Toshiba FlashCards Annoying

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Toshiba FlashCards Annoying

I have been dealing with an annoying feature with my Toshiba laptop since I got it back in October. There is a drop down, auto-hide menu at the the top of the screen that doesn't seem to hide very well and covers up you title bar controls when it is active. It didn't even give an indication of what it is called so it took a while to locate the way to turn it of. It is call FlashCards and here is how to turn it off.

Run msconfig
On the startup tab deselct the Toshiba FlashCards application
Click Ok.
Restart you system

Yes it is just that easy. Thank goodness.

Technorati Tags: Toshiba,FlashCards

posted @ Tuesday, December 18, 2007 9:57 PM | Filed Under [ Misc ]

Comments

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by jj on 12/24/2007 2:14 AM
how do i turn flashcards back on

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by jj on 12/24/2007 2:14 AM
how do i turn flashcards back on or did i delete them somehow

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Tim Murphy on 12/27/2007 7:11 AM
I haven't tried it, but you should be able to reverse the steps above.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Merc on 1/2/2008 5:06 PM
Holy jeez thank god i was able to get rid of it, it so annoying all you have to do is go on the start menu and click run then in the white tool bar type in msconfig then go to start up and look for TOSHIBA FLASH CARDS then tic of the check mark go to apply then ok and then then restart your computer

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by penny morton on 1/9/2008 5:31 AM
i have heard if you switch of the flash cards that it affects the use of the fn keys what are these? and it aparently affects the screen resolution is this true as i need good resolution for photographs please help as this is so frustrationg boomlinflashash cards!!

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Tim Murphy on 1/11/2008 8:07 AM
I have not tried to use any of the function keys. I generally don't use any but the monitor switch, but I rarely do presentations. I have not seen any ill effects on the screen resolution which would be a big downer since I am also heavily into photography.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Paul G on 1/12/2008 1:29 AM
A better solution to the problem is going to start >> Programs >> Toshiba >> Utilities >> Settings for Flash Cards

From there you can change around a lot of things about the flash cards, primarily disabling the drop down menu by deselecting bring up flash cards with mouse.

That way, you can keep the functionality of your fn keys...

If you disable flash cards you lose your fn keys, I have no idea about resolution though... I didn't notice a difference.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by i need help w/ this on 1/13/2008 6:33 PM
Apparently i deleted one of the file I need, when I try to go into Programs>toshiba>utilities>Settings for flash cards... I get the message "C:/programfiles/toshiba/flashcards/tfcconf/tfcconf.exe The specified path does not exist. Check the path, and then try again.

any idea how to repair this so i can disable them?
thanks in advance

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Kevin S. on 1/21/2008 3:28 PM
Paul G's solution works the best. Go to Start > Programs > Toshiba > Utilities > Settings for Flash Cards. Then deselect (un-check) the box that says "Bring up Flash Cards with Mouse".

This hides them completely when they are collapsed and only brings up an appropriate one whenever you use a Fn key. For instance, when you hit Fn+F6 or F7, the Flash Card about brightness comes down (or up, depending on where you have the Flash Cards set to display), and shows you the slider for brightness, which can then also be manipulated with the mouse.

In effect, this option makes the Flash Cards completely hidden when you don't want them, and only pop up when you do (by hitting the Fn key).

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Michael on 1/28/2008 9:37 PM
Thanks so much!

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by James Johnston on 2/8/2008 8:25 PM
Ok, there is a better way to handle the cards, edit it's configuration. Here is how:open my computer,
open program files
open toshiba
open flashcardsopen tfcConf
run tfcConf.exe

you can then enable and disable the flash cards.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Nick on 2/10/2008 2:57 PM
For some reason just recently every time I open up task manager I see flash cards taking up like half of my memory. They even do it when disabled, any tips?

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by lynda on 2/22/2008 8:00 AM
I keep getting a warning box that my toshiba flash card has quit working. Should I be concerned that something is not working on my brand new laptop?

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Tim on 2/22/2008 8:36 AM
Lynda, I wish I had an answer for you. I only took my reasearch far enough to get rid of the annoying thing. As you can see from the comments above my solution may not even be the best one. I have to say though that it did speed up the machine quite a bit.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Jay on 3/17/2008 8:23 PM
Well, I accidentally moved the Flash cards menu to the middle of the screen about a month ago when I was trying to turn it off while it was 'Not Responding'. Ugh. No idea how I moved it, and I had no idea how to undo it. Super annoying, because I had a little line there no matter what programs were open. X.x Disabling it fixed the problem for me, though. Yay! Hopefully, somebody will come up with a permanant fix for this, though.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Butte on 3/19/2008 2:34 AM
Toshiba seems well nigh perfectly silent on the problem of TCrdMain.exe quitting. Disabling it via Progs/Toshiba/Flashcard/Config works; msconfig and hand-editing the registry get there, as well, but the Toshiba utility keeps inexperienced piddypaws safely distant from msconfig, let alone from the registry. A "permanent" solution would be to uninstall it, but it isn't in the Vista add/remove/modify program list, unless it's buried in the Toshiba value-added bundle, which is listed there. (Do NOT simply delete the entire directory and files comprising "\Program Files\Toshiba\Flashcard"!) However, Toshiba's own website shows a relatively recent upgrade to the value-added bundle, with a list of applicable Toshiba machine models; it can be downloaded, installed, and IF Flashcards are buried in that, then presumably the fix is in. I have a new A215-S5818 and TCrdMain.exe worked for three days, then failed ever after I'd installed the first few of several programs. Disabling it (as above) at least keeps it in its coffin till I have time to bother burying or resurrecting it. Remember, flashcards do not combat, they instead aid and abet computer illiteracy. Remember the R.T.F.B. principle (read the expletive book, in current machines the help--they used to arrive with actual books). We don't really need flashcards, we're no longer in 3rd grade and we're not learning the bloody alphabet or animals. There are only 12 function keys nowadays, and most of them still do what the fewer keys did early on. Some are basic, F1 for Help, etc.. If you want to see what function keys do, use them one by one (after manually setting a restore point, if you're worried about it). The machine won't fly anywhere or blow apart; it won't even leak sap. Be happy, current Toshibas cost a fraction of the several grand they did just a few years ago, and the flashcard problem is an annoyance residing in some fluff and feathers rather than a basic fault residing in core software.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Butte on 3/19/2008 2:46 AM
By the way, Microsoft released today (apparently just after midnight, 19th wee hours) Vista's Service Pack 1. That will cure at least a few of Vista's own intransigent annoyances and blunders, and might even make TCrdMain.exe settle down. It's 65-433 megabytes, sliding with machine need in Updating. There's also a relatively new XP SP3 RC2 (release candidate, as they choose to call it; it's a beta). Maybe someday they'll even wait to release an operating system when its ready, rather than prematurely; maybe we'll even still be alive to see it happen.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Butte on 3/19/2008 2:57 AM
Correction, 65-427 mb.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Mark on 4/10/2008 9:28 PM
I don't really have anything technical to add here. I just wanted to say "Amen!" to the title of this post.

The Toshiba "Flash Cards" are frankly one of the most bizarre, user-unfriendly, and counterintuitive creations ever to deface a computer screen. The icons are cryptic, the contextual help is nonexistent (or at least very cleverly hidden), and the placement (directly over the function menus of most software applications) couldn't possibly be more inconvenient.

I just wanted to get that off my chest. Does Toshiba do usability testing on its products? This "feature" is like an unwanted child, I wish they hadn't left it on my particular doorstep, and I resent the fact that I now have to go looking around to find it a new home.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by BJ on 4/18/2008 4:03 PM
Thank you and blessings upon you and yours. This was driving me crazy, and the Users' Guide wasn't telling me much. Should I wish to use them at any point, I can simply reverse the process. Hooray for elegant simplicity.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by BAYE FALL on 7/21/2008 3:02 PM
i have a problem with my toshiba flashcard, it doesnt seem to work properly, when i open some files there is always that stop thinggy that tells me that it cant find it on the drive c, am afraid that it is corrupted, if its the case what can i do? please

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Marcos Kenned on 7/23/2008 12:04 AM
I need this software,please send to me.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Kerry on 8/9/2008 10:21 AM
Thanks Paul G. Your steps are easy to follow and solved the annoying nature of this feature! Kerry Seattle

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Kathy on 8/22/2008 12:45 AM
Thank you so much. The Flash Card app. was driving me nuts!!!!

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Meg on 10/28/2008 5:41 PM
THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU!!!!!!

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by GeekGuy on 11/5/2008 3:44 PM
I will go you one better on how terrible FlashCards is.

I am a certified Toshiba Repair tech. I work on them all day. Flashcards can go totally crazy and turn things off and on. Like say the the touchpad. Only way to reenable the touchpad is to use a usb mouse and actually click the icon on flashcards to enable the touchpad.

Recently we have seen the units being set to use only external monitors. Just going back in and using flashcards does fix it if the OS is in good shape. If its not you will need to repair the OS/reinstall everything to just click on the stupid flashcards app.

I'm in that spot right now. Seems the Flashcards app is corrupt(cant uninstall or reinstall - Runtime error) and I can't get the LCD to turn back on. I may have to just replace the hard drive and motherboard due to not having any restore media for the unit.

Terrible...terrible application.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Liz on 11/29/2008 5:29 PM
OMG, you're my hero. I hate the flashcards so much! THANK YOU!

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by curt on 12/3/2008 2:29 AM
Thanx to this thread!!!! My Flashcard Annoyance now gone!!

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Kar on 12/11/2008 10:59 PM
F-ing flashcards were driving me nuts for a year... thank you sooooo much!

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Pat A on 1/3/2009 12:38 PM
Thanks for all the info on Toshiba Flashcards. This annoying program was causing multiple problems with the use of an LCD projector, and also shutdown took forever. I have disabled lashcards on the Start menu. Currently shutdown is much faster, and I am hoping the LCD issues will be corrected as well.

Many Thanks!

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Relieved User on 2/6/2009 10:47 PM
I want to thank the person who created this question and the commenter who recommended going through the Menu > Programs > Toshiba > etc.

I hope the person who created Flash Cards dies a horrible death.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Florence on 2/16/2009 2:58 PM
TouchPad Device not working on T M205-S4805.
I have read all the above posts, but not sure the exact steps to take ... I am a novice.
This is what I have looked at so far:
When I look at start > programs > no Toshiba or utilities found on my computer.
When I looked at msconfig > Services, found Synaptics driver load at start-up 2x's.
What now! Remember ... I am a novice on computer repairs - need step by step instructions.

Thanks

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Kerrie on 2/28/2009 9:07 AM
Thanks a bunch, you're a genius. I've had my laptop for a year & should have done this a long time ago.

# TouchPad Device not working on T M205-S4805
Posted by Steve on 3/1/2009 7:37 PM
@ Florence on 2/16/2009 2:58 PM

It sounds like you don't have Toshiba Utilities installed, otherwise you would have found it.
So don't think that because you haven't found it and you feel you're a novice that you have done something wrong.

Your touchpad issue may posibly be unrelated to the Toshiba Utilities not being installed (unless the installation also adds the 'driver' you need to get your touchpad up and running. I don't have a Toshiba machine - I'm here to help some who has - so I can't help you there).

The best thing a 'novice' can do is supply info and sometimes things aren't as bad as they first seem ;)

What people need to know to help are if the touchpad ever worked and if so did anything happen prior to it stopping, e.g. a software update, addition of new hardware, reinstalling an operating system (Windows XP/Vista or Linux).
Any of these things may turn-off (or in worse cases, corrupt) your touchpad driver if it was working previously.

On the very rare occassion there is a hardware fault and even then it typically occurs in batches and searching the web for your laptop's model with touch-pad issues should reveal this, if it's a 'common' issue.

If you can provide a little more info, I'm sure you'll find an answer.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by richard on 4/20/2009 8:39 AM
I am having this problem with a U205-s5057 laptop (which was not cheap), I suspect that there is a conflict with I-tunes/quick tunes updates which seem to be weekly events these days.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by monica on 4/25/2009 1:12 PM
thank you thank you thank you, these flash cards were really getting on my nerves!!!

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Melony on 5/19/2009 6:05 PM
I'm not sure if anyone posted before what the flash cards actually do (other than annoy the hell out of us:) but I found this on their Europe website:

"Flash Cards make your F1-12 functions (such as computer lock, brightness or control of external connections) easy to refer to and flip through. Simply move the cursor to the top of the screen and access the function keys digitally. Everything takes place in just seconds – you
no longer have to switch to PC mode and access the
keyboard. Naturally, in PC mode, you can also use the Flash Cards. Just press the “Fn” key and the flash cards will immediately appear on the top of the display."

So that's basically all there is to this pesky app. So, if you couldn't give a fig about this feature, just disable it I guess. If you do care, then dont't, and maybe wait and see if Toshiba will fix it. I hope they do soon.

I'm going to disable mine -- but I just wanted to make sure of what I'm disabling. Just thought I share it :)

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Tim on 9/2/2009 5:49 PM
Thank GOD. Those things are effin annoying.

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by juan on 9/14/2009 4:18 PM
try this ..i just got mine fixed..and i searched it for five days..its safe,cause i got it from toshiba asia

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by juan on 9/14/2009 4:21 PM
try this ..i just got mine fixed..and i searched it for five days..its safe,cause i got it from toshiba asia..heres the link..

http://pc.toshiba-asia.com/portal/public/driverDlDetails.action?a=driverDlDetails&itemId=7370&currentTab=service&type=Drivers

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by James Jones on 9/15/2009 2:09 AM
I liked the Toshiba flash card they were nice to have when I needed to dim my screen brightness or put the computer to sleep fast, but they kept on crashing whenever I was playing a game or doing anything with 3D graphics even movies. So they have become more of a hassal than a tool.
Thank you

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by Gayle on 9/23/2009 2:29 AM
can someone advise what the impact would be if I simply uninstall the entire 'value added' pack (which is where flash cards are hiding). Thanks!

# re: Toshiba FlashCards Annoying
Posted by danny on 11/25/2009 9:53 AM
About time Flash Cards got booted from my laptop, i've tried for ages to work out what to do. Thanks

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Toshiba FlashCards Annoying

posted @ Tuesday, December 18, 2007 9:57 PM | Filed Under [ Misc ]

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