to audio and video CDs.
 Windows®98 Second Edition - Your system includes the latest operating system
from Microsoft.
 Communications - Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails,
browse the Internet...
 Excellent customer support-Ifyouhaveanyproblemwithyourcomputer,you
can contact VAIO-Link by telephone, fax or e-mail (see your Customer Service
Guide for phone numbers and addresses). Before calling VAIO-Link, you may try
to solve the problem by reading your User Guide (troubleshooting chapter) or the
manuals and Help files for the peripherals or software.

Welcome
About the User Guides
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About the User Guides
Your Documentation Pack contains paper and on-line user guides on a
Documentation CD-ROM:
Printed Documentation:
 ASetting Up poster in colour and a Getting Started brochure; a Customer
Guide, where you will find all the basic information to start using your Notebook
Computer;
 A complete Regulatory and safety information poster;
 Your Sony Guarantee conditions.
On-line Documentation:
1This User Guide:
 Using Your Sony Notebook Computer shows you how to use the standard
components of your system.
 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.
 Notes on Use provides facts and advice about using your notebook computer.
 Specifications provides details of your computer, drivers and accessories.
2Refer to your Software Guide for information on the bundled software and the
Sony applications: