Sony PCG-F160, PCG-F150, PCG-F190 manual Troubleshooting, Getting Help, My computer does not start

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Getting Help

75

Troubleshooting

This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you call Sony Customer Support.

When you reconnect devices be sure to turn off the computer as described in “Shutting Down Your Computer” on page 15. Turning off the computer using other methods may result in data loss.

My computer does not start

Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on. Check that the power indicator on the front panel of the computer indicates that the power is on.

Check that the battery packs are inserted properly and that they are charged.

Make sure there is no diskette in the floppy disk drive.

Confirm that the power cord and all cables are connected firmly, as described in “Connecting Peripheral Devices” on page 41.

If you plugged the computer into a power strip or UPS, make sure the power strip or UPS is turned on and working.

If you are using an external display, check that it is plugged into a power source and turned on. Check that the brightness and contrast controls are adjusted correctly. See the manual that came with your display for details.

Moisture condensation may have occurred. Do not use the computer for at least one hour and then turn on the computer.

Your computer’s internal backup battery may be low on power. Change the backup battery located on the bottom of your computer, following the procedure in “Replacing the Internal Backup Battery” on page 82.

When I turn on my computer, the message “Operating system not found” appears and Windows does not start

Check the floppy disk drive to see if a non-bootable diskette is in the drive.

If a non-bootable diskette is in the drive, turn off the computer, remove the diskette, and then turn on the computer again. Confirm

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Contents Vaio Notebook Computer User Guide Page Regulatory Information Safety InformationOwner’s Record Declaration of ConformityFCC Part Telephone Consumer Guidelines Canada Telephone Consumer Protection Act United StatesIndustry Canada Notice Page Page Contents Vaio Notebook Computer User Guide Connecting Peripheral DevicesAbout the User Guide WelcomeErgonomic Considerations Welcome Page Front Locating the Controls and ConnectorsLeft Right Using Your Notebook ComputerBack Bottom Using the AC Adapter Connecting a Power SourceTo insert the battery pack Using Battery PowerBattery Indicator Meaning Using Your Notebook Computer To charge the battery packBattery Indicator Light Status Meaning To remove the battery pack Close the cover of the battery bay Starting Your Computer Shutting Down Your Computer Registering Windows Registering Your Computer Key Description Using the KeyboardUsing Your Notebook Computer Key Description Combination Function Combinations and Functions with the Windows 98 KeyIndicator Function IndicatorsLight Off Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key Combinations FeatureCD-ROM Using Your Notebook Computer Combinations Function FeatureAction Description Using the TouchpadTo insert a diskette Using the Floppy Disk DriveTo remove a diskette To reinsert the floppy disk drive To insert a disc Using the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM DriveTo play DVD-ROMs Close the tray by pushing it gentlyTo insert a PC card Using PC CardsPC card Using Your Notebook Computer To remove a PC card To use infrared communication with a digital still camera Using Infrared Communication DevicesTo use infrared communication with another computer Infrared port Degrees Normal Mode Using Power Saving ModesSystem Idle Mode To activate System Idle modeSystem Hibernation Mode System Suspend ModeTo activate System Suspend mode To activate System Hibernation modeTo insert a second battery pack Using a Second Battery PackTo remove the second battery pack To attach the weight saver Using the Weight SaverUsing Your Notebook Computer To remove the Weight Saver Page Connecting Peripheral Devices Plug the other end into the wall jack Connecting a Phone LineConnecting Peripheral Devices Connecting the Port ReplicatorPort replicator connector Power indicator light turns green Lever To connect a printer Connecting a PrinterTo connect a computer display Connecting an External DisplayTo to To Monitor To select a display Vaio Notebook Computer User Guide To connect a projectorPress Result To connect an external mouse or keyboard Connecting an External Mouse or KeyboardTo connect external speakers Connecting External SpeakersTo connect an external microphone Connecting an External MicrophoneTo connect a digital still camera Connecting a Digital Still Camera or Other Serial DeviceTo connect a digital video camera recorder Connecting a Digital Video Camera RecorderTo connect a USB device Connecting a Universal Serial Bus USB DeviceCustomizing Your Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup ScreenVaio Notebook Computer User Guide Tab Description Power Management Profiles Controlling Power ManagementCustomizing Your Notebook Computer Icon DescriptionVaio Notebook Computer User Guide Icon Description Power Management CommandsTo customize the power management settings Customizing Your Notebook Computer To activate PowerPanelActivating BatteryScope Displaying Battery InformationTo activate BatteryScope Displaying Detailed Battery Information Battery Icon DescriptionsBattery icon Battery status To customize the BatteryScope toolbar and alarm system Selecting the Display Mode Select the type of display Monitor Settings Using a CRT or ProjectorLCD Display Mode Resolution Number of colors Display SpecificationsExternal Display Mode Resolution Number of colors To use the PPK Setup window Programmable Power KeysPress To activate Using the internal Timer Selecting dual display mode Using the Dual Display FunctionReleasing the dual display setting Setting the colors and resolution for each displayCustomizing the virtual desktop Getting Help Vaio Notebook Computer User Guide Getting Help TroubleshootingMy computer does not start My computer locks up My LCD does not display anythingMy DVD-ROM drive tray does not open My software program locks up or crashesCannot play a CD-ROM Cannot play a DVD-ROMMy speakers have no sound My floppy disk drive cannot write to a disketteMy modem connection is slow My modem does not workMy microphone does not work My mouse does not workMy touchpad interprets a single tap as a double-click My touchpad does not workMy computer does not shut down Sound of my computer’s fan is too loud Getting Help My PC card is not workingCannot print To replace the backup battery Replacing the Internal Backup BatteryTo set date and time Getting Help Using the System Recovery CDs Using the System and Application Recovery CDsIf your computer does not start from the Recovery CD Getting Help To use the System Recovery CDsTo use the Application Recovery CDs Using the Application Recovery CDsOn Handling the LCD Screen On the Power SourceOn Handling On InstallationOn Handling Diskettes On Moisture CondensationOn Handling CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs On Using Batteries On Maintenance Adding Memory Limited Warranty Statement Vaio Notebook Computer User Guide Garantie Restreinte Limited Warranty StatementVaio Notebook Computer User Guide Battery Limited Warranty Page Index 100 Index 102 Connecting 43, 44 disconnecting 46 lever 46 network 104