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Sony Notebook Computer
User Guide


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3
Notice to Users
©
1999 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.
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-F250 / PCG-F270 / PCG-F290
WARNING
t
Opening the unit, for whatever
reason, could lead to damages that are
not covered by the guarantee.
t
To avoid electrical shock, do not open
the cabinet. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.
t
Audio and picture distortion may
occur if this equipment is positioned
in close proximity to any equipment
emitting electromagnetic radiation.
t
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do
not expose your Sony Notebook
Computer to rain or moisture.
t
Never install modem or telephone
wiring during a lightning storm.
t
Never install telephone jacks in wet
locations unless the jack is specifically
designed for wet locations
t
Never touch uninsulated telephone
wire or terminals unless the telephone
line has been disconnected at the
network interface.
t
Use caution when installing or
modifying telephone lines.
t
Avoid using the modem during an
electrical storm.
t
Do not use the modem or a telephone
to report a gas leak in the vicinity of
the leak.
t
Use your notebook only with the
supplied AC adapter. To disconnect
your notebook completely from mains
voltage, unplug the AC-adapter.
t
Please make sure that the socket
outlet is easily accessible.


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Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
4
Regulatory Information
DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION
BATTERY
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)
According to 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
! 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 incenerate.
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.
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony
has determined that this product
meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines
for energy efficiency.
Energy Star is an U.S. registered
mark.


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5
Contents
Welcome
Unpacking Your Notebook Computer................................................ 9
Ergonomic Considerations.................................................................. 10
Using Your Notebook
Computer
Locating the Controls and Connectors.............................................. 13
Connecting a Power Source ................................................................ 17
Starting Your Computer...................................................................... 22
Shutting Down Your Computer......................................................... 23
Registering Windows® 98................................................................... 24
Registering Your Computer................................................................ 25
Using the Keyboard ............................................................................. 26
Using the Floppy Disk Drive .............................................................. 33
Using the DVD-ROM / CD-ROM Drive .......................................... 35
Using PC Cards..................................................................................... 37
Using the Programmable Power Keys (PPK)................................... 40
Using Smart Connect ........................................................................... 42
Using Infrared Communication Devices .......................................... 43
Using Power Saving Modes................................................................ 45
Using a Second Battery Pack .............................................................. 47
Using the Weight Saver ....................................................................... 49
Connecting peripheral devices
PC card modem .................................................................................... 52
Activating the functionnality of your modem PC Card ................. 54


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Sony Notebook Computer User Guide
6
Port Replicator.......................................................................................56
Printer .....................................................................................................59
External Display....................................................................................60
Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Device ......................................63
To use Memory Sticks ..........................................................................65
Digital Video Camera Recorder..........................................................66
MiniDisc® deck with MD Player........................................................67
External Mouse or Keyboard ..............................................................69
External Speakers..................................................................................70
External Microphone ............................................................................71
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device .....................................................72
Getting Help
About Sony's Support Options ...........................................................73
Troubleshooting...................................................................................74
Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs............................................82
Notes on Use ...................................................................... 85
Specifications ..................................................................... 91
Index ................................................................................... 93