Toshiba M50 User Manual

User’s Manual

M50

Choose freedom.

computers.toshiba-europe.com

Copyright

© 2005 by TOSHIBA Corporation. All rights reserved. Under copyright law,
this manual cannot be reproduced in any form without the prior written
permission of TOSHIBA. No patent liability is assumed, with respect to the
use of the information contained herein.

TOSHIBA M50 Series Portable Personal Computer User's Manual

First edition Aug. 2005
Ownership and copyright of music, video computer programs, databases,

etc. are protected by the copyright laws. These copyrighted materials may
be copied for private use at home only. If, beyond the limitation above, you
copy (including to transform data formats) or modify these materials,
transfer them or distribute them via the Internet without approval of
copyright owners, you may be subject to claims for compensation for
damage and/or criminal penalities due to infringements of copyrights or
personal rights. Please remember to observe the copyright laws when you
use this product to copy the copyrighted works or perform other actions.
Please note that you may infringe the owner's rights protected by the
copyright laws if you use the screen mode switching functions (e.g.Wide
mode, Wide Zoom mode, etc.) of this product to display enlarged images/
video at coffee shops or hotels for the purposes of profits or providing these
to the public.

Disclaimer

TOSHIBA M50 Series

This manual has been validated and reviewed for accuracy. The
instructions and descriptions it contains are accurate for the M50 series
Portable Personal Computers at the time of this manual’s production.
However, succeeding computers and manuals are subject to change
without notice. TOSHIBA assumes no liability for damages incurred directly
or indirectly from errors, omissions or discrepancies between the computer
and the manual.

Trademarks

IBM is a registered trademark and IBM PC, OS/2, and PS/2 are trademarks
of International Business Machines Corporation. Celeron, Intel, Intel
SpeedStep, and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

MS-DOS, Microsoft, Windows and DirectX are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.

Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer
Corporation. Photo CD is a trademark of Eastman Kodak.

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by TOSHIBA
under license.

iLINK is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

User’s Manual ii

Other trademarks and registered trademarks not listed above may be used
in this manual.

TruSurround XT, WOW XT, SRS and symbol are trademarks of
SRS Labs, Inc.

TruSurround XT, WOW XT, TruBass, SRS 3D and FOCUS technologies
are incorporated under license from SRS Labs, Inc.

Macrovision License of Notice

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected
by methods and claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual rights
owned by Macrovision Corporation, and other rights owners. Use of this
copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision
Corporation and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only
unless authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering of
disassembly is prohibited.

EU Declaration of Conformity

TOSHIBA declares, that the product: M50 Series conforms to the following
Standards:

This product is labelled with the CE Mark in accordance with the related
European Directives, notably Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
89/ 336/EEC for the notebook and the electronic accessories including the
supplied power adapter, the Radio Equipment and Telecommunications
Terminal Equipment Directive 99/5/EEC in case of implemented
telecommunication accessories and the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
for the supplied power adapter.

CE Marking is the responsibility of TOSHIBA EUROPE GmbH,
Hammfelddamm 8, 41460 Neuss, Germany, phone [phone].

For a copy of the related CE Declaration of Conformity please refer to the
following website: http://epps.toshiba-teg.com.

TOSHIBA M50 Series

Following information is only for EU-member states:

The symbol indicates that this product may not be treated as
household waste. Please ensure this product is properly
disposed as inappropriate waste handling of this product may
cause potential hazards to the environment and human health.
For more detailed information about recycling of this product,
please contact your local city office, your household waste
disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

This symbol may not stick depending on the country and region where you
purchased.

User’s Manual iii

Modem warning notice

Conformity Statement

The equipment has been approved to [Commission Decision "CTR21"] for
pan- European single terminal connection to the Public Switched
Telephone Network (PSTN).

However, due to differences between the individual PSTNs provided in
different countries/regions the approval does not, of itself, give an
unconditional assurance of successful operation on every PSTN network
termination point.

In the event of problems, you should contact your equipment supplier in the
first instance.

Network Compatibility Statement

This product is designed to work with, and is compatible with the following
networks. It has been tested to and found to confirm with the additional
requirements conditional in EG 201 121.

TOSHIBA M50 Series

Germany ATAAB AN005,AN006,AN007,AN009,AN010

Greece ATAAB AN005,AN006 and GR01,02,03,04

Portugal ATAAB AN001,005,006,007,011 and

Spain ATAAB AN005,007,012, and ES01

Switzerland ATAAB AN002

Norway ATAAB AN002, 005, 007 and

All other countries/
regions

Specific switch settings or software setup are required for each network,
please refer to the relevant sections of the user guide for more details.

The hookflash (timed break register recall) function is subject to separate
national type approvals. It has not been tested for conformity to national
type regulations, and no guarantee of successful operation of that specific
function on specific national networks can be given.

and DE03,04,05,08,09,12,14,17

P03,04,08,10

NO 01, 02

ATAAB AN003,004

User’s Manual iv

Safety Instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to help protect yourself and your
computer.

When Using Your Computer

Do not operate your portable computer for an extended period of time with
the base resting directly on your body. With extended operation, heat can
potentially build up in the base. Allowing sustained contact with the skin
could cause discomfort or, eventually, a burn.

■ Do not attempt to service the computer yourself. Always follow

installation instructions closely.

■ Do not carry a battery in your pocket, purse, or other container where

metal objects (such as car keys) could short-circuit the battery
terminals. The resulting excessive current follow can cause extremely
high temperatures and may result in damage from burns.

■ Be sure that nothing rests on your AC adapter's power cable and that

the cable is not located where it can be tripped over or stepped on.

■

Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk top or on the
floor, when you use it to run the computer or to charge the battery. Do not
cover the AC adapter with papers or other items that will reduce cooling;
also, do not use the AC adapter while it is inside a carrying case.

■ Use only the AC adapter and batteries that are approved for use with

this computer. Use of another type of battery or AC adapter may risk fire
or explosion.

■ Before you connect the computer to a power source, ensure that the

voltage rating of the AC adapter matches that of the available power
source.

115 V/60Hz in most of North and South America and some Far Eastern
countries such as Taiwan.

100 V/50Hz in eastern Japan and 100 V/60Hz in western Japan.
230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.

■ If you use an extension cable with your AC adapter, ensure that the total

ampere rating of the products that are plugged into it do not exceed the
ampere rating of the extension cable itself.

■ To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or

disconnect any cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of this
product during an electrical storm.

■ When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface.

■ Do not dispose of batteries in a fire. They may explode. Check with

local authorities for disposal instructions.

■ When traveling, do not check the computer as baggage. You can put

your computer through an X-ray security machine, but never put your
computer through a metal detector. If you have the computer checked
by hand, be sure to have a charged battery available in case you are
asked to turn on the computer.

TOSHIBA M50 Series

User’s Manual v

TOSHIBA M50 Series

■ When traveling with the hard drive removed from the computer, wrap

the drive in a non-conducting material, such as cloth or paper. If you
have the drive checked by hand, be ready to install the drive in the
computer. Your can put the hard drive through an X-ray security
machine, but never put it through a metal detector.

■ When traveling, do not place the computer in overhead storage

compartments where it could slide around. Do not drop your computer
or subject it to other mechanical shocks.

■ Protect your computer, battery, and hard drive from environmental

hazards such as dirt, dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and
overexposure to sunlight.

■ When you move your computer between environments with very

different temperature and/or humidity ranges, condensation may form
on or within the computer. To avoid damaging the computer, allow
sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate before using the computer.

■

When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain relief
loop, not on the cable itself. As you pull out the connector, keep it evenly
aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a
cable make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

■ Before you clean your computer, turn if off, unplug it from its power

source, and remove the battery.

■ Handle components with care. Hold a component such as a memory

module by its edges, not its pins.

When using telephone equipment in conjunction with your computer, basic
safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock and injury to persons, including the following:

■ Do not use this product near water, for example, near a bathtub,

washing bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a
swimming pool.

■ Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an electrical

storm. There may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.

■ Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.

■ Use only the power cord indicated in this manual.

■ Replace only with the same or equivalent type battery recommended by

the manufacturer.

■ Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

■ To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger

telecommunication line cord.

Use only the battery pack that came with the computer or an optional
battery pack. Use of the wrong battery could damage your computer.

TOSHIBA assumes no liability for any damage in such case.

User’s Manual vi

Optical Disc Drive Safety Instruction

The optical disc drive employs a laser system. To ensure proper use of this
product, please read the manual carefully and retain for future reference.
Should the unit ever require maintenance, contact an authorized service
location.
Use of controls, adjustments or the performance of procedures other than
those specified may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
To prevent direct exposure to the laser beam, do not try to open the
enclosure.

USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF
PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED IN THE
MANUAL MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.

The optical drive that is used in this computer is equipped with a laser
device. A classification label with the following sentence is affixed to the
surface of the drive.

TOSHIBA M50 Series

The drive with the label above is certified by the manufacturer that the drive
complies with the requirement for laser product on the date of
manufacturing pursuant to article 21 of Code of Federal Regulations by the
United States of America, Department of Health & Human Services, Food
and Drug Administration.

In other countries, the drive is certified to comply with the requirement
pursant to IEC 825 and EN60825 on class 1 laser product.

This computer is equipped with one of the optical drive in the following list
according to the model

Manufacturer Type

Panasonic
Communications Co.,
LTD.

TOSHIBA Samsung
Storage Technology

Hitachi LG Data Storage,
Inc.

User’s Manual vii

CD-RW/DVD-ROM UJDA770

CD-RW/DVD-ROM TS-L462C

CD-RW/DVD-ROM GCC-4244

Manufacturer Type

TOSHIBA M50 Series

Panasonic
Communications Co.,
LTD.

TEAC DVD Super Multi DV-W28EA-6TT

Hitachi LG Data Storage,
Inc.

Pioneer DVD Super Multi DVR-K16TBT

Important Notice

Copyrighted works including, but not limited to music, video, computer
program, databases are protected by copyright laws. Unless specifically
permitted under applicable copyright laws, you cannot copy, modify, assign,
transmit or otherwise dispose of any copyrighted work with the consent of
the owner of the copyright.

Please take notice that unauthorized copying, modification, assignment,
transmission and disposition may be subject to claims for damages and
penalties.

DVD Super Multi UJ-841B

DVD Super Multi GSA-4082N

User’s Manual viii

General Precautions

TOSHIBA computers are designed to optimize safety, minimize strain and
withstand the rigors of portability. However, certain precautions should be
observed to further reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to the
computer.

Be certain to read the general precautions below and to note the cautions
included in the text of the manual.

Stress injury

Carefully read the Safety Instruction Manual. It contains information on
prevention of stress injuries to your hands and wrists that can be caused by
extensive keyboard use. Chapter 3, Getting Started, also includes
information on work space design, posture and lighting that can help
reduce physical stress.

Heat injury

■ Avoid prolonged physical contact with the bottom of the computer. If the

computer is used for long periods, its surface can become very warm.
While the temperature will not feel hot to the touch, if you maintain
physical contact with the computer for a long time (if you rest the
computer on your lap, for example) your skin might suffer low-heat
injury.

■ If the computer has been used for a long time, avoid direct contact with

the metal plate supporting the I/O ports. It can become hot.

■ The surface of the AC adapter can become hot when in use.

This condition does not indicate a malfunction. If you need to transport
the AC adapter, disconnect it and let it cool before moving it.

■ Do not lay the AC adapter on a material that is sensitive to heat.

The material could be damaged.

TOSHIBA M50 Series

Pressure or impact damage

Do not apply heavy pressure to the computer or subject it to strong impact.
Excessive pressure or impact can damage computer components or

otherwise cause malfunctions.

PC Card overheating

Some PC Cards can become hot with prolonged use. Overheating of a
PC Card can result in errors or instability in the PC Card operation. Also be
careful when you remove a PC Card that has been used for a long time.

User’s Manual ix

TOSHIBA M50 Series

Mobile phone

Use of mobile phones can interfere with the audio system. Computer
operation is not impaired but it is recommended that a distance of 30cm be
maintained between the computer and a mobile phone in use.

LCD

Over a period of time, and depending on the usage of the computer, the
brightness of the LCD screen will deteriorate. This is an intrinsic
characteristic of LCD technology. Maximum brightness is only available
when operating in AC power mode. The screen will dim when the computer
is operated on battery power and you may not be able to increase the
brightness of the screen.

Central Processing Unit (“CPU”) Performance Disclaimer:

CPU performance in your computer product may vary from specifications
under the following conditions:

■ use of certain external peripheral products

■ use of battery power instead of AC power

■ use of certain multimedia, computer generated graphics or video

applications

■ use of standard telephone lines or low speed network connections

■ use of complex modeling software, such as high end computer aided

design applications

■ use of several applications or functionalities simultaneously

■ use of computer in areas with low air pressure (high altitude > 1,000

meters or > 3,280 feet above sea level)

■ use of computer at temperatures outside the range of 5 ºC to 30 ºC

(41 ºF to 86 ºF) or > 25 ºC (77 ºF) at high altitude (all temperature
references are approximate and may vary depending on the specific
computer model).

CPU performance may also vary from specifications due to design
configuration.

Under some conditions, your computer product may automatically shut­down.

This is a normal protective feature designed to reduce the risk of lost data
or damage to the product when used outside recommended conditions.

To avoid risk of lost data, always make back-up copies of data by
periodically storing it on an external storage medium. For optimum
performance, use your computer product only under recommended
conditions. Read additional restrictions under “Environmental Conditions”
in your product Resource Guide. Contact Toshiba Technical Service and
Support for more information.

User’s Manual x

TOSHIBA M50 Series

Graphics Processing Unit (“GPU”) Performance Disclaimer:

The graphics processing unit ("GPU") performance may vary depending on
product model, design configuration, applications, power management
settings and features utilized.

GPU performance is only optimized when operating in AC power mode and
may decrease considerably when operating in battery power mode.

Main Memory Disclaimer

The graphics system in your computer may use part of the main system
memory for graphics performance and therefore reduce the amount of
system memory available for other computing activities. The amount of
system memory allocated to support graphics may vary depending on the
graphics system, applications utilized, system memory size and other
factors.

Copy Protection

Copy protection technology included in certain media may prevent or limit
recording or viewing of the media.

Hard Disk Drive Capacity

1 Gigabyte (GB) means 1000 x 1000 x 1000 = 1,000,000,000 bytes using
powers of 10. The computer operating system, however, reports storage
capacity using powers of 2 for the definition of 1 GB = 1024 x 1024 x 1024
= 1,073,741,824 bytes, and therefore may show less storage capacity.
Available storage capacity will also be less if the product includes one or
more pre-installed operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows
any pre-installed software applications or media content. Actual formatted
capacity may vary.

®

, and/or

Non-applicable Icons

Certain notebook chassis are designed to accommodate all possible
configurations for an entire product series. Your selected model may not
have all the features and specifications corresponding to all of the icons or
switches shown on the notebook chassis, unless you have selected all
those features.

Wireless LAN

The transmission speed over the wireless LAN and the distance over which
wireless LAN can reach may vary depending on surrounding
electromagnetic environment, obstacles, access point design and
configuration, and client design and software/hardware configurations.
The actual transmission speed will be lower than the theoretical maximum
speed.

SRS

SRS TruSurround XT is available in the Microsoft Windows® operating
system only.

User’s Manual xi

TOSHIBA M50 Series

Images

All images are simulated for purposes of illustration.

Express Media Player

The Express Media Player is not a Windows® based application. Battery life
will be less than when using similar applications in the Windows operating
system.

LCD Brightness and Eye Strain

Your LCD display has a brightness approaching that of a TV device.
We recommend that you adjust the brightness of your LCD to a
comfortable level to prevent possible strain on your eyes.

CE compliance

This product and the supplied accessories are designed to observe the
related EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and safety standards.
However, TOSHIBA cannot guarantee that this product still observes these
EMC standards if accessories or cables not manufactured / distributed by
TOSHIBA are connected or implemented. To avoid in general EMC
problems, the following advice should be observed:

■ Only CE marked accessories should be connected / implemented

■ Only best shielded cables should be connected

Working environment

This product was designed to fulfill the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
requirements for "residential, commercial and light industry environments".

The following environment is not approved:

■ Industrial Environments (e.g. environments where a with a mains

voltage of 380V threephase is being used).

In the following environments the use of this product can be restricted:

■

Medical Environments: This product is not certified as a medical product
according to the Medical Product Directive 93/42/EEC, but can be used
in office areas where the use is not restricted. Please disable the wireless
LAN or Bluetooth hardware in such areas as long this feature is not
official supported by the operator of the related medical facility.

■ Vehicle Environments: Please read operator’s manual of the vehicle

manufacturer for further restrictions of use.

■ Aircraft Environments: Please following the advices of the flight

personnel regarding restrictions of use.

User’s Manual xii

TOSHIBA M50 Series

Any consequences resulting from the use of this product in working
environments that are not approved or the use is restricted are not the
responsibility of Toshiba Corporation. The consequences of the use of this
product in those working environments may be:

■ Interference with other devices or machines in the nearby surrounding

area

■ Malfunction of, or data loss from, this product caused by disturbances

generated by other devices or machines in the nearby surrounding area

Furthermore, for general safety reasons, the use of this product in
environments with explosive atmospheres is not permitted.

Network connection (Class A warning)

If this product has networking capabilities and will be connected to a
network, Class A radiation limits will be observed (in accordance with
technical conventions). This means that if the product will be used in a
domestic environment, other devices in the near surrounding area may
suffer interference. Consequently, please do not use this product in such
environments (for example a living room), otherwise you could be held
responsible for any ensuing interference.

Information on the secure writing to optical disc media

Even if your software gives no indication that any problems have occurred,
you should always check to ensure that information has been successfully
stored on recordable optical media (CD-R, CD-RW and so forth).

Wireless LAN and your Health

Wireless LAN products, like other radio devices, emit radio frequency
electromagnetic energy. The level of energy emitted by Wireless LAN
devices however is far less than the electromagnetic energy emitted by
other wireless devices such as mobile phones.

Because Wireless LAN products operate within the guidelines found in
radio frequency safety standards and recommendations, TOSHIBA
believes Wireless LAN is safe for use by consumers. These standards and
recommendations reflect the consensus of the scientific community and
result from deliberations of panels and committees of scientists who
continually review and interpret the extensive research literature.

In some situations or environments, the use of Wireless LAN may be
restricted by the proprietor of the building or responsible representatives of
the organisation. These situations may for example include:

■ Using the Wireless LAN equipment on board of aeroplanes

■ In any other environment where the risk of interference to other devices

or services is perceived or identified as harmful.

If you are uncertain of the policy that applies on the use of wireless devices
in a specific organisation or environment (e.g. airports), you are
encouraged to ask for authorisation to use the Wireless LAN device prior to
turning on the equipment.

User’s Manual xiii

TOSHIBA M50 Series

Safety Instruction for Wireless Products

If your computer has a wireless function, all safety instructions must be
read carefully and must be fully understood, before you attempt to use it.
This manual contains the safety instructions that must be observed in order
to avoid potential hazards that could result in personal injuries or could
damage your wireless products.

Limitation of Liability

For damage occurring due to an earthquake or thunder, fire beyond our
responsibility, action by third party, other accident, intentional or accidental
mistakes by a user, misuse or use under abnormal conditions, we do not
take any responsibility.

For incidental damage (loss of business profit, business interruption, etc.)
occurring due to use or disability of the product, we do not take any
responsibility.

For damage occurring due to non observance of the contents described in
the instruction manual, we do not take any responsibility.

For damage occurring due to erroneous operation or hang up caused by
use in combination with products not related to our company, we do not
take any responsibility.

Usage Restrictions

Do not use the Wireless Products for controlling the following equipment:

■ Equipment directly linked with human life corresponding to the

following.

■ Medical equipment such as life support systems, equipment used in

operations, etc.

■ Exhaust systems for gases such as poisonous gas etc. and exhaust

systems for smoke.

■ Equipment that must be set up in compliance with various laws such

as the Fire Services Act, the Construction Standard Act, etc.

■ Equipment corresponding to that mentioned above.

■ Equipment linked with human safety or having a serious influence on

the safe maintenance of public function, etc., because it is not designed
or manufactured for this type of use.

■ Traffic control equipment for air, railroad, road, marine transport, etc.

■ Equipment used in atomic power plants etc.

■ Equipment corresponding to that mentioned above.

User’s Manual xiv

TOSHIBA M50 Series

Warning

Turn OFF the Wireless Communication switch of wireless products in a
congested place, such as a crowded commuter train.

Keep this product away from a cardiac pacemaker at least 22cm.
Radio waves can potentially affect cardiac pacemaker operation, thereby

causing respiratory troubles.
Turn OFF the Wireless communication switch inside a medical facility or

near medical electric equipment. Do not bring medical electric equipment
close to the product.

Radio waves can potentially affect medical electric equipment, thereby
causing an accident due to malfunction.

Turn OFF the Wireless communication switch near an automatic door, fire
alarm or other automatic control equipment.

Radio waves can potentially affect automatic control equipment, thereby
causing an accident due to malfunction.

Do not turn ON the Wireless communication switch in aircraft or in places
that generate or can generate radio interference.

Radio waves can potentially affect equipment, such as that used on-board
aircraft, causing an accident due to malfunction.

You should monitor possible radio interference or other issues that may
arise with other equipment while the product is used. If any effect is noted,
turn OFF the Wireless communication switch.

Otherwise, radio waves can potentially affect other equipment, thereby
causing an accident due to malfunction.

When using the product in a car, check with the automobile dealer if the
car has an adequate electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

Radio waves of the product can potentially hamper safe driving.
Depending on car model, the product can rarely affect car electronic

equipment if it is used in a car.

Note

Do not use this product in the following places:
Near a microwave oven or other environment which generates a magnetic

field.
Near any place or equipment that generates static electricity or radio

interference.
Depending on the environment, in a place where radio waves cannot reach

the product.

User’s Manual xv

Table of Contents

General Precautions

Wireless LAN and your Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

Preface

Online Manual contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -xx

Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -xxi

Equipment checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -xxii

Chapter 1 M50 Features

Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Special features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Chapter 2 The Grand Tour

Front with the display closed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Left side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Back side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Underside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Front with the display open. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Keyboard Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Optical Disc drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Chapter 3 Getting Started

Setting up your work space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Opening the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Turning on the power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Starting up for the first time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Turning off the power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Restarting the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Restoring the preinstalled software from the Product

Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

User’s Manual xvi

Table of Contents

Chapter 4

Operating Basics

Using the TouchPad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Using the internal modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Wireless LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Using optical disc drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Express Media Player. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

Writing CDs on a CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17

Writing CDs/DVDs on a DVD Super Multi drive supporting

double layer disc recording. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19

When Using WinDVD Creator 2 Platinum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23

RecordNow! Basic for TOSHIBA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25

DLA for TOSHIBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26

Media Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27

Diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27

TV-Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28

Setting up more than one display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28

Cleaning the computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29

Moving the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29

Chapter 5 The Keyboard

Typewriter keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

F1 ... F12 function keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Soft keys: Fn key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Hotkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Windows special keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Keypad overlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Generating ASCII characters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Chapter 6 Power and Power-Up Modes

Power conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Power indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Battery types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Care and use of the battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Replacing the battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10

TOSHIBA Password Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Power-up modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

Panel power off/on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14

System automatic Standby/Hibernation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14

Chapter 7 HW Setup

Accessing HW Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

HW Setup Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

User’s Manual xvii

Table of Contents

Chapter 8

Optional Devices

PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2

Memory expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4

Additional battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7

Additional AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7

External monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7

Television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7

Security lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Chapter 9 Troubleshooting

Problem solving process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

Hardware and system checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3

TOSHIBA support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17

Appendix A Specifications

Appendix B Display Modes

Appendix C AC Power Cord and Connectors

Appendix D If your computer is stolen

Glossary

User’s Manual xviii

Preface

Congratulations on your purchase of the M50 series computer.
This powerful notebook computer provides excellent expansion capability,
including multimedia devices, and it is designed to provide years of reliable,
high-performance computing.

This manual tells how to set up and begin using your M50 series computer.
It also provides detailed information on configuring your computer, basic
operations and care, using optional devices and troubleshooting.

If you are a new user of computers or if you're new to portable computing,
first read over the M50 Features and The Grand Tour chapters to
familiarize yourself with the computer's features, components and
accessory devices. Then read Getting Started for step-by-step instructions
on setting up your computer.

If you are an experienced computer user, please continue reading the
preface to learn how this manual is organized, then become acquainted
with this manual by browsing through its pages. Be sure to look over the

Special features section of the M50 Features, to learn about features that

are unique to the computer.

User’s Manual xix

Online Manual contents

This manual has nine chapters, four appendixes, a glossary and an index.
Chapter 1, M50 Features, is an overview of the computer's special

features, utilities, and options.
Chapter 2, The Grand Tour, identifies the components of the computer and

briefly explains how they function.
Chapter 3, Getting Started, provides a quick overview of how to begin

operating your computer and gives tips on safety and designing your work
area. Be sure to read the sections on setting up the operating system and
on restoring the preinstalled software.

Chapter 4, Operating Basics, includes instructions on using the following
devices: TouchPad, the optical disc drives, the internal modem, LAN and
wireless LAN. It also provides tips on care of the computer, diskettes and
DVD/CD-ROMs.

Chapter 5, The Keyboard, describes special keyboard functions including
the keypad overlay and hotkeys.

Chapter 6, Power and Power-Up Modes, gives details on the computer's
power resources.

Chapter 7, HW Setup, introduces you to the TOSHIBA Hardware Setup
program.

Chapter 8, Optional Devices, describes the optional hardware available.
Chapter 9, Troubleshooting, provides helpful information on how to perform

some diagnostic tests, and suggests courses of action if the computer
doesn't seem to be working properly.

The Appendices provide technical information about your computer.
The Glossary defines general computer terminology and includes a list of

acronyms used in the text.

Preface

User’s Manual xx

Conventions

This manual uses the following formats to describe, identify, and highlight
terms and operating procedures.

Abbreviations

On first appearance, and whenever necessary for clarity, abbreviations are
enclosed in parentheses following their definition. For example: Read Only
Memory (ROM). Acronyms are also defined in the Glossary.

Icons

Icons identify ports, dials, and other parts of your computer. The indicator
panel also uses icons to identify the components it is providing information
on.

Keys

The keyboard keys are used in the text to describe many computer
operations. A distinctive typeface identifies the key top symbols as they
appear on the keyboard. For example, Enter identifies the Enter key.

Key operation

Some operations require you to simultaneously use two or more keys. We
identify such operations by the key top symbols separated by a plus sign
(+). For example, Ctrl + C means you must hold down Ctrl and at the same
time press C. If three keys are used, hold down the first two and at the
same time press the third.

Preface

DISKCOPY A: B: When procedures require an action such as

clicking an icon or entering text, the icon's name
or the text you are to type in is represented in the
type face you see to the left.

Display

ABC

User’s Manual xxi

Names of windows or icons or text generated by
the computer that appears on its display screen
is presented in the type face you see to the left.

Messages

Messages are used in this manual to bring important information to your
attention. Each type of message is identified as shown below.

Pay attention! A caution informs you that improper use of equipment or
failure to follow instructions may cause data loss or damage your
equipment.

Please read. A note is a hint or advice that helps you make best use of
your equipment.

Equipment checklist

Carefully unpack your computer. Save the box and packing materials for
future use.

* indicates an optional part that is dependant on the model purchased

Check to make sure you have all the following items:

Hardware

■ M50 Series Portable Personal Computer

■ Universal AC Adapter and Power Cord

■ USB Floppy Disk Drive *

■ Modular cable for modem *

Preface

Software

Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition

■ The following software which is preinstalled on your hard disk:

■ Microsoft

■ DVD Video Player

■ TOSHIBA Power Saver

■ TOSHIBA ConfigFree

■ TOSHIBA Assist

■ TOSHIBA Controls

■ TOSHIBA PC Diagnostic Tool

■ TOSHIBA Touch and Launch

■ TOSHIBA TouchPad On/Off Utility

■ RecordNow! Basic for TOSHIBA

■ DLA for TOSHIBA

■ TOSHIBA Zooming Utility

■ TOSHIBA CD/DVD Drive Acoustic Silencer

■ TOSHIBA Hardware Setup

User’s Manual xxii

®

Windows® XP Home Edition

■ TOSHIBA Accessibility

■ TOSHIBA Virtual Sound

■ TOSHIBA Hotkey Utility

■ WinDVD Creator 2 Platinum *

■ Online Manual

■ Product Recovery media and additional Software

The system may not function properly if you use drivers that are not
preinstalled or distributed by TOSHIBA

■ Product Recovery

■ Additional Software CD *

■ Express Media Player Recovery CD *

Documentation

■ Your computer's documentation:

■ M50 Series Personal Computer User's Manual

■ M50 Series Quickstart

■ Instructiion Manual for Safety and Comfort

■ Microsoft

■ Warranty Information

If any of the items are missing or damaged, contact your dealer
immediately.

®

Windows® XP manual package *

Preface

User’s Manual xxiii

M50 Features

This chapter identifies the computer's special features, options and
accessories.

Basic features are described in a separate pamphlet.

Some of the features described in this manual may not function properly if
you use an operating system that was not preinstalled by TOSHIBA.

Features

The M50 Series computer uses TOSHIBA's advanced Large Scale
Integration (LSI), Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)
technology extensively to provide compact size, minimum weight, low
power usage, and high reliability. This computer incorporates the following
features and benefits:

Chapter 1

Processor

Depending on the model you purchased:
Mobile Intel

370/380

®

Celeron® M Processor 350J/360J/

Chip Set

®

ATI RADEON
ENE KB910 C1 for Keyboard Controller, Battery

management Unit, and RTC
Realtek RTL 8100CL 10/100 LAN controller
ALC250_D for AC97 Codec.

User’s Manual 1-1

XPRESS 200M

M50 Features

Memory

The graphics system in your computer may use part of the main system
memory for graphics performance and therefore reduce the amount of
system memory available for other computing activities. The amount of
system memory allocated to support graphics may vary depending on the
graphics system, applications utilized, system memory size and other
factors.

Slot Two SO-DIMM slots, upgradable 1 SO-DIMM up

to 1GB can be upgraded through memory
expansion slot. You need to remove existing
SO-DIMM if SO-DIMM is installed in memory
expansion slot. Maximum upgradable system
memory is 2GB with two SO-DIMM slots.

L2 Cache

1MB L2 Cache (Intel

®

Celeron® M Processor)

Video RAM Up to 128 MB integrated solution and shared with

main memory when main memory is more than
256MB.

Up to 64 MB integrated solution and shared with
main memory when main memory is 256MB.

BIOS

1MB Flash ROM for system BIOS
Suspend to memory or hard disk drive
Hardware password protection
Various Hotkey functions for system control
Complete ACPI 1.0b functionality

User’s Manual 1-2

M50 Features

Power

Battery Pack 4-cell Lithium Ion smart battery pack with

14.4V*2000mAh capacity
6-cell Lithium Ion smart battery pack with

10.8V*4000mAh capacity
8-cell Lithium Ion smart battery pack with

14.4V*4300mAh capacity
Approximately 12 hours or longer charging time

to 100% battery capacity with system switched
on.

Approximately 4 hours charge time to 100%
battery capacity with system switched off.

Approximately 1.5 days discharging time in
Standby Mode for the 8-cell battery, 1 day for the
6-cell battery and 0.75 days for 4-cell battery.

Discharge time in shutdown mode is
approximately 1 month

RTC Battery The computer has an internal battery to back up

its Real Time Clock (RTC), calender and setup
information. This battery will last for an average
of one month with no external power source.

AC adapter The universal AC adapter provides power to the

system and recharges the batteries when they
are low. It comes with a detachable power cord.

Floppy Diskette Drive devices

External USB Floppy Disk Drive (depends on the
model purchased)

TouchPad

A TouchPad and control buttons in the palm rest
enable control of the on-screen pointer.

Display

14” TFT screen with a resolution of 1280
horizontal x 768 vertical pixels WXGA

User’s Manual 1-3

M50 Features

Disks

Fixed hard disk Depending on the model purchased, one of the

following drives will be installed:

40.0 billion bytes (37.26GB)

60.0 billion bytes (55.88GB)

80.0 billion bytes (74.52GB)

100.0 billion bytes (93.16GB)

120.0 billion bytes (111.78GB)
Bus Master IDE

9.5m/m 2.5" hard disk drive support
Ultra DMA 100

CD-RW/DVD-ROM
drive

DVD Super Multi
drive with double
layer disc recording
support

Some models are equipped with a full-size
CD-RW/DVD-ROM module that lets you record
data to rewritable CD/CD-RWs as well as run
either 12cm (4.72") or 8cm (3.15") CD/DVDs
without using an adapter. It reads DVD-ROMs at
maximum 8 speed and CD-ROMs at maximum
24 speed. It writes CD-Rs at up to 24 speed,
CD-RWs at up to 24 speed. This drive supports
the following formats:

■ DVD-ROM ■ DVD-Video

■ CD-R ■ CD-RW

■ CD-DA ■ CD-Text

■ Photo CD (single/multi-session)

■ CD-ROM Mode1, Mode2

■ CD-ROMXA Mode2 (Form1, Form2)

■ Enhanced CD(CD-EXTRA)

Some models are equipped with a full-size
DVD Super Multi drive module with double layer
support that lets you record data to rewritable
CD/DVDs as well as run either 12cm (4.72") or
8cm (3.15") CD/DVDs without using an adapter.
It reads DVD-ROMs at maximum 8 speed and
CD-ROMs at maximum 24 speed. It writes
CD-Rs at up to 24 speed, CD-RWs at up to 10
speed, DVD-Rs at maximum 8 speed, DVD-RWs
at maximum 4 speed, DVD+RWs at maximum 4
speed, DVD+Rs at maximum 8 speed, DVD+R
(double layer) at maximum 2.4 speed, DVD-R
(dual layer) at maximum 2 speed, and DVD-RAM
at maximum 5 speed. This drive supports the
same formats as the CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive
plus the following:

User’s Manual 1-4

M50 Features

■ DVD-ROM ■ DVD-Video

■ DVD-R ■ DVD-RW

■ DVD+R ■ DVD+RW

■ DVD-RAM ■ DVD+R (double layer)

■ DVD-R (dual layer)

■ CD-R ■ CD-RW

■ CD-DA ■ CD-Text

■ Photo CD (single/multi-session)

■ CD-ROM Mode1, Mode2

■ CD-ROMXA Mode2 (Form1, Form2)

■ Enhanced CD (CD-EXTRA)

Computers in this series can be configured with multiple types of optical
disc drive. For more information on the optical disc drives available, talk to
your dealer. More information on using the optical disc drive can be found
in Chapter 4, Operating Basics.

Slots (depending on configuration)

PC Card Accommodates one type II device.

Ports (depending on configuration)

External monitor 15-pin analog VGA port supports VESA DDC2B

compatible functions.

Universal Serial Bus The computer has four Universal Serial Bus

(USB) ports that comply with the USB 2.0
standard, which enables data transfer speeds
more than 40 times faster than USB 1.1 (which
this computer also supports).

TV Out The 4-pin S-Video port is compatible with PAL or

NTSC TV standard, supporting Macrovision 7.02
copy protection.

Multimedia (depending on configuration)

Sound system

The integrated Windows
system provides support for internal speakers as
well as jacks for an external microphone and
headphones.

Express Media
Player

User’s Manual 1-5

Lets you use the computer's fixed optical disc
drive as a stand-alone audio CD player or video
DVD player.

®

compatible sound

M50 Features

Headphone jack A standard 3.5mm stereo jack is provided for the

connection of external headphones or speakers.

Microphone jack A standard 3.5 mm mini microphone jack enables

connection of monaural microphone input.

Communications

Modem An internal modem provides capability for data

LAN The computer has built-in support for Ethernet

Wireless LAN Some computers in this series are equipped with

and fax communication. It supports the V.90 or
V.92 standards depending on the region and
provides a modem jack for connection to a
telephone line. The speed of data and fax
transfer depends on the analog telephone line
conditions.

LAN (10 megabits per second, 10BASE-T) and
Fast Ethernet LAN (100 Mbps 100BASE-TX)

a wireless LAN mini-PCI card that is compatible
with other systems that support the 802.11g
wireless communications standards. It offers
frequency selection between 2.4GHz and allows
roaming over multiple channels.

Security

Power-on password protection
Two level password architecture

Security Lock Slot

Receives an optional security lock in order to
anchor the computer to a desk or other large,
heavy object.

User’s Manual 1-6

Special features

The following features are either unique to TOSHIBA computers or are
advanced features, which make the computer more convenient to use.

M50 Features

Hotkeys Key combinations that let you quickly modify the

Display Automatic
Power off

Hard Disk Drive
Automatic Power Off

System Automatic
Standby/Hibernation

Keypad Overlay A ten-key pad is integrated into the keyboard.

system configuration directly from the keyboard
without running a system configuration program.

This feature automatically cuts off power to the
internal display when there is no input from the
keyboard or pointing device for a specified time
period. Power is restored when any key is
pressed or when there is input from a pointing
device. You can specify the time period in the
TOSHIBA Power Saver utility.

This feature automatically cuts off power to the
hard disk drive when it is not accessed for a
specified time period. Power is restored when the
hard disk is accessed. You can specify the time
period in the TOSHIBA Power Saver utility.

This feature automatically places the system into
either Standby Mode or Hibernation Mode when
there is no input or hardware access for a
specified time period. You can specify the time
period and select either System Standby or
System Hibernate in the TOSHIBA Power Saver
utility.

Refer to the Keypad overlay section in Chapter 5,

The Keyboard, for instructions on using the

keypad overlay.

Power-on Password Two levels of password security are available,

Battery Save Mode This feature lets you save battery power. You can

Instant Security A Hotkey function which blanks the screen and

Panel Power Off/On This feature turns power to the computer off

User’s Manual 1-7

Supervisor and User, which can prevent
unauthorized access to your computer.

specify the level of system power management in
the TOSHIBA Power Saver utility.

activates password security to provide quick and
easy data security.

when the display panel is closed and turns it back
on when the panel is opened. You can specify
the setting in the TOSHIBA Power Saver utility.