Main
Satellite A55 Series Users Guide
Models: Satellite A55 Series ReWritable CD/DVD Drives
Protection of Stored Data
Critical Applications
FCC Notice Declaration of Conformity Information
Industry Canada requirement
FCC requirements
Telephone Company Procedures
If Problems Arise
Disconnection
Fax Branding
Alarm Equipment
Instructions for IC CS-03 Certified Equipment
Wireless Interoperability
Wireless LAN and your Health
Regulatory Information
Canada Industry Canada (IC)
Europe EU Declaration of Conformity
Page
USA Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Caution: Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation
Caution: Radio Frequency Interference Requirements
Tai wa n
Using this Equipment in Japan
Device Authorization
Radio approvals for wireless devices
Approved Countries/Regions for use for the Atheros AR5BMB-43/44 Mini PCI Wireless network adapter
Europe - Restrictions for use of 2.4 GHz Frequencies in European Community Countries
Europe - Restrictions for use of 5 GHz Frequencies in European Community Countries
Approved Countries/Regions for use for the Atheros AR5001X Mini PCI Wireless network adapter
Approved Countries/Regions for use for the Intel PRO/ Wireless LAN 2100 3B Mini PCI Adapter
Approved Countries/Regions for use for the Toshiba Mini PCI Wireless LAN Card
Bluetooth wireless technology Interoperability
Bluetooth wireless technology and your Health
Regulatory statements
European Union (EU) and EFTA
Canada Industry Canada (IC)
Caution: FCC Interference Statement
Caution: Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation
Tai wa n
Using this equipment in Japan
2.4FH1
Device Authorization
DVD-ROM, multi-function drive safety instructions
Location of the required label
Copyright
Export Administration Regulation
Notice
Trademarks
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Contents
Introduction ..............................................................35
Chapter 1: Getting Started ......................................... 39
Chapter 2: Learning the Basics ..................................77
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Chapter 3: Mobile Computing ................................. 108
Chapter 4: Exploring Your Options.......................... 125
Chapter 5: Toshiba Utilities..................................... 148
Chapter 6: If Something Goes Wrong ..................... 170
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Introduction
36
This guide
Safety icons
Other icons used
38
Other documentation
Service options
Chapter 1
Getting Started
Selecting a place to work
Creating a computer-friendly environment
Keeping yourself comfortable
Placement of the computer
Seating and posture
Lighting
Arms and wrists
Work habits
Other precautions
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Important information on your computers cooling fan
Setting up your computer
Setting up your software
Registering your computer with Toshiba
Adding external devices
Connecting to a power source
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Charging the main battery
Using the computer for the first time
Opening the display panel
Your computers features and specifications
Turning on the power
Using the TouchPad
Scrolling with the TouchPad
Using the Control buttons
Disabling or enabling the TouchPad
Installing additional memory (optional)
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Removing a memory module
Checking total memory
Using an external keyboard
Using a mouse
Connecting a local printer
Setting up your printer
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Connecting an optional external diskette drive
Using external display devices
Connecting the display device
Selecting video cables
Connecting to the S-video port
Connecting an external monitor or projector
Directing the display output when you turn on the computer
Adjusting the quality of the external display
Turning off the computer
Closing the display panel
Caring for your computer
Cleaning the computer
Moving the computer
Using a computer lock
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Chapter 2
Learning the Basics
Computing tips
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Using the keyboard
Character keys
Making your keyboard emulate a full-size keyboard
Ctrl, Fn, and Alt keys
Function keys
Windows special keys
Overlay keys
Using the overlay to type numeric data
Using the overlay for cursor control
Starting a program
Starting a program from the Start menu
Starting a program from Windows Explorer
Starting a program from the Run dialog box
Saving your work
Saving files
File names
Using a file extension
Printing your work
Backing up your work
Restoring your work
Using the DVD-ROM or multi-function drive
Drive components and control buttons
DVD-ROM or multi-function drive components
CD/DVD control buttons
Inserting a compact disc
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Playing an audio CD
Playing CDs using Auto-Run
Creating a CD
Viewing the contents of a CD or DVD
Removing a disc with the computer on
Removing a disc with the computer off
Caring for CD or DVD Discs
Powering down the computer
Using Turn Off or Shut Down
Shutting down more quickly
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Starting again after Shut down
Using Hibernation
Configuring your computer for Hibernation
Starting again from Hibernation mode
Using Standby Mode
Going into Standby mode more quickly
Starting again from Standby mode
Toshibas online resources
Chapter 3
Mobile Computing
Toshibas energy-saver design
Running the computer on battery power
Battery Notice
Power management
Using additional batteries
Charging the batteries
Charging the main battery
Charging the RTC battery
Monitoring battery power
Determining remaining battery power
What to do when the battery runs low
Setting battery alarms
Conserving battery power
Power profiles in Windows XP
Using a hot key to set the power profile
Changing the main battery
Removing the battery from the computer
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Inserting the battery into the computer
Taking care of your battery
Safety precautions
Maximizing battery life
Disposing of used batteries
Traveling tips
Chapter 4
Exploring Your Options
Exploring the desktop
Finding your way around the desktop
Icons
Start button
Taskbar
System tray
Setting up for communications
Determining the COM port
Connecting your modem to a telephone line
Connecting your computer to a network
Accessing a network
Setting up the connection
Using the Ethernet LAN Port
Using Wireless LAN Connectivity
Using the Wi-Fi Wireless LAN Mini PCI module
An overview of using the Internet
The Internet
The World Wide Web
Internet Service Providers
Connecting to the Internet
Surfing the Internet
Internet features
Uploading and downloading files from the Internet
Exploring audio features
Recording sounds
Using a microphone
Adjusting recording quality
Using external speakers or headphones
Using the i.LINK port
Inserting and removing hard drives
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Inserting and Removing PC Cards
PC Card supporting software
Inserting a PC Card
Removing a PC Card
Setting up a PC Card for your computer
Hot swapping
Hot swapping precautions
Chapter 5
Toshiba Utilities
Fn-esse
Starting Fn-esse
Using drag-and-drop to assign a key
Using the keyboard or pointing device to assign keys
Making a direct key assignment
Making a popup assignment
Viewing existing key assignments
Changing or removing existing key assignments
TOSHIBA Console
Customizing your computer
Network
Security
TOSHIBA Power Saver
Page
Profiles
Quickly creating a new power mode
Customizing a power mode
Mouse utility
Hotkey utility
TOSHIBA HW Setup
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Enabling Hibernation
Setting passwords
Using an instant password
Setting a user password
Disabling a user password
Setting a supervisor password
Deleting a supervisor password
Using the TOSHIBA Zooming Utility
Using the TOSHIBA Touch and Launch utility
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TOSHIBA Touch and Launch Settings
Disabling or enabling TOSHIBA Touch and Launch
Chapter 6
If Something Goes Wrong
Problems that are easy to fix
Your program stops responding.
Your program performs an illegal operation.
Problems when you turn on the computer
The computer will not start.
The computer starts but, when you press a key, nothing happens.
The computer is not accessing the hard disk or the external diskette drive.
The computer displays the WARNING RESUME FAILURE message.
The Windows operating system is not working
Using Startup options to fix problems
Internet problems
My Internet connection is very slow.
My browser cannot find the URL address I typed in.
My browser cannot find a site I bookmarked.
The Windows XP operating system can help you
Resolving a hardware conflict
A plan of action
Resolving hardware conflicts on your own
Interrupt Request Channel
Direct Memory Access
Plug and Play
Resolving conflicts
Fixing a problem with Device Manager
Disabling a device
Checking device properties
Memory problems
Power and the batteries
The AC power light does not come on when you plug in the AC adapter and power cable.
The AC adapter and power cable work correctly, but the battery will not charge.
The battery does not power the computer for as long as it used to.
Keyboard problems
The keyboard produces unexpected characters.
Display problems
The display is blank.
The screen does not look right.
The built-in screen flickers.
The display mode is set to Simultaneous and the external display device does not work.
Small bright dots appear on your TFT d isplay whe n you turn on your computer.
Disk drive problems
You are having trouble accessing a disk, or one or more files appear to be missing.
Error-checking
Your hard disk seems very slow.
Your data files are damaged or corrupted.
Some programs run correctly but others do not.
A diskette will not go into the external diskette drive.
The computer displays the Non-system disk or disk error message.
The drive cannot read a diskette.
DVD-ROM or multi-function drive problems
You cannot access a disc in the drive.
You press the disc eject button, but the drive tray does not slide out.
Some discs run correctly, but others do not.
Sound system problems
You do not hear any sound from the computer.
The computer emits a loud, high-pitched noise.
PC Card problems
Card Information Structure
PC Card checklist
Resolving PC Card problems
The system does not recognize your PC Card.
A PC Card error occurs.
Printer problems
The printer will not print.
The printer will not print what you see on the screen.
Modem problems
The modem will not receive or transmit properly.
The modem is on, set up properly and still will not transmit or receive data.
Develop good computing habits
Save your work frequently.
On a regular basis, back up the information stored on your hard disk.
Read the users guides.
If you need further assistance
Before you call
Contacting Toshiba
Toshiba voice contact
Other Toshiba Internet Web sites
Toshibas worldwide offices
Toshibas worldwide offices
Appendix A
Hot Keys
Volume Mute
Instant password security
Power usage profile
Stand By mode
Hibernation mode
Display modes
Display brightness
Disabling or enabling the TouchPad
Keyboard hot keys
Appendix B
Power Cable Connectors
Appendix C
Using ConfigFree with your Toshiba Computer
Getting Started
Starting ConfigFree
ConfigFree Utilities
Connectivity Doctor
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Search for Wireless Devices
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Profile Settings
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Quick Connect
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Using the Automatic Switch
Semi-Automatic Switch Feature
Glossary
Acronyms
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Ter ms
These terms may appear in this users guide.
A
B
C
D
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E
F
G
H
I
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
W
Index
Numerics
A
B
C
D
E
F
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Page
R
S
T
U
V
W