Toshiba Satellite 5205 Series Firmware update

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Satellite®5205 Series
Resource Guide
Keep this guide in a convenient place to access important
information about your computer.
If you need assistance, use one of the following:
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Calling within the United States [phone]
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Please fill in for your reference and future use:
Model name _____________________________________
Part number _____________________________________
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Contents
Setting up your computer and getting started..................................... 4
Inserting PC Cards............................................................................ 10
Removing PC Cards.......................................................................... 11
Learning the basics........................................................................... 12
Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive...................................... 13
Moving the computer........................................................................ 16
Mobile computing............................................................................. 17
If something goes wrong.................................................................. 21
If you need further assistance........................................................... 24
Power cable connectors.................................................................... 25
Features and specifications............................................................... 26
Regulatory information ..................................................................... 31
Index ................................................................................................. 49

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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 indicates a hazardous situation, which will result in
death, serious personal injury, or substantial property damage
if the safety instruction is ignored.
Warning indicates a hazardous situation, which can result in
death, serious personal injury, or substantial property damage
if the safety instruction is ignored.
Caution indicates a hazardous situation, which will or can
cause minor personal injury or property damage if the safety
instruction is ignored.
Provides you with important but not hazard-related
information.
DANGER

4Setting up your computer and getting started
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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 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.

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Setting up your computer and getting started
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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.
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.

6Setting up your computer and getting started
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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 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.
Connecting the AC adapter
The AC adapter enables you to power the computer from an
AC outlet and to charge the computer’s batteries. The AC
power light on the computer glows when the device is
plugged in.
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.
Power cable and AC adapter
AC adapter
Power cable

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Setting up your computer and getting started
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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, discon-
tinue 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.
Connecting a printer
To make 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.
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.
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.
There are two memory slots. Your system may have both
slots occupied.
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.
Do not install or remove a memory module while the DVD-ROM
drive power is on.
If the computer is on, begin at step 1, otherwise, skip to step
3.
DANGER

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1Turn off the computer via the Start menu.
The operating system turns off the computer.
2Unplug and remove any cables connected to the
computer.
3Remove the battery.
4Close the display panel and turn the computer upside
down to locate the expansion memory slot cover.
Base of the computer
5Using a standard Phillips no. 1 screwdriver, unscrew the
two screws that secure the memory slot cover, then
remove the memory slot cover.
Removing the memory slot cover screws
6Put the screws and the cover in a safe place so that you
can retrieve them later.
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).
Expansion
memory
slot cover

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Setting up your computer and getting started
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7Remove the new memory module from its antistatic
packaging.
8Holding the memory module by its edges so that the gold
connector bar faces the slot, fit the module into the
socket.
9Gently 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
Avoid touching the connectors on the memory module or on the
computer. Grease or dust on the connectors may cause memory
access problems.
10 Replace the memory slot cover.
11 Replace the screws and tighten them.
12 Turn the computer over and reconnect any cables you
removed.
13 To verify that the computer correctly recognizes the
memory:
❖Click Start, then click Control Panel.
❖Click Performance and Maintenance.
❖Click System.
❖The General tab view automatically appears and
shows the recognized memory.
14 If the computer does not recognize the memory, turn off
the computer, remove the memory slot cover, and make
sure the memory module is seated properly, as described
in step 10.

10 Inserting PC Cards
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Removing a memory module
1Follow steps 1 through 6 in “Installing additional
memory (optional)” on page 7.
2Gently push the memory clips outward until the memory
module pops up.
3Gently pull the memory module out of the slot.
4Complete the procedure by following steps in “Installing
additional memory (optional)” on page 7.
Inserting PC Cards
Inserting a PC Card
1If your PC Card does not support hot swapping, save
your data and turn off the computer before inserting the
PC Card. For more information, see “Hot swapping” on
page 11.
2Hold the PC Card with the arrow or main label side up
and the connector side toward the PC Card slot.
3Align the card connectors with the PC Card slot and
carefully slide the card into the slot until it locks into
place.
If you have a Type III card, insert the connector into the lower slot. If
you have a Type II card, you can insert it into either the upper or the
lower slot.
To avoid damaging the PC Card or the computer, don’t force the card
into the PC Card slot.

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Removing PC Cards
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Removing PC Cards
1Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the system
tray.
2Click Safely remove xxxx, where xxxx is the identifier
for your PC Card.
The operating system advises you that you may safely
remove the card.
Ejecting a PC Card
3Press the PC Card eject button next to the PC Card slot.
4Remove the PC Card and store it properly.
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 an ATA card while the system is accessing
it.
❖Never remove a network card while you are connected to
a network.
❖Never remove a SCSI card while any of the SCSI devices
connected to it are operating.
Before removing a PC Card, shut it down by clicking the
Safely Remove Hardware icon on the system tray. Once the
PC Card has stopped, you can safely remove it.

12 Learning the basics
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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.
❖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-in-use light
indicates a drive is active.
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.

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Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive
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❖To move it to the left side, slide your finger from right to
left.
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.
Primary and secondary control buttons
The control buttons are in front of the TouchPad and are used
like the buttons on a mouse. The primary control button is the
button on the left and corresponds to the left mouse button.
To double-click, press the primary button twice in rapid
succession.
The secondary control button is the button on the right and
corresponds to the right mouse button. Check your program’s
documentation to find whether it uses the secondary mouse
button.
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 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.

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A special feature allows you to play audio CDs even when the
computer is turned off. For more information, see “CD/DVD
control buttons” in the electronic user’s guide.
Drive components and control buttons
The DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive is on the right side of
the computer. The CD/DVD control buttons are located at the
front edge of the computer and can be accessed when the
display panel is closed or open.
Components
Sample DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive
Use the eject button to release the disc tray. This button
requires power.
Never press the eject button or turn off the computer while the disk/
disc activity light is glowing. Doing so could damage the disc or the
drive.
The manual eject button allows you to manually open the disc
tray when power to the computer and the drive is off.
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 or a DVD, turn down the volume. Playing
the disc at maximum volume could damage your ears. To turn down
the volume, use the volume control dial or access the Volume
Control program (click Start, All Programs, Accessories,
Entertainment, Volume Control).
1If the computer is turned on, press the eject button on the
DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive.
Eject button
Manual eject button

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Using the DVD-ROM or Multifunction drive
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Pressing the eject button
The disc tray partially opens.
To avoid damaging a disc or losing data, check that the disk/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.
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
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.
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.

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Removing a disc with the computer on
Never press the eject button while the computer is accessing the
drive. Wait for the disk/disc activity light on the system indicator
panel to turn off before opening the disc tray.
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.
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.
Removing a disc with the computer off
1Insert 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.
2Pull the tray fully open, remove the disc and place it in its
protective cover.
3Push the tray in to close the drive.
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.
Never pick up the computer by its display panel or by the back
(where the ports are located).

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Mobile computing
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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.
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 20 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. It may not function efficiently over the
expected life of the battery and the battery light may not
indicate a low-battery condition.
The computer also has an internal real-time-clock (RTC)
battery. The RTC battery powers the RTC memory that stores
your system configuration settings and the current time and
date information.
The RTC battery does not charge while the computer is turned off,
even when AC power is attached.
Monitoring battery power
The battery light indicates the main 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
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.

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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 electronic 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.
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.
Removing the battery from the computer
1Save your work.
2Turn off the computer or place it in Hibernation mode
according to the instructions in “Going into Hibernation
mode more quickly” in the electronic user’s guide.
3Remove all cables connected to the computer.
4Close the display panel and turn the computer upside
down with the front of the computer facing you.
5Carefully slide the battery release latch toward the right
side of the computer.
Sliding the battery out
6With the battery release latch pulled toward the right side
of the computer gently pull the battery pack free.

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Mobile computing
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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” in the electronic user’s guide.
Inserting a charged battery
1Wipe the battery terminals of the charged battery with a
clean cloth to ensure a good connection.
2With the battery release latch pulled toward the right side
of the computer, insert the front end of the battery pack
into the computer and gently slide it in until in snaps into
place.
Inserting the battery
Failure to lock the battery cover can result in the battery falling out of
the computer case.
3Turn the computer right side up.
4Reconnect any cables you removed.
5Turn on the computer.
Battery 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.

20 Mobile computing
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❖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 to cause reverse polarity.
❖Charge the battery only in the computer or in a battery
charger designated as an approved option.
❖When you install the battery, you should hear a click
when it is seated properly.
❖Do not expose the battery to fire. The battery could
explode.
Maximizing battery life
A main battery can be recharged many times. Battery life and
charge time vary depending on the applications, power
management settings and features used. To maximize the life
of your battery:
❖At least once a month, disconnect the computer from a
power source and operate it on battery power until the
battery 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 has at least five minutes of
operating time, continue operating until the battery is
fully discharged. If the battery light flashes or there is
some other warning to indicate a low battery, go to
step 4.