Toshiba Satellite A15 Firmware update

RG 5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3.4
Satellite®A10/A15 Series
Resource Guide
Keep this guide in a convenient place to access important
information about your computer.
If you need assistance, contact the following:
InTouchCenter
Calling within the United States [phone]
Calling from outside the United States [phone]
Please fill in for your reference and future use:
Model name _______________________________________
Part number _______________________________________
Serial number ______________________________________

2Contents
RG 5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3.4
Contents
Setting up your computer and getting started............................ 4
Installing additional memory (optional) ..................................... 7
Your computer’s TFT display.................................................... 10
Inserting PC Cards................................................................... 10
Removing PC Cards................................................................. 11
Learning the basics.................................................................. 11
Playing a CD or DVD ................................................................ 12
Moving the computer............................................................... 15
Mobile computing.................................................................... 15
If something goes wrong ......................................................... 19
If you need further assistance.................................................. 21
Power cable connectors........................................................... 23
Features and specifications...................................................... 23
Regulatory information ............................................................ 28
Index ........................................................................................48

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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.
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.
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4Setting up your computer and getting started
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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:
❖Electronic user’s guide installed on your system.
❖Guides for other software that may come preinstalled.
❖Microsoft®Windows®XP operating system documentation.
❖For accessory information, visit Toshiba’s Web site at toshiba.com.
❖The Recovery Media containing the programs that are preinstalled at
the factory and any bundled software. Keep this media in a safe and
convenient place.
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.
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.

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Setting up your computer and getting started
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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.
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. 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 to a power source
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.
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.
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.
AC adapter
Power cable AC power indicator
AC adapter
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6Setting up your computer and getting started
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The power cord on this product contains lead, a chemical known to
the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
To connect AC power to the computer:
1Connect the power cable to the AC adapter.
2Plug the AC adapter into the DC-IN port.
3Connect the power cable to a live electrical outlet.
If the electrical outlet is live, the system indicator panel’s AC power light
( ) glows green.
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, discontinue 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
You can connect a USB-compatible printer to your computer through one
of the USB ports. You can also connect a parallel printer through the
parallel port.
To confirm a printer’s compatibility, check its documentation.
Connecting a USB printer
To achieve 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.
Connecting a parallel printer
To achieve the connection, you need a suitable cable, which may come with
your parallel printer. Otherwise, you can purchase one from a computer or
electronics store.
If you connect a parallel printer, do so before you turn on the computer.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting a parallel printer to
your computer.
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Installing additional memory (optional)
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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.
A memory module must be installed in slot A. Do not try to operate the com-
puter with a memory module in slot B only.
If you install a memory module that is incompatible with the computer, a
beep will sound when you turn on the computer. If the module is installed in
slot A, there will be a long beep followed by a short beep. If the module is in
slot B, there will be a long beep followed by two short beeps. In this case,
turn off the computer and remove the incompatible module.
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 various capacities (visit Toshiba’s Web site at
toshiba.com for more information). There are two memory slots. Your
system may have both slots occupied.
If you use the computer for a long time, the memory modules will become
hot. If this happens, let the modules cool to room temperature before you
replace them.
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.
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.
See “Turn Off or Shut down command” in your electronic user’s
guide.
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 memory slot cover.

8Installing additional memory (optional)
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Base of your Satellite computer
4Using a standard Phillips no. 1 screwdriver, unscrew the screw that
secures the memory slot cover, then remove the memory slot cover.
Removing the memory slot cover
5Put the screw and the cover in a safe place so that you can retrieve
them later.
The following figure shows the inside of the memory compartment.
Viewing the inside of the memory compartment
Memory
slot cover

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Installing additional memory (optional)
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6Remove the memory module from its antistatic packaging.
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).
7Holding the memory module by its edges so that the gold connector
bar faces the slot, fit the module into the socket.
8Gently put the memory module connector down at an angle and press
down 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.
9Replace the memory slot cover.
10 Replace the screw and tighten it.
11 Turn the computer over and reconnect any cables you removed.
12 Turn on the computer.
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.
13 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.

10 Your computer’s TFT display
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Removing a memory module
If you use the computer for a long time, the memory modules will become
hot. If this happens, let the modules cool to room temperature before you
replace them.
1Follow steps 1 through 5 in “Installing additional memory (optional)”
on page 7.
2Gently push the memory clips outward until the memory module pops
up.
Removing the memory module
3Gently pull the memory module diagonally to remove it from the slot.
4Complete the procedure by following steps 9 through 13 in “Installing
additional memory (optional)” on page 7.
Your computer’s TFT display
Small bright dots may appear on your TFT display when you turn on your
computer. Your display contains an extremely large number of thin-film
transistors (TFT) and is manufactured using high-precision technology.
Any small bright dots that may appear on your display are an intrinsic
characteristic of the TFT manufacturing technology.
Inserting PC Cards
Use caution when lifting or turning your computer. Failure to do so may
result in damage to components, such as cables, attached to your computer,
or to the computer itself.
Before you insert a PC Card, refer to the documentation that comes with
the card to see if you need to do anything before you insert it.
To insert a PC Card:
1Turn off the computer.
You may also hot swap a PC Card (see “Hot swapping” on page 11).