Panasonic Toughbook CF-31ATA112M User manual

1
Reference Manual
Personal Computer
Model No. CF-31 Series
We recommend that this Reference Manual be printed.
Descriptions
• For common procedures and screens for Windows 7 and
Windows XP, this Reference Manual uses the procedures
and screens of Windows 7.
• Some menus may differ for Windows XP.
• Windows XP does not require clicking operation to of
the notification area.

2
Introduction
This manual explains using the Windows 7 or Windows XP default setting.
In these instructions, the names are referred as follows.
“Genuine Windows®7 Professional” as “Windows” or “Windows 7”
“Genuine Microsoft®Windows®XP Professional” as “Windows” or “Windows XP”
For the users of the model with Discrete Video Controller
Your computer is equipped with two graphics processing units (GPUs).
The Intel®GPU consumes less power, but reduces the graphics display performance.
The discrete GPU consumes more power, but maintains a higher graphics display performance.
In this manual, refer to the sections preceded by the following descriptions, whenever they appear.
<When the Intel®GPU with lower power consumption is activated>
<When the discrete GPU with higher power consumption is activated>
For the users of the model without Discrete Video Controller
Your computer is equipped with the Intel®graphics processing unit (GPU), which is designed to save power effectively.
In this manual, refer to the sections preceded by the following description, whenever it appears.
<When the Intel®GPU with lower power consumption is activated>
You can update to the latest patches and service packs for Windows with the following menus.
Click (Start)*1 - [All Programs] - [Windows Update].
Do not apply “Driver Updates” even if a message to update a driver appears. If a driver update is required, contact your tech-
nical support office.
*1 Windows XP: [start]
Sound and video
Sound (e.g. MP3, WMA) and video (e.g. MPG, WMV) recorded in PC Cards and SD Memory Cards may be interrupted
during playback. If this happens, copy them to the hard disk drive and play back.
Windows Update
Regarding Windows 7

3
Introduction
 Depending on the processing status on Windows, sound may be interrupted at Windows startup. You can mute the sound at startup.
ARight-click the desktop and click [Personalize] - [Sounds].
BRemove the check mark from [Play Windows Startup sound], and click [OK].
When high-frequency sound occurs
If high-frequency sound occurs around keyboard while using the computer, check the settings for the USB power saving function.
A standard user needs to enter an administrator password and click [OK].
Set [USB selective suspend setting] to [Enabled].
AClick (Start) - [Control Panel] - [System and Security] - [Power Options].
BClick [Change plan settings] of the current power plan.
CIn [Change settings for the plan], click [Change advanced power settings].
DIn [Advanced settings], double-click [USB settings].
EDouble-click the displayed [USB selective suspend setting].
FChange settings of [On battery] and [Plugged in] to [Enabled].
GClick [OK] and exit the [Advanced settings] screen.
Switching the GPU that is used
<Only for the model with Discrete Video Controller>
When you start up the computer for the first time after purchase, the Intel®GPU is activated to save power.
You can manually change the GPU that is used.
1Set [Switchable Graphics] to [Switchable].
ATurn on or restart the computer.
BPress
F2 or Del while [Panasonic] boot screen is displayed soon after the computer starts the startup
procedure.
CSelect the [Main] menu and set [Switchable Graphics] to [Switchable].
DPress
F10 , select [Yes], and press Enter to exit the Setup Utility.
Computer will start.
2Log on to Windows.
3Click on the notification area, and click .
4Select [Switchable Graphics].
5To switch to the Intel®GPU, select [Power Saving Video] in [Switchable Graphics].
To switch to the discrete GPU, select [Performance Video] in [Switchable Graphics].

4
Introduction
6Click [OK].
Wait until the next [OK] screen appears.
7Click [OK].
NOTE
You cannot change the GPU that is used while operating graphics-related application programs.
Once the GPU is switched, switching to the other GPU is not possible for a certain period of time.
When a digital display (such as an HDMI display) is connected and the computer’s display is closed, you cannot
switch the GPU that is used.
When an external display is connected and the GPU is switched, the video output destination may unexpectedly be
changed.
You can select the Classic view of Control Panel or the Classic Start menu. You can also change the way a user logs on or off.
This manual explains using the Windows XP default setting (not Classic view or Classic Start menu etc.).
If the message “Your computer might be at risk” is displayed
Select (red icon) on the notification area and make the appropriate settings. The Windows Security Center regularly gives
you notice so that you can make the optimum settings. This is not an error message and you can use the computer.
However, making appropriate measures is recommended to reduce the risk of virus and other attacks.
Regarding Windows XP

5
Key Combinations
NOTE
Do not repeatedly press the keys in quick succession.
Do not use the key combinations together with touch pad (external mouse), touchscreen (only for model with touch-
screen) or other key operations.
Do not use the key combinations before you log on to Windows. Wait until the hard disk drive indicator turns off.
On the Setup Utility screen, you can use the key combinations of
Fn + F1 , Fn + F2 and Fn + F3 .
The key combinations may not work with some applications.
The pop-up icon appears after logging on to Windows. It may not appear in some application conditions.
Key Function Pop-up icon
Fn + F1
*1
Fn + F2
*1
LCD brightness
(
Fn + F1 = down / Fn + F2 = up)

6
Key Combinations
Fn + F3 Display mode switching (page 48)
When an external display (a projector etc.) is connected, you can change the dis-
play mode.
APress
Fn + F3 .
BClick the display mode. (Computer only/Duplicate/Extend/Projector only)
The change you made may not be effective until
Enter is pressed.
You can also change the operating mode by pressing +
P .
Computer only Duplicate Extend Projector only
CAUTION
Do not press any keys until the display has finished switching.
Do not use this function:
• When playing motion video such as DVD or MPEG.
• When an extended monitor is not connected.
• When showing a game screen such as pinball.
• When using the extended desktop.
Fn + F4
*1 Speaker on/off
NOTE
Beeps do not sound if you turn off the speaker sound.*3
OFF
(MUTE)
ON
Key Function Pop-up icon
LCD LCD + HDMI display (port replicator side)*2 HDMI display (port
replicator side)*2 LCD + HDMI display (computer side) HDMI display
(computer side) LCD + analog display analog display HDMI dis-
play (computer side) + analog display

7
Key Combinations
*1 These key combinations are disabled when [Concealed Mode] is enabled.
*2 Only when a port replicator having an HDMI port is connected.
*3 Even if [Sound] is set to [OFF] on the [Concealed Mode Configuration] menu, icon on the notification area and [Volume] in [Sound-
MAX] display do not show mute state.
However, audio from the speaker is not heard.
*4 Windows XP: standby
Fn + F5
*1
Fn + F6
*1
Volume
(
Fn + F5 = down / Fn + F6 = up)
NOTE
When fine-tuning the sound volume, press and hold
Fn , and press F5 or
F6 intermittently.
This does not work on beeps or speakers connected to the USB port.
Fn + F7
Activate sleep*4 (page 16)
Fn + F8 Concealed Mode on/off
You can select on/off of LCD Backlight, LED, Sound*3, Wireless Radio, Backlit
Keyboard and Fan.
NOTE
You have to set [Concealed Mode] to [Enabled] in Setup Utility.
(page 90)
You can set the devices turned off in [Concealed Mode] with Setup Utility
(page 90).
If you press
Fn + F8 in succession, the Concealed Mode may not be
switched. More than 4 minutes interval is necessary to switch on/off.
Fn + F9 Remaining battery charge (page 26)
Fn + F10 Activate hibernation (page 16)
Key Function Pop-up icon

8
Key Combinations
You can make 2 settings:
•Fn key lock
When you press
Fn , the key is locked (pressed-down) until you press another key. Use this when pressing difficult key
combinations.
• Pop-up icon on/off
1Start up the Hotkey Settings.
Click (Start)*5 - [All Programs] - [Panasonic] - [Hotkey Settings].
2Make the settings.
[Use Fn key lock]
When using an
Fn key combination
APress
Fn once. (Locked)
BPress another key. (Lock released)
When using successive
Fn key combinations
APress
Fn twice. (Locked)
BPress another key.
Fn key remains locked until you press
Fn again.
[Notification]
[Make sounds when Fn key is pressed]*6
[Show status on screen]: Displays the Fn key status when on the notification area is clicked.
•:
Fn is locked.
•:
Fn is not locked.
[Disable popup]
The pop-up icon will not be displayed.
3Click [OK].
NOTE
You can have different settings for each user.
*5 Windows XP: [start]
*6 If the speaker is muted or [Sound] is turned off in [Concealed Mode Configuration], beeps do not sound.
Hotkey Settings

9
Touchscreen
<Only for model with touchscreen>
You can use the touchscreen function to perform the same operation as the touch pad and mouse. Touch the screen surface
with the stylus (included).
For further information, click (Start) - [Control Panel] - [Hardware and Sound] - [Pen and Touch] - [Flicks] - [Practice using
flicks].
To right-click
ATouch and hold with the stylus, or touch and select the right button of “touch pointer”.
AClick on the notification area.
changes to .
BClick the object you want to right-click.
returns to .
NOTE
The touchscreen function does not work in the Setup Utility.
You need to make the following setting for each user.
AClick [start] - [All Programs] - [Fujitsu Touch Panel (USB)] - [Touch Panel Configuration].
BSelect the settings, and then click [OK].
• Do not add a check mark to [Delete Cursor] since the display may be distorted.
If you add a check mark for [Use] in [Hold [Ctrl] key down + Touch the screen] of [Touch Panel Configuration], touching
the screen may always be recognized as a right-click. To return to the normal operation, press
Ctrl on the keyboard.
The touchscreen function does not work in the Setup Utility, in the full screen of [Command Prompt].
Operate the touchscreen with your finger or with an approved stylus
When using the touchscreen function, use only your finger or an approved stylus on the surface.
Operating the touchscreen with an object other than your fingertip or the stylus (a fingernail or metal object, or other hard
or sharp objects that may leave a mark) may scar or stain the surface, causing the touchscreen to malfunction.
Do not apply too much pressure when operating the touchscreen
Only a light touch is required to operate the touchscreen. Applying too much pressure may damage the surface.
Operation of the touchscreen

10
Touchscreen
When the touchscreen becomes dirty, wipe it with an approved soft cloth
The touchscreen is specially treated to prevent dirt from adhering to the surface, so dirt can be removed easily using a dry
cloth (use only the approved soft cloth). If the dirt does not come off easily, breathe on the surface and try again.
Do not apply water or solvents to the soft cloth.
Clean the touchscreen while the computer is powered off
Cleaning the screen while the power is on may cause the computer to malfunction. Also, dirt on the touchscreen is easier
to see when the computer is powered off, and so is easier to clean.
Wash the soft cloth when it becomes dirty
When the soft cloth becomes dirty, wash it with mild detergent. Do not use bleach or fabric conditioner (softener), or try to
sterilize the cloth by boiling.
If the soft cloth is dirty, it may be ineffective in cleaning the touchscreen, and in fact may cause dirt to adhere to the touch-
screen.
Check the following to prevent the surface of the touchscreen from being scratched
Are you using your finger or a stylus to operate the touchscreen?
Is the surface clean?
Is the soft cloth clean?
Are you using the stylus with the tip extended?
Is the tip of the stylus clean?
Is your finger clean?
Do not touch the screen outside of the LCD display area
The touchscreen input area is defined by the LCD display screen. Touching the screen outside of the display area may
result malfunctions or damage to the touchscreen.
Maintaining the performance of the touchscreen
Things to keep in mind when using the touchscreen

11
Touchscreen
Do not apply excessive force to the touchscreen
Do not lift the computer while holding the LCD screen, or allow the screen to be twisted. Do not place any objects on the
LCD screen. Any of the above may cause the touchscreen glass to break, or may damage the LCD screen.
Operation response may be slower in low temperature environments
The touchscreen may respond to operations more slowly when using the computer in temperatures less than 5°C, but this
is not a malfunction. Response time will return to normal when the computer is returned to room temperature.
If the cursor jumps to a location other than where the screen was touched, or if
the LCD resolution changes, recalibrate the touchscreen
Perform the procedure of “Touchscreen Calibration” (below).
A standard user needs to perform the calibration as an administrator before performing the calibration for each user.
Calibration by an administrator
NOTE
At first, log on to Windows as an administrator, and perform this calibration.
1Run [Tablet PC Settings].
Click (Start) - [Control Panel] - [Hardware and Sound] - [Tablet PC Settings].
2Click [Calibrate].
3Using the stylus, touch each of the “+” target marks one by one.
Touchscreen Calibration

12
Touchscreen
Calibration by a standard user
NOTE
Perform the following calibration for each user.
1Run [Tablet PC Settings].
Click (Start) - [Control Panel] - [Hardware and Sound] - [Tablet PC Settings].
2Click [Calibrate].
3Using the stylus, touch each of the “+” target marks one by one, and then click [OK].
Perform the calibration for the orientation to be used.
1Run [Touch Screen Calibration Utility].
Click [start] - [All programs] - [Fujitsu Touch Panel (USB)] - [Touch Screen Calibration Utility].
2Using the stylus, touch each of the 12 “+” target marks one by one until it blinks, and then
press
Enter .
3Press Enter .
NOTE
Perform the touchscreen calibration for each user.

13
Hand Writing Utility
You can make a bitmap file (.bmp) of a simple character and a figure such as signature by handwriting on the touch pad and
the touchscreen (only for model with touchscreen).
CAUTION
zDo not use the Fast User Switching function while Hand Writing Utility is active.
zIf you install other pointing devices (e.g., commercially available mouse driver) and overwrite the touch pad driver,
Hand Writing Utility will not work.
NOTE
zThe display of Hand Writing Utility may be distorted if the number of display colors is changed. Click on the notifica-
tion area and right-click , then click [Exit Hand Writing Utility], and then restart Hand Writing Utility.
zHand Writing Utility may not work properly if another application software is active. In this case, close the application
software and try handwriting again.
1Click on the notification area, and double-click .
Alternatively you can click (Start)*1 - [All Programs] - [Panasonic] - [Hand Writing Utility].
NOTE
zSelect the image size before handwriting by clicking [Option] - [Window size]. If you change the size after handwriting,
the image quality will become lower.
zYou can copy the bitmap image by clicking [Edit] - [Copy], and paste it in another application software that supports bit-
map format.
zThe touch pad mode may not work properly when using the extended desktop.
zThe touch pad mode may be canceled in the following cases.
• Switching to another application
• Resuming from sleep*2 or hibernation
• Pressing
Alt
• Touching the touchscreen (only for model with touchscreen)
zAn external mouse or trackball connected via the keyboard/mouse port of port replicator (optional) or the car mounter
(optional) will not work during handwriting in the touch pad mode.
*1 Windows XP: [start]
*2 Windows XP: standby
Starting Hand Writing Utility

14
Sleep or Hibernation Functions
The sleep*1 or hibernation functions allow you to shut off the computer without closing programs and documents. You can
quickly return to the programs and documents that you were working on before sleep*1 or hibernation.
*1 Windows XP: standby
Sleep
1Click or on the notification area, and click [More power options].
2Click [Change plan settings] of the power plan you want to change.
3Select the setting for [Put the computer to sleep], and then click [Save changes].
The setting for hibernation may change unexpectedly when you change the setting for sleep. Confirm that the
time to enter hibernation is 1,080 minutes (default setting) or longer (below).
Hibernation
1After the step 2of “Sleep” setting (above), click [Change advanced power settings].
2Double-click [Sleep], and double-click [Hibernate after].
3Click the item and select the setting.
4Click [OK].
Starting Up Your Computer Quickly
Function Data is saved to Recovery time Power supply
Sleep*1 Memory Short Required. (If power is not supplied, all data will be lost.)
Hibernation Hard disk Rather long Not required. (However power is slightly consumed to
keep the hibernation.)
Setting Sleep or Hibernation

15
Sleep or Hibernation Functions
1Click [start] - [Control Panel] - [Performance and Maintenance] - [Power Options] -
[Advanced].
2Select [Stand by] or [Hibernate] for [When I close the lid of my portable computer:] /
[When I press the power button on my computer:], and then click [OK].
NOTE
You do not need to make the setting if you use the Windows menu to enter standby or hibernation.
Connect the AC adaptor if the computer will be in sleep*2 for a long period of time. If you cannot use the AC adaptor, use
hibernation instead.
Using sleep*2 or hibernation repeatedly may cause malfunction of the computer. To stabilize computer operation, restart
Windows regularly (about once a week) without using sleep*2 or hibernation.
Save the necessary data.
Close files you have opened from removable disks and network drives.
The password you set in the Setup Utility is not requested at resuming. You can use the Windows password for security in
sleep*2 or hibernation.
In the default setting, you are requested to enter the Windows password when the computer resumes.
You can use the Windows password for security in standby or hibernation.
AClick [start] - [Control Panel] - [User Accounts], and select the account.
BClick [Create a password] and set the password.
CClick [start] - [Control Panel] - [Performance and Maintenance] - [Power Options] - [Advanced], and add the
check mark in [Prompt for password when computer resumes from standby].
Do not enter sleep*2 or hibernation in the conditions below, otherwise the data or file may be corrupted, sleep or hiberna-
tion may not work, or malfunction may occur in the computer or the peripheral devices.
• When any of the hard disk drive indicator or the SD Memory Card indicator is on.
• When playing/recording audio files or displaying motion video such as MPEG files.
• When playing a DVD-Video.
• When writing to a disc.
Precautions

16
Sleep or Hibernation Functions
• When using communication software or network functions.
• When using peripheral devices.
(If peripheral devices fail to work normally, restart the computer.)
• When using a PC Card.
(If the card fails to work normally, restart the computer.)
• When an external mouse is connected to the serial port.
It may take 1 or 2 minutes to enter hibernation. Do not touch any key though the screen becomes dark.
*2 Windows XP: standby
CAUTION
The following problems will occur when you fail the password input (failing three times or leaving the computer
unattended for one minute or more) while resuming from sleep*3 or hibernation.
Failing the password input while resuming from hibernation:
• At the next resume, Panasonic boot screen will appear. At this time, do not start the Setup Utility and do not change
settings. Otherwise, resume may not operate correctly.
• Cannot resume from hibernation by the Wake Up from wired LAN function, the Task Scheduler or the operation to
open the display.
Failing the password input while resuming from sleep*3:
• Cannot resume from sleep*3 using the USB devices.
To enter sleep*3 or hibernation
In order to enter sleep*3 or hibernation by proceeding as follows, first change the power
option settings (page 14 “Setting Sleep or Hibernation”) so that the [Power buttons and
lid]*4 operation is set to sleep*3 or hibernation.
1Close the display, or slide the power switch (A) until a beep*5
sounds.
Sleep*3: The power indicator (B) blinks green.
Hibernation: The power indicator (B) goes off.
You can alternatively use the Windows menu to enter sleep*3 or hibernation.
Click (Start) - - [Sleep] / [Hibernate].
Entering/Resuming from Sleep or Hibernation

17
Sleep or Hibernation Functions
To enter standby, click [start] - [Turn Off Computer] - [Stand By].
To enter hibernation, click [start] - [Turn Off Computer], then press and hold
Shift and click [Hibernate].
CAUTION
While the computer is entering sleep*3 or hibernation
Do not:
• Touch the keyboard, touch pad, touchscreen (only for model with touchscreen), or power switch.
• Use an external mouse or other peripheral devices.
• Connect or disconnect the AC adaptor.
• Operate the wireless switch.
• Close or open the display.
• Insert and remove the SD Memory Card.
Wait until the power indicator blinks green (sleep*3) or goes off (hibernation).
It may take 1 or 2 minutes to enter sleep*3 or hibernation.
At the beep*5, immediately release the power switch. After releasing the switch, do not operate it until the power indi-
cator blinks or goes off.
If you slide and hold the power switch for longer than 4 seconds, the computer will forcibly shut down and unsaved data
will be lost even if you have set [When I press the power button] to any item in [Choose what the power button does] of
[Power Options] in [Control Panel].
If you slide and hold the power switch for longer than 4 seconds, the computer will forcibly shut down and unsaved data
will be lost even if you have set [Shut down] in [When I press the power button on my computer] (page 14 “Setting
Sleep or Hibernation”).
In sleep*3 or hibernation
Do not attach or remove a multimedia pocket device and peripheral devices. Doing so may cause malfunction.
Power is consumed in sleep*3. Power consumption may increase when a PC Card is inserted. When power is
exhausted, the data retained in memory will be lost. Connect the AC adaptor when using the sleep*3 function.
Do not turn on/off the wireless switch.

18
Sleep or Hibernation Functions
To resume from sleep*3 or hibernation
1Open the display, or slide the power switch (A).
In the default setting, the Windows password will be requested to resume.
When [Stand by] or [Hibernate] is selected as the setting for [When I close the
lid of my portable computer] (page 15), you can resume operation opening
the display.
CAUTION
Do not perform the following operations until resuming is complete. After the display is resumed, wait approximately
30 seconds (normally) or 60 seconds (when the computer is on a network).
• Touch the keyboard (except for password input), touch pad, touchscreen (only for model with touchscreen), or power
switch.
• Use an external mouse or other peripheral devices.
• Connect or disconnect the AC adaptor.
• Close or open the display.
• Shut down or restart Windows.
• Enter sleep*3 or hibernation (Wait approximately 1 minute).
• Operate the wireless switch.
• Insert and remove the SD Memory Card.
If the computer enters sleep while a USB keyboard or mouse is connected, touching the USB keyboard keys or mouse
will resume the computer.
*3 Windows XP: standby
*4 Windows XP: [When I close the lid of my portable computer:] / [When I press the power button on my computer:]
*5 If the speaker is muted or [Sound] is turned off in [Concealed Mode Configuration], beeps do not sound.

19
Saving Power
You can extend battery life and save power also during AC adaptor usage.
Use the methods below to reduce power consumption.
zChange [Power Options]
Click (Start) - [Control Panel] - [System and Security] - [Power
Options] to select [Power saver].
While [Panasonic Power Management] is selected as the factory
default, selecting [Power saver] will further reduce power con-
sumption.
Also, to make detailed settings such as reducing the time entered
in the [Turn off the display] setting, click [Change plan settings].
Click [start] - [Control Panel] - [Performance and Maintenance] -
[Power Options] to select [Max Battery] under [Power schemes].
While [Portable/Laptop] is selected under [Power Options] as the
factory default, selecting [Max Battery] will further reduce power
consumption.
Also, make detailed settings such as reducing the time entered in
the [Turn off monitor] setting.
zUse a related utility
The following utilities provide additional power saving functions not available in [Power Options].
Use Catalyst™ Control Center Utility (Îpage 22)
Use Power Plan Extension Utility (Îpage 20)
Use Power Saving Utility (Îpage 20)
zPress
Fn + F1 to reduce LCD brightness
Reducing internal LCD brightness will reduce power consumption.
zTurn off the computer when it is not in use
You can also turn off only the wireless LAN or wireless WAN power.
zDisconnect external devices (USB devices, PC cards, external mice, etc.) that are not being used
zUse Sleep*1/Hibernation
Press
Fn + F7 to set the computer to sleep*1 or Fn + F10 to set it to hibernation when you have to leave the computer.
This shuts down computer operation to reduce power consumption.
Disable Wake Up from wired LAN function when it is not needed. This reduces power consumption in Sleep*1/Hibernation.
Reducing Power Consumption

20
Saving Power
To confirm current settings, click (Start) - [All Programs] - [Panasonic] - [Power Saving Utility] -
[Advanced] to view [Wired LAN standby power saving function] or [Wireless LAN standby power saving function].
click [start] - [All Programs] - [Panasonic] - [Power Saving Utility] to view [Wired LAN standby power saving
function].
zUse [Switchable Graphics] to select [Low speed] in [Fan control] (Îpage 3)
*1 Windows XP: standby
<When the Intel®GPU with lower power consumption is activated>
You can adjust the power plan to change power saving features as required.
Setup
1Click (Start) - [All Programs] - [Panasonic] - [Power Plan Extension].
2Select the desired power plan under [Power Plan].
At the default, [Panasonic Power Management (Active)] is selected.
To save power more effectively, select [Panasonic Power Management (Power Saving)] or [Power saver].
For the computer’s behavior in each power plan, see the descriptions located below.
You can also change the settings item by item.
3Click [Apply].
4Click [OK].
<When the Intel®GPU with lower power consumption is activated>
A single setting allows you to enable all the following power saving features. Enable each of these functions to prolong bat-
tery operation time.
zIntel video driver power saving function (Intel(R) Display Power Saving Technology)
During battery operation, this function adjusts video contrast, color and other factors to lower internal LCD power con-
sumption while retaining adequate image quality.
Using Power Plan Extension Utility
Using Power Saving Utility