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Use Error-Checking and Disk Defragmenter regularly to, Computing tips

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78 Learning the Basics Computing tips It is easy to put off backing up because it takes time. However, if your hard disk suddenly fails, you will lose all the data on it unless you have a separate backup copy. ❖ Use Error-Checking and Disk Defragmenter regularly to conserve disk space and improve performance. ❖ Scan all new files for viruses. This precaution is especially important for files you receive via diskette, email, or download from the Internet. ❖ Take frequent breaks to avoid repetitive-motion injuries and eyestrain. ❖ Do not turn off the computer if a drive indicator light indicates a drive is active. Turning off the computer while it is reading from or writing to a disk may damage the disk, the drive, or both. ❖ Before turning off the computer, use the Turn off computer command or Standby command. See "Using and configuring Standby mode" on page 71 to learn more about Standby. TECHNICAL NOTE: The operating system records information, such as your desktop setup, during its shutdown procedure. If you do not let the operating system shut down normally, details such as new icon positions may be lost.

Section	Page
Portégé® M400/M405 Series User’s Guide	1
Contents	26
Introduction	35
This guide	36
Safety icons	37
Other icons used	38
Other documentation	38
Service options	39
Chapter 1: Getting Started	40
Selecting a place to work	40
Creating a computer-friendly environment	40
Keeping yourself comfortable	41
Precautions	41
Important information on your computer’s cooling fan	44
Setting up your computer	44
Setting up your software	45
Registering your computer with Toshiba	46
Setting up other devices	46
Connecting to a power source	47
Charging the main battery	50
Using the computer for the first time	51
Opening the display panel	51
Your computer’s features and specifications	53
Turning on the power	53
Adding memory (optional)	54
Installing a memory module	54
Using the TouchPad™	55
Scrolling with the TouchPad™	55
Control buttons	56
Disabling or enabling the TouchPad	56
Using external display devices	57
Directing the display output when you turn on the computer	58
Adjusting the quality of the external display	59
Using an external keyboard	59
Using a mouse	60
Connecting a printer	60
Setting up a printer	61
Connecting an optional external diskette drive	62
Turning off the computer	63
Options for turning off the computer	63
Using the Turn Off Computer or Shut Down commands	66
Using and configuring Hibernation mode	69
Using and configuring Standby mode	71
Closing the display panel	73
Using your computer in tablet mode	73
Customizing your computer’s settings	74
Caring for your computer	75
Cleaning the computer	75
Moving the computer	75
Using a computer lock	76
Chapter 2: Learning the Basics	77
Computing tips	77
Using the keyboard	79
Character keys	79
Making your keyboard emulate a full-size keyboard	79
Ctrl, Fn, and Alt keys	80
Function keys	80
Windows special keys	81
Overlay keys	81
Starting a program	82
Starting a program from the Start menu	83
Starting a program from Windows® Explorer	83
Starting a program from the Run dialog box	85
Saving your work	86
Saving files	86
Printing your work	88
Backing up your work	89
Restoring your work	89
Using the optical drive	90
Optical drive components	91
Inserting a compact disc	92
Playing an audio CD	94
Playing CDs	95
Creating a CD	95
Removing a disc with the computer on	96
Removing a disc with the computer off	97
Caring for CD or DVD Discs	97
Toshiba’s online resources	98
Chapter 3: Mobile Computing	99
Toshiba’s energy-saver design	99
Running the computer on battery power	99
Battery Notice	100
Power management	101
Using additional batteries	101
Charging batteries	102
Charging the main battery	102
Charging the RTC battery	103
Monitoring main battery power	104
Determining remaining battery power	106
What to do when the main battery runs low	108
Setting battery alarms	108
Conserving battery power	109
Power Profiles	110
Using a hot key to set the Power Profile	111
Changing the main battery	112
Removing the battery from the computer	112
Inserting a charged battery	114
Taking care of your battery	115
Safety precautions	115
Maximizing battery life	116
Disposing of used batteries	118
Traveling tips	119
Chapter 4: Exploring Your Computer’s Features	120
Windows® XP special features	120
Personalizing your desktop	121
Customizing the taskbar	121
Bringing the world to your desktop	122
Changing desktop and browsing style	123
Personalizing individual windows	125
Customizing window toolbars	125
Displaying information about each folder	126
Setting up for communications	127
Determining the COM port	128
Connecting the modem to a telephone line	129
Connecting your computer to a network	131
An overview of using the Internet	133
The Internet	134
The World Wide Web	134
Internet Service Providers	134
Connecting to the Internet	134
Surfing the Internet	135
Internet features	136
Uploading to, and downloading files from, the Internet	136
Exploring audio features	137
Recording sounds	137
Using a microphone	137
Using external speakers or headphones	138
Using tablet mode	139
Preparing to use the tablet	139
Using tablet mode	141
Using the Toshiba tablet pen	144
Returning the computer to its original configuration	144
Using PC Cards	145
Inserting a PC Card	145
Removing a PC Card	146
Setting up a PC Card for your computer	146
Using the Bridge Media Adapter Slot	147
Inserting memory media	147
Removing memory media	148
Using the Ultra SlimBay	149
Removing a module from the Ultra SlimBay	149
Inserting a module into the Ultra SlimBay	151
Using the i.LINK® port	151
Using an expansion device	152
Using an Optional Toshiba Express Port Replicator with your computer	152
Chapter 5: Toshiba Utilities	153
Fn-esse	154
Starting Fn-esse	155
Assigning a key to a program or document	155
Viewing existing key assignments	158
Changing or removing existing key assignments	158
Toshiba Hotkey Utility	158
Toshiba Assist	159
Connect	161
Secure	162
Protect & Fix	163
Optimize	163
Setting passwords	164
Using an instant password	165
Using a supervisor or user password	165
PC Diagnostic Tool Utility	168
HDD Protection Utility	169
Toshiba Power Saver	170
Toshiba SD™ Memory Card Format Utility	172
Mouse Utility	173
Toshiba Mobile Extension	174
Toshiba Zooming Utility	175
Toshiba Button Controls	176
CD/DVD Drive Acoustic Silencer	177
Toshiba Hardware Setup	178
Tablet and Pen Settings	180
Toshiba Rotation Utility	181
Cross Menu Utility	183
Toshiba Tablet Access Code Utility	185
Toshiba SD™ Memory Boot Utility	186
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)	187
Fingerprint Authentication Utility	188
Fingerprint utility limitations	188
Fingerprint Enrollment	188
Fingerprint Logon	190
Power-on Security	191
Control Center	193
Password Bank	194
Care and maintenance of your fingerprint reader	199
Fingerprint reader limitations	201
Chapter 6: Keeping Your Files Safe	202
Using passwords in the Windows ® operating system	202
User-level passwords	203
Setting a user-level password	204
Disabling the user-level password	204
Using the power-on (user-level) password	205
Using the instant (user-level) password	205
Using the HDD password	205
Setting a hard disk drive user only password in System Setup	206
Deleting or changing a hard disk drive user only password in System Setup	208
Setting a hard disk drive master and user password in System Setup	209
Changing the master and user passwords in System Setup	210
Deleting the hard disk drive master and user passwords in the System Setup	211
Chapter 7: If Something Goes Wrong	213
Problems that are easy to fix	213
Problems when you turn on the computer	215
The Windows ® operating system is not working	217
Using Startup options to fix problems	218
Internet problems	219
The Windows® XP operating system can help you	219
Resolving a hardware conflict	220
A plan of action	220
Resolving hardware conflicts on your own	221
Fixing a problem with Device Manager	222
Power and the batteries	224
Keyboard problems	226
Display problems	227
Disk drive problems	230
Optical drive problems	232
Sound system problems	234
PC Card problems	234
Printer problems	237
Modem problems	238
Wireless networking problems	239
DVD operating problems	243
Develop good computing habits	245
Data and system configuration backup in Windows XP	247
If you need further assistance	253
Before you contact Toshiba	253
Contacting Toshiba	254
Other Toshiba Internet Web sites	255
Toshiba’s worldwide offices	256
Appendix A: Hot Keys	258
Volume Mute	258
Password security	259
Without a password	259
With a password	259
Maintaining security when the battery is not fully charged	260
Power usage mode	261
Standby mode	261
Hibernation mode	262
Display modes	263
Display brightness	263
Disabling or enabling wireless devices	264
Disabling or enabling the TouchPad	264
Keyboard hot keys	265
Display resolution	265
Zooming applications in/out	265
Appendix B: Power Cord/Cable Connectors	266
Appendix C: Using ConfigFree™ with your Toshiba Computer	267
Getting Started	268
Starting ConfigFree	268
ConfigFree Utilities	270
Connectivity Doctor	270
Search for Wireless Devices	273
Profile Settings	278
ConfigFree SUMMIT	282
Quick Connect	286
Using the Automatic Switch	289
Semi-Automatic Switch Feature	289
Glossary	291