Toshiba portable computers that use a specific battery pack manufactured within specific Sony manufacturing lots are reported to catch fire. Toshiba has addressed this issue by creating a voluntary replacement program to allow customers the option to obtain a new battery pack. The Sony VGP-BPS35A Battery Check Utility is provided by Toshiba to help you determine if your battery pack qualifies for replacement.

1 Download the Sony Battery Check Utility.

2 Click “Save as” on the download window. This opens a “Save As” dialog.

3 Click “Desktop” in the left pane and then click “Save.” This downloads the utility to your desktop.

4 Right-click the file on your desktop and click “Extract All.” This opens an “Extract Compressed (Zipped) Folders” dialog window.

5 Click “Extract.” This will extract the files onto a folder on your desktop.

6 Double-click the folder to display its contents.

7 Right-click the “BatteryCheck4” file and click “Run as Administrator.”

8 Click “Yes” on the “User Account Control” warning.

9 Click “OK” to allow the program to identify your Sony battery. The next dialog box informs you if your battery is affected. Click “OK” if you receive a dialog claiming your battery is not affected. Continue reading if you receive a “The Subject Battery has been Found” dialog window.

10 Click “OK” at the bottom of the dialog. This loads a dialog requesting your permission to load the exchange program website. Click “Yes” if you want to fill out an application for replacement online. Click “No” if you want to request an exchange by phone. Clicking “No” will load a final dialog window that contains the phone number and other needed information.