Toshiba Satellite A25 Firmware update

RG 5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3.4
Satellite®A20/A25 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 _______________________________________
Model number _______________________________________
Serial number ______________________________________

2Contents
RG 5.375 x 8.375 ver 2.3.4
Contents
Setting up your computer and getting started............................ 4
Your computer’s TFT display.................................................... 13
Inserting a PC Card.................................................................. 13
Removing a PC Card................................................................ 14
Using SD cards ........................................................................ 14
Learning the basics.................................................................. 15
Playing a CD or DVD ................................................................ 16
Moving the computer............................................................... 19
Mobile computing.................................................................... 19
Important information on your Satellite®computer’s
cooling fan ............................................................................... 24
If something goes wrong ......................................................... 24
If you need further assistance.................................................. 27
Power cable connectors........................................................... 28
Features and specifications...................................................... 28
Regulatory information ............................................................ 34
Index ........................................................................................54

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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.
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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:
❖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.

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Setting up your computer and getting started
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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.
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.
Power Cable and AC adapter
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.
AC adapter
Power cable

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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.
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 on the back of the computer.
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 a
USB port. 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.
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Setting up your computer and getting started
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Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting a parallel 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.
A memory module must be installed in slot A. Do not try to operate the
computer with a memory module in slot B only.
Your computer is equipped with two memory slots which can provide for
various memory configurations. When additional memory is added, or
original memory replaced, it is recommended that you use only compatible
memory. In the event original memory is replaced with invalid memory, the
system will beep and will not start up beyond the BIOS memory check. A
message will display. If this occurs, contact Toshiba’s support center. See
“Toshiba voice contact” on page 27.
HINT: To purchase additional memory modules, visit the Toshiba Web site at
toshiba.com.
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.
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.
Do not try to install a memory module under the following conditions. You
can damage the computer and the module.
1. The computer is turned on.
2. The computer was shut down using Standby mode.
3. Power to the DVD-ROM or multi-function drive has been turned on.
Do not install or remove a memory module while the DVD-ROM or multi-
function drive power is on.

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You will need a standard Phillips No.1 screwdriver and a small flat head
screwdriver to install a memory module.
To avoid damaging the computer’s screws, use a standard Phillips
screwdriver that is in good condition.
1If the computer is on, turn it off.
See “Turn Off or Shut down command” in your electronic user’s
guide.
2Unplug and remove any cables connected to the computer.
3Open the display panel and remove the panel above the keyboard that
contains the power button.
When removing the computer’s power button panel to install additional
memory, be careful not to damage the display or circuit board.
Using a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the panel
You can pry the panel out of its position by using a flat-head
screwdriver. Starting at the left or right side, carefully wedge the flat-
head screwdriver between the panel and the surrounding housing.
Grasp the end of the panel and lift up until the panel comes free.
4Remove the three screws that hold the keyboard in place, and remove
the keyboard retaining brace.
Removing the left keyboard screw

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The two-inch-long, propeller-shaped brace sits in the center of the
area exposed when the panel is removed.
Observe how the propeller-shaped keyboard retaining brace is positioned
before you remove it.
Store the brace with the screws for safekeeping.
Removing the right keyboard screw
5Lift the keyboard and gently place it face down on the palm rest of the
computer.
Lifting the keyboard
Removing the keyboard exposes the two memory slots, which are
covered by a plastic sheet.
Locating the covered memory module slots
Covered memory slots

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6Lift (but do not detach) the plastic sheet to expose the memory slots.
Lifting the plastic covering the memory slots
7Remove the new 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 pin
connector (on the side you insert into the computer).
Avoid touching the connectors on the memory module or on the computer.
Grease or dust on the connectors may cause memory access problems.
8Insert the memory module in a slot and gently press it down into
place.
Inserting the memory module
The clips on either side of the module will click to secure the module.
9Cover the slots with the plastic sheet.
10 Replace the keyboard.
To secure the keyboard, fit the tabs at the bottom of the keyboard into
the corresponding slots at the top of the computer’s palm rest.
11 Fasten the keyboard with the keyboard retaining brace and screws.