Compaq Armada 6500 User Manual

Compaq Armada 6500 Family Reference Guide

Part Number: ER-PM1CC-UA. A01

Compaq Computer Corporation Houston, Texas

June 1998

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Compaq Computer Corporation.

Compaq Computer Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that might appear in this document.

The software described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license. No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software or equipment that is not supplied by Compaq Computer Corporation or its affiliated companies.

Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.

The Compaq logo is a trademark of Compaq Computer Corporation. Compaq Armada is a trademark of Compaq Computer Corporation. ESS is a registered trademark of ESS Corp. Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Sound Blaster is a registered trademark of Creative Labs Corporation. Adobe Acrobat Reader is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems.

The ENERGY STARä emblem does not represent EPA endorsement of any product or service.

All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

1 Documentation Kit

Quick Setup Guide...................................................................................................................... 1-1

Reference Guide.........................................................................................................................1-1

HTML On-line Help...................................................................................................................1-2

Related Documentation .............................................................................................................. 1-3

Compaq Web Sites ..................................................................................................................... 1-4

2 Getting to Know Your Computer

Features....................................................................................................................................... 2-1

Components, Controls, and Indicators........................................................................................ 2-2

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

Front and Left Side Components......................................................................................... 2-4

Back Components................................................................................................................ 2-6

Bottom Components............................................................................................................ 2-7

Controlling Power ............................................................................................................... 2-8

Using the Touch pad............................................................................................................ 2-9

Touch Pad On-line Help.................................................................................................... 2-10

Plugging In and Turning On..................................................................................................... 2-10

Using the Battery...................................................................................................................... 2-13

Preparing the Battery for Use............................................................................................ 2-13

Battery Removal and Installation ...................................................................................... 2-14

Replacing the Battery................................................................................................. 2-14

Installing the Battery.................................................................................................. 2-17

iii

Using Your Modem.................................................................................................................. 2-19

Country Select Utility........................................................................................................ 2-19

How to Use Country Select ............................................................................................... 2-20

More Information .............................................................................................................. 2-20

3 System Software & Restoration

Installing Optional Software.......................................................................................................3-1

Application Description................................................................................................ 3-2

Installing Documentation and Applications ................................................................. 3-2

Utilities ................................................................................................................................ 3-3

Make Boot Diskettes .................................................................................................... 3-3

AMI Diagnostics .......................................................................................................... 3-4

Using AMI Diagnostics on CD........................................................................... 3-4

Using AMI Diagnostics on Diskette ................................................................... 3-6

Using the Compaq QuickRestore CD......................................................................................... 3-7

QuickRestore Preparation.................................................................................................... 3-7

QuickRestore Procedures..................................................................................................... 3-8

4 Configuring Your Notebook

Running System Setup................................................................................................................ 4-1

System Setup Utility............................................................................................................ 4-1

Updating Your Notebook Computer's Configuration................................................................. 4-2

Helpful Hints ....................................................................................................................... 4-3

Launching Submenus .......................................................................................................... 4-3

Main Menu.................................................................................................................................. 4-4

Advanced Menu..........................................................................................................................4-5

I\O Device Configuration Submenu.................................................................................... 4-5

Security Menu............................................................................................................................. 4-7

Notebook Computer Security.............................................................................................. 4-8

Setting/Changing a Supervisor Password..................................................................... 4-8

Setting/Changing a User Password............................................................................... 4-9

Deleting a Supervisor or User Password.................................................................... 4-10

Password on Undock.................................................................................................. 4-11

Power Menu.............................................................................................................................. 4-11

Boot Menu................................................................................................................................ 4-13

Exit Menu ................................................................................................................................. 4-14

5 Memory Upgrades

Installing Additional Memory............................................................................................. 5-2

Removing Memory.............................................................................................................. 5-4

6 Troubleshooting

Notebook Computer Troubleshooting........................................................................................ 6-2

LCD Troubleshooting................................................................................................................. 6-6

PC Card Troubleshooting........................................................................................................... 6-7

Audio and IR Troubleshooting................................................................................................... 6-9

A Technical Specifications

B Compaq Customer Support

C Regulatory Notices

Acronyms

Acronyms Meaning

ACPI Advanced Configuration Power Interface APM Advanced Power Management BIOS Basic Input/Output System CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor DIMM Dual In-line Memory Module DMA Direct Memory Access DVD Digital Video/Versatile Disk FAT File Allocation Table FDD Floppy Disk Drive HDD Hard Disk Drive IDE Integrated Drive Electronics (internal hard disk drive interface) FIR Fast Infrared IRQ Interrupt Request ISA Industry Standard Architecture KB 1Kilobyte=1024bytes LCD Liquid Crystal Display LED Light Emitting Diode LiIon Lithium Ion MB Megabyte = 1024KB MS-DOS Microsoft Disk Operating System MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface NTFS Windows NT File System NTSC National Television System Committee O/S Operation System PC Card Personal Computer Card (PCMCIA card) POST Power On Self-Test ROM Read Only Memory SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory SGRAM Synchronous Graphics Random Access Memory SO-DIMM Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module TFT Thin Film Transistor USB Universal Serial Bus VGA Video Graphics Array XGA Extended Graphics Adapter

Special Notices

Three kinds of special notices are used in this guide to emphasize specific information.

________________________ WARNING __________________________

Warning: Indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause personal injury if the hazard is not avoided.

____________________________________________________________

_________________________ Caution ___________________________

Caution: Indicates the presence of a hazard that might cause damage to hardware or that might corrupt data.

____________________________________________________________

__________________________ Note_____________________________

Note: Provides additional information.

____________________________________________________________

_________________________ Caution ___________________________

Mobile computers contain components which can be damaged if not handled with care.

____________________________________________________________

vii

viii

This chapter overviews the contents of the documentation kit provided with the Compaq

Armada 6500 Family notebook computer. The Compaq Armada 6500 Family

documentation kit contains:

· Compaq Armada 6500 Family Quick Setup Guide

· Compaq Armada 6500 Family Reference Guide

· Compaq Armada 6500 Family HTML On-line Help

Quick Setup Guide

This guide assists you in setting up your Armada 6500 Family notebook for the first time. It

provides instructive illustrations covering the following topics:

· Connecting the Universal AC Adapter.

· Powering on the notebook.

· Windows Setup reminder.

· Installing software from the Compaq Software CD.

Documentation Kit

Reference Guide

The Compaq Armada 6500 Family Reference Guide provides an overview of the notebook

computer’s external features and controls, an overview of the Compaq Software and

QuickRestore CDs, detailed System Setup configuration and troubleshooting techniques,

and information on system upgrades. This guide should be used in conjunction with the

Compaq Armada 6500 HTML On-line Help.

· Chapter 1: Documentation Kit – assists you in using the documentation provided with the Compaq Armada 6500 Family notebook computer. This chapter explains how the documentation set is organized and provides a detailed overview of the information contained in each documentation component.

1-1

Documentation Kit

· Chapter 2: Getting To Know Your Computer – introduces you to the notebook’s industry leader features and controls. It also describes how to use the integrated touch pad as well as how to replace the notebook computer’s main battery pack.

· Chapter 3: System Software & Restoration – provides an overview of the applications and utilities supplied on the Compaq Software CD. It also provides detailed instruction on how to restore your system using the Compaq QuickRestore CD.

· Chapter 4: Configuring Your Notebook Computer – provides information on how to configure your notebook computer and its security features using the System Setup Program.

· Chapter 5: Memory Upgrades – provides detailed step-by-step instructions on upgrading your notebook computer’s system memory.

· Chapter 6: Troubleshooting – provides you with troubleshooting solutions.

· Appendix A: Technical Specifications – lists your notebook computer’s operating

specifications.

· Appendix B: Compaq Customer Support – provides a list of worldwide support telephone numbers.

· Appendix C: Regulatory Notices – provides regulatory information related to the operation of your notebook computer.

HTML On-line Help

The Compaq Armada 6500 HTML On-line Help, which is supplied on the Compaq Software CD, provides a comprehensive tutorial style guide designed to help you achieve optimal use from your new notebook. This guide is to be used in conjunction with the Compaq Armada 6500 Family Reference Guide (this document). It is also available on the Compaq Software CD in .PDF format. The HTML On-line Help features the following sections:

· Features – identifies and describes the features, components, controls and indicators of your Compaq Armada 6500 notebook computer. It also describes the function of the different hot keys and status display icons.

· Power – designed to help you optimize your notebook computer’s power savings capabilities. It provides basic instruction on LiIon Battery Pack use and maintenance, a basic understanding of the notebook computer’s Power Management features, and helpful hints to maximize battery performance.

· Peripherals – provides detailed instruction on connecting peripheral devices to your notebook computer. Where appropriate, additional information regarding notebook controls and settings is provided.

1-2

· PC Cards – provides detailed instructions on using and configuring PC Cards in

Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT. Included in this section is an IRQ resource table showing which IRQ resources can be freed in the event of a conflict.

· Modules – provides basic instruction on removing and installing your CD-ROM,

Floppy, and Optional Drive Modules.

· Options – describes how to upgrade the notebook computer’s system memory, and

provides complete user documentation for the Compaq Mobile 6500 Expansion Unit and the Compaq Armada 6500 Convenience Base.

· Map – provides an overview of the Reference Guide and HTML On-line Help

documentation provided with the Compaq Armada 6500 Family notebook computer.

· Updates – provides a comprehensive list of worldwide Compaq Web Sites.

Compaq Web Sites

Please visit the Compaq Web Site to download the latest Compaq Armada 6500 Family operating system drivers and on-line User information. A comprehensive list of country specific Compaq Web Sites has been added to your Favorites folder. To access the Compaq Web Site for your country:

1. Click the Start button located on the Windows Taskbar, then click Favorites.

2. Select the general area that applies to you:

· Compaq Americas

· Compaq Asia Pacific

· Compaq Europe

3. Select the Compaq Web Site for your country.

__________________________ Note _____________________________

To successfully link to the Compaq Web Site, you must have an operational Internet connection.

____________________________________________________________

1-4

Getting to Know Your Computer

This chapter identifies and describes the industry leader features, components, controls, and indicators of your Compaq Armada 6500 notebook computer. It also describes how to use the integrated touch pad as well as how to replace the system battery.

Features

The Compaq Armada 6500 is a high-performance notebook computer designed for the mobile professional. It offers the best-in-class features for a notebook computer.

Intel Pentium II Processor 300 MHz or greater.

2X AGP support 512KB Level 2 pipelined sync-burst cache. 6GB or larger Hard Drive 64MB onboard SDRAM memory -

expandable to 192MB or greater using 3.3V SDRAM SO-DIMMs.

14.1 inch TFT XGA Color LCD Display. 4MB SGRAM Video memory. External monitor support up to 1600 x 1200. CardBus slots - Two Type I or Type II cards

or one Type III card. Zoomed Video support using lower

CardBus slot - using Zoomed Video PC Cards in this slot enables the viewing of full motion video applications, such as MPEG playback, video capture and TV.

Hot Swappable Expansion Bay for Diskette, CD-ROM or Optional Drive Modules.

LCD Status display provides operating status of the computer.

Integrated Touch Pad pointing device.

Integrated 10/100 BaseT Ethernet/56K Data/FAX modem combo PC Card.

16-bit Stereo Audio - internal microphone and stereo speakers with connections for an external microphone and stereo headphones, speakers, or an amplifier.

Smart Lithium Ion (LiIon) battery.

APM 1.2 compliant Power Management customizes system power usage based on your needs.

Fast Infrared (FIR) Interface - allows the transfer of information with devices that have an infrared or fast infrared (FIR) interface.

Supports hot docking to Compaq Mobile 6500 Expansion Unit or Compaq Armada 6500 Convenience Base.

Full sized 85 key Windows keyboard.

USB support.

Microsoft ACPI support for Windows 98

2-1

Getting to Know Your Computer

Components, Controls, and Indicators

This section shows the locations and provides a description of the different components on your Compaq Armada 6500 notebook computer.

Front and Right Side Components

Component Description

Power LED

➊

Battery Charging LED

Lid Release One of two lid releases. Push in both releases at the same time

➋

Speaker Right stereo speaker used to hear sound files and system

➌

Expansion Bay Supports CD-ROM, Diskette and Optional (DVD, LS120, and

➍ ➎

Microphone In

➏

Audio Out

➐

Suspend/Power Button

Internal Microphone Used to record voice, music, and sound files.

➑

Status Display Provides system operating status.

➒

The green Power LED (lower) lights when the notebook is On. The amber Battery Charging LED (upper) lights when the battery is charging.

to open the LCD panel.

sounds.

Hard Drive) Drive Modules. Input connection for external microphone.

Connection for headphones or external speakers. Turns the notebook computer On, and Suspends or Resumes

the system. Refer to the Controlling Power section of this chapter for detailed instructions on using the Suspend/Power button.

2-2

Getting to Know Your Computer

Figure 2-1 Front and Right Side View

DEC01547-2

2-3

Getting to Know Your Computer

Front and Left Side Components

Component Description

Lid Release One of two lid releases. Push in both releases at the same time to

➊

Speaker Left stereo speaker used to hear sound files and system sounds.

➋

PC Card Ejectors Ejects a PC Card. Top button releases a PC Card from the top

➌

PC Card Slots Supports two Type I or Type II cards or one Type III card.

➍

Security Lock Attach a security locking device , such as a Kensington lock, to

➎

open the LCD panel.

slot; the bottom button releases a PC Card from the bottom slot.

Zoomed Video cards are supported in the bottom slot only.

this port.

2-4

Getting to Know Your Computer

Figure 2-2 Front and Left Side View

DEC01546

2-5

Getting to Know Your Computer

Back Components

Component Description

External Power In Input connection for Universal AC adapter.

➊

Universal Serial Bus

➋

(USB) Port RJ45 Ethernet Network

➌

Port RJ11 Modem Port An analog telephone line connects to this port.

➍ ➎

Serial Port

➏

Parallel Port

➐

Video Port I/O Connector Cover

➑

and Notebook Support

Fast IR Port Fast IR interface allows wireless data transfer

Reset Button

External Keyboard/ Mouse Port

A USB device, such as a mouse, keyboard, or digital camera connects to this port.

A 10 or 100BaseT Ethernet line connects to this port.

A serial device, such as a mouse, graphics tablet or scanner connects to this port.

A parallel device, such as a printer, connects to this port.

An external monitor connects to this port. Covers I/O connectors. It can be flipped down to

support the notebook to create a comfortable typing angle (Figure 2-6, step 4).

between the notebook and another device with an IR interface.

Resets the notebook computer.

will be lost.

An external keyboard or PS/2 mouse connects to this port.

All unsaved data

2-6

DEC01600

Figure 2-3 Back View

Bottom Components

Component Description

Battery Release Releases the LiIon battery from the notebook computer.

➊

LiIon Battery Provides power to your notebook computer.

➋

Expansion Bay Module

➌

Release Memory Door Provides access to notebook computer’s memory.

➍

Docking Connector

➎

Door

Getting to Know Your Computer

Releases the drive module installed in the Expansion Bay.

Provides access to the notebook’s docking connector. This connector is used when connecting the notebook to the Compaq Mobile 6500 Expansion Unit or the Compaq Armada 6500 Convenience Base.

Figure 2-4 Bottom View

DEC01601

2-7

Getting to Know Your Computer

Controlling Power

The Suspend/Power button not only enables you to take advantage of the built-in power saving features but also turns the notebook On and Off.

Goal Action

On/Resume

Suspend

Lid Switch Close the LCD panel to place the system into Suspend mode. If the Lid

Press this button to turn the system On or resume normal operation from the Suspend mode.

Press this button to place your system in Suspend mode.

Switch option in System Setup is set to Desktop/CRT, closing the LCD panel will turn off the LCD screen and prevent the notebook from entering Suspend mode. This allows the notebook to function as a desktop computer (notebook LCD panel closed) using an external display, keyboard, and mouse.

Off (Windows 95 and Windows NT)

Press the [fn]+[Suspend/Power] key combination to completely shut off your notebook from any state. If Windows is up and running, it is recommended that you always shut down the notebook computer as outlined in the Introducing Microsoft Windows user’s guide which was packaged with your notebook computer.

Off (Windows 98)

Power Button Override

Press the [fn]+[Suspend/Power] key combination to initiate an Off request and allow Windows 98 to shut off your notebook.

Press and hold the [Suspend/Power] button completely shut Off your notebook computer from any state. If Windows is up and running, it is recommended that you always shut down the notebook computer as outlined in the Introducing Microsoft Windows user’s guide which was packaged with your notebook computer.

for four seconds

2-8

Using the Touch pad

The touch pad is a touch-sensitive pointing device that provides all the features of a mouse. Although its operation differs from a mouse, its function is the same – to move the cursor around the screen.

Please refer to Figure 2-5 and the following explanation on how to use the touch pad.

Getting to Know Your Computer

Figure 2-5 The Touch pad

DEC01547-3

2-9

Getting to Know Your Computer

1. With your fingers on the keyboard in the normal typing position, the touch pad is easily accessible by moving either your thumb or a finger down on to the touch pad.

2. Gently move your thumb or finger across the touch pad in the direction you want the cursor to move.

3. By default, the touch pad’s left button is equivalent to the left button on a conventional two-button mouse. The touch pad’s right button is equivalent to the right mouse button on a conventional two-button mouse.

Single-clicking/Single-tapping

Single-clicking is a common selection technique of a conventional mouse. The touch pad’s left and right (mouse) buttons provide the same single-clicking function. A selection technique unique to the touch pad is single-tapping. Instead of single clicking on the left mouse button, single-tap on the touch sensitive touch pad to make the selection. When you tap the touch pad it is the same as clicking the touch pad’s left button.

Double-clicking/Double-tapping

The double-clicking technique found on a conventional mouse is also supported by the touch pad’s (mouse) buttons. Another selection technique unique to the touch pad is Double-tapping. Double-tapping allows you to select objects or execute applications. Instead of double-clicking on the left touch pad button, double-tap on the touch sensitive touch pad to make the selection. When you double-tap the touch pad, it is the same as double-clicking the touch pad’s left button.

Touch Pad On-line Help

Your notebook computer’s touch pad is equipped with many advanced features. For more detailed instructions on using and controlling the touch pad, refer to the On-line Help provided by Synaptics. To access the On-line Help, do the following:

1. Click the TouchPad Enhancement icon located on the Windows Taskbar.

2. Then click the [Help] button.

Plugging In and Turning On

The first time you use your Compaq Armada 6500 notebook computer you should fully charge the battery. The battery is fully charged when the Universal AC Adapter is connected to the system and the Battery Charging LED (Figure 2-1, callout 1) is Off. Refer to the “Power” section of the Compaq Armada 6500 HTML On-line Help for more information on battery maintenance and use.

2-10

Getting to Know Your Computer

To power the notebook using the supplied Universal AC Adapter, refer to the following instructions:

1. Connect the Universal AC Adapter cord to the External Power input port on the

notebook computer (Figure 2-6, step 1). The arrow on the connector should be on top.

2. Plug the power cord into the Universal AC Adapter (Figure 2-6, step 2).

3. Plug the power cord into a working electrical outlet (Figure 2-6, step 3).

4. Flip down the I/O connector cover to support the notebook to create a comfortable

typing angle (Figure 2-6, step 4).

5. After you have plugged the notebook into its power source, press the Suspend/Power

button to turn the notebook computer On (Figure 2-7).

If the notebook does not power up, check the connections between the Universal AC

Adapter and the notebook computer. If the notebook computer still does not power up, please refer to the chapter on “Troubleshooting.”

Figure 2-6 Connecting the Universal AC Adapter

DEC01602

2-11

Getting to Know Your Computer

________________________WARNING_____________________________

Do not use an external power adapter other than the one provided by Compaq Computer Corporation for the Compaq Armada 6500 notebook computer and options.

To avoid personal injury and/or equipment damage, do not open the case of the power adapter. There are no customer serviceable parts.

______________________________________________________________

2-12

DEC01547-4

Figure 2-7 Turning on the Notebook Computer

Using the Battery

Your Compaq Armada 6500 notebook computer has an easily removable main battery pack. This section describes how to maintain and replace the notebook computer’s main battery pack.

Preparing the Battery for Use

Your Compaq Armada 6500 notebook uses a Smart Battery. The battery has circuitry that reports the amount of charge in the battery to the system.

Getting to Know Your Computer

Initial Use

you should:

1. Enter System Setup and disable Power Savings. Refer to Chapter 4, Configuring Your

2. Fully charge the battery.

3. Fully discharge the battery. To fully discharge the battery, use the notebook computer

4. Fully recharge the battery.

5. Enter System Setup and re-configure your power management options.

Regular Use

re-initialized by allowing the battery to go through a full charge and discharge cycle. The frequency with which you must re-initialize the battery's circuitry is dependent on how often you use battery power. If you use your notebook computer on battery power on a daily basis, it is recommended to re-initialize the battery circuitry once a month.

–To properly initialize the circuitry that reports the state of the battery charge,

Notebook for detailed instructions on making System Setup configuration changes.

on battery power until the computer suspends due to low battery power. At this point the battery is in a critically low battery state.

– The circuitry that reports the state of the battery charge must be periodically

2-13

Getting to Know Your Computer

Battery Removal and Installation

Your Compaq Armada 6500 is equipped with a Bridge Battery that provides power for up to four minutes when changing the notebook computer’s main battery. The addition of the Bridge Battery means you do not have to waste valuable time powering off and rebooting the system in order to change the main battery. Place the notebook into Suspend, remove the drained battery and replace it with a fully charged one. Then resume normal operation.

________________________WARNING___________________________

When transporting the battery pack, make sure that the metal terminals on the battery pack do not come in contact with other metal surfaces (such as loose coins, paper clips, etc.). An electrical discharge can occur which may cause injury or damage.

____________________________________________________________

Replacing the Battery

Please refer to the following instructions and Figures 2-8a, 2-8b, 2-9a and 2-9b for detailed instructions on changing and replacing the notebook’s main battery. To remove the battery:

2-14

1. Press the [Suspend/Power] button to place the system in Suspend mode.

__________________________ Note _____________________________

The Armada 6500 Bridge Battery provides four minutes of battery power. If the Suspend Mode option in System Setup is set to Suspend to RAM and the main battery is out of the system for more than four minutes without connecting the system to external power, option is set to Save to Disk, the main battery can be removed for an indefinite period without loss of data.

____________________________________________________________

2. Turn the notebook computer over so the bottom of the unit is facing up.

all unsaved data will be lost

. If the Suspend Mode

Getting to Know Your Computer

3. While depressing the battery near the latch (Figure 2-8a, step 1), slide the battery latch

to the unlock position (Figure 2-8a, step 2).

Figure 2-8a Removing Battery

DEC01667

2-15

Getting to Know Your Computer

4. Lift the battery up and out of the notebook computer (Figure 2-8b, step 3).

Figure 2-8b Removing Battery

DEC01603

2-16

Installing the Battery

To install the battery:

1. Verify that the battery latch is in the unlock position (Figure 2-9a, step 1).

2. Place the battery in the battery compartment (Figure 2-9a, step 2).

Getting to Know Your Computer

Figure 2-9a Installing the Battery

DEC01604

2-17

Getting to Know Your Computer

4. While pressing down on the battery near the latch (Figure 2-9b, step 3), slide the battery latch to the lock position (Figure 2-9b, step 4).

2-18

DEC01668

Figure 2-9b Installing the Battery

+ 74 hidden pages

Compaq Armada 6500 User Manual

Table of Contents

Quick Setup Guide

Documentation Kit

Reference Guide

HTML On-line Help

Related Documentation

Compaq Web Sites

Getting to Know Your Computer

Features

Components, Controls, and Indicators

Front and Right Side Components

Front and Left Side Components

Back Components

Bottom Components

Controlling Power

Using the Touch pad

Touch Pad On-line Help

Plugging In and Turning On

Using the Battery

Preparing the Battery for Use

Battery Removal and Installation

Replacing the Battery

Installing the Battery