The instructions below describe how to add a memory module to a Portege M400 computer.

If you are not a technically advanced user, or if you have any concerns about partially disassembling your computer, Toshiba recommends arranging for memory module installation with an Authorized Service Provider (ASP). To locate an ASP anywhere in the world, visit Toshiba's Global ASP Locator at http://pcrepair.toshiba.com.

Toshiba will not be responsible for any product damage, data loss, service, or part replacement made necessary by installation of a memory module.

The Portege M400 model has two SODIMM memory slots, located under the keyboard. One or both of the slots is populated with memory modules during the manufacturing process.

If one of the memory slots is empty, then you may increase the total memory capacity of the computer by adding the capacity of a new memory module to the capacity of the existing module. For example, if the computer currently has 512MB of memory, adding a second 512MB module would increase the total memory capacity of the computer to 1GB.

If both slots are already populated, increasing the computer's memory capacity involves replacing one or both of the existing modules with larger capacity modules. For example, if the computer currently has two 256MB modules -- for a total memory capacity of 512MB -- then replacing one of them with a 512MB module would increase the computer's total memory capacity to 768MB, and replacing both of them with 512MB modules would increase the total memory capacity to 1GB.

Tools required: a small Phillips screwdriver.

1. If the computer is running, shut it down, as follows: Click the Start button, then click Shut Down, and then click Shut Down in the 'Shut Down Windows' menu. Finally, click the OK button.

2. Disconnect all cords and cables attached to the computer, including the cord for the AC adapter.

3. Remove the battery from the computer.

4. Fold the LCD panel all or most of the the way backwards, as shown below.

5. Remove the keyboard holder, as shown below. Pull it upward at either one of the cutouts shown in the illustration below with your fingers, or with a plastic implement, to release the nearby casework catch (hidden from view). Continue pulling upward along the far edge of the keyboard holder, to release it from several more casework catches. Finally, lift out the keyboard holder, and set it to one side.

6. Remove the two Phillips screws holding the keyboard in place, as in the illustration below. Set these keyboard screws aside -- by themselves, as they are different from the screws to be removed from the memory slot cover, below.

7. Press the two latches shown below toward the LCD panel to release them.

8. Raise the far edge of the keyboard up about an inch, then slide the keyboard toward the LCD panel about half an inch, so that the two tabs at the near edge of the keyboard emerge from underneath the palmrest.

 9. Fold the keyboard over so that it rests upside-down on top of the palmrest, as shown below.

  

10. Remove the two Phillips screws that hold the memory slot cover in place, as in the illustration below. Set the memory slot cover to one side, together with its two screws. Keep these screws separated from the keyboard screws, as they are not interchangeable. 

The two memory card slots will now be exposed, along with either one or two memory modules, as in the photograph below (with one slot populated and the other empty).

CAUTION! If the computer has been running recently, the memory module may be hot. The surrounding area may also be hot. Allow the module to cool to room temperature before replacing it. Avoid touching the cover, the module, and the surrounding area before they have cooled. Failure to follow these directions could result in minor bodily injury.

CAUTION: Static electricity can damage electronic circuits, including memory modules. Before handling your memory module, touch a grounded metal surface to discharge any static electricity you may have accumulated.

CAUTION: Avoid touching the connectors (electrical contacts) on the memory module, or in the computer. Oil from your fingertips, grease, or dust may cause an imperfect connection, which can cause memory access problems. Pick up and hold the module by its side edges.

 

                   

above: Sample configuration of Portege M400 memory slots: one populated, one empty

If one of the slots is empty, as in the picture above, then skip over the module removal instructions immediately below, and proceed to step 11 to install a memory module.

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If both slots are already populated, it will be necessary to remove and replace one of the modules in order to increase the total memory capacity. Remove one module per the steps immediately below, and then continue to step 11.

10.1 Push the clips that engage the cutouts in each side of the module to either side, away from the module. These clips are visible in the photograph above, and are indicated in the illustrations below.

Once the clips release their grip on the module, the module should pop up to an angle of roughly 30 degrees to the horizontal surface of the computer.

10.2. Grasping the module at its side edges, gently pull it out of its socket.

10.3 Slip the module into an anti-static bag or container, if possible.

Continue on to step 11 below, to install a memory module.

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11. Carefully remove the memory module from its antistatic packaging, without touching its connector.

12. Grasp the memory module by its side edges, avoiding any contact with its connector. Orient the module toward the socket as shown in the illustration below, aligning the small notch in the module's connector with the matching key in the socket.

        

13. Firmly press the memory module into the memory slot's socket, at approximately a 30 degree angle (to the horizontal surface of the computer).

        

14. Once the module's connector is fully inserted into the socket, press downward on the top edge of the module, as in the illustration below, to seat the module into the clips at the sides of the socket. These clips should engage securely with the corresponding cutouts in the side of the module, making an audible "snap" as they do so. If the clips and cutouts do not line up correctly, repeat step 11 above, and then repeat this step.

The installation of the memory module is now complete. Re-attach the memory cover and keyboard, as follows:

15. Position the memory slot cover, aligning its tabs (indicated by arrows in the illustration below) with corresponding cutouts in the computer. Seat the two screws that hold it in place.

16. Fold the keyboard back into position, re-engage the two latches at the top, and reseat the two screws that secure the keyboard to the computer. 

 

17. Snap the keyboard holder back in place, making sure that each caseworkcatch engages with the computer's case.

18. Verify that the computer recognizes the new memory module, as follows:

18.1. Press the computer's power button, and then immediately press and hold the Esc key (at the upper left of the keyboard).

18.2. Press the F1 key at the corresponding prompt.

The computer's total memory capacity will be displayed at the upper left of the BIOS Setup screen.

18.3. Press the Esc key again, and then the Y key at the following prompt. The computer will then start Windows.

The computer is now ready for use, with its newly-expanded memory capacity.

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