Panasonic CF-M34, CF-17 User Manual

Personal Computer

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

®

95

[Additional Manual]

Reference Manual

This manual can be accessed on your computer. Please
refer to page 14 on how to access the Reference Manual.

Model No.

Contents

Getting Started

Read Me First.................................................. 7

First-time Operation ........................................ 9

Touch Pad (Basic Operation) ...................................13

Reference Manual.........................................14

• Read Me First

• Key Combination

• LED Indicators

• Touch Pad (Advanced)

Operation

Starting Up/Shutting Down............................15

• Suspend/Hibernation

Functions

• Security Measures

• Computing On The Road

• Battery Power

• PC Cards

• RAM Module

CF-17/CF-M34 Series

Reference Manual

• Touchscreen

• Panasonic Hand Writing

(Touch Pad)

Reference Manual

• USB Devices

• Modem

• Port Replicator

• Accessories

• Hard Disk Drive

• Setup Utility

• Smart Boot

Getting Started

Operation

Troubleshooting

In this manual, descriptions are given us­ing illustrations not featuring the hand
strap or handle for con venience of expla­nation.

List of Error Codes .........................................17

Dealing With Problems (Summary)......................19

Reinstalling Software ....................................21

Reference Manual

• Technical Information

• DMI Viewer

•

Creating BACKUP DISKS

• List of Error Codes

• Dealing With Problems

(Advanced)

Appendix

CF-M34 SeriesCF-17 Series

Please read these instructions carefully before using this product and save this manual for future use.

LIMITED USE LICENSE AGREEMENT........22

Names and Functions of Parts......................24

Specifications................................................25

LIMITED W ARRANTY...................................26

Troubleshooting

Appendix

Customer's Record

Model
No.*

Serial
No.

or
Code

No.

Date
of
Purchase

Dealer's
Name

Dealer's
Address

For the Model No., insert the 11 digit number (for example, CF-M34T42AAM) located on
the bottom of the computer.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Panasonic computer. Please read the operating instructions thoroughly for proper operation of your
new computer.

Illustrations in this Manual

NOTE: NOTE provides a useful fact or helpful information.
CAUTION: CAUTION indicates a condition that may result in minor or moderate injury.
WARNING: WARNING indicates a hazard that may result in moderate or serious injury.

[Start]-[Shut Down]: This illustration means to click [Start], then to click [Shut Down].

(For some applications, you may need to double-click.)

Enter : This illustration means to press the [Enter] key.

Fn + F5 : This illustration means to press and hold the [Fn] key, then press the [F5] key.

: Where to go for referred information.

: This illustration means to refer to the Reference Manual, which is available on your

computer. Please refer to page 14 on how to access this manual.

Copyright

This manual is copyrighted by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. with all rights reserved. No part of this manual may be
reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein.

©1999 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer

Computer specifications and manuals are subject to change without notice. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. assumes no
liability for damage incurred directly or indirectly from errors, omissions or discrepancies between the computer and the manuals.

Trademarks

PS/2™ is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft
tries.
Intel
Celeron™ is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
Acrobat
Panasonic

®

, MS-DOS® and Windows® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation of the United States and/or other coun-

®

is a registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.

®

is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

®

is a registered trademark of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

2

For U.S.A.

Federal Communications Commission Radio
Frequency Interference Statement

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the Panasonic Service Center or an experienced ra­dio/TV technician for help.

Warning

To assure continued compliance, use only shielded interface
cables when connecting to a computer or peripheral. Also, any
changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to
operate this equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including

interference that may cause undesired operation.

Responsible Party: Matsushita Electric Corporation of America

One Panasonic Way
Secaucus, NJ 07094
T el No:1-800-LAPTOP-5 (1-800-527-8675)

FCC Regulation Notice for modem
This equipment contains a FCC approved modem.

Manufacturer of modem: Xircom
Model No. MPCI1B-56G

Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

1. This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. On the com­puter is a label that contains, among other information, the FCC reg­istration number and ringer equivalence number(REN)for this equip­ment. If required, this information must be provided to the telephone
company .

2.An FCC compliant telephone cord and modular plug is provided
with this equipment. This equipment is designed to be connected to
the telephone network or premises wiring using a compatible modu­lar jack which is Part 68 compliant. See Installation Instructions for
details.

3. The REN is used to determine the quantity of devices which may be
connected to the telephone line. Excessive RENs on the telephone line
may result in the devices not ringing in response to an incoming call. In
most, but not all area, the sum of RENs should not exceed five (5.0). T o
be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to a line, as
determined by the total RENs, contact the local telephone company.

4. If your telephone equipment cause harm to the telephone network, the
telephone company will notify you in advice that temporary discontinu­ance of service may be required. But if advice notice isn’t practical, the
telephone company will notify the customer as soon as possible. Also,
you will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you
believe it is necessary.

5.The telephone company may take changes in it’s facilities, equip­ment, operations or procedures that could affect the operation of the
equipment. If this happens the telephone company will provide ad­vance notice in order for you to make necessary modifications to
maintain uninterrupted service.

6.If trouble is experienced with this equipment, for repair or warranty
information, please contact Matsushita Electric
Corporation of America, toll free at 1-800-LAPTOP5 (1-800-527-

8675). If the equipment is causing harm to the telephone network, the
telephone company may request that you disconnect the equipment
until the problem is resolved.

7. There are no user serviceable parts contained in this equipment.

8.This equipment may not be used on coin service provided by the
telephone company . Connection to party lines is subject to state tar­iffs.

9. The T elephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful for
any person to use a computer or other electronic device to send any mes­sage via a telephone fax machine unless such message clearly contains in
a margin at the top or bottom of each transmitted page or on the first page
of the transmission, the date and time it is sent and an identification of the
business or other entry , or other individual sending the message and the
telephone number of the sending machine or such business, other entity ,
or individual. In order to program this information into your fax software,
you should refer to the manual of the Fax software being used.

“Caution : To reduce the risk of fire, use only No.26 AWG or larger telecom­munication line cord.”
“ATTENTION : Pour réduire le risque d’incendie, utiliser uniquement des
conducteurs de télécommunications 26 AWG ou de section supérieure.”

3

For Canada

Industry Canada (IC) Notice for modem

This equipment contains an Industry Canada approved modem unit.
The Industry Canada label is affixed on the modem unit.

EQUIPMENT ATTACHEMENT LIMITATIONS

“NOTICE: The Industry Canada label identifies certified
equipment. This certification means that the equipment meets
telecommunications network protective, operational and
safety requirements as prescribed in the appropriate T erminal
Equipment Technical Requirements document(s). The
Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate
to the user’s satisfaction.
Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it
is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local
telecommunications company . The equipment must also be
installed using an acceptable method of connection. The
customer should be aware that compliance with the above
conditions may not prevent degradation of service in some
situations.
Repairs to certified equipment should be coordinated by a
representative designated by the supplier. Any repairs or
alterations made by the user to this equipment, or equipment
malfunctions, may give the telecommunications company
cause to request the user to disconnect the equipment.
Users should ensure for their own protection that the
electrical ground connections of the power utility, telephone
lines and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are
connected together. This precaution may be particularly
important in rural areas. Caution: Users should not attempt
to make such connections themselves, but should contact
the appropriate electric inspection authority, or electrician,
as appropriate.”
“NOTICE: The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned
to each terminal device provides an indication of the
maximum number of terminals allowed to be connected to a
telephone interface. The termination on an interface may
consist of any combination of devices subject only to the
requirement that the sum of the Ringer Equivalence Numbers
of all the devices does not exceed 5.”

REN: See bottom of the computer

RESTRICTIONS CONCERNANT LE RACCORDEMENT
DE MATÉRIEL

“AVIS: L’étiquette d’Industrie Canada identifie le matériel
homologué. Cette étiquette certifie que le matériel est
conforme aux normes de protection, d’exploitation et de
sécurité des réseaux de télécommunications, comme le
prescrivent les documents concernant les exigences
techniques relatives au matériel terminal. Le Ministère
n’assure toutefois pas que le matériel fonctionnera à la
satisfaction de l’utilisateur.
A vant d’installer ce matériel, l’utilisateur doit s’assurer qu’il
est permis de le raccorder aux installations de l’entreprise
locale de télécommunication. Le matériel doit également être
installé en suivant une méthode acceptée de raccordement.
L’abonné ne doit pas oublier qu’il est possible que la
conformité aux conditions énoncées ci-dessus n’empêche
pas la dégradation du service dans certaines situations.
Les réparations de matériel homologué doivent être
coordonnées par un représentant désigné par le fournisseur .
L’entreprise de télécommunications peut demander à
l’utilisateur de débrancher un appareil à la suite de
réparations ou de modifications effectuées par l’utilisateur
ou à cause de mauvais fonctionnement.
Pour sa propre protection, l’utilisateur doit s’assurer que tous
les fils de mise à la terre de la source d’énergie électrique,
des lignes téléphoniques et des canalisations d’eau
métalliques, s’il y en a, sont raccordés ensemble. Cette
précaution est particulièrement importante dans les régions
rurales. A vertissement: L ’utilisateur ne doit pas tenter de faire
ces raccordements lui-même; il doit avoir recours à un service
d’inspection des installations électriques, ou à un électricien,
selon le cas.”“AVIS: L’indice d’équivalence de la sonnerie
(IES) assigné à chaque dispositif terminal indique le nombre
maximal de terminaux qui peuvent être raccordés à une
interface. La terminaison d’une interface téléphonique peut
consister en une combinaison de quelques dispositifs, à la
seule condition que la somme d’indices d’équivalence de la
sonnerie de touts les dispositifs n’excède pas 5.”

REN: Voir sous le fond de l’ordinateur

4

Lithium Battery Precautions

Lithium Battery!

This computer contains a lithium battery to enable the date, time,
and other data to be stored. The battery should only be exchanged
by authorized service personnel.
Warning! A risk of explosion from incorrect installation or mis­application may possibly occur.

Warnung bezüglic h der Lithiumbatterie
(Sicherungsbatterie)

Lithiumbatterie!
Dieser Computer enthält eine Lithiumbatterie zur Sicherung von
Datum und Uhrzeit der eingebauten Uhr sowie anderer
Systemdaten im Speicher bei einer Unterbrechung der
Hauptstromversorgung. Diese Sicherungsbatterie darf nur von
Kundendienstpersonal ausgewechselt werden.
Warnung! Bei falschem Gebrauch besteht Explosionsgefahr!
Entsorgung gebrauchter Batterien nach Angaben des Herstellers.

Avertissement concernant la pile au lithium
(pile de sauvegarde)

Pile au lithium!
Le micro-ordinateur renferme une pile au lithium qui permet de
sauvegarder certaines données comme la date et l'heure notamment.
Elle ne devra être remplacée que par un technicien qualifié.
Avertissement! Risque d'explosion en cas de non respect de cette
mise en garde!

The CF-17/CF-M34 was developed based on thorough research
into the real-world portable computing environments. Exhaus­tive pursuit of usability and reliability under harsh conditions
led to innovations such has the magnesium alloy exterior, vibra­tion damped hard disk drive and floppy disk drive, flexible in­ternal connections. The CF-17/CF-M34's outstanding engineer­ing has been tested using the stiff MIL-STD- 810E (for vibra­tion and shock) and IP (for dust and water) based procedures.
As with any portable computer device precautions should be
taken to avoid any damage. The following usage and handling
procedures are recommended.

Avoid Radio Frequency Interference

Do not place the computer near a television or ra­dio receiver.

Avoid Magnetic Fields

Keep the computer away from magnets.

Keep Small Objects Away

Do not insert paper clips or other small objects into
the computer.

Do Not Disassemble the Computer

Do not attempt to disassemble your computer.

Avoid Excessive Force on the Display

Do not apply excessive downward force on the
display when it is completely opened, especially when
plugs and/or cables are connected to the rear of the
computer.

Avoid low-temperature burns

Avoid more than casual contact with any heat pro­ducing area of the notebook computer, power
adapter, and any option or accessory you use with it.
Even low heat, if warmer than body temperature, can
cause a burn, if the skin is exposed to the heat source
for a long enough period of time.

Peripherals

Incorrectly using peripheral devices may lead to a decrease in per­formance, an increase in temperature and/or damage your com­puter. For more information on peripheral devices, please refer to
the Reference Manual.

Cables

Use of an interface cable longer than 3 m (9.84 feet) is not recom­mended.

5

Precautions ( Battery Pack )

Care should be exercised with regard to the following in
order to avoid the possibility of liquid leakage, overheat­ing, or bursting.

Avoid Heat

Do not throw the battery pack into a fire or
expose it to excessive heat.

Keep Articles Away

Do not place the battery pack together with ar­ticles such as necklaces or hairpins when carry­ing or storing.

Do Not Disassemble

Do not insert sharp objects into the battery pack,
expose it to bumps or shocks, deform, disas­semble, or modify it.

Do Not Short

Do not short the positive (+) and negative (-)
contacts.

Avoid Extreme Heat, Cold and Direct Sun­light

Do not charge, use or leave the battery pack for
extended periods where it will be exposed to
direct sunlight, in a hot place (in an automobile
on a sunny day, for example), or in a cold place.

Do Not Use With Any Other Computer

The battery pack is rechargeable and was in­tended for the specified computer or charger.
Do not use it with a computer other than the
one for which it was designed.

Do Not Put into a Microwave

Do not put the battery pack into a microwave
oven or a pressurized chamber.

Discontinue Use

Should the battery emit an abnormal odor, be­come hot to the touch, become discolored,
change shape, or become in any way different
from normal, remove it from the computer or
charger and discontinue use.

If the battery pack will not be used for a long period of time
(a month or more), charge or discharge (use) the battery pack
until the remaining battery level becomes 30% to 40% and
store it in a cool, dry place.
This computer prevents overcharging of the battery by re­charging only when the remaining power is less than approx.
95% of capacity.
The battery pack is not charged when the computer is first
purchased. Be sure to charge it before using it for the first

time. When the AC adapter is connected to the computer,
charging begins automatically.
Should the battery leak and the fluid get into your eyes, do not
rub your eyes. Immediately flush your eyes with clear water
and see a doctor for medical treatment as soon as possible.

NOTE

The battery pack may become warm during recharging or
normal use. This is completely normal.
Recharging will not commence outside of the allowable
temperature range (0 °C to 50 °C {32°F to 122 °F})

"Battery Power". Once the allowable range re­quirement is satisfied, charging begins automatically.
Note that the recharging time varies based on the usage
conditions. (Recharging takes longer than usual when the
temperature is 10 °C {50 °F} or less.)
If the temperature is low, the operating time is shortened. Only
use the computer within the allowable temperature range.
The battery pack is a consumable item. If the amount of
time the computer can be run off a particular battery pack
becomes dramatically shorter and repeated rechargings do
not restore its performance, the battery pack should be
replaced with a new one.
When a spare battery pack is to be carried in a pocket or
bag, it is recommended that it be placed in a plastic bag so
that its contacts are protected.
Always power off the computer when it is not in use.
Leaving the computer on when the AC adapter is not
connected will exhaust the remaining battery capacity.

6

Do not touch the terminals on the battery pack. The bat­tery pack may no longer function properly if the contacts
are dirty or damaged.
Do not expose the battery pack to water, or allow it to
become wet.

Read Me First

Saving Data on the Hard Disk

Do not expose your computer to shock.

Please use care when handling your computer, shock may damage your hard disk or make
your software applications and data unusable.

Do not power off your computer while software applications are running or HDD
indicator (

Properly shut Windows* down to avoid problems ([Start] - [Shut Down] ).

Save all valuable data to disks.

Backing up data to disks will limit damage should trouble occur to your computer or should
you inadvertently change or erase data.

Use the security function for all important data. ( "Security Measures")

Saving Data on Disks

Do not power off your computer or press the floppy disk drive eject button while the
floppy disk drive being accessed.

Doing so may damage the data on the disk and render the disk useless.

Use care when handling disks.

To protect the data on your disks or to prevent a disk from becoming stuck in your computer,
avoid the following:

• Sliding the shutter on the disk manually.

• Exposing the disk to a magnetic field.

• Storing the disk in locations prone to high temperatures, low pitched noise, dampness, or dust.

• Applying more than one label on the disk.

Confirm the contents of a disk before formatting it.

Confirm that no important data is on the disk, because all data on the disk will be erased.

Use the write-protect tab.

This is a must for preserving impor­tant data. This prevents your data from
being erased or overwritten.

) is on.

* This computer uses Microsoft

Write-protect T ab

Write Enable

®

Windows® 95 Operating System.

Write Disable

Getting Started

Computer Viruses

LCD Panel

Users are advised to purchase the latest versions of virus protection software and use
them regularly.

We recommend you run the software:

• When booting your computer.

• After receiving data.
We recommend that you check data received on disks or from external sources, such as
data downloaded from the Internet, e-mail, etc. (For compressed files, please uncompress
them before running a check).

High-precision and advanced technologies are necessary in the production of color liquid
crystal displays (color LCDs). Therefore, if 99.998% or more of the picture elements are
functioning properly, no defect is considered to exist.

7

Read Me First

Usage Environment

Handling

Getting Started

Environment

Place the computer on a flat stable surface.
In use: Temperature: 5 °C to 35 °C {41 °F to 95 °F}

Humidity: 30% to 80% RH (No condensation)

Not in use: Temperature: -20 °C to 60 °C {-4 °F to 140 °F}

Humidity: 30% to 90% RH (No condensation)

Places not to use your computer

Such areas may result in damage to the computer.

Areas with electronic equipment

These areas may interfere with your display or cause
your computer to produce strange sounds.

Areas with extremely high/low temperatures

Do not leave things near the computer that are sensitive to heat. During operation, the
computer may become warm.

This computer has been designed so as to minimize shock to the LCD and hard disk drive, the
leakage of liquid (e.g., water) from the keyboard, etc., but no warranty is provided against such
trouble. Therefore, as a precision instrument, please be extremely careful in the handling.
Do not drop or hit your computer against solid objects.
Do not stand the computer on its side or allow it to tip over. When the computer receives
extremely strong shock after falling, the hard disk or floppy disk drive, etc., may become inop­erable.
Do not carry your computer when it is ON.
Remove all cables before transporting your computer.
We recommend preparing a fully charged battery (and optional charger, if possible).
When transporting spare batteries inside a package, briefcase, etc., it is recommended that
the batteries be stored in a plastic bag.
Do not place the computer upright. When the computer receives extremely strong shock after
falling, the hard disk or floppy disk drive, etc., may become inoperable.
Do not carry the computer while the display is open, or carry it by gripping the display.
Do not put anything (e.g., a piece of paper) between the display and keyboard.
Always carry your computer with you. Never check it in with luggage. For use of the com­puter inside an aircraft, we recommend asking the airlines regarding their policy on this issue.

8

Maintenance

Display

Use a soft dry cloth like gauze to lightly wipe
the display.

Touch Pad

page 13

Areas excluding the display

Firmly squeeze a soft wet cloth containing
water or detergent (for kitchen use) diluted with
water and gently wipe the computer. If a de­tergent other than a detergent for kitchen use is
used (e.g., low-alkaline detergent), it may ad­versely affect the surface (e.g., discoloration).

CAUTION

Do not use benzene or thinner, or rubbing alcohol. Doing so may adversely affect the
surface, e.g., discoloration. In addition, do not use commercially-available cleaners and
cosmetics, as they may contain components harmful to the surface.
Do not directly add or spray water or detergent. If liquid enters the inside, this may
cause the computer to work improperly or be damaged.

First-time Operation

Please read the steps below to help you learn what parts are included, and to gain an under­standing of some basic computer-related operations.

Confirm the inclusion of all parts

1

Make sure the parts shown in the figure have been supplied. If any of these items are
missing or is not working properly, please contact Panasonic Technical Support.

AC Adapter............................1

Model No. : CF-AA1527

Battery Pack..........................1

Model No. : CF-VZSU15

Operating Instructions.........1

Read the LIMITED USE LICENSE AGREEMENT ( page 22)

2

Before removing the seal covering the power switch, please read the LIMITED USE
LICENSE AGREEMENT.

AC Cord .................................1

Modem T elephone Cab le ......1

Windows 95 System Pack....1

Windows® 95 Book

Registration Card

Product Recovery CD-ROM

Getting Started

Latch

3

2

Battery Pack

4

Cover

Connect the battery pack

3

1

Turn the computer over.

2

Unlock the latch.

3

Open the cover.

4

Put a battery pack into the computer.

CAUTION

Do not touch the battery connector on the computer. The computer may not
operate properly.

9