VAIO® Notebook User GuidePCG-FX290/FX290K
VAIO Notebook User Guide10Using the Optical Drive 45Playing a DVD 47Notes on CD and DVD media 49Writing data to CD-RW/CD-R media 49Using PC Cards 51To
VAIO Notebook User Guide100Adobe Premiere® LEAdobe Systems IncorporatedAdobe Premiere LE offers an interface and editing tool for producing movies for
Overview101EarthLink Network TotalAccess® (Windows Me only)EarthLink Network, Inc.An Internet Service Provider that supplies access, information, and
VAIO Notebook User Guide102Netscape Communicator®Netscape CommunicationsNetscape Communicator is an all-in-one Internet tool that makes it easy to bro
MovieShaker™103Sound Forge® XPSonic FoundrySound Forge XP allows you to put powerful audio processing tools and effects to work on your notebook. Simp
VAIO Notebook User Guide1044 Click Open. The file is added to the Clip tray.✍ Importing files over 75 seconds in length may cause MovieShaker Softwar
MovieShaker™105Create a Movie using ShakerAfter adding clip(s) to the Clip tray, you can create a short movie using the Shaker feature. Shaker randoml
VAIO Notebook User Guide106Editing Clips and ScenesYou can edit your movie by adding effects and text, adjusting the color and contrast, and modifying
PictureGear™1073 Select the format in which you want the document to be saved.4 Click Next.5 Locate the folder to which you want the file saved.6 Name
VAIO Notebook User Guide1084 Now add more pictures, frames, text, and effects.5 When you are finished, select Create Album in File menu or click the C
Software Support Information109Software Support InformationAdaptec, Inc.Acrobat® Reader, Adobe PhotoDeluxe® Business Edition, Adobe Premiere® LE (Adob
11Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard 70Connecting a Printer 71Connecting an External Display 71Connecting a TV Display 75Connecting a Universal
VAIO Notebook User Guide110Netscape Communicator® (Netscape Communications Corporation)PhotoPrinter™ 2000 Pro (ArcSoft, Inc.)Prodigy Internet® (Prodig
Application, System, and Driver Recovery CDs111Sony Service CenterFor the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972) or find
VAIO Notebook User Guide112Using Your Recovery CDsThe following sections describe how to use the Application Recovery and System Recovery utilities. U
Using Your Recovery CDs113Using the System Recovery CD(s)You can reinstall software titles that shipped with your computer if they are corrupted or er
VAIO Notebook User Guide1143 Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.4 Press the arrow keys to select “Get Default Values” and then press the Ent
Using Your Recovery CDs1153 When the Driver Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the recovery process.To repair softwa
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117TroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your notebook. Many problems have simple solutions,
VAIO Notebook User Guide118My notebook starts, but my system doesn’t start properly❑ When the internal backup battery is low on power, it may not star
Troubleshooting1197 Press the arrow keys to select “Get Default Values” and then press Enter. The message “Load default configuration now?” appears. 8
VAIO Notebook User Guide12Create a Movie using Shaker 105Editing Clips and Scenes 106Saving a Movie 106PictureGear™ 107Managing Your Pictures 107Creat
VAIO Notebook User Guide120My notebook does not enter the power saving mode I selected. (Windows Me only)❑ Click Start, point to Program, point to Acc
Troubleshooting121Troubleshooting the LCD screenMy LCD screen is blank❑ Check that the notebook is plugged into a power source and that it is turned o
VAIO Notebook User Guide122Troubleshooting the mouse and touchpadMy mouse does not work❑ If you are using an external mouse, check that the mouse is p
Troubleshooting123Troubleshooting drives, PC cards and peripheral devicesMy floppy disk drive can not write to a diskette❑ If the diskette is write-pr
VAIO Notebook User Guide124❑ If the Eject button does not work, open the tray by inserting a sharp, pointed object in the hole to the right of the Eje
Troubleshooting125Troubleshooting the modemMy modem does not work❑ Check that the phone line is plugged into the line jack. See “Connecting a Phone Li
VAIO Notebook User Guide1261 Double click System in Control Panel.2 Set the sound device to enable in Device Manager.❑ If your notebook is powered by
Troubleshooting127❑ Select Refresh, then click OK. The printer should function properly.Windows 2000 Only❑ Double-click My Computer icon on the deskto
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Specifications129Specifications The following table details the hardware specifications for your computer.Model PCG-FX290/290KProcessorMobile® Intel®
13WelcomeCongratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO® notebook. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and commun
VAIO Notebook User Guide130Drive Bay• Supports floppy disk drive (included)• Supports second rechargeable battery (optional)Expansion CapabilitiesType
Specifications131Operating Temperature40º F to 95º F (+5º C to 35º C) temperature gradient less than 50º F (10º C) per hourOperating Humidity20% to 80
VAIO Notebook User Guide132NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notice.†† Maximum speed for faxing is 14.4 kbps. Your 56K/V.90 compatibl
133AAbout This Computer tab 84AC adapter 21, 27AC power 27AC Profile power setting 87addinghardware 65memory 95peripherals 65printers 71adjustingbrigh
VAIO Notebook User Guide134monitor 71multimedia computer display 72multiple phone lines 62network 51, 66party phone lines 62PBX 62phone line 62port re
135HelpMouseware 41Ii.LINK 78IEEE-1394 78indicator lights 37battery 30, 37, 54Caps Lock 38charge status 30hard drive 37Num Lock 38Scroll Lock 38input
VAIO Notebook User Guide136Notebook Computer 21Notebook Setup tabs 84Num Lockindicator light 38OopeningDVD-ROM drive tray 45operator keys 36output dev
137indicator light 38second battery pack 28, 54selectingdisplay 73LCD 73monitor 73power source 28Serial connector 66setup screenAbout This Computer ta
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VAIO Notebook User Guide14CD-RW drive and DVD-ROM drive, providing increased storage capacity and a rich multimedia computing experience. The CD-RW/DV
Unpacking Your Notebook15Software CDs❑ Microsoft® Word 2000 — Allows you to reinstall Microsoft Word to the VAIO notebook you purchased.Recovery CDs❑
VAIO Notebook User Guide16Ergonomic ConsiderationsYou will be using your notebook computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever
Ergonomic Considerations17fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the display also.❑ Lig
VAIO Notebook User Guide18❑ Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables; otherwise, problems may result.❑ Do not use cut or damaged c
Ergonomic Considerations19❑ Using the computer in low temperature conditions may produce a residual image on the screen. This is not a malfunction. Wh
VAIO Notebook User Guide2Notice to Users© 2001 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. This manual and the software described herein, in whole or i
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21Setting Up Your VAIO® NotebookThis section describes all the controls and connectors on your computer, how to connect your computer to a power sourc
VAIO Notebook User Guide224 Touchpad 10 Caps Lock indicator5 Left/right buttons 11 Scroll Lock indicator6 Power indicator
Locating Controls and Connectors23Left1 Video out 4 i.LINK® (IEEE1394) S400 connector2 Microphone connector 5 PC card slots3 Headphone connector 6 Bat
VAIO Notebook User Guide24Right1 PPK buttons 2 Power button3 Optical drive (CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive)4 Multipurpose bay
Locating Controls and Connectors25Back1 Modem jack 5 Monitor connector2 USB connectors 6 Ethernet connector3 Serial connector 7 DC In connector4 Pri
VAIO Notebook User Guide26Bottom1 Multipurpose bay RELEASE lever2 Reset switch3 Tilt stands
Connecting a Power Source27Connecting a Power SourceYou can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.Using the AC Adapter1
VAIO Notebook User Guide28❑ Use only the AC adapter supplied. Do not use any other AC adapter.Using Battery PowerYou can use one or two battery packs
Connecting a Power Source292 Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the left side of the computer.3 Close the cover of the battery bay until
3authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corpor
VAIO Notebook User Guide30There are two battery indicator lights on the computerBattery indicator lightsBattery IndicatorDescription1 Indicates the s
Connecting a Power Source31To remove the battery pack1 Open the battery bay cover.2 Pull out the battery pack.3 Close the cover of the battery bay.Not
VAIO Notebook User Guide32❑ You can extend battery life by changing the power-management modes in the PowerPanel utility. See “Power Saving Modes” ❑ T
Starting Your Computer33Starting Your Computer1 Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover.2 Press the power button on
VAIO Notebook User Guide343 If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display as follows:❑ To decrease brightness, press Fn+F5 then the
35Using Your VAIO® NotebookUsing the KeyboardYour keyboard is very similar to a typewriter’s, but the keyboard has additional keys that perform specif
VAIO Notebook User Guide36Combinations and Functions with the Windows KeyFunction keys The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used
Using the Keyboard37Indicators + Ctrl + F Displays the Windows Find: Computer window where you can locate other computers. This is the equivalent of s
VAIO Notebook User Guide38Indicators (continued)Light On OffNum Lock The number keys in the numeric keypad are active.The alphanumeric character keys
Using the Keyboard39Combinations and Functions with the Fn KeyCombinations/FeatureFunctionFn+ (ESC)StandbyPuts the system into Standby mode, a power
VAIO Notebook User Guide4❑ Pour prévenir tout risque d’électrocution, ne pas ouvrir le châssis de cet appareil et ne confier son entretien qu’à une pe
VAIO Notebook User Guide40Using the TouchpadThe keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device called a touchpad. You can point to, select, drag, and scro
Using the Touchpad41✍ See Mouse Properties for information on touchpad features, such as clicking both buttons simultaneously, adjusting touchpad spee
VAIO Notebook User Guide42Using the Floppy Disk DriveYour computer comes with the floppy disk drive in the multipurpose bay.To insert a diskette1 Hold
Using the Floppy Disk Drive43To remove a diskette❑ When you finish using the diskette, wait until the LED indicator light turns off and then press the
VAIO Notebook User Guide44To reinsert the floppy disk drive1 Turn off the computer.2 If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove the device.
Using the Optical Drive45Using the Optical DriveYour computer comes with an optical drive (CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive).To insert a disc1 Turn on the computer
VAIO Notebook User Guide464 Push the disc onto the hub until the disc clicks securely into place.Inserting an optical discLabel side facing up
Using the Optical Drive475 Close the tray by pushing it gently.Playing a DVDTo achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, it is recommended that y
VAIO Notebook User Guide48❑ You can play DVDs using the DVD-ROM drive and the WinDVD software. See the help file that comes with the WinDVD software f
Using the Optical Drive49Notes on CD and DVD media❑ Do not drop or bend the disc.❑ Do not touch the surface of the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the
5This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the Rules. These limits are d
VAIO Notebook User Guide50✍ For optimal writing speed, deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus software before writing data to a disc.For best
Using PC Cards51Using PC CardsYour computer includes two PC card slots. PC cards allow you to connect portable external devices such as another hard d
VAIO Notebook User Guide52bottom PC card slot protectors.3 Insert the PC card into the PC card slot. Make sure the front label of the PC card is facin
Using PC Cards531 Double-click in the taskbar. The “Unplug or Eject Hardware” dialog box appears.2 Select the hardware device you wish to remove.3 C
VAIO Notebook User Guide54Using a Second Battery PackYou can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery packs, you can extend the t
Using a Second Battery Pack55To charge the second battery packKeep the battery pack in the computer while it is connected to AC power. The battery ind
VAIO Notebook User Guide56To remove the second battery packIf you attach two battery packs, you can remove either of them without shutting down the co
Using the Weight Saver57Using the Weight SaverThe weight saver protects the multipurpose bay when it is empty.To attach the weight saver1 If another d
VAIO Notebook User Guide58To remove the Weight Saver1 There is a release lever on the bottom of the weight saver. To remove the weight saver, slide th
Using Smart Connect59Using Smart Connect Windows Me™You can connect your VAIO® notebook to another VAIO computer that has the preinstalled Windows Me
VAIO Notebook User Guide6notify you in advance that temporary discontinuance of service may be required. But if advance notice is not practical, the t
VAIO Notebook User Guide60See Smart Connect online help for more information.Power Saving ModesWhen you use a battery as the source of power for your
Power Saving Modes61To return to normal modePress any key to return to normal mode.Hibernate ModeIn the Hibernate mode, the state of the system is sav
VAIO Notebook User Guide62Connecting a Phone Line You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services and the Internet. 1 Plug one e
Connecting to the Local Area Network (LAN)63Connecting to the Local Area Network (LAN)You can connect your computer to 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX-type ne
VAIO Notebook User Guide645 Click the Identification tab to set the computer name, workgroup, and computer description.6 Click the Access Control tab
65Connecting Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your computer by connecting a variety of peripherals, as discussed in the following sectio
VAIO Notebook User Guide66Connecting the Port ReplicatorYour notebook supports the use of an optional port replicator (PCGA-PRFX1). Attaching a port r
Connecting the Port Replicator671 Turn off your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices.2 On the bottom of the computer, slide the port replica
VAIO Notebook User Guide684 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN connector on the port replicator. Plug the power cord into the AC
Connecting the Port Replicator69To remove your computer from the port replicator when the power is off1 Turn off your computer and the connected perip
7For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-476-6972 in the United States or 1-800-961-7669 in Canada.INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICENOTICE: The Indus
VAIO Notebook User Guide70Connecting an External Mouse or KeyboardYou can connect an external mouse or keyboard to the optional port replicator using
Connecting a Printer71Connecting a PrinterYou can connect a Windows Me/Windows 2000-compatible printer to your computer to print documents. To connect
VAIO Notebook User Guide72❑ Projector (See “To connect a projector”.)To connect a computer display ❑ Locate the Monitor connector identified by the s
Connecting an External Display73To connect a projectorYou can use a projector, such as the Sony LCD Projector, as an external display.To select a disp
VAIO Notebook User Guide74To Press ResultSwitch to an external displayFn+F7 Toggles between the LCD, the external display connected to the Monitor con
Connecting a TV Display75Connecting a TV Display You can enjoy playing audio/video by connecting AV devices to your computer. See also the manuals sup
VAIO Notebook User Guide76Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) DeviceYou can connect USB devices such as an external mouse, keyboard, speaker, and
Connecting an i.LINK® Device77To connect a USB device❑ Locate the USB device identified by the symbol. Plug one end of the USB cable into this port a
VAIO Notebook User Guide78To connect a digital video camera recorder❑ Plug one end of the i.LINK cable (not supplied) into the i.LINK connector on the
Connecting an i.LINK® Device79✍ The Sony digital video camera recorder is pictured; you may need to connect your camera differently.On Sony digital vi
VAIO Notebook User Guide8equipment may give the telecommunications company cause to request that the user disconnect the equipment.Users should ensure
VAIO Notebook User Guide80Connecting External SpeakersYou can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers. To connect e
Connecting an External Microphone81Connecting an External MicrophoneYou can enhance the quality of sound input by using an external microphone. To con
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83Customizing Your VAIO® NotebookYou can customize the settings of your notebook. The following sections briefly describe how to change your computer’
VAIO Notebook User Guide84Sony Notebook Setup TabsTab DescriptionAbout This Computer Display system information, including memory capacity, serial num
Controlling Power Management85Controlling Power ManagementThe PowerPanel utility allows you to control the power management of your notebook computer
VAIO Notebook User Guide86You can change the power management settings, such as the system timer and the brightness of the screen.To customize power m
Controlling Power Management87AC Power The power management state when AC power is in use. Similar to the Power Management Off setting. Power Manageme
VAIO Notebook User Guide88Power Management CommandsPowerPanel also provides power management commands that you can use to activate specific power mana
Displaying Battery Information89Displaying Battery InformationYou can display information for each of the batteries in your computer. The following se
9Notice to Users 2Welcome 13Features 13Unpacking Your Notebook 14Manuals 14Software CDs 15Recovery CDs 15Other 15Ergonomic Considerations 16Notes on S
VAIO Notebook User Guide90Displaying Detailed Battery InformationDouble-click the battery icon on the task tray to display the Battery Information win
Selecting the Display Mode91Selecting the Display ModeThis notebook uses the Intel® video controller, which enables you to select the desired display
VAIO Notebook User Guide924 Click the Intel® 82815 Graphics Technology tab, then click the Graphics Properties button. If you are connecting only to T
Selecting the Display Mode93✍ This feature is available with UI Design Selector-compatible software only.
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95Adding MemoryIn the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the functionality of your computer. You can increase memory up to 512 MB
VAIO Notebook User Guide96Typical expansion memory configurationTo remove a memory module1 Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devic
Adding Memory975 Remove the memory module.6 Tighten the screw on the memory bay cover.To install a memory module1 Follow steps 1 to 4 of “To remove a
VAIO Notebook User Guide983 Install the memory module.4 Tighten the screw on the cover of the memory bay.To view the amount of memory1 Restart the com
99About the Software on Your NotebookYour VAIO notebook is ready to help you work, play, learn, and communicate as soon as you turn it on. This sectio
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