Sony VAIO PCG-X18 User manual

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

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
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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:

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 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 with Sony Notebook Setup, PPK Setup, PowerPanel, BatteryScope,
etc.
Learn how to set your display with NeoMagic®and enjoy the Dual Screen
Display option.
3Consult the On-line Help files of the software you're using for detailed
information on features and troubleshooting.

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
Welcome
Unpacking Your Notebook Computer
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Unpacking Your Notebook Computer
Remove the following hardware items from the box:
 *Depending on the type of
Sony Notebook you have
purchased, some accessories
may be optional. However,
you need to have these
peripherals to enjoy some of
the features described in this
manual.
*
* *
Rechargeable
battery pack
Floppy disk drive
Weight Saver
Product Recovery
CD-ROMs
DVD-ROM drive
(installed at factory)
AC adapter
Power cord
PC card
modem
Phone plug
(country specific)
Phone cable
Main unit
Accessories carrying
case
Rechargeable
battery pack
Floppy disk drive connecting
cable
Floppy disk
drive
Power cord
AC adapter
Mini Docking Station
FDD stand for
mini docking
station
Weight
Saver
Documentation Pack

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
Welcome
Ergonomic Considerations
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Ergonomic Considerations
You will be using your notebook 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 as you
work. Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable
position while using the keyboard, touchpad, or external mouse. Let your upper
arms hang naturally at your sides. Take breaks during sessions with your
computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.
Computer positioned directly
in front of you
Arms at desk
level
Wrists relaxed and flat

Welcome
About the User Guides
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 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’sdisplay–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.

Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Using Your Notebook Computer
This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your
computer’s internal devices, such as the touchpad, the disk drives and the battery...
Locating the Controls and Connectors
Left
PC card slots (page 53) Battery bay (page 21)
S400 i.LINKTM connector (page 86)
 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 3
2

Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Front
Power indicator (page 26) Caps Lock indicator (page 41) Speakers (page 42)
Battery 1 and 2 indicators (page 40) Scroll Lock indicator (page 41) Internal microphone
Hard disk drive indicator (page 40) LCD screen (page 42) Touchpad (page 44)
Num Lock indicator (page 41) Keyboard (page 37) Left/right buttons (page 44)
159
2610
3 7 11
4812

Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Right
1 Power button (page 26) Jog Dial (page 32) iHeadphone connector (page 92)
Multi-purpose bay (pages 46, 50) m
Microphone connector (page 93) Intercooler flap
1 3 5
2 4 6

Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Back
Infrared port (page 58) USB connector (page page 94)
Docking station / FDD connector DC In (page 20)
a Monitor connector (page 74)
 There are ventilation slots on
the sides and the back of your
computer. Do not cover the
ventilation slots when your
computer is on.
1 4
2 5
3

Using Your Notebook Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors
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Bottom
Intercooler flap lever Drive RELEASE lever
1 2

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
Using Your Notebook Computer
Connecting a Power Source
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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
1Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover.
The bottom part is lifted automatically and the connector part on the back
appears.
2Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on the
computer.
3Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.
4Plug 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.
Please make sure that the
socket outlet is easily
accessible.
1
3
2
SELV according to EN 60950
Power cord (hazardous voltag
e
according to EN 60950)
(supplied)
Notebook computer
AC adapter
(supplied)
DC in