Compaq Presario M2000 User Manual

b
Hardware and Software Guide
Compaq Notebook Series
Document Part Number: 383110-001
May 2005
This guide explains how to identify, access, and use the hardware and software features available on your notebook.
Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. SD Logo is a trademark of its proprietor. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. Adobe and Acrobat are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
Hardware and Software Guide Compaq Notebook Series First Edition May 2005 Reference Number: M2000 Document Part Number: 383110-001

Contents

1 Hardware
Top Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1
Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1
TouchPad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–3
Power Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–4
Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5
Wireless (Select Models Only) and
Volume Buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–7
Antennae (Select Models Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–8
Front Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–9
Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–9
Speakers, Jacks and Display Release Button. . . . . . 1–10
Rear Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–11
Left-Side Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–12
Ports and Jacks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–12
PC Card Slot and Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–13
Right-Side Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–14
Bottom Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–16
Mini PCI and Memory Compartments . . . . . . . . . . 1–16
Bays, Battery Latch and Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–17
Additional Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–18
Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–18
Optical Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–19
Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–20
Hardware and Software Guide iii
Contents
2 TouchPad and Keyboard
TouchPad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–1
Identifying TouchPad Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–1
Using the TouchPad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2
Setting TouchPad Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3
Hotkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–5
Identifying Hotkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–5
Hotkey Quick Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–6
Using Hotkey Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–7
Using Hotkey Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–8
Keypads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–14
Using the Embedded Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . 2–15
Using an External Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–18
3Power
Power Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1
Selecting a Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1
Switching Between Battery and
External Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–3
Power Control and Light Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–4
Standby, Hibernation and Shutdown Overviews . . . . . . . 3–5
Standby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–5
Hibernation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–6
Leaving Your Work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–7
Interference with Drive Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–7
Standby, Hibernation and Shutdown Procedures. . . . . . . 3–8
Turning the Notebook On or Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–8
Initiating or Resuming from Standby . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–9
Initiating or Restoring from Hibernation. . . . . . . . . 3–10
Using Emergency Shutdown Procedures . . . . . . . . 3–11
Power Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–12
Using Power Schemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–12
Prompting for Standby Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–12
Setting Other Power Preferences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–13
iv Hardware and Software Guide
Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–14
Charging a Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–14
Monitoring the Charge in a Battery Pack . . . . . . . . 3–15
Managing Low-Battery Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–16
Calibrating a Battery Pack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–18
Conserving Battery Pack Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–22
Replacing a Battery Pack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–23
Storing a Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–26
Disposing of a Used Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–26
4Multimedia
Internal Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–1
Volume Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–2
External Audio Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–3
Using the Audio-Out (Headphone) Jack . . . . . . . . . . 4–3
Using the Audio-In (Microphone) Jack. . . . . . . . . . . 4–4
External Video Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–4
Connecting an S-Video Device
(Select Models Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–4
Displaying a Video Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–6
CD and DVD Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–6
Inserting or Removing a Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–6
Using Media Activity Hotkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–8
Setting AutoPlay Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–9
Protecting Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–10
Protecting a CD or DVD Write Process . . . . . . . . . 4–10
Multimedia Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–11
Observing the Copyright Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–12
Installing Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–13
Enabling AutoPlay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–14
Changing DVD Region Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–14
Contents
Hardware and Software Guide v
Contents
5 Wireless
(Select Models Only)
Wireless Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–1
Wireless Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–2
802.11 Wireless Devices (Select Models Only) . . . . . . . 5–3
Setting Up a WLAN in Your Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–4
Connecting to a WLAN in Your Home. . . . . . . . . . . 5–5
Connecting to a Public WLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–6
Using Wireless Security Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–6
Identifying an 802.11 Wireless Device . . . . . . . . . . . 5–7
Troubleshooting Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–7
Bluetooth Wireless Devices (Select Models Only) . . . . . 5–8
Wireless Device Power States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–10
Turning On the Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–12
Turning Off and Disabling the Devices. . . . . . . . . . 5–13
6Security
Security Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–1
QuickLock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–3
Setup Utility and Windows Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–3
Coordinating Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–5
Choosing a Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–5
Setup Utility Administrator Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–6
Setting an Administrator Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–7
Entering an Administrator Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–7
Setup Utility Power-On Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–8
Setting a Power-On Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–9
Entering a Power-On Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–9
Setup Utility Device Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–10
Antivirus Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–11
Critical Security Updates for Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . 6–12
Firewall Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–13
Optional Security Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–14
vi Hardware and Software Guide
Contents
7 Hardware Upgrades and Replacements
Device Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–1
Connecting a Powered Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–1
Connecting a USB Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–2
Connecting a 1394 Device
(Select Models Only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–3
Connecting a Communication Device. . . . . . . . . . . . 7–4
Digital Memory Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–4
Using the Memory Reader Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–5
Inserting a Digital Memory Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–6
Removing a Digital Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–7
PC Cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–8
Inserting a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–9
Stopping or Removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–10
Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–11
Adding a Drive to the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–11
Using the IDE Drive Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–11
Caring for Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–12
Replacing the Internal Hard Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–13
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–17
Increasing Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–17
Removing or Inserting a Memory Module . . . . . . . 7–18
8 Software Updates and Recoveries and
System Software
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–1
Preparing for a Software Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–2
Downloading and Installing an Update . . . . . . . . . . . 8–4
Software Recoveries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–8
Using System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–8
Repairing or Reinstalling Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–9
Hardware and Software Guide vii
Contents
Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–9
Opening the Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–9
Changing the Language of the Setup Utility . . . . . . 8–10
Navigating and Selecting in the Setup Utility . . . . . 8–10
Displaying System Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–11
Restoring Default Settings in the Setup Utility . . . . 8–12
Using Advanced Setup Utility Features . . . . . . . . . 8–13
Closing the Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–14
A Specifications
Operating Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–1
Rated Input Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–2
Expansion Port Input/Output Signals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A–3
Index
viii Hardware and Software Guide

Top Components

Keys

1

Hardware

Component Description
Function keys (12) Perform system and application tasks.
1
Windows logo key Displays the Microsoft® Windows®
2
Hardware and Software Guide 1–1
When combined with keys perform additional tasks as hotkeys.
Start menu.
fn, the function
(Continued)
Hardware
Component Description
fn key Combines with other keys to perform
3
system tasks. For example, pressing
fn+f7 decreases screen brightness.
4 Keypad keys (15) Can be used like the keys on an
external numeric keypad.
Windows applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items
5
beneath the pointer.
1–2 Hardware and Software Guide

TouchPad

Component Description
TouchPad* Moves the pointer.
1
Hardware
Left TouchPad button* Functions like the left button on an
2
Right TouchPad button* Functions like the right button on an
3
TouchPad vertical and
4
horizontal scrolling regions*
*This table describes default settings. For information about changing the functions of TouchPad components, refer to the “Setting TouchPad
Preferences” section in Chapter 2, “TouchPad and Keyboard.”
Hardware and Software Guide 1–3
external mouse.
external mouse.
Scrolls upward or downward, or left or right.
Hardware

Power Controls

Component Description
Display switch* If the notebook is closed while on, initiates
1
2 Power/standby button* When the notebook is
standby.
Off, press to turn on the notebook.
On, briefly press to initiate hibernation.
In standby, briefly press to resume from
standby.
In hibernation, briefly press to restore from hibernation.
If the system has stopped responding
and Windows shutdown procedures cannot be used, press and hold for at least 4 seconds to turn off the notebook.
*This table describes default settings. For information about changing the function of the display switch or power/standby button, refer to the “Setting
Other Power Preferences” section in Chapter 3, “Power.”
1–4 Hardware and Software Guide

Lights

Component Description
Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.
1
Hardware
Wireless light
2
(select models only)*
Power/standby light
3
Hardware and Software Guide 1–5
On: One or more optional internal wireless devices, such as a WLAN and/or a Bluetooth® device (select models only), are turned on.
On: Notebook is turned on. Blinking: Notebook is in standby. Off: Notebook is off.
(Continued)
Hardware
Component Description
Mute light On: Volume is muted.
4
Num lock light On: Num lock or the embedded numeric
5
*For information about establishing a wireless connection, refer to
Chapter 5, “Wireless (Select Models Only).”
The notebook has 2 power/standby lights. The power/standby light on the top of the notebook is visible only when the notebook is open; the power/standby light on the front of the notebook is visible whether the notebook is open or closed.
keypad is on.
1–6 Hardware and Software Guide
Wireless (Select Models Only) and Volume
Component Description
Buttons
Hardware
Wireless button
1
(select models only)
Volume down button Decreases system volume.
2
Volume up button Increases system volume.
3
Volume mute button Mutes or restores volume.
4
Hardware and Software Guide 1–7
Turns the wireless functionality on or off but does not create a wireless connection.
To establish a wireless
connection, a wireless network must already be set up. For information about establishing a wireless connection, refer to
Chapter 5, “Wireless (Select Models Only).”
Hardware

Antennae (Select Models Only)

Component Description
Antennae (2)* Send and receive wireless device signals.
Exposure to Radio Frequency
Å
Radiation. The radiated output power of this device is below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the device should be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized. To avoid the possibility of exceeding the FCC radio frequency exposure limits, human proximity to the antennae should be not less than 20 cm (8 inches) during normal operation, including when the notebook display is closed.
*The antennae (select models only) are not visible from the outside of the notebook. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennae free from obstructions.
1–8 Hardware and Software Guide

Front Components

Lights

Component Description
Power/standby light* On: Notebook is turned on.
1
Blinking: Notebook is in standby. Off: Notebook is off.
IDE (Integrated Drive
2
Electronics) drive light
On or blinking: The internal hard drive or an optical drive is being accessed.
Hardware
Battery light On: The battery pack is charging.
3
Blinking: The battery pack has reached a low-battery condition.
Off: The battery pack is fully charged or not inserted.
*The light on the power/standby button and the power/standby light on the front of the notebook display the same information. The light on the power/standby button is visible when the notebook is open; the power/standby light on the front of the notebook is visible whether the notebook is open or closed.
Hardware and Software Guide 1–9
Hardware

Speakers, Jacks and Display Release Button

Component Description
Stereo speakers (2) Produce stereo sound.
1
Display release button Opens the notebook.
2
Audio-in
3
(microphone) jack
Audio-out
4
(headphone) jack
1–10 Hardware and Software Guide
Connects an optional monaural (single sound channel) microphone.
Connects optional headphones or powered stereo speakers. Also connects the audio function of an audio/video device such as a television or VCR.

Rear Components

Component Description
Exhaust vent* Provides airflow to cool internal
components.
To prevent overheating, do not
Ä
obstruct vents. Do not allow a hard surface, such as a printer, or a soft surface, such as pillows or thick rugs or clothing, to block airflow.
*The notebook has 4 vents. This and all other vents are visible on the bottom of the notebook. One vent is also visible on the left side of the notebook.
Hardware
Hardware and Software Guide 1–11
Hardware

Left-Side Components

Ports and Jacks

Component Description
Power connector Connects the AC adapter cable.
1
Monitor port Connects an optional VGA monitor or
2
Expansion Port 2
3
(select models only)*
projector.
Connects the notebook to an optional docking device.
RJ-45 (network) jack Connects an optional network cable.
4
RJ-11 (modem) jack Connects the modem cable.
5
USB port
6
*The notebook has only one expansion port. The term describes the type of expansion port.
For expansion port signal information, refer to the “Expansion Port
Input/Output Signals” section.
Depending on the model, the notebook has 2 or 3 USB ports. The other USB ports are on the right side of the notebook.
1–12 Hardware and Software Guide
Connects an optional USB device.
Expansion Port 2

PC Card Slot and Button

Component Description
PC Card slot Supports an optional Type I or Type II
1
PC Card eject button Ejects an optional PC Card from the
2
32-bit (CardBus) or 16-bit PC Card.
PC Card slot.
Hardware
Hardware and Software Guide 1–13
Hardware

Right-Side Components

Component Description
USB ports (1 or 2 depending
1
on the notebook model)*
Memory Reader
2
(select models only)
1394 port
3
(select models only)
Memory Reader light
4
(select models only)
Optical drive
5
Connect optional USB devices.
Supports an optional digital memory card.
Connects an optional 1394a device such as a scanner, a digital camera, or a digital camcorder.
On: An optional digital memory card is being accessed.
Supports an optical disc.
(Continued)
1–14 Hardware and Software Guide
Component Description
Hardware
S-Video-out jack
6
(select models only)
Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to
7
*Depending on the model, the notebook has 2 or 3 USB ports. The other USB port is on the left side.
The digital memory card could be a Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card,
Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, xD-Picture Card, MultiMediaCard, or SmartMedia (SM) card.
The type of optical drive—for example, a DVD-ROM drive, a DVD/CD-RW
Combo Drive, or a DVD+R/RW and CD-RW Combo Drive—varies by notebook model.
Connects an optional S-Video device such as a television, VCR, camcorder, projector, or video capture card.
the notebook.
Security solutions are designed
Ä
to act as deterrents. These deterrents may not prevent a product from being mishandled or stolen.
Hardware and Software Guide 1–15
Hardware

Bottom Components

Mini PCI and Memory Compartments

Component Description
Mini PCI
1
compartment
Memory
2
compartment
1–16 Hardware and Software Guide
Holds an optional wireless LAN device.
To prevent an unresponsive system and
Ä
the display of a warning message, install only a Mini PCI device authorized for use in your notebook by the governmental agency that regulates wireless devices in your country. If you install an unauthorized device and then receive a warning message, remove the device to restore notebook functionality. Then contact Customer Care.
Contains 2 memory slots that support replaceable memory modules. The number of preinstalled memory modules varies by notebook model.

Bays, Battery Latch and Vents

Component Description
Battery bay Holds a battery pack.
1
Hardware
Battery pack release latch Releases a battery pack from the
2
Exhaust vents (4)
3
Hard drive bay Holds the internal hard drive.
4
*Battery packs vary by model.
The notebook has 4 vents. One vent is also visible on the rear of the
notebook.
Hardware and Software Guide 1–17
battery bay.*
Provide airflow to cool internal components.
To prevent overheating, do not
Ä
obstruct vents. Do not allow a hard surface, such as a printer, or a soft surface, such as pillows or thick rugs or clothing, to block airflow.

Hardware

Additional Components

Hardware
The components included with your notebook vary by region, country, notebook model, and the optional hardware you purchased. The following sections identify the standard external components included with most notebook models.
Component Description
Battery pack* Powers the notebook when the notebook is
1
AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power.
2
Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet.
3
Modem cable* Connects a modem to an RJ-11 telephone
4
Country-specific modem
5
adapter (included by region as required)*
*Battery packs vary by model. Power cords, modem cables, and modem adapters vary in appearance by region and country.
1–18 Hardware and Software Guide
not connected to external power.
jack or to a country-specific modem adapter.
Adapts the modem cable to a non-RJ-11 (modem) jack.

Optical Discs

Software on optical discs, such as CDs or DVDs, is included with all notebook models.
The software applications packaged in the Required for Setup
bag are not preinstalled on your notebook. Depending on how you want to use your notebook, you may want to install some or all of these applications.
The software applications packaged in the Save for Later bag
are preinstalled or preloaded on your notebook. The software discs are provided in case you ever need to repair or this software.
Additional discs packaged with your notebook provide
operating system recovery software and driver recovery software. Application recovery software is provided with select notebook models.
The User Guides CD contains Adobe® Acrobat® PDF
files, not software. The files on the User Guides CD are not preinstalled or preloaded on your notebook.
Hardware
reinstall
Hardware and Software Guide 1–19
Hardware

Labels

The labels affixed to the notebook provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system problems or travel internationally with the notebook.
Service Tag—Provides the product name, product number
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the
Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the
Modem Approval label—Provides regulatory information
(P/N), and serial number (S/N) of your notebook. You may need the product number and the serial number when you contact Customer Care. The Service Tag label is affixed to the bottom of the notebook. To display the information on
Service Tag on your screen, select Start > Help and
the Support.
Microsoft® Windows® Product Key. You may need the Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system. This certificate is affixed to the bottom of the notebook.
notebook. The Regulatory label is affixed to the inside of
battery bay.
the
about the modem and lists the agency approval markings required by some of the countries in which the modem has been approved for use. You may need this information when traveling internationally. The Modem Approval label is affixed to the inside of the memory compartment cover.
Wireless certification labels—Some notebook models include
an optional WLAN device and/or an optional Bluetooth® device. If your notebook model includes one or more wireless devices, a certificate providing regulatory information about each device and the approval markings of some of the countries in which the device has been approved for use is included with your notebook. You may need this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are affixed to the inside of the Mini PCI compartment cover.
1–20 Hardware and Software Guide

TouchPad and Keyboard

TouchPad

Identifying TouchPad Components

The TouchPad includes the following components:
1 To uch Pad 3 Right TouchPad button
2
2 Left TouchPad button 4 TouchPad vertical and
horizontal scrolling regions
Hardware and Software Guide 2–1
TouchPad and Keyboard

Using the TouchPad

The TouchPad provides the navigation, selection, and scroll functions of an optional external mouse:
To move the pointer, slide your finger across the TouchPad
surface in the direction you want to move the pointer.
To execute the click functions of the left or right button on an
external mouse, press the left or right TouchPad button.
To scroll, place your finger onto a scrolling region, and then
slide your finger along the scrolling region in the direction you want to scroll. (Sliding your finger from the TouchPad to a scrolling region without first lifting your finger from the TouchPad and then placing it on the scrolling region will not activate the scrolling region.)
The TouchPad is enabled when the notebook is turned on. If you work with keystrokes rather than mouse actions, you may prefer to disable the TouchPad to prevent accidental TouchPad activity.
2–2 Hardware and Software Guide

Setting TouchPad Preferences

In the Windows Mouse Properties window you can
Adjust basic pointing device settings such as click speed,
pointer speed and shape, and mouse trails.
Configure the right and left TouchPad buttons for
right-handed or left-handed use. These buttons are set by default for right-handed use.
To access the Mouse Properties window:
» Select Start > Control Panel > Printers and Other
Hardware > Mouse.
All Windows instructions in your notebook documentation
describe Microsoft Windows XP procedures based on the default Windows XP category view. To change to Windows XP classic view, select Start > Help and Support >
Customizing your computer > Files, folders, and programs > Use Windows classic folders.
TouchPad and Keyboard
In the TouchPad Properties window you can access additional TouchPad preferences.
» To access the TouchPad Properties window, use the
TouchPad to Other Hardware > Mouse > Device Settings, and then select the Settings button. (If optional external mouse, the TouchPad Properties window may be unavailable.)
Hardware and Software Guide 2–3
select Start > Control Panel > Printers and
you follow this path using an
TouchPad and Keyboard
Among the preferences available in the TouchPad Properties window are
TouchPad Tapping, which enables you to tap the TouchPad
once to select an item or twice to double-click an item.
To access TouchPad Tapping settings, select Ta pp ing.
Edge Motion, which sets the TouchPad to continue cursor
movement when your finger reaches the edge of the TouchPad.
To access Edge Motion settings, select Pointer Motion.
Long Distance Scrolling, which sets the scrolling region to
continue scrolling when your finger reaches the end of the scrolling region.
To access Long Distance Scrolling, select Virtual Scrolling.
PalmCheck, which helps keep the TouchPad from being
accidentally activated while you are using the keyboard.
To access PalmCheck, select Sensitivity.
2–4 Hardware and Software Guide

Hotkeys

Identifying Hotkeys

Hotkeys are preset combinations of the esc key 1, the fn key 2, and one of the function keys 3.
TouchPad and Keyboard
The icons on the
f1 through f12 keys represent hotkey functions.
Hotkey functions and procedures are described in the following sections.
Hardware and Software Guide 2–5
TouchPad and Keyboard

Hotkey Quick Reference

The following table identifies the default hotkey functions. The function of the refer to the “Setting Other Power Preferences” section in
Chapter 3, “Power.”
Default Function Hotkey
Opens Help and Support Center. fn+f1
Opens print options window. fn+f2
Opens default Internet browser. fn+f3
Switches the image among displays. fn+f4
Initiates standby. fn+f5
Initiates QuickLock. fn+f6
Decreases screen brightness. fn+f7
Increases screen brightness. fn+f8
Plays, pauses, or resumes an audio CD or DVD. fn+f9
fn+f5 hotkey can be changed. For instructions,
Stops an audio CD or DVD. fn+f10
Plays the previous track or chapter on an audio CD or DVD. fn+f11
Plays the next track or chapter on an audio CD or DVD. fn+f12
Displays system information.* fn+esc
*To clear the system information display, press esc.
2–6 Hardware and Software Guide
TouchPad and Keyboard

Using Hotkey Procedures

Using Hotkeys On the Internal Keyboard
To use a hotkey command on the notebook keyboard, use either of the following procedures:
Briefly press fn, and then briefly press the second key
the hotkey command.
of
Press and hold down fn, briefly press the second key of
hotkey command, and then release both keys at the
the
time.
same
Using Hotkeys on an External Keyboard
To use a hotkey command on an external keyboard, press the
scroll lock key twice, then the second key only of the hotkey
combination. For example, to use the external keyboard, press
scroll lock+scroll lock+f5.
fn+f5 command on an
Hardware and Software Guide 2–7
TouchPad and Keyboard

Using Hotkey Commands

Open Help and Support Center (fn+f1)
The fn+f1 hotkey opens the Help and Support Center.
In addition to providing information about your operating system, the Help and Support Center provides
Information about your notebook, such as model and serial
number, installed software, hardware components, and specifications.
Answers to questions about using your notebook.
Tutorials to help you learn to use notebook and operating
system features.
Updates for your operating system, drivers, and the software
provided on your notebook.
Checkups for notebook functionality.
Automated and interactive troubleshooting, repair solutions,
and system recovery procedures.
Links to Customer Care.
You can also access the Help and Support Center by selecting
Start > Help and Support.
2–8 Hardware and Software Guide
Open Print Window (fn+f2)
In Windows, the fn+f2 hotkey opens the print options window of the active Windows application.
Open Internet Explorer (fn+f3)
The fn+f3 hotkey opens Internet Explorer.
Until you have set up your Internet or network services, the
fn+f3 hotkey opens the Windows Internet Connection Wizard.
For information about using this wizard and other Internet connection methods, select
After you have set up your Internet or network services and
your Web browser home page, you can use the
quickly access your home page and the Internet.
to
Start > Help and Support.
TouchPad and Keyboard
fn+f3 hotkey
Hardware and Software Guide 2–9
TouchPad and Keyboard
Switch Image (fn+f4)
The fn+f4 hotkey switches the image among display devices connected to the system. For example, if an optional monitor is connected to the notebook through the monitor port, each time you press the notebook display, the monitor display, and a simultaneous display on both the notebook and the monitor.
Most monitors receive video information from the notebook using the external VGA video standard. The toggle images among other devices receiving video information from the notebook.
The following video transmission types, with examples of devices that use them, are supported by the
LCD (notebook display)
External VGA (most monitors)
S-Video (televisions, camcorders, VCRs, and video capture
boards with S-Video-in jacks)
Composite video (televisions, camcorders, VCRs, and video
capture boards with composite video-in jacks)
fn+f4 hotkey the image will switch among the
fn+f4 hotkey can also
fn+f4 hotkey:
Composite video devices can be connected to the system only
by using an optional media cable.
2–10 Hardware and Software Guide
Initiate Standby (fn+f5)
The fn+f5 hotkey is set by default to initiate standby.
When standby is initiated, your work is saved in random access memory (RAM), the screen clears, and power is conserved. While the notebook is in standby, the power/standby lights blink.
To initiate standby, the notebook must be on. If the notebook
is in hibernation, you must restore from hibernation before you can initiate standby.
To resume from standby or restore from hibernation, briefly
press the power/standby button.
For more information about using standby and hibernation, refer to the “Standby, Hibernation and Shutdown Overviews” section.
The function of the system. For example, you can set the hibernation instead of standby. In all Windows operating system windows, references to the sleep button apply to the For information about changing the function of the refer to the “Setting Other Power Preferences” section.
fn+f5 hotkey can be changed in the operating
TouchPad and Keyboard
fn+f5 hotkey to initiate
fn+f5 hotkey.
fn+f5 hotkey,
Hardware and Software Guide 2–11
TouchPad and Keyboard
Initiate QuickLock (fn+f6)
The fn+f6 hotkey initiates the QuickLock security feature.
QuickLock protects your work by displaying the operating system Log On window. While the Log On window is displayed, the notebook cannot be accessed until a Windows user password or a Windows administrator password is entered.
Before you can use QuickLock, you must set a Windows user password or a Windows administrator password. For instructions, refer to Help and Support by pressing the selecting Start > Help and Support.
» To use QuickLock, press fn+f6 to display the Log On window
and lock the notebook. Then follow the instructions on the screen to enter your Windows user password or your Windows administrator password and access the notebook.
For information about combining Windows passwords with Compaq passwords, refert to Chapter 6, “Security.”
Decrease Brightness (fn+f7)
fn+f1 hotkey or
The fn+f7 hotkey decreases the brightness of the notebook screen. The longer you hold down the screen dims. Decreasing screen brightness conserves power.
fn+f7 hotkey, the more the
» To increase screen brightness, press the fn+f8 hotkey.
Increase Brightness (fn+f8)
The fn+f8 hotkey increases the brightness of the notebook screen. The longer you hold down the the screen brightens.
» To decrease screen brightness, press the fn+f7 hotkey.
2–12 Hardware and Software Guide
fn+f8 hotkey, the more
TouchPad and Keyboard
Media Activity Hotkeys (fn+f9 through fn+f12)
The following 4 media activity hotkeys can control the play of an audio CD or a DVD. To control the play of a video CD, use the media activity controls in your video CD player.
Play, Pause or Resume an Audio CD or a DVD (fn+f9)
If the audio CD or the DVD is not playing, press the fn+f9
hotkey to begin or resume the play.
If the audio CD or the DVD is playing, press the fn+f9 hotkey
to pause the play.
Stop an Audio CD or a DVD (fn+f10)
The fn+f10 hotkey stops the play of an audio CD or a DVD.
You must stop a CD or DVD that is playing before you can remove it from the optical drive. For more information about inserting or removing a CD or DVD, refer to the “Inserting or
Removing a Disc” section in Chapter 4, “Multimedia.”
Play Previous Track or Chapter of an Audio CD or a DVD (fn+f11)
The fn+f11 hotkey plays the previous track of an audio CD or the previous chapter of a DVD that is playing.
Play Next Track or Chapter of an Audio CD
a DVD (fn+f12)
or
The fn+f12 hotkey plays the next track of an audio CD or the next chapter of a DVD that is playing.
Hardware and Software Guide 2–13
TouchPad and Keyboard
Display System Information (fn+esc)
The fn+esc hotkey displays information about system hardware components and software version numbers.
» To clear the display, press esc.
In the fn+esc display, the version of the system BIOS (basic input-output system) is displayed as the BIOS date. On some notebook models, the BIOS date is displayed in decimal format. The BIOS date is sometimes called the system ROM version number. For information about updating the system ROM, refer to the “Software Updates” section.

Keypads

You can use the embedded numeric keypad in the notebook keyboard or connect an optional external numeric keypad. The embedded numeric keypad cannot be used while an external keypad is connected to the notebook.
2–14 Hardware and Software Guide
TouchPad and Keyboard

Using the Embedded Numeric Keypad

The embedded numeric keypad consists of 15 keys that can be used like the keys on an external numeric keypad. When the embedded numeric keypad is turned on, each keypad key performs the functions indicated by the icon in the upper-right corner of the key.
Hardware and Software Guide 2–15
TouchPad and Keyboard
Turning the Embedded Numeric Keypad On
and Off
When the embedded numeric keypad is off, press fn+num lk 1 to turn the keypad on. The num lock light 2 is turned on.
When the embedded numeric keypad is on, press
fn+num lk to
turn the keypad off. The num lock light is turned off.
2–16 Hardware and Software Guide
TouchPad and Keyboard
Switching the Functions of Keypad Keys
You can temporarily switch the functions of an embedded numeric keypad key between its standard function and its keypad function.
To use a key on the keypad as a keypad key while the keypad
is turned off, press and hold
To use a key on the keypad as a standard key while the
keypad is turned on:
Press and hold fn to type with the key in lowercase.
Press and hold fn+shift to type with the key in uppercase.
Releasing fn returns a keypad key to its set function. For example, a keypad key returns to its keypad function if the keypad is turned on or to its standard function if the keypad is turned off.
fn while pressing the key.
Hardware and Software Guide 2–17
TouchPad and Keyboard

Using an External Numeric Keypad

The embedded numeric keypad cannot be used while an
optional external numeric keypad is connected to the notebook.
Most keys on most external numeric keypads function differently depending on whether num lock mode is on or off. For example:
When num lock mode is on, most keypad keys type numbers.
When num lock mode is off, most keypad keys function like
the arrow, page up, or page down keys.
Turning Num Lock Mode On and Off
You Work
As
To turn num lock mode on or off on an external numeric keypad as you work, press the the notebook.
When an external numeric keypad is turned on and is in num
lock mode, the num lock light on the notebook is on.
When an external numeric keypad is turned off or is turned
on with num lock mode turned off, the num lock light on the notebook is off.
num lk key on the external keypad, not on
2–18 Hardware and Software Guide

Power Sources

Selecting a Power Source

Use the following table to select a recommended power source for the way you plan to use the notebook.
3

Power

Hardware and Software Guide 3–1
Power
Task Recommended Power Source
Work in most software applications
Charge or calibrate a battery pack in the notebook
Install or modify system software or write to an optical disc
Charged battery pack in the notebook
External power supplied through one of
the following devices:
AC adapterOptional docking deviceOptional combination power adapter
External power supplied through one of the following devices:
AC adapter
Optional docking device
Optional combination power adapter
Do
not
Å
External power supplied through one of the following devices:
AC adapter
Optional docking device
charge the notebook battery pack onboard aircraft. Charging the battery pack may damage aircraft electronic systems.
3–2 Hardware and Software Guide
Switching Between Battery and External
Power
The notebook runs on external power whenever external power is available to the notebook. This conserves the charge in an inserted battery pack. External power can be supplied through the AC adapter or through an optional docking device or an optional combination power adapter.
Because the notebook switches between battery power and external power according to the availability of external power:
If the notebook is running on battery power and you connect
the notebook to external power, the notebook switches to external power.
If the notebook is running on external power (and contains a
charged battery pack) and you disconnect the notebook from external power, the notebook switches to battery power.
A Power Meter icon is displayed by default in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. The Power Meter icon changes shape whenever the power source changes between battery power and external power.
If the Power Meter icon is not displayed in the notification area:
Power
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options.
2. Select the Advanced tab.
3. Select the Always show icon on the taskbar check box.
4. Select OK.
Hardware and Software Guide 3–3
Power

Power Control and Light Locations

The following illustration is provided as a quick reference to the locations of the power controls and lights on the notebook.
The function of each of these items is summarized in Chapter 1,
“Hardware.” Instructions for using these items are provided in
this chapter.
1 Display switch 4 fn+f5 Initiate standby hotkey
2 Power/standby button 5 Power/standby light
3 Power/standby light 6 Battery light
The power/standby light associated with the power/standby
button and the power/standby light on the front of the notebook display the same information. The power/standby light associated with the power/standby button is visible only when the notebook is open; the power/standby light on the front of the notebook is visible when the notebook is closed.
3–4 Hardware and Software Guide
Power

Standby, Hibernation and Shutdown Overviews

Standby

Standby reduces power to system components that are not in use. When standby is initiated, your work is saved in random access memory (RAM), the screen is cleared, and the power/standby lights blink. Saving your work before initiating standby is not usually necessary but is a recommended precaution. When you resume from standby, your work is returned instantly to the screen.
By default, the system initiates standby after 10 minutes of notebook inactivity when the notebook is running on battery power and after 20 minutes of inactivity when the notebook is running on external power. For information about changing these settings, refer to the “Using Power Schemes” section later in this chapter.
Hardware and Software Guide 3–5
Power

Hibernation

CAUTION: If the configuration of the notebook system is changed during
Ä
hibernation, it may not be possible to resume from hibernation. When the notebook is in hibernation:
Do not add or remove a memory module.
Do not remove or replace the hard drive.
Do not connect or disconnect an external device.
Do not insert or remove a CD, DVD, PC Card, or digital
memory
Hibernation saves your work to a hibernation file on the hard drive and then shuts down the notebook. When hibernation is complete, the power/standby lights are turned off.
When you restore from hibernation, your work is returned to the screen where you left off. Restoring from hibernation takes a little longer than resuming from standby but is much faster than returning to your place manually after restarting the notebook.
To determine whether the notebook is in hibernation or turned off, press the power/standby button.
card.
If the notebook is in hibernation, your work is returned to
screen.
the
If the notebook is off, Windows loads.
When the notebook is running on battery power, hibernation is initiated by default after 30 minutes of notebook inactivity or whenever the notebook reaches a critical low-battery condition.
Hibernation is enabled by default but can be disabled. To prevent loss of work during a critical low-battery condition, disable hibernation only during a battery pack calibration.
» To verify that hibernation is enabled, select Start >
Control Options > Hibernate tab. If hibernation is enabled, the Enable Hibernation check box is selected.
3–6 Hardware and Software Guide
Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power

Leaving Your Work

If you plan to resume shortly—Initiate standby for shorter times and hibernation for longer times or for power conservation.
The amount of time a battery pack can support standby or hibernation or hold a charge varies by notebook configuration and the condition of the battery pack. Standby requires more power than hibernation.
If you plan to resume within 2 weeks—Shut down the notebook. If possible, connect the notebook to external power to keep an inserted battery pack fully charged.
If the notebook will be unused and disconnected from external power for more than 2 weeks—Shut down the notebook. To
extend the life of an inserted battery pack, remove the battery pack and store it in a cool, dry location.
If an external power supply is uncertain—Initiate hibernation or shut down the notebook. A power supply may become uncertain because of conditions such as an electrical storm or a nearly discharged battery pack.
Power

Interference with Drive Media

To prevent the loss of playback or playback quality, do not initiate standby or hibernation while playing a drive medium.
If standby or hibernation is initiated while a drive medium such as a CD or DVD is in use, you may see the warning message “Putting the computer into hibernation or standby may stop the playback. Do you want to continue?” If the message is displayed, select No. After you select No:
Playback may resume.
–or–
Playback may stop and the screen may be cleared. To return
to your work, press the power/standby button and then restart the disc.
Hardware and Software Guide 3–7
Power

Standby, Hibernation and Shutdown Procedures

This section explains the default standby, hibernation, and shutdown procedures. For information about changing the function of some of the power features on your notebook, refer to the “Power Preferences” section later in this chapter.
The controls and lights discussed in this section are illustrated in in the “Power Control and Light Locations” section earlier in this chapter.

Turning the Notebook On or Off

Task Procedure Results
Turn on the notebook.
Press the power/standby button.
Pressing the
power/standby button turns on the notebook from standby, hibernation, or shutdown.
Power/standby lights are turned on.
Operating system is loaded.
Shut down the notebook.
*If the system is unresponsive and you are unable to shut down the notebook with this procedure, refer to the section later in this chapter.
Depending on your network connections, the Turn Off Computer button may be
called the
3–8 Hardware and Software Guide
Shut Down
In Windows XP Home,
select Start > Turn Off Computer > Turn Off
In Windows XP Professional, select
> Turn Off Computer >
Start Shut down > OK
“Using Emergency Shutdown Procedures”
button.
.*
.*
Power/standby lights
are turned off.
Operating system is down.
shut
Notebook is turned off.

Initiating or Resuming from Standby

Task Procedure Result
Initiate standby. With the notebook on, use any of
the following procedures:
Press the fn+f5 hotkey.
Close the notebook.
When the notebook is
closed, the display presses the display switch, which then initiates standby.
In Windows XP Home, Start > Turn Off
select
.*
by > OK.*
Allow the system to initiate standby.
Computer > Stand By
In Windows XP Professional,
select Start > Turn Off
Computer > Stand
standby is not displayed,
(If press the down arrow, and then select Stand by from the drop-down
No action is required. The system initiates standby
After 10 minutes of inactivity
while running on battery power.
After 20 minutes of inactivity
while running on external power.
list.)
Power/standby lights blink.
Screen is cleared.
Power/standby
lights blink.
Screen is cleared.
Power
Resume from standby.
*Depending on your network connections, the Turn Off Computer button may be called the
Depending on your notebook configuration, you may also be able to resume from standby by moving or activating a control on an optional mouse or by opening the display if the notebook was closed while in standby.
Hardware and Software Guide 3–9
Shut Down
Briefly press the power/standby button.
–or–
Open the notebook.
button.
Power/standby lights are turned on.
Yo u r w o r k i s returned to the screen.
Power

Initiating or Restoring from Hibernation

Hibernation cannot be initiated unless it is enabled. Hibernation is enabled by default. To verify that hibernation remains enabled, select Start > Control Panel > Performance and
Maintenance > Power Options > Hibernate tab. If the Enable hibernation check box is selected, hibernation is enabled.
Task Procedure Result
Initiate hibernation.
Allow the system to initiate hibernation.
Restore from hibernation.
*Depending on your network connections, the Turn Off Computer button may be called the
If the system initiated hibernation because of a critical low-battery condition, connect external power or insert a charged battery pack before you press the power/standby button. (The system may not respond if the drained battery pack is the only power source.)
Shut Down
In Windows XP Home, select Start >Turn Off Computer.* Then hold
down shift as you select the Stand By button.
In Windows XP Professional, select Start > Turn Off Computer >
Hibernate
displayed, press the down arrow, and then select Hibernate from the drop-down list.)
No action is required. If the notebook is running on battery power and hibernation is enabled, the system initiates hibernation
After 30 minutes of notebook inactivity.
Whenever the battery pack reaches a
critical low-battery condition.
Press the power/standby button.
.* (If hibernate is not
button.
Power/standby lights are turned off.
Screen is cleared.
Power/standby lights are turned off.
Screen is cleared.
Power/standby lights are turned on.
Yo u r w o r k i s returned to the screen.
3–10 Hardware and Software Guide

Using Emergency Shutdown Procedures

If the notebook does not respond to the standard Windows shutdown procedure for your operating system, try the following emergency shutdown procedures in the sequence provided:
Press ctrl+alt+del. Then
In Windows XP Home, select Shut Down > Turn Off.
In Windows XP Professional, select Shut down from the
drop-down list, and then select OK.
Press and hold down the power/standby button for at least
seconds.
4
Unplug the notebook from external power and remove the
battery pack. For battery pack removal instructions refer to
“Replacing a Battery Pack” section later in this chapter.
the
Power
Hardware and Software Guide 3–11
Power

Power Preferences

Using Power Schemes

A power scheme controls the amount of power the notebook uses while running on external power or on a battery pack, and also sets the notebook to initiate standby or hibernation after a period of inactivity you specify.
» To select a preset power scheme or create a custom power
scheme, select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options, and then follow the instructions on the screen.

Prompting for a Standby Password

To set the notebook to prompt for a password before resuming from standby, select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options. Select the Advanced tab, select the check box for Prompt for password when computer resumes from standby, and then select OK. For information about other passwords and security features, refer to Chapter 6,
“Security.”
3–12 Hardware and Software Guide

Setting Other Power Preferences

You can change the function of the power/standby button, the
fn+f5 hotkey, and the display switch.
By default, when the notebook is on:
Briefly pressing the power/standby button initiates
hibernation.
Pressing the fn+f5 hotkey, called the sleep button in all
Microsoft operating systems, initiates standby.
Closing the notebook presses the display switch, which
initiates standby.
To change the function of the power/standby button, the fn+f5 hotkey, or the display switch:
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and
Maintenance
To change the function of the display switch, select a
function from the drop-down list for “When I close the lid of my portable computer.” (The function of the display switch when you open the display is unaffected by these settings. When you open the display while the notebook is in standby, the display switch turns on the notebook.)
> Power Options > Advanced tab.
Power
To change the function of the power/standby button,
select a function from the drop-down list for “When I press the power button on my computer.”
To change the function of the fn+f5 hotkey, select a
function from the drop-down list for “When I press the sleep button on my computer.”
2. Select OK.
The hibernate function is available in the power/standby button, sleep button, and display switch drop-down lists only if hibernation is enabled. If the hibernate function is not available on these lists, select Start > Control Panel > Performance and
Maintenance > Power Options > Hibernate tab. Select the Enable Hibernation check box, and then select OK.
Hardware and Software Guide 3–13
Power

Battery Pack

Charging a Battery Pack

To prolong battery life and optimize the accuracy of battery charge displays:
If you are charging a new battery pack:
Charge the battery pack while the notebook is connected
to external power through the AC adapter.
When you charge the battery pack, charge it fully.
If you are charging an in-use battery pack:
Allow the battery pack to discharge to about 10 percent
a full charge through normal use before charging it.
of
When you charge the battery pack, charge it fully.
A battery pack inserted in the notebook charges whenever the notebook is connected to external power through an AC adapter or through an optional docking device, or through an optional combination power adapter.
WARNING: Do not charge the notebook battery pack onboard
Å
aircraft. Charging the battery pack may damage aircraft electronic systems.
3–14 Hardware and Software Guide
A battery pack inserted in the notebook charges whether the notebook is off or in use, but the battery pack charges faster while the notebook is off. Charging may be delayed if a battery pack is new, has been unused for 2 weeks or more, or is much warmer or cooler than room temperature.
The battery light displays charge status:
On: the battery pack is charging.
Blinking: the battery pack has reached a low-battery
condition and is not charging.
Off: the battery pack is fully charged or not installed.
For information about determining the amount of charge in a battery pack, refer to the “Monitoring the Charge in a Battery
Pack” section next in this chapter.

Monitoring the Charge in a Battery Pack

Obtaining Accurate Charge Reports
To increase the accuracy of battery charge reports:
Power
Allow a battery pack to discharge to about 10 percent of a full
charge through normal use before charging it.
When you charge a battery pack, charge it fully. The charge
may be reported inaccurately until the battery pack has been fully charged at least once, even for new battery pack.
If a battery pack has been unused for one month or more,
calibrate the battery pack instead of simply charging it.
For information about battery calibration, refer to the
“Calibrating a Battery Pack” section later in this chapter.
Hardware and Software Guide 3–15
Power
Displaying Charge Reports
To display battery charge information on the screen, use the operating system Power Meter feature. To access the Power Meter display:
Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and
Maintenance > Power Options > Power Meter tab.
–or–
Select the Power Meter icon, which is displayed by default
in the taskbar. To display the Power Meter icon if the default setting has been changed,
Performance and Maintenance > Power Options.
Advanced tab,
the
taskbar
check box, and then select
select the
Power Meter displays battery status in both percent and time:
The percent indicates the amount of charge remaining in the
battery pack.
The time indicates the approximate running time remaining
on the battery pack if the battery pack continues to provide power at the current level. For example, the time remaining
will decrease if you start playing a DVD and will increase if you stop playing a DVD.
select
Start > Control Panel >
Select
Always show icon on the
OK.

Managing Low-Battery Conditions

This section describes default low-battery condition alerts and system responses. The default battery light responses cannot be changed. To change other responses, select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options, and then follow the instructions on the screen.
3–16 Hardware and Software Guide
Identifying Low-Battery Conditions
When a battery pack that is the only power source for the notebook reaches a low-battery condition, a text warning message is displayed, and the battery light blinks.
If a low-battery condition is not resolved and the amount of charge remaining in the battery pack continues to drop, the notebook eventually enters a critical low-battery condition. If the notebook is on or in standby when a critical low-battery condition is reached:
If hibernation is enabled, the system initiates hibernation.
Some unsaved work may be lost.
If hibernation is disabled, the notebook remains briefly in
standby, and then shuts
Hibernation is enabled by default. To verify that hibernation remains enabled, select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options > Hibernate tab. If hibernation is enabled, the Enable Hibernation check box is selected.
down. All unsaved work is lost.
Power
Hardware and Software Guide 3–17
Power
Resolving Low-Battery Conditions
CAUTION: To prevent problems when restoring from hibernation: If the
Ä
notebook has reached a critical low-battery condition and has begun to initiate hibernation, do not restore power until hibernation is complete. When hibernation is complete, the power/standby lights are turned off.
To resolve a low-battery condition:
If external power is available, connect the notebook to the
external power source.
If a charged battery pack is available, shut down the notebook
or initiate hibernation. Insert a charged battery pack, and then turn on the notebook.
If no power source is available, save your work. Then initiate
hibernation or shut down the notebook.
3–18 Hardware and Software Guide

Calibrating a Battery Pack

When to Calibrate
Even if a battery pack is heavily used, calibration should be necessary only once a month. You do not have to calibrate a new battery pack before first use.
Calibration does not usually increase battery run time, but it can increase the accuracy of battery charge displays, especially under the following conditions:
When the battery pack has been unused for one month
more.
or
When the notebook has been running primarily on
external than
When battery charge displays report large changes in the
percent of power remaining within 2 minutes. For example, if remaining and then less than 2 minutes later displays only 5 remaining indicates that the battery pack needs calibration.
power (and rarely on battery power) for more
one month.
the Power Meter displays 20 percent of a full charge
percent of a full charge remaining, the rapid drop in charge
Power
For more information about battery charge displays, refer to
“Monitoring the Charge in a Battery Pack” section earlier
the in this chapter.
Hardware and Software Guide 3–19
Power
How to Calibrate
To calibrate a battery pack, you must fully charge, fully discharge, and then fully recharge the battery pack.
Charging the Battery Pack
Charge the battery pack while the notebook is on. To charge the battery pack:
WARNING: Do not charge the notebook battery pack onboard
Å
aircraft. Charging the battery pack may damage aircraft electronic systems.
1. Insert the battery pack into the notebook.
2. Connect the notebook to external power through the adapter or an optional combination power adapter. (The
AC notebook battery light is on as the
3. Leave the notebook connected to external power until the
battery pack is fully charged. (The notebook battery light is turned off.)
battery pack charges.)
Discharging the Battery Pack
CAUTION: To prevent loss of work, save your work before beginning
Ä
an unattended discharge procedure.
The notebook must remain on throughout the discharge process. The battery pack can discharge whether or not you are using the notebook, but the battery pack will discharge faster if the notebook is in use.
3–20 Hardware and Software Guide
Power
If you use the notebook occasionally during the discharge process described below and have set energy-saving timeouts, expect the following performance from your system during the discharge:
Any unsaved work from your current session will be lost
when the battery pack is fully discharged and the notebook
shut down.
is
The system will not turn off a connected optional monitor.
The system will not decrease hard drive speed while the
notebook is idle.
System-initiated standby will not occur.
To fully discharge the battery pack:
1. Disable hibernation. To disable hibernation:
Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and
Maintenance deselect the Enable Hibernation check box
> Power Options > Hibernate tab. Then
.
2. Display the settings on the Power Schemes tab. To access
Power Schemes tab:
the
Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options > Power Schemes tab.
3. Record all settings in the Plugged in column and all settings
in the Running on batteries column, so you can reset them after calibration.
4. Use the drop-down lists to set each item in both columns
Never.
to
5. Select OK.
6. Disconnect the notebook from the external power source,
do not turn off the notebook.
but
7. Run the notebook on battery power until the battery pack is
fully discharged. When the battery pack is fully discharged, the notebook is shut down.
Hardware and Software Guide 3–21
Power
Ä
Recharging the Battery Pack
1. Connect the notebook to external power and maintain the
connection until the battery pack is fully recharged and the battery light is turned off.
You can use the notebook while the battery pack is recharging, but the battery pack will charge faster if the notebook is turned off.
2. If the notebook is turned off, turn on the notebook when the
battery light is turned off, indicating that the battery pack is fully charged.
3. Display the settings on the Power Schemes tab. To access
Power Schemes tab:
the
Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options > Power Schemes tab.
4. Reenter the settings you recorded earlier for the items in the
Plugged In column and the Running on Batteries column.
5. Select OK.
CAUTION: To prevent an unintended battery drain and a potential loss of work when the notebook reaches a critical low-battery condition, reenable hibernation after calibrating the battery pack. To reenable hibernation: Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and
Maintenance Enable Hibernation check box, and then select OK.
> Power Options > Hibernate tab. Select the
3–22 Hardware and Software Guide

Conserving Battery Pack Power

To extend the time that a battery pack can run the notebook from a single charge, use the following battery conservation settings and procedures.
Conserving Power as You Work
To conserve power as you work:
Prevent devices you are not using from drawing power from
the notebook. For example:
Turn off wireless and local area network (LAN)
connections and close modem applications.
Disconnect from the notebook any external devices that
are not plugged into an external power source.
Stop or remove an inserted PC Card.
Disable or remove an inserted digital memory card.
Turn off a device connected to the S-Video-out jack.
Power
Use optional, externally powered speakers instead of the
internal speakers whenever possible. When you use the internal speakers, minimize system volume. Volume can be adjusted with the volume buttons.
Minimize screen brightness.
To decrease screen brightness, press the fn+f7 hotkey.
To increase screen brightness, press the fn+f8 hotkey.
If you leave your work, initiate standby or hibernation, or
shut down the notebook.
Hardware and Software Guide 3–23
Power
Selecting Power Conservation Settings
To set the notebook to use less power:
Select a short wait for the screen saver and select a screen
saver with minimal graphics and motion. To select a screen saver and a screen saver wait time:
Select Start > Control Panel > Appearance and Themes > Display > Screen Saver tab, and then follow the instructions on the screen.
Select or create a power scheme that minimizes power use.
For more information about using power schemes, refer to the
“Using Power Schemes” section earlier in this chapter.

Replacing a Battery Pack

CAUTION: To prevent loss of work when removing a battery pack that
Ä
is the only power source, shut down the notebook or initiate hibernation before removing the battery pack. (If you initiate hibernation, do not begin the following procedure until the power/standby lights are turned off, indicating that hibernation is complete.)
3–24 Hardware and Software Guide
Removing a Battery Pack
Although battery packs vary by model, the removal procedure is the same for all models.
To remove a battery pack:
1. Turn the notebook upside down.
2. Slide the battery release latch 1 to release the battery pack.
3. Tilt the battery pack 2 and pull it out of the battery bay 3.
Power
Hardware and Software Guide 3–25
Power
Inserting a Battery Pack
Although battery packs vary by model, the insertion procedure is the same for all models.
To insert a battery pack:
1. Turn the notebook upside down.
2. Lower the battery pack 1 into the battery bay and rotate it 2
until it is seated.
3–26 Hardware and Software Guide

Storing a Battery Pack

CAUTION: To prevent damage to a battery pack, do not expose it to
Ä
high temperatures for extended periods of time.
If the notebook will be unused and disconnected from external power for more than 2 weeks, remove and store the battery pack in a location that is cool and dry.
High temperatures, which may be present in parked cars or some workplaces, accelerate the self-discharge rate of a stored battery pack. To prolong the charge of a stored battery pack, place it in a location that is cool and dry.
Calibrate a battery pack that has been stored for one month or more before using it.

Disposing of a Used Battery Pack

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or burns, do not disassemble,
Å
crush, or puncture a battery pack; short the external contacts on a battery pack; or dispose of a battery pack in fire or water. Do not expose a battery pack to high temperatures above 60°C (140°F). Replace only with a battery pack approved for this computer.
Power
When a battery pack has reached the end of its useful life, do not
N
dispose of the battery pack in general household waste. Follow the local laws and regulations in your area for computer battery pack disposal.
In Europe, dispose of or recycle the battery packs by using the public collection system or by returning them to HP, your authorized service partner, or their agents.
Hardware and Software Guide 3–27

Internal Speakers

The internal speakers, identified in the following illustration, play sound in stereo from applications, the operating system, games, drive media, the Internet, and other sources.
If an external device, such as headphones, is connected to the audio-out jack, the internal speakers are disabled.
4

Multimedia

Hardware and Software Guide 4–1
Multimedia

Volume Controls

You can adjust volume with the volume buttons on the notebook or the volume control software available in your operating system and in some multimedia applications. The volume mute button on the notebook overrides all software volume settings.
To access the operating system volume controls, select
> Control Panel > Sounds, Speech, and Audio
Start Devices > Sounds and Audio Devices, and then select the Vo lu m e tab.
To access additional sound quality settings, such as
balance, select the Advanced button in the Device volume
To display a volume icon in the notification area, select
the check then
To adjust volume using the notebook volume buttons:
To decrease volume, press the volume down button 1.
To increase volume, press the volume up button 2.
pane.
box for Place volume icon in the taskbar, and
select OK.
To mute or restore volume, press the volume mute
3.
button
When volume is muted, the mute light (on the volume mute button) is turned on. When volume is restored, the mute light is turned off.
4–2 Hardware and Software Guide
Multimedia

External Audio Devices

Using the Audio-Out (Headphone) Jack

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume
Å
before putting on headphones.
CAUTION: To prevent possible damage to an external device, do not
Ä
plug a monaural (single sound channel) plug into the audio-out jack.
The audio-out jack, sometimes called a headphone jack, connects optional headphones or externally powered stereo speakers. The audio-out jack, identified in the following illustration, is also used to connect the audio functions of an audio/video device such as a television or VCR.
When you connect a device to the audio-out jack, use only a
3.5-mm plug.
When a device is connected to the audio-out jack, the internal speakers are disabled.
Hardware and Software Guide 4–3
Multimedia

Using the Audio-In (Microphone) Jack

The audio-in jack, identified in the following illustration, connects an optional monaural (single sound channel) microphone. The audio-in jack is sometimes called a microphone jack.
It is recommended that you use an electret condenser microphone with a 3.5-mm plug. If you connect a dynamic microphone, the recommended sensitivity may not be achieved.

External Video Devices

Connecting an S-Video Device (Select Models Only)

Connecting the Audio
The S-Video-out jack (select models only) supports video signals only.
If you are setting up a configuration that combines audio and video functions, such as playing a DVD movie on your notebook and displaying it on your television, you need a standard 3.5-mm audio cable available from most computer or electronics retailers.
4–4 Hardware and Software Guide
Multimedia
Plug the stereo end of the audio cable into the audio-out (headphone) jack on the notebook. Plug the other end of the cable into the audio-in jack on the external device. For more information about the notebook audio-out jack, refer to the
“Using the Audio-Out (Headphone) Jack” section earlier in this
chapter.
S/PDIF audio support is only available through an optional
expansion product.
Connecting the Video (Select Models Only)
To transmit video signals through the S-Video-out jack, you need a standard S-Video cable, available from most computer or electronics retailers.
Plug one end of the S-Video cable into the notebook S-Video-out jack, illustrated below. Plug the other end of the cable into the S-Video-in jack on the external device.
Hardware and Software Guide 4–5
Multimedia

Displaying a Video Image

To display an image on the notebook display or a video device display, both the notebook and the video device must be turned on.
» To switch the image between the notebook display and the
video device display, repeatedly press the Pressing the notebook display, the connected video device display, and simultaneously on both displays.
For more information about fn+f4 and other hotkeys, refer to the
“Hotkeys” section in Chapter 2, “TouchPad and Keyboard.”
fn+f4 hotkey switches the image among the

CD and DVD Procedures

Inserting or Removing a Disc

Use the following procedures to insert or remove an optical disc such as a CD or a DVD. A disc that is playing must be stopped before it can be removed. To stop a disc, press the
To insert a disc—Be sure the notebook is turned on. Then
press the release button 1 on the drive bezel to release the media tray. Pull the tray outward 2, place the disc label-side up on the media tray 3, and then close the media tray 4.
To remove a disc while the notebook is turned on—Press
release button on the drive bezel to release the media tray.
the Pull the tray outward, remove the disc, and then close the media tray.
fn+f4 hotkey.
fn+f10 hotkey.
4–6 Hardware and Software Guide
Multimedia
To remove a disc while the notebook is turned off:
a. Insert the end of a small object like a paper clip into
release access 5 in the front bezel of the drive.
the
b. Press the paper clip gently into the release access until the
media tray is released.
c. Pull the tray outward, remove the disc, and then close
media tray.
the
Hardware and Software Guide 4–7
Multimedia

Using Media Activity Hotkeys

Media activity hotkeys are preset combinations of the fn key 1 and 4 of the function keys. You can use these hotkeys to control the play of an audio CD or a DVD that is inserted in the optical drive.
To control the play of an inserted video CD, use the media activity controls in your video CD player application.
To play, pause, or resume an inserted audio CD or a DVD,
press the
To stop an inserted audio CD or a DVD that is playing, press
the
To play the previous track of an audio CD or the previous
chapter of a DVD that is playing, press the
To play the next track of an audio CD or the next chapter of a
DVD that is playing, press the
fn+f9 hotkey 2.
fn+f10 hotkey 3.
fn+f12 hotkey 5.
fn+f11 hotkey 4.
For more information about these and other hotkeys, refer to the
“Hotkeys” section in Chapter 2, “TouchPad and Keyboard.”
4–8 Hardware and Software Guide

Setting AutoPlay Preferences

AutoPlay is the operating system feature that determines how the notebook responds when you access files on a removable storage device such as a DVD-ROM drive, a DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive, or a DVD+RW/R and CD-RW Combo Drive.
AutoPlay default settings vary by notebook model and configuration. For example, the first time you insert a CD or DVD into an optical drive and close the tray, the CD or DVD may begin playing or the AutoPlay pop-up window may be displayed. If the AutoPlay pop-up window is displayed, select your preferences as instructed on the screen.
The default AutoPlay settings can be changed. For example, you can set the notebook to display a slide show of the pictures on a CD containing digital photographs, begin playing the first track of a CD containing music, or display the names of the folders and files on a CD containing data files. You can also set the notebook to prompt you for a preference each time you insert a disc or to do nothing when you insert a disc.
At many AutoPlay settings, there may be a pause of several seconds while AutoPlay opens both the disc and the associated disc player application.
Multimedia
AutoPlay preferences are not available for diskette drives, but can be applied to most other removable storage devices. AutoPlay preferences can be set for a digital memory card such as a Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, xD-Picture Card, MultiMediaCard, or SmartMedia (SM) card.
To access AutoPlay settings:
1. Select Start > My Computer.
2. In the Devices with Removable Storage group, right-click
an item such as a DVD-ROM drive.
3. Select Properties.
4. Select the AutoPlay tab and follow the on-screen
instructions.
Hardware and Software Guide 4–9
Multimedia

Protecting Playback

To prevent the loss of playback or playback quality:
For optimal playback quality, save your work and close all
open applications before playing a CD or a DVD.
Dock or undock the notebook from an optional docking
device before or after playing a disc, not while playing a disc.
Do not initiate standby or hibernation while playing a disc. If standby or hibernation is initiated while a disc is in use, you may see the warning message “Putting the computer into hibernation or standby may stop the playback. Do you want to continue?” If this message is displayed, select No. After you select No:
Playback may resume.
–or–
Playback may stop and the screen may be cleared. To return
to your work, press the power/standby button and then restart the disc.

Protecting a CD or DVD Write Process

CAUTION: To prevent loss of work and damage to a disc:
Ä
Before writing to a disc, connect the notebook to a reliable
external power source. Do not write to a disc while the notebook is running on battery power.
Before writing to a disc, close all open applications (including
screen savers and antivirus software) except the disc software you are using.
Do not copy directly from a source disc to a destination disc or
from a network drive to a destination disc. Instead, copy from a source disc or network drive to your hard drive, and then copy from your hard drive to the destination disc.
Do not use the notebook keyboard or move the notebook while
notebook is writing to a disc. The write process is sensitive to
the vibration.
4–10 Hardware and Software Guide

Multimedia Software

The multimedia software included with your notebook is determined by your region and notebook model.
The following list describes the capabilities of some of the multimedia software that may be included with your notebook.
Windows Media Player—Plays audio CDs and DVDs, and
copies audio and data CDs. It also plays common audio and video file types, such as MP3, WMA, AVI, MPG, and WMV. This software is included with the Windows operating system.
InterVideo WinDVD—Plays video CDs and DVD movies.
This software is preinstalled on select notebooks. You can also obtain this software by any of the following methods:
Install WinDVD from the Application and Driver
Recovery disc provided with most Compaq notebooks.
If you do not have the Application and Driver Recovery
disc, contact Customer Care for a copy of the restore solution for you notebook.
Multimedia
Download the software from the Technical Support Web
site: http://www.compaq.com/consumersupport
Hardware and Software Guide 4–11
Multimedia
InterVideo WinDVD Creator Plus—Provides the ability to
create, edit, and burn movies to a DVD or video CD. This software is located on the InterVideo WinDVD Creator CD, included with select notebooks.
Sonic RecordNow!—Enables you to create copies of data and
audio CDs and DVDs, and create personalized audio CDs and DVDs. RecordNow! is preinstalled on select notebooks.
For more information about using multimedia software, refer
to the online Help for the software.
Your notebook may include additional multimedia software. Be sure to explore
Your desktop icons.
The software listed at Start > All Programs.
The preloaded items that may be available at Start > All
Programs > SW Setup.

Observing the Copyright Warning

It is a criminal offense, under applicable copyright laws, to make unauthorized copies of copyright-protected material, including computer programs, films, broadcasts, and sound recordings. This notebook should not be used for such purposes.
4–12 Hardware and Software Guide

Installing Software

To install software included with the notebook from a CD:
1. Insert an appropriate optical drive into the notebook
MultiBay II as instructed in the
Disc” in this chapter.
2. Connect the notebook to a reliable electrical outlet.
3. Close any open applications.
4. Insert a software CD into the optical drive.
If Autorun is enabled an installation wizard is displayed.
If Autorun is disabled, select Start > Run. Enter:
x:\setup.exe
(where x is your CD drive designation), and then
OK.
select
5. When the installation wizard is displayed, follow the
installation instructions on the screen.
6. Restart the notebook if prompted.
Multimedia
“Inserting or Removing a
Repeat the installation procedure for all software you want to
install.
WinDVD Creator has special drive requirements for proper
installation. To install WinDVD Creator, refer to the instructions provided with the InterVideo WinDVD Creator CD.
Hardware and Software Guide 4–13
Multimedia

Enabling AutoPlay

AutoPlay is an option in Windows that turns the Autorun feature on or off. Autorun starts a program or plays a title on a disc as soon as it is inserted into the drive and the drive door is closed. By default, AutoPlay is enabled on the notebook.
To disable AutoPlay or to enable AutoPlay if the feature has been turned off, refer to your operating system documentation or visit the Microsoft Web site at
http://www.microsoft.com.

Changing DVD Region Settings

CAUTION: The region settings on your DVD drive can only be changed
Ä
times.
5
The region setting you select the fifth time becomes the permanent
region setting on the DVD drive.
The number of allowable region changes remaining on the drive is
displayed in the Remaining Times Until Permanent field in the WinDVD window. The number in the field includes the fifth and permanent change.
Most DVDs that contain copyrighted files also contain region codes. The region codes help protect copyrights internationally.
You can play a DVD containing a region code only if the region code on the DVD matches the region setting on your DVD drive.
If the region code on a DVD does not match the region setting on your drive, a Playback Of Content From This Region Is Not Permitted message is displayed when you insert the DVD. To play the DVD, you must change the region setting on your DVD drive. DVD region settings can be changed through the operating system or through some DVD players.
4–14 Hardware and Software Guide
Using the Operating System
To change settings through the operating system:
1. Open Device Manager by selecting Start > My Computer.
Right-click in the window and select Properties > Hardware tab > Device Manager.
2. Select DVD/CD-ROM drives, right-click the DVD drive for
which you want to change region settings, and then select
Properties.
3. Make the desired changes on the DVD Region tab.
4. Select OK.
5. For additional information, refer to the Windows operating
system Help and Support.
Using WinDVD
To change the region settings on a drive using WinDVD:
1. Open WinDVD through one of the following methods:
Multimedia
Select the WinDVD Player icon on the notification area.
Select Start > (All) Programs > InterVideo WinDVD >
InterVideo WinDVD.
2. Right-click the WinDVD player window.
3. Select Setup.
4. Select the button for the region.
5. Select OK.
Using Other DVD Software
To change region settings on a drive using a DVD player other than WinDVD, refer to the documentation provided with the player.
Hardware and Software Guide 4–15
(Select Models Only)

Wireless Features

If your notebook is equipped with an 802.11 wireless device and/or a Bluetooth wireless device, you have a wireless notebook.
An 802.11 wireless notebook can connect to wireless local
area networks (WLANs) in corporate offices, your home, and
public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and universities. Hotspots are public places where you
can access a wireless network. Contact your Internet service provider (ISP) or search the Web for a list of hotspots near you.
A Bluetooth wireless notebook can connect to other
Bluetooth wireless-enabled devices such as notebooks, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras.
5
Wireless
Hardware and Software Guide 5–1
Wireless (Select Models Only)

Wireless Controls

Your notebook has a wireless button that can enable and disable
802.11 and Bluetooth wireless devices and wireless lights to indicate the state of the wireless devices. By default, the 802.11 and Bluetooth wireless devices and wireless lights are turned on when you turn on the notebook.
The following illustration shows the wireless button 1 and wireless lights 2.
In addition to the wireless button and wireless lights, your wireless notebook may have the following software controls to turn on, turn off, enable, and disable your wireless devices:
Wireless Control Description
Wireless Assistant utility (select models only)
Wireless device controls in the Setup utility
5–2 Hardware and Software Guide
Enables you to turn on and off 802.11 and Bluetooth wireless devices individually. For more information on using Wireless Assistant, refer to “Wireless Device Power States.”
Enable and disable 802.11 and Bluetooth wireless devices.
802.11 Wireless Devices
Wireless (Select Models Only)
(Select
With an 802.11 wireless device, you can access a wireless local area network (commonly referred to as wireless network, wireless LAN, or WLAN), which is composed of other computers and accessories linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.
A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN,
A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless
There are 3 popular implementations of 802.11 wireless devices:
802.11b
802.11b/g
802.11a/b/g
Computers with 802.11 wireless devices may support 1 or more of 3 industry standards:
Models Only)
typically uses wireless access points that can handle a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network functions.
router, which enables several wireless and wired computers to
share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without
additional pieces of hardware or software. The terms
wireless
interchangeably.
access point and wireless router are often used
802.11b, the first popular standard, supports data rates of up
to 11 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz.
802.11g supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at
a frequency of 2.4 GHz. An 802.11g WLAN device is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, so they can operate on the same network.
802.11a supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at
a frequency of 5 GHz. 802.11a is not compatible with
802.11b and 802.11g.
For information on identifying the type of wireless device in your computer, refer to “Identifying an 802.11 Wireless Device.”
Hardware and Software Guide 5–3
Wireless (Select Models Only)

Setting Up a WLAN in Your Home

Microsoft Windows XP supports WLAN configuration with the Zero Client Configuration feature.
To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet in your home, you need the following equipment:
A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) 1 and
high-speed service provider (ISP).
A wireless router (purchased separately) 2.
Your wireless notebook 3, which varies in appearance by
model.
The illustration below shows an example of a completed wireless network installation that is connected to the Internet.
Internet service purchased from an Internet
As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to access the Internet.
If you need technical assistance to install your home WLAN,
contact the router manufacturer or your ISP.
5–4 Hardware and Software Guide
Wireless (Select Models Only)

Connecting to a WLAN in Your Home

To connect to a WLAN connection in your home:
Verify that all drivers required by your 802.11 wireless
device are installed and that the wireless device is correctly configured.
If you are using an integrated 802.11 wireless device, all required
drivers are installed and the device is preconfigured and ready to
use.
Verify that your 802.11 wireless device is turned on. When
the wireless device is on, the wireless lights are turned on. If the wireless lights are off, turn on the wireless device. For information about turning on a wireless device, refer to
“Wireless Device Power States.”
Verify that your router is correctly installed and configured.
For instructions, refer to your router documentation.
Use the Wireless Network Connection feature of Microsoft
Windows XP to connect your notebook to the WLAN. For additional information about this feature, select Start
and Support.
> Help
Functional range for subsequent WLAN connections will vary,
depending on your computer WLAN implementation, router manufacturer, and interference from walls and other electronic devices.
For more information about connecting to a WLAN in your home:
Refer to information from your ISP and the documentation
included with your wireless router and other WLAN equipment.
Access the information and Web site links provided at
Start
> Help and Support.
Hardware and Software Guide 5–5
Wireless (Select Models Only)

Connecting to a Public WLAN

Contact your ISP or search the Web for a list of public WLANs near you. Web sites that list public WLANs include Cisco Hotspot Locator, Hotspotlist, and Geektools.
When you are within range of a public WLAN, a Wireless Network Connection interactive message is displayed at the bottom of your computer screen. Check with each public WLAN location for cost and connection requirements.

Using Wireless Security Features

When you set up your home WLAN or access an existing public WLAN, always ensure that security features are protecting the WLAN. If you do not enable security on your WLAN, an unauthorized wireless user can access your data and use your Internet connection without your knowledge.
The most common security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)-Personal and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). In addition to enabling WPA-Personal or WEP security encryption on the router, you may want to use one or more of the following security measures:
Change the default network name (SSID) and password.
Use a firewall.
Set security on your Web browser.
Enable MAC address filtering on the router.
5–6 Hardware and Software Guide
Wireless (Select Models Only)

Identifying an 802.11 Wireless Device

You may need to know the name of the integrated 802.11 wireless device installed in your notebook. To identify an integrated 802.11 wireless device:
1. Display the names of the network devices on your notebook:
a. Select Start > My Computer.
b. Right-click in the My Computer window.
c. Select Properties > Hardware tab > Device Manager >
Network Adapters.
2. Identify the 802.11 wireless device from the list that is displayed:
The listing for an 802.11 wireless device includes the
wireless LAN, WLAN, or 802.11.
term
If no 802.11 wireless device is listed, either your
notebook device, or the driver for the 802.11 wireless device is not
does not have an integrated 802.11 wireless
properly installed.

Troubleshooting Devices

For more troubleshooting information, select Start > Help and Support.
Hardware and Software Guide 5–7
Wireless (Select Models Only)
Bluetooth Wireless Devices (Select
A Bluetooth wireless device provides short-range wireless communications that replace the physical cable connections that traditionally link electronic devices such as
Network access points.
Computers (desktop, notebook, PDA).
Phones (cellular, cordless, smart phone).
Imaging devices (printer, camera).
Audio devices (headset, speakers).
The devices are represented in the Bluetooth for Windows software by graphical icons that resemble the physical features of the devices.
The Bluetooth for Windows software provides the following functions:
Personal Information Management (PIM) item
PIM synchronization—Synchronizes PIM data between a
File Transfer—Enables the exchange of files between
Network access (Personal Area Networking
Models Only)
transfer—Enables the exchange of information files such as business cards, calendar items, notes, and message items between Bluetooth computers or devices.
Bluetooth wireless device and a notebook, PDA, or cell phone using Bluetooth.
Bluetooth computers or devices.
Profile)—Enables 2 or more Bluetooth devices to form an ad
hoc (peer-to-peer) network. Provides a mechanism that enables a Bluetooth device to access a remote network through a network access point. The network access points can be traditional LAN data access points or group ad hoc networks that represent a set of devices that are attached only to one another.
5–8 Hardware and Software Guide
Wireless (Select Models Only)
Dial-up networking—Connects Bluetooth devices to the
Internet.
Bluetooth serial port—Transfers data over the Bluetooth link
using a virtual COM port.
Hands-Free—Enables a vehicle-embedded, hands-free unit
or a notebook serving as a hands-free unit to establish a wireless connection to a cellular phone and to act as the Bluetooth cellular phone audio input and output mechanism.
Basic imaging—Provides a wireless connection between a
Bluetooth-enabled camera and other Bluetooth devices. The camera can be controlled remotely by a notebook, and images can be transferred from a camera to be stored on a notebook or to be printed.
Human interface device—Provides a wireless connection to
other Bluetooth devices, such as keyboards, pointing devices, gaming devices, and remote monitoring devices.
Fax—Provides a Bluetooth connection that enables a
notebook to send or receive a fax message using a Bluetooth cellular phone or modem.
Headset—Provides a wireless connection between a headset
and a notebook or cellular phone. The headset acts as the device’s audio input and output mechanism and increases mobility.
Hardware and Software Guide 5–9
Wireless (Select Models Only)

Wireless Device Power States

The wireless button 1 enables and disables 802.11 and Bluetooth wireless devices, in conjunction with the Wireless Assistant software utility. By default, any 802.11 or Bluetooth wireless device and the wireless light 2 are turned on when you turn on the notebook.
Turning on a wireless device does not automatically connect your
notebook to a WLAN. For information on setting up a WLAN, refer to “Setting Up a WLAN in Your Home.”
5–10 Hardware and Software Guide
Wireless (Select Models Only)
The 802.11 and Bluetooth wireless devices have 2 power states:
Enabled
Disabled
You can enable and disable the wireless devices with the wireless button. You can also enable and disable the wireless devices in the Setup utility.
You cannot use the wireless button or Wireless Assistant to
control the wireless devices if they are disabled in the Setup utility.
When the wireless devices are enabled with the wireless button, you can use Wireless Assistant to turn the devices on or off individually. When the wireless devices are disabled, you must enable them before you can turn them on or off with Wireless Assistant.
To view the state of the wireless devices, place the pointer over the Wireless Assistant icon in the notification area, or open Wireless Assistant by double-clicking the icon in the notification area.
Wireless Assistant refers to an 802.11 wireless device as WLAN
and Wireless LAN.
Wireless Assistant displays the status of the devices as on, off, or disabled.
For more information about Wireless Assistant:
1. Open Wireless Assistant by double-clicking the icon in the notification area.
2. Select the Help button.
You cannot use the wireless button or Wireless Assistant to
control the wireless devices if they are disabled in the Setup utility.
Hardware and Software Guide 5–11
Wireless (Select Models Only)

Turning On the Devices

If And Then
Wireless
Assistant shows that both WLAN (802.11) and Bluetooth are turned off
Wireless light
is
off
Wireless
Assistant shows that both WLAN and Bluetooth are disabled
Wireless light
off
is
Wireless
Assistant shows that one device is turned on and the other device is
turned off
Wireless light
on
is
You want to turn on one or both devices
You want to turn on one or both devices
You want to turn on the device that is off
1. Right-click the Wireless Assistant icon in the notification area.
2. Select the device or devices you want to turn
on.
If the wireless devices
are turned off, pressing the wireless button disables both devices. It does not turn on the devices.
1. Press the wireless button. (The devices return to their previous on or off state.)*
2. If the wireless devices are turned off, right-click the Wireless Assistant icon in the notification area.
3. Select the device or devices you want to turn
on.
1. Right-click the Wireless Assistant icon in the notification area.
2. Select the device you want to turn on.
*Pressing the button does not turn on both devices.
If you want your wireless devices to be turned on when you turn
on your notebook, you must turn them on before you shut down or restart the notebook.
5–12 Hardware and Software Guide
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