Sony PCG-GRT150 User Manual

Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide. This user guide provides de

Using power saving modes In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has two distinctpower

Keyboard descriptions Key Description The numeric keypad contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad totype numbers or pe

Windows key combinations Key combination Function +F1 Displays the VAIO Help and Support Center window. +Tab Switches the selected button on the ta

Indicator lights Indicator Function Power Turns on when the power to the computer is on, blinks in Standby mode, and turns off when the computer is i

Fn key combinations Key combination Function Fn+F3 Toggles the built-in speakers off and on. Fn+F4 Adjusts the built-in speaker volume. An on-scree

Connecting External Mice and Keyboards Your computer is compatible with many popular mice and keyboards. To function properly, the device you connect

Connecting a mouse or keyboard If you connect the mouse or keyboard when the computer is on, you may need to restart the computer for it to recognizet

Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard You can disconnect a USB or PS/2 mouse or keyboard when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting the mouse or keyboa

Memory Upgrades Before you upgrade your computer's memory, make sure you read the safety information in Precautions and Procedures.For the type o

Precautions and Procedures Sony recommends that memory upgrades be performed by an authorized Sony Service Center. To find thenearest center or ag

Removing and Installing Memory Modules Make sure you read the safety information in Precautions and Procedures before you remove or install a memory m

Using PowerPanel utility The PowerPanel utility enables you to select and customize a predefined power management profile to conserve batterylife. The

2.Push the module down until it snaps into place. 3.When the module is correctly seated, close the memory bay. 4.Replace the fastening screw(s) on the

Confirming Added Memory Capacity After you've installed a new memory module, make sure the operating system recognizes it. To check your system&a

Floppy Disk Drives Using a Floppy Disk Drive You can connect a floppy disk drive to your computer. The floppy disk drive enables you to read or write

Floppy Disk Drives Using a Floppy Disk Drive You can connect a floppy disk drive to your computer. The floppy disk drive enables you to read or write

Connecting a floppy disk drive You can connect a floppy disk drive when your computer is on or off. Connecting the drive when the computer is in a pow

Inserting and removing floppy disks To write data to a disk, use one that is not write-protected or disable the write-protect feature. The floppy disk

Protecting floppy disks Do not open the shutter manually or touch the surface of the floppy disk. Keep floppy disks away from magnets, direct sunlig

Disconnecting a floppy disk drive You can disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when the computer is on or off by simply disconnecting the USB cable from

Storing a floppy disk drive Fold the floppy disk drive cable and connector into the side compartment on the floppy disk drive. Storing a Floppy Disk

Troubleshooting Computer What do I do if my computer won't start? Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and turned on.

1 Do not choose the A utomatic P rofile Selection when connected to A C power. To select a profile 1.Right-click the CPU icon or Profile icon , dep

Troubleshooting Computer What do I do if my computer won't start? Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and turned on.

Troubleshooting Computer What do I do if my computer won't start? Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and turned on.

What do I do if a BIOS error appears when my computer starts? If the message "Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to setup" appears at th

What do I do if the message "Operating system not found" appears when my computer starts, and whywon't Windows start? Make sure the co

Why does my computer stop responding? Why can't I turn off my computer? It is best to turn off your computer using the Turn Off Computer option o

Why won't my computer enter Standby or Hibernate mode? Your computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed before the computer com

Why is the sound of my computer's fan so loud? The computer's fan may be running at a high speed to cool the CPU. By lowering the CPU speed,

Why does the System Properties dialog box display a slower CPU speed than the maximum? This is normal. Because your computer's CPU utilizes a typ

Why don't my changes appear on the computer screen (LCD)? You may need to refresh the computer screen. Press and hold the Windows key , and pres

Battery How do I know when the battery is charged? To determine the remaining battery charge, see Locating battery information. Page 129

Brightness Controls the brightness of the computer screen (LCD). You can select a brightness level of one to nine. Thedarker you set the computer scr

Battery How do I know when the battery is charged? To determine the remaining battery charge, see Locating battery information. Page 130

When is the computer using AC power? When the computer is directly connected to the AC adapter, it uses AC power, even if a battery is installed. Page

When should I recharge the battery? When the battery level falls below 10 percent. When both the battery and power indicators blink. When you have

When should I replace the battery? If the battery power is still low after charging it, the battery may be reaching the end of its life and should be

Should I be concerned that the installed battery is warm? No, it is normal for the battery to be warm when it is powering the computer. Page 134

Can my computer enter Hibernate mode while using battery power? Your computer can enter Hibernate mode while using battery power, but some software pr

Why doesn't my computer enter Hibernate mode? You may first need to enable Hibernate mode. Follow these steps: 1.Click Start on the Windows® task

Audio/Video Why can't I use the DV recorder? You may not be able to use the DV recorder, and the message DV equipment seems to be disconnected or

Audio/Video Why can't I use the DV recorder? You may not be able to use the DV recorder, and the message DV equipment seems to be disconnected or

Internet Why doesn't my modem work? Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem jack on the computer and the wall jack. Ma

Locating battery information You can view the remaining battery charge and miscellaneous battery information on the Battery Information toolbar, thePo

Internet Why doesn't my modem work? Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem jack on the computer and the wall jack. Ma

Why is my modem connection slow? Your computer is equipped with a V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem connection speed, includingt

Networking Why can't my computer connect to a wireless LAN access point? Connection availability is affected by distance and obstructions. You m

Networking Why can't my computer connect to a wireless LAN access point? Connection availability is affected by distance and obstructions. You m

Why can't I access the Internet? Check the access point settings. Refer to the instructions supplied with the access point. Make sure your comp

Why is the data transfer speed slow? The wireless LAN data transfer speed is affected by distance and obstructions between devices and access points.

Why is the communication speed interrupted or slowed down when MPEG2 data is transferred? The typical effective data transfer speed via an access poin

How do I avoid data transfer interruptions? When your computer is connected to an access point, data transfer interruptions may occur when using larg

Can I connect to an IEEE 802.11a device? Computers with built-in wireless LAN support the IEEE 802.11b standard only. Devices connecting to a wireless

What are channels? Wireless LAN communication occurs on divided frequency bands known as channels. Third-party wireless LAN access pointchannels may b

* T he P owerP anel window may appear slightly different on your computer, depending on the number of batteries your c omputer s upports. Power Profi

Microphone Why doesn't my microphone work? If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is turned on and is properly plugged

Microphone Why doesn't my microphone work? If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is turned on and is properly plugged

Mouse What do I do if the computer doesn't recognize the mouse? Make sure the mouse is securely plugged into the port. Restart the computer wit

Mouse What do I do if the computer doesn't recognize the mouse? Make sure the mouse is securely plugged into the port. Restart the computer wit

What do I do if the pointer doesn't move when I use the mouse? Make sure another mouse is not installed. If you are playing a disc, press the C

Speakers Why won't my speakers work? Make sure the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up loud enough to hear sound. Your

Speakers Why won't my speakers work? Make sure the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up loud enough to hear sound. Your

Why can't I hear sound from my speakers? If the computer is using battery power, make sure the battery is properly inserted and is charged. If

Why don't the Fn+F3 or the Fn+F4 key combinations work? The Fn+F3 keys toggle the built-in speakers on and off. The Fn+F4 keys adjust the built-i

Why do I hear noise distortion while listening to music with speakers or headphones? You may experience noise distortion while listening to music with

Battery is discharging. No battery is inserted in the computer. If the Power icon is not displayed on the Taskbar Notification area, see To displa

Touchpad What do I do if the touch pad does not work? Try restarting your computer. Follow these steps: 1.Press the Windows key . 2.Press U. The Tur

Touchpad What do I do if the touch pad does not work? Try restarting your computer. Follow these steps: 1.Press the Windows key . 2.Press U. The Tur

CDs and DVDs How do I maintain CDs and DVDs? Avoid touching the surface of the disc with your fingers. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of the di

CDs and DVDs How do I maintain CDs and DVDs? Avoid touching the surface of the disc with your fingers. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of the di

Why does my computer freeze when I try to read a disc? The disc your computer is trying to read may be dirty or damaged. Follow these steps: 1.Restar

What do I do if the drive tray won't open? Make sure the computer is on. Press the Eject button on the optical drive. If the Eject button does

What do I do if the optical drive isn't playing my CD or DVD properly? Make sure the disc was inserted into the drive with the label facing up.

Why did the computer screen (LCD) go blank? Your computer screen may go blank if the computer has lost power or has entered a power saving mode (Stan

Why can't I view the entire DVD video display on a TV screen? The display resolution may not be properly set. To adjust the display resolution, s

How do I adjust the image on the TV screen? Use the controls on your external display to adjust the image. See the help guide that accompanied your di

Inserting a battery To insert a battery 1.Lift the lid of the computer. 2.Push the battery bay cover down to open it. The battery bay cover swings out

How do I change the video resolution on the TV screen? The video may not appear on the entire TV screen if your computer resolution is set larger than

How do I switch the computer screen (LCD) from LCD to TV? Press the Fn+F7 keys to view the image on either the computer screen (LCD) or the TV. See Se

Memory Stick Why can't I open my image files? You may need to reformat your Memory Stick media. Formatting Memory Stick media erases all data

Memory Stick Why can't I open my image files? You may need to reformat your Memory Stick media. Formatting Memory Stick media erases all data

Why can't I save music files onto my Memory Stick media? Only MagicGate Memory Stick media can be used with copyright protected data, such as mu

Can I copy images from a digital video camera using Memory Stick media? Yes, and you can view video clips that you have recorded with Memory Stick med

How do I prevent damage to the Memory Stick media? Do not use the media in locations that are subject to static electricity or electrical noise. Do

How do I extend the life of the Memory Stick media? Use the supplied storage case. See the instructions that came with your media for more informatio

PC Cards Why doesn't my PC Card work? Make sure the PC Card is inserted properly. See Inserting PC Cards for more information. Make sure the PC

PC Cards Why doesn't my PC Card work? Make sure the PC Card is inserted properly. See Inserting PC Cards for more information. Make sure the PC

Removing a battery If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the computer to avoid damagingthe battery

Why doesn't my computer recognize attached devices? For some PC Cards, if you alternate between normal power operation and the Standby or Hiberna

Why can't I insert my PC Card? Make sure you are inserting the card correctly. See Inserting PC Cards for more information. You may not be able

Why does an exclamation mark (!) appear on the Device Manager tab in the System Properties dialog box? The exclamation mark indicates there is a prob

i.LINK Why isn't my i.LINK drive playing a CD or DVD properly? The i.LINK optical drive will not play a CD or DVD if the disc was inserted with

i.LINK Why isn't my i.LINK drive playing a CD or DVD properly? The i.LINK optical drive will not play a CD or DVD if the disc was inserted with

Why won't my i.LINK drive play my computer programs? If multiple i.LINK®1 devices are connected to the computer, the software supplied with your

Printing Why can't I print a document? Make sure the printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected to the ports on your printer and

Printing Why can't I print a document? Make sure the printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected to the ports on your printer and

Floppies Why doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected? The computer does not recognize the flop

Floppies Why doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected? The computer does not recognize the flop

Charging a battery You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or you have not used the battery for a longtime. The li

Why is the drive unable to write data to a floppy disk? Make sure the floppy disk is properly inserted in the drive. See Inserting and removing floppy

Powering Your Computer Your VAIO® computer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This chapter explains how to install and use these suppliedaccessor

Notes on batteries Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as under direct sunlight or in a car parked in thesun. While the

Using Audio-Video Features Using Special Buttons Your VAIO® computer is equipped with several audio- and video-oriented function buttons: Volume Up, V

Using Audio-Video Features Using Special Buttons Your VAIO® computer is equipped with several audio- and video-oriented function buttons: Volume Up, V

About the special buttons The following information shows where the special buttons are located, and briefly describes their functionality. Special

Using i.LINK Digital Video Recorders You can connect a digital video (DV) recorder, such as an i.LINK®1 digital video camera recorder, to the i.LINK®

Connecting an i.LINK digital video recorder You can connect an i.LINK digital video (DV) recorder when the computer is on or off. Connecting the DV re

Disconnecting the i.LINK digital video recorder You can disconnect the digital video recorder while the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the i.LIN

Using a digital video camera recorder Your computer comes with preinstalled driver software that is compatible with most Sony digital video camera rec

Using Computer Monitors and Projectors You can connect an external display (such as a computer monitor or a projector) to your computer. Page 28

Connecting a computer monitor Your computer can display images to the computer screen (LCD), to an external computer monitor, or to both the LCD andex

Using AC Power The supplied battery is not charged when you receive your computer. To charge the battery and begin using the computerimmediately, inse

Connecting a multimedia device Connecting a Computer Monitor You can connect a multimedia device, such as a multimedia computer monitor or projector

4.Press the Fn+F7 key combination to toggle the display between your computer, the monitor, or both. SeeSelecting a display for more information.

Selecting a display You can connect external displays to your computer while it is on. When you connect an external display (projector,computer monito

Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector You can disconnect the external computer monitor or projector by unplugging the monitor (VGA) cable from

Using Speakers Your computer comes with built-in stereo speakers. If you wish to enhance the sound quality of your computer, you canpurchase and conne

Connecting speakers You can connect speakers to your computer to enhance the sound quality of your computer. Do not place floppy disks on the spea

Disconnecting speakers You can disconnect external speakers when the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the speaker cable from the Headphonejack on

Adjusting the volume To adjust the volume for playing CDs and DVDs, use the Volume icon on the Windows® taskbaror the Volume Up andDown buttons. Adju

Enabling the audio feature If you do not hear sound when playing a CD or DVD, you may need to enable the audio feature. To enable the audio feature 1.

Using Microphones You can connect an external microphone to your computer to enhance the sound input to your computer. Make sure yourmicrophone is des

Connecting the AC adapter To connect the AC adapter 1.Plug the AC adapter cable into the DC IN port. Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer 2.Plu

Connecting a microphone Plug the microphone cable into the Microphone jack1 on the computer. Connecting a Microphone 1 A protruding dot located ne

Disconnecting a microphone You can disconnect an external microphone when the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the microphone cable from theMicrop

Using a microphone to record sound You can record messages, memos, etc. by connecting a microphone to the Microphone jack1 on your computer. To recor

Internet and Network Connections Internet Connections This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the

Internet and Network Connections Internet Connections This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the

Setting up a dial-up Internet connection Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your computer to a telephone line via a telephone

Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection Your computer accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of

Customizing your Internet connection The Internet Properties dialog box enables you to change the way you view the Internet. You can change your home

Network Connections With a Sony computer, you can easily set up or connect to a variety of networks. The New Connection Wizard and NetworkSetup Wizard

Using Ethernet and dial-up connections For setting up local area networks (LANs), Ethernet is a widely installed technology. Your computer accommodate

Turning on the computer To open and turn on the computer 1.Slide the cover release latch and lift the cover while holding the bottom of the computer f

3.Click Next. If you are prompted to the Local Information dialog box, follow the on-screen instructions. 4.Click Connect to the network at my workpla

Using wireless network connections (selected models only) A wireless local area network (LAN) is a network in which you can connect to a LAN through a

4.From the Available wireless networks list, select the name of the network in which you want to connect. If youdo not see the network name, see If th

3.Type the name of the network (access point) you want to connect to in the Network name (SSID) box. (Thename should be no more than 32 ASCII characte

2.Click the Wireless Network Connection icon on the taskbar. The Wireless Network Connection dialog boxappears. Wireless Network Connection Dialog

5.Type the name of the network you want to connect to in the Network name (SSID) box. (The name should beno more than 32 ASCII characters.) 6.Make sur

1.Click the Wireless Network Connection icon on the taskbar. The Wireless Network Connection dialog boxappears. 2.Click Advanced. The Wireless Networ

Checking your network connection status Whether you have a wireless, Ethernet, or dial-up connection, you can check the status of that connection. To

CDs and DVDs Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs Avoid using adhesive labels to identify your CDs or DVDs. Adhesive labels may damage the optical d

If the Eject button does not work, turn off the computer and insert a thin, straight object (such as a paper clip)into the manual eject hole next

Using the Battery Your computer, depending on the model you purchased, may come equipped with one battery bay and one multipurposebay that supports a

CDs and DVDs Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs Avoid using adhesive labels to identify your CDs or DVDs. Adhesive labels may damage the optical d

If the Eject button does not work, turn off the computer and insert a thin, straight object (such as a paper clip)into the manual eject hole next

Copying and Playing CDs and DVDs Your computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check your specifications for the

Playing CDs Before you play an audio CD, you may need to enable your computer's audio feature. To enable the audio feature 1.Click Start on the W

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Copying files to CDs Before you copy files to a CD-RW or CD-R disc, read the following notes to avoid a computer malfunction and ensure thebest result

Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data to a disc. 1 T he read/write drive letter designation may vary, depending on your system&ap

Playing DVDs You can play DVDs in your computer's optical drive and view the video on your computer screen or on a TV. Page 67

Connecting your computer to a TV Your computer is equipped with an A/V OUT jack, which enables you to connect your computer to a TV. To locate the A/V

Playing DVDs on a TV Connect the external optical drive if you plan to use one. To play a DVD 1.Close all open programs. 2.Disable the screen sav

Using a second battery To insert a second battery 1.If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove that device. 2.Insert the battery into the mu

Disconnecting your computer from a TV Simply unplug the audio-video (AV) cable from the A/V OUT jack on the computer. Page 70

Playing DVDs on your computer Your computer is equipped with an optical drive that enables you to watch DVDs and most DVD-R discs on your computer. To

Copying files to DVDs (on selected models only) Use the table shown on Copying and Playing CDs and DVDs to see which type of DVD media your computer s

Computer Features Using the Touch Pad A pointing device called a touch pad is located in front of the keyboard. You can point to, select, drag, and sc

Computer Features Using the Touch Pad A pointing device called a touch pad is located in front of the keyboard. You can point to, select, drag, and sc

Describing the touch pad Locating the Touch Pad Touch Pad Action Description Sliding one finger Equivalent to using a mouse to place the pointer o

Using Memory Stick Media Your VAIO® computer is equipped with a Memory Stick® slot that supports certain types of Memory Stick® media. Page 76

About Memory Stick media Memory Stick® media are a compact, portable, and versatile data storage media designed for exchanging and sharing digitaldata

Inserting Memory Stick media Before using Memory Stick® media, back up important data. The media slot accommodates only one Memory Stick media at atim

Viewing the contents Depending on the model you purchased, the Sony Memory Stick window may appear when you insert a Memory Stick®media. From this win

To remove the second battery 1.Make sure the Battery 2 indicator is off and the Battery 1 indicator is on or the computer is connected to ACpower. If

Write-protecting Memory Stick media Memory Stick® media is designed with a write-protect tab to protect data from accidental erasure or overwriting. M

Formatting Memory Stick media Memory Stick® media is formatted for immediate use when you purchase it. If you need to reformat Memory Stick media, use

Removing Memory Stick media If the Memory Stick® media is removed prematurely, a blue screen with a message may appear prompting you to continue orexi

Using PC Cards Your computer includes one or more PC Card slots. A PC Card enables you to connect devices such as an optical drive,floppy disk drive,

Inserting PC Cards To insert a PC Card 1.Make sure the front label of the PC Card is facing up. 2.Push the PC Card gently into the slot. The system au

Removing PC Cards You can remove PC Cards while the computer is on or off. PC Cards draw power from the computer when they are insertedinto the PC Car

Using the Multilingual User Interface Language Option (Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional only) After you have initially setup your new VAIO® compute

Changing Numbers, Currency, Time, and Date Formats You can change your operating system's number, currency, time, and date formats to coordinate

Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs This feature changes the appearance, such as color, of certain Sony programs. To change the window design

Printer Connections Your computer is compatible with many popular printers. However, to ensure the best performance, printers must becompatible with t

Conserving Battery Power You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel utility to conserve battery power. Conserving battery power maysignifican

Connecting a USB Printer You can connect a universal serial bus (USB) printer to your computer. The new hardware wizard enables you to easilyinstall t

Disconnecting a Printer You can disconnect the printer cable when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting a printer when the computer is in apower sa

Connecting a Parallel Printer You can connect a parallel port printer to your computer or port replicator, if applicable. The new hardware wizard enab

Port Replicators Locating Ports and Jacks A port replicator is a device that attaches to your notebook and contains additional jacks and ports, such a

Port Replicators Locating Ports and Jacks A port replicator is a device that attaches to your notebook and contains additional jacks and ports, such a

Connecting a Port Replicator Connect a port replicator to the computer while the computer is off. Use the AC adapter (not the battery) to power thecom

Securing a Port Replicator 5.Make sure the port replicator is securely fastened to the computer. 6.Turn on the computer. Page 96

Disconnecting a Port Replicator To disconnect a port replicator 1.Close any active programs to prevent data loss. 2.Turn off the computer and disconne

Mice and Keyboards Using the Keyboard Although your computer's keyboard is very similar to a typewriter's keyboard, you can use the addition

Mice and Keyboards Using the Keyboard Although your computer's keyboard is very similar to a typewriter's keyboard, you can use the addition