Toshiba SATELLITE A10 User Manual

Satellite®  
A10/A15 Series  
User’s Guide  
If you need assistance:  
Toshiba Global Support Centre  
Calling within the United States (800) 457-7777  
Calling from outside the United States (949) 859-4273  
For more information, see “If Something Goes Wrong” on  
page 196 in this guide.  
Handling the cord on this product will expose you to lead, a  
chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects  
or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.  
C6650-0703M3  
3
Critical Applications  
The computer you have purchased is not designed for any “critical  
applications.” “Critical applications” means life support systems, medical  
applications, connections to implanted medical devices, commercial  
transportation, nuclear facilities or systems or any other applications where  
product failure could lead to injury to persons or loss of life or catastrophic  
property damage. ACCORDINGLY, TOSHIBA, ITS AFFILIATES  
AND SUPPLIERS DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY  
ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THE COMPUTER PRODUCTS IN  
ANY CRITICAL APPLICATIONS. IF YOU USE THE COMPUTER  
PRODUCTS IN A CRITICAL APPLICATION, YOU, AND NOT  
TOSHIBA, ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH USE.  
FCC Notice  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a  
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits  
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference  
in a residential installation.  
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and,  
if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause  
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no  
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this  
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,  
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is  
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the  
following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to  
which the receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
4
Only peripherals complying with the FCC Class B limits may be attached to  
this equipment. Operation with noncompliant peripherals or peripherals not  
recommended by Toshiba is likely to result in interference to radio and TV  
reception. Shielded cables must be used between the external devices and  
the computer's or expansion unit’s serial port, parallel port, monitor port,  
USB port, PS/2® port, i.LINK® port and microphone jack. Changes or  
modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by Toshiba or  
parties authorized by Toshiba could void the users authority to operate the  
equipment.  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject  
to the following two conditions:  
This device may not cause harmful interference.  
This device must accept any interference received, including  
interference that may cause undesired operation.  
Contact:  
Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.  
9740 Irvine Blvd.  
Irvine, CA 92618-1697  
(949) 583-3000  
Industry Canada Requirement  
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conformé à la norme NMB-003  
du Canada.  
FCC Requirements  
The following information is pursuant to FCC CFR 47, Part 68 and refers  
to internal modems.  
Installation  
When you are ready to install or use the modem, call your local telephone  
company and give them the following information:  
The telephone number of the line to which you will connect the  
modem.  
The FCC registration number of the modem.  
5
The ringer equivalence number (REN) of the modem, which is 0.6B.  
The modem connects to the telephone line by means of a standard jack  
called the USOC RJ11C.  
Type of Service  
Your modem is designed to be used on standard-device telephone lines.  
Connection to telephone company-provided coin service (central office  
implemented systems) is prohibited. Connection to party lines service is  
subject to State tariffs. If you have any questions about your telephone line,  
such as how many pieces of equipment you can connect to it, the telephone  
company will provide this information upon request.  
Telephone Company Procedures  
The goal of the telephone company is to provide you with the best service it  
can. In order to do this, it may occasionally be necessary for them to make  
changes in their equipment, operations or procedures. If these changes  
might affect your service or the operation of your equipment, the telephone  
company will give you notice, in writing, to allow you to make any  
changes necessary to maintain uninterrupted service.  
If Problems Arise  
If any of your telephone equipment is not operating properly, you should  
immediately remove it from your telephone line, as it may cause harm to  
the telephone network. If the telephone company notes a problem, they  
may temporarily discontinue service. When practical, they will notify you  
in advance of this disconnection. If advance notice is not feasible, you will  
be notified as soon as possible. When you are notified, you will be given  
the opportunity to correct the problem and informed of your right to file a  
complaint with the FCC. In the event repairs are ever needed on your  
modem, they should be performed by Toshiba Corporation, Toshiba  
America Information Systems, Inc. or an authorized representative of  
Toshiba.  
Disconnection  
If you should ever decide to permanently disconnect your modem from its  
present line, please call the telephone company and let them know of this  
change.  
Fax Branding  
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful to use  
a computer or other electronic device to send any message via a telephone  
fax machine unless such message clearly contains in a margin at the top or  
bottom of each transmitted page or on the first page of the transmission, the  
6
date and time it is sent and an identification of the business, other entity or  
individual sending the message and the telephone number of the sending  
machine or such business, other entity or individual.  
In order to program this information into your fax modem, you should  
complete the setup for your fax software before sending a message.  
Instructions for IC CS-03 certified equipment  
1
NOTICE: The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment.  
This certification means that the equipment meets certain  
telecommunications network protective, operational and safety  
requirements as prescribed in the appropriate Terminal Equipment  
Technical Requirements document(s). The Department does not  
guarantee the equipment will operate to the user’s satisfaction.  
Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is  
permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local  
telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed  
using an acceptable method of connection. The customer should be  
aware that compliance with the above conditions may not prevent  
degradation of service in some situations.  
Repairs to certified equipment should be coordinated by a  
representative designated by the supplier. Any repairs or alterations  
made by the user to this equipment, or equipment malfunctions, may  
give the telecommunications company cause to request the user to  
disconnect the equipment.  
Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground  
connections of the power utility, telephone lines and internal metallic  
water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution  
may be particularly important in rural areas.  
Caution: Users should not attempt to make such connections  
themselves, but should contact the appropriate electric inspection  
authority, or electrician, as appropriate.  
2
The user manual of analog equipment must contain the equipment’s  
Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) and an explanation notice similar  
to the following:  
The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) of this device can be found  
on the label affixed to your computer.  
7
NOTICE: The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned to each  
terminal device provides an indication of the maximum number of  
terminals allowed to be connected to a telephone interface. The  
termination on an interface may consist of any combination of devices  
subject only to the requirement that the sum of the Ringer Equivalence  
Numbers of all the devices does not exceed 5.  
3
The standard connecting arrangement (telephone jack type) for this  
equipment is jack type(s): USOC RJ11C.  
Wireless Interoperability  
The TOSHIBA Wireless LAN Mini PCI Card products are designed to be  
interoperable with any wireless LAN product that is based on Direct  
Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) radio technology, and is compliant to:  
The IEEE 802.11 Standard on Wireless LANs (Revision A/B), as  
defined and approved by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics  
Engineers.  
The Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) certification as defined by the WECA  
Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance.  
Caution  
Bluetooth™ and Wireless LAN devices operate within the same radio  
frequency range and may interfere with one another. If you use  
Bluetooth™ and Wireless LAN devices simultaneously, you may  
occasionally experience a less than optimal network performance or even  
lose your network connection.  
If you should experience any such problem, immediately turn off either one  
of your Bluetooth™ or Wireless LAN.  
Please contact Toshiba PC product support on web site http://www.toshiba-  
europe.com/computers/tnt/bluetooth.htm in Europe or  
http://www.pcsupport.global.toshiba.com in the United States for more  
information.  
Caution  
This device is restricted to indoor use due to its operation in the 5.15 to  
5.85 GHz frequency range.*  
(*for systems with 802.11a wireless LAN)  
8
Wireless LAN and your Health  
Wireless LAN products, like other radio devices, emit radio frequency  
electromagnetic energy. The level of energy emitted by Wireless LAN  
devices however is far much less than the electromagnetic energy emitted  
by wireless devices like for example mobile phones.  
Because Wireless LAN products operate within the guidelines found in  
radio frequency safety standards and recommendations, TOSHIBA  
believes Wireless LAN is safe for use by consumers. These standards and  
recommendations reflect the consensus of the scientific community and  
result from deliberations of panels and committees of scientists who  
continually review and interpret the extensive research literature.  
In some situations or environments, the use of Wireless LAN may be  
restricted by the proprietor of the building or responsible representatives of  
the organization. These situations may for example include:  
Using the Wireless LAN equipment on board of airplanes, or  
In any other environment where the risk of interference to other  
devices or services is perceived or identified as harmful.  
If you are uncertain of the policy that applies on the use of wireless devices  
in a specific organization or environment (e.g. airports), you are  
encouraged to ask for authorization to use the Wireless LAN device prior  
to turning on the equipment.  
Regulatory Information  
The TOSHIBA Wireless LAN Mini PCI Card must be installed and used in  
strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions as described in the  
user documentation that comes with the product. This device complies with  
the following radio frequency and safety standards.  
Canada – Industry Canada (IC)  
This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada.  
The installer of this radio equipment must ensure that the antenna is located  
or pointed such that it does not emit RF field in excess of Health Canada  
limits for the general population; consult Safety Code 6, obtainable from  
Health Canada’s website www.hc-sc.gc.ca/rpb. The RF device shall not be  
co-located with any other transmitter that has not been tested with this  
device.  
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may  
not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference,  
including interference that may cause undesired operation of this device.  
L ‘utilisation de ce dispositif est autorisée seulement aux conditions  
suivantes: (1) il ne doit pas produire de brouillage et (2) l’ utilisateur du  
9
dispositif doit étre prêt à accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique reçu,  
même si ce brouillage est susceptible de compromettre le fonctionnement  
du dispositif.  
The term “IC” before the equipment certification number only signifies  
that the Industry Canada technical specifications were met.  
To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended  
to be operated indoors and away from windows to provide maximum  
shielding. Equipment (or its transmit antenna) that is installed outdoors is  
subject to licensing.  
Pour empecher que cet appareil cause du brouillage au service faisant  
l'objet d'une licence, il doit etre utilize a l'interieur et devrait etre place loin  
des fenetres afin de Fournier un ecram de blindage maximal. Si le matriel  
(ou son antenne d'emission) est installe a l'exterieur, il doit faire l'objet  
d'une licence.  
Europe – EU Declaration of Conformity  
This device complies with the essential requirements of the R&TTE  
Directive 1999/5/EC with essential test suites as per standards:  
EN 60950 Safety of Information Technology equipment  
ETS 300 328 Technical requirements for radio equipment  
ETS 300 826 General EMC requirements for radio equipment.  
België/  
Belgique:  
For outdoor usage only channel 10 (2457 MHz) and 11 (2462 MHz) is  
allowed.  
For private usage outside buildings across public grounds over less  
than 300m no special registration with IBPT/BIPT is required. Regis-  
tration to IBPT/BIPT is required for private usage outside buildings  
across public grounds over more than 300m. An IBPT/BIPT license is  
required for public usage outside building. For registration and license  
please contact IBPT/BIPT.  
Gebruik buiten gebouw alleen op kanalen 10 (2457 MHz) en 11 (2462  
MHz). Voor privé-gebruik buiten gebouw over publieke groud over  
afstand kleiner dan 300m geen registratie bij BIPT/IBPT nodig; voor  
gebruik over afstand groter dan 300m is wel registratie bij BIPT/IBPT  
nodig. Voor publiek gebruik buiten gebouwen is licentie van BIPT/  
IBPT verplicht. Voor registratie of licentie kunt u contact opnemen met  
BIPT.  
10  
Lutilisation en extérieur est autorisé sur le canal 10 (2457 MHz) et 11  
(2462 MHz). Dans le cas d’une utilisation privée, a l’extérieur d’un  
bâtiment, audessus d’un espace public, aucun enregistrement n’est  
nécessaire pour une distance de moins de 300m. Pour une distance  
supérieure à 300m un enregistrement auprés de I’IBPT est requise.  
Pour une utilisation publique à I’extérieur de bâtiments, une licence de  
I’IBPT est requise. Pour les enregistrements et licences, veuillez  
contacter I’IBPT.  
Deutschland:  
France:  
License required for outdoor installations. Check with reseller for pro-  
cedure to follow.  
Anmeldung im Outdoor-Bereich notwendig, aber nicht genehmigung-  
spflichtig. Bitte mit Händler die Vorgehensweise abstimmen.  
Restricted frequency band: only channels 10 and 11 (2457 MHz and  
2462 MHz respectively) may be used in France. License required for  
every installation, indoor and outdoor installations. Please contact ART  
for procedure to follow.  
Bande de fréquence restreinte : seuls les canaux 10 à 11 (2457 et 2462  
MHz respectivement) doivent être utilisés en France. Toute utilisation,  
qu’elle soit intérieure ou extérieure, est soumise à autorisation. Vous  
pouvez contacter I’Autorité de Régulation des Télécommuniations  
(http://www.art-telecom.fr) pour la procédure à suivre.  
Italia:  
License required for indoor use. Use with outdoor installations not  
allowed.  
E’necessaria la concessione ministeriale anche per l’uso interno. Verifi-  
care con i rivenditori la procedura da seguire. Luso per installazione in  
esterni non e’ permessa.  
Nederland:  
License required for outdoor installations. Check with reseller for pro-  
cedure to follow.  
Licentie verplicht voor gebruik met buitenantennes. Neem contact op  
met verkoper voor juiste procedure.  
11  
USA-Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation of the devices  
in a Wireless LAN System is subject to the following two conditions:  
This device may not cause harmful interference.  
This device must accept any interference that may cause undesired  
operation.  
TOSHIBA is not responsible for any radio or television interference caused  
by unauthorized modification of the devices included with this TOSHIBA  
Wireless LAN Mini PCI Card, or the substitution or attachment of  
connecting cables and equipment other than specified by TOSHIBA.  
The correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification,  
substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the user.  
Caution: Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation  
The Toshiba Wireless LAN Mini PCI Card will be installed with one of two  
types of antennas. The both of antenna types, when installed are located at  
the upper edge of the LCD screen.  
For both antennas, the radiated output power of the TOSHIBA Wireless  
LAN Mini PCI Card is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits.  
Nevertheless, the TOSHIBA Wireless LAN Mini PCI Card shall be used in  
such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation  
is minimized. In normal operating configuration, the LCD in the upright  
position, the distance between the antenna and the user should not be less  
than 20cm. The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must not be co-located  
or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.  
Antenna(s) used in 5.15-5.25GHz frequency band must be integral antenna  
which provide no access to the end user.  
Refer to the Regulatory Statements as identified in the documentation that  
comes with those products for additional information.  
Caution: Radio Frequency Interference Requirements  
This device is restricted to indoor use due to its operation in the 5.15 to  
5.25 GHz frequency range. FCC requires this product to be used indoors  
for frequency range 5.15 to 5.25 GHz to reduce the potential for harmful  
interference to co-channel Mobile Satellite systems.  
12  
High power radars are allocated as primary users of the 5.25 to 5.35 GHz  
and 5.65 to 5.85 GHz bands. These radar stations can cause interference  
with and/or damage this device.  
The above Caution information applies to products that operate with an  
802.11a device.  
Taiwan  
Article 14  
Unless approved, for any model accredited low power radio frequency  
electric machinery, any company, trader or user shall not change the  
frequency, increase the power or change the features and functions of  
the original design.  
Article 17  
Any use of low power radio frequency electric machinery shall not  
affect the aviation safety and interfere with legal communications. In  
event that any interference is found, the use of such electric machinery  
shall be stopped immediately, and reusing of such products can be  
resumed until no interference occurs after improvement.  
The legal communications mentioned in the above item refer to radio  
communications operated in accordance with telecommunication laws and  
regulations.  
Low power radio frequency electric machinery shall resist against  
interference from legal communications or from industrial, scientific and  
medical radio emission electric machinery.  
Using this equipment in Japan  
In Japan, the frequency bandwidth of 2,400-2,483.5 MHz for second  
generation low-power data communication systems such as this equipment  
overlaps that of mobile object identification systems (premises radio  
station and specified low-power radio station).  
13  
1. Sticker  
Please put the following sticker on devices incorporating this product.  
2. Indication  
The indication shown below appears on this equipment.  
1
2
3
4
2.4 this equipment uses a frequency of 2.4 GHz.  
DS. This equipment uses DS-SS modulation.  
The interference range of this equipment is less than 40m.  
This equipment uses a frequency bandwidth from 2,400 MHz to  
2,483.5 MHz.  
It is possible to avoid the band of mobile object identification systems.  
3. TOSHIBA Direct PC  
Monday – Friday:  
Toll Free Tel:  
Direct Dial:  
Fax:  
10:00 – 17:00  
0120-13-1100  
03-3457-5916  
03-5444-9450  
Device Authorization  
This device obtains the Technical Regulation Conformity Certification and  
the Technical Conditions Compliance Approval, and it belongs to the  
device class of radio equipment of low-power data communication system  
radio station stipulated in the Radio Law and the Telecommunications  
Business Law of Japan.  
The Name of the radio equipment: MPC13A-20/R  
14  
JAPAN APPROVALS INSTITUTE FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS  
EQUIPMENT  
Approval Number: D01-1128JP  
TELECOM ENGINEERING CENTER Approval Number: 03NY.A0018,  
03GZDA0017  
The following restrictions apply:  
Do not disassemble or modify the device.  
Do not install the embedded wireless module into other device.  
Interference Statement  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a  
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits  
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference  
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate  
radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the  
instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications.  
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a  
particular installation.  
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television  
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,  
the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of  
the following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the distance between the equipment and the receiver.  
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to  
which the receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
Toshiba is not responsible for any radio or television interference caused by  
unauthorized modification of the devices included with this Toshiba  
Wireless LAN Mini PCI Card, or the substitution or attachment of  
connecting cables and equipment other than specified by Toshiba.  
 
15  
The correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification,  
substitution or attachment will be the responsibility of the user.  
The following information is dependent on what type of wireless device is in  
your computer.  
Approved Countries/Regions for use for the Atheros AR5001X  
Mini PCI Wireless network adapter  
This equipment is approved to the radio standard by the countries/regions  
in the following table.  
Do not use this equipment except in the countries/regions in the following  
table.  
This device works on passive scan only.  
A peer-to-peer mode is not available in 802.11a and Turbo Mode.  
802.11b (2.4GHz)  
Australia  
Canada  
Austria  
Denmark  
Germany  
Italy  
Belgium  
Finland  
France  
Greece  
Ireland  
Liechtenstein  
New Zealand  
Sweden  
Luxembourg  
Norway  
Netherlands  
Portugal  
UK  
Switzerland  
USA  
16  
802.11a (5GHz)  
Australia  
Canada  
Austria  
Denmark  
Germany  
Italy  
Belgium  
Finland  
France  
Greece  
Ireland  
Liechtenstein  
New Zealand  
Sweden  
Luxembourg  
Norway  
Netherlands  
Portugal  
UK  
Switzerland  
USA  
Turbo Mode (5GHz)  
Canada  
USA  
Approved Countries/Regions for use for the Intel® PRO/  
Wireless LAN 2100 3B Mini PCI Adapter  
This equipment is approved to the radio standard by the countries/regions  
in the following table.  
Do not use this equipment except in the countries/regions in the following  
table.  
Argentina  
Belgium  
Chile  
Australia  
Brazil  
Austria  
Canada  
Denmark  
Germany  
Ireland  
Finland  
France  
Greece  
Iceland  
Japan  
Italy  
Liechtenstein  
Netherlands  
Peru  
Luxembourg  
New Zealand  
Portugal  
Sweden  
Uruguay  
Mexico  
Norway  
Singapore  
Switzerland  
USA  
Spain  
UK  
Venezuela  
17  
Approved Countries/Regions for use for the Toshiba Mini PCI  
Wireless LAN Card  
This equipment is approved to the radio standard by the countries/regions  
in the following table.  
Do not use this equipment except in the countries/regions in the following  
table.  
Australia  
Austria  
Belgium  
Finland  
Canada  
Denmark  
Germany  
Iceland  
France  
Greece  
Hong Kong  
Italy  
Ireland  
Japan  
Liechtenstein  
Netherlands  
Philippines  
Spain  
Luxembourg  
New Zealand  
Portugal  
Sweden  
UK  
Malaysia  
Norway  
Singapore  
Switzerland  
USA  
Thailand  
Bluetooth wireless technology Interoperability  
Bluetooth™ Cards from TOSHIBA are designed to be interoperable with  
any product with Bluetooth wireless technology that is based on Frequency  
Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) radio technology, and is compliant to:  
Bluetooth Specification Ver.1.1, as defined and approved by The  
Bluetooth Special Interest Group.  
Logo certification with Bluetooth wireless technology as defined by  
The Bluetooth Special interest Group.  
Bluetooth wireless technology is a new innovative technology, and TOSHIBA  
has not confirmed compatibility of its Bluetoothproducts with all PCs and/  
or equipment using Bluetooth wireless technology other than TOSHIBA  
portable computers.  
Always use Bluetoothcards from TOSHIBA in order to enable wireless  
networks over two or more (up to a total of seven) TOSHIBA portable  
computers using these cards. Please contact TOSHIBA PC product support  
18  
on Web site http://www.toshiba-europe.com/computers/tnt/bluetooth.htm in  
Europe or http://www.pcsupport.global.toshiba.com in the United States for  
more information.  
When you use Bluetoothcards from TOSHIBA close to 2.4 GHz Wireless  
LAN devices, Bluetooth transmissions might slow down or cause errors. If  
you detect certain interference while you use Bluetoothcards from  
TOSHIBA, always change the frequency, move your PC to the area outside of  
the interference range of 2.4 GHz Wireless LAN devices (40 meters/43.74  
yards or more) or stop transmitting from your PC. Please contact TOSHIBA  
PC product support on Web site http://www.toshiba-europe.com/computers/  
tnt/bluetooth.htm in Europe or http://www.pcsupport.global.toshiba.com in  
the United States for more information.  
Bluetooth™and Wireless LAN devices operate within the same radio frequency  
range and may interfere with one another. If you use Bluetooth™and Wireless LAN  
devices simultaneously, you may occasionally experience a less than optimal  
network performance or even lose your network connection. If you should  
experience any such problem, immediately turn off either one of your Bluetooth™or  
Wireless LAN. Please contact Toshiba PC product support on web site http://  
www.toshiba-europe.com/computers/tnt/bluetooth.htm in Europe or http://  
www.pcsupport.global.toshiba.com in the United States for more information.  
Bluetooth wireless technology and your Health  
The products with Bluetooth wireless technology, like other radio devices,  
emit radio frequency electromagnetic energy. The level of energy emitted  
by devices with Bluetooth wireless technology however is far much less  
than the electromagnetic energy emitted by wireless devices like for  
example mobile phones.  
Because products with Bluetooth wireless technology operate within the  
guidelines found in radio frequency safety standards and  
recommendations, TOSHIBA believes Bluetooth wireless technology is  
safe for use by consumers. These standards and recommendations reflect  
the consensus of the scientific community and result from deliberations of  
panels and committees of scientists who continually review and interpret  
the extensive research literature.  
In some situations or environments, the use of Bluetooth wireless  
technology may be restricted by the proprietor of the building or  
responsible representatives of the organization. These situations may for  
example include:  
Using the equipment with Bluetooth wireless technology on board of  
airplanes, or  
19  
In any other environment where the risk of interference to other  
devices or services is perceived or identified as harmful.  
If you are uncertain of the policy that applies on the use of wireless devices  
in a specific organization or environment (e.g. airports), you are  
encouraged to ask for authorization to use the device with Bluetooth  
wireless technology prior to turning on the equipment.  
Regulatory statements  
This product complies with any mandatory product specification in any  
country/ region where the product is sold. In addition, the product complies  
with the following:  
Canada-Industry Canada (IC)  
This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada.  
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may  
not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference,  
including interference that may cause undesired operation of this device.”  
L ‘ utilisation de ce dispositif est autorisée seulement aux conditions  
suivantes : (1) il ne doit pas produire de brouillage et (2) l’ utilisateur du  
dispositif doit étre prét à accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique reçu,  
même si ce brouillage est susceptible de compromettre le fonctionnement  
du dispositif.  
The term "IC" before the equipment certification number only signifies that  
the Industry Canada technical specifications were met.  
Caution: FCC Interference Statement  
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to  
the following two conditions:  
This device may not cause harmful interference, and  
This device must accept any interference received, including  
interference that may cause undesired operation.  
Note that any changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly  
approved by the manufacturer may void the authorization to operate this  
equipment.  
Caution: Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation  
The radiated output power of the Bluetooth™ Card from TOSHIBA is far  
below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the  
Bluetooth™ Card from TOSHIBA shall be used in such a manner that the  
potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized.  
20  
In order to comply with FCC radio-frequency radiation exposure  
guidelines for an uncontrolled environment, the Bluetooth™ Card from  
TOSHIBA has to be operated while maintaining a minimum body to  
antenna which are located on top of LCD distance of 20 cm.  
Refer to the Regulatory Statements as identified in the documentation that  
comes with those products for additional information.  
The Bluetooth™ Card from TOSHIBA is far below the FCC radio  
frequency exposure limits.  
Nevertheless, it is advised to use the Bluetooth™ Card from TOSHIBA in  
such a manner that human contact during normal operation is minimized.  
Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by  
TOSHIBA or parties authorized by TOSHIBA could void the user’s authority  
to operate the equipment.  
Taiwan  
Article 14  
Unless approved, for any model accredited low power radio frequency  
electric machinery, any company, trader or user shall not change the  
frequency, increase the power or change the features and functions of  
the original design.  
Article 17  
Any use of low power radio frequency electric machinery shall not  
affect the aviation safety and interfere with legal communications. In  
event that any interference is found, the use of such electric machinery  
shall be stopped immediately, and reusing of such products can be  
resumed until no interference occurs after improvement.  
The legal communications mentioned in the above item refer to radio  
communications operated in accordance with telecommunication laws and  
regulations.  
Low power radio frequency electric machinery shall resist against  
interference from legal communications or from industrial, scientific and  
medical radio emission electric machinery.  
21  
Using this equipment in Japan  
In Japan, the frequency bandwidth of 2,400-2,483.5 MHz for second  
generation low-power data communication systems such as this equipment  
overlaps that of mobile object identification systems (premises radio  
station and specified low-power radio station).  
1. Sticker  
Please put the following sticker on devices incorporating this product.  
2. Indication  
The indication shown below appears on this equipment.  
2 . 4 FH1  
1
2
3
4
2.4: this equipment uses a frequency of 2.4 GHz.  
FH: This equipment uses FH-SS modulation.  
The interference range of this equipment is less than 10m.  
This equipment uses a frequency bandwidth from 2,400 MHz to  
2,483.5 MHz. It is impossible to avoid the band of mobile object  
identification systems.  
3. TOSHIBA Direct PC  
Monday – Friday:  
Toll Free Tel:  
10:00 – 17:00  
0120-13-1100  
22  
Direct Dial:  
Fax:  
03-3457-5916  
03-5444-9450  
Device Authorization  
This device obtains the Technical Regulation Conformity Certification, and  
it belongs to the device class of radio equipment of low-power data  
communication system radio station stipulated in the Radio Law of Japan.  
The Name of the radio equipment: EYXF2CS  
TELECOM ENGINEERING CENTER  
Approval Number: 01NYDA1305  
The following restrictions apply:  
Do not disassemble or modify the device.  
Do not install the embedded wireless module into other device.  
CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Multi-function Drive Safety  
Instructions  
CD-ROM, DVD-ROM and multi-function drives employ a laser system.  
To ensure proper use of this product, please read this instruction manual  
carefully and retain for future reference. Should the unit ever require  
maintenance, contact an authorized service location.  
Use of controls, adjustments or the performance of procedures other than  
those specified may result in hazardous radiation exposure.  
To prevent direct exposure to the laser beam, do not try to open the  
enclosure.  
23  
Location of the required label  
Sample shown below. (Location of the label and manufacturing  
information may vary.)  
This appliance contains a laser system and is classified as a “CLASS 1 LASER  
PRODUCT.” To use this model properly, read the instruction manual carefully and  
keep it for your future reference. In case of any trouble with this model, please  
contact your nearest “AUTHORIZED service station.” To prevent direct exposure to  
the laser beam, do not try to open the enclosure.  
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those  
specified in the owner’s manual may result in hazardous radiation exposure.  
Copyright  
This guide is copyrighted by Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.  
with all rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this guide cannot be  
reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Toshiba. No  
patent liability is assumed, however, with respect to the use of the  
information contained herein.  
©2003 by Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.  
24  
Export Administration Regulation  
This document contains technical data that may be controlled under the  
U.S. Export Administration Regulations, and may be subject to the  
approval of the U.S. Department of Commerce prior to export. Any export,  
directly or indirectly, in contravention of the U.S. Export Administration  
Regulations is prohibited.  
Notice  
The information contained in this manual, including but not limited to any  
product specifications, is subject to change without notice.  
TOSHIBA CORPORATION AND TOSHIBA AMERICA  
INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC. (TOSHIBA) PROVIDES NO  
WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL OR ANY OTHER  
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY  
DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY  
OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO  
ANY OF THE FOREGOING. TOSHIBA ASSUMES NO LIABILITY  
FOR ANY DAMAGES INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY  
FROM ANY TECHNICAL OR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS OR  
OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN OR FOR DISCREPANCIES  
BETWEEN THE PRODUCT AND THE MANUAL. IN NO EVENT  
SHALL TOSHIBA BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,  
CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES,  
WHETHER BASED ON TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE,  
ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL OR  
ANY OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE USE  
THEREOF.  
Trademarks  
Satellite and Noteworthy are registered trademarks and SelectServ is a  
trademark of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. and/or Toshiba  
Corporation.  
Microsoft, Windows and Active Desktop are registered trademarks,  
Windows Media and the Windows logo are trademarks of Microsoft  
Corporation.  
i.LINK is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.  
LapLink is a registered trademark of Traveling Software, Inc.  
Dolby - Manufactured by Toshiba under license from Dolby Laboratories/  
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.  
TouchPad is a trademark of Synaptics, Inc.  
Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wireless Capability Ethernet Alliance.  
25  
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Toshiba  
under license.  
PS/2 is a registered trademark of IBM, Inc.  
All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks  
of their respective companies.  
Computer Disposal Information  
This product contains mercury. Disposal of this material may be regulated  
due to environmental considerations. For disposal, reuse or recycling  
information, please contact your local government or the Electronic  
Industries Alliance at www.eiae.org.  
Back....................................................................... 40  
System indicator panel .................................... 44  
Keyboard indicator lights ................................. 45  
Underside .............................................................. 46  
Chapter 2: Getting Started......................................... 48  
Selecting a place to work ....................................... 48  
Creating a computer-friendly environment....... 48  
26  
Removing a memory module........................... 70  
Connecting an optional external diskette drive....... 74  
Using an external keyboard.................................... 75  
Turning off the computer ....................................... 75  
Caring for your computer....................................... 76  
Cleaning the computer..................................... 76  
Moving the computer....................................... 77  
Using a computer lock..................................... 77  
Contents  
28  
Windows® special keys.................................... 82  
Hibernation command ..................................... 97  
Standby command........................................... 98  
Using Turn Off or Shut down ................................. 99  
Turning off or shutting down more quickly .... 100  
Starting again after Turn Off or Shut down .... 103  
Using Hibernation ................................................ 103  
Enabling the Hibernation command............... 104  
Removing the battery from the computer...... 123  
Taking care of your battery................................... 125  
Traveling tips........................................................ 128  
Chapter 5: Getting to Know the Windows® XP  
Operating System.............................. 129  
Lesson 1: Exploring the desktop.......................... 130  
Finding your way around the desktop ............ 130  
Windows® XP file system .............................. 132  
Contents  
30  
Lesson 11: Setting the date and time................... 150  
Lesson 13: Using System Restore....................... 154  
Windows® XP Help and Support Center ........ 155  
Windows® XP special features............................. 159  
Personalizing your desktop.................................. 160  
Customizing the taskbar ................................ 160  
Bringing the world to your desktop................ 161  
Changing desktop and browsing style ........... 162  
Personalizing individual windows .................. 163  
Customizing window toolbars........................ 164  
Displaying information about each folder....... 165  
Connecting the modem to a telephone line.... 168  
An overview of using the Internet ........................ 172  
Using a microphone....................................... 177  
Adjusting recording settings.......................... 178  
Using external speakers or headphones......... 179  
Using PC Cards.................................................... 179  
PC Card supporting software......................... 180  
Inserting PC Cards......................................... 180  
Removing PC Cards....................................... 181  
Contents  
32  
existing key assignments........................ 188  
Chapter 8: If Something Goes Wrong..................... 196  
The Windows® operating system is not working . 199  
The Windows® XP operating system  
Resolving hardware conflicts on your own .... 203  
Fixing a problem with Device Manager .......... 205  
Memory module problems............................. 207  
Power and the batteries ................................. 208  
Keyboard problems........................................ 209  
Display problems........................................... 210  
Disk drive problems....................................... 212  
Other Toshiba Internet Web sites ........................ 225  
Keyboard hot keys ............................................... 236  
USA and Canada ............................................ 237  
United Kingdom............................................. 237  
Australia......................................................... 237  
Europe ........................................................... 237  
Glossary ..................................................................238  
Index .......................................................................254  
Introduction  
Welcome to the world of powerful and portable multimedia  
computers! With your new Toshiba notebook computer, your  
access to information can accompany you wherever you go.  
You will find your operating system, Microsoft® Windows®  
XP, already installed on your computer. Your operating  
system offers exciting features and easy Internet access.  
This guide contains information about your operating system  
and how it functions with your Toshiba computer. For  
specific information on the software, see the Microsoft  
booklet that shipped with your computer.  
This guide  
This guide introduces the computer’s features. You can:  
Read the entire guide from beginning to end.  
Skim through and stop when a topic interests you.  
Use the table of contents and the index to find specific  
information.  
34  
   
Introduction  
Safety icons  
35  
If you are new to computers, or have not used a notebook  
computer before, read through the first couple of chapters to  
familiarize yourself with the components of the computer and  
how to turn it on. After that, seek out whatever interests you  
most.  
Safety icons  
This manual contains safety instructions that must be  
observed in order to avoid potential hazards that could result  
in personal injuries, damage to your equipment, or loss of  
data. These safety cautions have been classified according to  
the seriousness of the risk, and the icons highlight these  
instructions as follows:  
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not  
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.  
DANGER  
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not  
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.  
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not  
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.  
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not  
avoided, may result in property damage.  
Provides important information.  
   
Introduction  
Other documentation  
36  
Other icons used  
Additional icons highlight other helpful or educational  
information:  
TECHNICAL NOTE: This icon highlights technical information  
about the computer.  
HINT: This icon denotes helpful hints and tips.  
DEFINITION: This icon indicates the definition of a term used  
in the text.  
Other documentation  
Your computer comes with the following documentation:  
This electronic user’s guide. Look for the user’s guide icon on  
your desktop or in the DOCS folder on the C: drive.  
Guides for other programs that may come preinstalled on  
your computer or that are available for installation on your  
Recovery Media.  
For accessory information, visit Toshiba's Web site at  
The Microsoft® Windows® operating system documentation  
which explains the features of the operating system.  
       
Introduction  
Service options  
37  
Service options  
Toshiba offers a full line of service options built around its  
SelectServTM limited warranty programs. For more  
information, visit Toshiba’s Web site at toshiba.com.  
If you have a problem or need to contact Toshiba, see “If  
Something Goes Wrong” on page 196.  
   
Chapter 1  
Finding Your Way  
Around  
This chapter presents a “grand tour” of your notebook  
computer. It serves as a reference when you need to locate  
specific parts of the computer.  
Making sure you have everything  
Before doing anything else, consult the Quick Start card  
provided with your system to make sure you received  
everything. If any items are missing or damaged, notify your  
dealer immediately. For additional help, see “If you need  
further assistance” on page 223.  
38  
   
Finding Your Way Around  
Front with the display closed  
39  
Front with the display closed  
Volume control dial  
Display latch  
System indicator panel  
Wireless antenna on/off switch*  
Wireless antenna LED  
* functional only on systems with a  
wireless module installed  
The volume control dial lets you adjust the sound on your  
computer. To turn the volume up, turn the dial to the right. To  
turn the volume down, turn the dial to the left.  
On those systems with Wi-FiTM, the wireless antenna LED  
glows amber when the computer’s wireless antenna is  
enabled.  
On those systems with Wi-FiTM, the wireless antenna on/off  
switch turns the computer’s wireless antenna on or off. The  
Wi-Fi Mini PCI module is optional.  
The system indicator panel provides information about  
various system functions. See “System indicator panel” on  
page 44.  
The display latch keeps the display panel closed and locked.  
To open the display panel, slide the display latch to the right  
and raise the panel.  
       
Finding Your Way Around  
Back  
40  
Back  
Speaker  
Speaker  
LAN active indicator  
Link indicator  
Parallel port  
RGB (monitor) port  
Security lock slot  
USB ports  
DC-IN  
Network port  
The speaker lets you hear sounds, such as system alarms  
associated with your software, and music from DVD-ROMs  
and audio CDs.  
The security lock slot allows you to attach an optional  
PORT- Noteworthy® computer lock cable to your computer  
for securing it to a large, heavy object, such as your desk.  
The DC-IN port is where you plug in the AC adapter for  
either operating the computer on external power or charging  
the battery.  
The LAN active indicator glows orange when data is being  
exchanged between the computer and the LAN (local area  
network).  
The Network port (RJ45 jack) provides access to a LAN via  
a standard Ethernet network cable.  
Ether  
The Link indicator glows green when the computer is  
connected to a LAN and the LAN is functioning properly.  
     
Finding Your Way Around  
41  
Right side  
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports allow you to connect  
USB peripherals to your computer.  
DEFINITION: USB is a peripheral expansion standard for  
peripherals such as keyboards, pointing devices, and  
monitors. USB peripherals have a single standard for cabling  
and connectors. The USB standard allows hot swapping of  
peripherals.  
The RGB (monitor) port lets you connect an external  
monitor.  
The parallel port lets you connect a parallel printer or other  
parallel device, including ECP-compatible devices.  
Right side  
DVD-ROM or multi-function  
sample drive shown  
Eject button  
Manual eject button Modem port  
The DVD-ROM or multi-function drive enables you to play  
high-resolution, full-screen videos at up to 30 frames per  
second. You can also use it to install and run programs from  
application CD-ROMs and play audio CDs.  
The eject button opens the drive tray when the computer is  
turned on.  
The manual eject button enables you to open the drive tray  
when the computer is off.  
The modem port lets you use a standard RJ-11 telephone  
cable to connect the modem directly to a standard telephone  
           
Finding Your Way Around  
Left side  
42  
line. For more information, see “Connecting the modem to a  
phone line” on page 95.  
Left side  
Headphone jack  
Microphone jack  
Cooling vent  
PC Card slot  
PC Card eject button  
The cooling vent prevents the computer’s central processing  
unit (CPU) from overheating so that it can continue to  
To prevent possible overheating of the CPU, do not block the  
cooling vents.  
The PC Card slot supports a Type I or Type II PC Card. See  
“Using PC Cards” on page 179 for more information.  
The PC Card eject button releases the PC Card from the PC  
Card slot.  
The 3.5 mm microphone jack lets you connect an external  
monaural microphone or other audio input device.  
The 3.5 mm headphone jack lets you connect stereo  
headphones or other audio-output devices, such as external  
speakers. Connecting other devices automatically disables  
the internal speakers.  
           
Finding Your Way Around  
Front with the display open  
43  
Front with the display open  
Screen  
Speaker  
Speaker  
Power button  
Function keys  
Keyboard  
Palm rest  
TouchPad  
control  
button  
Primary  
control  
button  
System indicator panel  
The computer’s screen is a liquid crystal display (LCD) that  
provides clear, sharp images. For more information about  
viewing options, see “Exploring video features” on page 175.  
associated with your software, and music from DVD-ROMs  
and audio CDs.  
The power button turns the computer on and off. Holding  
down the power button for four seconds resets the computer.  
The function keys, when used with the Fn key, activate  
several different system functions. For more information, see  
“Hot Keys” on page 228.  
       
Finding Your Way Around  
Front with the display open  
44  
The 85-key keyboard provides all the functionality of a full-  
size keyboard. For more information, see “Using the  
keyboard” on page 80.  
The front panel provides a palm rest to assist you in  
maintaining proper posture while using the computer.  
The primary and secondary control buttons below the  
TouchPad act like the buttons on a mouse, with primary and  
secondary functions.  
The system indicator panel provides information about  
various system functions. See “System indicator panel” on  
page 44.  
The TouchPadTM enables you to move the cursor with the  
stroke of a finger.  
System indicator panel  
AC power  
Main battery  
Disc/disk activity  
On/off  
Hard disk drive  
The AC power light glows green when the computer is  
connected to an external power source.  
The on/off light glows green when the computer is on. The  
light flashes amber when the computer is in Standby mode.  
The main battery light indicates the main battery’s current  
charge. It glows green when the battery is fully charged. It  
glows amber while the battery is being charged. It does not  
glow if the external power source is disconnected or if the  
battery is completely discharged. For more information on  
           
Finding Your Way Around  
Front with the display open  
45  
determining remaining battery power, see “Monitoring  
battery power” on page 119.  
The hard disk drive light flashes while the hard disk drive is  
being accessed.  
The disc/disk activity light flashes when the optional  
external diskette drive, or the DVD-ROM or multi-function  
drive is being accessed.  
Never turn off the computer while any drive is in use. Doing so  
may damage the media and result in loss of data.  
Keyboard indicator lights  
The caps lock light, located on the Caps Lock key, glows when  
you press the Caps Lock key. When this light is on, pressing a  
letter key on the keyboard produces an uppercase (capital)  
letter.  
The cursor control mode light, located on the panel just  
below the F10 key, glows when the cursor control overlay is  
on. When this light is on, pressing an overlay key moves the  
cursor in the direction of the white arrow printed on the key  
         
Finding Your Way Around  
Underside  
46  
instead of typing the letter printed on the top of the key. For  
page 83.  
The numeric mode light, located on the panel just below the  
F11 key, glows when the numeric overlay is on. When this  
light is on, pressing an overlay key types the white number  
printed on the key instead of typing the letter printed on the  
top of the key. For more information, see “Using the numeric  
keypad overlay” on page 83.  
Underside  
Memory slot cover  
Battery release lock  
Battery release  
latch  
Battery pack  
The battery release lock keeps the battery release latch from  
moving, effectively locking the battery pack.  
The battery release latch secures the battery pack to the  
computer, preventing the cover from dislodging from the  
computer case.  
         
Finding Your Way Around  
47  
Underside  
The battery pack contains the battery. For information about  
replacing the battery, see “Changing the main battery” on  
page 122.  
The memory slot cover protects the two expansion memory  
slots where you insert additional memory. See “Installing  
additional memory (optional)” on page 66 for detailed  
information.  
   
Chapter 2  
Getting Started  
This chapter provides tips for working comfortably, describes  
how to connect components, and explains what to do the first  
time you use your notebook computer.  
Selecting a place to work  
Your computer is portable and designed to be used in a  
variety of circumstances and locations.  
Creating a computer-friendly environment  
Place the computer on a flat surface which is large enough for  
the computer and any other items you need to use, such as a  
printer. Leave enough space around the computer and other  
equipment to provide adequate ventilation and prevent  
overheating.  
To keep your computer in prime operating condition, protect  
your work area from:  
Dust, moisture, and direct sunlight.  
48  
           
Getting Started  
Selecting a place to work  
49  
Equipment that generates a strong electromagnetic field,  
such as stereo speakers (other than speakers that are  
connected to the computer) or speakerphones.  
Rapid changes in temperature or humidity and sources of  
temperature change such as air conditioner vents or  
heaters.  
Extreme heat, cold, or humidity.  
Liquids and corrosive chemicals.  
If you spill liquid into the computer, turn off the computer,  
unplug it from the AC power source, and let it dry out  
completely before turning it on again.  
If the computer does not operate correctly after you turn it back  
on, contact your network administrator. If your computer still  
does not operate, refer to “If you need further assistance” on  
page 223 for additional technical assistance.  
Keeping yourself comfortable  
Strain and stress injuries are becoming more common as  
people spend more time using their computers. With a little  
care and proper use of the equipment, you can work  
comfortably throughout the day.  
This section provides hints on avoiding strain and stress  
injuries. For more information, consult books on ergonomics,  
repetitive-strain injury, and repetitive-stress syndrome.  
Placement of the computer  
Proper placement of the computer and external devices is  
important to avoid stress-related injuries.  
Place the computer on a flat surface at a comfortable  
height and distance. You should be able to type without  
       
Getting Started  
Selecting a place to work  
50  
twisting your torso or neck, and look at the screen  
without slouching.  
If you are using an external monitor, the top of the  
display should be no higher than eye level.  
If you use a paper holder, set it at about the same height  
and distance as the screen.  
Seating and posture  
When using your computer, maintain good posture with your  
body relaxed and your weight distributed evenly. Proper  
seating is a primary factor in reducing work strain. Some  
people find a backless chair more comfortable than a  
conventional chair.  
Below eye level  
Approximately  
90-degree angles  
Footrest  
Correct posture and positioning of the computer  
Whichever type you choose, use the following guidelines to  
adjust your chair for maximum computing comfort.  
Position your chair so that the keyboard is at or slightly  
below the level of your elbow. You should be able to type  
comfortably with your shoulders relaxed and your  
forearms parallel to the floor.  
   
Getting Started  
Selecting a place to work  
51  
If you are using a conventional chair:  
Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. If  
necessary, use a footrest to raise the level of your knees  
and ease the pressure on the back of your thighs.  
Adjust the back of your chair so that it supports the lower  
curve of your spine. If necessary, use a cushion to  
provide extra back support. Lower-back-support  
cushions are available at many office supply stores.  
Sit with your back straight so that your knees, hips, and  
elbows form approximately 90-degree angles when you  
work. Do not slump forward or lean back too far.  
Lighting  
Proper lighting can improve the visibility of the display and  
reduce eyestrain.  
Position the display panel or external monitor so that  
sunlight or bright indoor lighting does not reflect off the  
screen. Use tinted windows or shades to reduce glare.  
Avoid placing your computer in front of a bright light  
that could shine directly in your eyes.  
If possible, use soft, indirect lighting in your computer  
work area.  
Arms and wrists  
Avoid bending, arching, or twisting your wrists. Keep  
them in a relaxed, neutral position while typing.  
 
Getting Started  
Selecting a place to work  
52  
Exercise your hands, wrists, and arms to improve  
circulation.  
Using the computer keyboard incorrectly may result in  
discomfort and possible injury. If your hands, wrists, and/or  
arms bother you while typing, stop using the computer and  
rest. If the discomfort persists, consult a physician.  
Work habits  
The key to avoiding discomfort or injury from strain is to  
vary your activities. If possible, schedule a variety of tasks  
into your working day. Finding ways to break up the routine  
can reduce stress and improve your efficiency.  
Take frequent breaks to change position, stretch your  
muscles, and relieve your eyes. A break of two or three  
minutes every half hour is more effective than a long  
break after several hours.  
Avoid performing repetitive activities for long periods.  
Intersperse such activities with other tasks.  
Focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long  
periods can cause eyestrain. Look away from the  
computer frequently and focus your eyes on a distant  
object for at least 30 seconds.  
Precautions  
Your notebook computer is designed to provide optimum  
safety and ease of use, and to withstand the rigors of travel.  
You should observe certain precautions to further reduce the  
risk of personal injury or damage to the computer.  
Avoid prolonged physical contact with the underside of  
the computer.  
If the computer is used for long periods, its case can  
become very warm. While the temperature may not feel  
     
Getting Started  
Selecting a place to work  
53  
too hot to the touch, if you maintain physical contact with  
the computer for a long time (if you rest the computer on  
your lap, for example), your skin might suffer low-heat  
injury.  
Never apply heavy pressure to the computer or subject it  
to sharp impacts. Excessive pressure or impact can  
damage computer components or otherwise cause your  
computer to malfunction.  
Some PC Cards can become hot with prolonged use. If  
two cards are installed, both can become hot even if only  
one is being used. Overheating of a PC Card can result in  
errors or instability in its operation.  
Be careful when you remove a PC Card that has been  
used for a long period.  
Avoid spilling liquids into the computer’s keyboard.  
If you do spill a liquid that gets into the keyboard, turn  
off the computer immediately. Leave the computer turned  
off overnight to let it dry out before you use it again.  
Never turn off the computer if a drive light indicates a  
drive is active.  
Turning off the computer while it is reading from or  
writing to a disk may damage the disk, the drive, or both.  
Keep the computer and disks away from objects that  
generate strong magnetic fields, such as large stereo  
speakers.  
Information on disks is stored magnetically. Placing a  
magnet too close to a disk can erase important files.  
Scan all new files for viruses.  
This precaution is especially important for files you  
receive via email or download from the Internet.  
Occasionally, even new programs you buy from a  
supplier may contain a computer virus. You’ll need a  
special program to check for viruses. Ask your dealer to  
help you.  
Getting Started  
Setting up your computer  
54  
Setting up your computer  
TECHNICAL NOTE: You must complete all set up steps up to  
“Setting up your software” before adding external or internal  
components to your computer. These components include, but  
are not limited to, a mouse, keyboard, printer, memory, and PC  
cards.  
Your computer contains a rechargeable high-capacity battery  
that needs to be charged before you can use it.  
To use external power or to charge the battery, you must  
attach the AC adapter. See “Connecting to a power source”  
on page 56.  
Setting up your software  
The names of windows displayed and the order in which  
windows appear may vary depending on your software setup  
choices.  
The first time you turn on your computer, the Setup Wizard  
guides you through steps to set up your software.  
1
From the welcome screen, click Next to enter the Setup  
Wizard.  
2
Confirm acceptance of Microsoft’s End User License  
Agreement and click Next.  
     
Getting Started  
Setting up your computer  
55  
3
Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the information  
about your computer.  
To register online, your computer’s modem must be connected  
to a voice-grade telephone line.  
If you chose not to register now, you may register with Toshiba  
by clicking the Register with Toshiba icon on the desktop.  
A window will display the message, “Thank you.”  
4
Click Finish to continue.  
Your computer restarts automatically.  
Registering your computer with Toshiba  
Registering your computer lets Toshiba keep you up-to-date  
with information about new products and upgrades, and also  
extends your Toshiba limited warranty worldwide at no  
charge to you. You can register your computer with Toshiba  
by double-clicking the icon on your desktop.  
To register online, your computer’s modem must be connected  
to a voice-grade telephone line.  
Adding external devices  
Before adding external devices, Toshiba recommends setting  
up your software first. See “Setting up your software” on  
page 54.  
   
Getting Started  
Connecting to a power source  
56  
Before starting to use your computer, you may also want to:  
Add more memory (see “Installing additional memory  
Connect a mouse (see “Connecting a mouse” on page 71)  
page 71)  
Connect an external keyboard (see “Using an external  
keyboard” on page 75)  
Connect another display device (see “Using external  
display devices” on page 72)  
Connect a diskette drive (see “Connecting an optional  
external diskette drive” on page 74)  
Connecting to a power source  
Your computer requires power to operate. Use the power  
cable and AC adapter to connect the computer to a live  
electrical outlet, or to charge the computer’s battery.  
AC power  
indicator  
AC adapter  
Power cable  
Power cable and AC adapter  
   
Getting Started  
Connecting to a power source  
57  
Use only the AC adapter supplied with your computer or an  
equivalent adapter that is compatible. Use of any incompatible  
adapter could damage your computer. Toshiba assumes no  
liability for any damage caused by use of an incompatible  
adapter.  
When you connect the AC adapter to the computer, always  
follow the steps in the exact order as described in the User's  
Manual. Connecting the power cable to a live electrical outlet  
should be the last step otherwise the adapter DC output plug  
could hold an electrical charge and cause an electrical shock  
or minor bodily injury when touched. As a general safety  
precaution, avoid touching any metal parts.  
Hold the power cable by its plug when you connect/disconnect  
it. Do NOT pull the cable itself. Doing so may damage the  
power cable and result in a short circuit or electric shock.  
To connect AC power to the computer:  
1
Connect the power cable to the AC adapter.  
Connecting the power cable to the AC adapter  
Handling the cord on this product will expose you to lead, a  
chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects  
or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.  
Getting Started  
Charging the main battery  
58  
2
Plug the AC adapter into the DC-IN on the back of the  
computer.  
Connecting the AC adapter to the computer  
3
Connect the power cable to a live electrical outlet.  
If the electrical outlet is live, the system indicator panel’s AC  
power light ( ) glows green.  
Damaged power cables can cause fire or electric shock. Never  
modify, forcibly bend, place heavy objects on top of, or apply  
heat to the power cable.  
If the power cable becomes damaged or the plug overheats,  
discontinue use. There is a risk of electric shock.  
Never remove the power plug from the outlet with wet hands.  
Doing so may cause an electric shock.  
Charging the main battery  
To charge the main battery, plug the computer into a live wall  
outlet. It takes several hours to charge the battery with the  
computer off. It takes much longer to charge the battery while  
the computer is on. For more information on battery use, see  
“Running the computer on battery power” on page 115.  
     
Getting Started  
Using the computer for the first time  
59  
TECHNICAL NOTE: The battery does not charge while the  
computer is consuming full power.  
Once the battery is charged for the first time, avoid leaving the  
computer plugged in and turned off for more than a few hours  
at a time. Continuing to charge a fully charged battery can  
damage the battery.  
Battery life and charge time may vary depending on the  
applications, power management settings, and features used.  
Using the computer for the first time  
Opening the display panel  
Slide the display latch to the right and lift the display panel.  
Lift  
Slide  
Opening the display panel  
     
Getting Started  
Using the computer for the first time  
60  
To avoid damaging the display panel, do not force it beyond  
the point where it moves easily.  
Never lift or move the computer using the display panel.  
Small bright dots may appear on your TFT display when you  
turn on your computer. Your display contains an extremely  
large number of thin-film transistors (TFT) and is  
manufactured using high-precision technology. Any small  
bright dots that may appear on your display are an intrinsic  
characteristic of the TFT manufacturing technology.  
1
Make sure there are no media (i.e. CD-ROMs, DVD-  
ROMs, diskettes) in your computer’s drives.  
2
Turn on the computer by pressing and releasing the  
power button located on the top of the keyboard. For an  
illustration to help you locate this button, see “Front with  
the display open” on page 43.  
When you turn on the computer for the first time, do not turn  
off the power again until the operating system has loaded  
completely.  
The AC power indicator glows when the computer is  
connected to an external power source.  
The battery light:  
Glows amber while the battery is being charged.  
Glows green when the battery is fully charged.  
Is unlit when the computer is not connected to an  
external power source. For information on  
determining battery power, see “Monitoring battery  
power” on page 119.  
       
Getting Started  
Using the computer for the first time  
61  
The hard disk drive indicator flashes to indicate that the  
hard disk drive is currently in use.  
Never turn off the computer while any drive is in use.  
Using the TouchPad™  
The TouchPad, the small, smooth square cutout located in  
front of the keyboard, is sensitive to touch and enables you to  
move the cursor with the stroke of a finger. Simply move  
your finger on the TouchPad in the direction you’d like to  
move the cursor:  
To move the cursor to the top of the page, push your  
finger forward on the TouchPad.  
To move the cursor to the bottom of the page, drag your  
finger toward yourself.  
To move the cursor to the right side of the page, slide  
your finger across the TouchPad from left to right.  
To move it to the left side, slide your finger from right to  
left.  
Because the TouchPad is much smaller than the display  
having to move your finger several times across the TouchPad  
in the preferred direction.  
Once you have positioned your cursor, you can either click it  
into place by double-tapping the TouchPad or clicking the  
control buttons. For more on the TouchPad, see “Lesson 2:  
Using the TouchPad and control buttons together” on  
page 133.  
   
Getting Started  
Using the computer for the first time  
62  
Control buttons  
When a step instructs you to click or choose an item, move  
the cursor to the item, then press and release the primary  
(left-hand) button. To double-click, press the primary button  
twice in rapid succession. The primary button usually  
corresponds to the left mouse button.  
The function of the secondary (right-hand) button depends on  
mouse button. Check your program’s documentation to find  
whether it uses the right mouse button.  
Disabling or enabling the TouchPad  
The TouchPad is enabled by default. To change the enable/  
disable TouchPad setting by using the Fn + F9 keys, see  
“Disabling or enabling the TouchPad” on page 235.  
You may also change the enable/disable setting as follows:  
1
Click Start, Control Panel.  
The Control Panel window appears.  
Click Printers and Other Hardware.  
Click Mouse.  
2
3
The Mouse Properties window appears.  
Click the TouchPAD ON/OFF tab.  
The TouchPAD ON/OFF tab view window appears.  
Select Disable or Enable, whichever is appropriate.  
Click Apply.  
4
5
6
7
Click OK.  
The Mouse Properties window closes.  
Close the Printers and Other Hardware window.  
Close the Control Panel window.  
8
9
           
Getting Started  
Using the computer for the first time  
63  
Setting up a printer  
If you started your computer with a printer connected and  
turned on, it may have been detected automatically (Plug and  
Play). If this is not the case, then you must install the printer  
driver for the model of printer that is connected to your  
computer. You can install the printer driver either by  
following the instructions indicated in your printer manual, or  
by using the operating system’s Add Printer Wizard.  
If you plan to set up a printer later, click Cancel.  
Using the Add Printer Wizard  
To set up a printer with the Add Printer Wizard:  
1
Click Start, Control Panel, then Printers and Other  
Hardware.  
2
Select Printers and Faxes.  
The Printers and Faxes window appears.  
Sample Printers and Faxes window  
3
Click Add Printer.  
The Add Printer Wizard starts.  
     
Getting Started  
Using the computer for the first time  
64  
Sample Add Printer Wizard  
4
Click Next.  
The Add Printer Wizard asks you to select your printer.  
TECHNICAL NOTE: If your printer is Plug and Play, the  
operating system recognizes it automatically. You can ignore  
the remainder of this section. See your printer manual.  
5
If the printer you are setting up:  
Is not connected to a network, select Local printer  
attached to this computer.  
If you select Local printer, check Automatically  
detect and install my Plug and Play printer.  
Is connected to a network, select Network printer,  
or a printer attached to another computer.  
Getting Started  
Using the computer for the first time  
65  
6
Click Next.  
The Add Printer Wizard prompts you to select your  
printer.  
7
8
From the list of manufacturers and printers, select your  
printer, then click Next.  
Select the port settings according to the instructions in  
your printer’s documentation and the port to which your  
printer is connected, then click Next.  
The Add Printer Wizard prompts you to enter a printer  
name.  
9
Enter a name for your printer.  
HINT: If you are using more than one printer, make sure the  
name is descriptive enough to help you tell the difference.  
10 To set up the printer to be the default printer for the  
operating system, click Yes.  
11 Click Next.  
The operating system prompts you to print a test page.  
12 If your printer is connected and turned on, click Next.  
To complete the setup procedure without printing a test  
page, click No, then click Next.  
13 Click Finish.  
You are now ready to print.  
Depending on your program, you may see various messages  
indicating the status of your print job.  
Getting Started  
Installing additional memory (optional)  
66  
Installing additional memory (optional)  
Before you install or remove a memory module, turn off the  
computer using the Start menu. If you install or remove a  
memory module while the computer is in Standby or  
Hibernation mode, data will be lost.  
A memory module must be installed in slot A. Do not try to  
operate the computer with a memory module in slot B only.  
If you install a memory module that is incompatible with the  
computer, a beep will sound when you turn on the computer. If  
the module is installed in slot A, there will be a long beep  
followed by a short beep. If the module is in slot B, there will  
be a long beep followed by two short beeps. In this case, turn  
off the computer and remove the incompatible module.  
Your computer comes with enough memory to run most of  
today’s popular applications. You may want to increase the  
computer’s memory if you use complex software or process  
large amounts of data.  
Additional memory comes in various capacities (visit  
Toshiba’s Web site at toshiba.com for more information). There  
are two memory slots. Your system may have both slots  
occupied.  
If you use the computer for a long time, the memory modules  
will become hot. If this happens, let the modules cool to room  
temperature before you replace them.  
   
Getting Started  
Installing additional memory (optional)  
67  
You need a standard Phillips no. 1 screwdriver to install a  
memory module.  
To avoid damaging the computer’s screws, use a standard  
Phillips no. 1 screwdriver that is in good condition.  
If you are adding memory after you have started to use the  
computer, begin at step 1, otherwise skip to step 2.  
1
Turn off the computer via the Start menu.  
See “Turn Off or Shut down command” on page 96.  
The operating system turns off the computer.  
2
3
Unplug and remove any cables connected to the  
computer.  
Close the display panel and turn the computer upside  
down to locate the memory slot cover.  
Memory  
slot cover  
Base of your Satellite computer  
4
Using a standard Phillips no. 1 screwdriver, unscrew the  
screw that secures the memory slot cover, then remove  
the memory slot cover.  
   
Getting Started  
Installing additional memory (optional)  
68  
Removing the memory slot cover  
5
Put the screw and the cover in a safe place so that you can  
retrieve them later.  
The following figure shows the inside of the memory  
compartment.  
Viewing the inside of the memory compartment  
Getting Started  
Installing additional memory (optional)  
69  
6
Remove the memory module from its antistatic  
packaging.  
Static electricity can damage the memory module. Before you  
handle the module, touch a grounded metal surface to  
discharge any static electricity you may have built up.  
To avoid damaging the memory module, be careful not to  
touch its gold connector bar (on the side you insert into the  
computer).  
7
8
Holding the memory module by its edges so that the gold  
connector bar faces the slot, fit the module into the  
socket.  
Gently put the memory module connector down at an  
angle and press down until the clips snap into place.  
Do not force the module into position. The memory  
module should be level when secured in place.  
Inserting the memory module  
Avoid touching the connectors on the memory module or on  
the computer. Grease or dust on the connectors may cause  
memory access problems.  
9
Replace the memory slot cover.  
10 Replace the screw and tighten it.  
 
Getting Started  
Installing additional memory (optional)  
70  
11 Turn the computer over and reconnect any cables you  
removed.  
12 Turn on the computer.  
To verify that the computer correctly recognizes the  
memory, click Start, Control Panel and click  
Performance and Maintenance. Click System to view  
the recognized memory.  
down the computer, remove the memory slot cover, and  
make sure the memory module is seated properly, as  
described in step 8.  
Removing a memory module  
1
Follow steps 1 through 5 in “Installing additional  
memory (optional)” on page 66.  
2
Gently push the memory clips outward until the memory  
module pops up.  
Removing the memory module  
3
4
Gently pull the memory module diagonally to remove it  
from the slot.  
Complete the procedure by following steps 9 through 13  
in “Installing additional memory (optional)” on page 66.  
       
Getting Started  
Connecting a mouse  
71  
Connecting a mouse  
You may want to use a mouse instead of the TouchPad, the  
computer’s built-in pointing device.  
To connect a USB mouse, plug the mouse cable into one of  
the USB ports.  
Connecting a printer  
You can connect a USB-compatible printer to your computer  
through the USB ports. You can connect a USB printer after  
you turn on the computer.  
Alternatively, you can connect a parallel printer to the  
computer’s parallel port.  
Connecting a USB printer  
To achieve the connection, you need a suitable USB cable,  
which may come with your printer. Otherwise, you can  
purchase one from a computer or electronics store.  
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting a USB  
printer to your computer.  
Connecting a parallel printer  
To achieve the connection, you need a suitable cable, which  
may come with your parallel printer. Otherwise, you can  
purchase one from a computer or electronics store.  
Connect a parallel printer before you turn on the computer.  
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting a  
parallel printer to your computer.  
             
Getting Started  
Using external display devices  
72  
Using external display devices  
Your computer comes with a built-in LCD display, but you  
can easily attach an external monitor to your computer if you  
need a larger screen.  
Once you have connected an external display device, you can  
choose to use the internal display only, the external device  
only, or both simultaneously.  
Connecting an external monitor is described below.  
Connecting an external monitor  
You must attach the monitor before you turn on the computer.  
1
Connect the monitor’s video cable to the RGB (monitor)  
port.  
2
Connect the monitor’s power cable to a live electrical  
outlet.  
3
4
5
Turn on the external monitor.  
Turn on the computer.  
Set the display mode by pressing Fn + F5, or by setting the  
Display Properties settings.  
Directing the display output when you turn on the computer  
Once you have connected an external display device, you can  
choose to use the internal display only, the external device  
only, or both simultaneously. The quickest way to change the  
display output settings is to use the display hot key (Fn + F5).  
1
2
Press Fn and F5 simultaneously.  
While holding down Fn, press F5 repeatedly until the  
setting you want is highlighted.  
           
Getting Started  
Using external display devices  
73  
The selections available are:  
Built-in display panel only  
Built-in display panel and external device  
simultaneously  
External device only  
3
Release the Fn key for the selection to take effect.  
TECHNICAL NOTE: You can also change these settings using  
the Display Properties box in the Control Panel.  
Adjusting the quality of the external display  
To obtain the best picture quality from your external display  
device, you may need to adjust the video settings. See the  
documentation supplied with the device for additional  
configuration steps.  
TECHNICAL NOTE: In order to use the simultaneous mode,  
you must set the resolution of the internal display panel to  
match the resolution of the external display device. The  
external display device must support a resolution of 640 X 480  
or higher.  
Display limitations  
Keep in mind that the quality of the display will be limited to  
the capabilities of the external video device.  
       
Getting Started  
Connecting an optional external diskette drive  
74  
If the external video device, such as an SVGA monitor, is  
capable of displaying at a maximum resolution of 640 x  
480 and your system is set for a higher resolution, only  
part of the desktop will appear on the screen. You can  
view the “lost” area by scrolling to it.  
If you use the display hot key (Fn + F5) to change the  
display output with the LCD Display Stretch option  
enabled and the Display area (resolution) set to 640 x 480  
or 800 x 600, the image on the internal display panel may  
appear stretched.  
The Windows® XP operating system by default does not  
display resolutions below 800 x 600. To display the 640 x 480  
resolution, you may need to click the Settings tab in the  
Display Properties window, click Advanced, click the  
Adapter tab, click List all modes.  
Connecting an optional external diskette drive  
You can attach an optional external USB diskette drive to use  
diskettes with your computer. These drives hold 3.5-inch  
diskettes.  
Sample external USB diskette drive  
To connect an external USB diskette drive, connect the  
drive’s cable to one of the computer’s USB ports.  
   
Getting Started  
Using an external keyboard  
75  
Using an external keyboard  
If you prefer to use a full-size keyboard, you can attach one to  
your computer provided that the keyboard is  
USB-compatible.  
To connect a keyboard, attach its cable to one of the  
computer’s USB ports. You can do this after you turn on the  
computer.  
The Fn emulation key is not supported when using a USB  
keyboard.  
Turning off the computer  
It is a good idea to turn off your computer when you are not  
using it for a while.  
If you are using the computer for the first time, leave the  
computer plugged into a power source (even though the  
computer is off) to fully charge the main battery. When the  
main battery light glows green, the battery is fully charged.  
When you power down the computer, you have three options  
to choose from: Turn Off (or Shut down), Hibernate and  
Standby. Each option has its advantages.  
Use the Turn Off command if you are using the  
Windows® XP Home version operating system, or the  
Windows® XP Professional operating system when not  
connected to a domain server.  
Use the Shut down command if you are using the  
Windows® XP Professional operating system and  
connected to a domain server.  
If you have work in progress and are not connected to a  
network, use the Windows® Standby or Hibernate  
commands to save your system settings to memory so  
         
Getting Started  
Caring for your computer  
76  
that, when you turn on the computer again, you will  
automatically return to where you left off.  
To leave the computer off for a longer period, you can  
use the Windows® Turn Off command when not  
connected to a domain server or the Shut down command  
when connected to a domain server instead.  
Never turn off the computer while any drive is in use. Doing so  
may damage the media in use and result in loss of data.  
page 96.  
Caring for your computer  
This section gives tips on cleaning and moving your  
computer, and explains how to fit an antitheft lock. For  
information about taking care of your computer’s battery, see  
“Running the computer on battery power” on page 115.  
Cleaning the computer  
To keep your computer clean, gently wipe the display panel  
and exterior case with a lightly dampened cloth. Ask your  
Toshiba dealer for suggestions for appropriate cleaning  
products.  
Keep liquid, including cleaning fluid, out of the computer’s  
keyboard, speaker grille, and other openings. Never spray  
cleaner directly onto the computer. Never use harsh or caustic  
chemical products to clean the computer.  
       
Getting Started  
Caring for your computer  
77  
Moving the computer  
Before moving your computer, even across the room, make  
sure all disk activity has ended (the disk activity lights stop  
glowing) and all external peripheral cables are disconnected.  
Never pick up the computer by its display panel or by the back  
(where the ports are located).  
Although your notebook computer is built to withstand  
reasonable shock and vibration, transport it in a carrying case  
for long trips. You can purchase a carrying case from your  
Toshiba dealer or at Toshiba’s Web site at toshiba.com.  
Using a computer lock  
You may want to secure your computer to a heavy object  
such as your desk. The easiest way to do this is to purchase an  
optional PORT-Noteworthy® computer lock cable.  
PORT-Noteworthy® computer lock cable  
To secure the computer:  
1
Loop the cable through or around some part of a heavy  
object.  
Make sure there is no way for a potential thief to slip the  
cable off the object.  
2
3
Pass the locking end through the loop.  
Insert the cable’s locking end into the security lock slot,  
then rotate the key a quarter turn and remove it.  
       
Getting Started  
Caring for your computer  
78  
The computer is now securely locked to deter computer  
theft.  
Locking the computer  
Chapter 3  
Learning the Basics  
This chapter lists some computing tips and provides  
important information about basic features.  
Computing tips  
Your work temporarily stays in the computer’s memory  
until you save it to the disk. You will lose all unsaved  
work, if, for example, a system error occurs and you must  
restart your computer, or your battery runs out of charge  
while you are working. Your computer can be configured  
to warn you when the battery is running low. See “Setting  
battery alarms” on page 121.  
HINT: Some programs have an automatic save feature which  
you can turn on. This feature saves your file to the hard disk at  
preset intervals. See your software documentation for details.  
79  
         
Learning the Basics  
Using the keyboard  
80  
Back up your files to storage media on a regular basis.  
Label the backup copies clearly and store them in a safe  
place.  
If your hard disk suddenly fails, you may lose all the data  
on it unless you have a separate backup copy.  
Use Error-Checking and Disk Defragmenter regularly to  
conserve disk space and help your computer perform at  
its optimal level. Consult your Windows® XP operating  
system documentation for more information on these and  
other utilities.  
Always use the proper procedure to turn off the  
computer. (See “Powering down the computer” on  
page 96.)  
The operating system records information, such as your  
desktop setup, during its shut down procedure. If you do not  
let the operating system shut down normally, details such as  
new icon positions may be lost.  
Using the keyboard  
Home  
PgUp  
7
9
8
4
6
-
5
End  
End  
PgDn  
+
1
3
2
/
Del  
Ins  
0
Sample keyboard  
     
Learning the Basics  
Using the keyboard  
81  
Character keys  
Typing with the character keys is very much like typing on a  
typewriter, except that:  
The spacebar creates a space character instead of just  
passing over an area of the page.  
The lowercase l (el) and the number 1 are not  
interchangeable.  
The uppercase letter O and the number 0 are not  
interchangeable.  
The Caps Lock key changes only the alphabet keys to upper  
case — the number and symbol keys are not affected.  
The caps lock light on the keyboard indicator panel  
illuminates when you press the Caps Lock key.  
Ctrl, Fn, and Alt keys  
Ctrl  
Fn  
Alt  
.
Ctrl, Fn and Alt keys  
The Ctrl, Fn, and Alt keys do different things depending on the  
program you are using. For more information, see your  
program documentation.  
Function keys  
The function keys (not to be confused with the Fn key) are the  
12 keys at the top of the keyboard.  
Function keys  
F1 through F12 are called function keys because they run  
programmed functions when you press them. Used in  
combination with the Fn key, function keys marked with icons  
run specific functions on the computer.  
           
Learning the Basics  
Using the keyboard  
82  
Windows® special keys  
Application key  
Windows logo key  
Windows® special keys  
The keyboard provides two keys that have special functions  
in the operating system:  
The Windows® logo key opens the Start menu.  
The Application key has the same function as the  
secondary TouchPad control button (or secondary mouse  
button).  
Overlay keys  
&
(
)
7
Home  
8
9
PgUp  
0
7
8
9
U
I
O
P
4
5
6
-
.
J
K
L
:
;
End  
PgDn  
+
?
/
1
2
3
>
.
Del  
M
Ins  
0
/
End  
Keyboard overlay keys  
The keys with numbers and symbols on the front of them  
form the numeric and cursor overlay. This overlay lets you  
enter numeric data or control the cursor as you would using  
the ten-key keypad on a desktop computer’s keyboard.  
         
Learning the Basics  
Using the keyboard  
83  
Using the numeric keypad overlay  
To turn on the numeric keypad overlay, press Fn and F11  
simultaneously. The numeric mode light on the keyboard  
indicator panel glows when the numeric overlay is on.  
You can still use the overlay keys to type alphabetic  
characters while the numeric overlay is on. To do so:  
For lowercase letters, hold down Fn while you type the  
letters.  
For uppercase letters, hold down both Fn and Shift while  
you type the letters.  
To use the cursor control overlay when the numeric overlay is  
on, press and hold down Shift while you use the cursor control  
keys. To return to the numeric overlay, release Shift.  
To turn off the numeric keypad overlay, hold down the Fn key  
and press F11 again. The numeric mode light on the keyboard  
indicator panel goes out.  
Using the cursor control overlay  
To turn on the cursor control overlay, press Fn and F10  
simultaneously. The cursor control mode light on the  
keyboard indicator panel glows when the cursor control  
overlay is on.  
To type alphabetic characters while the overlay is on:  
For lowercase letters, hold down Fn while you type the  
letters.  
For uppercase letters, hold down both Fn and Shift while  
you type the letters.  
To use the numeric keypad overlay when the cursor control  
overlay is on, hold down Shift while you use the numeric  
overlay keys. To return to the cursor control overlay, release  
Shift.  
       
Learning the Basics  
Emulating a full-size keyboard  
84  
To turn off the cursor control overlay, hold down the Fn key  
and press F10 again. The cursor control mode light on the  
keyboard indicator panel goes out.  
Although the computer’s keyboard layout is compatible with  
a standard full-size keyboard, it has fewer keys.  
Pressing the Fn key simultaneously in combination with one  
of the specially marked keys allows you to emulate a full-size  
keyboard. For further information and instructions, see “Hot  
Keys” on page 228.  
The Fn emulation key is not supported when using a USB  
keyboard.  
Starting a program  
The easiest way to start a program is to double-click the name  
of the file that contains the information you want to work on.  
To find the file, use My Computer or Windows Explorer.  
If you prefer to open the program first, you have four options:  
Double-click the program icon on your desktop  
Use the Start menu  
Use Windows Explorer to locate the program file  
Use the Run dialog box  
The Windows® XP operating system tutorial chapter gives  
step-by-step instructions for starting a program from the Start  
menu. See “Lesson 6: Starting programs” on page 140.  
         
Learning the Basics  
Saving your work  
85  
Saving your work  
Before you turn off the computer, save your work to the hard  
disk drive.  
Always save your data even when you are using Standby  
mode. If your battery fully discharges, your information will be  
lost. Your computer can be configured to warn you when the  
battery is running low. See “Setting battery alarms” on  
page 121.  
Many programs offer a feature that saves documents at  
regular intervals, such as every 15 minutes. Check your  
programs’ documentation to see whether they have an  
automatic save feature.  
To save:  
A file you are updating, open the program’s File menu  
and click Save.  
A new file, choose Save As from the File menu, type a  
name for the file, and click OK.  
HINT: To make another copy of the file you are currently  
working with, choose Save As from the File menu and give the  
new file a different name.  
For information on how to name a file, see “Windows® XP  
file system” on page 132.  
     
Learning the Basics  
Printing your work  
86  
Printing your work  
Verify that the Windows® XP operating system is set up for  
your printer as described in “Setting up a printer” on page 63.  
TECHNICAL NOTE: You only need to set up the printer the first  
time you connect it. If you use more than one printer or are  
changing printers, you will need to set up the operating system  
to run with the additional printer(s).  
To print a file:  
1
2
If your printer is not on, turn it on now.  
In the File menu of your program, click Print.  
The program displays a Print dialog box.  
Click OK to print.  
3
Backing up your files  
Backing up your files means copying individual files to  
media, such as CD. Or copying entire sections of your hard  
disk to another device such as a tape drive or to your network  
partition.  
To back up to a CD, optional diskette drive or other media:  
1
2
3
Insert the media into the appropriate drive.  
Click Start, then click My Computer.  
Double-click the drive that contains the file you want to  
copy.  
       
Learning the Basics  
Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive  
87  
4
Double-click the folder that contains the file, then click  
the file you want to copy.  
HINT: You can use the Ctrl or Shift keys to select more than one  
file. To select multiple consecutive files, hold down the Shift  
key and click the first and then the last file (all files within that  
range will be highlighted). To select non-consecutive files,  
hold down the Ctrl key and click the individual files you want to  
select.  
5
6
Right-click, select File, then click Send To.  
Click the icon for the destination device.  
HINT: You can also back up a file to a diskette by clicking the  
file (or files) you want to backup with the secondary button,  
then pointing to Send To and clicking 3 1/2 Floppy (A:).  
Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive  
Optical storage has become the preferred medium for  
software, music, and video. Digital versatile discs (DVDs)  
provide a significant increase in data storage and support  
features that are not available on any other video platform.  
These features include wide-screen movies, multiple  
language tracks, digital surround sound, multiple camera  
angles, and interactive menus.  
 
Learning the Basics  
Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive  
88  
For these reasons, your computer may come with a DVD-  
ROM or multifunction drive.  
HINT: Your DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive is designed to  
play region 1 (North America) DVD-ROMs.  
For optimum DVD performance, it is recommended that you  
play DVDs while running the computer on AC power.  
You use CD-ROMs to load and run software, and to access  
reference material such as catalogs, as well as listen to music.  
A special feature allows you to play audio CDs even when  
the computer is turned off.  
DVD-ROM drive components  
Your DVD-ROM drive may look like this:  
Eject button  
Manual eject hole  
Sample DVD-ROM drive  
Never press the eject button or turn off the computer while the  
drive-in-use indicator light is glowing. Doing so could  
damage the disc or the drive.  
 
Learning the Basics  
Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive  
89  
The eject button requires power to operate. The manual eject  
button does not require power.  
Never use a pencil to press the manual eject button. Pencil  
lead can break off inside the computer and damage it. Instead,  
use a slim object such as a straightened paper clip.  
Inserting a disc  
Before playing an audio CD, turn the volume down. Playing  
the compact disc at maximum volume could damage your  
ears. To turn the volume down, access the Volume Control  
program (click Start, All Programs, Accessories,  
Entertainment, Volume Control).  
1
If the computer is turned on, press the eject button on the  
DVD-ROM drive.  
The disc tray partially opens.  
To avoid damaging a disc or losing data, check that the disc  
activity light is off before opening the disc tray.  
2
3
Grasp the disc tray and pull it fully open.  
Hold the disc by its edges and check that it is clean and  
free of dust.  
Handle discs carefully. Avoid touching the surface of the disc.  
Grasp it by its center hole and edge. If you handle the disc  
incorrectly, you could lose data.  
       
Learning the Basics  
Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive  
90  
4
Carefully place the disc in the empty tray with its label  
facing up.  
Inserting a disc  
Be careful not to touch the drive’s lens (located underneath the  
drive’s spindle) or the area around it. Doing so could cause the  
drive to malfunction.  
5
Gently press the center of the disc onto the spindle until it  
locks into place.  
Spindle  
Correct position  
Disc  
Incorrect position  
Incorrect position  
Positioning the disc on the spindle  
Make sure the disc is properly positioned on the spindle. If  
you position the disc incorrectly, it can jam the disc tray.  
 
Learning the Basics  
Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive  
91  
6
Close the disc tray by pressing gently on the center of the  
tray until it clicks indicating that it is locked.  
Playing an audio CD  
Insert an audio CD and close the disc tray.  
The computer automatically detects a disc in the drive and  
opens the Audio CD window. To play an audio CD select the  
Play Audio CD using Windows Media Player option and  
click OK.  
Sample Audio CD window  
   
Learning the Basics  
Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive  
92  
The Windows Media Player window appears.  
Rewind  
Fast forward  
Play  
Stop  
Volume control  
Previous track  
Next track  
Mute  
Sample Windows MediaTM Player window  
The Windows MediaTM Player control panel works much like  
an ordinary compact disc player:  
To play the CD or to pause, click the Play/Pause button  
on the CD Player control panel.  
To stop the CD, click the Stop button.  
 
Learning the Basics  
Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive  
93  
Viewing the contents of a CD or DVD  
CDs and DVDs contain files just like the hard disk. CDs are  
often used to install software or store files that require lots of  
space, such as photographs and large presentation files. You  
can use Explorer or My Computer to view the contents of any  
CD or DVD.  
Removing a disc with the computer on  
Never press the eject button or turn off the computer while the  
drive-in-use light is glowing. Doing so could damage the disk  
or the drive.  
1
Locate and press the eject button.  
The disc tray partially opens.  
2
3
Grasp the sides of the disc tray and pull it fully open.  
Remove the disc from the disc tray and place it in its  
protective cover.  
If the disc is spinning when you open the disc tray, wait for the  
disc to stop before removing it.  
4
Close the disc tray by pressing gently on the center of the  
tray until it clicks indicating that it is locked.  
         
Learning the Basics  
Setting up for communications  
94  
Removing a disc with the computer off  
1
Insert a slender object, such as a straightened paper clip,  
into the manual eject button access hole.  
Never use a pencil to press the manual eject button. Pencil  
lead can break off inside the computer and damage it.  
2
3
Pull the tray fully open, remove the disc and place it in its  
protective cover.  
Close the disc tray by pressing gently on the center of the  
tray until it clicks, indicating that it is locked.  
Caring for CDs and DVDs  
Store your discs in their original containers to protect  
them from scratches and keep them clean.  
Never bend a disc or place heavy objects on top of it.  
Hold a disc by its outside edge. Fingerprints on the  
surface of a compact disc can prevent the drive from  
reading the data properly.  
Avoid exposing discs to direct sunlight or extreme heat or  
cold.  
To clean a disc, wipe it from the center outwards (not in a  
circle) with a clean, dry cloth. If necessary, moisten the  
cloth with water or a neutral cleaner (not benzine or  
rubbing alcohol). Let the disc dry completely before  
inserting it in the drive.  
Setting up for communications  
To communicate across the telephone lines with another  
computer, you need:  
The computer’s modem  
         
Learning the Basics  
Setting up for communications  
95  
A telephone line  
An Internet Service Provider (ISP)  
To connect to the Internet, you need a Web browser, such as  
Microsoft® Internet Explorer.  
Connecting the modem to a phone line  
Your computer comes with a built-in modem. To use the  
modem, you must connect it to a standard voice-grade RJ-11  
telephone line.  
For more information regarding your computer’s modem, visit  
Toshiba’s Web site at pcsupport.toshiba.com.  
1
2
Attach one end of a standard RJ-11 telephone cable to the  
modem port.  
To locate the modem port, see “Right side” on page 41.  
Plug the other end of the RJ-11 telephone cable into the  
modular jack of a standard voice-grade telephone line.  
Connecting your computer to a network  
You can connect your computer to a network remotely, using  
the built-in modem and a dial-up connection. For specific  
information about connecting to the local area network  
(LAN) or wide area network (WAN), consult your network  
administrator.  
To use a dial-up connection, have your network administrator  
configure your computer for the network and supply you with  
the telephone number for the dial-up connection. To set up  
the network connection, use the Dial-Up Networking Wizard:  
1
2
Click Start and point to All Programs.  
Point to Accessories, then to Communications.  
               
Learning the Basics  
Powering down the computer  
96  
3
4
Click Network Setup Wizard or Network  
Connections.  
Enter the phone number of your network connection and  
let the program dial the number.  
The computer connects with the network.  
Powering down the computer  
Pushing the power button before shutting down the Windows®  
operating system could cause you to lose your work. Make  
sure the system indicator panel’s disk light and the drive-in-  
use light are off. If you turn off the power while a disk is being  
accessed, you may lose data or damage the disk and/or drive.  
When you power down the computer, you have three options  
to choose from: Turn Off (or Shut down), Standby and  
Hibernation.  
TECHNICAL NOTES: Before using any of these options to  
power down your computer, save your files and make sure the  
disk activity lights are off.  
If you change your mind and decide to continue working after  
all, wait a few seconds before turning the computer on again.  
Turn Off or Shut down command  
The Turn Off or Shut down commands power off the  
computer. The Windows® XP Home operating system uses  
the Turn Off command. The Windows® XP Professional  
operating system uses the Turn Off command if you are not  
connected to a Windows® domain server. The Windows® XP  
Professional operating system uses the Shut down command  
if you are a member of a domain.  
             
Learning the Basics  
Powering down the computer  
97  
Factors to consider when choosing Turn Off or Shut down:  
No power is used while the computer is turned off. This  
is the most efficient mode if you will be away from your  
computer for an extended time.  
Restarting from Turn Off or Shut down uses the most  
time and battery power.  
When starting up again, the system does not  
automatically open the programs and files you were  
previously using.  
Restart command  
Restart is the same as Turn Off or Shut down but  
automatically powers up the computer. Use it when you need  
to reload the operating system, for example to activate  
changes to system settings.  
Hibernation command  
The Hibernation command shuts the computer down  
completely, but it first saves the current state of the computer  
to the hard disk. Since Hibernation mode does not require  
power to maintain the saved information, the system settings  
are retained indefinitely. Restoring information from the hard  
disk takes longer than restoring it from memory. When you  
start up again, the computer runs a self-test, loads the  
operating system, and then returns to the state in which you  
left it.  
Factors when choosing Hibernation mode:  
While in Hibernation mode, the computer uses no battery  
power.  
Because the state of the system is held on the hard disk,  
no data is lost if the battery discharges.  
Restarting from Hibernation mode uses less time and  
battery power than restarting from Turn Off.  
       
Learning the Basics  
Powering down the computer  
98  
Restarting from Hibernation mode uses a little more time  
information is being retrieved from the hard disk instead  
of memory.  
When starting up again, the computer returns to the state  
in which you left it, including all open programs and files  
you were using.  
For more information about the Hibernation command, see  
“Using Hibernation” on page 103. For information about  
going into Hibernation mode more quickly, see “Going into  
Hibernation mode more quickly” on page 106.  
Standby command  
Standby puts the computer into a power-saving mode.  
Standby holds the current state of the computer in memory so  
that, when you restart the computer, you can continue  
working from where you left off.  
Factors when choosing Standby:  
While in Standby mode, the computer uses some battery  
power. The battery will eventually discharge in Standby  
mode. If the battery discharges, your data will be lost if  
you do not save your work before entering Standby  
mode.  
Restarting from Standby mode uses less time and battery  
power than restarting from Turn Off or Hibernation  
mode.  
When starting up again, the computer returns to the mode  
in which you left it, including all open programs and files  
you were using.  
If you power down using Standby and the battery discharges  
fully, your information will be lost. Be sure to save your work  
first.  
   
Using Turn Off or Shut down  
99  
For more information about the Standby, see “Using  
Standby” on page 110. For information about going into  
Standby mode more quickly, see “Going into Standby mode  
more quickly” on page 111.  
Using Turn Off or Shut down  
If you are using the Windows® XP Home operating system,  
or are using the Windows® XP Pro operating system and are  
not a member of a domain, power off the computer as  
follows:  
1
Click Start, Turn off computer.  
The Turn off computer window appears.  
Sample Turn off computer window  
Click Turn Off.  
2
The computer turns itself off.  
If you are using the Windows® XP Pro operating system and  
are a member of a domain, power off the computer as  
follows:  
1
Click the Start button, then Shut down.  
The Shut Down window appears.  
     
Learning the Basics  
Using Turn Off or Shut down  
100  
Sample Shut down computer window  
2
3
Click OK.  
The computer turns itself off.  
Holding the shift key while the Turn Off computer Windows  
dialog box is open, changes the Standby button to hibernate.  
For more information about setting up hibernation  
“Hibernation command” on page 97 and “Using Hibernation”  
on page 103.  
Turning off or shutting down more quickly  
In addition to the method described above, you can turn off or  
shut down the computer by pressing the power button.  
To do so, you must preset the mode.  
1
Click Start, Control Panel.  
The Control Panel window appears.  
2
3
Click Performance and Maintenance.  
Double-click the Toshiba Power Saver icon.  
The TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties window appears.  
   
Learning the Basics  
Using Turn Off or Shut down  
101  
You can also access the TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties  
window by using the TOSHIBA Console. See “TOSHIBA  
Console” on page 189.  
Sample TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties window  
4
5
Select the listed power option you desire—for example,  
Normal in the “Running on batteries” section.  
Click Details in the same section as the power option you  
selected. If you selected Normal, you would click  
Details in the “Running on batteries” section.  
The properties window for the option you selected  
appears. If you selected the Normal option, the Normal  
Properties window appears.  
Learning the Basics  
Using Turn Off or Shut down  
102  
Sample Normal Power Properties window  
6
7
Click the System Power Mode tab.  
Select Power Off for the options you want:  
When I press the power button  
Set this option to power off if you want the computer  
to turn off when you press the power button.  
When I close the lid  
Set this option to power off if you want the computer  
to turn off when you close the display panel.  
Learning the Basics  
Using Hibernation  
103  
8
Click Override all Modes with settings here.  
The Set the range window appears.  
Sample Set the range window with DC only option  
Do one of the following:  
9
Click DC only if you want the settings to apply only  
when you are using battery power.  
Click All for the settings to apply whether you are  
using battery power or outlet power.  
10 Click OK to close the Normal Power Properties window.  
11 Click OK to close the TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties  
window, then close the Control Panel.  
Starting again after Turn Off or Shut down  
To start the computer up again, press and release the power  
button. The on/off light turns on.  
Using Hibernation  
When Hibernation is enabled, you can put the computer into  
Hibernation in more than one way.  
         
Learning the Basics  
Using Hibernation  
104  
Enabling the Hibernation command  
Hibernation enabled is a default setting. If it should become  
disabled, you can enable it as follows:  
1
Click Start, Control Panel.  
The Control Panel window appears.  
2
3
Click Performance and Maintenance.  
Double-click the Toshiba Power Saver icon.  
The TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties window appears.  
Sample TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties window  
4
5
Click the Hibernate tab, then click the Enable  
hibernate support check box.  
Click OK to close the TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties  
window, then close the Control Panel.  
   
Learning the Basics  
Using Hibernation  
105  
Going into Hibernation mode  
If you are using the Windows® XP Home operating system,  
or are using the Windows® XP Pro operating system and are  
not a member of a domain, power off the computer using the  
Hibernation command as follows:  
1
Click Start, Turn off computer.  
The Turn off computer window appears.  
Sample Turn off computer window with shift key held down to  
show Hibernate option  
2
Hold down the shift key and click Hibernate  
(“Hibernate” only appears when the shift key is pressed).  
The computer saves the state of the system, including all  
open programs and files, to the hard disk. Then the computer  
turns itself off.  
If you are using the Windows® XP Pro operating system and  
are a member of a domain, power off the computer using  
Hibernation as follows:  
1
Click Start, Shut Down.  
The Shut Down window appears.  
   
Learning the Basics  
Using Hibernation  
106  
Sample Hibernate computer window  
2
3
Select Hibernate from the drop-down list of options.  
Click OK.  
The computer saves the state of the system, including all  
open programs and files, to the hard disk. Then the computer  
turns itself off.  
Going into Hibernation mode more quickly  
You can also put the computer into Hibernation mode in the  
following ways:  
By pressing the hotkey combination Fn + F4.  
See “Hibernation mode” on page 233.  
By pressing the power button  
By closing the display panel  
To put the computer into Hibernation mode by pressing the  
power button and/or closing the display, you must preset the  
mode:  
1
Click Start, Control Panel.  
The Control Panel window appears.  
Click Performance and Maintenance.  
2
 
Learning the Basics  
107  
3
Double-click the Toshiba Power Saver icon.  
The TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties window appears.  
You can also access the TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties  
window by using the TOSHIBA Console. See “TOSHIBA  
Console” on page 189.  
Sample TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties window  
4
5
In the Running on batteries area, click the Details button.  
The Normal Power Properties window appears.  
Click the System Power Mode tab.  
Learning the Basics  
Using Hibernation  
108  
Sample Normal Power Properties window  
Select Hibernation for the options you want:  
6
When I press the power button  
Set this option to Hibernation so that the computer  
will go into Hibernation mode when you press the  
power button.  
When I close the lid  
Set this option to Hibernation so that the computer  
will go into Hibernation mode when you close the  
display panel.  
Learning the Basics  
Using Hibernation  
109  
7
Click Override all Modes with settings here.  
The Set the range window appears.  
Sample Set the range window with DC only option  
8
Do one of the following:  
Click DC only if you want the settings to apply only  
when you are using battery power.  
Click All for the settings to apply whether you are  
using battery power or outlet power.  
9
Click OK to close the Normal Power Properties window.  
10 Click OK to close the TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties  
window, then close the Control Panel.  
Starting again from Hibernation mode  
To start the computer from Hibernation mode, press and  
release the power button. The computer returns to the screen  
you were using.  
If you put the computer in Hibernation mode by closing the  
display panel, you can start it again by opening the display  
panel.  
If your computer is running on batteries, you cannot start it  
again by opening the display panel. To turn the system back  
on, press the power button.  
   
Learning the Basics  
Using Standby  
110  
Using Standby  
If you are using the Windows® XP Home operating system,  
or are using the Windows® XP Pro operating system and are  
not a member of a domain, power off the computer using the  
Standby command as follows:  
1
Click Start, Turn off computer.  
The Turn off computer window appears.  
Sample Turn off computer window  
Click Stand By.  
2
The computer saves the state of all open programs and files to  
memory, turns off the display, and goes into a low-power  
mode. The on/off light ( ) blinks amber indicating the  
machine is in Standby mode.  
If you are using the Windows® XP Pro operating system and  
are a member of a domain, power off the computer using the  
Standby command as follows:  
1
Click Start, then Shut down.  
The Shut Down window appears.  
       
Learning the Basics  
111  
Using Standby  
Sample Stand by window  
2
3
Select Stand by from the drop-down list of options.  
Click OK.  
The computer saves the state of all open programs and files to  
memory, turns off the display, and goes into a low-power  
mode. The on/off light blinks amber to indicate the machine  
is in Standby mode.  
If you power down using the Standby command and the  
battery discharges fully, your information will be lost. Be sure  
to save your work often.  
Going into Standby mode more quickly  
You can also put the computer into Standby mode in three  
ways:  
By pressing the hot key combination Fn + F3.  
See “Standby mode” on page 232.  
By pressing the power button  
By closing the display panel  
 
Learning the Basics  
Using Standby  
112  
To put the computer into Standby mode when you press the  
power button or close the display panel, you must preset the  
mode:  
1
Click Start, Control Panel.  
2
3
Click Performance and Maintenance.  
Double-click the Toshiba Power Saver icon.  
The TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties window appears.  
You can also access the TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties  
window by using the TOSHIBA Console. See “TOSHIBA  
Console” on page 189.  
Sample TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties window  
4
Click Details in the Running on batteries section.  
The Normal Power Properties window appears.  
Learning the Basics  
113  
Using Standby  
5
Click the System Power Mode tab.  
Sample Normal Power Properties window  
Select Standby for the options you want:  
6
When I press the power button  
Set this option to Standby so that the computer will  
go into Standby mode when you press the power  
button.  
When I close the lid  
Set this option to Standby so that the computer will  
go into Standby mode when you close the display  
panel.  
Learning the Basics  
Using Standby  
114  
7
Click Override all Modes with settings here.  
The Set the range window appears.  
Sample Set the range window with DC only option  
8
Do one of the following:  
Click DC only for the settings to apply only when  
you are using battery power.  
Click All for the settings to apply whether you are  
using battery power or outlet power.  
9
Click OK to close the Normal Power Properties window.  
10 Click OK to close the TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties  
window, then close the Control Panel.  
Starting again from Standby  
To start the computer from Standby mode, press the power  
button. The computer returns to the screen you were using.  
If you put the computer in Standby mode by closing the  
display panel, you can start it again by opening the display  
panel.  
     
Chapter 4  
Mobile Computing  
This chapter covers all aspects of using your computer while  
traveling.  
Toshiba’s energy-saver design  
Your computer enters a low-power standby mode when it is  
not being used, thereby conserving energy and saving money  
in the process. It has a number of other features that enhance  
its energy efficiency.  
Many of these energy-saving features have been set by  
Toshiba. We recommend you leave these features active,  
allowing your computer to operate at its maximum energy  
efficiency, so that you can use it for longer periods while  
traveling.  
Running the computer on battery power  
The computer contains a removable Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)  
high-capacity battery that provides power when you are away  
from an AC outlet. You can recharge it many times.  
115  
           
Mobile Computing  
Running the computer on battery power  
116  
Battery Notice  
Battery life may vary depending on applications, power  
management settings and features utilized. Recharge time varies  
depending on usage. The battery may not charge while the  
computer is consuming full power.  
perform at maximum capacity and will need to be replaced.  
This is normal for all batteries. To purchase a new battery  
pack, visit the Toshiba Web site at: toshiba.com.  
To ensure that the battery maintains its maximum capacity,  
operate the computer on battery power at least once a month  
until the battery is fully discharged. Please see “Maximizing  
battery life” on page 126 for procedures. If the computer is  
continuously operated on AC power, either through an AC  
adapter or a docking station for an extended period, more  
than a month, the battery may fail to retain a charge. It may  
not function efficiently over the expected life of the battery  
and the battery light may not indicate a low-battery condition.  
In addition, the computer has an internal real-time clock  
(RTC) battery. The RTC battery powers the RTC memory,  
which stores your system configuration settings and the  
current time and date for up to a month while the computer is  
turned off.  
For optimum DVD performance, Toshiba recommends that you  
play DVDs while running on AC power rather than on battery  
power.  
Power management  
Your computer ships with the power management options  
preset to a configuration that will provide the most stable  
operating environment and optimum system performance for  
both AC power and battery modes.  
     
Mobile Computing  
Charging the batteries  
117  
Changes to these settings may result in system performance  
or stability issues. Users who are not completely familiar with  
the power management component of the system should use  
the preset configuration. For assistance with setup changes,  
contact the Toshiba Global Support Centre.  
Charging the batteries  
Battery charge time may vary depending on the applications,  
power management settings, and features used.  
The battery needs to be charged before you can use it to  
power the computer.  
Never leave batteries in the battery charger for more than a  
week at a time. Doing so may reduce the potential charge of  
the battery.  
Use only battery chargers designed to work with your  
notebook computer. You can order a Toshiba battery charger  
from Toshiba’s Web site at toshiba.com.  
Charging the main battery  
To charge the battery, plug the computer into a live wall  
outlet. It takes several hours to charge the battery with the  
computer off. It takes much longer to charge the battery while  
the computer is on.  
TECHNICAL NOTE: The battery does not charge while the  
computer is consuming full power.  
       
Mobile Computing  
Charging the batteries  
118  
The battery may not start charging immediately if:  
The battery is extremely hot or cold.  
To ensure that the battery charges to its full capacity, wait  
until it reaches room temperature (50 to 80 degrees  
Fahrenheit, 10 to 26 degrees Celsius).  
The battery is almost completely discharged.  
Leave the power connected, and the battery should begin  
charging after a few minutes.  
HINT: Once the battery is fully charged, we recommend that  
you operate your computer on battery power until the battery  
discharges completely. Doing this extends battery life and  
helps ensure accurate monitoring of battery capacity.  
Charging the RTC battery  
The computer contains an internal battery that provides  
power for the real-time clock (RTC) and calendar.  
During normal use, the main battery keeps the RTC battery  
adequately charged. Occasionally, the RTC battery may lose  
its charge completely, especially if you have had the  
computer turned off for a long time.  
TECHNICAL NOTE: The RTC battery does not charge while the  
computer is turned off even when AC power is attached.  
If the RTC battery is low, the real-time clock and calendar  
may display the incorrect time and date, or stop working.  
   
Mobile Computing  
Monitoring battery power  
119  
To recharge the RTC battery, plug in the computer and leave  
it turned on until the RTC is fully charged.  
It is seldom necessary to charge the RTC battery because it  
charges while the computer is on. If the RTC battery is low, the  
real-time clock and calendar may display the incorrect time  
and date or stop working.  
When Hibernation mode is enabled and the RTC battery is  
completely discharged, a warning prompts you to reset the  
real-time clock.  
The computer can be used while the RTC battery is being  
charged, although the charging status of the RTC battery  
cannot be monitored.  
Monitoring battery power  
The battery light indicates the battery’s current charge. The  
indicator light:  
Glows green when the battery is fully charged  
Glows amber while the battery is being charged  
Does not glow if the external power source is  
disconnected or if the battery is completely discharged  
Determining remaining battery power  
Wait at least 16 seconds after turning on the computer before  
trying to monitor the remaining battery power. The computer  
needs this time to check the battery’s remaining capacity and  
perform its calculations.  
1
Click Start, then click Control Panel.  
The Control Panel opens.  
         
Mobile Computing  
Monitoring battery power  
120  
2
Click Performance and Maintenance.  
3
Click the Toshiba Power Saver icon.  
The TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties window appears.  
You can also access the TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties  
window by using the TOSHIBA Console. See “TOSHIBA  
Console” on page 189.  
4
Choose the Power Save Modes tab, then under the  
Running on Batteries section, click Details.  
5
Click the Power Save Mode tab.  
The current power source and battery power remaining  
section displays the current charge state of the battery.  
The value displays as a percentage of remaining battery  
charge.  
TECHNICAL NOTE: The computer drains the battery faster at  
low temperatures. Check your remaining charge frequently if  
you are working in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  
The computer calculates the remaining battery charge based  
on your current rate of power use and other factors such as the  
age of the battery.  
Conserving battery power  
How long a fully charged battery lasts when you are using the  
computer depends on a number of factors, such as:  
How the computer is configured  
How much you use the display panel instead of an  
external monitor  
How much you use the hard disk and other drives  
Whether you use any optional devices to which the  
battery supplies power, such as a PC Card  
   
Mobile Computing  
Monitoring battery power  
121  
Where you are working—since operating time decreases  
at low temperatures  
Toshiba’s power-saving options greatly increase the length of  
time you can use the computer before it becomes necessary to  
recharge the battery.  
Toshiba has combined these options into preset power usage  
modes.  
What to do when the battery runs low  
When the battery runs low you can:  
Plug the computer into an external power source and  
recharge the battery.  
Put the computer in Hibernate mode and replace the  
battery with a charged spare.  
Save your work and turn off the computer.  
If you do not manage to do any of these things before the  
battery completely runs out of power, the computer  
automatically enters Hibernate mode and turns itself off.  
Hibernate mode keeps track of where you were so, when you  
turn on the power again, you can continue where you left off.  
The computer stores the information on what you were doing  
until the battery runs out of power. If you have Hibernate  
mode enabled (the default), the computer copies the details of  
your open programs and files to the hard disk before shutting  
down.  
Setting battery alarms  
Your computer can be configured to warn you when the  
battery is running low.  
You can set multiple alarms. Each alarm can be set to alert  
you when a specified percentage of remaining battery power  
has been reached. You can set how the warning occurs: sound  
an alarm, display a message, both, or none. You can also set  
           
Mobile Computing  
Changing the main battery  
122  
the computer to enter Standby mode or Hibernation mode, or  
to Turn Off or Shut down when the alarm goes off.  
To set an alarm:  
1
Click Start, then click Control Panel.  
2
3
Click Performance and Maintenance.  
Click the Toshiba Power Saver icon.  
The TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties window appears.  
You can also access the TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties  
window by using the TOSHIBA Console. See “TOSHIBA  
Console” on page 189.  
4
Choose the Power Save Modes tab, then under the  
Running on Batteries section, click Details.  
5
Click the Alarm tab and set the alarm, as desired.  
Changing the main battery  
When your battery power is running low, you have two  
options—connect the computer to an AC power source or  
install a charged battery.  
If your battery discharges fully, your information will be lost.  
Be sure to save your work often.  
When handling a battery, be careful not to drop it or short-  
circuit its terminals. Also, do not drop, hit or otherwise impact  
the battery. Do not scratch or break the casing and do not twist  
or bend the battery pack.  
Do not remove the battery pack while the computer is in  
Standby mode. Data in memory will be lost.  
       
Mobile Computing  
Changing the main battery  
123  
Removing the battery from the computer  
1
2
Save your work.  
Turn off the computer via the Start menu or place it in  
Hibernate mode according to the instructions in “Using  
Hibernation” on page 103.  
3
4
Remove all cables connected to the computer.  
Close the display panel and turn the computer upside  
down with the front side of the computer facing you.  
5
Move the battery release lock to the left in order to move  
the battery release latch.  
Releasing the battery lock  
6
Slide the battery release latch towards the back of the  
computer.  
   
Mobile Computing  
Changing the main battery  
124  
Releasing the battery  
7
While still holding the release latch in the open position  
lift the battery pack out of the computer.  
Removing the battery  
If the battery is leaking or its case is cracked, put on protective  
gloves to handle it, and discard it immediately following the  
advice in “Disposing of used batteries safely” on page 127.  
Mobile Computing  
Taking care of your battery  
125  
The computer’s main battery is a Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery,  
which can explode if not properly replaced, used, handled, or  
disposed of. Putting spent batteries in the trash is not only  
irresponsible, it may be illegal. Dispose of the battery as  
Use only batteries recommended by Toshiba.  
Inserting the battery in the computer  
Assuming you just removed the battery pack (see “Removing  
the battery from the computer” on page 123):  
1
2
3
Place the battery pack in the battery compartment.  
Ensure the battery release latch clicks into place.  
Move the battery release lock to the right to lock the  
release latch.  
4
5
Turn the computer right side up.  
Reconnect the cables and turn on the computer.  
Taking care of your battery  
The following sections offer tips on how to take care of your  
battery and prolong its life.  
Safety precautions  
If the battery pack produces an odor, overheats or  
changes color or shape while it is being used or charged,  
turn off the computer’s power immediately and  
disconnect the power cord from the power socket.  
Carefully remove the battery pack from the computer.  
Do not try to disassemble a battery pack.  
       
Mobile Computing  
Taking care of your battery  
126  
Do not overcharge or reverse charge a battery.  
Overcharging will shorten its life, and reverse charging  
could damage it.  
Avoid touching the metal terminals of the battery with  
another metal object. Short-circuiting the battery can  
cause it to overheat and may cause damage to the battery  
or the computer.  
Do not incinerate a spent battery, as this could cause it to  
explode and release toxic materials.  
If a battery is leaking or damaged, replace it immediately.  
Use protective gloves when handling a damaged battery.  
To replace the main battery, use an identical battery that  
you can purchase through toshiba.com.  
A reverse polarity condition should be avoided with all  
batteries. The main battery is designed so that it cannot  
be installed in reverse polarity.  
Charge the battery only in the computer or in a battery  
charger designated as an approved option.  
When you install the battery pack, you should hear a  
click when it is seated properly.  
Do not expose the battery pack to fire. The battery pack  
could explode.  
Maximizing battery life  
To maximize the life of your battery pack:  
At least once a month, disconnect the computer from a  
power source and operate it on battery power until the  
battery pack fully discharges. Before doing so, follow the  
steps below:  
1
2
Turn off the computer’s power.  
Disconnect the AC adapter and turn on the  
computer’s power. If it does not turn on, go to step 4.  
 
Mobile Computing  
Disposing of used batteries safely  
127  
3
4
Operate the computer on battery power for five  
minutes. If the battery pack has at least five minutes  
of operating time, continue operating until the battery  
pack is fully discharged. If the main battery light  
flashes or there is some other warning to indicate a  
low battery, go to step 4.  
Connect the AC adapter to the computer and the  
power cord to a power outlet. The DC-IN or AC  
power light should glow green, and the main battery  
light should glow amber to indicate that the battery  
pack is being charged. If the DC-IN or AC power-  
light indicator does not glow, power is not being  
supplied. Check the connections for the AC adapter  
and power cord.  
5
Charge the battery pack until the main battery light  
glows green.  
If you have extra battery packs, rotate their use.  
If you will not be using the system for an extended  
period, more than one month, remove the battery pack.  
Disconnect the AC adapter when the battery is fully  
charged. Overcharging makes the battery hot and  
shortens life.  
If you are not going to use the computer for more than  
eight hours, disconnect the AC adapter.  
Store spare battery packs in a cool dry place out of direct  
sunlight.  
Disposing of used batteries safely  
The life of a battery pack should last for years. When the  
battery pack needs replacing, the main battery light flashes  
amber shortly after you have fully recharged the battery.  
   
Mobile Computing  
Traveling tips  
128  
You must discard a battery if it becomes damaged.  
The computer’s main battery is a Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery,  
which can explode if not properly replaced, used, handled, or  
disposed of. Putting spent batteries in the trash is not only  
irresponsible, it may be illegal. Dispose of the battery as  
required by local ordinances or regulations.  
Use only batteries recommended by Toshiba.  
insert regarding the disposal of batteries. If not, check with  
your local government agency for information on where to  
recycle or dispose of old batteries.  
Traveling tips  
The environmental precautions listed in “Selecting a place to  
work” on page 48, also apply while traveling.  
Never leave your computer on a sunny ledge or in a place  
where it could get wet or covered in dust.  
Always travel with the computer in a carrying case.  
Toshiba offers a choice of carrying cases for the  
computer. They all provide plenty of extra space for  
manuals, power cables, and compact discs. Contact your  
authorized Toshiba representative for more information.  
TECHNICAL NOTE: When traveling by air, you may be required  
to pass your notebook through airport security equipment. The  
X-ray equipment will not harm your computer.  
   
Chapter 5  
Getting to Know the  
Windows® XP Operating  
System  
This chapter introduces the Windows® XP operating system  
by guiding you through a few basic tasks.  
If you have used a Windows® operating system before, you  
will find the Windows® XP operating system familiar.  
Whether you have used a Windows®operating system or not,  
the skill and confidence you will gain from this chapter will  
more than offset the short amount of time spent going  
through these lessons.  
As you explore your computer’s operating system further,  
you will often discover alternative ways of accomplishing a  
particular task.  
For more detailed information on your operating system,  
refer to the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system  
documentation that came with your computer.  
HINT: The illustrated examples in this guide may appear  
slightly different from the screens displayed by your system.  
However, the differences are not significant and do not indicate  
any change in the functionality of your system.  
129  
   
Getting to Know the Windows ® XP Operating System  
Lesson 1: Exploring the desktop  
130  
Lesson 1: Exploring the desktop  
The desktop is the launching pad for everything you can do in  
the Windows® XP operating system. You use its features to  
start programs, find documents, set up system components,  
and perform most other computing tasks.  
Finding your way around the desktop  
Your computer’s desktop includes several standard features:  
icons, Start button, shortcut tray, taskbar, system tray, and  
background pattern.  
Icons  
Start button  
Taskbar  
System tray  
Sample Desktop  
Icons  
An icon represents a folder, file, or program that can be  
quickly activated by double-clicking on it.  
         
Getting to Know the Windows® XP Operating System  
131  
Lesson 1: Exploring the desktop  
You can create a new desktop icon for any folder, file, or  
program by dragging the element’s icon from its location in a  
window to the desktop area.  
The icons initially displayed on your system desktop include:  
Toshiba Access—Opens a window with links to software  
updates, services and support, and other important benefits.  
Recycle Bin—Holds files you have deleted using the  
Windows Explorer. You may retrieve these files until you  
empty the Recycle Bin.  
TECHNICAL NOTE: If you delete a file from a diskette, it does  
not go into the Recycle Bin. For more information on the  
Recycle Bin, see Windows® online Help.  
Internet Explorer—The Microsoft® browser allows you to  
view Web pages when connected to the Internet.  
If you place the cursor over an icon, a popup description of the  
file contents appears.  
Your desktop may contain other icons depending on your  
configuration. See Windows® XP online Help and Support  
for more specific information on each icon and how to use it.  
Start button  
You use the Start button to:  
Start programs  
Access Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system  
update information  
Open recently accessed documents  
Adjust system settings  
       
Getting to Know the Windows ® XP Operating System  
Lesson 1: Exploring the desktop  
132  
Search for files  
Access Windows Help and Support Center  
Run programs  
Suspend system activity and shut down the computer  
For more information on starting programs, see “Lesson 6:  
Starting programs” on page 140.  
Taskbar  
Each time you open a program, a button associated with that  
program appears on the taskbar. With some programs, a  
button appears on the taskbar for each document or window  
you open. You can use these buttons to quickly switch  
between the programs or windows.  
To make a program or window the active one, click the  
program’s or window’s button on the taskbar.  
System tray  
The system tray displays icons of tasks or programs that run  
continuously in the background. To learn more about each  
task, position the cursor over the icon for a few moments and  
a short description of the task appears.  
Typical tasks in the system tray are Current time, Power  
usage mode, and speaker volume.  
To activate a specific task, double-click the appropriate  
system tray icon.  
Windows® XP file system  
All files on your computer are organized for accessibility  
using a hierarchal file system.  
Programs, documents, and other data are held in files. These  
files can be grouped together in folders, and folders can be  
grouped inside other folders for convenient organizing. All  
         
Getting to Know the Windows® XP Operating System  
Lesson 2: Using the TouchPad and control buttons together  
133  
the files and folders reside in your computer on a storage  
device, such as a disk drive.  
You can think of your computer storage system in terms of  
office equipment. You have a file cabinet (device), that  
contains folders, and each folder may contain documents.  
Your office may have more than one file cabinet, just as your  
computer may have more than one disk drive.  
Computers can be connected together to form a network, so  
that programs, documents and other data can be quickly and  
easily shared between computers.  
You can use the My Computer feature on the Start menu to  
access any file in the Windows® file system.  
For more information, read the Microsoft documentation that  
comes with your computer.  
Lesson 2: Using the TouchPad and control  
buttons together  
The “Getting Started” chapter introduced you to the  
TouchPad, which is your basic tool for moving around the  
screen. This lesson lets you practice using the TouchPad and  
control buttons in tandem.  
1
Using the TouchPad, move the pointer to the Start  
button, then click the primary button (usually the left) to  
open the Start menu.  
In this guide, the term “click” refers to the primary button,  
which is usually the left-hand button. You can also double-tap  
the TouchPad surface to perform the same function.  
Instructions requiring the secondary button specifically  
mention that button. For example, “click the secondary  
button.”  
           
Getting to Know the Windows ® XP Operating System  
Lesson 2: Using the TouchPad and control buttons together  
134  
2
Click an empty area of the desktop to close the Start  
menu.  
3
With the pointer in an empty area of the desktop, click  
the secondary button (the right-hand button) to open the  
desktop shortcut menu.  
As the name implies, shortcut menus provide quick  
access to many operating system features.  
Sample desktop shortcut menu  
4
5
Click an empty area to close the shortcut menu.  
Use the TouchPad to move the pointer to the Start  
button. Click Start, and select My Computer.  
The My Computer window appears.  
Sample My Computer window  
   
Getting to Know the Windows® XP Operating System  
Lesson 2: Using the TouchPad and control buttons together  
135  
6
Now click the Close button in the upper-right corner of  
this window.  
The operating system closes the My Computer window.  
If the taskbar is locked, you need to unlock it. To unlock the  
taskbar, place the cursor on the taskbar and click the  
secondary button. Uncheck “Lock the Taskbar.”  
7
Click an empty area of the taskbar at the bottom of the  
screen and, while holding down the primary button, use  
the TouchPad to drag the pointer to the right edge of the  
desktop, then release the primary button. (This process is  
known as “clicking and dragging.”)  
The taskbar moves from the bottom to the right edge of  
the desktop.  
Taskbar  
Sample desktop with the taskbar on the right  
Getting to Know the Windows ® XP Operating System  
Lesson 3: Learning about the Internet  
136  
HINT: You can move the taskbar to any of the desktop’s four  
edges.  
8
Click the taskbar once again and drag it back to the  
bottom of the desktop.  
Lesson 3: Learning about the Internet  
This lesson demonstrates how to access a Web page from a  
window and from the taskbar.  
The lesson assumes you have an account with an Internet  
Service Provider (ISP).  
Opening a Web page from a window  
The most common way to open a Web page is by typing a  
Web address in the address line of the Web browser itself. But  
you can also type a Web address in the My Computer  
window.  
1
Click Start, then double-click My Computer.  
The My Computer window appears.  
2
On the View menu, point to Toolbars, then click  
Address Bar if it is not checked.  
The operating system displays the address bar. It  
indicates that you are in “My Computer.” You can also  
type a Web address in the address line.  
     
Getting to Know the Windows® XP Operating System  
137  
Lesson 4: Creating a new document  
Sample My Computer window  
Lesson 4: Creating a new document  
This lesson teaches you how to create a text file without  
having to first open a program.  
1
Move the pointer to an empty area of the desktop, then  
click the secondary button.  
The operating system displays a shortcut menu of  
commands applicable to the desktop.  
2
Click New, then click Text Document.  
The operating system creates an icon on the desktop  
called New Text Document with the icon name  
highlighted.  
3
4
To give your document a meaningful name, type My New  
Doc.txt and press Enter.  
Double-click the My New Doc icon.  
The operating system opens the new document in  
Notepad—the text editor built into the operating system.  
     
Getting to Know the Windows ® XP Operating System  
Lesson 5: Creating a new folder  
138  
Sample Notepad window  
Notice that when the document opens, there is a new  
button on the taskbar that reads My New Doc- Notepad  
(the name may be too long to fit into the taskbar space  
but, if you point to the name, the complete name is  
visible). By displaying buttons like this one, the taskbar  
helps you keep track of the programs and files you  
currently have open.  
To learn more about Notepad, click Help or open the  
Help menu by pressing F1. For now, leave Notepad open  
and go on to the next lesson.  
Lesson 5: Creating a new folder  
DEFINITION: A folder is an area where you can store  
documents and other types of files. It is analogous to a file  
folder stored in a file cabinet. In this case, a disk drive in the  
computer is the file cabinet.  
   
Getting to Know the Windows® XP Operating System  
139  
Lesson 5: Creating a new folder  
The operating system stores documents and programs in  
folders. It even stores other folders in folders. In this lesson,  
you will create a folder in which to store your new document.  
1
Move the pointer to an empty area of the desktop, then  
click the secondary button.  
The operating system displays the desktop shortcut  
menu.  
2
Click New, then click Folder.  
The operating system creates an icon on the desktop  
called New Folder with the icon name highlighted.  
3
4
Type a name for the folder, such as My Folder, then  
press Enter.  
Close the Notepad document you just created by clicking  
the Close button on the right side of the Notepad title bar.  
The operating system displays the document as an icon  
on the desktop.  
5
Click the document icon and drag it toward your New  
Folder icon. Position the document icon over the New  
Folder icon until it changes color, then release the  
primary button.  
The outline of the document icon moves across the  
desktop and disappears into the folder.  
6
7
To see your document, double-click the folder icon.  
A window opens and displays the contents of the folder.  
Close the window by clicking its Close button and  
continue with the next lesson to learn how to start  
programs.  
     
Getting to Know the Windows ® XP Operating System  
Lesson 6: Starting programs  
140  
Lesson 6: Starting programs  
Usually, you will know which program you want to use for a  
particular task.  
This lesson teaches you how to launch programs from the  
Start menu, using two of the programs that are built into the  
Windows® XP operating system: Paint and Windows®  
Explorer.  
To launch the Paint program:  
1
2
3
Click Start, then point to All Programs.  
Click Accessories.  
Click Paint.  
The operating system opens Paint—a basic drawing  
program.  
Sample Paint window  
To launch Windows® Explorer:  
1
Click Start, then point to All Programs.  
     
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Lesson 6: Starting programs  
2
Click Windows Explorer.  
The operating system opens Windows® Explorer, which  
provides access to all your computer’s resources. For  
example, it lets you see all the files in a particular folder  
on the computer’s hard disk.  
Sample Windows Explorer window  
Notice the taskbar now has two buttons on it—one for  
Paint and one for Windows® Explorer.  
3
To re-display the Paint program, click the Paint button  
on the taskbar.  
The operating system displays the Paint program.  
The operating system places the active window on top of  
other windows on the desktop unless you have selected a  
different display option. You can move back and forth  
between the two programs by alternately clicking each  
button.  
Getting to Know the Windows ® XP Operating System  
Lesson 7: Resizing, repositioning, and hiding windows  
142  
Lesson 7: Resizing, repositioning, and hiding  
windows  
If you have followed the lessons in this chapter, you now  
have a screen with several program windows open. You can  
organize these windows by resizing and repositioning  
windows so that you can see more than one of them at a time.  
You can also hide windows by removing them from the  
desktop without actually closing your document or program.  
This lesson introduces several ways to adjust the size, shape,  
and position of windows open on the desktop.  
Using the taskbar  
If you have applications open on the desktop, you can  
rearrange them by pointing to the taskbar using the TouchPad  
and clicking the secondary button. The Windows® XP  
operating system provides these options:  
Move windows  
Size windows  
Minimize all windows—display only the taskbar buttons  
Maximize windows  
Close windows  
Choose your option depending on how you wish to set up  
your desktop.  
Minimizing and maximizing windows  
1
To make the Windows® Explorer window the active  
window, click the Windows Explorer button on the  
taskbar.  
The operating system highlights the Windows® Explorer  
title bar to show that Windows® Explorer is the active  
window.  
             
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143  
2
Click the Minimize button at the top-right of the  
Explorer window to hide the window.  
Windows® Explorer disappears from the desktop.  
However, it is still open, as you can see from the taskbar.  
HINT: Minimizing program windows is a good way to clean up  
the desktop without actually closing programs.  
3
Click the Maximize button in the top-right corner of the  
Paint window.  
The Paint window expands to fill the screen, hiding  
everything except the taskbar. Notice that the Maximize  
button has changed. It is now called the Restore Down  
button.  
HINT: Maximizing a program is a good way to work when you  
are only using that program and do not want any distractions  
on the screen.  
Resizing and moving windows  
1
Click the Restore Down button in the top-right corner of  
the Paint window.  
Paint returns to its previous size and location. Notice that  
the Restore Down button has changed back into the  
Maximize button.  
For the next few steps assume that you want to be able to  
see both Paint and Windows Explorer at the same time.  
2
Move the pointer to the right-hand edge of the Paint  
window.  
The pointer changes to a two-headed arrow.  
     
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Lesson 7: Resizing, repositioning, and hiding windows  
144  
3
Click and drag the edge of the window until it takes up  
just less than half the width of the desktop.  
4
Click the title bar of the Paint window and drag it to the  
left side of the desktop.  
You can move any window by clicking its title bar and  
dragging it.  
5
6
Click Windows Explorer button on the taskbar.  
Repeat steps 3 and 4 to change the size and position of  
Windows Explorer, placing it on the right side of the  
desktop.  
Now that the windows are side by side, you can see how  
you could refer to one window while working in the  
other.  
Resizing and moving windows allows you to rearrange the  
desktop to suit your needs. Experiment with different sizes  
and placements of windows to find the best arrangement for  
your work.  
Sample Windows Explorer windows  
At this point you have two programs open on the desktop.  
The next lesson shows you how to close them.  
   
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Lesson 8: Closing programs  
Lesson 8: Closing programs  
Once you are finished working with a document or program,  
it is a good idea to close it. While you can run several  
programs at the same time, having a large number of  
programs and documents open simultaneously can slow  
down your computer.  
This lesson teaches you how to close the programs you  
opened earlier in this tutorial.  
To close the programs:  
1
Click the Close button at the top-right of the Explorer  
window.  
Windows® Explorer closes, removing the Explorer button  
from the taskbar as well.  
2
Close Paint and the My Computer window (assuming it  
is still open) by clicking the Close buttons for each  
program.  
HINT: Always save your work before you close a program.  
Lesson 9: Creating shortcuts  
By adding shortcuts to your desktop, you can open programs  
or files with the click of a button. You will probably want to  
create shortcuts for the programs you use most frequently.  
This lesson explains how to create shortcuts using two  
Windows® accessories, Calculator and Character Map, as  
examples.  
Creating a shortcut to the Calculator  
Use this method when you know the name and location of the  
program file to which you would like to create a shortcut.  
                 
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Lesson 9: Creating shortcuts  
146  
1
Move the pointer to an empty area of the desktop, then  
click the secondary button.  
The operating system displays the desktop shortcut  
menu.  
2
Click New, then click Shortcut.  
The operating system displays the Create Shortcut dialog  
box.  
Sample Create Shortcut dialog box  
3
In the Command line box, type c:\windows\system32\calc.exe  
and click Next.  
The operating system prompts you to select a name for  
the shortcut.  
4
Type Calculator and click Finish.  
The operating system displays the new shortcut on your  
desktop.  
Creating a shortcut to the Character Map  
Use this method when you do not know the name and  
location of the program file.  
1
Click Start, then point to Search.  
   
Getting to Know the Windows® XP Operating System  
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Lesson 9: Creating shortcuts  
Sample Search options on the Start menu  
2
Click All Files and Folders.  
The operating system displays the Search Results dialog  
box.  
Sample Search Results dialog box  
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Lesson 10: Changing the screen saver  
148  
HINT: Search also allows you to perform searches on the  
Internet.  
3
Type char in the All or part of the file name: text box,  
and then click Search.  
The operating system displays a list of all the files with  
“char” in their names.  
4
5
Click the Character Map file with the secondary button  
and drag it to the desktop.  
A shortcut menu appears.  
Click Create Shortcut here.  
A shortcut to the Character Map appears on your desktop.  
Clicking a shortcut icon opens the program or folder  
immediately. You can place as many shortcuts on your  
desktop as you find useful.  
HINT: The Character Map is a useful tool when you want to add  
a special character to a document.  
Lesson 10: Changing the screen saver  
You can personalize the background area of your desktop  
with pictures, patterns, or colors. The background is  
considered a “property” of your desktop. This lesson will not  
only teach you how to change the background, but will also  
introduce you to properties.  
The operating system treats all windows, icons, programs,  
drives, etc. as self-contained objects, each with its own set of  
properties (such as size, position on-screen, and color). Many  
 
Getting to Know the Windows® XP Operating System  
149  
Lesson 10: Changing the screen saver  
of these properties can be customized to meet your particular  
needs and tastes.  
DEFINITION: An object is an independent block of data, text, or  
graphics that was created by an individual application.  
This lesson introduces object properties by showing you how  
to change one of the properties of the desktop—the screen  
saver. This is a continuously changing pattern that appears on  
the screen during pauses in your work.  
1
Move the pointer to an empty area of the desktop, then  
click the secondary button.  
The operating system displays the desktop shortcut  
menu.  
2
Click Properties.  
The operating system opens the Display Properties dialog  
box.  
Sample Display Properties dialog box  
3
4
Click the Screen Saver tab.  
Click the arrow beside the current option to open the  
screen saver list box.  
       
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Lesson 11: Setting the date and time  
150  
5
Scroll through the screen saver options by clicking the  
scroll arrows in the list box.  
6
Try a screen saver pattern by clicking a name in the list  
box.  
The operating system displays your selection in the  
monitor above the list box. Try several patterns.  
7
8
To apply a pattern to your desktop, click Apply.  
After you have chosen a screen saver pattern and applied  
it to your desktop, click OK.  
The operating system returns you to the desktop.  
You can view any object’s properties by clicking the object  
with the secondary button, then choosing Properties from  
the shortcut menu that appears.  
The next lesson explains how to set two other properties—the  
date and time.  
Lesson 11: Setting the date and time  
You initially set the computer’s date and time properties  
when you turned the computer on for the first time and set up  
the operating system.  
To change the date and time settings:  
1
2
Click Start, then click Control Panel.  
Click the Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options  
icon.  
3
Click the Date and Time icon.  
The operating system displays the Date and Time  
Properties dialog box.  
     
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Lesson 11: Setting the date and time  
Sample Date and Time Properties dialog box  
HINT: To open the Date and Time Properties dialog box more  
quickly, either click the time display on the taskbar with the  
secondary button, then click Adjust Date and Time, or double-  
click the time display.  
4
5
6
Click the Date & Time tab and set the correct month,  
year, day, and time.  
Click the Time zone tab, then the drop-down list box and  
set your time zone.  
Click OK.  
There is a third tab, Internet Time, which when selected  
allows you to have Windows® XP automatically synchronize  
your time. However, you need to be connected to the Internet  
for this function to work.  
Continue with the next lesson to finish cleaning up the  
desktop.  
Getting to Know the Windows ® XP Operating System  
Lesson 12: Removing objects from the desktop  
152  
Lesson 12: Removing objects from the desktop  
Earlier in this tutorial, you created a new icon on the desktop.  
Since everything you have done to this point has been just  
practice, you may want to return the desktop back to its  
original uncluttered state. This lesson explains how to  
remove objects from the desktop and introduces the Recycle  
Bin.  
1
Click the New Folder icon you created, drag it until it is  
over the Recycle Bin icon and it changes color, then  
release the primary button.  
The icon disappears. But it is not really gone. It is merely  
set aside in the Recycle Bin so that you can restore or  
delete it later.  
2
3
Repeat step 1 for any other icons you created during this  
tutorial.  
Each icon disappears as you drop it on the Recycle Bin.  
Double-click the Recycle Bin icon.  
The operating system opens the Recycle Bin window.  
Notice that all the icons you dropped on the Recycle Bin  
are listed.  
     
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153  
Lesson 12: Removing objects from the desktop  
Sample Recycle Bin open on the desktop  
4
To completely remove an object, select it, and then click  
File, Delete.  
The object is permanently deleted from the Recycle Bin.  
Later on—in your real work, not in this tutorial—you will use  
the Recycle Bin to delete other objects such as folders,  
documents, and sometimes even programs. Still, the process  
is the same. Just drag an object’s icon to the Recycle Bin.  
If you change your mind and want to restore an object you  
sent to the Recycle Bin, select the object with the secondary  
button and click Restore Down. The operating system  
restores the object to the place from which it was deleted.  
When you are absolutely certain that you never want to see it  
again, delete it from the Recycle Bin.  
Getting to Know the Windows ® XP Operating System  
Lesson 13: Using System Restore  
154  
To delete everything from the Recycle Bin at once, choose  
Empty Recycle Bin from the File menu. Click Yes to  
confirm that you are sure.  
HINT: Empty the Recycle Bin periodically. Even though an item  
is moved to the Recycle Bin, it still uses valuable space on the  
hard disk drive until it is deleted from the Recycle Bin.  
Lesson 13: Using System Restore  
The System Restore feature allows you to return your  
computer to the way it was configured on a specific date or  
time, a “restore point.” This is useful if you are reconfiguring  
your computer for new hardware or software. In the event  
that your hardware or software causes your computer to  
malfunction, you can remove the offending item(s) and  
restore the system to the state it was in at the preset time.  
To get to System Restore, click Start, point to All Programs,  
Accessories, System Tools and click System Restore.  
The System Restore Welcome screen appears.  
Sample System Restore Welcome screen  
     
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155  
Lesson 14: If I am lost, what do I do?  
The operating system guides you through the process of  
storing your system settings for future use. It also guides you  
through restoring your system to the selected date or time.  
Lesson 14: If I am lost, what do I do?  
This lesson teaches you how to use some of the Help and  
Support features in Windows® XP operating system.  
Windows® XP Help and Support Center  
The Windows® XP operating system has a Help and Support  
facility. If you cannot figure out how to do something, the  
answer is probably only a few clicks away.  
Assume that you want to draw a picture, but do not know  
how.  
1
Click Start, then click Help and Support.  
The operating system opens the Help and Support Center  
window.  
2
If you do not see the index, click the Index button on the  
top of the screen.  
       
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Lesson 14: If I am lost, what do I do?  
156  
The Help and Support Center Index window pane  
appears.  
Sample Help and Support Center Index  
The left side of the screen contains the index. The text  
box above the index, where the cursor is flashing, lets  
you type in a topic you want to find in the index.  
3
4
Type pictures in the Type in the keyword to find: text  
box.  
Notice as you type that the index moves to locate what  
you typed. When you type the letter p, the topic list  
moves to the first entry that begins with P, and so on.  
There are a number of topics listed under Picture. One of  
them, Creating pictures using Paint, looks promising.  
Double-click Creating pictures using Paint.  
Help opens a topic screen that gives a brief description of  
how to draw pictures, including an icon to start the Paint  
program.  
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Lesson 14: If I am lost, what do I do?  
Sample Drawing help window  
5
Click the Paint link.  
The operating system opens the Paint program.  
Not every Help topic contains a hot link to start the  
program it is talking about. However, when you do  
encounter one, it provides a convenient way to start the  
program to look at it while you read about the program in  
the Help topic.  
Using the online tours and tutorials  
Whether you are new to computers or you have some  
experience, the Windows® XP Tours and Tutorials collection  
is a good place to start.  
If you are not familiar with the Windows® XP operating  
system, start with “Windows XP Preview.”  
“Learning about the benefits of Windows XP features” is a  
helpful introduction to the new features in the Windows® XP  
operating system.  
To start a Windows® XP tour or tutorial:  
1
Click Start, then Help and Support.  
   
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Lesson 15: Turning off your computer  
158  
2
Click What’s new for Help and support.  
On the right pane, click Tours and articles.  
On the right pane, click Tour of Windows XP.  
3
4
Sample Help and Support Center window  
It is very important that you let the Windows® XP operating  
system shut down your computer. As it shuts down, the  
operating system performs a number of tasks that ensure that  
everything is in place the next time you turn on the computer.  
To let the operating system shut down your computer, see  
“Using Turn Off or Shut down” on page 99.  
There are other ways to shut down your computer. For more  
information, see “Powering down the computer” on page 96.  
   
Chapter 6  
Exploring Your Options  
In this chapter, you will explore other features of your  
notebook computer.  
Windows® XP special features  
The Windows® XP operating system offers you several new  
features and enhancements, including:  
New system file protection  
A system restore function, allowing you to rollback the  
system to its previous mode  
An improved help center, support automation, and  
automatic Windows® operating system update  
Wizards to simplify setting up your home network  
Ability to share one Internet connection among multiple  
PCs  
An automatic discovery feature that allows your  
computer to detect new and intelligent devices  
159  
     
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Personalizing your desktop  
160  
Personalizing your desktop  
Your desktop is your virtual workspace. This section explains  
how to customize its features for the way you like to work.  
You can customize the following aspects of the desktop:  
Taskbar—which resources to display for quick access  
Active Desktop® interface—what information from the  
Internet to always display  
Desktop style—how windows are displayed and how to  
browse folders and files  
Toolbars—what information appears at the top of each  
window  
Customizing the taskbar  
As you work, the taskbar changes to reflect what you are  
doing. Its icons provide shortcuts to programs, documents,  
files, folders, system features, and components. Open  
applications also have Forward and Backward buttons to  
allow navigation through folders, documents, and Web sites.  
For example, you can personalize the taskbar to include  
Quick Launch icons, and also your favorite URL addresses or  
local folders and programs.  
DEFINITION: URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator, which  
is the address that defines the route to a file on the Web or any  
other Internet facility. Generically, it is known as the World  
Wide Web site address.  
Having a list of favorite URLs handy saves time. Using it  
bypasses the need for you to launch your browser first.  
To customize your taskbar settings, point to an empty space  
in the taskbar and click the secondary button. Then click  
Properties.  
       
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Personalizing your desktop  
161  
Bringing the world to your desktop  
With the Windows® XP operating system you can set up your  
desktop with complete World Wide Web integration at a  
single click.  
Turning on the Web content interface  
The first step to bring active content to your desktop is to turn  
on the Web content interface:  
1
Point to an empty space on the desktop and click the  
secondary button.  
2
Click Properties.  
The Display Properties window appears.  
Click the Desktop tab.  
3
4
5
6
Click the Customize Desktop button.  
Click the Web tab.  
Follow the instructions to set up your desktop.  
Adding components to the Web content interface  
1
Point to an empty space on the desktop and click the  
secondary button.  
2
Click on Properties.  
The Display Properties window appear.  
Click the Desktop tab.  
3
4
5
Click the Customize Desktop button.  
Click the Web tab.  
The operating system displays a list of items to add to the  
desktop.  
6
To view additional components, click New.  
The New Desktop Item dialog box appears.  
   
Exploring Your Options  
Personalizing your desktop  
162  
7
To browse the Gallery for more components to add, click  
Visit Gallery.  
In order to browse, an active Internet connection must be  
established.  
8
To select some other Web site, type the address of the  
Web site you want or click Browse to locate it.  
You can configure the Web content interface in several other  
ways. For further information, see your operating system  
documentation or access Windows® Help by clicking Start,  
Help and Support.  
Changing desktop and browsing style  
The operating system enables you to customize the way you  
view your desktop and browse the files and folders on your  
local computer or network file server.  
You can make it so that:  
Items that normally require a double-click will open with  
a single click.  
Folders will open in their own window instead of in the  
same window.  
Folders are accompanied by a list of common tasks  
instead of displayed alone.  
The options you choose determines how you browse in the  
operating system, regardless of whether you start from the  
desktop, My Computer, Windows® Explorer, or Internet  
Explorer.  
For more information about changing your desktop style,  
enter desktop in the Help and Support Index.  
   
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Personalizing your desktop  
163  
Choosing a style  
To select desktop and browsing style options:  
1
2
Click Start, then click My Computer.  
The My Computer window appears.  
Select the Tools menu, then click Folder Options.  
The Folder Options dialog box appears.  
Sample Folder Options dialog box  
3
4
Click the preferred options.  
Click Apply, then OK.  
Personalizing individual windows  
Just as you can display a Web page on your desktop, you can  
also display a Web page in an individual window. If you  
subscribe to the Web page, it can be automatically updated on  
 
Exploring Your Options  
Personalizing your desktop  
164  
a regular basis. For example, using this Web integration  
feature you can monitor weather, game scores, stock prices,  
or headlines—all in the window of your choice.  
Customizing window toolbars  
You can display one or more customizable toolbars at the top  
of a window. As you browse, the operating system detects the  
kind of information presented in the window and  
automatically displays the appropriate toolbar buttons and  
menus.  
You can also add these toolbars to the taskbar.  
Address bar  
Standard buttons  
Sample toolbar locations  
 
Exploring Your Options  
Personalizing your desktop  
165  
The elements you can add to the top of the window are:  
Toolbar element Description  
Address Bar  
Opens Web pages, programs, folders, or  
documents. By default, the address bar  
shows your current location, and whether  
it is a folder or a Web page. You can  
browse to another location by typing an  
address — a URL, a path, or even a pro-  
gram name.  
If you start typing a previously typed  
address, the AutoComplete feature fin-  
ishes the address for you.  
Standard buttons Displays buttons for commonly used  
commands, such as copying, pasting,  
deleting items, changing views, and  
browsing backward and forward.  
Displaying a toolbar in a window  
1
Click Start, then click My Computer.  
The My Computer window appears.  
2
On the View menu, point to Toolbars, then click the  
name of the toolbar you want to display.  
The toolbar appears below the menu bar of the current  
window.  
Displaying information about each folder  
In addition to displaying the contents of each window, you  
might find it helpful to have the operating system display the  
name of the folder and brief information about how to use the  
folder. This means displaying an individual window as a Web  
page.  
1
Click Start, then click My Computer.  
The My Computer window appears.  
     
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Using your computer at the office  
166  
2
Open the folder you want to view as a Web page.  
3
4
In the Tools menu, select Folder Options.  
In the Tasks section, click the button for Show common  
tasks in folders.  
5
Click Apply, then OK.  
Sample Control Panel window as a Web page  
The addition of the name of the folder and instructions for  
how to use the folder on the left give the window the  
appearance of a Web page.  
By connecting an external monitor, external full-size  
keyboard and a mouse, you can work with your notebook as  
if it were a standard office desktop computer.  
You can connect an external monitor to the RGB (monitor)  
port. For more information, see “Using external display  
devices” on page 72.  
     
Using your computer at the office  
167  
You can connect an external USB-compatible keyboard and a  
USB-compatible mouse to one of the USB ports. For more  
information about connecting a mouse, see “Connecting a  
mouse” on page 71.  
Setting up for communications  
To connect to the Internet, use an online service, or  
communicate across the telephone lines with another  
computer, you need:  
A modem (one comes with your computer)  
A telephone line  
A browser or communications program  
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) or online service if  
you plan to use the Internet  
Determining the COM port  
Your modem is connected to one of the computer’s COM  
(communications) ports. The default setting for the modem is  
COM3.  
The following procedure is intended to support you if you  
need to either upgrade your modem or reset the port to the  
default settings.  
If you’re having trouble connecting through the modem, you  
may need to determine the current COM port name and  
possibly change it.  
To find out which port your modem is connected to in the  
operating system:  
1
Click Start, Control Panel, then Printers and Other  
Hardware.  
2
3
Click Phone and Modem options.  
The Phone and Modem options window appears.  
       
Exploring Your Options  
Using your computer at the office  
168  
4
Click the Modems tab.  
A location box appears.  
5
6
7
In the Attached to field, the COM port is specified.  
Make a note of the COM port number.  
To verify that the modem is set up properly, double-click  
the COM port to which your modem is connected.  
The Modem AMR Properties box appears.  
8
9
In the device status area, the computer should indicate  
whether the modem is working properly.  
If the modem is not working properly, click  
Troubleshooting and follow the instructions.  
10 Click OK to close the properties box, then the Phone and  
Modem options box.  
11 Close the Control Panel.  
Connecting the modem to a telephone line  
Before you can use the modem, you must connect it to a  
standard voice-grade telephone line.  
Setting up a dial-up connection  
To set up a dial-up connection, use the Dial-Up Networking  
Wizard:  
1
2
Click Start and point to All Programs.  
Point to Accessories, then to Communications, and  
click New Connection Wizard.  
3
4
Click Next.  
Select the type of connection you want to make.  
Connect to the Internet  
Connect to the Network at My Workplace  
   
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Exchanging data with another computer  
169  
Set up a home or small office network  
Set up an advanced connection  
5
Click Next and follow the directions on the screen.  
The computer connects to the network.  
Exchanging data with another computer  
To transfer a large amount of information between  
computers, you need a physical connection and a  
synchronization program.  
You can use the Windows® XP Briefcase or a specialized  
synchronization program that transfers data using a cable  
connected to the computers’ parallel ports.  
Transferring files using a parallel port connection  
To transfer files using the computers’ parallel ports, you need  
a LapLink®- compatible parallel cable.  
Getting started  
1
2
3
4
5
Connect the cable.  
Load the transfer program on both computers.  
Set any specific options.  
Start the transfer.  
When you have finished transferring files, close the  
programs on both computers.  
Getting help transferring files  
1
Click Start, then Help and Support.  
The Help and Support window appears.  
2
Click the Index button.  
         
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Exchanging data with another computer  
170  
3
In the dialog box, type direct cable connections.  
4
Follow the online guide instructions.  
Setting up a wireless connection  
For information on how to set up a wireless connection, refer  
to your wireless networking device documentation or contact  
your Toshiba Authorized Service Provider.  
Accessing the wireless modules using your system tray  
The following information applies to systems with the  
optional Wi-Fi feature:  
To install the Wi-Fi option at a later time, contact your Toshiba  
Authorized Service Provider.  
When using your Wi-Fi Mini PCI module, your computer  
may display a Network Connection icon in the desktop’s  
system tray to indicate that it is in use.  
You can use the icon to turn off your Wi-Fi Mini PCI module.  
However, you will need to restart your computer to turn it  
back on.  
Your system may display similar icons that perform different  
functions. To ensure you are using the correct one, click the  
icon and click Properties.  
Your Wi-Fi Mini PCI module is integrated into your  
computer system. It is recommended that you do not remove  
the module from your computer. For assistance, contact a  
Toshiba Authorized Service Provider.  
       
Exploring Your Options  
Connecting to the Internet  
171  
Connecting to the Internet  
To connect to the Internet you may need:  
A modem (one comes with your computer)  
A telephone line, DSL, a cable connection, or a satellite  
link  
A browser or communications program  
An Internet Service Provider (ISP)  
Once you have established an ISP account, you can access  
the Internet.  
Connect to the Internet by using a telephone and modem or  
through other higher-speed communication methods, such as  
Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), cable or a satellite link.  
After your Internet connection has been made, start your Web  
browser.  
If you are using your computer at the office, then you  
probably connect to the Internet through your company’s  
network. See your network administrator about connecting to  
the Internet.  
Using a modem  
the computer’s COM (communications) ports. The default  
setting for the modem is COM3.  
If you are having trouble connecting through the modem, you  
may need to determine the current COM port name and  
possibly change it.  
For more information on connecting a modem, see  
“Connecting the modem to a phone line” on page 95.  
     
Exploring Your Options  
An overview of using the Internet  
172  
An overview of using the Internet  
The following sections give a quick introduction to the  
Internet and some of its exciting features, under these  
headings:  
The Internet  
The World Wide Web  
Signing up with an Internet Service Provider  
Getting started  
Surfing the Internet  
Internet features  
Uploading and downloading files from the Internet  
For more information about the Internet, see “Lesson 3:  
Learning about the Internet” on page 136.  
The Internet  
The Internet is an association of thousands of networks and  
millions of computers around the world connected by  
communications lines. They all work together to share  
information.  
The World Wide Web  
The World Wide Web (or ‘Web’) is a subset of the Internet —  
a collection of interlinked documents (located on computers  
connected to the Internet) that work together using a specific  
Internet protocol called Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).  
The World Wide Web offers information as text, images,  
audio, or video to be referenced from anywhere in the world.  
Special programs called Web browsers are specifically  
designed to work with HTTP. They make it easier to connect  
to a particular network address and send and receive  
information.  
               
Exploring Your Options  
An overview of using the Internet  
173  
Internet Service Providers  
To connect a computer directly to the Internet, many people  
and businesses use an Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP  
is a company that has the equipment and the  
telecommunication lines necessary to maintain an Internet  
connection.  
You can connect to the Internet by using a telephone and  
modem or through other higher-speed communication  
methods such as Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), cable, and  
satellite links.  
Signing up with an Internet Service Provider  
Microsoft’s Web browser, Internet Explorer, which is  
preinstalled on your system, is automatically configured so  
that when you first start it, it guides you through signing up  
for a new ISP account, or assists you in setting up your  
computer to work with your existing ISP.  
Once you have established an ISP account, you can access  
the Internet.  
Surfing the Internet  
Once connected to the Internet, the Web browser displays a  
home page, for example, your ISP’s home page on the  
Internet or your company’s Web site home page.  
To visit a desired Web site, type in the Web address. The Web  
address, or Uniform Resource Locator (URL), is a unique  
identifier for that computer system linked to the Internet.  
Web addresses can also appear within a Web page’s text, and  
are known as links. Clicking a link automatically transfers  
your Web browser to that site.  
You can also use a Search Engine, a Web site specifically  
designed to help you look for information.  
               
Exploring Your Options  
An overview of using the Internet  
174  
Internet features  
The Internet offers many types of communication tools to  
help you perform many tasks.  
Internet email  
To send and receive email of your own, you need a  
mailbox on the Web, or an email address.  
If you have an account with an ISP, you can probably set  
up an email address at the same time as you sign up for  
the service.  
Internet chat rooms  
A chat room is a Web site that offers a place where  
people with similar interests and ideas can communicate  
in real-time, one-on-one or in groups, by typing messages  
which are instantly viewed by others on their computer  
screens.  
Internet news groups  
A news group is similar to a chat room, but instead of  
using a dedicated site to converse about a specialized  
subject with others in real-time, it uses a Web site as a  
clearinghouse where all the messages are placed, like a  
gigantic bulletin board.  
Online shopping  
Many Web sites offer products and services for sale.  
Uploading and downloading files on the Internet  
Transferring files from one computer to another is termed  
uploading (transferring data from your computer to a site on  
the Web), or downloading (transferring data from a site on  
the Web to your computer).  
There are several ways to upload or download data. It can be  
as simple as attaching a file or document to an email, or you  
can use the HTTP features of your Web browser to transfer  
             
Exploring Your Options  
Toshiba’s online resources  
175  
large amounts of data. You can also use the File Transfer  
Toshiba’s online resources  
Toshiba maintains a number of online sites to which you can  
connect. These sites provide information about Toshiba  
products, give help with technical questions, and keep you up  
to date with future upgrades. For more information, see  
“Contacting Toshiba” on page 224.  
Exploring video features  
Your computer’s video features provide the viewing of  
presentations or DVD movies on the computer screen.  
TECHNICAL NOTE: Video CD playback capability is not  
enabled on all systems.  
HINT: There are no menus for Video CD 1.0 titles.  
Changing the display properties setting  
1
Right-click anywhere on your desktop and select  
Properties.  
The Display Properties dialog box appears.  
         
Exploring Your Options  
Changing the display properties setting  
176  
Sample Display Properties dialog box  
2
3
Click the Settings tab.  
Slide the Screen area slider bar toward Less until the  
setting reads 800 x 600, then click Apply.  
The screen blinks momentarily while the settings are  
adjusted.  
4
The Monitor Settings window appears and asks if you  
want to keep the settings.  
5
6
Click Yes.  
To change the settings back, repeat steps 2 through 5.  
Display settings hot key  
Using the Fn + F5 keys, you can set your system’s display to  
view DVD movies or presentations on an external device. For  
more information, see “Display modes” on page 234.  
   
Exploring Your Options  
Exploring audio features  
177  
Exploring audio features  
You can use your computer to record sounds using an  
external microphone. You can play .wav sound files or audio  
CDs using the built-in speakers, headphones or external  
speakers.  
Recording sounds  
You can make audio recordings and save them as .wav files  
by connecting an external microphone or other sound source  
to the microphone jack and using the Sound Recorder feature  
in the operating system.  
DEFINITION: A .wav (pronounced “wave”) file is a format for  
storing sound in files.  
TECHNICAL NOTE: If you record MP3 files, you will only be  
able to play them on a device capable of playing MP3 files.  
Using a microphone  
1
Connect an external microphone to the computer.  
2
Click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories,  
Entertainment, then click Sound Recorder.  
           
Exploring Your Options  
Exploring audio features  
178  
Positioning  
bar  
Record  
Stop  
Play  
Skip forward  
Skip backward  
Sample Sound Recorder screen  
3
Click the Record button and speak normally into the  
microphone.  
You can only record 60 seconds at a time.  
4
5
6
When you have finished recording, click the Stop button.  
To hear what you just recorded, click the Play button.  
To save the file, select Save from the File menu.  
Adjusting recording settings  
The better the quality of the recording, the more disk space  
the sound file requires. Experiment to find a balance that fits  
your needs.  
1
Open Sound Recorder, if necessary (click Start, point to  
All Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, then click  
Sound Recorder).  
2
In the Sound Recorder window, click Edit, then click  
Audio Properties.  
   
Exploring Your Options  
179  
Using PC Cards  
3
4
In the Audio Properties dialog box, adjust the Recording  
Volume and Preferred device.  
Click OK.  
Your new settings take effect the next time you record.  
Using external speakers or headphones  
Your computer is equipped with a full stereo sound system  
with internal speakers. Instead of using the internal speakers,  
you can connect headphones or a pair of external stereo  
speakers.  
TECHNICAL NOTE: Use amplified speakers that require an  
external power source. Other types of speakers will be  
inadequate to produce sound from the computer.  
To play back sound files through external speakers or  
headphones:  
1
Locate the headphone jack on the left side of the  
computer.  
2
Using any necessary adapters, plug the cable from the  
headphones or external speakers into the headphone jack.  
The headphone jack requires a 16-ohm stereo mini-jack.  
Using PC Cards  
PC Cards expand your computer’s capabilities and  
usefulness. You can purchase additional PC Cards from your  
dealer. Most PC Cards conform to the PCMCIA (Personal  
Computer Memory Card International Association) standard.  
Your computer has a PC Card slot and supports Type I or  
Type II cards.  
         
Exploring Your Options  
Using PC Cards  
180  
Check the documentation that came with the PC Card to see  
if it conforms to the PCMCIA 2.1 standard, or later. Other  
cards may work with your computer, but are likely to be  
much more difficult to set up and use.  
PC Card supporting software  
PC Cards require Card and Socket Services software — a set  
of programs that acts as a translator between the PC Card and  
the computer, and that makes hot swapping (switching cards  
while the computer is on) possible.  
The operating system provides the Card and Socket Services  
for your PC Card. Even if your PC Card comes with its own  
version of Card and Socket Services, you should use the files  
included in the operating system.  
Inserting PC Cards  
Use caution when lifting or turning your computer. Failure to  
do so may result in damage to components, such as cables,  
attached to your computer, or to the computer itself.  
comes with the card to see if you need to do anything before  
you insert it.  
To insert a PC Card:  
1
Turn off the computer.  
You may also hot swap a PC Card (see “Hot swapping” on  
page 182).  
2
Align the card connectors with the PC Card slot and  
carefully slide the card into the slot until it locks into  
place.  
       
Exploring Your Options  
181  
Using PC Cards  
Inserting a PC Card  
To avoid damaging the PC Card or the computer, do not force  
the card into the PC Card slot.  
Removing PC Cards  
1
Stop the PC Card by clicking the Safely Remove Hardware  
icon on the System tray.  
After the Safe to Remove Hardware message appears, it is  
safe to remove the PC Card.  
2
To remove the PC Card, press the slot’s eject button once.  
   
Exploring Your Options  
Using PC Cards  
182  
Removing a PC Card  
Remove the PC Card and store it properly.  
3
Hot swapping  
One of the great things about PC Cards is that you can  
replace one PC Card with another while the computer is on.  
This is called “hot swapping.”  
Hot swapping precautions  
Although you can insert a PC Card at any time, to avoid data  
loss never remove a card while it is in use. For example:  
Never remove a hard disk card while the system is  
accessing it.  
Never remove a network card while you are connected to  
a network.  
Before removing a PC Card, stop it by clicking the Safely  
Remove Hardware icon on the System tray. Once the PC Card  
has stopped, you can safely remove it. See “Removing PC  
Cards” on page 181.  
     
Chapter 7  
Toshiba Utilities  
Your computer includes several utilities designed to help you  
to configure your system to best meet your individual needs.  
Together, these allow you to ascertain certain system details,  
set additional options, or change default options. These  
utilities are described in this chapter:  
TOSHIBA Accessibility  
Fn-esse®  
Hotkey utility  
Toshiba Console  
TOSHIBA Power Saver  
Toshiba Hardware Setup  
TOSHIBA Accessibility  
The TOSHIBA Accessibility utility allows you to use the Fn  
key to create a hot key combination with one of the function  
keys without pressing the two keys simultaneously as is  
usually required.  
183  
     
Toshiba Utilities  
TOSHIBA Accessibility  
184  
Using Accessibility enables you to make the Fn key a sticky  
key, meaning you can press it once, release it and then press a  
function key to activate the hot key function.  
To open Accessibility:  
1
2
Click Start, then click All Programs.  
Select Toshiba Utilities, then select Accessibility.  
The TOSHIBA Accessibility window appears.  
Check the Use Fn-StickyKey box.  
3
Sample TOSHIBA Accessibility window  
4
5
Put a check mark next to the desired option.  
Click Apply, then click OK.  
The function is now active.  
 
Toshiba Utilities  
185  
Fn-esse  
Fn-esse  
program provide quick ways to open programs, documents,  
and folders from within any program without using the Start  
menu.  
This section describes how to use the Fn-esse program to  
quickly access your programs and files. For information on  
creating operating system shortcuts, see “Lesson 9: Creating  
shortcuts” on page 145.  
With Fn-esse, you can assign an Fn key combination to:  
Open a Windows® program  
Open a file in its associated Windows® program  
Display a customized folder of Windows® programs and/  
or files from which to choose  
The system also has several keys, known as hot keys, that  
perform preassigned operations.  
You can assign any key that is not associated with a hot key  
or a keyboard overlay.  
Starting Fn-esse  
To access Fn-esse, click Start, All Programs, Toshiba  
Utilities and Fn-esse.  
The Fn-esse keyboard appears.  
Sample Fn-esse keyboard  
         
Toshiba Utilities  
Fn-esse  
186  
The keys are color-coded as follows:  
Available keys are white.  
Assigned keys and keys associated with a popup list are  
shown on the Fn-esse keyboard in the selected color.  
Unavailable keys are dark gray.  
Assigning a key to a program or document  
There are two ways to assign a key to open a program or  
document:  
Drag-and-drop  
Use the keyboard  
The method most often used is drag-and-drop.  
Using the Fn-esse drag-and-drop  
To assign a key to a program or document:  
1
2
3
4
Start both Fn-esse and Windows® Explorer (or the  
program supporting drag-and-drop).  
Resize the Explorer window so that you can see both the  
Fn-esse keyboard and Explorer at the same time.  
In the Explorer window, highlight the program or  
document file you wish to assign to a key.  
Click and hold the primary button as you drag the  
highlighted item from Explorer to the key on the Fn-esse  
keyboard you wish assigned.  
5
6
Release the primary button.  
Fn-esse displays the Add/Edit Command window with  
the Description, Command Line, and Working Directory  
fields automatically completed.  
Click OK to close the Add/Edit Command window with  
your key assignment in place.  
     
Toshiba Utilities  
187  
Fn-esse  
The program or document is now associated with the key  
you just selected. To open the program or document,  
press Fn plus the appropriate key.  
Using the keyboard  
To assign a key to open a program or document:  
1
2
Start Fn-esse.  
Using the keyboard, press and hold the Fn key, then press  
the desired assignment key.  
The Assignment Type window appears.  
HINT: If you are making a direct key assignment, complete step  
3. If you are making a popup assignment, complete step 4.  
3
4
To make a direct key assignment, select Direct to display  
the Add/Edit Command window, then complete these  
steps:  
Enter the Description, Command Line, and Working  
Directory for the new Fn-esse key assignment, or  
click the Browse button to specify this information.  
Click OK.  
To make a popup assignment, select Popup to display the  
Application Explorer window, then complete these steps:  
Select the desired folder. The left side of the  
Application Explorer window displays the folders in  
the Programs menu. The right side lists the programs  
and documents in the folder. These are the items that  
appear in the popup list.  
 
Toshiba Utilities  
Hotkey utility  
188  
To create a popup list with items from various  
folders, or to pick only a few items from a folder,  
create a new folder containing only the desired  
programs and documents. If you are unsure how to  
do this, refer to your operating system  
documentation.  
Click OK to associate the folder with the key you  
just selected.  
To open a popup list showing the items in that folder,  
press Fn plus the appropriate key.  
Viewing existing key assignments  
To view the existing key assignments, choose Assignments  
from the Fn-esse keyboard. Fn-esse displays the Function  
Key Assignments window. This box lists all the key  
assignments and the program or document to which each key  
is assigned.  
To view items in a popup list, click the Expand popup lists  
check box.  
Changing or removing existing key assignments  
1
In the Fn-esse keyboard, click the key you wish to  
change with the secondary button.  
Fn-esse displays the Assignment Type window.  
2
3
To change the key assignment, click Direct or Popup  
and continue as if you were creating a new assignment.  
To remove the key assignment, click Clear.  
Hotkey utility  
The hotkey utility allows you to receive a confirmation  
message when you use the hot key combination for Standby  
[Fn + F3] and Hibernation [Fn + F4].  
           
Toshiba Utilities  
TOSHIBA Console  
189  
To activate the utility:  
Click Start, All Programs, Toshiba Utilities and then click  
Hotkey utility.  
The Toshiba Hotkey utility window appears.  
Sample Toshiba Hotkey utility window  
4
5
Put a check mark next to the desired option.  
Click OK.  
TOSHIBA Console  
The TOSHIBA Console provides quick access to computer  
functions and allows you to customize a range of computer  
settings.  
To access the TOSHIBA Console:  
1
Click Start, then click All Programs.  
     
Toshiba Utilities  
TOSHIBA Console  
190  
2
Point to TOSHIBA Console, then click the resulting  
TOSHIBA Console selection.  
The TOSHIBA Console window appears.  
Sample TOSHIBA Console window  
The TOSHIBA Console offers the following features:  
Customize Your Computer  
Security  
Customize Your Computer  
The features available in this category are:  
Power Management  
(See “Power Management” on page 191.)  
Mouse (properties)  
Hotkey assignment  
(See “Fn-esse” on page 185.)  
Toshiba Hardware  
(See “Toshiba Hardware Setup” on page 194.)  
 
Toshiba Utilities  
TOSHIBA Console  
191  
Security  
The features available in this category are:  
Supervisor password  
User password  
Power Management  
The Power Management feature enables you to control your  
computer’s power usage, regardless of the source, and use the  
many preset power modes, or create one yourself.  
To access Power Management through the TOSHIBA  
Console:  
1
2
Click Start, then click All Programs.  
Point to TOSHIBA Console, then click the resulting  
TOSHIBA Console selection.  
The TOSHIBA Console window appears.  
     
Toshiba Utilities  
TOSHIBA Console  
192  
3
Click the Power Management icon.  
The TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties window appears.  
Sample TOSHIBA Power Saver Properties window  
The Power Save Modes tab shows the power usage modes for  
both AC power (“Plugged in”) and battery power (Running  
on batteries”).  
You can either use one of the preset modes or create and use  
your own customized mode. The preset modes cannot be  
deleted.  
By changing the options that appear in the Toshiba Power  
Saver Properties window and clicking OK, you can  
reconfigure that function. Any options that you change  
become effective when you click either OK or Apply.  
Toshiba Utilities  
TOSHIBA Console  
193  
Plugged in section  
This section has a single preset power usage mode Full  
Power. You can create other AC power modes, but Toshiba  
recommends use of the preset Full Power mode.  
The windows and settings for creating and customizing  
battery power modes are described in the following sections.  
Running on batteries section  
The preset modes are:  
Long Life  
Normal  
High Power  
DVD Playback  
Presentation  
Although you can change the properties for any of these  
modes, this is not recommended. If you need a customized  
mode, create a new mode with the properties you require.  
Creating a new power mode  
1
2
3
Highlight one of the preset modes.  
Click Create copy.  
A new mode appears with the title “Copy Name” where  
Name is the title of the mode you copied. Delete this title,  
type in the name for your new power mode, then press  
Enter.  
 
Toshiba Utilities  
TOSHIBA Console  
194  
Customizing a power mode  
1
2
Highlight the mode on the Power Save Modes tab  
window.  
Click Details....  
The Properties window for the selected mode opens with  
the General tab displayed.  
This tab enables you to choose an icon for your power usage  
mode, describe the mode’s characteristics and, optionally,  
associate it with a program.  
The Name field displays the name assigned to the mode in  
the Power Saver Properties window. You can change the  
name here if you wish.  
Toshiba Hardware Setup  
Toshiba Hardware Setup is the Toshiba configuration  
management tool. To access it:  
In the TOSHIBA Console, click the Toshiba Hardware icon.  
Sample TOSHIBA HWSetup window  
     
Toshiba Utilities  
TOSHIBA Console  
195  
The TOSHIBA HWSetup window appears with tabs for the  
following:  
Display — Allows you to select the built-in LCD and/or  
external monitor when the computer powers on.  
Boot Priority — Allows you to change the sequence in  
which your computer searches the drives for the  
operating system.  
You can also manually choose the Boot Priority by  
pressing the power button, then quickly pressing the F12  
key, or the right or left arrow keys.  
Select the boot device by pressing the right or left arrow  
keys or the F12 key. Then press the Enter key.  
Since the system is a quick-booting system, you must press  
the arrow keys or the F12 key immediately after pressing the  
power button.  
Keyboard — Allows you to enable or disable the “wake-  
up on keyboard” feature. The feature allows you to  
“wake” the machine from Standby by pressing a key.  
USB — Allows you to enable or disable USB Legacy  
Emulation.  
LAN — Lets you enable or disable LAN features.  
General — Shows the BIOS version, and allows you to  
set BIOS defaults.  
Password — Allows you to set or reset a user password  
for the power-on process and for instant security.  
Device Config — Shows the Device configuration  
options.  
Parallel/Printer — Allows you to configure the printer  
port type.  
Choose the desired tab and accompanying options.  
Chapter 8  
If Something Goes  
Wrong  
Some problems you may encounter when using your  
notebook computer are relatively easy to identify and solve.  
Others may require help from your dealer or the manufacturer  
of a software program.  
This chapter aims to help you solve many problems by  
yourself. It covers the problems you are most likely to  
encounter. If all else fails, contact Toshiba. You will find  
information on Toshiba’s support services at the end of this  
chapter.  
Problems that are easy to fix  
Your program stops responding.  
If you are working with a program that suddenly freezes all  
operations, chances are the program has stopped responding.  
You can exit the failed program without shutting down the  
operating system or closing other programs.  
196  
       
If Something Goes Wrong  
Problems that are easy to fix  
197  
To close a program that has stopped responding:  
1
Press Ctrl, Alt, and Del simultaneously (once).  
The Windows Task Manager window appears.  
Click the Applications tab.  
2
If a program has stopped responding, the words “not  
responding” appear beside its name in the list.  
3
Select the program you want to close, then click End  
Task.  
Closing the failed program should allow you to continue  
working. If it does not, continue with step 4.  
4
5
Close the remaining programs one by one by selecting  
the program name, then End Task.  
Turn off your computer according to the instructions in  
“Turn Off or Shut down command” on page 96.  
Your program performs an illegal operation.  
If you receive the message, “Your program has performed an illegal  
operation,you should record the details of the message and  
consult the software manufacturer.  
To record the details:  
1
Click the Details button and select the text the operating  
system displays.  
The Details button displays information that the software  
manufacturer needs to help you solve your problem.  
2
3
4
Press Ctrl and c simultaneously to copy the text to the  
clipboard.  
Open Notepad (click Start, point to All Programs, then  
point to Accessories and click Notepad).  
Press Ctrl and v simultaneously to paste the details into  
Notepad.  
 
If Something Goes Wrong  
Problems when you turn on the computer  
198  
5
Press Enter to add a paragraph break and type some notes  
describing what you were doing when you received the  
message.  
6
Save the file and refer to it when you contact the software  
manufacturer.  
Problems when you turn on the computer  
These problems may occur when you turn on the power.  
The computer will not start.  
Make sure you attached the AC adapter and power cable  
properly or installed a charged battery.  
Press and hold down the power button until the on/off light  
changes to green.  
If you are using the AC adapter, check that the wall outlet is  
working by plugging in another device, such as a lamp.  
The computer starts but, when you press a key, nothing  
happens.  
You are probably in Standby mode and have a software or  
returns you to the problem instead of restarting the system.  
To clear the condition, press Ctrl, Alt, and Del simultaneously,  
select Shutdown, then Restart to restart the computer.  
Clearing the condition may get the computer running, but it  
will not solve a resource conflict. Read the documentation  
that came with the conflicting device and “Resolving a  
hardware conflict” on page 202.  
     
If Something Goes Wrong  
The Windows® operating system is not working  
199  
The computer is not accessing the hard disk or the  
diskette drive.  
Your computer normally loads the operating system from the  
hard disk. If you have a hard disk problem, you will not be  
able to start the computer. Insert a system diskette into the  
diskette drive, press the left or right arrow key and choose  
your boot-up device.  
HINT: Press F12 as you power on the computer to access the  
menu.  
The computer displays the WARNING RESUME FAILURE  
message.  
The computer was placed in Standby mode and the battery  
has discharged. Data stored in the computer’s memory has  
been lost.  
To charge the RTC battery, leave the computer plugged into a  
live wall outlet and turned on until the RTC is fully charged.  
For more information, see “Power and the batteries” on  
page 208.  
The computer displays the Non-System disk or disk error  
message.  
Make sure there is no diskette in the diskette drive. If there is  
one, remove it and press any key to continue. If pressing any  
key does not work, press Ctrl, Alt, Del simultaneously, select  
Shutdown, then Restart to restart the computer.  
The Windows® operating system is not  
working  
Once you are familiar with the desktop and used to the way  
the operating system responds to your work routine, you can  
easily detect if the operating system is not working correctly.  
       
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For example:  
The operating system fails to start after the Starting  
Windows XP message appears.  
The operating system takes a long time to start.  
The operating system responds differently from the  
normal routine.  
The screen does not look right.  
Unless a hardware device has failed, problems usually occur  
when you change the system in some way such as installing a  
new program or adding a device.  
If you experience any of these problems, use the options in  
the Startup menu to fix the problem.  
Using Startup options to fix problems  
If the operating system fails to start properly, you may have  
to change your system’s configuration or verify the startup  
procedure to fix the problem. To do this, use the options in  
the Startup menu. This section describes each option and  
when to use the procedure.  
To open the Startup menu:  
1
2
Restart your computer.  
Press F8 when your computer starts.  
The Windows® Advanced Options menu displays these  
options:  
Safe Mode  
Safe Mode with Networking  
Safe Mode with Command Prompt  
Enable Boot Logging  
Enable VGA Mode  
Last known good configuration (your most recent  
settings that worked)  
       
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Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows®  
domain controllers only)  
Debugging Mode  
Start Windows® normally  
Reboot  
Return to OS Choices Menu  
See your Windows® documentation for further explanation.  
TECHNICAL NOTE: If your computer is connected to a  
network, the Startup menu may display different versions of  
Safe mode.  
Internet problems  
My Internet connection is very slow.  
Many factors contribute to the speed with which you can surf  
the Internet. They include: modem speed, time of day (when  
everyone else is surfing, your access can be slow) and  
popularity of the site. If accessing a particular site is very  
slow, try later.  
My browser cannot find the URL address I typed in.  
Make sure you separated the domain names of the address  
with the forward slash (/). Check the spelling of each name  
and the syntax of the address carefully. A single incorrect  
letter or missed character, comma instead of period (“dot”) or  
other mistake makes it impossible for your browser to locate  
the site.  
My browser cannot find a site I bookmarked.  
The World Wide Web is constantly changing. A site you  
bookmarked yesterday may not be available today or its  
server may be down for temporary repair. Try again later.  
       
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The Windows® XP operating system can help you  
If the operating system has started properly, but you still have  
a problem using your computer, the online Help can assist  
you in troubleshooting the problem.  
To access Windows® XP Help and Support:  
1
Click Start, then click Help and Support.  
The Help and Support Center window appears.  
Then do one or both of the following:  
2
In the search field, type in the topic of the problem with  
which you need help and follow the on-screen  
instructions.  
Click a problem you would like help with from the  
listings and follow the on-screen instructions.  
You can connect to Support Online by clicking Support from  
the menu.  
Resolving a hardware conflict  
If you receive an error message telling you there is a device  
driver conflict or a general hardware problem, try using  
Windows® Help and Support to troubleshoot the problem  
first.  
For help on hardware conflicts:  
1
2
Click Start, then click Help and Support.  
Click the Hardware link in the window’s left pane.  
A list of category links appear.  
3
4
Click the Fixing a hardware problem.  
Choose from specific topics and follow the steps.  
If there is still a problem, the operating system should display  
a message that explains what the conflict is.  
           
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A plan of action  
The smooth operation of the system depends on the  
successful interaction of all devices, programs, and features.  
If the system or one of its attached devices is not working,  
resolving the problem can be time-consuming and frustrating.  
The recommended procedure for getting multiple devices to  
work together is to add and set up one device at a time. After  
you add each device, test it to make sure it and all previously  
connected devices work.  
The device most recently connected to the system is the one  
most likely to be causing a hardware conflict.  
Resolving hardware conflicts on your own  
Computer components need resources to accomplish a task.  
A device, such as a disk drive or a modem, needs a channel to  
the computer’s Central Processing Unit (CPU). It also needs  
a direct channel to the computer’s memory to store  
information as it works. These channels of communication  
are commonly referred to as system resources.  
Interrupt Request Channel  
The channel to the CPU is called an Interrupt Request (IRQ)  
because it interrupts what the processor is doing and requests  
some of the processor’s time.  
Some of the IRQs may be shared by multiple devices. This is  
called IRQ sharing and is normal.  
Direct Memory Access  
Similarly, the data required by the device is stored in a  
specific place or address in memory called the Direct  
Memory Access (DMA). The DMA provides a dedicated  
channel for adapter cards to bypass the microprocessor and  
       
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access memory directly. If two or more devices use the same  
DMA, the data required by one device overwrites the data  
required by the other, causing a hardware conflict.  
Plug and Play  
With Plug and Play and the Windows® XP operating system,  
avoiding hardware conflicts is easy. Plug and Play is a  
computer standard that helps the system BIOS (basic input/  
output system) and the operating system to automatically  
assign resources to Plug and Play-compliant devices. In  
theory, if every device connected to the computer is Plug and  
Play-compliant, no two devices will compete for the same  
system resources. Simply connect the device and turn on your  
computer. The operating system automatically sets up your  
system to accommodate the new device.  
If you connect an older (legacy) device that the operating  
system cannot recognize, the operating system may have  
difficulty assigning resources to it. As a result, a hardware  
conflict can occur. To see what resources the operating  
system has assigned to the device, see “Checking device  
properties” on page 205.  
There are things you can do to resolve hardware conflicts:  
Disable the device.  
For an older device, remove it from the computer.  
Disable another system component and use its resources  
for the new device, see “Fixing a problem with Device  
Manager” on page 205.  
Reconfigure the device so that its requirements do not  
conflict. Refer to the device’s documentation for  
instructions about changing settings on the device.  
       
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Fixing a problem with Device Manager  
Device Manager provides a way to check and change the  
configuration of a device.  
Changing the default settings using Device Manager can  
cause other conflicts that make one or more devices unusable.  
Device Manager is a configuration tool for advanced users  
who understand configuration parameters and the  
ramifications of changing them.  
Disabling a device  
1
Click Start, Control Panel, Performance and  
Maintenance, Administrative Tools.  
2
3
4
5
Double-click the Computer Management icon.  
In the left pane, click Device Manager.  
Select the specific device from the device category.  
In the toolbar, look to the far right for an icon of a  
monitor with a strike mark through a circle on the front.  
This is the disable feature.  
6
7
Click the icon.  
You are given the option of disabling the device.  
Click yes or no, whichever is appropriate.  
Checking device properties  
Device Manager provides a way to view the properties of a  
device. Properties include the name of the manufacturer, the  
type of device, the drivers installed, and the system resources  
assigned to the device.  
         
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To check a device’s properties:  
1
Click Start, Control Panel, Performance and  
Maintenance, Administrative Tools.  
2
3
4
Double-click the Computer Management icon.  
In the left pane, click Device Manager.  
To view the device(s) installed, double-click the device  
type.  
5
To view the properties, double-click the device.  
The operating system displays the Device Properties  
window, which provides an array of tabs. They may  
include:  
The General tab, which provides basic information  
about the device.  
The Resource tab, which lists resources assigned to  
the device.  
The Drivers tab, which displays the driver being  
used by the device.  
A Troubleshooting button is also present.  
Click Troubleshooting.  
A Help and Support window for that device appears.  
For more information about Device Manager, refer to  
Windows® XP online help.  
   
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Memory module problems  
Static electricity can damage the memory module. Before you  
handle the module, touch a grounded metal surface to  
discharge any static electricity you may have built up.  
To avoid damaging the memory module, be careful not to  
touch its gold connector bar (on the side you insert into the  
computer).  
Incorrectly connected or faulty memory modules may cause  
errors that seem to be device-related. It is worthwhile  
checking for these first:  
1
2
3
Turn off your computer according to the instructions in  
“Turn Off or Shut down command” on page 96.  
Remove the memory module, following the instructions  
in “Removing a memory module” on page 70.  
Reinstall the memory module, following the instructions  
in “Installing additional memory (optional)” on page 66,  
and making sure it is seated properly.  
4
5
Check for the error again.  
If the error recurs, remove the memory module entirely  
and check for the error again.  
If removing the memory module eliminates the error, the  
memory module may be faulty. If the error recurs without  
the memory module installed, the error is not caused by  
the memory module.  
TECHNICAL NOTE: You must have at least one memory  
module installed for the computer to work.  
   
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Power and the batteries  
Your computer receives its power through the AC adapter  
and power cable or from the system batteries (main battery  
and real-time clock (RTC) battery). Power problems are  
interrelated. For example, a faulty AC adapter or power cable  
will neither power the computer nor recharge the batteries.  
Here are some typical problems and how to solve them:  
The AC power light does not come on when you plug in  
the AC adapter and power cable.  
Make sure the AC adapter and power cable are firmly  
plugged into both the wall outlet and the computer.  
If the AC power light still does not come on, check that the  
wall outlet is working properly by plugging in a lamp or other  
appliance.  
The AC adapter and power cable work correctly, but the  
battery will not charge.  
The battery does not charge while the computer is consuming  
full power. Try turning off the computer.  
The main battery may not be inserted correctly in the  
computer. Turn off the computer, remove the battery, clean  
the contacts with a soft dry cloth (if necessary) and replace  
the battery.  
The battery may be too hot or too cold to charge properly. If  
you think this is the probable cause, let the battery reach  
room temperature and try again.  
If the battery has completely discharged, it will not begin  
charging immediately. Leave the AC adapter and power cable  
connected, wait 20 minutes and see if the battery is charging.  
If the battery light is glowing after 20 minutes, let the  
computer continue charging the battery for at least another 20  
minutes before you turn on the computer.  
If the battery light does not glow after 20 minutes, the battery  
may have reached the end of its useful life. Try replacing it.  
     
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The battery appears not to power the computer for as  
long as it usually does.  
If you frequently recharge a partially charged battery, it may  
not charge fully. Let the battery discharge completely, then  
try charging it again.  
utility. Have you added a device, such as a PC Card or  
memory module, that takes its power from the battery? Is  
your software using the hard disk more? Is the display set to  
turn off automatically? Was the battery fully charged to begin  
with? All these conditions affect how long the charge lasts.  
For more information on maximizing battery power, see  
“Charging the batteries” on page 117.  
Keyboard problems  
If, when you type, strange things happen or nothing happens,  
the problem may be related to the keyboard itself.  
The keyboard produces unexpected characters.  
A keypad overlay may be on. If the numeric keypad or cursor  
control light is on, press Fn and F10 simultaneously to turn off  
the cursor control light or press Fn and F11 simultaneously to  
turn off the numeric keypad light.  
If the problem occurs when both the keypad overlays are off,  
make sure the software you are using is not remapping the  
keyboard. Refer to the software’s documentation and check  
that the program does not assign different meanings to any of  
the keys.  
You have connected an external keyboard and the  
operating system displays one or more keyboard error  
messages.  
If you have a second keyboard, try it. If it works, the first  
keyboard may be defective or incompatible with your  
computer.  
       
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Display problems  
Here are some typical display problems and their solutions:  
The display is blank.  
Display Auto Off may have gone into effect. Press any key to  
activate the screen.  
You may have activated the instant password feature by  
pressing Fn and F1 simultaneously. If you have registered a  
password, press the Enter key, type the password and press  
Enter. If no password is registered, press Enter. The screen  
reactivates and allows you to continue working.  
The following display options may be available on your  
system:  
Built-in display panel only  
Built-in display panel and external monitor  
simultaneously  
External monitor only  
External video device only  
To open the display options window, press Fn and F5  
simultaneously. To choose the desired option, hold down Fn  
and press F5 repeatedly until your choice is selected.  
To decrease or increase screen brightness you can use the hot  
keys Fn + F6 or Fn + F7.  
If you are using an external monitor:  
Check that the monitor is turned on.  
Check that the monitor’s power cable is firmly plugged  
into a working power outlet.  
Check that the cable connecting the external monitor to  
the computer is firmly attached.  
     
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Try adjusting the contrast and brightness controls on the  
external monitor.  
Make sure the display choice is not set for the built-in  
screen only.  
The screen does not look right.  
You can change the display settings by clicking a blank area  
of the desktop with the secondary control button, then  
clicking Properties. This displays the Display Properties  
window. The Appearance tab of this window allows you to  
choose the colors for the screen. The Settings tab allows you  
to choose the screen resolution.  
The built-in screen flickers.  
Some flickering is a normal result of the way the screen  
produces colors. To reduce the amount of flickering, try using  
fewer colors.  
To change the number of colors displayed:  
1
2
3
Point at the desktop and click with the secondary button.  
Click Properties, and then the Settings tab.  
Change the Colors option and click OK.  
For more information, see Windows® Help.  
A message tells you that there is a problem with your  
display settings and that the adapter type is incorrect or  
the current settings do not work with your hardware.  
Reduce the size of the color palette to one that is supported  
by the computer’s internal display.  
To change the display properties:  
1
Point at the desktop and click with the secondary button.  
The Display Properties window appears.  
2
Click Properties, then click the Settings tab.  
   
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3
Adjust the screen resolution and/or color quality.  
4
Click OK.  
The display mode is set to Simultaneous and the external  
display device does not work.  
Make sure the external monitor is capable of displaying at  
resolutions of 800 x 600 or higher.  
Small bright dots appear on your TFT display when you  
turn on your computer.  
Your display contains an extremely large number of thin-film  
transistors (TFT) and is manufactured using high-precision  
technology. The small bright dots that appear on your display  
are an intrinsic characteristic of the TFT manufacturing  
technology.  
Disk drive problems  
Problems with the hard disk or with a diskette drive usually  
show up as an inability to access the disk or as sector errors.  
Sometimes a disk problem may cause one or more files to  
appear to have garbage in them.  
Typical disk problems are:  
You are having trouble accessing a disk, or one or more  
files appear to be missing.  
Make sure you are identifying the drive by its correct name  
(A: or C:).  
Error-checking  
Run Error-checking, which analyzes the directories, files and  
file system on the disk and repairs any damage it finds:  
To run Error-checking:  
1
Click Start, then click My Computer.  
           
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2
Right-click the drive you want to check and click  
Properties.  
The drive’s properties box appears.  
Click the Tools tab.  
3
4
Click the Check Now button.  
The Check Disk window appears.  
You can choose one or both options:  
5
6
Automatically fix file system errors  
Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors  
Click Start.  
The Error-checking test runs.  
Your hard disk seems very slow.  
If you have been using your computer for some time, your  
files may have become fragmented. Run Disk Defragmenter.  
To do this, click Start, then click All Programs, point to  
Accessories and System Tools, and click Disk  
Defragmenter.  
Your data files are damaged or corrupted.  
Refer to your software documentation for file recovery  
procedures. Many software packages automatically create  
backup files.  
You may also be able to recover lost data using utility  
software, which is available from your dealer.  
Some programs run correctly but others do not.  
This is probably a configuration problem. If a program does  
not run properly, refer to its documentation and check that the  
hardware configuration meets its needs.  
A diskette will not go into the external diskette drive.  
You may already have a diskette in the drive. Make sure the  
drive is empty.  
         
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You may be inserting the diskette incorrectly. Hold the  
diskette with the hub side facing down, and insert it so that  
the metal head window cover goes into the drive first.  
The metal cover or a loose label may be obstructing the path  
into the drive. Carefully inspect the diskette. If the metal  
cover is loose, replace the diskette. If the label is loose,  
replace the label and try inserting the diskette again.  
The computer displays the Non-system disk or disk error  
message.  
If you are starting the computer from a diskette, the diskette  
in the drive does not have the files necessary to start the  
computer. Replace it with a bootable diskette.  
The drive cannot read a diskette.  
Try another diskette. If you can access the second diskette,  
the first diskette (not the drive) is probably causing the  
problem. Run Error-checking on the faulty diskette (for  
instructions, see “Disk drive problems” on page 212).  
DVD-ROM or multi-function drive problems  
You cannot access a disc in the drive.  
Make sure the drive tray has closed properly. Press gently  
until it clicks into place.  
Open the drive tray and remove the disc. Make sure the drive  
tray is clean. Any dirt or foreign object can interfere with the  
laser beam.  
Examine the disc to see whether it is dirty. If necessary, wipe  
it with a clean damp cloth dipped in water or a neutral  
cleaner.  
Replace the disc in the tray. Make sure it is lying flat, label  
side up. Press the disc down until it locks on the spindle.  
Close the drive tray carefully, making sure it has shut  
completely.  
         
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You press the disc eject button, but the drive tray does  
not slide out.  
Make sure the computer is connected to a power source and  
turned on. The DVD-ROM or multi-function drive eject  
mechanism requires power to operate.  
To remove a disc without turning on the computer, use a  
narrow object, such as a straightened paper clip, to press the  
manual eject button. This button is in the small hole next to  
the disc eject button on the right side of the computer.  
Never use a pencil to press the manual eject button. Pencil  
lead can break off inside the computer and damage it.  
Some discs run correctly, but others do not.  
If the problem is with an application CD-ROM, refer to the  
software’s documentation and check that the hardware  
configuration meets the program’s needs.  
The color of the materials used to make the disc can affect its  
reliability. Silver-colored CD-ROMs are the most reliable,  
followed by gold-colored CD-ROM. Green-colored CD-  
ROMs are the least reliable.  
Secondary IDE Channel DMA setting  
To ensure the Secondary IDE Channel DMA setting:  
1
Click Start, Control Panel, Printers and Other  
Hardware.  
2
Click the System icon in the left window pane.  
The System Properties window appears.  
Click the Hardware tab.  
3
4
5
Click the Device Manager button.  
Click + to open the IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers.  
   
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6
Double-click the Secondary IDE Channel.  
The Secondary IDE Channel Properties window appears.  
Sample Secondary IDE Channel Properties window  
7
8
Click the Advanced Settings tab.  
Look at Device 0. The current transfer mode should be  
Ultra DMA Mode 2. If it is not, select Ultra DMA Mode  
2 from the pull-down menu and click OK.  
Sound system problems  
You do not hear any sound from the computer.  
Adjust the volume control.  
If you are using external headphones or speakers, check that  
they are securely connected to your computer.  
   
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The computer emits a loud, high-pitched noise.  
This is feedback between the microphone and the speakers. It  
occurs in any sound system when input from a microphone is  
fed to the speakers and the speaker volume is too loud. Adjust  
the volume control.  
Changing the settings for the Record Monitor feature in the  
Recording Control Utility (default Off), or the Mute feature  
in the Mixer Utility (default Enabled), may cause feedback.  
Revert to the default settings.  
PC Card problems  
PC Cards (PCMCIA-compatible) include many types of  
devices, such as a removable hard disk, additional memory,  
or a pager.  
Most PC Card problems occur during installation and setup  
of new cards. If you’re having trouble getting one or more of  
these devices to work together, several sections in this  
chapter may apply.  
Resource conflicts can cause problems when using PC Cards.  
See “Resolving a hardware conflict” on page 202.  
Card Information Structure  
When you insert a PC Card into the slot, the computer  
attempts to determine the type of card and the resources it  
requires by reading its Card Information Structure (CIS).  
Sometimes the CIS contains enough information for you to  
use the card immediately.  
Other cards must be set up before you can use them. Use the  
Windows® XP PC Card (PCMCIA) Wizard to set up the card.  
Refer to your Microsoft® documentation for more  
information, or refer to the documentation that came with the  
PC Card.  
       
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Some card manufacturers use special software called  
enablers to support their cards. Enablers result in  
nonstandard configurations that can cause problems when  
installing the PC Card.  
If your system does not have built-in drivers for your PC  
Card and the card did not come with an operating system  
driver, it may not work under the operating system. Contact  
the manufacturer of the PC Card for information about using  
the card under the operating system.  
PC Card checklist  
Make sure the card is inserted properly into the slot.  
See “Using PC Cards” on page 179 for how to insert PC  
Cards.  
Make sure all cables are securely connected.  
Occasionally a defective PC Card slips through quality  
control. If another PCMCIA-equipped computer is  
available, try the card in that machine. If the card  
malfunctions again, it may be defective.  
Resolving PC Card problems  
Here are some common problems and their solutions:  
The slot appears to be dead. PC Cards that used to work  
no longer work.  
Check the PC Card status:  
1
2
Click Start.  
Click My Computer icon with the secondary button,  
then click Properties.  
The System Properties window appears.  
Click the Hardware tab.  
3
4
Click the Device Manager button.  
   
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5
6
Double-click the appropriate category for the PC Card  
being used.  
Double-click the name of the PC Card device.  
The operating system displays your PC Card’s Properties  
window, which contains information about your PC Card  
configuration and status.  
The computer stops working (hangs) when you insert a  
PC Card.  
Remove the PC Card. If removing the PC Card does not  
resolve the problem, try restarting the computer. If the  
computer still does not work, contact the PC Card’s  
manufacturer.  
Hot swapping (removing one PC Card and inserting  
another without turning the computer off) fails.  
Follow this procedure before you remove a PC Card:  
1
Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the System  
tray.  
2
Click Safely remove xxxx, where xxxx is the identifier  
for your PC Card.  
The operating system displays a message that you may  
safely remove the card.  
3
Remove the card from the slot.  
The system does not recognize your PC Card.  
Refer to the PC Card documentation.  
Removing a malfunctioning card and reinstalling it can  
correct many problems. For more information, see “Using PC  
Cards” on page 179.  
     
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A PC Card error occurs.  
Reinsert the card to make sure it is properly connected.  
If the card is attached to an external device, check that the  
connection is secure.  
Refer to the card’s documentation, which should contain a  
troubleshooting section.  
Printer problems  
This section lists some of the most common printer problems:  
The printer will not print.  
Check that the printer is connected to a working power outlet,  
turned on and ready (on line).  
Check that the printer has plenty of paper. Some printers will  
not start printing when there are just two or three sheets of  
paper left in the tray.  
Make sure the printer cable is firmly attached to the computer  
and the printer.  
Run the printer’s self-test to check for any problem with the  
printer itself.  
Make sure you installed the proper printer drivers, as  
described in “Setting up a printer” on page 63.  
You may have connected the printer while the computer is on.  
Disable Standby mode, turn off the computer, and turn off the  
printer. Turn the printer back on, make sure it is on line, then  
turn the computer back on.  
Try printing another file. For example, you could create and  
attempt to print a short test file using Notepad. If a Notepad  
file prints correctly, the problem may be in your original file.  
If you cannot resolve the problem, contact the printer’s  
manufacturer.  
     
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The printer will not print what you see on the screen.  
Many programs display information on the screen differently  
from the way they print it. See if your program has a print  
preview mode. This mode lets you see your work exactly as it  
will print. Contact the software manufacturer for more  
information.  
Modem problems  
This section lists common modem problems:  
The modem will not receive or transmit properly.  
Make sure the cable from the modem to the telephone line is  
firmly connected to the computer’s modem port and the  
telephone line jack.  
Check the port settings to make sure the hardware and  
software are referring to the same COM port. See  
“Determining the COM port” on page 167.  
Check the communications parameters (baud rate, parity, data  
length and stop bits) specified in the communications  
program. It should be set up to transmit at 300, 1200, 2400,  
4800, 9600, 14400, 28800, 33600 bps (bits per second) or  
higher. Refer to the program’s documentation and the modem  
guide for information on how to change these settings.  
For more information, visit toshiba.com.  
The modem is on, set up properly and still will not  
transmit or receive data.  
Make sure the line has a dial tone. Connect a telephone  
handset to the line to check this.  
The other system may be busy or off line. Try making a test  
transmission to someone else.  
     
If Something Goes Wrong  
Develop good computing habits  
222  
Develop good computing habits  
Make sure you are prepared.  
Save your work frequently.  
You can never predict when your computer will lock, forcing  
you to close a program and lose unsaved changes. Many  
software programs build in an automatic backup, but you  
“Computing tips” on page 79 for instructions.  
On a regular basis, back up the information stored on  
your hard disk.  
Here are some ways you can do this:  
Copy files to diskette, following the steps in “Saving  
your work” on page 85.  
Copy files to your network partition.  
Connect a tape drive to the system and use specialized  
software to copy everything on the hard disk to a tape.  
Some people use a combination of these methods, backing up  
all files to tape weekly and copying critical files to diskette  
on a daily basis.  
If you have installed your own programs, you should back up  
these programs as well as your data files. If something goes  
wrong that requires you to reformat your hard disk and start  
again, reloading all your programs and data files from a  
backup source will save time.  
Read the user’s guides.  
It is very difficult to provide a fail-safe set of steps you can  
follow every time you experience a problem with the  
computer. Your ability to solve problems will improve as you  
learn about how the computer and its software work together.  
Get familiar with all the user’s guides provided with your  
computer, as well as the guides that come with the programs  
and devices you purchase.  
   
If Something Goes Wrong  
If you need further assistance  
223  
Your local computer store or book store sells a variety of self-  
help books you can use to supplement the information in the  
guides.  
If you need further assistance  
If you have followed the recommendations in this chapter and  
are still having problems, you may need additional technical  
assistance. This section contains the steps to take to ask for  
help.  
Before you call  
Since some problems may be related to the operating system  
or the program you are using, it is important to investigate  
other sources of assistance first.  
Try the following before contacting Toshiba:  
Review the troubleshooting information in your  
operating system documentation.  
If the problem occurs while you are running a program,  
consult the program’s documentation for troubleshooting  
suggestions. Contact the software company’s technical  
support group for their assistance.  
Consult the dealer or authorized Toshiba representative  
from whom you purchased your computer and/or  
program. Your dealer is your best source for current  
information.  
Detailed system specifications are available at  
www.ts.toshiba.com by selecting your particular product and  
model number, clicking GO, and then clicking the Detailed  
Specs link from the menu on the left. Or just refer to the  
computer documentation shipped with your product.  
For the number of a Toshiba dealer, see “Toshiba voice  
contact” on page 224.  
       
If Something Goes Wrong  
If you need further assistance  
224  
Contacting Toshiba  
If you still need help and suspect that the problem is  
hardware-related, Toshiba offers a variety of resources to  
help you.  
Start with accessing Toshiba on the Internet using any  
Internet browser by typing pcsupport.toshiba.com.  
To stay current on the most recent software and hardware  
options for your computer, and for other product information,  
be sure to regularly check the Toshiba Web site at  
Toshiba voice contact  
Before calling Toshiba, make sure you have:  
Your computer’s model and model number.  
Your computer’s serial number.  
The computer and any optional devices related to the  
problem.  
Backup copies of your operating system and all other  
preloaded software on diskettes or CD-ROM.  
Name and version of the program involved in the  
problem along with its installation diskettes or CD-ROM.  
Information about what you were doing when the  
problem occurred.  
Exact error messages and when they occurred.  
For technical support, call the Toshiba Global Support  
Centre:  
Within the United States at (800) 457-7777  
Outside the United States at (949) 859-4273  
       
If Something Goes Wrong  
Other Toshiba Internet Web sites  
225  
Other Toshiba Internet Web sites  
Worldwide Toshiba corporate  
site  
Marketing and product  
information in the USA  
Canada  
Europe  
Japan  
Mexico and all of Latin  
America  
Toshiba’s worldwide offices  
Australia  
Austria  
Toshiba (Australia) Pty. Limited  
84-92 Talavera Road  
North Ryde NSW 2113  
Sydney  
Toshiba Europe GmbH  
Handelskai 388  
1020 Wien, Austria  
Australia  
Belgium  
Canada  
Toshiba Information Systems Benelux  
(Belgium) B.V.  
Toshiba Canada Ltd.  
191 McNabb Street  
Markham, Ontario  
L3R - 8H2  
Excelsiorlaan 40  
B-1930 Zaventem  
Belgium  
Canada  
Czech Republic  
CHG Toshiba, s.r.o.  
Hnevkovskeho 65  
61700 Brno  
Denmark  
Scribona Danmark A/S  
Naverland 27  
DK2600 Glostrup  
Denmark  
Finland  
France  
Scribona TPC OY  
Sinimäentie 14  
P.O. Box 83  
02630 ESPOO  
Finland  
Toshiba Systèmes (France) S.A.  
7, Rue Ampère  
92804 Puteaux Cédex  
France  
     
If Something Goes Wrong  
Toshiba’s worldwide offices  
226  
Germany  
Greece  
Toshiba Europe GmbH  
Leibnizstraße 2  
Ideal Electronics S.A.  
109 Syngrou Avenue  
176 71 Kalithea  
Athens  
D-93055 Regensburg  
Germany  
Greece  
Hungary  
Ireland  
Technotrade Kft.  
Toshiba Information Systems  
(U.K) Ltd.  
utca 202  
Szerencs  
1147 Budapest  
Hungary  
Toshiba Court  
Weybridge Business Park  
Addlestone Road  
Weybridge KT15 2UL  
United Kingdom  
Italy  
Japan  
Progetto Elettronica 92 s.r.l.  
Viale Certosa 138,  
20156 Milano  
Italy  
Toshiba Corporation, PCO-IO  
1-1, Shibaura 1-Chome  
Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8001  
Japan  
Latin America and Caribbean  
Toshiba America Information  
Systems, Inc.  
Luxembourg  
Toshiba Information Systems Benelux  
B.V.  
9740 Irvine Blvd.  
Rivium Boulevard 41  
2909 LK, Capelle a/d IJssel  
The Netherlands  
Irvine, California 92618  
United States  
800-457-7777 (within the US)  
949-859-4273 (outside of the US - this  
call may incur long distance charges)  
Mexico  
Morocco  
C.B.I.  
Toshiba de México S.A. de C.V.  
Sierra Candela No.111, 6to. Piso  
Col. Lomas de Chapultepec.  
CP 11000 Mexico, DF.  
Tel: 5249 6500  
22 Rue de Béthune  
Casablanca  
Morocco  
The Netherlands  
Norway  
Toshiba Information Systems Benelux  
B.V.  
Scribona Norge A/S  
Toshiba PC Service  
Stalfjaera 20  
P.O. Box 51  
Kalbakken  
Rivium Boulevard 41  
2909 LK, Capelle a/d IJssel  
The Netherlands  
0901 OSLO 9  
Norway  
If Something Goes Wrong  
Toshiba’s worldwide offices  
227  
Papua New Guinea  
Fujitsu (PNG) Pty. Ltd.  
P.O. Box 4952 Boroko  
NCD, Papua  
Poland  
TECHMEX S.A.  
ul. Partyzantów 71,  
43-316 Bielsko-Biala  
01-059 Warszawa  
Poland  
New Guinea  
Portugal  
Singapore  
Quinta Grande Assisténcia Técnica  
Informática, Lda.  
Av. Moinhos no. 15A  
Ur. Quinta Grande  
2720 Alfragide  
Toshiba Singapore Pte. Ltd.  
438B Alexandra Rd. # 06-01  
Alexandra Technopark  
Singapore 119968  
Portugal  
Slovakia  
HTC a.s.  
Slovenia  
Inea d.o.o.  
Dobrovicova 8  
81109 Bratislava  
Slovakia  
Ljubljanska 80  
61230 Domzale  
Slovenia  
Spain  
Sweden  
Toshiba Information Systems (España)  
Scribona PC AB  
Sundbybergsväegen 1  
Box 1374  
S.A.  
Parque Empresarial San Fernando  
Edificio Europa, 1a Planta  
Escalera A  
171 27 Solna  
Sweden  
28831 (Madrid) San Fernando de  
Henares  
Spain  
Switzerland  
Ozalid AG  
Herostrasse 7  
8048 Zürich  
Switzerland  
United Kingdom  
Toshiba Information Systems  
(U.K) Ltd.  
Toshiba Court  
Weybridge Business Park  
Addlestone Road  
Weybridge KT15 2UL  
United Kingdom  
United States  
The Rest of Europe  
Toshiba Europe (I.E.) GmbH  
Hammfelddamm 8  
D-4-1460 Neuss  
Toshiba America Information  
Systems, Inc.  
9740 Irvine Boulevard  
Irvine, California 92618  
United States  
Germany  
Appendix A  
Hot Keys  
Hot keys are keys that, when pressed in combination with the  
Fn key, turn system functions on and off. Hot keys have a  
legend on or above the key indicating the option or feature the  
key controls.  
Volume Mute  
Fn +  
This hot key enables/disables volume mute on your  
computer.  
When volume mute is enabled, no sound will come  
from the speakers or headphones.  
Instant password security  
F1  
Fn +  
This hot key blanks the display.  
228  
           
Hot Keys  
Instant password security  
229  
Without a password  
The Fn + F1 key combination turns off the display and activates  
instant security. Using the pointing device or any key will  
make the display’s content reappear, if no password is set for  
the current user.  
With a password  
The Fn + F1 key combination turns off the display and activates  
instant security.  
If you set a blank screen saver, pressing the Fn + F1 key  
combination to activate instant security will cause the screen  
to go blank. Using the pointing device or any key will make  
the display’s content reappear. The Windows® operating  
system log-on screen will appear, prompting you for a  
password. After typing in the password for the current user,  
press Enter.  
To activate the password feature:  
1
2
3
Click Start, Control Panel.  
Click Appearances and Themes.  
Click one of the following:  
Choose a screen saver in the “Pick a task” section.  
Display in the “or pick a Control Panel icon” section.  
The Display Properties window appears.  
4
If you clicked Choose a screen saver, the Screen Saver  
tab has already been selected. If it is not selected, click  
the Screen Saver tab.  
5
6
Click the On resume, password protected check box.  
Click OK.  
   
Hot Keys  
Instant password security  
230  
Maintaining security when the battery is not fully charged  
When the battery is not fully charged (even if the computer is  
operating on AC power) your display may reappear  
automatically after a short time. To protect your desktop, you  
must set up a screen saver with a password before activating  
the password feature.  
To set up a password with a screen saver, go to Windows XP  
help for instructions:  
1
2
3
4
Click Start, Help and Support.  
In the Search field, type password screen saver.  
Press Enter.  
Click the Protect your files with a screen saver  
password link located under the suggested topics.  
Follow the steps listed in the Windows help to set up your  
password-protected screen saver.  
To ensure the password protection is activated after pressing  
Fn + F1 (to activate instant security), wait ten seconds before  
walking away from the computer.  
 
Hot Keys  
Power usage mode  
231  
Power usage mode  
Fn +  
This hot key displays the power usage pop-up win-  
dow and cycles through the battery save modes.  
The power usage modes in the operating system  
under battery power are:  
Long Life, Normal, High Power, DVD Playback  
and Presentation  
Sample power usage modes  
The power usage mode in the Windows®operating  
system under AC power is Full Power only.  
   
Hot Keys  
Standby mode  
232  
Standby mode  
Fn +  
This hot key puts the computer into Standby mode.  
A message box is displayed by default  
to confirm that the computer is going  
into Standby mode. This message box  
can be set so it does not display.  
Sample Standby confirmation box  
For more information about Standby  
mode, please see “Using Standby” on  
page 110.  
     
Hot Keys  
Hibernation mode  
233  
Hibernation mode  
Fn +  
This hot key puts the computer into Hibernation  
mode.  
If Hibernation mode is enabled (the  
default) a message box is displayed by  
default to confirm the computer is  
going into Hibernation mode. The  
message box can be set so it does not  
display.  
Sample Hibernation confirmation box  
If Hibernation mode is disabled, this  
hot key will not respond. For more  
information on Hibernation mode, see  
“Using Hibernation” on page 103.  
   
Hot Keys  
Display modes  
234  
Display modes  
Fn +  
This hot key cycles through the power-on display  
options.  
The display modes are:  
Built-in display panel only  
Built-in display panel and external  
monitor simultaneously  
External monitor only  
In order to use a simultaneous mode, you must set  
the resolution of the internal display panel to match  
the resolution of the external display device.  
     
Hot Keys  
Display brightness  
235  
Display brightness  
Fn +  
The Fn + F6 hot key decreases the screen brightness.  
Fn +  
The Fn + F7 hot key increases the screen brightness.  
Sample display brightness window  
Enabling a wireless device  
Fn +  
The Fn + F8 hot key turns the Wi-Fi device on or off  
only if the Wi-Fi switch is in the on position.  
If your machine includes multiple internal  
wireless devices, the Fn + F8 hot key will allow you  
to switch between or disable those devices.  
Disabling or enabling the TouchPad  
Fn +  
This hot key enables/disables the TouchPad.  
To use the TouchPad, see “Disabling or enabling  
the TouchPad” on page 62.  
Sample disable and enable TouchPad windows  
             
Hot Keys  
Keyboard hot keys  
236  
Keyboard hot keys  
F10  
Fn +  
This hot key turns the cursor control overlay on  
and off.  
F11  
Fn +  
off.  
This hot key turns the numeric overlay on and  
This hot key turns the scroll lock feature on and  
F12  
Fn +  
off.  
For more information, see “Overlay keys” on page 82.  
   
Appendix B  
Power Cable  
Connectors  
Your notebook computer features a universal power supply  
you can use worldwide. This appendix shows the shapes of  
the typical AC power cable connectors for various parts of the  
world.  
USA and Canada  
United Kingdom  
UL approved  
CSA approved  
BS approved  
Australia  
Europe  
VDA approved  
NEMKO approved  
AS approved  
237  
           
Glossary  
TECHNICAL NOTE: Some features defined in this glossary  
may not be available on your computer.  
Acronyms  
The following acronyms may appear in this user’s guide.  
AC  
alternating current  
basic input/output system  
bits per second  
BIOS  
bps  
CD  
compact disc  
CD-ROM compact disc read-only memory  
CD-RW  
CMOS  
COM1  
COM2  
CPU  
compact disc rewrite memory  
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor  
communications port 1 (serial port)  
communications port 2 (serial port)  
central processing unit  
DC  
direct current  
238  
 
Glossary  
239  
DMA  
DIMM  
DOS  
direct memory access  
dual inline memory module  
disk operating system  
dots per inch  
DPI  
DSTN  
DVD  
dual supertwist nematic  
digital versatile (or video) disc  
DVD-ROM digital versatile (or video) disc read-only memory  
ECP  
EPROM  
FAT  
enhanced capabilities port  
erasable programmable read-only memory  
file allocation table  
FCC  
FIR  
Federal Communications Commission  
fast infrared  
GB  
gigabyte  
HDD  
HTML  
IEEE  
I/O  
hard disk drive  
Hypertext Markup Language  
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers  
input/output  
IRQ  
ISP  
interrupt request  
Internet service provider  
kilobyte  
KB  
LAN  
LCD  
LPT1  
LSI  
local area network  
liquid crystal display  
line printer port 1 (parallel port)  
large-scale integration  
megabyte  
MB  
MIDI  
NTFS  
PC  
Musical Instrument Digital Interface  
NT file system  
personal computer  
PCI  
Peripheral Component Interconnect  
Glossary  
240  
PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card International  
Association  
RAM  
RFI  
random access memory  
radio frequency interference  
read-only memory  
ROM  
RTC  
real-time clock  
SCSI  
SDRAM  
SRAM  
SVGA  
TFT  
small computer system interface  
synchronous dynamic random access memory  
static random access memory  
super video graphics adapter  
thin film transistor  
USB  
universal serial bus  
URL  
uniform resource locator  
wide area network  
WAN  
www  
World Wide Web  
Terms  
The following terms may appear in this user’s guide.  
active-matrix display — A liquid crystal display (LCD) made  
from an array of liquid crystal cells using active-matrix  
A
technology. Also known as a “TFT display,” in its simplest form  
there is one thin film transistor (TFT) for each cell. This type of  
display works well with notebook computers because of its  
shallow depth and high-quality color. Active-matrix displays are  
viewable from wider angles than most passive-matrix displays.  
adapter — A device that provides a compatible connection  
between two units. For example, the computer’s internal display  
adapter receives information from the software and translates it  
into images on the screen. An adapter can take a number of  
forms, from a microprocessor to a simple connector. An  
intelligent adapter (one that is capable of doing some processing)  
may also be called a controller.  
Glossary  
241  
alternating current (AC) — The type of power usually supplied to  
residential and commercial wall outlets. AC reverses its direction  
at regular intervals. Compare direct current (DC).  
application — A computer program that you use to perform tasks  
of a specific type. Applications include word processors,  
spreadsheets, and database management systems. See also  
program.  
backup — A copy of a file, usually on a removable disk, kept in  
case the original file is lost or damaged.  
B
basic input/output system (BIOS) — See BIOS.  
baud rate — The speed at which a communication device, such as  
a printer or modem, transmits information. Baud rate is the  
number of signal changes per second (not necessarily the same as  
bits per second). See also bits per second.  
BIOS (basic input/output system) — Basic instructions, stored in  
read-only memory (ROM), containing the information the  
computer needs in order to check hardware and load the  
operating system when you start up the computer.  
bit: — Short for “binary digit.” A bit is the smallest unit of  
information used by a computer. A group of eight bits is a byte.  
See also byte.  
bits per second (bps) — A way of measuring the speed at which  
information is passed between two devices. The basic measure  
used in modem communications, bps is similar, but not identical,  
to the baud rate. See also baud rate.  
boot — To start the computer. The term “boot” originates from  
bootstrap program (as in “pulling itself up by its bootstraps”), a  
program that loads and initializes the operating system. See also  
reboot.  
boot disk — See system disk.  
boot priority (startup sequence) — The order in which the  
computer accesses its disk drives to locate the startup files. Under  
the default startup sequence, the computer looks for the startup  
files in the diskette drive before checking the hard disk.  
Glossary  
242  
bus — An electrical circuit that connects the central processing unit  
(CPU) with other parts of the computer, such as the video  
adapter, disk drives, and ports. It is the pathway through which  
data flows from one device to another. See also bus speed,  
frontside bus.  
bus speed — The speed at which the central processing unit (CPU)  
communicates with the other parts of the computer.  
byte — A sequence of eight bits. A byte is the smallest addressable  
unit of data. See also bit, gigabyte, kilobyte, megabyte.  
cache — A section of very fast memory in which frequently used  
information is duplicated for quick access. Accessing data from  
cache is faster than accessing it from the computer’s main  
memory. See also CPU cache, L1 cache, L2 cache.  
C
CD — An individual compact disc. See also CD-ROM.  
CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory) — A form of high-  
capacity storage that uses laser optics instead of magnetic means  
for reading data. See also CD. Compare DVD-ROM.  
central processing unit (CPU) — The chip that functions as the  
“brain” of the computer. It takes information from outside  
sources, such as memory or keyboard input, processes the  
information, and sends the results to another device that uses the  
information.  
character — Any letter, number, or symbol you can use on the  
computer. Some characters are non-printing characters, such as a  
paragraph break in a word-processing program. A character  
occupies one byte of computer storage.  
chip — A small piece of silicon containing computer logic and  
circuits for processing, memory, input/output, and/or control  
functions. Chips are mounted on printed circuit boards.  
click — To press and release the TouchPad control button or mouse  
button without moving the cursor or mouse. In the Windows®  
operating system, this refers to the left mouse button or primary  
TouchPad control button, unless otherwise stated. See also  
double-click.  
Glossary  
243  
color palette — A set of specified colors that establishes the colors  
that can be displayed on the screen at a particular time.  
compatibility — The extent to which computers, programs, or  
devices can work together harmoniously, using the same  
commands, formats, or language as another.  
configuration — (1) The collection of components that make up a  
single computer system. (2) How parts of the system are set up  
(that is, configured).  
controller — A device that controls the transfer of data from a  
computer to a peripheral device and vice versa. For example, disk  
drives, monitors, keyboards, and printers all require controllers.  
CPU — See central processing unit (CPU).  
CPU cache — A section of very fast memory residing between the  
CPU and the computer’s main memory that temporarily stores  
data and instructions the CPU will need to execute commands  
and programs. See also cache, L1 cache, L2 cache.  
cursor — A symbol that indicates the current position on the  
screen. The shape of the cursor varies, depending on the program  
you’re using and what you’re doing.  
default — The setting selected by a program when the user does  
not specify an alternative setting.  
D
device — A component attached to the computer. Devices may be  
external (outside the computer’s case) or internal (inside the  
computer’s case). Printers, disk drives, and modems are  
examples of devices.  
device driver — A program (called a “driver”) that permits a  
computer to communicate with a device.  
dialog box — An on-screen window displayed by the operating  
system or a program giving a direction or requesting input from  
the user.  
direct current (DC) — The type of power usually supplied by  
batteries. DC flows in one direction. Compare alternating current  
(AC).  
Glossary  
244  
direct memory access (DMA) — A dedicated channel, bypassing  
the CPU, that enables direct data transfer between memory and a  
device.  
directory — See folder.  
disable — To turn a computer option off. See also enable.  
disc — A round, flat piece of metal, designed to be read from and  
written to by optical (laser) technology, and used in the  
production of optical discs, such as CDs and DVDs. Compare  
disk.  
disk — A round, flat piece of material that can be magnetically  
influenced to hold information in digital form, and used in the  
production of magnetic disks, such as diskettes and hard disks.  
Compare disc. See also diskette, hard disk.  
disk drive — The device that reads and writes information and  
programs on a diskette or hard disk. It rotates the disk at high  
speed past one or more read/write heads.  
diskette — A thin, flexible disk in a protective jacket that stores  
magnetically encoded data. Diskettes can be removed from the  
computer and come in two sizes: 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch. Your  
computer uses 3.5-inch diskettes. See also double-density  
diskette, high-density diskette.  
document — Any file created with an application and, if saved to  
disk, given a name by which it can be retrieved. See also file.  
double-click — To press the TouchPad control button or mouse  
button rapidly twice without moving the cursor or mouse. In the  
Windows® operating system, this refers to the primary TouchPad  
control button or left mouse button, unless otherwise stated.  
download — (1) In communications, to receive a file from another  
computer through a modem or network. (2) To send font data  
from the computer to a printer. See also upload.  
drag — To hold down the TouchPad control button or mouse  
button while moving the cursor to drag a selected object. In the  
Windows® operating system, this refers to the primary TouchPad  
control button or left mouse button, unless otherwise stated.  
Glossary  
245  
driver — See device driver.  
DVD — An individual digital versatile (or video) disc. See also  
DVD-ROM.  
DVD-ROM (digital versatile [or video] disc read-only memory)  
— A very high-capacity storage medium that uses laser optics for  
reading data. Each DVD-ROM can hold as much data as several  
CD-ROMs. Compare CD-ROM.  
emulation — A technique in which a device or program imitates  
another device or program.  
E
F
enable — To turn on a computer option. See also disable.  
executable file — A computer program that is ready to run.  
Application programs and batch files are examples of executable  
files. Names of executable files usually end with a .bat or .exe  
extension.  
extension — See file extension.  
external device — See device.  
file — A collection of related information, saved on disk with a  
unique name. A file may be a program, information used by a  
program, or a document. See also document.  
file allocation table (FAT) — The section of a disk that keeps track  
of the location of files stored on the disk.  
file name — A set of characters that uniquely identifies a file  
within a particular folder. It consists of two parts: the actual name  
and the file name extension. See also file extension.  
file extension — The three characters following the period  
(pronounced “dot”) at the end of a file name. The extension  
indicates the type of file. Examples are .exe for program files  
and .hlp for help files. See also file name.  
folder — Also called directory. A container for organizing files  
saved to a disk. A folder is symbolized on screen by a graphical  
image (icon) of a file folder. A folder can contain files and other  
folders.  
Glossary  
246  
format — (verb) To prepare a blank disk for use with the  
computer’s operating system. Formatting creates a structure on  
the disk so the operating system can write information to the disk  
or read information from it.  
frontside bus — The primary pathway (bus) between the CPU and  
the computer’s main memory. Also called “system bus.” See also  
bus.  
function keys — The keys labeled F1 through F12, typically  
located on the keyboard. Their function is determined by the  
operating system and/or individual programs.  
gigabyte (GB) — A unit of data equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes  
(1024 x 1024 x 1024 bytes). See also byte.  
G
H
ground — A conductor to which all components of an electric  
circuit are connected. It has a potential of zero (0) volts, is  
connected to the earth, and is the point of reference for voltages  
in the circuit.  
hard disk — A storage device composed of a rigid platter or  
platters that can be magnetically coded with data. Hard disks hold  
much more information than diskettes and are used for long-term  
storage of programs and data. The primary (or only) hard disk in  
a computer is usually fixed, but some computers have secondary  
hard disks that are removable. By default, the hard disk is  
referred to as drive C.  
hardware — The physical components of a computer system.  
Compare software.  
Hibernate — A feature of many Toshiba notebook computers that  
saves to the hard disk the current state of your work, including all  
open files and programs, when you turn the computer off. When  
you turn on the computer again, your work is returned to the  
same state it was when the computer was turned off. See also  
Standby, Suspend.  
high-density diskette — A 3.5-inch diskette that holds 1.44 MB of  
data. See also diskette.  
Glossary  
247  
hot key — (1) A feature in which certain keys in combination with  
the Fn key can set system options or control system parameters,  
such as the battery save mode. (2) A key or combination of keys  
that activates a memory resident program.  
hot swapping — The ability to add or remove devices from a  
computer while the computer is running and have the operating  
system automatically recognize the change.  
icon — A small image displayed on the screen that represents a  
function, file, or program.  
I
interlaced — A method of refreshing a computer screen, in which  
only every other line of pixels is refreshed. Interlaced monitors  
take two passes to create a complete screen image. Compare non-  
interlaced.  
internal device — See device.  
Internet — The decentralized, world-wide network of computers  
that provides electronic mail, the World Wide Web, and other  
services. See also World Wide Web.  
keyboard shortcut — A key or combination of keys that you use  
to perform a task instead of using a pointing device such as the  
TouchPad.  
K
L
kilobyte (KB) — A unit of data equal to 1024 bytes. See also byte.  
L1 (level one) cache — Memory cache built into the processor to  
help improve processing speed. See also cache, CPU cache, L2  
cache.  
L2 (level two) cache — Memory cache installed on the  
motherboard to help improve processing speed. It is slower than  
L1 cache and faster than main memory. See also cache, CPU  
cache, L1 cache.  
LAN (local area network) — A group of computers or other  
devices dispersed over a relatively limited area and connected by  
a communications link that enables any device to interact with  
any other on the network.  
Glossary  
248  
liquid crystal display (LCD) — A type of display that uses a  
liquid substance between two transparent electrode panels. When  
an electric current passes through the electrodes, the molecules in  
the liquid form a crystalline pattern that polarizes the light  
passing through it. A filter over the electrodes permits only non-  
polarized light to pass to the surface of the display, creating light  
and dark pixels.  
load — To move information from a storage device (such as a hard  
disk) into memory for processing.  
local area network — See LAN.  
logical drive — A section of a disk that is recognized by the  
operating system as a separate disk drive. A system’s logical  
drives may differ from its physical drives. For example, a single  
hard disk drive may be partitioned into two or more logical  
drives.  
megabyte (MB) — A unit of data equal to 1,048,576 bytes  
(1024 x 1024 bytes). See also bytes.  
M
memory — Typically refers to the computer’s main memory,  
where programs are run and data is temporarily stored and  
processed. Memory can be volatile and hold data temporarily,  
such as RAM, or it can be nonvolatile and hold data permanently,  
such as ROM. A computer’s main memory is RAM. See RAM,  
ROM.  
microprocessor — See central processing unit (CPU).  
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) — A standard for  
connecting musical instruments, synthesizers, and computers.  
The MIDI standard provides a way of translating music into a  
form computers can use, and vice versa.  
modem — Short for “modulator/demodulator.” A device that  
converts information from digital to analog and back to digital,  
enabling information to pass back and forth between digital  
computers and analog telephone lines.  
motherboard — The main circuit board in the computer. It  
contains the processor, memory, and other primary components.  
Glossary  
249  
MS-DOS prompt — See system prompt.  
multimedia — A combination of two or more media, such as  
sound, animation, and video in a computer program or  
presentation.  
multi-function drive -- A DVD drive that can read and write to CD  
and DVD media.  
Musical Instrument Digital Interface — See MIDI.  
network — A collection of computers and associated devices that  
are connected by communications facilities. A network allows  
you to share data and peripheral devices, such as printers, with  
other users and to exchange electronic mail.  
N
non-interlaced — A method of refreshing a computer screen, in  
which each pixel of every line is refreshed as the electron beam  
scans across and down the screen. Compare interlaced.  
non-system disk — A disk for storing programs and data that  
cannot be used to start the computer. Compare system disk.  
NT file system (NTFS) — An advanced file system designed for  
use specifically with the Windows NT operating system.  
online — Available through the computer. Online may refer to  
information being read from your own computer’s hard disk,  
such as online documentation or online help, or to information  
coming from another company on a company network or the  
Internet.  
O
P
operating system — A set of programs that controls how the  
computer works. Examples of operating systems are  
Windows® 98 Second Edition and Windows® 2000 operating  
systems.  
palette — See color palette.  
parallel — Processes that occur simultaneously. In  
communications, it means the transmission of more than one bit  
of information at a time. On your computer, the parallel port  
provides a parallel communications interface between the  
computer and an appropriate device. Most modern printers are  
parallel. Compare serial.  
Glossary  
250  
password — A unique string of characters entered by a user to  
verify his or her identity to the computer or the network.  
PC Card — A credit-card-sized expansion card designed to  
increase the capabilities of notebook computers. PC Cards  
provide functions such as modem, fax/modem, hard disk drive,  
network adapter, sound card, or SCSI adapter.  
peripheral — Any device, such as a printer or joystick, that is  
attached to the computer and controlled by the computer’s CPU.  
pixel — Short for “picture element.” The smallest dot that can be  
produced on a screen or printer.  
Plug and Play — Generally, refers to the computer’s ability to  
automatically configure itself to work with peripheral devices.  
When capitalized, refers to a standard that, when followed by a  
device manufacturer, allows a PC to configure itself  
automatically to work with the device.  
pointing device — Any device, such as the TouchPad or a mouse,  
that enables you to move the cursor on the screen.  
port — A socket on the computer where you plug in a cable for  
connection to a network or a peripheral device.  
processor — See central processing unit (CPU).  
program — A set of instructions that can be executed by a  
computer. The general classes of programs (also called software)  
are operating system, application, and utility. See also operating  
system, application, utility.  
properties — The attributes of an object or device. For example,  
the properties of a file include the file’s type, size, and creation  
date.  
RAM (random access memory) Volatile memory that can be  
written to as well as read. By volatile, we mean that information  
in RAM is lost when you turn off your computer. This type of  
memory is used for your computer’s main memory. See also  
memory. Compare ROM.  
R
random access memory — See RAM.  
Glossary  
251  
read-only memory — See ROM.  
reboot — See boot, restart.  
removable disk — A disk that can be removed from a disk drive. A  
diskette is one example of a removable disk.  
resolution — A measure of the sharpness of the images that can be  
produced by a printer or displayed on a screen. For a printer,  
resolution is expressed in dots per inch (dpi). For a screen, it is  
expressed as the number of pixels available horizontally and  
vertically.  
restart — Synonymous with reboot. To reset the computer by  
reloading the operating system without turning the computer off.  
See also boot.  
RJ-11 — A modular connector used on most U.S. telephone  
systems and direct-connect modems. The RJ-11 connector is a 6-  
wire connector.  
RJ-45 — A connector used to attach computers to LANS (local  
area networks) and to link ISDN (Integrated Services Digital  
Network) devices to NT-1 (Network Terminator devices). Also  
called.  
ROM (read-only memory) — Non-volatile memory that can be  
read but not written to. By non-volatile, we mean that  
information in ROM remains whether or not the computer is  
receiving power. This type of memory is used to store your  
computer’s BIOS, which is essential instructions the computer  
reads when you start it up. See also BIOS, memory. Compare  
RAM.  
select — To highlight or otherwise specify text, data, or graphics  
with the intent to perform some operation on it.  
S
serial — Processes that occur one at a time. In communications, it  
means the transmission of one bit at a time sequentially over a  
single channel. On your computer, the serial port provides a serial  
interface between the computer and an appropriate device.  
Compare parallel.  
shortcut — See keyboard shortcut.  
Glossary  
252  
software — See program. Compare hardware.  
Standby — A feature of some Windows® operating systems that  
allows you to turn off the computer without exiting your open  
applications and to continue from where you left off when you  
turn the computer on again.  
Suspend — A feature of some Windows® operating systems that  
allows you to turn off the computer without exiting your open  
applications and to continue from where you left off when you  
turn the computer on again.  
system disk — A diskette that contains the operating system files  
needed to start the computer. Any diskette can be formatted as a  
system disk. A system disk is also called a “bootable disk” or a  
“startup disk.” Compare non-system disk.  
system prompt — The symbol (in the MS-DOS® operating system,  
generally a drive letter followed by a “greater than” sign)  
indicating where users are to enter commands.  
TFT display — See active-matrix display.  
T
U
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 — A serial bus that supports  
peripherals such as keyboards and pointing devices. USB  
peripherals have a single standard for cables and connectors. The  
USB standard also allows hot swapping of peripherals. See also  
bus, hot swapping, serial.  
upload — To send a file to another computer through a modem or  
network. See also download.  
USB — See universal serial bus (USB).  
utility — A computer program designed to perform a narrowly  
focused operation or solve a specific problem. Utilities are often  
related to computer system management.  
Glossary  
253  
Web — See World Wide Web.  
W
Wi-Fi — A trademarked term by the Wireless Capability Ethernet  
Alliance which stands for Wireless Fidelity. Wi-Fi is another  
term for the IEEE 802.11b or 802.11a/b communication protocol  
to permit an Ethernet connection using wireless communication  
components.  
World Wide Web (www) — The worldwide network of Web sites  
linked together over the Internet. A user of the Web can jump  
from site to site regardless of the location of the computer hosting  
the site. See also Internet.  
Index  
release lock 46  
remaining power 119  
removing 123  
A
AC adapter 56  
AC power light 56, 60  
Accessories programs 154  
alarms  
low battery 121, 122  
audio features 177  
avoiding injury 49  
buttons  
B
battery  
alarms 121  
caring for 125  
changing 122  
C
charge not lasting 209  
charging 75, 117  
conserving power 120  
disposal 127  
calculator 145  
caps lock light 45  
Card and Socket Services 180  
CD and DVDs  
installing 122  
caring for 94  
light 45, 60, 119  
monitoring power 119  
power usage mode 231  
release latch 46  
viewing contents 93  
CD Player control panel 92  
254  
 
Index  
255  
CDs  
inserting 90  
problem solving 215  
moving 77  
channels  
DMA 204  
not accessing disk drives 199  
transferring information 169  
IRQ 203  
Character Map 146  
charging  
main battery 117  
RTC (real-time clock) battery  
118  
checking device properties 205  
cleaning  
warning resume failure message  
CD or DVDs 94  
computer 76  
click 62  
closing programs 145  
comfort  
computing tips 79  
chair 50  
lighting 51  
work habits 52  
command  
external speakers 179  
Shut down 96  
Turn Off 96  
commands  
Hibernate 97  
powering down 96  
Standby 98  
USB mouse 71  
Contents  
DVDs 93  
control buttons 62  
control buttons for DVD-ROM or  
multifunction drive 89  
cursor control mode light 46  
customizing  
communications  
programs 95  
setting up 94  
system resources 203  
via modem 95  
compact discs  
inserting 90  
problem solving 215  
removing 93  
computer  
taskbar 160  
cleaning 76  
Index  
256  
latch 59  
properties 149  
screen is blank 210  
display limitations 73  
display panel  
D
date and time  
setting 150  
DC-IN 58  
desktop 130  
opening 59  
Display settings  
browsing style 162  
creating new icon 131  
creating shortcuts 145  
major features 130  
properties 149  
shortcut menu 134  
Start button 131  
hot key 176  
displaying folder information 165  
disposing of used batteries 127  
DMA (Direct Memory Access) 204  
double-click 62  
downloading 174  
DVD-ROM drive 41  
problems 214  
removing a disc 93  
troubleshooting 206  
DVD-ROM or multifunction drive  
control buttons 89  
eject button 89  
system tray 132  
taskbar 132, 142  
Device Manager 205  
checking properties 205  
disabling a device 205, 206  
devices  
keyboard 75  
dial-up connection 95  
Dial-Up Networking Wizard 95  
Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) 171,  
173  
disk activity light 45  
Disk Defragmenter 213  
disk drive  
inserting a disc 89  
inserting discs 90  
removing 93  
DVD-ROM/multifunction drive  
light 45  
corrupted/damaged data files 213  
missing files/trouble accessing a  
disk 212  
email 174  
emulating a full-size keyboard 84  
energy saving features 115  
running slow 213  
diskette drive 74  
cannot insert a diskette 213  
cannot read a diskette 214  
external 74  
lighting 51  
posture 50  
seating guidelines 50  
work habits 52  
display  
does not look normal/flickers 211  
external monitor not working 212  
external, adjusting 73  
hot key 72  
error messages  
device driver conflict 202  
general hardware problem 202  
Index  
non-system disk or disk error  
199, 214  
problem with display settings/  
current settings not working  
with hardware 211  
program has performed an illegal  
operation 197  
hard disk drive  
resolving 204  
Hibernate  
warning resume failure 199  
Error-checking 212  
expansion memory slot 67  
cover 47  
restarting 109  
using 103  
external  
diskette drive 74  
keyboard 75  
external monitor  
connecting 166  
hot key  
not working 212  
external speakers 179  
F
FAT (File Allocation Table) 212  
files 133  
backing up 80, 86  
printing 86  
saving 79, 85  
display output settings 72  
transferring 169  
Fn key 43, 84  
assigning functions 186  
Fn-esse 185  
assigning keys 186  
change/remove key assignments  
188  
drag-and-drop 186  
keyboard 185  
hot swapping 180  
precautions 182  
Hotkey utility 188  
Hypertext Transfer Protocol  
(HTTP) 172  
starting 185  
using keyboard 187  
viewing key assignments 188  
folders 133  
displaying information 165  
front panel 44  
Index  
258  
function keys 81  
hot keys 236  
indicator panel 45  
not working 198, 209  
numeric keypad overlay 83  
overlay keys 82  
unexpected characters 209  
Windows special keys 82  
I
icon 130  
desktop 131  
moving to desktop 131  
naming 139  
safety 35  
indicator panel  
keyboard 45  
inserting  
L
CDs and DVDs 90  
PC Cards 180  
installing  
disk activity 45  
main battery 122  
interference statement 14  
Internal mode 212  
Internet 172  
DVD-ROM/multifunction drive  
bookmarked site not found 201  
chat rooms 174  
connecting to 171  
news groups 174  
overview 172  
hard disk drive 45, 61  
numeric mode 46  
on/off 44  
lock slot 40  
slow connection 201  
URL address not found 201  
Internet Service Provider (ISP) 173  
IRQ (Interrupt Request) 203  
M
main battery  
changing 122  
removing 123  
memory  
J
jacks  
problem solving 207  
removing 70  
removing expansion slot cover 67  
headphone 42  
microphone 42  
memory module  
K
inserting 69  
removing 70  
keyboard 44  
character keys 81  
Ctrl, Fn, and Alt keys 81  
cursor control overlay 83  
emulating full-size 84  
external 75  
microphone jack 42  
Microsoft Internet Explorer 95  
Microsoft Support Online Web site  
202  
Microsoft Windows XP 129  
minimizing 142  
Fn-esse 185  
259  
modem  
determining COM port 167  
password  
port 42, 95  
problem solving 221  
resetting port to default settings  
167  
checklist 218  
upgrading 167  
modem, using 95  
monitor  
connecting 72, 166  
errors 220  
not working 210  
port 41  
mouse  
not recognized 219  
problem solving 217, 218  
removing 181  
slots 42  
connecting 71  
moving the computer 77  
multi-function drive 41  
cannot access disc 214  
drive tray will not open 215  
problems 214  
troubleshooting 206  
My Computer 133, 134  
ports  
N
network  
connecting to 95  
dial-up connection 95  
New Folder icon 139  
new text document 137  
Notepad 138  
external diskette drive 74  
parallel 41  
USB 41  
numeric mode light 46  
O
computer will not start 198  
monitoring 119  
object properties 149  
on/off light 44  
online tours 157  
problem solving 208  
taking care of your battery 125  
Power Management 191  
powering down 96  
running on batteries 193  
P
Paint 140  
palm rest 44  
parallel port 41  
Index  
260  
power usage mode 121  
powering off 96  
precautions 52  
Internet bookmarked site  
keyboard  
primary button 62  
printer  
keyboard produces unexpected  
Add Printer Wizard 63  
problem solving 220, 221  
printing a file 86  
disk 212  
problem solving  
modem not receiving or  
multi-function drive tray does not  
no sound 216  
non-system disk or disk error  
199, 214  
slot appears dead 218  
Plug and Play 204  
213  
AC power 208  
accessing disk drives 199  
battery charge does not last 209  
cannot access CD/DVD 214  
cannot insert diskette in drive 213  
cannot read a diskette 214  
changing display properties 211  
checking device properties 205  
compact discs not running  
correctly 215  
computer hangs when PC Card  
inserted 219  
computer will not power up 198  
contacting Toshiba 223, 224  
corrupted/damaged data files 213  
Device Manager 205  
disabling a device 205, 206  
disk drive is slow 213  
display is blank 210  
external display not working 212  
external keyboard not working  
209  
external monitor 210  
faulty memory 207  
hardware conflict 202, 203, 204  
hardware conflict caused by  
legacy device 204  
URL address not found 201  
using Startup options 200  
warning resume failure 199  
Windows XP not working 200  
Windows XP will not start 200  
high-pitched noise 217  
illegal operation 197  
programs  
closing 145  
not running correctly 213  
Index  
261  
starting 84  
Web browsers 172  
properties 149  
security  
R
setting  
battery alarms 121  
recharging  
main battery 117  
RTC battery 118  
recording  
adjusting quality 178  
sounds 177  
Recovery Media 36  
Recycle Bin 131, 152  
remaining battery power 119  
removing  
printer 63  
shortcut  
menu 134  
Shut down  
CDs and DVDs 93  
main battery 123  
PC Cards 181  
resizing windows 142, 143  
Restart command 97  
restarting from Hibernate 109  
restarting from Standby 114  
restarting from Turn Off 103  
RTC (real-time clock) battery 116  
running the computer on battery power  
115  
shut down 76  
Shut down command 96  
sound  
Stand by mode  
Standby 96, 98  
using 110  
Start button 131  
starting a program 84  
starting up the computer  
from Standby 114  
Startup menu  
S
safety  
computer 128  
disposing of batteries 127  
icons 35  
precautions 52  
saving your work 85  
screen  
blank 210  
does not look normal/flickers 211  
Screen Saver tab 149  
Search Engine 173  
secondary button 62  
problem solving 200  
Index  
262  
sticky key 184  
U
support for Windows 132  
system indicator panel 39, 44  
System Restore 154  
System Setup 199  
System Tools 154  
system tools 212  
Disk Defragmenter 213  
Error-checking 212  
system tray 132  
160, 173  
uploading 174  
USB (Universal Serial Bus) port 41  
USB mouse  
USB-compatible  
keyboard  
T
connecting 75  
taskbar 132, 142  
customizing 160  
using  
Hibernate 103  
Wi-Fi 170  
telephone line  
connecting the modem 95  
text file 137  
toolbars  
displaying in a window 165  
Toshiba  
Internet Web sites 225  
Toshiba Accessories  
information 36  
TOSHIBA Console 189  
Toshiba Hardware Setup 194  
TouchPad 44  
Hotkey utility 188  
TOSHIBA Accessibility 183  
V
using 133  
using with control buttons 133  
transferring files 169  
transferring information between  
computers 169  
traveling tips 128  
Turn Off  
W
warranty  
Web address 173  
Web browsers 172  
Web content interface 161  
Web sites  
Support Online 202  
Web sites,Toshiba 225  
restarting from 103  
using 99  
Turn Off command 96  
Turn Off methods 100  
turning computer on/off 60  
turning off the computer 96  
tutorials 136, 157  
263  
windows  
hiding 142  
repositioning 142  
resizing 142, 143  
Windows Explorer 140  
Windows Help 132  
Windows Media Player 91  
Windows Standby 75  
Windows XP  
change date and time settings 150  
changing the screen saver 149  
closing programs 145  
creating a new folder 139  
creating a text file 137  
creating shortcuts 145  
desktop 130  
Help 155, 202  
Help and Support 202  
problem solving 200  
Recycle Bin 152  
removing objects 152  
resizingormovingwindows 142,  
143  
special features 159  
starting programs 140  
System Restore 154  
tours and tutorials 157  
Turn Off 158  
Web Tutorial 136  
wireless antenna  
indicator 39  
on-off switch 39  
wireless features  
Wi-Fi 170  
wireless mode hot key 235  
Wizards  
Add Printer 63  
World Wide Web 172  

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