Technologies Group, L.P. in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other
countries.
All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective
companies.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method
claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by
Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection
technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation and is intended for home and
other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation.
Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
Compaq shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
The information is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, and is subject to
change without notice. The warranties for Compaq products are set forth in the express
limited warranty statements accompanying such products. Nothing herein should be
construed as constituting an additional warranty.
Compaq Notebook Series Reference Guide
First Edition (September 2002)
This manual is printed on recycled paper.
2 Reference Guide
Important Safety Information
CAUTION
To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line
cord to connect a modem to the telephone wall jack. In Australia, the computer
must be connected to the Telecommunication Network through a line cord that
meets the requirements of ACA Technical Standard TS008.
When using your computer with a telephone connection, always follow basic safety
precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons:
Do not use this product with a telephone connection near water (for example, near a
•
bathtub, sink, swimming pool, or in a wet basement).
•
Avoid using a telephone connection (other than a cordless type) during an electrical
storm. There may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.
•
Do not use a telephone connection to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
•
Use only the power cord and batteries indicated in this manual. Do not dispose of
batteries in a fire. They may explode. Check with local codes for possible special
disposal instructions.
•
Disconnect the modem cable before opening the computer case or touching an
uninsulated modem cable, jack, or internal component.
•
Do not plug a modem cable or telephone cable into the network (LAN) receptacle.
Software Product License Agreement
Your HP product contains software programs. CAREFULLY READ THIS LICENSE
AGREEMENT BEFORE PROCEEDING TO OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT. RIGHTS
IN THE SOFTWARE ARE OFFERED ONLY ON THE CONDITION THAT THE
CUSTOMER AGREES TO ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE LICENSE
AGREEMENT. PROCEEDING TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT INDICATES
YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. IF YOU DO NOT
AGREE WITH THE TERMS OF THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, YOU MUST NOW
EITHER REMOVE THE SOFTWARE FROM YOUR HARD DISK DRIVE AND
DESTROY THE MASTER DISKETTES, OR RETURN THE COMPLETE HP
PRODUCT AND SOFTWARE FOR A FULL REFUND. PROCEEDING WITH
CONFIGURATION SIGNIFIES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE LICENSE TERM S.
UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED BELOW, THIS HP SOFTWARE LICENSE
AGREEMENT SHALL GOVERN THE USE OF ALL SOFTWARE THAT IS
PROVIDED TO YOU AS PART OF THE HP PRODUCT AND SHALL SUPERSEDE
ANY OTHER SOFTWARE WARRANTY STATEMENT THAT MAY BE INCLUDED
IN THIS HP PRODUCT OR MAY BE FOUND ONLINE.
Reference Guide 3
Operating system and software applications by Microsoft are licensed to you under the
Microsoft License Agreement contained in the Microsoft documentation or displayed on
your screen when Microsoft Software Products are launched.
For a PC supplied with a Microsoft operating system: When you start the PC and accept
the Microsoft End-user License Agreement (“EULA”), your license rights are valid only
if a Certificate of Authenticity (“COA”) label corresponding to your Microsoft operating
system is provided with your PC. The COA label can usually be found on the bottom of
the computer. If the COA label does not correspond to your Microsoft operating system
or is missing, contact your HP reseller for details.
Other non-HP Software and Operating Systems are covered by the appropriate vendor
license. The following License Terms govern the use of the HP software:
USE. Customer may use the software on any one HP product. Customer may not network
the software or otherwise use it on more than one HP product. Customer may not reverse
assemble or decompile the software unless authorized by law.
COPIES AND ADAPTATIONS. Customer may make copies or adaptations of the
software a) for archival purposes or (b) when copying or adaptation is an essential step in
the use of the software with an HP product so long as the copies and adaptations are used
in no other manner.
OWNERSHIP. Customer agrees that he/she does not have any title or ownership of the
software, other than ownership of the physical media. Customer acknowledges and
agrees that the software is copyrighted and protected under the copyright laws. Customer
acknowledges and agrees that the software may have been developed by a third party
software supplier named in the copyright notices included with the software, who shall be
authorized to hold the Customer responsible for any copyright infringement or violation
of this Agreement.
PRODUCT RECOVERY CD-ROM or DVD. If your HP product was shippe d with a
product recovery CD-ROM or DVD: (i) The product recovery CD-ROM or DVD and/or
support utility software may only be used for restoring th e hard disk of the HP product
with which the product recovery CD-ROM or DVD was originally provided. (ii) The use
of any operating system software by Microsoft contained in any such product recovery
CD-ROM or DVD shall be governed by the Microsoft License Agreement.
TRANSFER OF RIGHTS IN SOFTWARE. Customer may transfer rights in the software
to a third party only as part of the transfer of all rights and only if Customer obtains the
prior agreement of the third party to be bound by the terms of this License Agreement.
Upon such a transfer, Customer agrees that his/her rights in the software are terminated
and that he/she will either destroy his/her copies and adaptations or deliver them to the
third party.
SUBLICENSING AND DISTRIBUTION. Customer may not lease, sublicense the
software or distribute copies or adaptations of the software to the public in physical
media or by telecommunication without the prior written consent of Hewlett-Packard.
TERMINATION. Hewlett-Packard may terminate this software license for failure to
comply with any of these terms provided Hewlett-Packard has requested Customer to
cure the failure and Customer has failed to do so within thirty (30) days of such notice.
4 Reference Guide
UPDATES AND UPGRADES. Customer agrees that the software does not include
updates and upgrades which may be available from Hewlett-Packard under a separate
support agreement.
EXPORT CLAUSE. Customer agrees not to export or re-expor t the software or any copy
or adaptation in violation of the U.S. Export Administration regulations or other
applicable regulation.
U.S. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication, or disclosure is subject
to HP standard commercial license terms and for non-D OD Departments and Agencies of
the U.S. Government, the restrictions set forth in FAR 52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987)
Hewlett-Packard Company, 3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA 94304 U.S.A. Copyright
(c) 2000 Hewlett-Packard Company. All Rights Reserved. Customer further agrees that
Software is delivered and licensed as “Commercial computer software” as defined in
DFARS 252-227-7014 (June 1995) or as a “commercial item” as defined in FAR
2.101(a), or as “Restricted computer software” as defined in FAR 52.227-19 (or any
equivalent agency regulation or contract clause), whichever is applicable. The Customer
agrees that it has only those rights provided for such Software by the applicable FAR or
DFARS clause or the HP standard software agreement for the product involved.
Support Policy for Microsoft Operating Systems Service Pack. HP will provide end user
support for HP PCs that use Microsoft Operating Systems, including its latest service
packs. This support will be available 30 days after the service pack being released by
Microsoft.
Reference Guide 5
Contents
Getting Started with Your Notebook............................................................................11
Congratulations! Your notebook computer sets a new standard in personal computing.
Although compact and easy to carry, your computer is made with high standards of
quality and attention to detail.
This manual shows how to set up and operate your computer, as well as what to do if you
run into trouble.
What’s in the box?
• Notebook PC.
• Battery (installed).
• AC adapter and power cord.
• Quick Setup poster.
• Startup Guide.
• Documentation Library CD.
• QuickRestore System Recovery CD, for restoring Windows and all software included
with your computer.
• Microsoft Windows manual.
• CD with special software (for models with certain types of drives).
In addition, your notebook includes preinstalled software. (The exact software installed
depends on your particular notebook model.)
12 Reference Guide
Getting Started with Your Notebook
Taking Inventory
To buy accessories
You can buy accessories for your computer online. For the latest accessories and options,
visit the Compaq Consumer Support Web site (www.compaq.com/consumersupport).
We currently offer accessories such as the following:
• AC adapter.
• RAM modules for expanding memory.
• Battery.
• Port replicator.
To find more information
The following table lists other sources of information about your computer and related
products.
Source Description and Location
Startup Guide
Reference Guide
Microsoft Windows
manual
Compaq Consumer
Support Web site
This printed manual introduces your computer. It also contains setup instructions,
basic operation guidelines, troubleshooting information, and warranty information.
The Reference Guide is shipped on the Documentation Library CD that comes with
your computer, and provides a complete source for operating and maintaining the
computer.
This is shipped with your computer and contains information about using the version
of Microsoft Windows shipped with your computer.
www.compaq.com/consumersupport
To select another language, see www.compaq.com.
Reference Guide 13
Getting Started with Your Notebook
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Front View
1. Computer open/close latch.
2. One-Touch buttons.
3. Keyboard status lights.
4. Power button. Turns the computer on and off.
5. Touch pad, scroll pad, click buttons, plus on-off
button.
6. Main status lights (left to right): power mode, hard
disk activity, battery.
14 Reference Guide
7. Hard disk drive.
8. Infrared port (certain models).
9. Wireless on-off button and indicator light (certain
models).
10. Battery.
11. CD-ROM, DVD, or other drive.
12. PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse port (supports
Y adapter).
Getting Started with Your Notebook
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Back View
13. AC adapter jack.
14. Two universal serial bus ports (USB).
15. LAN port.
16. S-video port.
17. Parallel port (LPT1). Use this port for a parallel
printer or other parallel device.
18. Serial port (COM1). Use this port for a serial
mouse, modem, printer, or other serial device.
19. External monitor port.
20. Kensington lock slot (security connector).
Reference Guide 15
21. Modem port.
22. PC Card and CardBus slot and button (certain
models have two slots and two buttons).
23. IEEE 1394 port (certain models).
24. Audio jacks (left to right): external microphone,
audio out (headphones).
25. Volume control.
26. Audio mute button and audio mute light.
27. Floppy disk drive (certain models).
Getting Started with Your Notebook
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Bottom View
28. Hard disk drive.
29. Battery latch.
30. RAM cover.
31. Reset button.
32. Docking port (certain models).
33. Mini-PCI cover (no user parts inside).
16 Reference Guide
Getting Started with Your Notebook
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Status Lights
The computer includes a number of status lights that report power and battery status,
drive activity, and keyboard functions such as Caps Lock and Num Lock.
The following diagram shows the main status lights on the front of the computer.
1. Power mode.
• On: the computer is on (even if the display is off).
• Blinking: the computer is in Standby mode.
• Off: the computer is off or in Hibernate mode.
2. Hard disk drive activity.
• On: computer is accessing the hard disk drive.
3. Battery status.
• Green: the AC adapter is connected and the battery is fully charged.
• Amber: the AC adapter is connected and the battery is charging.
• Blinking: the AC adapter is connected and the battery is missing or has a fault.
• Off: the AC adapter is not connected.
Reference Guide 17
Getting Started with Your Notebook
Identifying Parts of the Computer
The keyboard status lights, located above the keyboard, indicate the states of the
keyboard locks.
1. Caps Lock. Caps Lock is active.
2. Num Lock. Num Lock is active. (The Keypad Lock must also be on to use the
embedded keypad.)
3. Keypad Lock. The embedded keypad is active (Fn+F8). Num Lock must also be on
for the numeric keys—otherwise, cursor control is active (as marked on an external
keyboard).
18 Reference Guide
Getting Started with Your Notebook
Setting Up Your Computer
Setting Up Your Computer
WARNING
WARNING
Improper use of keyboards and other input devices has been associated with
ergonomic injury. For information about reducing your risk, see the Safety & Comfort Guide on the Documentation Library CD included with your computer, or
visit our ergonomics Web site, www.hp.com/ergo.
If you are using your notebook computer as your primary computer, or using it for
extended periods, you should use it with a full-size keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
Docking accessories offer quick, easy connections to these devices. This can reduce
the risk of ergonomic injury. See the Safety & Comfort Guide on the Documentation Library CD, or visit our ergonomics Web site, www.hp.com/ergo.
When you set up your computer for the first time, you’ll install and charge the battery,
connect the AC adapter, turn on the computer, and run the Windows setup program.
Step 1: Install the battery
Do not mutilate or puncture batteries. Do not dispose of batteries in fire, or they
can burst or explode, releasing hazardous chemicals. Rechargeable batteries must
be recycled or disposed of properly.
Your computer is shipped with the battery installed. If the battery has been removed, you
should install it:
1. Turn the computer upside down.
2. Insert the connector end of the battery into the battery compartment and slide it in
until it latches.
Reference Guide 19
Getting Started with Your Notebook
Setting Up Your Computer
To remove the battery
1. Before removing the battery, do one of the following:
• Shut down the computer or put it into Hibernate mode, or
• Plug in the AC adapter.
2. Slide the battery’s release latch, and then slide the battery out of its compartment.
20 Reference Guide
Getting Started with Your Notebook
Setting Up Your Computer
Step 2: Connect AC power
CAUTION
Important
Use only the F4600, F4814, or 0950-4334 AC adapter included with your computer
(or other approved adapter that meets the power requirements of the computer).
Do not use a 60-watt, 3.16-amp adapter, such as F1454A or F1781A, and do not use
DC adapter accessories F1455A and F2297A.
Using the wrong AC adapter could damage the computer or adapter and may void
your warranty (see "Limited Warranty Statement" on page 130).
• Plug the AC adapter into the computer and connect the power cord to the AC adapter,
then plug the power cord into a wall outlet. The computer’s battery then starts
charging.
When unplugging the power cord, unplug it from the outlet before unplugging it from
the AC adapter.
While the battery is charging, you can continue with step 3.
Reference Guide 21
Getting Started with Your Notebook
Setting Up Your Computer
Step 3: Connect a phone line
1. Make sure the telephone line is an analog line, sometimes called a data line. (You
must not use a digital line.)
2. Connect the telephone cord into a telephone jack. If the plug on the phone cord
doesn’t fit the jack, you may need to use an adapter.
3. Plug the other end of the phone cord into the built-in modem.
For details about using the modem, see “Using the Modem” on page 54.
22 Reference Guide
Getting Started with Your Notebook
Setting Up Your Computer
Step 4: Turn on the computer
• Press the power button above the left side of the keyboard. The computer then boots
up, and Windows starts automatically.
Hint
If your computer does not turn on when operating on battery power, the battery may be
out of power. Plug in the AC adapter and press the power button again. Leave the AC
adapter plugged in for at least an hour—or 2–3 hours to charge it fully.
Step 5: Set up Windows
Your notebook computer has Microsoft Windows preinstalled on its hard disk drive. The
first time you turn on your computer, the Windows Setup program runs automatically so
you can customize your setup.
1. Follow the Setup program’s instructions as they appear on the screen. If the program
prompts you to enter the Product ID code, you will find this code on the bottom of the
computer.
2. Check the modem’s country or region settings: click Start, Control Panel, Printers and
Other Hardware, Phone and Modem Options, and then click Edit on the Dialing Rules
tab.
Reference Guide 23
Getting Started with Your Notebook
Setting Up Your Computer
To connect to the Internet
If you are connected to a wired or wireless LAN with Internet access or your computer
has a modem (built-in, PC Card, or external), you can connect to the Internet. For details,
see “Using the Modem” on page 54, “Connecting to a LAN” on page 61, or “Making
Wireless Network Connections” on page 62.
What to do next
• If you’re not familiar with Windows XP, click Start, Tour Windows XP, or check the
Windows manual to discover what’s new.
• See the Reference Guide on the Documentation Library CD to learn more about using
and maintaining your computer.
24 Reference Guide
Basic Operation
Reference Guide 25
Basic Operation
Operating Your Computer
Operating Your Computer
You can start and stop your computer using its power button. However, at certain times
you may want to use other methods to start or stop the computer—depending on power
considerations, types of active connections, and start-up time.
To turn the computer on and off
Power mode To enter this mode
On mode
Power mode status light is on.
Standby mode
Saves significant power.
Turns off the display and other components.
Maintains current session in RAM.
Restarts quickly.
Restores network connections.
Power mode status light is blinking.
Hibernate mode
Saves maximum power.
Saves current session to disk, then shuts down.
Restores network connections.
Power mode status light is off.
Shut down (off)
Saves maximum power.
Turns off without saving current session.
At startup, resets everything, starts a new
session, and restores network connections.
Power mode status light is off.
To turn on: Press the power button to restart, or to resume your session from Standby or Hibernate mode.
You can also customize how these power modes work—see “How the computer manages
power automatically” on page 46.
Press the power button.
Press the power button
–or–
click Start, Turn Off Computer, Stand By
–or–
allow timeout.
Press Fn+F12
–or–
allow timeout.
Click Start, Turn Off Computer, Turn Off
–or–
press the power button for 4 seconds (only if the Start
menu procedure doesn’t work).
26 Reference Guide
Basic Operation
Operating Your Computer
To reset the computer
Occasionally, you may find that Windows or the computer has stopped responding, and
will not let you turn the computer off. If this happens, try the following in the order listed.
• If possible, shut down Windows: press CTRL+ALT+DEL, and then click Shut Down,
Restart.
–or, if this fails–
• Press the power button for 4 seconds until the display shuts down, and then press the
power button again to restart.
–or, if this fails–
• Insert the tip of a ballpoint pen into the reset button on the bottom of the computer,
and then press the power button to restart.
To reset the computer while it’s docked in a port replicator, you can press the reset button
on the left side of the port replicator.
Reference Guide 27
Basic Operation
Operating Your Computer
To change the boot device
The computer normally boots from its internal hard disk. You can also boot the computer
from a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, or an internal network interface card.
1. Click Start, Turn Off Computer, Restart.
2. When the logo screen appears, press ESC to display the Boot menu.
3. Use the arrow keys to select the boot device, and press ENTER.
If you want to boot from a specific device whenever it is present, change the boot order
using the BIOS Setup utility—see “To run the BIOS Setup utility” on page 118.
To use the touch pad
The touch pad includes an on-off button so you can turn off the touch pad to avoid
moving the pointer accidentally, such as by touc hing t he pa d while typing. The indicator
light turns off when you turn off the touch pad.
28 Reference Guide
Basic Operation
Operating Your Computer
1. Click buttons. These work like the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.
2. Touch pad (touch-sensitive pointing device).
3. Touch pad on-off button and indicator lig ht .
4. Scroll pad. The scroll pad scrolls the contents of the active window.
Moving and selecting
1. Place your hands in a normal typing position.
2. Move a thumb or finger across the touch pad in the direction you want the pointer to
move.
3. Use the left and right click buttons, which function like the left and right buttons on a
mouse, to make your selection:
• To open an application, move the pointer over the icon and double-click the left
button.
• To make menu selections, move the pointer to the menu item and click the left
button.
• To open the shortcut menu for an item, move the pointer over the item and click
the right button.
• To drag an item, move the pointer over the item. Then press and hold the left
button while you move the pointer to the new location, and release the button.
In addition, you can tap the touch pad to select items and use other advanced touch pad
features. For more information, double-click the touch pad icon in the taskbar, and then
click Help in the tab for a particular feature.
You can use Mouse in Control Panel or the touch pad icon in the taskbar to customize the
operation of your computer’s pointing devices (touch pad and external mouse): you can
change the left, right, and scroll pad actions, double-click speed, pointer speed, and more.
Scrolling with the scroll pad
• Move your finger down the scroll pad to scroll down through the contents of a
window. Move your finger up the scroll pad to scroll up.
Reference Guide 29
Basic Operation
Operating Your Computer
To use the Fn hot keys
The combination of the Fn key plus another key creates a hot key—a shortcut key
sequence—for various system controls. To use a hot key, press and hold Fn, press the
appropriate second key, and then release both keys.
This hot key Does this
Fn+F1 Decreases the display brightness.
Fn+F2 Increases the display brightness.
Fn+F5
Fn+F8
Fn+F12 Enters Hibernate mode.
Fn+NumLock Toggles Scroll Lock on and off.
Fn+Page Up Increases the audio volume and cancels the mute setting.
Fn+Page Down Decreases the audio volume.
Fn+Backspace Mutes the audio output.
Toggles among the built-in display, an external display, and simultaneous display on
both.
Toggles the built-in keypad on and off. Does not affect an external keyboard. If Num
Lock is on, then the numeric functions are active; otherwise, cursor control is active
(as marked on an external keyboard).
30 Reference Guide
Basic Operation
Operating Your Computer
To use the One-Touch buttons
Your computer includes five One-Touch buttons that can start any application or open a
document or Web site with a single press.
• Press the One-Touch button to open the corresponding application, document, or
Web site.
Your computer is preconfigured to access the following services:
1. Microsoft Outlook Express e-mai l software .
2. Internet search.
3. Internet shopping.
4. Quick Lock—see “To lock your computer” on page 38.
5. Internet notebook support.
To reprogram a One-Touch button
1. Click Start, All Programs, Utilities, One-Touch, One-Touch Configuration.
2. On the One-Touch tab, click the button you want to reprogram.
3. Type a label for the button, and then select the application , do cument, folder, or Web
site you want the button to open.
4. If you want a label to appear onscreen when you press a One-Touch button, select that
option on the Onscreen Display tab.
Reference Guide 31
Basic Operation
Operating Your Computer
To use the Windows and Applications keys
The Windows key brings up the Windows Start menu. This is the same as clicking the
Start button on the taskbar.
The Applications key brings up the shortcut menu for the current application. This is the
same menu that appears when you right-click while pointing at the application.
This key combination Does this
Windows key+E Runs Windows Explorer.
Windows key+F1 Runs Windows Help.
Windows key+F Runs Windows Find: Search.
Windows key+M Minimizes all displayed windows.
Shift+Windows key+M Returns all minimized windows to original size.
Windows key+R Runs the Windows Run dialog box.
To use the embedded keypad
Your computer’s built-in keyboard includes an embedded keypad you can use to type
numbers and arithmetic operators. The keys in this keypad are marked using light blue
characters.
• Press Fn+F8 to turn on the embedded keypad.
• Hold Fn while typing a key to turn the embedded keypad on temporarily.
When the embedded keypad is active, you can use Num Lock to change how the keypad
functions:
• Num Lock on: the keys enter the numbers and arithmetic operators printed in light
gold on the keyboard.
• Num Lock off: the keys act as cursor control keys, as marked on an external
keyboard.
32 Reference Guide
Basic Operation
Operating Your Computer
To use the ALT GR key
Non-U.S. keyboards have an ALT GR key to the right of the spacebar. This is a shift key
that provides access to certain special keyboard characters.
• For a character in the lower-right corner of a key, press and hold ALT GR to type the
character.
Hint
1. Shifted.
2. Unshifted.
3. ALT GR.
To adjust the display
Changing the brightness
• Press Fn+F1 or Fn+F2 to decrease or increase (respectively) the display’s brightness.
–or–
• Click Start, All Programs, Utilities, Display Settings. You have the option of adding a
display settings icon in the taskbar for quick access.
To maximize your battery operating time, set the brightness to the lowest level you can
view comfortably.
Changing display settings
You can customize a number of display settings for your computer, such as color depth
and screen area.
1. Click Start, Control Panel, Appearance and Themes, Display.
2. Click the Settings tab, and then choose the settings you want.
The computer has an LCD display, which behaves differently from a normal computer
monitor. If you change the display resolution, the desktop changes size, but the objects on
it do not. You normally won’t change the resolution except to use an external monitor.
Reference Guide 33
Basic Operation
Operating Your Computer
Using an external monitor
If you want, you can attach an external monitor to your notebook computer—see “To use
an external monitor” on page 80.
To adjust the volume
To increase or decrease the volume
• Press Fn+PageUp or Fn+PageDown.
• Press the back or front half of the volume control on the left side of the computer.
• Click the speaker icon in the taskbar (if not present, see Windows Help), and drag the
volume control bar up or down.
To mute the audio
You can mute the audio output without changing the volume setting. This feature is
handy when you want to block all speaker output regardless of what your computer is
doing.
• Press Fn+Backspace.
• Press the audio mute button on the left side of the computer. The button lights when
audio is muted.
• Click the speaker icon in the taskbar (if not present, see Windows Help), and click
Mute.
34 Reference Guide
Basic Operation
Using CDs or DVDs
Using CDs or DVDs
To insert or remove a CD or DVD
CAUTION
Do not remove a CD or DVD while the computer is reading it, or the computer
could stop responding and you could lose data.
Be sure to press the CD or DVD onto the spindle. You can damage the disk or
drive if you just lay it on the tray.
1. Press the button on the face of the CD-ROM or DVD drive. If you are using this drive
for the first time, be sure to remove the cardboard packing insert.
2. Place the CD or DVD into the drive (label facing up) and gently press down to seat it
on the spindle.
–or–
Remove the CD or DVD.
3. Slide the tray back into the module to close it.
If your computer loses power, you can manually open the drive to remove a CD. Insert a
straightened paper clip into the recessed hole on the front of the drive to open it.
Reference Guide 35
Hint
Important
Basic Operation
Using CDs or DVDs
To play DVD movies
If your computer came with a DVD drive, it also includes DVD player software that lets
you play DVD movies.
• Click Start, All Programs, Multimedia, DVD Player, InterVideo WinDVD.
You can also use Windows Media Player to play DVD movies.
To play DVD movies on a TV, see “To use a TV set as a monitor” on page 81.
For best performance while playing movies on battery power, set the Control Panel
power scheme to Portable/Laptop—see “How the computer manages power
automatically” on page 46.
DVDs can have regional codes embedded in the disc data. These codes prevent DVD
movies from being played outside the region of the world in which they are sold. If you
get a region code error, you are trying to play a DVD intended for a different region.
Most DVD drives let you change the region code only a limited number of times
(usually no more than four). When you reach this limit, your last change to the region
code will be hard-coded on the DVD drive, and will be permanent. Your warranty does
not cover the expense of correcting this situation. Refer to the help for your DVD player
software for details about setting region codes.
To create or copy CDs
If your computer came with a CD-RW drive, it also includes software that lets you copy
or create CDs.
• Click Start, All Programs, Multimedia, CD Writer, RecordNow, RecordNow.
You can use Windows Media Player to create audio CDs, and Windows Explorer to
create data CDs using a CD-RW drive.
Refer to the software’s help for details about creating or copying CDs. We recommend
using Compaq- or HP-approved media—read and write quality may vary for other media.
36 Reference Guide
Basic Operation
Securing Your Computer
Securing Your Computer
To set up password protection
You can protect your computer from access by another user when you set up password
protection, which is available through Windows and through the BIOS Setup utility. For
complete protection, set passwords in Windows as well as through BIOS Setup.
To cancel password protection, set an empty password.
BIOS Setup Utility
1. Click Start, Turn Off Computer, Restart.
2. When the logo screen appears, press F2 to enter BIOS Setup.
3. From the Security menu, enter or modify the Administrator Password or User
Password as needed—see “Security Menu” on page 120.
4. Press F10 to save and exit BIOS Setup.
Windows XP
1. Click Start, Control Panel, User Accounts, and then select your account.
2. Click Create a Password, and then set the password.
3. Click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, Power Options.
4. On the Advanced tab, select the option to prompt for a password when the computer
leaves Standby mode.
To protect your computer when you’re not using it, see “To lock your computer” below.
Reference Guide 37
Basic Operation
Securing Your Computer
To lock your computer
To protect against unauthorized access while your computer is running, lock the
computer before leaving it unattended, or set up a screen saver with a password in
Display in Control Panel. You can lock the computer these ways:
• Press the Quick Lock button—the five One-Touch buttons are located above the
keyboard.
–or–
• Press CTRL+ALT+DEL and click Lock Computer. This option may not be available
in all configurations.
To unlock the computer, follow your normal logon steps.
To attach a security cable
Your computer includes a built-in connector you can use to secure the computer with a
cable and a lock (such as the Kensington MicroSaver lock system, available at many
computer stores).
1. Wrap the cable around a secure object, such as a table leg.
2. Loop the cable to create a slip knot around the stationary object, and make sure it
can’t slip off.
38 Reference Guide
Basic Operation
Securing Your Computer
3. Insert the lock into the security connector on the left side of the computer and release
the key. Store the key in a safe place away from the computer.
To protect against viruses
Virus-protection software can help protect the integrity of your data. This is especially
important if you use the Web.
Your computer comes equipped with Norton AntiVirus software. You can get detailed
instructions from the software’s online Help.
Reference Guide 39
CAUTION
Basic Operation
Securing Your Computer
To lock the hard disk drive
The computer enables you to lock its internal hard disk drive to help keep your
information secure. Hard disk drive lock does not protect a second hard disk drive installed in the module bay.
When you enable hard disk drive lock, the current BIOS user password (or
administrator password if that is the only password set) is encoded on the hard
disk drive.
If you move the hard disk drive to another computer, you can’t access the drive until
you set the user (or administrator) password to match the drive’s password. After you
match the drive’s password, you can change the computer (and drive) password. If
you forget the password, you cannot recover your data.
1. Click Start, Turn Off Computer, Restart.
2. When the logo screen appears, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility.
3. From the Security menu, enable Password Required to Boot.
4. From the Security menu, enable Internal hard disk drive lock.
5. Press F10 to save and exit BIOS Setup.
40 Reference Guide
Basic Operation
Taking Care of Your Computer
Taking Care of Your Computer
Use the following recommendations to maintain your computer during everyday use and
prevent potential physical damage or data loss.
To protect your hard disk drive
Hard disk drives, as well as other internal components, are not indestructible and can be
damaged by inappropriate handling and operation.
• Avoid bumps or jolts.
• Do not operate the computer while traveling over bumpy terrain.
• Suspend or shut down the computer before transporting it. This turns off the hard
drive. A drop of a few inches onto a rigid surface while the hard drive is operating
could destroy data or damage the drive.
• Carry the computer in a padded case to protect against bumps and jolts.
• Set down the computer gently.
To maintain your computer
• Provide adequate ventilation around the computer. Always set the computer on a flat
surface, so that air can flow freely around and underneath it.
• Always shut down the computer or put it in Hibernate mode before putting it in a
carrying case or other enclosed space.
• Do not pick up or carry the computer by its display.
• Observe the temperature limits and other specifications listed in “Hardware
Specifications” on page 134. Do not use the computer outside in the rain or snow
(inclement weather). If the computer is cold, warm it gradually to avoid condensation.
• Maintain your battery for best performance—see “To get the most from your
batteries” on page 50.
Reference Guide 41
Basic Operation
Taking Care of Your Computer
To safeguard your data
• Do not use a pointing device or activate any other device that interrupts operation
while the system is starting or stopping.
• Back up your work regularly. Copy files to floppy, CD-RW, or network drives.
• Use a virus-scanning program (such as the Norton AntiVirus program included with
your computer) to check the integrity of your files and operating system. Since new
viruses appear frequently, you will also want to update the program’s virus definitions
from time to time; updates are on the Web at www.symantec.com for Norton
AntiVirus.
• Check your disk using the Tools tab in the disk’s Properties window.
To extend the life of the display
• Set the display brightness to the lowest comfortable level (Fn+F1).
• When working at your desk, connect an external monitor and turn off the internal
display (Fn+F5).
• If you are not using an external monitor, set the Turn off monitor timeouts (for both
AC and battery operation) to the shortest comfortable interval.
• Avoid using a screen saver or other software that prevents the computer from
changing to Display-off or Standby mode after a timeout period. If you use a screen
saver, enable the option to shut off the display after a time delay.
• Do not disable Display-off or Standby timeouts.
• If you are using AC power and have no external monitor attached, put the computer in
Standby mode when not in use.
42 Reference Guide
Basic Operation
Taking Care of Your Computer
To clean your computer
• You can clean the computer with a soft cloth dam pened wi th clean water or with
water containing a mild detergent. Do not use an excessively wet cloth, and take care
to keep water out of the case.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners, especially on the display. Do not apply any cleaner
directly to the display. Instead, apply the cleaner to a soft cloth and then gently wipe
the display.
• You can clean the keyboard with a vacuum cleaner to remove accumulated dust.
Reference Guide 43
Batteries and Power Management
Reference Guide 45
Batteries and Power Management
Managing Power Consumption
Managing Power Consumption
When you’re running your computer on battery power, you will want to maximize
operating time without compromising performance. Your computer is designed to help
you reduce power consumption and extend battery life without needing to turn it off.
• During idle periods, the computer automatically enters power-saving modes after
specified timeout periods. You can adjust these timeouts to suit your working habits.
• You can manually send the computer into a power-saving mode at any time by
pressing the appropriate key—see “To manage power manually” on page 48.
How the computer manages power automatically
Your computer automatically enters Hibernate mode and Standby mode, and turns off the
hard disk and display based on values set in Power Options in Control Panel.
Automatic action Occurs after… To resume…
Turns off hard disk.
Turns off the hard disk drive. This is usually
set to occur shortly after the display is turned
off.
Turns off display.
Turns off the display to conserve battery
power and extend the life of the display.
Enters Standby mode.
Maintains your current session in RAM, and
turns off the display and other components
to conserve battery power.
Enters Hibernate mode.
Saves your current session to the hard disk,
and then turns off the computer.
CAUTION
Make a habit of saving your work before allowing your computer to enter Standby
mode. If power is interrupted while the computer is in Standby mode, any
information that was not saved will be lost.
The hard disk is not accessed
for the specified interval.
No keyboard, pointing device,
or other input activity occurs for
the specified interval.
No pointing devices are used,
no disk drive is accessed, and
no port (serial, parallel, or IR) is
active for the specified interval.
The computer stays in Standby
mode for the specified interval.
Begin using the computer:
the hard disk turns on
when needed.
Press any key or move a
pointing device to turn on
the display.
Press the power button to
return to your current
session.
Press the power button to
restore your previous
session.
46 Reference Guide
CAUTION
Batteries and Power Management
Managing Power Consumption
The computer can also enter Hibernate mode if battery power reaches a critically low
level—see “To respond to a low-battery warning” on page 50. If this happens, you will
find on resuming that all your data has been saved, but some functions may be disabled.
To resume normal operation, restore power by connecting an AC adapter or installing a
charged battery, and then shut the computer off and restart it.
Changing timeout settings and creating power schemes
You can adjust the periods of non-use after which your computer automatically shuts
down components or enters a power-saving mode. You can also save these settings as a
power scheme.
1. Open Power Options in Control Panel: click Start, Control Panel, Performance and
Maintenance, Power Options.
2. Click the Power Schemes tab, and enter the settings you want. If you don’t want a
particular timeout to occur, set the value to Never. See Windows Help for details.
If you want to save the settings as a power scheme, click Save As and enter a name
for the scheme.
Do not disable Hibernate support in the Power settings, or you will lose any
unsaved data if the computer’s battery runs down completely.
Managing CPU power
If your computer contains a multispeed processor with Intel SpeedStep Technology, the
processor can automatically switch to lower, power-saving speeds or to higherperformance speeds according to the workload.
You can customize CPU speed to best suit your working environment: click Start,
Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, Power Options. On the Power Schemes
tab, select a power scheme. This scheme automatically controls the processor speeds:
• The Max Battery scheme uses the lowest processor speeds while running on battery
power, but uses low and high processor speeds on AC power.
• The Portable/Laptop option uses low and high processor speeds on battery and AC
power.
See Windows Help for additional information about power schemes.
Reference Guide 47
Batteries and Power Management
Managing Power Consumption
To manage power manually
In addition to allowing the computer to enter its power-saving modes automatically, you
can also put it into any of the following three modes whenever you need to.
Power mode Does this… Use when… T o enter this mode…
Standby Maintains your current
session in RAM, and turns off
the display and other
components.
Hibernate Saves the current session to
disk, and then shuts down.
Provides maximum power
savings while still allowing
you to recover the current
session.
Off Turns off your computer,
providing maximum power
savings. The current session
will not be saved, and any
unsaved data will be lost.
You will be away
from your computer
for up to several
hours.
You will be away
from your computer
for a day or more,
but want to continue
your session.
You’re done with
your work.
Press the power button
–or–
click Start, Turn Off Computer,
Stand By.
Press Fn+F12.
Click Start, Turn Off
Computer, Turn Off
–or–
press the power button (only if
the Start menu procedure
doesn’t work).
You can also turn off the display by closing the lid.
48 Reference Guide
Batteries and Power Management
Using Battery Power
Using Battery Power
To check battery status
From the battery status light
You computer has a battery status light—see “Status Lights” on page 17.
From the Windows taskbar
The Windows taskbar can display a power icon that provides detailed battery status
information (see Windows Help for details). The icon looks like a battery when AC is not
connected.
• Place the pointer over the power icon to display the remaining battery charge. This
value is shown as either a percentage of charge remaining, or as time remaining.
• Double-click the power icon to open the Battery Meter window.
From the Windows Control Panel
• Click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, Power Options, and then
click the Power Meter tab to see the battery status. The Alarms and Advanced tabs
provide additional Windows’ po we r-information options.
On the battery
1. Remove the battery from the computer—see “Step 1: Install the battery” on page 19.
2. Press the contact pad on the side of the battery. The number of lights that turn on
indicates the remaining charge (each light represents 20% of a full charge).
Reference Guide 49
Note
Batteries and Power Management
Using Battery Power
To respond to a low-battery warning
The computer automatically alerts you when the battery power drops to a critically low
level. The computer first emits a high-pitched beep or displays a warning message. Then,
if you do not restore power within a short time, the computer goes into Hibernate mode.
Once the computer enters Hibernate mode in this way, you won’t be able to turn it on
again until you restore power by doing one of the following:
• Replace the battery with a charged one—see “Step 1: Install the battery” on page 19.
• Plug in the AC adapter—see “Step 2: Connect AC power” on page 21.
If you plug in the AC adapter, you can continue to work while your battery recharges.
To recharge the battery
CAUTION
The AC adapter is normally warm whenever plugged into an AC outlet. The
computer is normally warm while recharging. Don’t recharge the computer in a
briefcase or other confined space, or its battery could overheat.
• Plug the AC adapter into the computer.
To get the longest operating time, wait until the battery’s charge is below 50% before
recharging, and then charge it fully (100%). Charging can take up to approximately
2 hours. If you continue working while the battery charges, the charging time may
increase to 3 hours.
The operating time for a fully charged battery depends on your computer’s model, power
management settings, and level of use.
To get the most from your batteries
Follow these suggestions to make your battery’s power last as long as possible.
• Plug in the AC adapter, especially when using a CD-ROM or DVD drive, or any
external connections such as a PC Card or a modem.
• Set the display brightness to the lowest comfortable level (Fn+F1).
50 Reference Guide
Batteries and Power Management
Using Battery Power
• Put the computer in Standby mode whenever you are not using it for a short while:
press the power button, or click Start, Turn Off Computer, Standby.
• Put the computer in Hibernate mode whenever you want to save your current session,
but will not be using the computer for a day or more: press Fn+F12.
• Set the automatic timeout settings to emphasize saving power. If your computer has a
multispeed processor, use the lower speed on battery power (t he default settings
conserve battery power)—see “How the computer manages power automatically” on
page 46.
• If your computer has a wireless on-off button, turn off the wireless function when
you’re not using it. Press the wireless on-off button so the light turns off.
• Check that the display is using the Powerplay option. In Control Panel Display, on the
Settings tab click Advanced, and then on the Powerplay tab check whether Powerplay
is enabled. This allows the computer to save power when it’s not needed by the
display.
• If you have an I/O PC Card—that is, a PC Card having an external connection, such
as a network card—remove it when you’re not using it. Some I/O cards use
significant power even while they’re inactive.
• If you work with an application that uses the serial port or an I/O PC Card, exit the
application when you finish using it.
In addition, follow these suggestions to extend the life of your batteries.
• Do not leave batteries unused for long periods. If you have more than one, rotate
them.
• If you normally use AC power, make a practice of using the battery as your power
source at least once a week.
• Unplug the AC adapter when the computer is not in use.
• To preserve the life of a battery, be sure to charge it regularly.
• For long-term storage, the battery must be charged 20–50% to minimize capacity loss
by self-discharge and to avoid deterioration of battery performance.
• To maintain maximum battery capacity and accuracy of the battery gauge, perform
this calibration procedure every few months:
1. Click Start, All Programs, Utilities, Battery Optimizer.
2. Follow the displayed instructions to test and condition your battery. The process
could take 4–6 hours or more per battery. You can use the computer during the
process. If you interrupt the process, the battery might be left with a low charge.
Reference Guide 51
Modem and Network Connections
Reference Guide 53
Modem and Network Connections
Using the Modem
Using the Modem
You can connect your modem to a telephone line and communicate with other computers
throughout the world. You can explore the Internet, send and receive e-mail messages,
and use your PC to send and receive faxes. Your computer contains several software
programs that work with your modem:
• Internet Explorer, for browsing the World Wide Web
• Outlook Express, for sending and receiving e-mail messages
• Windows XP Fax Console software for sending and receiving faxes
The modem is a high-speed 56-Kbps modem. For best performance, you can connect to
any Internet Service Provider (ISP) or modem network that has V.90 or V.92
interoperable modems. Check with your ISP for a list of telephone numbers that support
V.90 or V.92.
The maximum speed for faxing is 14.4 Kbps. Even though the modem is capable of
downloading at 56 Kbps, your ISP or modem network may not operate at this speed or
support this technology. Please check with your service provider for information on its
capabilities. Furthermore, download transmission rates depend on the condition of the
telephone line.
54 Reference Guide
Modem and Network Connections
Using the Modem
To connect the modem
CAUTION
CAUTION
To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line
cord to connect the modem to the telephone wall jack.
1. Check that the telephone line is an analog line, sometimes called a data line. (You
must not use a digital line.)
2. Connect a telephone cord with an RJ-11 plug into a telephone jack. If the plug on the
phone cord doesn’t fit the jack, you may need to use an adapter.
3. Plug the other end of the phone cord into the built-in modem.
4. Check your modem’s country or region settings: click Start, Control Panel, Printers
and Other Hardware, Phone and Modem Options.
Your built-in modem may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch
exchange (PBX), cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and does not
work with party lines. Some of these connections may result in excess electrical
voltage and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem. Check your
telephone line type prior to connecting your phone line.
Reference Guide 55
Modem and Network Connections
Using the Modem
Special restrictions in certain countries
• Many countries impose a blackout period after a modem repeatedly fails to connect to
a service provider. The number of failed attempts and the period you must wait before
trying again differ from country to country: check with your telephone company.
For example, if you are dialing from Italy and fail to connect to your server or cancel
the connection, you must wait one minute before dialing that number again. If you
dial before then, you will get an error message that says “delay.” After the fourth
failed connection, you must wait one hour before trying the number again. If you dial
before the hour is up, you will get a message that says “black list.”
• When using a modem in the Republic of South Africa, an external surge protector
may be necessary in order to prevent computer damage by lightning or other electrical
surges. Connect any approved surge protector to the modem cable whenever you are
using the modem.
To connect to the Internet
Signing up with an Internet Service Provider
Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to set up an account with an Internet
Service Provider (ISP).
1. Connect your built-in modem—see the previous topic.
2. If available, double-click the Connect to the Internet or Easy Internet Signup icon on
the desktop. This launches the Internet Connection or New Connection wizard, which
helps you locate an ISP in your area, transfer an existing Internet account to this
computer, or set up an Internet connection manually.
–or–
If available, click Start, All Programs, Online Services, or click Start, All Programs,
Easy Internet Signup, and select one of the listed ISPs. This begins the registration
process for the ISP you choose.
Connecting to the Internet
1. Double-click the Internet Explorer icon on the desktop. For your first connection,
you’ll be prompted for information about your connection.
2. Click the Connect button in the Dial-up Connection or Network Connection s window.
To display an icon for your connection, open Network Connections in Control Panel,
right-click the connection, select Properties, and select the icon option.
56 Reference Guide
Modem and Network Connections
Using the Modem
To disconnect from the Internet
You remain connected to the Internet until you shut down the computer, disconnect the
phone line from the computer, or give a command to hang up the connection.
• Click Start, Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, Network Connections,
and then right-click the connection and select Disconnect.
–or–
Double-click the connect icon in the taskbar, and click Disconnect. (You can enable
this icon as described in “To connect to the Internet,” above.)
To dial in to a network
You can use the modem to dial in to a LAN (local area network) that supports dial-in
connections. This gives you access to network resources from a remote location.
• See Windows Help for information about setting up and using d ial-in network
connections—click Start, Help and Support.
Reference Guide 57
Modem and Network Connections
Using the Modem
To change your modem settings
The modem is already set up to be compatible with telephone systems and modems in
most areas. However, in some situations, you may have to change modem settings to
match local conditions. If you have questions about local requirements, contact your
telephone company.
• Control Panel. Open Phone and Modem Options in Control Panel to change many
modem settings. On the Modems tab, click Properties to set connection speeds, or on
the Dialing Rules tab click Edit to set dialing options.
• Communications software. Many communi cat i ons a ppl i cations provide options for
controlling modem settings. See the help for your software.
• AT commands. You can control many aspects of modem operation using modem AT
commands. AT commands are special strings of characters sent to the modem to set
up specific conditions. Those command strings normally start with “AT”. For a list of
AT commands for the built-in modem, see “Modem Reference Information” on
page 137.
Open Phone and Modem Options in Control Panel. On the Modems tab, click
Properties. You can type AT commands on the Advanced tab in the space for extra
settings.
For example, to force a built-in modem to turn off its speaker, you can use the M0
command as shown in table of AT commands—type ATM0 in the space for extra
settings.
58 Reference Guide
Modem and Network Connections
Using the Modem
To send and receive e-mail
Sending and receiving e-mail requires an e-mail account with an Internet Service
Provider or with your company’s communications system. If you are using AOL, e-mail
services are part of your AOL service. For another ISP, you can use Outlook Express
(included with your computer) or an e-mail system of your choice. This topic includes
instructions for using Outlook Express.
To start Outlook Express
1. Click Start, All Programs, Outlook Express, or double-click Outlook Express on the
desktop (if available).
2. If you are not currently connected to the Internet, the Dial-up Connection window
appears. Choose Connect to connect to the Internet.
To send an e-mail message
1. In Outlook Express, click the New Mail or Create Mail tool on the toolbar.
2. Fill in the information in the New Message window.
3. When you’re finished, click the Send button.
To receive e-mail messages
1. In Outlook Express, click the Send/Recv tool on the toolbar to have Outlook deliver
new messages.
2. Click the Inbox folder to view the list of messages. Unread messages appear bold on
the screen.
3. To view a message, click it once. (Or double-click to view the message in its own
window.)
Reference Guide 59
Modem and Network Connections
Using the Modem
To send and receive faxes
Sending and receiving faxes requires just a telephone connection—you don’t need an
Internet connection. You can use the modem and fax software to send and receive faxes
on your computer. Fax Console fax software is included with Windows XP.
To set up Fax Console
Before you can use Fax Console, you need to install it.
1. Click Start, Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs.
2. Click Add/Remove Windows Components, select Fax Services, and follow the
instructions on the screen. If prompted for the Windows CD, point instead to the
c:\i386 directory.
To start Fax Console
• Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Fax, Fax Console.
The first time you start Fax Console, the Fax Configuration Wizard steps you through the
process of setting options and customizing the program for your personal use. Follow the
onscreen instructions. If you’re not sure which setting to choose, accept the default
choice.
To send a fax
• Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Fax, Send a Fax, and then
follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
If instead you want to send a document as a fax, open the document in its application
window, and then open the Print dialog box. Change the selected printer to Fax, and th en
print it.
To receive faxes
Faxes are automatically received when Fax Console is running in an open or minimized
window. New faxes are indicated in the status box in the Fax Console window. To
receive a fax manually:
• When a fax call is coming in, click Receive now on the Fax Console menu bar.
To view and print a fax
1. In the Fax Console tree, click Inbox, and then double-click the fax you want to view.
2. Click the printer icon to print the fax.
60 Reference Guide
Modem and Network Connections
Connecting to a LAN
Connecting to a LAN
You can connect to local area networks (LANs). LANs give you access to network
resources, such as printers and file servers on your corporate network, and possibly to the
Internet.
To connect to a LAN
1.
Check that the existing LAN supports Ethernet 10Base-T (10 Mbps) or 100Base-TX
(100 Mbps) connections.
2.
Plug the LAN cable (not supplied) into the built-in LAN port. The cable must have an
RJ-45 connector.
3.
Windows automatically detects and sets up a LAN connection. To edit settings, open
Network and Dial-up Connections in Control Panel.
See Windows Help for information about setting up and using LAN connections—click
Start, Help and Support. Contact your network administrator for network infor mation .
Two lights next to the LAN port indicate the status of the connection:
• The yellow light indicates network activity.
• The green light indicates a 100 MB per second link.
Reference Guide 61
Modem and Network Connections
Making Wireless Network Connections
Making Wireless Network Connections
If your computer includes a wireless on-off button—located on the right side of the front
of the computer—you can connect by radio to an 802.11 wireless local area network
(LAN) and access computers and other resources on the network.
A wireless network provides all the functions of a typical “wired” network, but also
provides for “roaming.” Since your computer connects to the network by radio rather
than through cables, you can move from place to place within the network—from your
office to a conference room, for example—and remain on the network the entire time.
To prepare for connections
Before you can connect your computer to a particular 802.11 wireless network, you have
to configure the computer for the specific wireless connection.
Connecting to an Existing Wireless Network
You can connect to an access point that gives you access to a local area network, or you
can connect directly to other computers in an “adhoc” network.
1. Right-click the wireless network connection icon in the taskbar, and then select View
Available Wireless Networks from the pop-up menu.
2. A list of available networks appears. Select the network you want, enter the
encryption key if required, and click Connect.
If the network you want is not on the list, click Advanced, Configure, and enter the
required network parameters. If the network is not using 802.1x authentication
protocol, clear the automatic key option.
3. On the General tab, edit network settings as needed for your local network. See your
network administrator. You can also display an icon in the taskbar when connected to
a network.
4. On the Wireless Networks tab, view the wireless networks available within range.
Each network SSID is listed. Click the network you want and click Configure.
62 Reference Guide
Modem and Network Connections
Making Wireless Network Connections
5. If the wireless network uses standard encrypted communication, uncheck the
automatic key option, and then select the following parameters—see your network
administrator for the required settings:
• Key: ASCII passphrase or hexadecimal key string.
• Key format: ASCII for passphrase, hexadecimal for key string.
• Key length: smaller number for 64-bit encryption, larger number for 128-bit.
6. Click OK to save the configuration. This network is added to your list of preferred
networks.
The computer automatically connects to the first preferred network that’s within range if
wireless communication is turned on—see “To turn wireless communication on and off”
on page 64.
Creating a New Computer-to-Computer Network (A dHoc)
You can set up a new network available to other local computers.
1. Click Start, Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, Network Connections.
2. Double-click the wireless connection to show its status, and then click Properties.
3. On the Wireless Networks tab, click Add to create a new network.
4. Type a name for the new network.
5. If you want to use encrypted communication, uncheck the automatic key option, and
then select the following parameters:
• Key: ASCII passphrase or hexadecimal key string.
• Key format: ASCII for passphrase, hexadecimal for key string.
• Key length: smaller number for 64-bit encryption, larger number for 128-bit.
6. Mark the option to make this a computer-to-computer (adhoc) network.
7. Click OK to save the configuration. This network is added to your list of preferred
networks and becomes available to other computers.
Reference Guide 63
Modem and Network Connections
Making Wireless Network Connections
To turn wireless communication on and off
Important
Wireless networks and cellular modems are examples of devices that use wireless
communication. Such devices may be restricted in some situations or environments,
such as when traveling in an airplane. If in doubt, be sure to ask for authorization before
turning on your computer’s wireless networking.
In Italy, Singapore, and possibly other countries, you may be required to ask the
responsible authority for a license paid for by you before using the wireless function.
Turning on communication and making a connection
If your computer has both wireless 802.11 and Bluetooth capabilities, the wireless
indicator light on the front of the computer turns on whe n B luet ooth or 802.11
communication is turned on, but it doesn’t show whether Bluetooth, 802.11, or both
functions are active. You must use the Wireless Configuration software to control the
individual wireless functions.
1. If the computer isn’t on, turn it on.
2. If you normally press the wireless on-off button on the front of the computer to turn
wireless 802.11 communication on and off, press the button so the indicator light
turns on. This restores your previous wireless configuration.
–or–
Click Start, All Programs, Utilities, Wireless Configuration, then click the 802.11
button to turn on wireless 802.11 communication.
–or–
Click Start, Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, Network Connections,
and then double-click the wireless network connection icon.
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Making Wireless Network Connections
If you’re within range of your wireless network, your computer automatically connects.
To check the status of your wireless connection, open Network Connections in Control
Panel and double-click the connection.
Turning off communication and ending a connection
1. Important: close any files that reside on other network computers.
2. To turn off the wireless 802.11 communication without turning off the computer,
press the wireless on-off button—this also turns off Bluetooth communication if it
was enabled.
–or–
Click Start, All Programs, Utilities, Wireless Configuration, then click the 802.11
button to turn off wireless 802.11 communication—without affecting Bluetooth
communication.
–or–
Right-click the wireless network connection icon in the taskbar and select Disable.
Suspending or shutting down the computer also turns off the wireless function.
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Modem and Network Connections
Making Wireless Bluetooth Connections
Making Wireless Bluetooth Connections
If your computer includes Bluetooth wireless capabilities, you can use it to make shortrange radio connections to a wireless personal area network (PAN) and access other
Bluetooth-compatible devices, such as other computers, cell phones, and printers.
Since the Bluetooth function connects your computer by radio rather than through cables,
you can move around and remain connected, and you can detect new Bluetooth devices
automatically when they enter your area.
To turn Bluetooth communication on and off
Important
Wireless communication may be restricted in some situations or environments, such as
when traveling in an airplane. If in doubt, be sure to ask for authorization before turning
on your computer’s wireless networking.
In Italy, Singapore, and possibly other countries, you may be required to purchase a
license from the responsible authority before using the wireless function.
Turning on Bluetooth communication
The wireless indicator light on the front of the computer turns on when Bluetooth or
802.11 communication is turned on, but it doesn’t show whether Bluetooth, 802.11, or
both functions are active. You must use the Wireless Configuration software to control
the individual wireless functions.
1. If your computer isn’t on, turn it on.
2. If you normally press the wireless on-off button on the front of the computer to turn
Bluetooth communication on and off, press the button so the indicator light turns on.
This restores your previous wireless configuration.
–or–
Click Start, All Programs, Utilities, Wireless Configuration, then click the Bluetooth
button to turn on Bluetooth communication.
–or–
If the Wireless Configuration icon is present in the taskbar, double-click the icon,
then click the Bluetooth button to turn on Bluetooth communication.
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Making Wireless Bluetooth Connections
Turning off Bluetooth communication
Turning off communication ends any connection you have open.
1. Important: close any files that reside on other network computers.
2. To turn off Bluetooth communication without turning off your computer, press the
wireless on-off button—this also turns off 802.11 communication if it was enabled.
–or–
Click Start, All Programs, Utilities, Wireless Configuration, then click the Bluetooth
button to turn off Bluetooth communication—without affecting 802.11
communication.
–or–
If the Wireless Configuration icon is present in the taskbar, double-click the icon,
then click the Bluetooth button to turn off Bluetooth communication—without
affecting 802.11 communication.
Turning off the computer or putting it into hibernation also turns off the Bluetooth
function.
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Modem and Network Connections
Making Wireless Bluetooth Connections
To prepare for Bluetooth connections
Before you use your computer to access other Bluetooth devices, you should configure
some basic settings.
1. Make sure Bluetooth communication is turned on—see the previous topic.
2. Double-click the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar.
3. In the menu bar, click Bluetooth, Device Configuration. (This menu is available only
while Bluetooth folders are selected.)
4. On the General tab, check the following settings:
Give your computer a unique name that will identify it to other Bluetooth users.
Set the computer type to Laptop.
Select the security mode you want to use.
5. On the Information Exchange tab, check the following settings:
Check the directory you want to make available to other Bluetooth users for sharing
files, both sent and received.
Check the directory where you want to store your business card file so you can easily
send it to other Bluetooth users.
Check the inbox directory where you want delivered files from other Bluetooth users
to be stored automatically.
Detailed information about these and other advanced settings are included in the online
help.
To create your business card, you can open Microsoft Outl oo k, the n ope n the address
book and create a new contact. After entering your personal information, click File,
Export To vCard File and store the file in your business card directory.
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Making Wireless Bluetooth Connections
To send or receive files using Bluetooth
If your computer includes Bluetooth wireless capabilities, it supports the following
common protocols for transferring data. To use either protocol, both computers must
support that protocol—check the other computer’s Bluetooth documentation.
• FTP, meaning files can be copied into and out of shared directories (folders) by both
computers. This service is equivalent to common network file sharing.
• OPP (object push profile), meaning both computers can send certain types of
Microsoft Outlook data to the other computer’s Bluetooth inbox, but cannot retrieve
files from the other computer.
Sharing files with another Bluetooth device (FTP)
1. Double-click the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar.
2. In My Bluetooth Places, select and open the other device to view files in its shared
directory.
3. Use Windows Explorer or other software to copy or move files between your
computer and other device.
Sending Outlook data to another Bluetooth device (OPP)
1. Double-click the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar.
2. In My Bluetooth Places, select and open the other device.
3. To send a calendar item, note, or message, right-click the device’s inbox and select
the option you want, then select the file to send. The file arrives in the device’s inbox
directory.
–or–
To send your business card, right-click the device’s inbox and select the option to
send your business card.
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Modem and Network Connections
Making Wireless Bluetooth Connections
To connect to a Bluetooth printer or serial device
You can connect your computer to a Bluetooth serial device—for example, you could
print from a word processor to a Bluetooth serial printer.
1. Make sure Bluetooth communication is turned on—see “To turn Bluetooth
communication on and off” on page 66.
2. Install the printer software that comes with the Bluetooth printer. The following
details are for the HP Deskjet 995C printer:
a. Insert the CD that came with the printer. If the setup program doesn’t run, click
Start, Run and run \setup.exe on the CD.
b. When prompted, click the option for installing the printer software. Follow the
displayed instructions. For each screen, click the right arrow to continue.
c. Wh en prompted to select how the printer is connecting, select the Bluetooth
option.
d. When you reach the Bluetooth information screen with no right arrow, click the X
to exit.
3. Double-click the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar.
4. In the menu bar, click Bluetooth, Device Configuration. (This menu is available only
while Bluetooth folders are selected.)
5. On the Client Applications tab, find the Bluetooth serial port and note the name of the
COM port at the far right, such as COM4. You can also create new COM ports for
multiple serial devices.
6. After writing down the COM port number, close the Bluetooth configuration window.
7. Click Start, Printers and Faxes.
8. Right-click the printer icon for the Bluetooth printer and select Properties.
9. On the Ports tab, find the Bluetooth COM port you noted above, click the box next to
the port name so it is checked, then click OK. This enables access to the printer via
the Bluetooth serial port.
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Making Wireless Bluetooth Connections
10. Double-click the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar.
11. In the menu bar, click Bluetooth, Search For Devices.
12. Double-click the printer icon for the Bluetooth printer you want to use, then doubleclick the serial port icon that is shown. When you see a message confirming this
printer will use the Bluetooth COM port, click OK.
Whenever you print to this printer, it will use the Bluetooth connection you
established.
To make a dial-up connection via a Bluetooth phone
If you have a Bluetooth cellular phone, you can use it with your computer to make a dialup connection to your Internet service provider.
1. Make sure your Bluetooth phone is available for connection—see the manufacturer’s
instructions. Some phones must be set for detection and may be detectable by other
Bluetooth devices for only a short time.
2. On the computer, double-click the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar, then select Entire
Bluetooth Neighborhood.
3. In the menu bar, click Bluetooth, Search For Devices.
4. In the left half of the window, double-click the Bluetooth phone to discover its
available services.
5. Optional: In the left half of the window, right-click the Bluetooth phone and select
Pair Devices, then type a passkey on the computer and phone when prompted. Some
phones may require this step. For others, this keeps the phone on your list of
Bluetooth devices for future use.
6. In the right half of the window, double-click Dial-Up Networking.
7. When prompted, type your user name, password, and phone number to dial., then
click Dial.
To close the dial-up connection, click the Bluetooth phone in the left side of the Windows
Explorer window, then in the right half of the window right-click Dial-Up Networking
and select the option to disconnect.
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Add-On Devices
Reference Guide 73
Add-On Devices
Connecting PC Cards
Connecting PC Cards
The computer’s PC Card slot is available for storing data and expanding the
communication capabilities of the computer. The computer supports standard Type II and
III PC Cards (PCMCIA and CardBus). You can insert one card of any type.
To insert or remove a PC Card
Inserting a PC Card
1. Hold the PC Card with its face up and its connector holes toward the card slot.
2. Slide the PC Card all the way into the bottom of the slot. Most cards are properly
seated when the outer edge is flush with the casing of the computer, but some cards
are designed to protrude from the case.
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CAUTION
Add-On Devices
Connecting PC Cards
Removing a PC Card
Before removing a PC Card, you must use the Eject Hardware or Safely Remove
Hardware icon in the taskbar, or shut down the computer. Otherwise, you could
lose data.
1. Before removing the card, click the Eject Hardware or Safely Remove Hardware icon
in the taskbar, and then click the card you want to remove. This protects your data and
helps avoid unexpected problems.
If needed, you can restart the card by removing and then reinserting it.
2. Press the eject button to pop the button out, and then press it in to eject the PC Card.
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Add-On Devices
Connecting External Devices
Connecting External Devices
To identify connectors for external devices
The diagrams below show your computer’s connectors for external devices and for the
port replicator.
Locating connectors on the computer
1. PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse port (supports Y adapt e r).
2. AC adapter jack.
3. Two universal serial bus (USB) ports.
4. LAN port.
5. S-video port.
6. Parallel port (LPT1). Use this port for a parallel printer or other parallel device.
7. Serial port (COM1).
8. External monitor port.
9. Modem port.
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Connecting External Devices
10. PC Card and CardBus slot. See “Connecting PC Cards” on page 74.
11. IEEE 1394 port (on certain models).
12. Audio ports.
13. Infrared port (on certain models).
Locating connectors on the port replicator
1. AC adapter jack.
2. PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse ports.
3. USB ports.
4. External monitor port.
5. Parallel port.
6. Serial port.
7. LAN port.
8. Digital audio port (SPDIF).
9. S-video port.
10. Audio ports (microphone, headphone, line-in).
11. USB port.
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Add-On Devices
Connecting External Devices
Note
Before you connect any device, check its documentation to see if you need to make any
settings or adjustments to the equipment before using it. This might include setting
switches to configure the equipment so that it will operate properly with your computer
and the software you plan to use.
To connect a printer or other parallel device
The computer’s parallel port uses a standard 25-pin connector, most commonly used for
connecting dot-matrix, ink-jet, and laser printers. You can also use it to connect a parallel
Zip drive.
• Connect the cable from the parallel printer or other parallel device to the computer’s
parallel port.
To connect an external keyboard or mouse
• Plug a USB mouse or keyboard into a USB port.
–or–
• Plug a PS/2 mouse or keyboard into a PS/2 port.
The pointing stick and touch pad are normally disabled while an external PS/2 mouse is
connected.
To connect a PS/2 mouse and keyboard at the same time, use the HP F1469A Y adapter.
To connect a USB device
Your computer’s universal serial bus (USB) provides a bi-directional serial interface for
adding peripheral devices such as game controllers, serial and parallel ports, and scanners
on a single bus.
• Attach the device’s USB cable to one of the USB ports. Windows automatically
recognizes the USB device. Some USB devices can be connected to the computer in
series—this is called a daisy-chain connection.
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Connecting External Devices
Note
CAUTION
If you have problems making this connection, contact the device manufacturer and the
Compaq Consumer Support Web site (www.compaq.com/consumersupport) for the
latest version of the driver for the device.
To connect an audio device
You can plug in an external microphone, external speakers, or headphones. In addition, if
you connect your computer to the port replicator, you can plug in a stereo source (such as
a CD player) or a device that accepts digital audio (such as a digital audio recorder).
The headphone and line-in jacks are three-terminal stereo jacks. They are not
compatible with two-terminal mono plugs. Connecting a mono plug into either of
these jacks may damage the computer.
• Attach the audio cable to the corresponding audio port on the computer or port
replicator.
Note
1. External microphone.
2. Audio out (headphones).
When you plug a device into the headphone port, the built-in speakers automatically
turn off. When you plug a device into either audio port on the computer, any device
connected to the corresponding port on the port replicator is ignored.
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Add-On Devices
Connecting External Devices
To use an external monitor
Connecting an external monitor
1. Click Start, Turn Off Computer, Turn Off.
2. Connect the monitor cable from the monitor to the monitor port on the back of the
computer.
3. Connect the monitor to a power source and turn it on.
4. Press the power button to turn on the computer.
Switching the display to the external monitor
• Press Fn+F5 to cycle through the display options: notebook display, external monitor,
both.
–or–
Click Start, All Programs, Utilities, Display Settings.
You can also add a display settings icon in the taskbar for quick access.
• If you need to use both displays at once, press Fn+F5 repeatedly until the image
shows on both displays. With the default display settings, the external monitor uses
the same settings as the internal display. The external monitor displays the same
image as the internal display, regardless of the screen area, colors, and other settings,
and the refresh rate is the same for as the internal display (60 Hz). If you use only the
external monitor, you can select settings that aren’t limited by the internal display.
Adjusting monitor resolution and other settings
1. Click Start, Control Panel, Appearance and Themes, Display.
2. On the Settings tab, adjust the Screen area. Other settings are also available.
For high-resolution external monitors, see “Hardware Specifications” on page 134 for the
maximum supported resolutions, colors, and refresh rates. The capabilities of external
monitors vary greatly, and the display quality of your monitor may not be optimal at
higher settings.
If you need to increase the refresh rate on the external monitor, you can switch to only the
external monitor. An alternative is to make one display a “secondary” display so you can
select independent refresh rates:
1. Click Start, Control Panel, Appearance and Themes, Display.
2. On the Settings tab, click the Advanced button, and then the Displays or Monitor tab.
Set the refresh rate on the Monitor tab.
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Connecting External Devices
Using dual display mode
You can extend your desktop by connecting an extern al monitor to your computer.
1. Click Start, Control Panel, Appearance and Themes, Display.
2. Click the Settings tab.
3. Click the second display, and then select the optio n to extend the desktop.
You can set different resolutions and numbers of colors for each display. However, using
the Extended Desktop requires video memory for each display. For this reason, higher
resolutions and higher numbers of colors may cause unexpected behavior on the displays.
Try starting with 1024 × 768 resolution on the external display and 64 K colors (16-bit)
on both displays. You can then try higher settings to see whether they work for your
applications. In addition, certain operations such as playing DVDs and running 3D
graphics require extra video memory, so you may have to adjust display settings.
If you’re playing a DVD movie, the movie will show only on the primary display. To
change the primary display, go to the Settings tab of Display Properties (see the steps
above), right-click the display you want, and select Primary.
To use a TV set as a monitor
You can connect a television set or other video device to your computer to use as a
display.
To connect a TV set
1. Connect the TV set to the S-video port using a standard S-video cable, or a
composite-video adapter with a standard RCA-type video cable.
For best quality and operation, use a TV with an S-video input and connect an Svideo cable from the computer to the TV. If the only connection available is a
composite phono (RCA-type) connection, a good-quality standard cable is
recommended. However, some S-video/composite adapters will not work for this
application. Contact Customer Service for more information.
2. Optional: connect an audio cable from the computer’s headphone output jack to the
TV audio input. The S-video port doesn’t include audio output.
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Connecting External Devices
To activate the TV display
• Click Start, All Programs, Utilities, Display Settings, then select the TV option.
If the image on the TV is bad, the format used for TV output may be incorrect for your
TV. In North America, the normal setting is NTSC. In Europe, Asia, and Africa, the
normal setting is PAL. To change the TV format, open Control Panel Display, then on the
Settings tab click Advanced. On the Displays tab, click the TV button, then set the format
on the Format tab.
To play DVD movies on the TV
The movie shows only on the main display. If the movie doesn’t appear on the TV, open
Display in Control Panel, click the Settings tab, then click Advanced and make the TV a
“primary” display.
For more information, see “To play DVD movies” on page 36.
To connect an IEEE 1394 device
Note
If your computer has an IEEE 1394 port (located on the computer’s left side), you can
use it to connect devices such as audio and video equipment, disk drives, printers, and
other computers.
• Attach the device’s cable to the IEEE 1394 port on the computer’s left side. Windows
automatically recognizes the device.
The IEEE 1394 port is a 4-wire port. If you want to connect a device that has a 6-wire
plug, you should buy a simple adapter if the device is unpowered, or a hub if the device
requires power.
If you have problems making this connection, contact the device manufacturer and the
Compaq Consumer Support Web site (www.compaq.com/consumersupport) for the
latest version of the driver for the device.
To connect a serial device
The computer includes a standard 9-pin serial port that you can use to connect devices
such as external modems and fax modems.
• Connect the device’s serial cable to the computer’s serial port.
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Connecting External Devices
To connect an infrared device
If your model has an infrared port—a small, rectangular lens located on the front of the
computer—it provides wireless, serial communication between the computer and other
infrared devices such as printers or other computers.
By default, the infrared port is not enabled, so you must enable it before you can use it.
1. Click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System.
2. On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager and expand the infrared devices. Doubleclick the infrared port and select the option to enable the device.
Using the infrared port
• Make sure the infrared ports of your computer and the other device lie in as straight a
line as possible. The two ports should be no more than 1 meter apart, with no
obstructions in between. Noise from nearby equipment can cause transmission errors.
• To check the status of communications, open Wireless Link in Control Panel.
Disabling the infrared port
You should generally disable infrared communication when you aren’t using it.
1. Close any applications that are using infrared, and any folders on an infrared link.
2. Click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System.
3. On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager and expand the infrared devices. Doubleclick the infrared port and select the option to disable the device.
Printing to an infrared printer
• Install your printer and assign it to the computer’s infrared port. You can then print
from your applications as you would to any other printer.
Transferring files through an infrared connection
You can use your computer’s infrared port to transfer files by using Wireless Link. See
the Windows online help for instructions on using Wireless Link.
Reference Guide 83
CAUTION
Hint
Add-On Devices
Connecting External Devices
To use a port replicator
A port replicator provides your computer with external connections that you can leave in
place whenever you remove the computer from your desk. Instead of disconnecting and
reconnecting peripheral devices, you can simply undock and dock the computer.
Use only the F4600, F4814, or 0950-4334 AC adapter included with your computer
(or other approved adapter that meets the power requirements of the computer).
Do not use a 60-watt, 3.16-amp adapter, such as the F1454A or F1781A, and do not
use DC adapter accessories F1455A and F2297A.
Using the wrong AC adapter could damage the computer or adapter and may void
your warranty (see “Limited Warranty Statement" on page 130).
You can dock or undock the computer in any power state: on, off, standby, or
hibernation. Make sure, however, that the computer is not entering into or resuming from
standby or hibernation when you dock or undock, or the computer could lock up.
Before docking or undocking your computer, save your data and close any applications
associated with external connections that might be affected. Do this as a precaution
against an unlikely docking problem.
To dock to the port replicator
1. Plug in the AC adapter, and then connect it to the back of the port replicator. You can
also operate the port replicator using power from the computer battery.
2. Remove the rubber cover from the docking connector on the bottom of the computer.
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Connecting External Devices
3. Align the computer with the locator posts on the port replicator.
Note
4. Press the computer down until both sides click into place.
5. If the computer is off, open the computer and press the power button to turn it on. The
lights on the port replicator turn on.
When the computer is docked, you can use the computer’s security connector to secure
the computer. To secure both the computer and port replicator, install the Kensington
lock in the security connector next to the undock button—this locks the undock button.
If a device is connected to an audio port on the computer, any device connected to the
corresponding port on the port replicator is ignored.
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Add-On Devices
Connecting External Devices
To undock from the port replicator
1. Press down the undock button on the right side of the port replicator.
2. Lift the computer out of the port replicator.
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Add-On Devices
Installing Additional RAM
Installing Additional RAM
The computer has no memory (RAM) built in but has two slots that hold two RAM
modules. At least one slot contains a RAM module installed at the factory. You can use
both slots to expand your RAM.
To install a RAM expansion module
Use HP PC2100 DDR-266 or higher RAM only.
You’ll need a small Phillips screwdriver for these steps.
CAUTION
Your computer’s chips are extremely sensitive to static electricity, and can be
permanently damaged by it. Handle the RAM module only by its edges. Before
installing the memory module, discharge your body’s static electricity by touching
the metal shielding around the connectors on the back of the computer.
1. Click Start, Turn Off Computer, Turn Off.
2. Important: unplug the AC adapter, if present, and remove the battery.
3. Turn the unit bottom-side up, loosen the screws holding the RAM cover, and remove
the cover.
4. Insert the RAM board into the connector at about a 30° angle until it is fully inserted.
Then press down at both sides until both latches snap closed.
5. Replace the cover.
6. Insert the battery.
Reference Guide 87
CAUTION
Add-On Devices
Installing Additional RAM
To remove a RAM expansion module
You may want to remove a RAM module so you can install a larger one. You’ll need a
small Phillips screwdriver for these steps.
Your computer’s chips are extremely sensitive to static electricity, and can be
permanently damaged by it. Handle the RAM module only by its edges. Before
installing the memory module, discharge your body’s static electricity by touching
the metal shielding around the connectors on the back of the computer.
1. Click Start, Turn Off Computer, Turn Off.
2. Important: unplug the AC adapter, if present, and remove the battery.
3. Turn the unit bottom-side up, loosen the screws holding the RAM cover, and remove
the cover.
4. Release the two latches at the sides of the RAM board, so the free edge of the board
pops up.
5. Pull the board out of the connector.
6. Replace the cover.
7. Insert the battery.
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Add-On Devices
Replacing the Hard Disk Drive
Replacing the Hard Disk Drive
To replace the hard disk drive
You’ll need a small Phillips screwdriver for this procedure.
1. Unplug the AC adapter if you’re using one, and remove the battery.
2. Turn the unit bottom side up.
3. Use a pointed tool to remove the plugs from the two screw holes, and then remove the
two screws.
4. Gently pull the hard drive out of the computer.
Important
5. Gently slide the new drive into the hard drive compartment. Press firmly to make sure
the connector seats properly.
6. Reinstall the hard drive screws and plugs.
If you are installing a new hard disk drive, you should create a Utility partition on the
drive before loading any software. See “To recover the factory installation of your hard
disk” on page 122.
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Add-On Devices
Replacing the Hard Disk Drive
To replace the hard disk drive holder
If you are installing a new hard drive that does not have a holder, you can remove the
holder parts from the old hard drive. You’ll need a small Phillips screwdriver for this
procedure.
1. Remove the four screws from the sides of the holder and drive case, and then slide the
drive out of the holder.
2. Notice that the hard drive has a pin connector attachment at one end. Carefully
remove this connector from the end of the drive. Work alternately at each end so that
the connector slides off evenly without bending the connector pins.
3. Carefully put the pin connector attachment back onto the pins on the end of the new
hard drive. Work alternately at each end so that the connector slides on evenly
without bending the connector pins.
4. Insert the drive into the holder.
5. Reinstall the screws into the holder and drive case.
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Replacing the Hard Disk Drive
To prepare a new hard disk drive
When you install a new hard disk drive, you also need to prepare it to be able to work
with your computer.
• If you want to restore the Windows software and operating system that were
originally installed on your computer, you can do so using the QuickRestore SystemRecovery CD that also came with your computer—see “To recover the factory
installation of your hard disk” on page 122.
Reference Guide 91
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Reference Guide 93
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Troubleshooting Your Computer
Troubleshooting Your Computer
This section contains solutions to a many types of problems you might have with your
computer. Try the solutions one at a time, in the order in which they are presented.
Here are some other sources of information for troubleshooting:
• Click Start, Help and Support, Fixing a Problem, and use the Windows
troubleshooters.
• See the Microsoft Windows manual shipped with the computer.
• Find technical tips, troubleshooting guides, and software updates for the computer at
the Compaq Consumer Support Web site (www.compaq.com/consumersupport).
• Test your computer by running the e-Diagtools test program—see “Testing the
Hardware” on page 116.
• Contact your dealer or see “To get support or service” on page 126. Please have your
computer with you when you call.
Audio Problems
If no sound is audible
• If your model has a volume control, press the back end of it several times.
• Click the speaker icon on the taskbar (if present), and make sure that Mute is not
checked and the Volume Control slider is not set to the bottom. Or, if your model has
an audio mute button, press it so the indicator light goes off.
• When you are operating your computer in MS-DOS mode (for example, when
running MS-DOS games), you may find that the sound does not operate properly. Use
Windows applications for full use of sound capabilities.
If sound does not record
• Plug in an external microphone. The computer does not have a built-in microphon e.
• Check the software controls for recording sound: click Start, All Programs,
• In Volume Control, click Options, Properties, and make sure the microphone is
enabled in the recording controls.
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Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Troubleshooting Your Computer
• Test the audio with the e-Diagtools diagnostics—see “Testing the Hardware” on
page 116.
If you hear a loud high-pitched whine (feedback) from the speakers
• In the Volume Control, try reducing the Master volume: double-click the speaker icon
in the taskbar.
• In Volume Control, click Options, Properties, and select the microphone option for
the playback settings. Then in Volume Control, make sure the microphone is muted.
CD-ROM and DVD Problems
If you can’t boot from a CD or DVD in the CD/DVD drive
• Make sure the CD or DVD is bootable, such as the QuickRestore System Recovery
CD.
• Make sure the CD-ROM/DVD drive is selected as the boot device—see “To change
the boot device” on page 28.
• Restart the computer: click Start, Turn Off Computer, Restart.
• Test the DVD drive with the e-Diagtools diagnostics—see “Testing the Hardware” on
page 116.
If a DVD plays erratically
• Dirt or smudges can cause a disc to skip. Clean the disc with a soft cloth. If the disc is
badly scratched, it will probably have to be replaced.
• If you’re playing the DVD on battery power, try changing the power scheme. See the
hint under “To play DVD movies” on page 36.
If a DVD movie stops playing in the middle
• The DVD may be double-sided. Open the DVD tray, and read the text near the center
hole of the disc. If it says Side A, flip the disc over, close the tray, and press the Play
button to continue playing the movie.
• You may have accidentally paused the DVD movie. Press the Play button to resume.
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If you get a Region Code error when playing a DVD movie
• DVDs can have regional codes embedded in the disc data. These codes prevent DVD
movies from being played outside the region of the world in which they are sold. If
you get a Region Code error, you are trying to play a DVD intended for a different
region.
If the computer cannot read a CD or DVD
• For a single-sided CD or DVD, make sure the disc is placed in the drive with the label
facing up.
• Clean the disc.
• Wait 5 to 10 seconds after closing the tray to give the computer time to recognize the
disc.
• Restart the system: remove the disc from the drive, and click Start, Turn Off
Computer, Restart.
• If you created the CD on a CD-RW-type drive, try using a different media brand. We
recommend using Compaq- or HP-approved media. Read and write quality may vary
for other media.
If a DVD movie doesn’t fill the screen
• Each side of a double-sided DVD has a different format (standa r d or wi descreen). In
widescreen format, black bands appear at the top and bottom of the screen. To view
the standard format, flip the disc over and play the other side.
If a DVD doesn’t play with two displays
• If you’re using the Extended Desktop (dual displays), move the player window to the
display selected as primary. If you’re not using Extended Desktop and both disp lays
are active, press Fn+F5 to switch to one display.
If the computer can’t find Wordpad.exe after inserting a CD
• The system is trying to open a .doc file in WordPad, but cannot find the Wordpad.exe
program file. Type C:\Program Files\Accessories in the error message box.
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Display Problems
If the computer is on, but the screen is blank
• Move the mouse or tap the touch pad. This will wake the display if it is in Display-off
mode.
• Press Fn+F5 in case the internal display was disabled. (Do this three times to return to
the state you started from.)
• If the computer is cold, allow it to warm up.
If the screen is difficult to read
• Try setting the display resolution to its default setting of 1024×768 or higher,
depending on your model: click Start, Control Panel, Appearance and Themes,
Display.
• Try adjusting the size of the desktop icons and labels—see “To adjust the display” on
page 33.
If an external display does not work
• Check the connections.
• Press Fn+F5 in case the external monitor was disabled. (Do this three times to return
to the state you started from.)
• The external monitor may not be detected. In the BIOS Setup utility, try setting Video
Display Device to Both in the System Devices menu.
• If you’re using a TV connected to the S-video port, you must activate the TV—see
“To use a TV set as a monitor” on page 81.
• Test the display with the e-Diagtools diagnostics—see “Testing the Hardware” on
page 116.
If Presentation Ready does not switch to your video settings
• If you’re using an external monitor that isn’t a plug-and-play device, open Control
Panel Display and set up a monitor that supports the video settings you intend to use
for your presentation.
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If one or more display pixels look bad
TFT display manufacturing is a highly precise but imperfect technology, and
manufacturers cannot produce displays that are cosmetically perfect. Most, if not all, TFT
displays exhibit some level of cosmetic imperfection. These cosmetic imperfections may
be visible under varying display conditions, and can appear as bright, dim, or dark spots.
This issue is common across all vendors supplying TFT displays in their products and is
not specific to this notebook display.
Our notebook TFT displays meet or exceed all of our standards for cosmetic quality of
TFT displays. We do not warrant that the displays will be free of cosmetic imperfections.
TFT displays can have a small number of cosmetic imperfections and still conform to our
cosmetic quality specifications, including the following:
• No more than 6 pixels remain on (always one color, such as white, red, green, or blue
dots).
• No more than 6 pixels remain off (always dark).
• No more than a total of 8 pixels stuck on or off.
• No other stuck pixel within 15 mm of a stuck pixel.
Contact Customer Service if you have a display quality problem and require a more
comprehensive explanation of our display quality—see “To get support or service” on
page 126. We expect that over time the industry will continue to produce displays with
fewer inherent cosmetic imperfections, and we will adjust our guidelines as these
improvements are implemented.
Hard Disk Drive Problems
If the computer’s hard drive doesn’t spin
• Make sure the computer has power. If necessary, connect the AC adapter, and make
sure it is fully plugged into a power source and into the back of the computer.
• Remove and reinsert the hard drive—see “To replace the hard disk drive” on page 89.
If the hard disk makes a buzzing or whining noise
• Back up the drive immediately.
• See whether the noise is coming from elsewhere, such as from the fan or a PC Card
drive.
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If files are corrupted
• Open My Computer, select the disk you want to scan, click File, Properties, and use
the Tools tab.
• Run the virus-scanning program—see “To protect against viruses” on page 39.
• Test the hard disk drive with the e-Diagtools diagnostics—see “Testing the
Hardware” on page 116.
• If necessary, you can format the hard disk and reinstall the original factory software—
see “To recover the factory installation of your hard disk” on page 122.
Heat Problems
Your computer normally gets warm during routine operation.
If the computer gets abnormally hot
• Always set the computer on a flat surface, so that air can flow freely around and
underneath it.
• Make sure the air vents on the bottom and sides of the computer are clear.
• Keep in mind that games and other programs that drive CPU usage toward 100% can
increase the computer’s temperature.
Infrared Problems
By default, the infrared port is not enabled, so you must enable it before you can use it.
If you have problems with infrared communications
• Make sure the line between the two infrared ports is not blocked, and that the ports
face each other as squarely as possible. (The computer’s infrared port is located on
the front of the computer.) The ports should be no more than 1 meter apart.
• Check settings in the Device Manager:
1. Click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System.
2. On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager and expand the infrared devices.
Double-click the infrared port and make sure that the device is enabled.
• Make sure only one application is using the infrared port.
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Keyboard and Pointing Device Problems
Use these suggestions for built-in or external devices.
If the pointer is difficult to control
• Adjust the pointer controls: click Start, Control Panel, Printers and Other Hardware,
Mouse.
If the touch pad doesn’t work
• Press the touch pad on-off button so the light turns on.
• Don’t touch the touch pad while the computer is rebooting or resuming from Standby
mode. If this happens, try the following: press a key on the keyboard to restore
normal operation, or suspend and resume operation using the power button.
• If an external mouse is connected, the built-in pointing devices are normally disabled.
You can change this setting with the BIOS Setup utility—see “To run the BIOS Setup
utility” on page 118.
• Restart the computer: click Start, Turn Off Computer, Restart.
If the touch pad moves the pointer or cursor while you type
• Press the touch pad on-off button to turn off the touch pad while you type.
If a PS/2 scroll mouse doesn’t work
• The touch pad must be disabled for the mouse’s scroll feature to work. In the BIOS
Setup utility, make sure the External Pointing Devices option in the System Devices
menu is set to Auto—see “To run the BIOS Setup utility” on page 118.
• Suspend or shut down the computer before you attach the scroll mouse, so that it will
be detected properly.
If you want to use the touch pad again, you must suspend or shut down the computer
before you detach the scroll mouse.
• Test the keyboard and pointing devices with the e-Diagtools diagnostics—see
“Testing the Hardware” on page 116.
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If the embedded numeric keypad doesn’t work
• To type numbers, make sure Num Lock is on.
• Make sure the embedded Keypad Lock (Fn+F8) is on—or that you press and hold the
Fn key to temporarily access the embedded keypad.
If you can’t type the euro symbol
• Hold ALT GR when you press the marked key.
• The euro symbol is not on the U.S. English keyboard. Make sure the embedded
keypad is active (Fn+F8) and Num Lock is on, and then hold ALT while typing 0128
on the numeric keypad.
If you can’t update or reinstall One-Touch software
• Log in as administrator to perform the update or installation.
LAN Problems
If the built-in network adapter doesn’t connect to the LAN
• Check all cables and connections. Try connecting at a different network station, if
available.
• If the yellow light next to the LAN port does not light, the LAN cable may not be
connected to the network or the network may be down. Try connecting a d ifferent
computer to the cable.
• Make sure the LAN cable is Category 3, 4, or 5 for 10Base-T operation, or Category
5 for 100Base-TX operation. Maxim um cable lengt h is 100 meters (330 feet).
• Click Start, Help and Support, and use the Networking troubleshooter.
• Open the hardware Device Manager: click Start, Control Panel, Performance and
Maintenance, System. If the network interface is disabled, try to enable it. If it has a
conflict, try disabling another device.
If you can’t browse the Network Neighborhood or My Network Places
• Click Start, Search, Computers or People to look for a computer.
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If you can’t log in to Netware servers
• If a Netware server is using IPX/SPX protocol, you may need to force your frame
type to match the server’s frame type. Check with your network administrator.
If a network connection responds slowly
• If your network connection uses a proxy server, try enabling the option for bypassing
the proxy server for local addresses. You can do this in Control Panel under your
network connection properties.
Memory Problems
If a message says you are out of memory
• Make sure drive C is not running low on free space.
• If you are having memory problems while running MS-DOS programs, use the
MS-DOS or Application and Software troubleshooter in Windows Help: click Start,
Help and Support.
• The full amount of RAM in your computer is not available for running applications.
A certain amount of RAM is used for display memory. The amount of display
memory is shown in the BIOS Setup utility—see “To run the BIOS Setup utility” on
page 118.
• We have not tested third-party memory cards for use with the computer.
• Test your computer’s memory with the e-Diagtools diagnostics—see “Testing the
Hardware” on page 116.
If memory doesn’t increase after adding RAM
• Make sure your computer is using only PC2100 DDR-266 or higher memory (RAM)
modules.
If the computer beeps but doesn’t start after adding RAM
• You installed an incompatible type of RAM. Remove the module.
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Modem Problems
If the modem seems slow
• Check for excess static or noise on a line reduces the overall transmission speed. If
necessary, contact your telephone company about fixing this type of problem.
• If you’re dialing internationally, line noise is often a problem that’s difficult or
impossible to eliminate.
• If you have call-waiting, disable it—your telephone company can provide
instructions. It can cause symptoms similar to static.
• Eliminate extra connections in the line. If possible, connect directly to the wall jack.
• Try another telephone line, preferably one normally used for a fax machine or
modem.
If the modem doesn’t dial or no dial tone is detected
• Check all cables and connections.
• Connect a standard telephone to the phone line and make sure the line is working.
• Make sure someone else isn’t using the same phone line.
• Try another telephone line, preferably one normally used for a fax machine or
modem.
• If you’re in a foreign country, the dial tone may not be recognized by the modem. In
Control Panel, open Phone and Modem Options. Try disabling the option that waits
for a dial tone.
If the modem dials incorrectly
• Check the telephone number you entered, including any digits required for outside
access or long distance.
• In Control Panel, open Phone and Modem Options. Check the dialing options—look
for duplicate digits for outside access or long distance.
• Make sure the number you’re calling isn’t busy.
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• If you’re in a foreign country, the dial tone may not be recognized by the modem. In
Control Panel, open Phone and Modem Options. Try disabling the option that waits
for a dial tone.
• If you have call-waiting, disable it—your telephone company can provide
instructions.
If the modem dials but doesn’t connect
• Make sure you’re using an analog telephone line (2, 3, or 4 wires). You must not use
a digital line. In a hotel, ask for a data line.
• Try another telephone line, preferably one normally used for a fax machine or
modem.
• The modem at the other end may have a problem. Try dialing to a different modem.
• Try disabling error correction and data compression.
If the modem isn’t detected
• Check the modem setup. In Control Panel, open Phone and Modem Options. Check
the COM port.
• Open the hardware Device Manager: click Start, Control Panel, Performance and
Maintenance, System. If the modem is disabled, try to enable it. If it has a conflict, try
disabling another device.
• If you’re running fax software using fax Class 2, try using Class 1.
If the modem dials but you can’t hear it
• If your model has an audio mute light, make sure it is turned off. If it’s on, press the
audio mute button.
• Check the speaker volume setting.
• In Control Panel, open Phone and Modem Options. Select the modem and click
Properties, and then check the volume setting on the General tab.
If the modem connects, but transferred data is bad
• In Control Panel, open Phone and Modem Options. Make sure the parity, speed, word
length, and stop bits match on sending and receiving modems.
• Try disabling error correction and data compression.
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If the modem causes an ERROR message
• A string of AT commands may contain an incorrect command. If you entered
commands as extra settings for the modem in Control Panel or in your
communications software, check the commands.
If the modem doesn’t fax
• If you’re using fax Class 2 in the fax software, try using Class 1.
• Close any other communications programs.
• If you’re faxing by printing from an application, make sure you’ve selected the fax
printer.
• Try turning off power management features temporarily.
If excessive line current is detected
• Make sure you’re using an analog telephone line (2, 3, or 4 wires). You must not use
a digital line. In a hotel, ask for a data line.
If the modem clicks repeatedly but doesn’t connect
• Make sure you’re using an analog telephone line (2, 3, or 4 wires). You must not use
a digital line. In a hotel, ask for a data line.
• Check all cables and connections.
PC Card (PCMCIA) Problems
If the notebook doesn’t recognize a PC Card
• Remove and reinsert the PC Card.
• Press the power button to suspend the computer, and then press it again to resume.
• Restart the computer: click Start, Turn Off Computer, Restart.
• Try the card in another computer to see whether the card functions properly.
• Zoomed Video is not supported.
• If the card requires an IRQ, make sure one is available. Open the hardware Device
Manager: click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System.
• Test the PC card with the e-Diagtools diagnostics—see “Testing the Hardware” on
page 116.
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