Sony PCG-GRX500 User Manual

1ContentsWelcome...9Using Your VAIO Notebook...11Using the Keyboard...

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Change text in this variable definition to document title.100Selecting the Display ModeThis notebook uses the ATI video controller. You can select whi

Selecting the Display Mode1013 Click the Settings tab, and then click the Advanced button. The “(MultipleMonitors) and Mobility Radeon Properties” dia

Change text in this variable definition to document title.102Changing the window design of Sony softwareTo change the window design1 Click the Start b

Display Properties Notes103Display Properties NotesIf you change the factory display screen settings to 1600 x 1200 pixels, you canincrease the displa

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105Adding MemoryIn the future you may want to install memory modules to expand thefunctionality of your notebook. The amount of memory on your noteboo

Change text in this variable definition to document title.106Precautions and ProceduresThe procedures described below assume that you are familiar wit

Typical expansion memory configuration107Typical expansion memory configurationModels with 256 MB MemoryTotal System Memory (MB)Slot 1 (MB) Slot 2 (MB

Change text in this variable definition to document title.108Removing a memory module1 Shut down your notebook and disconnect all peripheral devices,

Removing a memory module1095 Remove the memory module.6 Tighten the screw on the memory bay cover.Removing memory module✍ Your notebook comes with a m

11Using Your VAIO NotebookThis section describes the following aspects of your new computer:❑ Using the Keyboard❑ Using the Touchpad❑ Using the Center

Change text in this variable definition to document title.110Installing a memory module1 Follow steps 1 to 4 of “Removing a memory module” for removin

Viewing the amount of memory111Viewing the amount of memory1 Restart the notebook.2 (Windows® XP) Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, select All Prog

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113About the Software on Your NotebookYour VAIO® notebook is ready to help you work, play, learn, andcommunicate as soon as you turn it on. This secti

Change text in this variable definition to document title.114Software OverviewYour computer may not be supplied with all of the software listed below,

Software Overview115ArcSoft PhotoPrinter® 2000 ProArcSoft, Inc.ArcSoft PhotoPrinter Pro software is an easy-to-use, yet advanced printingprogram that

Change text in this variable definition to document title.116EverQuest (on selected models)Sony Online Entertainment Inc.This introductory edition of

Software Overview117MovieShaker™Sony Electronics Inc.Sony’s original MovieShaker software creates personal movies that havetransitions, background mus

Change text in this variable definition to document title.118QuickTime®Apple Computer, Inc.The versatile QuickTime software is used to play hundreds o

Software Overview119SonicStage™Sony Electronics Inc.This new jukebox application adds a host of new features to its predecessor,OpenMG™ Jukebox. Conti

Change text in this variable definition to document title.12Using the KeyboardYour notebook keyboard is very similar to that of a typewriter, but the

Change text in this variable definition to document title.120VisualFlow™Sony Electronics Inc.VisualFlow software is a state-of-the-art Sony multimedia

Application, Driver, and System Recovery CDs121Application, Driver, and System Recovery CDsYour notebook comes with the following application, driver,

Change text in this variable definition to document title.122Using Your Recovery CDsThe following sections describe how to use the Application Recover

Using Your Recovery CDs123To use the Driver Recovery CD(s)The Driver Recovery CD utility enables you to reinstall individual drivers if theybecome cor

Change text in this variable definition to document title.1247 From the Actions menu, choose Properties. The Properties dialog box forthat device appe

Using Your Recovery CDs125Reinstalling specific drivers with the Driver Recovery CD (Windows® 2000)1 Turn on your notebook. If your notebook is alread

Change text in this variable definition to document title.126❑ Change Partition Size — All partitions, custom installations, and changesare removed fr

Using Your Recovery CDs1275 Make sure “Yes” is selected, then press the Enter key.6 Press the arrow keys to select “Exit” (Save Changes) and then pres

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129TroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you may encounterwhen using your notebook. Many problems have simple solutions,

Using the Keyboard13Function keys The 12 function keys along the top of the keyboard are usedto perform designated tasks. For example, in manyapplicat

VAIO® Notebook Quick Start130Troubleshooting Your NotebookMy notebook does not start.❑ Check that the notebook is plugged into a power source and that

Troubleshooting Your Notebook1316 Select Yes, and press the Enter key.7 Select Exit (Save Changes), then press the Enter key. The SetupConfirmation wi

VAIO® Notebook Quick Start13211 Select Yes, then press the Enter key. The notebook restarts.If your notebook continues to display the message “Operati

Troubleshooting Your Notebook1331 Close all open applications.2 Restart the notebook by pressing the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keyssimultaneously and then selec

VAIO® Notebook Quick Start134Troubleshooting the LCD ScreenMy LCD screen is blank.❑ Check that the notebook is plugged into a power source and that it

Troubleshooting the LCD Screen135I changed the display screen settings to 1600 x 1200 pixels, but now the fonts are too small. How do I increase the

VAIO® Notebook Quick Start136Troubleshooting the Mouse and TouchpadMy mouse does not work.❑ If you are using an external mouse, check that the mouse i

Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad137The pointer does not move while using the Touchpad or Mouse.❑ The computer should be restarted. Follow these

VAIO® Notebook Quick Start138Troubleshooting Drives, PC Cards, and Peripheral DevicesI cannot establish a connection between two VAIO® computers when

Troubleshooting Drives, PC Cards, and Peripheral Devices139❑ Check that your optical drive does not have the mute setting enabled.❑ Check the volume s

Change text in this variable definition to document title.14Combinations and functions with the Windows keyCombination Function+ F1 Displays VAIO® Hel

VAIO® Notebook Quick Start140My PC Card is not working.❑ Check that the PC Card is installed properly.❑ Check that the PC Card is compatible with Micr

Troubleshooting Software141Troubleshooting SoftwareMy software program stops responding or crashes.Contact the software publisher or designated provid

VAIO® Notebook Quick Start142Troubleshooting the ModemMy modem does not work.❑ Check that the phone line is plugged into the line jack. See “Connectin

Troubleshooting Audio143Troubleshooting AudioMy speakers make no sound.❑ If the built-in speakers are turned off, press the Fn+F3 keys simultaneouslyt

VAIO® Notebook Quick Start144My microphone does not work.If you are using an external microphone, check that the microphone is pluggedinto the Microph

Troubleshooting the Printer145Troubleshooting the PrinterI cannot print.❑ Make sure the power to the printer is on, and the printer cable is securelyc

VAIO® Notebook Quick Start146Troubleshooting Wireless LANThe computer cannot connect to a Wireless LAN Access Point.❑ Make sure the Wireless LAN PC ca

Troubleshooting Wireless LAN147❑ Check the access point settings. Refer to the instructions supplied with theaccess point.❑ Move your notebook away fr

VAIO® Notebook Quick Start1482 Click Network and Internet Connections, then Network Connections.3 Right-click Wireless Network Connection and select P

149Getting HelpSony provides you with several support resources to answer questionsabout your VAIO® notebook or the preinstalled software. Refer to th

Using the Keyboard15IndicatorsIndicator FunctionPower Light is green when the power to the notebook is turned on,flashes amber in Standby mode, and tu

Change text in this variable definition to document title.150Support OptionsIf you have questions about your notebook or the preinstalled software, re

Support Options1515 Sony Computing SupportThis service provides instant access to information on commonlyencountered problems. Enter a description of

Change text in this variable definition to document title.152Software Support InformationAdobe® Acrobat® Reader®, Photoshop® Elements, Premiere® LE (A

Software Support Information153PC-Cillin® 2000 (Trend Micro, Inc.)Quicken® (Intuit Inc.)RealJukebox®, RealPlayer® (RealNetworks, Inc.)Sony Application

Change text in this variable definition to document title.154Sony Service CenterFor the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC(1-888-47

1IndexAAbout This Computer tab 91AC Profile power setting 94Access Point, Wireless LAN 86addinghardware57memory 105peripherals 57printers 73–74Alt key

Change text in this variable definition to document title.2digital video recorder81external speakers 84floppy disk drive 58hard drives 32i.LINK device

3online support150help 149Hibernate mode 18, 45Ii.LINK 81connecting 81VAIO Action Setup 21IEEE 1394 81indicator lights 15battery 15, 40Caps Lock 16har

Change text in this variable definition to document title.4networkconnecting32Notebooktroubleshooting130Notebook Setup tabs 91Num Lockindicator light1

5replacingbattery packs40restoring data 122SScroll Lockindicator light16Search window 14second battery pack 40using 40selectingdisplay78LCD 78monitor

Change text in this variable definition to document title.16Indicator lightsLight On OffNum Lock The number keys in the numerickeypad are active.The a

Change text in this variable definition to document title.6weight saver43using PC Card 32Using the Jog Dial Control 25VVA IOhelp14VA IO A c ti on S et

Using the Keyboard17Combinations and functions with the Fn key✍ If you switch user identities during a computing session, the Fn+F7 and Fn+F8 key func

Change text in this variable definition to document title.18Fn+ only/(F8)Control AV outToggles between LCD-only and dual LCD/TV displaymodes.Connect t

Using the Touchpad19Using the TouchpadThe keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device called a touchpad. You can pointto, select, drag, and scroll obje

Change text in this variable definition to document title.2Using PC Cards...32To insert a PC Car

Change text in this variable definition to document title.20The Mouse Properties dialog box lets you customize your mouse and touchpadfeatures, such a

VAIO Action Setup21VAIO Action SetupVAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your notebook’s center Jog Dial™control, Memory Stick® media, and i.LIN

Change text in this variable definition to document title.22Using the Center Jog Dial ControlYour notebook is equipped with a center Jog Dial control

Using the Center Jog Dial Control23Launcher modeThe center Jog Dial control window is in launcher mode until a softwareapplication is launched or the

Change text in this variable definition to document title.241 Rotate the center Jog Dial control to select the item you want, and then pressthe center

Using the Center Jog Dial Control25Using the center Jog Dial control with Sony softwareIf Sony software that supports the center Jog Dial control is a

Change text in this variable definition to document title.26Using the Optical Disc DriveYour notebook comes with a removable optical disc drive locate

Using the Optical Disc Drive273 Place an optical disc on the tray with the label side facing up. For DVDs thatcan played on both sides, the side of th

Change text in this variable definition to document title.28If the optical disc does not slide out when you press the Eject button, turn off thenotebo

Using the Optical Disc Drive29❑ When playing a DVD on battery power, set the power management profile toDVD. You can also set the power management pro

3Connecting Peripheral Devices ...57Connecting an External Floppy Disk Drive ...58To connect an external floppy disk drive...

Change text in this variable definition to document title.301 Open the Start menu, point to Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance,and then click

Using the Optical Disc Drive31Notes on writing data to a CD-RW or CD-R disc❑ For optimal writing speed, deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-viru

Change text in this variable definition to document title.32Using PC CardsYour notebook includes two PC Card slots. PC Cards enable you to connectport

Using PC Cards332 Push the PC Card gently into the slot. The PC Card is automatically detectedby your system. The Unplug or Eject Hardware icon appear

Change text in this variable definition to document title.34❑ You may not be able to use some PC Cards or some functions of the PC Cardwith this noteb

Using Memory Stick Media35Using Memory Stick MediaThis compact, portable, and versatile recording medium has a data capacityexceeding that of a floppy

Change text in this variable definition to document title.36To insert Memory Stick media1 Insert the Memory Stick media with the arrow facing up and t

Using Memory Stick Media373 When the Memory Stick media ejects, pull it out.Write-protecting Memory Stick mediaMemory Stick media is designed with a w

Change text in this variable definition to document title.383 Under Devices with Removable Storage, right-click Sony Memory Stick -MG, and select Form

Using Memory Stick Media39❑ Do not attach labels other than the supplied label to a media.❑ Do not bend, drop, or apply strong shock to the media.❑ Do

Change text in this variable definition to document title.4Connecting a Universal Serial Bus Device... 80To connect a USB device to the no

Change text in this variable definition to document title.40Using a Second Battery PackYou can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two b

Using a Second Battery Pack41Keep the battery pack in the notebook while it is connected to AC power. Thebattery indicator flashes while the battery i

Change text in this variable definition to document title.42To remove the second battery packIf you attach two battery packs, you can remove either of

Using the Weight Saver43Using the Weight SaverThe weight saver protects the multipurpose bay when it is empty, and secures thesecondary battery when i

Change text in this variable definition to document title.44To remove the weight saver1 To remove the weight saver, first slide the multipurpose bay R

Using Power Saving Modes45Using Power Saving ModesWhen you use a battery as the source of power for your notebook, you can takeadvantage of power mana

Change text in this variable definition to document title.46To activate Hibernate mode1 Press the key combination Fn + F12, or press the power button

Connecting a Phone Line47Connecting a Phone Line You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services and theInternet.1 Plug one end

Change text in this variable definition to document title.48Connecting to a Local Area NetworkYou can connect your notebook to 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX

Connecting to a Local Area Network494 Follow the on-screen instructions.

5Adding Memory ...105Precautions and Procedures...106Typical expansion memory co

Change text in this variable definition to document title.50Connecting to a Wireless LANYour computer may come with a wireless Local Area Network (LAN

Connecting to a Wireless LAN51You can also connect an access point to a telephone line, Integrated ServicesDigital Network (ISDN) router, cable modem,

Change text in this variable definition to document title.524 Double-click the Wireless Network Connection icon. The Connect toWireless Network dialog

Connecting to a Wireless LAN53Confirming access point informationTo check access point information1 Click Start on the Windows taskbar, and then Contr

Change text in this variable definition to document title.5410 Type a five-digit name in the Network key box.11 Click OK. Your new Network name appear

Connecting to a Wireless LAN55❑ Wireless LAN communication occurs on divided frequency bands known aschannels. Third-party Wireless LAN Access Point c

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57Connecting Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your notebook by connecting a variety ofperipherals, as discussed in the following section

Change text in this variable definition to document title.58Connecting an External Floppy Disk DriveYou can connect a Sony USB floppy disk drive (not

Connecting an External Floppy Disk Drive59To insert a floppy disk into the external floppy disk drive1 Hold the floppy disk with the label side facing

Change text in this variable definition to document title.6Troubleshooting the LCD Screen ... 134My LCD screen is blank. ...

Change text in this variable definition to document title.60To disconnect an external floppy disk drive when the notebook is on1 Double-click in the t

Connecting a Port Replicator61Connecting a Port ReplicatorYour notebook supports the use of a port replicator (not supplied). Attaching aport replicat

Change text in this variable definition to document title.621 Turn off the notebook and disconnect all peripheral devices.2 Plug the AC adapter connec

Connecting a Port Replicator635 Turn on the notebook.To remove your notebook from the port replicator1 Double-click in the taskbar. The “Safely remove

Change text in this variable definition to document title.645 Lift the notebook away from the port replicator.Releasing Notebook from Port ReplicatorR

Connecting a PS/2 External Mouse or Keyboard65Connecting a PS/2 External Mouse or KeyboardYou can connect either an external PS/2® mouse or PS/2 keybo

Change text in this variable definition to document title.66✍ See the manual that came with your PS/2 mouse or keyboard for more information on its in

Connecting an Audio Device67Connecting an Audio DeviceYou can connect an audio device to the port replicator (not supplied) or thenotebook using mini-

Change text in this variable definition to document title.68Connecting an Audio Device to the Notebook

Connecting an Audio-Video Device69Connecting an Audio-Video DeviceYou can connect an audio-video (AV) device, such as a TV or a VCR, to the portreplic

7the software does not start. ...141What software do I use for CD-R/CD-RW software func-tions? ...

Change text in this variable definition to document title.70To connect an AV device to the notebook, use the AV Out jack and an audio-video cable (not

Connecting an Audio-Video Device71Regardless if you use the port replicator or the notebook to connect an AVdevice, you will need to switch the TV inp

Change text in this variable definition to document title.72To change the displayIf you insert a DVD in your optical drive to watch on your TV, the Fn

Connecting a Parallel Port Printer73Connecting a Parallel Port PrinterYou can connect a Windows® XP operating system-compatible printer to theport rep

Change text in this variable definition to document title.74Connecting a USB PrinterYou can connect a Windows® XP operating system-compatible USB prin

Connecting an External Display75Connecting an External DisplayYou can connect any one of the following external displays to your notebook orport repli

Change text in this variable definition to document title.76To connect a multimedia computer display to the notebookYou can connect a multimedia compu

Connecting an External Display77To connect a projector to the notebookYou can also connect a projector, such as the Sony LCD Projector, to thenotebook

Change text in this variable definition to document title.78To change the display when connecting an external computer display or projectorWhen you co

Connecting an External Display79To Press ResultSwitch to anexternal displayFn+F7 Toggles between the LCD, the external displayconnected to the Monitor

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Change text in this variable definition to document title.80Connecting a Universal Serial Bus DeviceYou can connect a Universal Serial Bus (USB) devic

Connecting an i.LINK Device81Connecting an i.LINK DeviceYou can connect an i.LINK®*enabled digital video camera recorder to thei.LINK® S400 (IEEE 1394

Change text in this variable definition to document title.82Notes on connecting an i.LINK device❑ Only the Sony digital video camera port labeled “DV

Connecting with another VAIO computer83Connecting with another VAIO computerThe preinstalled Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system enables you to us

Change text in this variable definition to document title.84Connecting External SpeakersYou can enhance the sound quality of your notebook by connecti

Connecting an External Microphone85Connecting an External MicrophoneYou can enhance the quality of sound input by using an external microphone (notsup

Change text in this variable definition to document title.86Expanding Your Notebook CapabilitiesThe following peripheral devices can be connected to y

Expanding Your Notebook Capabilities87Wireless LAN PC CardThe Wireless LAN PC Card, which comes with the Wireless LAN Access Point,can be purchased se

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89Customizing Your VAIO NotebookThe following sections briefly describe how to change your notebook’sdefault settings.❑ Displaying the Sony Notebook S

9WelcomeCongratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO computer, andwelcome to the VAIO User Guide.This User Guide provides detailed information o

Change text in this variable definition to document title.90Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup ScreenTo display the Sony Notebook Setup screen:1 Click

Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen91Sony Notebook Setup tabsTab DescriptionAbout This Computer Display system information, including memorycapa

Change text in this variable definition to document title.92Controlling Power ManagementThe PowerPanel™ utility allows you to control the power manage

Controlling Power Management933 In the left panel, click a profile in which you want to change the settings.4 In the right panel, double-click an item

Change text in this variable definition to document title.94any of the predefined profiles (except for the Disable Power Managementprofile), or you ca

Controlling Power Management95Word ProcessingOptimizes power management with longer timeouts on the hard diskand display screen. You can also establis

Change text in this variable definition to document title.96Power Management commandsPowerPanel™ also provides power management commands that you can

Displaying Battery Information97Displaying Battery InformationYou can display information for each of the batteries in your notebook. Thefollowing sec

Change text in this variable definition to document title.98Battery icon descriptionsBattery icon Battery statusChargingFully chargedDischargingNo bat

Displaying Battery Information99Displaying detailed battery informationDouble-click the battery icon on the taskbar to display the Battery Information