A: We have found that some of these batteries sold between January 2004 and May 2005 may contain a component with a latent defect that can cause an internal short circuit. We are concerned about the safety of our customers and have therefore initiated this voluntary recall.

A: The affected batteries have an internal cell problem that we have isolated.

A: Customers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Battery-Biz to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge. After removing the battery from their notebook, customers may use the AC adapter to power the notebook until the replacement battery arrives.

A: To participate in the Battery Exchange Program and to verify whether your battery is being recalled, please go to www.hi-capacity.com/exchange or contact Battery-Biz Inc. at (800) 780-6552 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PST Monday through Friday. For international customers, please contact us at (805) 413-7411.

A: No. The defect in this battery will not cause any electrical damage to your computer. We do however advise that you immediately discontinued using it to avoid the risk of any short circuiting.

Q: Can it explode sitting in my house?

A: No. The risk of short circuiting is during charging or discharging. However, we do ask that you ship these batteries back to us as soon as possible.

A: Yes. We have redesigned the affected batteries using more reliable components for re-release to the market.

A: As soon as a trend was discovered and confirmed we took immediate action to remove all affected products from the shelves and draw a corrective action plan.

A: We have prepared a large amount of inventory on each of the affected items in anticipation of the exchange program. In most cases the replacement battery will be shipped back to you within one business day of receipt of the recalled battery. If inventories are depleted faster than we had anticipated there may be a delay of up to one week to deliver your replacement battery.

A: Please go to www.hi-capacity.com/exchange or call 1-800-780-6552. For international customers call (805) 413-7411

A: Yes. It is safe to ship the battery.

A: Yes. All products containing the affected cell has been purged from our inventory

A: We estimate that there are about 10,000 units sold worldwide

A: Yes. We have confirmed that other companies in the US and in Europe have experienced similar problems.

A: We are providing free shipping through UPS, however you are not required to use them if you wish to pay for shipping. Please remember to write the RCR number clearly on the package.

A: You may pack the battery with some packing material in a corrugated cardboard box, place the UPS label you printed on the box and call UPS to arrange for a pickup.

A: For safety reasons, the battery recall program requires the return of the original battery before a replacement battery can be sent. Therefore, we are unable to ship the replacement battery prior to receiving the recalled battery.

A: The Hi-Capacity Battery Exchange Program offers a replacement battery, free of charge and with a one year warranty. Product refunds or substitutions are not an option.

A: The joint Press Release with the U.S. CPSC only lists the incidents in the U.S.