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Toshiba Tecra A3 User Guide - Page 101

Moving the computer, Backing up your work

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101 Learning the Basics Backing up your work Moving the computer Before moving your computer, even across the room, make sure all disk activity has ended (the drive indicator light stops glowing) and all external peripheral cables are disconnected. Do not pick up the computer by its display panel or by the back (where the ports are located). Although your notebook computer is built to withstand reasonable shock and vibration, transport it in a carrying case for long trips. You can purchase a carrying case from your Toshiba dealer, through the accessories information packaged with your system, or visit accessories.toshiba.com. Backing up your work Back up all the files you create in case something happens to your computer. If you have a network partition, you can hold copies of your files there. Alternatively, you can back up your files to diskette one at a time as you are working on them. To back up several files at one time, use the Microsoft® Windows® backup program preinstalled on the computer's hard disk. Complete information on the backup program is in the online Help and your Windows® documentation. HINT: Backing up all the files on your hard disk takes a considerable amount of time and many diskettes. You may prefer to use a high-capacity backup system, such as an external tape drive.

Section	Page
Tecra® A3 Series User’s Guide	1
Contents	28
Introduction	36
This guide	37
Safety icons	38
Other icons used	39
Other documentation	39
Service options	40
Chapter 1: Getting Started	41
Selecting a place to work	41
Creating a computer-friendly environment	41
Keeping yourself comfortable	42
Other precautions	46
Important information on your computer’s cooling fan	47
Setting up your computer	48
Setting up your software	49
Registering your computer with Toshiba	50
Setting up other devices	50
Connecting to a power source	50
Charging the main battery	53
Using the computer for the first time	54
Opening the display panel	54
Your computer’s features and specifications	55
Turning on the power	55
Adding memory	56
Installing a memory module	57
Removing a memory module	60
Hard Drive Recovery Utilities	62
Creating Recovery CDs/DVDs	63
Hard Disk Drive Recovery using the recovery partition	65
Hard Disk Drive Recovery using the Recovery media	68
Deleting the Hard Disk Recovery Utility	71
Installing drivers and applications	72
Using the TouchPad™	72
Scrolling with the TouchPad™	73
Control buttons	73
Disabling or enabling the TouchPad	74
Turning off the computer	75
Closing the display panel	76
Using external display devices	76
Directing the display output when you turn on the computer	77
Adjusting the quality of the external display	78
Using an external keyboard	78
Using a mouse	78
Connecting a USB mouse	79
Connecting an optional external diskette drive	79
Connecting external speakers or headphones	80
Connecting a microphone	80
Chapter 2: Learning the Basics	81
Computing tips	81
Using the keyboard	83
Character keys	83
Making your keyboard emulate a full-size keyboard	84
Ctrl, Fn, and Alt keys	84
Function keys	84
Windows special keys	85
Overlay keys	85
Using the overlay to type numeric data	86
Starting a program	87
Starting a program from the Start menu	87
Starting a program from Windows® Explorer	88
Starting a program from the Run dialog box	89
Saving your work	90
Printing your work	92
Using the DVD-ROM or multi-function drive	93
Inserting a compact disc	95
Removing a disc with the computer on	97
Removing a disc with the computer off	98
Caring for CD or DVD Discs	98
Using the i.LINK® port	99
Using your computer at the office	99
Using a computer lock	99
Caring for your computer	100
Cleaning the computer	100
Moving the computer	101
Backing up your work	101
Restoring your work	102
Preparing for communications	102
Powering down the computer	103
Using Turn Off Computer or Shut Down	103
Using Hibernation	106
Using Standby	108
Toshiba’s online resources	110
Chapter 3: Mobile Computing	111
Toshiba’s energy-saver design	111
Running the computer on battery power	112
Battery Notice	112
Charging the batteries	113
Charging the main battery	114
Charging the RTC battery	114
Monitoring battery power	116
What to do when the battery alarm sounds	118
Changing batteries	119
Taking care of your battery	122
Safety precautions	122
Maximizing battery life	123
Disposing of used batteries	124
Conserving power	125
Power profiles	125
Using a hot key to set the power profile	126
Additional options for power	127
Chapter 4: Expansion Options	128
Devices for office computing	128
Using the Wi-Fi® Wireless LAN Mini PCI module	129
Connecting a local printer	129
Setting up your printer	131
Chapter 5: Enhancing Productivity	134
Exploring the desktop	134
Finding your way around the desktop	135
Setting up for communications	137
Connecting the modem to a telephone line	139
Connecting your computer to a network	139
An overview of using the Internet	141
The Internet	142
The World Wide Web	142
Internet Service Providers	142
Connecting to the Internet	143
Surfing the Internet	143
Internet features	144
Uploading and downloading files from the Internet	145
Exploring audio features	145
Playing an audio CD	145
Playing CDs using Auto-Run	146
Creating a CD	147
Recording sounds	148
Using external speakers or headphones	149
Using PC Cards	150
Hot swapping	150
Inserting a PC Card	151
Removing a PC Card	152
Setting up a PC Card for your computer	153
Using the Bridge Media Adapter Slot	153
Inserting memory media	153
Removing memory media	154
Connecting your modem to a telephone line	155
Connecting to a phone line	155
Chapter 6: Toshiba Utilities	157
Fnesse®	158
Starting Fnesse®	158
Using the keyboard or pointing device to assign keys	160
Viewing existing key assignments	161
Changing or removing existing key assignments	161
TOSHIBA Assist	162
Customizing Your Computer	163
Network	163
Security	163
TOSHIBA Power Saver	163
Mouse utility	165
Hotkey utility	166
TOSHIBA HW Setup	166
Setting user passwords	168
Using an instant password	169
Setting a user password	169
Disabling a user password	170
Using a supervisor password	171
Setting a supervisor password	171
Deleting a supervisor password	173
Using the TOSHIBA Zooming Utility	173
Using the TOSHIBA Touch and Launch utility	174
TOSHIBA Application Installer	178
Chapter 7: If Something Goes Wrong	180
Problems that are easy to fix	180
Problems when you turn on the computer	182
The Windows® operating system is not working	184
Using Startup options to fix problems	184
Internet problems	185
The Windows® XP operating system can help you	186
Resolving a hardware conflict	187
A plan of action	187
Resolving hardware conflicts on your own	187
Fixing a problem with Device Manager	189
Memory problems	191
Power and the batteries	191
Keyboard problems	193
Display problems	193
Disk drive problems	196
DVD-ROM or multi-function drive problems	198
Sound system problems	199
PC Card problems	199
Printer problems	202
Modem problems	203
Develop good computing habits	204
If you need further assistance	205
Before you contact Toshiba	205
Contacting Toshiba	206
Other Toshiba Internet Web sites	207
Toshiba’s worldwide offices	207
Appendix A: Hot Keys	209
Volume Mute	209
Instant password security	210
Power usage profile	210
Stand By mode	211
Hibernation mode	212
Display modes	213
Display brightness	214
Disabling or enabling the TouchPad	214
Zooming applications in/out	214
Keyboard hot keys	215
Appendix B: Power Cord/Cable Connectors	216
Appendix C: Using ConfigFree™ with your Toshiba Computer	217
Getting Started	218
Starting ConfigFree	218
ConfigFree Utilities	219
Connectivity Doctor	219
Search for Wireless Devices	222
Profile Settings	224
Quick Connect	226
Using the Automatic Switch	229
Semi-Automatic Switch Feature	230
Glossary	231