Mobile Battery Recall  

Sony to Initiate Global Replacement Program for Notebook Computer Battery Packs

Posted: 09/28/2006

Sony Corporation will initiate a global replacement program for certain battery packs that utilize Sony-manufactured lithium ion cells used by notebook computer manufacturers in order to address concern related to recent over-heating incidents. Sony always strives to deliver the highest level of satisfaction to its customers and all consumers. We believe that this program is in the best interest of both our customers and all consumers.

Sony is discussing this plan with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and will coordinate with other government authorities as required. We will announce details of the program in the near future.

Sony has been supporting the recall of battery packs for Dell and Apple. As we have previously explained, on rare occasions, microscopic metal particles in the recalled battery cells may come into contact with other parts of the battery cell, leading to a possibility of short circuit within the cell. Typically, a battery pack will simply power off when a cell short circuit occurs. However, under certain rare conditions an internal short circuit may lead to cell overheating and potentially flames. The potential for this to occur can be affected by variations in the system configurations found in different notebook computers. Sony believes that this engineering analysis remains valid.

Sony will consult with its OEM customers that utilize these battery cells and work with those that choose to participate regarding quantity and the scheduling of replacement battery packs.

http://esupport.sony.com/battery

There are several more manufacturers today that are included in this recall. Toshiba, IBM and Fujitsu are voluntarily recalling certain batteries sold with their notebooks along with Dell and Apple. If you believe you may have a notebook battery that is being recalled or want to check on the status of your battery and the recall, CSA has several links for you to access.  

https://support.apple.com/ibook_powerbook/batteryexchange/  

https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/  

http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_dtlView.jsp?soid=1482876  

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=BATT-LENOVO  

http://www.computers.us.fujitsu.com/www/news.shtml?aboutus/pressreleases/pr_093006

If you are interested in receiving notification for future notebook battery recalls, visit the site listed below.  

http://esupport.sony.com/battery

Windows XP SP1 and SP1a support ends on October 10, 2006

Support for Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Service Pack 1a (SP1a) ends on October 10, 2006. Microsoft will end support on this date. This also includes security updates for these service packs. Microsoft is providing final notifications to customers regarding the end of support for these products.

Microsoft is ending support for these products as part of the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Service Pack support policy . We recommend that customers who are still running Windows XP SP1 or SP1a upgrade to Windows XP Service Pack 2 as soon as possible.

To determine whether you are running Windows XP SP1, right-click My Computer , and then click Properties . If "Service Pack 1" appears under System , you are running Windows XP SP1. We do not recommend that you install SP1a if you are already running SP1. We recommend that you install Windows XP SP2 if you are running Windows XP SP1 or SP1a.

(http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifean19 )

End of support for Windows 98 and Windows Me

As of July 11, 2006, Microsoft has ended Extended public and technical support, including security updates for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Me.

Existing support documents and content, however, will continue to be available through the Microsoft Support Product Solution Center Web site . This Web site will continue to host a wealth of previous How-to, Troubleshooting, and Configuration content for anyone who may need self-service.

Microsoft ended support for these products because they are outdated and can expose customers to security risks. We recommend that customers who are still running Windows 98 or Windows Me upgrade to a newer, more secure Microsoft operating system, such as Windows XP, as soon as possible.

Customers who upgraded to Windows XP report improved security, richer functionality, and increased productivity.