Toshiba Satellite 2430 Series Firmware update

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Satellite® 2430/2435
Series
Resource Guide
NOTE: Keep this guide in a convenient place to access important
information about your computer.
If you need assistance, use one of the following:
❖InTouch®Center
Calling within the United States [phone]
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Please fill in for your reference and future use:
Model name _____________________________________
Part number _____________________________________
Serial number ____________________________________

2Contents
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Contents
Setting up your computer and getting started..................................... 4
Inserting PC Cards.............................................................................. 9
Learning the basics........................................................................... 10
Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive...................................... 12
Moving the computer........................................................................ 15
Mobile computing............................................................................. 15
If something goes wrong.................................................................. 19
If you need further assistance........................................................... 23
Power cable connectors.................................................................... 24
Features and specifications............................................................... 25
Regulatory information ..................................................................... 29
Index ................................................................................................ 43

3
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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 that the Microsoft®Windows®XP operating
system is already installed on your computer. It offers
exciting features and easy Internet access.
This guide
This guide offers important information about your computer,
including solutions to the most common problems, and
features and specifications.
For more detailed information, descriptions of other features
and more extensive troubleshooting guidelines, see the
electronic user’s guide preinstalled on your system. It is also
available on the Web at pcsupport.toshiba.com.
Safety icons
This guide 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:
DANGER: This icon indicates the existence of a hazard that could result in
death or serious bodily injury if the safety instruction is not observed.
WARNING: This icon indicates the existence of a hazard that could result in
bodily injury if the safety instruction is not observed.
CAUTION: This icon indicates the existence of a hazard that could result in
damage to equipment or property if the safety instruction is not observed.
NOTE: This icon indicates information that relates to the safe operation of the
equipment or related items.

4Setting up your computer and getting started
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Other icons used
Additional icons highlight other helpful or educational
information:
HINT: This icon denotes helpful hints and tips.
Other documentation
Your computer comes with all or some of the following
documentation in addition to this resource guide:
❖An electronic version of the 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 CDs.
❖For accessory information, visit Toshiba's web site at
toshiba.com.
❖The Microsoft®Windows®operating system
documentation which explains the features of the
operating system.
Setting up your computer and getting started
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.
WARNING: Using the computer keyboard incorrectly can 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.
For more information, consult books on ergonomics,
repetitive-strain injury, and repetitive-stress syndrome.

5
Setting up your computer and getting started
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Placement of the computer
Proper placement of the computer and external devices is
important to avoid stress-related injuries. Consider the
following when placing your computer.
❖Place the computer on a flat surface at a comfortable
height and distance. You should be able to type without
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.
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.
CAUTION: 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.
CAUTION: Some PC Cards 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 lengthy periods
of time.

6Setting up your computer and getting started
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Connecting the AC adapter
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.
Power Cable and AC Adapter
CAUTION: 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.
DANGER: 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.
Connecting a printer
Before you can connect a printer, you need to know whether
it uses a serial or a parallel interface. Check the printer’s
documentation. If the printer can be switched between serial
and parallel mode, choose parallel because it is faster.
You also need a suitable printer cable, which may come with
your printer. Otherwise, you can purchase one from a
computer or electronics store.
NOTE: If your printer is ECP- or IEEE-compliant, make sure your printer cable
is an IEEE 1284 cable.
AC adapter
Power cable

7
Setting up your computer and getting started
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Installing additional memory (optional)
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 128 MB, 256 MB, and 512 MB
modules. You can install a maximum of two modules in your
computer’s expansion memory slots, located on the bottom of
your computer.
You need a standard Phillips no. 1 screwdriver to install a
memory module.
CAUTION: 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.
1Turn off the computer via the Start menu.
The operating system turns off the computer.
2Unplug and remove any cables connected to the
computer.
3Close the display panel and turn the computer upside
down to locate the expansion memory slot cover.
Base of a Satellite 2430/2435 computer
4Using a standard Phillips no. 1 screwdriver, unscrew the
two screws that secure the expansion memory slot cover,
then remove the memory slot cover.
Expansion memory slot
and Mini PCI module cover

8Setting up your computer and getting started
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5Put the screws and the cover in a safe place so that you
can retrieve them later.
CAUTION: 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).
6Remove the memory module from its antistatic
packaging.
7Holding the memory module by its edges so that the gold
connector bar faces the slot, fit the module into the
socket.
8Gently press down on the memory module connector
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
CAUTION: Avoid touching the connectors on the memory module or on the
computer. Grease or dust on the connectors may cause memory access
problems.
9Replace the expansion memory slot cover.
10 Replace the screws and tighten them.
11 Turn the computer over and reconnect any cables you
removed.

9
Inserting PC Cards
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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.
12 If the computer does not recognize the memory, shut
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
1Follow steps 1 through 5 in "Installing additional
memory (optional)" on page 7.
2Gently push the memory locks outward until the memory
module pops up.
3Gently pull the memory module diagonally to pull it out
of the slot.
4Complete the procedure by following steps 9 through 11
in "Installing additional memory (optional)" on page 7.
Inserting PC Cards
1Turn off the computer.
You may also hot swap a PC Card. 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.
2Align the card connectors with an available PC Card slot
and carefully slide the card into the slot until it locks into
place.
NOTE: If you have a Type III card, insert the connector into the lower slot. If
you have a Type I or Type II card, you can insert it into either the upper or the
lower slot.
There are two eject buttons, one per slot.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the PC Card or the computer, don’t force the
card into the PC Card slot.

10 Learning the basics
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Removing PC Cards
1Stop 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.
2To remove the PC Card, press the slot’s eject button once.
3Remove the PC Card and store it properly.
Hot swapping
With PC Cards, you can replace one PC Card with another
while the computer is on. This is called “hot swapping.”
Although you can insert a PC Card at any time, remember not
to remove a card while it is in use. Otherwise, you could lose
valuable information. 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 the card by clicking the
Safely Remove Hardware icon on the System tray. After the
PC Card is stopped, it is safe to remove it.
Learning the basics
Computing tips
❖Save your work frequently.
Your work stays in the computer’s temporary 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.
HINT: Some programs have an automatic save feature that you can turn on.
This feature saves your file to the hard disk at preset intervals. See your
software documentation for details.

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Learning the basics
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❖Back up your files to diskettes (or other removable
storage media) on a regular basis. Label the backup
copies clearly and store them in a safe place.
❖Scan all new files for viruses.
❖Never turn off the computer if a drive indicator light
indicates a drive is active.
NOTE: The Windows® XP operating system records information, such as your
desktop setup, during its shutdown procedure. If you don’t let the operating
system shut down normally, details such as new icon positions may be lost.
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.
NOTE: Because the TouchPad is much smaller than the display screen,
moving your cursor across the screen often means having to move your finger
several times across the TouchPad in the preferred direction.
Once you’ve positioned your cursor, you can either click it
into place by double-tapping the TouchPad or clicking the
control buttons.

12 Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive
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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.
For these reasons, your computer may come with a DVD-ROM
drive or Multifunction drive.
HINT: Your DVD-ROM or DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive is designed to play region
1 (North America) DVD-ROMs.
NOTE: 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 sample DVD-ROM/Multiunction drive
Drive in-use indicator light—Indicates when the DVD-
ROM or Multifunction drive is in use.
Eject button—Press to release the disc tray.
CAUTION: Never press the eject button or turn off the computer while the
activity light is glowing. Doing so could damage the disc or the drive.
Manual eject hole—Use if you need to release the disc tray
when the power is off. Use a straightened paper clip or other
narrow object to press the manual eject button located inside
the hole.
Drive in-use indicator light
Eject button
Manual eject hole

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Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive
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CAUTION: 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
1If the computer is turned on, press the eject button on the
DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive.
The disc tray partially opens.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging a disc or losing data, check that the disc activity
light is off before opening the disc tray.
2Grasp the disc tray and pull it fully open.
3Hold the disc by its edges and check that it is clean and
free of dust.
CAUTION: 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.
4Carefully place the disc in the empty tray with its label
facing up.
Inserting a disc
CAUTION: 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.
5Gently press the center of the disc onto the spindle until it
locks into place.

14 Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive
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Positioning the disc on the spindle
CAUTION: Make sure the disc is properly positioned on the spindle. If you
position the disc incorrectly, it can jam the disc tray.
6Close the disc tray by pressing gently on the center of the
tray until it clicks indicating that it is locked.
Removing a disc with the computer on
CAUTION: Check the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive-in-use indicator light
when you use the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive. Do not press the eject
button, disconnect a drive, or turn off the computer while the light is glowing.
Doing so could damage the CD, DVD, or drive.
1Locate and press the eject button.
The disc tray partially opens.
2Grasp the sides of the disc tray and pull it fully open.
3Remove the disc from the disc tray and place it in its
protective cover.
CAUTION: If the disc is spinning when you open the disc tray, wait for the disc
to stop before removing it.
4Close the disc tray by pressing gently on the center of the
tray until it clicks, indicating that it is locked.
Disc
Spindle
Correct position
Incorrect position
Incorrect position

15
Moving the computer
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Moving the computer
Before moving your computer, even across the room, make
sure all disk activity has ended (the drive-in-use lights stop
glowing) and all external peripheral cables are disconnected.
CAUTION: Never pick up the computer by its display panel or by the back
(where the ports are located).
Mobile computing
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.
Battery Notice
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. Refer to Maximizing
battery life in this guide for procedures. If the computer is
continuously operated on AC power, either through an AC
adapter or a docking station (if applicable to your system), for
an extended period (more than a month) the battery may fail
to retain a charge. This may shorten the life of the battery, and
the battery light may not indicate a low-battery condition.
Monitoring battery power
The battery light indicates the battery’s current charge. It:
❖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
NOTE: Battery life and charge time may vary depending upon power
management settings, applications and features used.

16 Mobile computing
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HINT: Be careful not to confuse the battery light ( ) with the on/off light
( ). When the on/off light flashes amber, it indicates that the system is
suspended (using Windows®XP Standby command).
Setting battery alarms
Your computer can be configured to warn you when the
battery is running low. For more information, see “Setting
battery alarms” in the user’s guide.
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.
CAUTION: When handling a battery, be careful not to drop it or short-circuit its
terminals.
Removing the battery from the computer
1Save your work.
2Turn off the computer via the Start menu or place it in
Hibernation mode.
3Remove all cables connected to the computer.
4Close the display panel and turn the computer upside
down with the front side of the computer facing you.
5Push and hold the battery release latch.
6While still holding the release latch in the open position
lift the battery pack out of the computer.
WARNING: If the battery is leaking or its case is cracked, put on protective
gloves to handle it, and discard it immediately.
7Wipe the terminals of the charged battery with a clean
cloth to ensure a good connection.
8Insert the charged battery into the slot until the latch
clicks.

17
Mobile computing
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The battery pack has been designed so that you cannot
install it with reverse polarity.
CAUTION: If the battery does not slide into the slot easily, move the battery
release lock to the unlocked position and try again. Do not force the battery
into position.
9Reset the battery lock to the locked position.
10 Turn the computer right side up.
11 Reconnect any cables.
12 Restart the computer.
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.
❖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.
❖Reverse Polarity should be avoided with all batteries. The
main battery is designed so that it cannot be installed in
reverse polarity.

18 Mobile computing
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❖Charge the battery pack 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:
1Turn off the computer’s power.
2Disconnect the AC adapter and turn on the
computer’s power. If it does not turn on, go to step 4.
3Operate 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 battery light LED
flashes or there is some other warning to indicate a
low battery, go to step 4.
4Connect the AC adapter to the computer and the
power cord to a power outlet. The DC-IN or AC
power-light LED should glow green, and the Battery
LED 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.
5Charge the battery pack until the Battery LED 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.

19
If something goes wrong
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❖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.
If something goes wrong
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.
To close a program that has stopped responding:
1Press Ctrl, Alt,and Del simultaneously (once).
The Windows Task Manager window appears.
The words “not responding” appear beside the name of
the program that is not responding.
2Select 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 3.
3Close the remaining programs one by one by selecting
the program name, then End Task.
4Click Start, Turn off computer.
5The Turn off computer window appears.
6Click Turn off.
The computer turns off.
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:

20 If something goes wrong
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1Click 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.
2Press Ctrl and Csimultaneously to copy the text to the
clipboard.
3Open Notepad (click Start, point to All Programs, then
point to Accessories and click Notepad).
4Press Ctrl and Vsimultaneously to paste the details into
Notepad.
5Add a paragraph break and type some notes describing
what you were doing when you received the message.
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 have installed a charged battery.
Press and hold down the power button for a few seconds.
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 Stand By mode and have a software or
resource conflict. When this happens, turning the power on
returns you to the problem instead of restarting the system.
To clear the condition, press Ctrl, Alt, and Del simultaneously.
Clearing the condition may get the computer running, but it
won’t solve a resource conflict. Read the documentation that
came with the conflicting device.
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