I want to oil my machine but only have a photocopy of the owners manual which appears to show 4 spots to oil the machine. My machine has 5 places on the top to add oil. Can you advise?

You don't state your machine brand or model. It depends on your machine. The older mechanical machines (made mostly early 80's and before) do require more oil than the newer machines.

First, be sure you are using a good quality sewing machine oil for your machine (computerized machines generally use a lighter weight oil than the older mechanicals). Do NOT use 3-in-1, WD-40, or cooking oil!

Also, apply only one or two drops of oil in each spot. Too much oil or oiling too frequently can be just as damaging as not oiling at all.

If there are oil ports, then they are meant to be oiled. For instance, my machine has 4 oil ports on the take-up lever alone, plus others for the stitch selector, handwheel, etc. I have older mechanical Berninas that I will apply a drop of oil periodically wherever metal rubs on metal. Slowly move the handwheel to see where metal rubs and apply a drop. If the machine has plastic gears or metal cams, do NOT oil those! Don't forget the feed dog area--frequently there are oil ports there as well.

Once you get used to your machine, you will recognize a slight change in the sound of the machine when it needs a little oil. My machine purrs, but when things start drying out, it has a definite change in sound. When working on a large project, ie a quilt, I will apply a small amount of oil to the oil ports about midway through and clean out the lint. Then between projects, I treat it to a thorough clean and oil. Doing so will help keep your machine running for a long time.

...

So add oil to only those spots that the owners manual tells you to oil,you owners manual is all about your machine,follow it,just because there are extra holes doesnt mean they go to something