Compaq Armada 1500c - Notebook PC Reference Manual

Notice

The information in this guide is subject to change without notice.

COMPAQ COMPUTER CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
TECHNICAL OR EDITORIAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED
HEREIN; NOR FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
RESULTING FROM THE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE, OR USE OF
THIS MATERIAL.

This guide contains information protected by copyright. No part of this
guide may be photocopied or reproduced in any form without prior
written consent from Compaq Computer Corporation.

© 1999 Compaq Computer Corporation.
All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Compaq, LTE and Armada are registered in the U. S. Patent and
Trademark Office.

Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.

The software described in this guide is furnished under a license
agreement or nondisclosure agreement. The software may be used or
copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.

REFERENCE GUIDE

Compaq Armada 1500c Series

First Edition (February 1999)
Part Number 387710-001

Compaq Computer Corporation

ONTENTS

C

preface

U

SING THIS GUIDE

Symbols and Conventions..................................................................ix

chapter 1

B

EFORE YOU BEGIN

Getting Started..................................................................................1-1

Setting Up the Computer .............................................................1-1

Charging the Battery Pack for the First Time .............................1-1

Connecting the Power Cord.........................................................1-2

Turning On the Computer............................................................1-3

Setting Up the Software ...................................................................1-4

Operating the Computer During Setup........................................1-4

Choosing a Language...................................................................1-4

Removing the Operating System.................................................1-5

Restoring Your Operating System and

Software Preinstalled by Compaq ...............................................1-5

Completing Setup ........................................................................1-5

Finding Information.........................................................................1-6

Printed and Online References ....................................................1-6

Accessing Online Quick Reference.............................................1-6

Customer Registration Material.......................................................1-6

chapter 2

L

OOKING AT THE COMPUTER

Left Side Components......................................................................2-1

Front and Right Side Components...................................................2-2

Rear Components.............................................................................2-3

Bottom Components.........................................................................2-4

Contents v

Keyboard Components .................................................................... 2-5

Special Function Keys................................................................. 2-6

Programmable Keys .................................................................... 2-7

Using the Embedded Numeric Keypad....................................... 2-8

Using the Touchpad.........................................................................2-9

Customizing Touchpad Functions............................................... 2-9

Cleaning the Touchpad................................................................ 2-9

chapter 3

M

ANAGING POWER

Using the Power Switch................................................................... 3-1

Restarting the Computer.............................................................. 3-2

When to Turn Off the Computer or Initiate Suspend ................. 3-2

Using Suspend ................................................................................. 3-3

How Suspend Is Initiated ............................................................ 3-3

Results of Suspend ...................................................................... 3-3

Exiting Suspend...........................................................................3-4

Using Hibernation............................................................................ 3-4

Initiating Hibernation..................................................................3-5

Exiting Hibernation..................................................................... 3-5

chapter 4

L

EARNING ABOUT BATTERY PACKS

Using Battery Power........................................................................ 4-1

Charging Battery Packs ................................................................... 4-2

Discharging Batteries .................................................................. 4-3

Guidelines for Using Battery Packs................................................. 4-3

Removing a Battery Pack from the Battery Bay......................... 4-3

Inserting a Battery Pack into the Battery Bay............................. 4-4

Adding a Second Battery Pack.................................................... 4-4

Removing a Battery Pack from the DualBay.............................. 4-4

chapter 5

U

SING THE INTERNAL MODEM

Understanding How the Modem Works.......................................... 5-1

Connecting the Modem Cable.........................................................5-2

Changing the Country Selection......................................................5-2

vi Contents

chapter 6

U

SING

PC C

ARDS

Types of PC Cards............................................................................6-1

The First Time a PC Card Is Inserted...............................................6-2

Inserting and Removing a PC Card.............................................6-2

PC Card Software.............................................................................6-3

Video Features..................................................................................6-3

chapter 7

U

PGRADING THE COMPUTER

Upgrading Memory..........................................................................7-1

Upgrading the Hard Drive................................................................7-5

Adding an Optical Disc Drive..........................................................7-5

chapter 8

Checklist...........................................................................................8-1

Troubleshooting...........................................................................8-2

Technical Support ............................................................................8-4

appendix A

C

OMPAQ CUSTOMER SUPPORT

appendix B

R

EGULATORY NOTICES

I

.......................................................................................................I-1

NDEX

.............................................................................B-1

..................................................................A-1

Contents vii

preface

SING THIS GUIDE

U

Symbols and Conventions

Some or all of the following format conventions are used in this

guide to distinguish elements of text:

Names of keys are shown in bold type as they appear on the

■

keyboard, for example,
Keys that you should press at the same time are represented by

■

the key names and the plus (+) symbol, for example,

Ctrl+Alt+Delete

.

Ctrl, Backspace, Tab

.

Commands are presented in lowercase, bold type as shown

■

here:
When you need to type information without pressing the

■

key, you are directed to “type” the information.
When you need to type information and press the

■

you are directed to “enter” the information.

NOTE:

or interesting points of information.

IMPORTANT:

information or specific instructions.

!

install

Text set off in this manner presents commentary, sidelights,

Text set off in this manner presents clarifying

WARNING:

follow directions could result in bodily harm or loss of life.

CAUTION:

directions could result in equipment damage or loss of information.

a:\install

or

Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to

Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow

.

Enter

Enter

key,

Using This Guide ix

chapter

1

EFORE YOU BEGIN

B

This chapter provides information on how to first set up your

computer, where to find additional references, and customer

registration information, and understanding symbols and

conventions used in this.

Getting Started

Setting Up the Computer

Before you set up the computer for the first time, ensure that

The computer is plugged into external power.

■

The computer is not docked in a docking station.

■

WARNING:

!

Charging the Battery Pack for the First Time

The battery pack begins to charge when the computer is connected

to external power.

Although a new battery pack can be used to power the computer

after receiving a partial charge, Compaq recommends that a new

battery pack be allowed to fully charge before the computer is

disconnected from external power or before the battery pack is

removed from the computer.

healthful workstation. Misuse of your personal computer or failure to
establish a safe and comfortable workstation could result in
discomfort or serious injury. Consult your
more information.

It is in your best interest to set up a comfortable and

Safety & Comfort Guide

for

Before You Begin 1-1

Connecting the Power Cord

1. Plug the AC Adapter cable 1 into the power connector.

2. Plug the power cord 2 the AC Adapter.

3. Plug the AC Adapter cable 3 into an electrical outlet.

WARNING:

!

equipment:

Do not disable the power cord grounding plug. The grounding

■

plug is an important safety feature.
Do not attempt to power the computer with a voltage converter

■

kit sold for appliances.
Plug the AC power cord into a grounded (earthed) outlet that is

■

easily accessible at all times.
Disconnect power from the computer by unplugging the AC

■

power cord from either the electrical outlet or the
Automobile/Aircraft Adapter.

Do not place anything on power cords or cables. Arrange them so

■

that no one may accidentally step on or trip over them. Do not
pull on a cord or cable. When unplugging from the outlet, grasp
the cord by the plug.

To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to the

1-2 Before You Begin

Turning On the Computer

1. Open the computer by locating the display release latches 1
on both sides of the display, sliding them forward, and
raising the display 2.

2. Then slide the power switch 1 to turn on the computer. The
power/Suspend light 2 indicates the computer is on.

Before You Begin 1-3

Setting Up the Software

When you begin software setup, online instructions guide you
through the setup process.

IMPORTANT:

After you begin software setup, you must complete
the entire process, which may require up to 20 minutes. Make sure
the computer is plugged in for this process to ensure that software
setup is uninterrupted.

CAUTION:

software drivers are installed:

Do not dock the computer in a docking station.

■

Do not turn off or unplug the computer or remove a drive during

■

software setup.

To prevent file corruption and ensure the correct

Operating the Computer During Setup

To move around the screen :

■

press the Tab key,

❏

press the cursor (arrow) keys, or

❏

use the touchpad built into the computer keyboard.

❏

To save your selections, press the Enter key or press one of

■

the touchpad buttons below the touchpad on the computer
keyboard.

To restore the screen if it is cleared by the screen saver during

■

a period of keyboard and touchpad inactivity, press the Shift
key.

For more information about using the touchpad and touchpad
buttons, refer to Chapter 2, “Using the Touchpad.”

Choosing a Language

If you are prompted to select your language, choose carefully.

IMPORTANT:

from the computer and cannot be recovered.

The languages that you do not choose will be deleted

1-4 Before You Begin

Removing the Operating System

Microsoft Windows 98 is preinstalled on the computer. Compaq
has enhanced the preinstalled version of this operating system to
provide you with additional software features and increased
computer functionality.

Before deleting the operating system preinstalled on the computer,
please read the following caution:

CAUTION:

Replacing the preinstalled version of this operating system with a

■

retail version will result in the loss of all enhancements added by
Compaq such as PC Card support and enhanced power
management.

Most preinstalled reference files, such as Help files, are available

■

only through the Windows interface. If Windows is removed from
the computer, these reference files will become unavailable.

Complete USB support is available only through the Windows

■

interface. If the operating system preinstalled on the computer is
replaced by an operating system other than this Windows
version, USB support will be decreased.

Restoring Your Operating System and Software
Preinstalled by Compaq

In addition to the preinstalled operating system, Compaq installs
other software to provide additional functionality or
enhancements. If it is necessary to reinstall the operating system
and you do not want to lose these enhancements, it will also be
necessary to reinstall all Compaq software for your computer. Use
the Restore Software CD that comes with your computer to restore
software on your hard drive.

Completing Setup

Compaq recommends that you:

Register the computer.

■

Locate the Compaq online resources, such as the online Quick

■

Reference and the online Safety & Comfort Guide.

Before You Begin 1-5

Finding Information

References for the computer are provided as printed materials and
as online information accessible from the computer screen.

NOTE:

The printed and online references that come with the

computer vary by model.

Printed and Online References

In addition to this Reference Guide, the following printed
references come with your computer:

Quick setup poster

■

Microsoft operating system manual

■

■

Safety & Comfort Guide

Warranty and service information

■

■

Important Modem Information

The Compaq online references preinstalled on your computer are
the Armada Quick Reference and the Safety & Comfort Guide.

Other online references installed on the computer include
application help, software utilities help, and customer support
information. Many are accessible from the Compaq Information
Center folder on the Start menu. Others can be accessed from the
application or utility screens.

CAUTION:

Internet Explorer 4.0 or later. If you remove Internet Explorer, the
online references will no longer be accessible.

The Armada

Quick Reference

is available only through

Accessing Online Quick Reference

To access the online Quick Reference, click Start £ Compaq
Information Center £ Compaq Armada Quick Reference. Or click
the Armada Quick Reference icon on the desktop.

Customer Registration Material

In North America, Compaq provides information in the packing
box on how to register your new product.

1-6 Before You Begin

chapter

2

OOKING AT THE

L

Left Side Components

OMPUTER

C

Ref. Component Function

1
2

3
4

5

Power connector Connects to external power.
Modem port Provides integrated communications

PC Card eject levers Ejects PC Cards from the slots.
PC Card slots Supports Type II or Type III PC

DualBay Supports a diskette drive or a second

on some models.

Cards. These slots accept 16-bit and
32-bit PC Cards.

battery pack.

Looking at the Computer 2-1

Front and Right Side Components

Ref. Component Function

1

2

3
4
5

6

Power/suspend light Lights (solid) when computer is on and

plugged into power; blinks in Suspend;
turns off when the computer is in
Hibernation or shut off.

Battery charge light Lights (solid) when a battery is

charging; blinks in low battery condition;
turns off when operating on battery
power or when battery is fully charged.

TE:

Both lights are off when the

NO

computer is operating on battery power.
Airflow vents Allow airflow to cool the computer.
Battery bay Accepts the main battery pack.
Stereo

speaker/headphone
jack

Microphone-in jack Connects an external mono

Connects stereo speakers, headphone,

or headset; when connected, disables

internal speakers; requires a 3.5 mm,

3-conductor plug.

microphone; when connected, disables

internal microphone; requires a 3.5 mm,

2-conductor or 3-conductor plug.

7

2-2 Looking at the Computer

Volume control Adjusts volume of stereo speakers. Use

the left button to lower the volume and

the right button to increase the volume.

Pressing both buttons at the same time

mutes th sound. System beeps are still

audible unless they have been disabled.

Continued

Front and Right Side Components

8

CD-ROM drive Supports a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM disc.

Included on some models, available as
option on others.

Continued

9

Cable lock provision Prevents theft by allowing a cable to

WARNING:

!

control before putting on headphones.

To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume

Rear Components

connect the computer to a fixed object.

Ref Component Function

1

2

3

4

5

Serial connector Connects a serial device such as a

Serial number Numerical identification for the

Parallel connector Connects a parallel device such as a

External monitor
connector

Docking connector Connects an optional convenience

mouse.

computer.

printer.
Connects an external monitor.

base.

Continued

Looking at the Computer 2-3

Ref Component Function

6
7

8

Airflow vents Allow airflow to cool the computer.
USB (universal serial

bus) connector

Keyboard/mouse
connector

Bottom Components

Provides connection for (USB)
peripheral devices. Available on
selected models.

Connects the keyboard and/or mouse.

Ref Component Function

1

2

3

4

5

6

Docking alignment guide Ensures accurate alignment when

docking the computer to an
optional convenience base.

Modem compartment Provides access to internal

modem. (The modem is available
on selected models only.)

DualBay traction grip Allows a DualBay device to be

removed easily.

DualBay release latch Releases a diskette drive from the

DualBay.

Docking restraint latch
recess

Battery bay traction grip Allows a battery pack to be

Helps to secure the computer to
an optional convenience base.

removed easily.

2-4 Looking at the Computer

Keyboard Components

Ref Component Function

1

2

3

4
5

6

7

8
9

Hard drive light Turns on when the hard drive or a

CD-ROM/DVD-ROM (data access
only) is being accessed.

Diskette drive light Turns on when a diskette drive in

the DualBay is on or being
accessed.

Suspend button Press to initiate or exit Suspend.

Press with

Hibernation.
Built-in microphone Internal mono microphone.
NumLock light Turns on when the embedded

numeric keypad is active.
Caps Lock light Turns on when the Caps Lock

function is on.
Scroll Lock light Turns on when the Scroll Lock

key is on.
Power switch Slides to turn computer on or off.
Stereo speakers Produce high-quality stereo

sound.

Fn

key to initiate

:

;

<

Touchpad Functions as an integrated

Left and right touchpad
buttons

Programmable keys Assign and launch frequently

pointing device.

Function as left and right mouse

buttons.

used applications and documents.

Looking at the Computer 2-5

Special Function Keys

Ref Component

1
2

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
:
;
<

Function keys F1-F12
Screen-control keys
Embedded numeric keypad

Enter key
Shift keys

Cursor keys

Ctrl keys
Alt keys
Fn key
Caps Lock key
Tab key
Esc key

2-6 Looking at the Computer

Hotkeys are keyboard shortcuts that enable you to access
frequently used features no matter what program you are using.

Hotkey Assignments and Functions

Feature Hotkeys Function

Switching the
displays

Warning beeps

QuickLock/
QuickBlank

Power
Management

Battery gauge

Fn+F4

Fn+F5

Fn+F6

Fn+F7

Fn+F8

Toggles display among computer
display, external monitor, and
simultaneous display.

Controls volume for system warning
beeps. To increase volume, press
Fn+F5, then the right arrow key. To
decrease volume, press Fn+F5, then
the left arrow key.

Initiates security features: QuickLock,
which disables the keyboard and
mouse, and QuickBlank, which clears
the screen. Enter power-on password
to reactivate the keyboard, mouse, and
screen.

Displays the power conservation
settings in a popup window for
Windows 95 only.

Displays the status of all installed
battery packs in a popup window. Press
the right or down arrow keys to display
the status of the next battery pack. If a
battery pack is not present, it cannot be
selected. See “Battery Packs” in the

Quick Reference

the battery gauge.

for details on using

Contrast control

Brightness control

NOTE: Hotkeys work only on the computer keyboard and not on an
external keyboard.

Fn+F9

Fn+F10

Adjusts the display contrast on passive
matrix displays. To increase contrast,
press
To decrease contrast, press
then the left arrow key.

Adjusts the display brightness. To
increase brightness, press
then the right arrow key. To decrease
brightness, press
arrow key.

Fn+F9

, then the right arrow key.

Fn+F9

Fn+F10

Fn+F10

, then the left

Programmable Keys

To access the Programmable Keys utility, click Start £
Settings £ Control Panel £ double-click the Keyboard icon £
Programmable Keys tab.

Looking at the Computer 2-7

,

,

IMPORTANT:

For detailed information about programmable keys,
refer to the online Quick Reference. To access the online Quick
Reference, click Start £ Compaq Information Center £ Compaq
Armada Quick Reference. Or click the Armada Quick Reference
icon on the desktop.

Using the Embedded Numeric Keypad

The embedded numeric keypad is a section of the keyboard that
converts to a numeric keypad when the
activated. This is done by pressing
toggle key function to enable and disable the embedded numeric
keypad 2.

Num Lk

Fn 1 + End/NumLk

function is

3. Use this

NOTE:

When the

keypad is active.

NumLock

light 4 is on, the embedded numeric

Embedded Numeric Keypad Functions

With NumLock Turned On (NumLock light on)

Key

Numeric keypad Numbers
Function (Fn) (press and hold) Lowercase letters & symbols

Fn+Shift

NOTE: Does not apply to an external numeric keypad.

2-8 Looking at the Computer

(press and hold) Uppercase letters & symbols

Result