Problems that are easy to fix

Chapter 7

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.

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.

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Toshiba A45 Series manual Problems that are easy to fix, Your program stops responding

Contents

If you need assistance Toshiba Global Support Centre Satellite A40/A45 Series User’s Guide Model Satellite A40/A45 Series ReWritable CD/DVD Drives Protection of Stored DataCritical Applications FCC Notice FCC Requirements Industry Canada Requirement Telephone Company Procedures Instructions for IC CS-03 certified equipment Alarm equipment Wireless LAN and your Health Wireless Interoperability Regulatory Information Europe EU Declaration of Conformity USA-Federal Communications Commission FCC Page Taiwan Device Authorization Interference Statement USA Venezuela Bluetooth wireless technology Interoperability Bluetooth wireless technology and your Health Canada-Industry Canada IC Regulatory statements Taiwan FH1 Telecom Engineering Center CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Multi-function Drive Safety Instructions Copyright Export Administration Regulation Trademarks Computer Disposal Information Contents Contents 100 117 Exploring Your Options 163 173 188 241 Appendix C Using ConfigFreeTM Introduction Introduction This guide Safety icons Other icons used Other documentation Service options Creating a computer-friendly environment Selecting a place to work Important information about your CPU cooling fan Placement of the computer Keeping yourself comfortableSeating and posture Correct posture and positioning of the computer Lighting Arms and wristsWork habits Precautions Setting up your computer Registering your computer with Toshiba Setting up your software Connect a local printer see Connecting a printer on Adding external devicesBefore starting to use your computer, you may also want to Sample power cable and sample AC adapter Connecting to a power source Connecting the power cable to the sample AC adapter Connecting the AC adapter to the computerPlug the AC adapter into the DC-IN Charging the main battery Using the computer for the first time Opening the display panelOpening the display panel Pressing the power button Turning on the power Click Security Click User password Activating the power-on password Using the TouchPad Disabling or enabling the TouchPad Control buttonsClick Start, Control Panel Click Printers and Other Hardware Sample Mouse Properties window Sample Toshiba Touch and Launch window Using Toshiba Touch and Launch Parts of the Toshiba Touch and Launch window Disable/Enable Help About Settings Sample Toshiba Touch and Launch Settings window Toshiba Touch and Launch Settings Disabling or enabling Toshiba Touch and Launch Setting up a printer Using the Add Printer Wizard Click Start, Control Panel. The Control Panel appearsSample Control Panel Click Add a printer Sample Printers and Faxes windowAdd Printer Wizard window appears Sample Add Printer Wizard Follow the on-screen instructions Installing additional memory optional Phillips no zero screwdriver that is in good condition Using a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the panel Removing a keyboard screw Removing the panel above the keyboard Locating the covered memory module slots Lifting the keyboard Remove the new memory module from its antistatic packaging Lifting the plastic covering the memory slots Inserting the memory module Press Any Key To Continue Removing a memory module Carefully remove the module from the slot Pulling the clips away from the memory module Removing the memory module Checking total memory Connecting a printer Connecting a mouseConnecting a USB printer Connecting a parallel printer Connecting an external monitor Using external display devices Display limitations Adjusting the quality of the external display Sample external USB diskette drive Connecting an optional external diskette drive Using an external keyboard Powering off the computerSample diskette drive Caring for your computer Cleaning the computer Using a computer lockMoving the computer Locking the computer PORT-Noteworthycomputer lock cable Computing tips Learning the Basics Sample keyboard Using the keyboard Ctrl, Fn, and Alt keys Character keysFunction keys Ctrl, Fn and Alt keys Overlay keys Windows special keysWindows special keys Keyboard overlay keys Using the cursor control overlay Using the numeric keypad overlay Starting a program Emulating a full-size keyboard Saving your work Backing up your files Printing your work Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive DVD-ROM drive components Your DVD-ROM drive may look like thisSample DVD-ROM drive CD/DVD control buttons CD/DVD control buttons Stop/eject button stops a disc that is currently playing CD/DVD and Digital audio modes Inserting a disc Positioning the disc on the spindle Inserting a disc Sample Audio CD window Playing an audio CD Sample Windows MediaTM Player window Windows MediaTM Player window appears Removing a disc with the computer on Viewing the contents of a CD or DVD 100 Setting up for communicationsRemoving a disc with the computer off Caring for CDs and DVDs Connecting the modem to a phone line Connecting your computer to a network101 102 Powering down the computer Restart command Turn Off or Shut down command103 Each option has its advantages Hibernation command Standby command104 105 Using Turn Off or Shut downClick Start, Turn off computer Turn off computer window appears Sample Turn off computer window 106Click Turn Off Sample Shut down computer window 107 Turning off or shutting down more quicklyClick OK Computer turns itself off When I press the power button Sample Toshiba Power Saver Properties windowWhen I close the lid 108 Enabling the Hibernation command Using HibernationGoing into Hibernation mode 109 110 Going into Hibernation mode more quicklyClick Start, Shut Down Sample Hibernate computer window Select Hibernation for the options you want 111 Starting again from Hibernation mode Using StandbyUsing Standby 112 Click Stand By 113Sample Stand by window Select Stand by from the drop-down list of options Click OK 114 Going into Standby mode more quickly Select Standby for the options you want 115 Starting again from Standby 116 Toshiba’s energy-saver design Mobile Computing Battery Notice Power management118 Charging the main battery Using additional batteries119 Charging the batteries 120 Charging the RTC battery 121 Monitoring battery power 122 Determining remaining battery power 123 Conserving battery power What to do when the battery runs low Setting battery alarms124 Changing the main battery Removing the battery from the computer125 Slide the battery release latch to the right Releasing the battery lockReleasing the battery 126 Inserting the battery in the computer Removing the battery127 Taking care of your battery Safety precautions128 129 Maximizing battery life 130 Disposing of used batteries safelyTraveling tips Traveling tips 131 Getting to Know Windows XP Operating System Lesson 1 Exploring the desktop 133Finding your way around the desktop Icons Start button 134 Taskbar 135System tray Windows XP file system 136 Lesson 2 Using the TouchPad and control buttons together 137 Sample desktop shortcut menuSample My Computer window Sample desktop with the taskbar on the right 138 Lesson 3 Learning about the Internet 139Opening a Web page from a window Lesson 3 Learning about the Internet 140 Lesson 4 Creating a new documentLesson 4 Creating a new document 141 Lesson 5 Creating a new folderLesson 5 Creating a new folder 142 Click AccessoriesLesson 6 Starting programs Lesson 6 Starting programs 143 Sample Paint windowClick Windows Explorer 144 Lesson 7 Resizing, repositioning, and hiding windowsSample Windows Explorer window Using the taskbar 145Minimizing and maximizing windows Resizing and moving windows 146 Lesson 8 Closing programs 147Lesson 8 Closing programs Sample Windows Explorer windows Lesson 9 Creating shortcuts 148Creating a shortcut to the Calculator Lesson 9 Creating shortcuts 149 Creating a shortcut to the Character MapSample Create Shortcut dialog box Sample Search options on the Start menu 150Click All Files and Folders Operating system displays the Search Results dialog box Lesson 10 Changing the screen saver 151Lesson 10 Changing the screen saver Click Create Shortcut here 152 Click PropertiesOperating system opens the Display Properties dialog box Sample Display Properties dialog box 153 Lesson 11 Setting the date and time Lesson 11 Setting the date and time154 Click the Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options icon Sample Date and Time Properties dialog box 155 Lesson 12 Removing objects from the desktop 156 Sample Recycle Bin open on the desktop 157 Lesson 13 Using System Restore Lesson 13 Using System RestoreSample System Restore Welcome screen 158 Lesson 14 If I am lost, what do I do? 159Windows XP Help and Support Center Lesson 14 If I am lost, what do I do? 160 Double-clickCreating pictures using PaintHelp and Support Center Index window pane appears Sample Help and Support Center Index 161 Using the online tours and tutorialsSample Drawing help window Click Start, then Help and Support Lesson 15 Turning off your computer 162Lesson 15 Turning off your computer Click What’s new for Help and support Exploring Your Options Windows XP special features 164 Personalizing your desktopCustomizing the taskbar 165 Turning on the Web content interfaceBringing the world to your desktop Click the Customize Desktop button Changing desktop and browsing style 166 Choosing a style 167Personalizing individual windows Sample Folder Options dialog box 168 Customizing window toolbarsSample toolbar locations Displaying a toolbar in a window 169Displaying information about each folder Elements you can add to the top of the window are 170 Using your computer at the officeOpen the folder you want to view as a Web Tools menu, select Folder Options 171 Setting up for communicationsDetermining the COM port Phone and Modem options window appears Connecting the modem to a telephone line Setting up a dial-up connection172 Getting started 173Getting help transferring files Click the Index button 174 Setting up a wireless connection Connecting to the Internet Using a modem175 176 An overview of using the InternetInternet World Wide Web Signing up with an Internet Service Provider Internet Service Providers177 Surfing the Internet Internet features 178Uploading and downloading files on the Internet Changing the display properties setting Exploring video features179 Toshiba’s online resources Playing DVDs 180 Display settings hot key Exploring audio featuresUsing a microphone 181 Adjusting recording settings 182Sample Sound Recorder screen Using external speakers or headphones Using PC CardsUsing PC Cards 183 Inserting PC Cards PC Card supporting software Removing PC Cards 185Inserting a PC Card Removing a PC Card Hot swapping precautions Using SD CardsHot swapping Inserting an SD card Removing an SD card 187Inserting an SD card Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the system tray Toshiba Utilities Toshiba Accessibility Toshiba Accessibility window appears Select Toshiba, Utilities, AccessibilitySample Toshiba Accessibility window 189 Fn-esse Starting Fn-esseSample Fn-esse keyboard 191 Using the Fn-esse drag-and-dropAssigning a key to a program or document Fn-esse Using the keyboard Hotkey utility 193Viewing existing key assignments Changing or removing existing key assignments 194 Toshiba ConsoleSample Toshiba Hotkey utility window 195 Features available in this category are Power ManagementCustomize Your Computer Sample Toshiba Console window 196 ConfigFreeSecurity Hotkey assignment 197 Sample Toshiba Power Saver Properties window 198 Toshiba Hardware Setup 199 Sample Toshiba HWSetup window 200 Your program stops responding Problems that are easy to fix Your program performs an illegal operation 202 These problems may occur when you turn on the power Computer starts but, when you press a key, nothing happens203 Computer will not start 204 Computer displays the Non-System disk or disk error messageWindows operating system is not working Operating system takes a long time to start 205 Using Startup options to fix problems Internet problems 206Windows XP operating system can help you 207 Click the Fixing a hardware problemResolving a hardware conflict Plan of action 208 Direct Memory AccessResolving hardware conflicts on your own Interrupt Request Channel 209 Plug and PlayResolving conflicts 210 Fixing a problem with Device ManagerDisabling a device Checking device properties Click Troubleshooting 211To check a device’s properties 212 Memory module problems Power and the batteries Here are some typical problems and how to solve them213 Keyboard problems 214Keyboard produces unexpected characters Here are some typical display problems and their solutions Display problems215 Display is blank 216 Screen does not look rightBuilt-in screen flickers Error-checking Disk drive problemsAdjust the screen resolution and/or color quality Click OK 217 Your hard disk seems very slow 218Your data files are damaged or corrupted Some programs run correctly but others do not You cannot access a disc in the drive DVD-ROM or multi-function drive problems219 Message To ensure the Secondary IDE Channel DMA setting Secondary IDE Channel DMA setting220 Some discs run correctly, but others do not Click the Advanced Settings tab Sound system problems221 You do not hear any sound from the computer 222 PC Card problemsCard Information Structure Computer emits a loud, high-pitched noise Resolving PC Card problems PC Card checklistHere are some common problems and their solutions 223 Follow this procedure before you remove a PC Card Computer stops working hangs when you insert a PC Card224 System does not recognize your PC Card PC Card error occurs Printer problemsThis section lists some of the most common printer problems 225 This section lists common modem problems Modem problems226 Printer will not print what you see on the screen Develop good computing habits 227Save your work frequently Read the user’s guides 228 If you need further assistanceBefore you call 229 Contacting ToshibaToshiba voice contact 230 Other Toshiba Internet Web sitesToshiba’s worldwide offices Toshiba’s worldwide offices 231 232 Instant password security Volume MuteThis hot key enables/disables volume mute on your Computer With a password Without a passwordClick the On resume, password protected check box Click Start, Control Panel Click Appearances and Themes Press Enter Click Start, Help and Support 236 Sample power usage modes Standby mode This hot key puts the computer into Standby modeSample Standby confirmation box This hot key puts the computer into Hibernation Hibernation modeMode Sample Hibernation confirmation box Display modes This hot key cycles through the power-on displayDisplay brightness Options Sample disable and enable TouchPad windows Keyboard hot keysFn + This hot key turns the numeric overlay on and off AustraliaEurope USA and Canada Appendix C ConfigFree main screen ConfigFree Main Screen243 Getting Started Starting ConfigFree Configuring ConfigFree244 ConfigFree Utilities ConfigFree Utilities245 Connectivity Doctor Device Settings 246Connectivity Doctor 247 Viewing the device settings Profile Settings 248Viewing registered profiles 249 Switch ProfilesAdd, Modify, and Delete a Profile Quick Connect Using Auto Switch Using Auto Switch250 Auto Switch Cable Disconnect Auto Switch Ssid251 Following acronyms may appear in this user’s guide Acronyms Glossary Following terms may appear in this user’s guide Terms Basic input/output system Bios See Bios CD-ROM compact disc read-only memory a form of high CPU See central processing unit CPU Directory See folder DVD-ROM digital versatile or video disc read-only memory Standby, Suspend Internal device See device Local area network See LAN MS-DOS prompt See system prompt Random access memory See RAM Read-only memory See ROM. reboot See boot, restart TFT display See active-matrix display Web See World Wide Web Light 53 Index 162 204245 DVD-ROM 177 176 193 171 207 222 214 218216 117 164 146 Help 159