Hp 8540P User Manual

HP EliteBook User Guide

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries or regions. Java is a U.S. trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. SD Logo is a trademark of its proprietor.

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.

First Edition: January 2010

Document Part Number: 590177-001

Product notice

This user guide describes features that are common to most models. Some features may not be available on your computer.

Safety warning notice

WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not

place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on a hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The computer and the AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the International Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).

iii

iv Safety warning notice

Table of contents

1 Features

Identifying hardware ............................................................................................................................. 1

Top components .................................................................................................................. 1

Pointing devices .................................................................................................. 1

Lights ................................................................................................................... 3

Buttons, switches, and fingerprint reader ............................................................ 5

Keys .................................................................................................................... 7

Front components ................................................................................................................ 7

Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 9

Left-side components .......................................................................................................... 9

Rear components .............................................................................................................. 10

Bottom components ........................................................................................................... 11

Display .............................................................................................................................. 12

Wireless antennas (select models only) ............................................................................ 12

Additional hardware components ...................................................................................... 13

Identifying the labels ........................................................................................................................... 14

2 Wireless, modem, and local area network

Using wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................................... 16

Identifying wireless and network icons .............................................................................. 17

Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 17

Using the wireless button ................................................................................................... 17

Using Wireless Assistant software (select models only) .................................................... 18

Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) ........................................................ 18

Using operating system controls ........................................................................................ 19

Using a WLAN .................................................................................................................................... 20

Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................................ 20

Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 20

Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................................... 21

Roaming to another network .............................................................................................. 22

Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) ............................................................................. 23

Inserting a SIM ................................................................................................................... 23

Removing a SIM ................................................................................................................ 24

Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................... 26

Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................. 26

Troubleshooting wireless connection problems ................................................................................. 27

Cannot create a WLAN connection ................................................................................... 27

Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................................. 28

Network icon is not displayed ............................................................................................ 28

Current network security codes are unavailable ................................................................ 28

WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................................... 29

Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................................... 29

Using the modem (select models only) .............................................................................................. 30

Connecting a modem cable ............................................................................................... 30

Connecting a country-specific modem cable adapter ........................................................ 31

Selecting a location setting ................................................................................................ 31

Viewing the current location selection ............................................................... 31

Adding new locations when traveling ................................................................ 32

Solving travel connection problems .................................................................. 33

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) .......................................................................................... 34

3 Pointing devices and keyboard

Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 35

Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 35

Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 35

Using the pointing stick ...................................................................................................... 35

Connecting an external mouse .......................................................................................... 35

Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 35

Using hotkeys .................................................................................................................... 35

Displaying system information .......................................................................... 36

Initiating Sleep ................................................................................................... 37

Switching the screen image .............................................................................. 38

Viewing battery charge information ................................................................... 39

Decreasing screen brightness ........................................................................... 40

Increasing screen brightness ............................................................................ 40

Activating the ambient light sensor .................................................................. 40

Using HP Quick Launch Buttons ........................................................................................................ 41

Opening the Quick Launch Buttons control panel .............................................................................. 42

Using HP QuickLook .......................................................................................................................... 43

Using HP QuickWeb ........................................................................................................................... 44

Using the integrated numeric keypad ................................................................................................. 44

Using an optional external numeric keypad ....................................................................... 44

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................................... 45

4 Multimedia

Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 46

Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 46

Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 47

Accessing your preinstalled multimedia software .............................................................. 48

Installing your preloaded multimedia software ................................................................... 48

Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 48

Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 49

Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 49

Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 49

Video .................................................................................................................................................. 51

Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................... 51

Using the external monitor port ......................................................................... 51

Using the DisplayPort ........................................................................................ 51

Using the DreamColor display (select models only) ......................................... 52

Optical drive (select models only) ...................................................................................................... 53

Identifying the installed optical drive .................................................................................. 53

Using optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) ....................................................................... 53

Selecting the right disc (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) ................................................................. 53

CD-R discs ........................................................................................................ 54

CD-RW discs ..................................................................................................... 54

DVD±R discs ..................................................................................................... 54

DVD±RW discs ................................................................................................. 54

LightScribe DVD+R discs .................................................................................. 54

Blu-ray Discs (BDs) ........................................................................................... 54

Playing a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................................. 55

Configuring AutoPlay ......................................................................................................... 56

Changing DVD region settings .......................................................................................... 56

Observing the copyright warning ....................................................................................... 56

Copying a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................................ 57

Creating (burning) a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................ 57

Removing an optical disc (CD, DVD, or BD) ..................................................................... 58

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 58

The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD, DVD, or BD ............. 58

The computer does not detect the optical drive ................................................ 59

A disc does not play .......................................................................................... 60

A disc does not play automatically .................................................................... 61

A movie stops, skips, or plays erratically .......................................................... 61

A movie is not visible on an external display ..................................................... 61

The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before

completion ......................................................................................................... 61

A device driver must be reinstalled ................................................................... 62

Obtaining the latest HP device drivers ............................................. 62

Obtaining Microsoft device drivers ................................................... 62

Webcam ............................................................................................................................................. 64

Webcam tips ...................................................................................................................... 64

Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................. 64

vii

Capturing business card images ....................................................................................... 65

5 Power management

Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 67

Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 67

Using the battery meter ..................................................................................................... 68

Using power plans ............................................................................................................. 68

Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 69

Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 70

Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................... 70

Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 71

Finding battery information in Help and Support ............................................................... 71

Using Battery Check .......................................................................................................... 72

Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 72

Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 72

Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 73

Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 74

Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 74

Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................... 76

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 79

Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 80

Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 80

Replacing the battery ........................................................................................................ 80

Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................................... 81

Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 81

Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 67

Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 68

Viewing the current power plan ......................................................................... 69

Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................ 69

Customizing power plans .................................................................................. 69

Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 74

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 76

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 76

Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is

available ........................................................................................... 76

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is

available ........................................................................................... 76

Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit

Hibernation ....................................................................................... 76

Step 1: Fully charge the battery ........................................................................ 76

Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Sleep ............................................................. 77

Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................ 77

Step 4: Fully recharge the battery ..................................................................... 79

Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Sleep .......................................................... 79

viii

6 Drives

Identifying installed drives .................................................................................................................. 83

Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 83

Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................................... 85

Using HP 3D DriveGuard .................................................................................................................. 86

Replacing the hard drive in the hard drive bay ................................................................................... 88

Replacing a drive in the upgrade bay ................................................................................................. 91

7 External devices

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 97

Using a 1394 device ........................................................................................................................... 99

Using an eSATA device ................................................................................................................... 100

Using external drives ........................................................................................................................ 101

Using the docking connector ........................................................................................................... 102

Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 85

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 85

Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status ................................................................................. 86

Using HP 3D DriveGuard software .................................................................................... 87

Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................... 91

Replacing an optical drive .................................................................................................. 94

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 97

Stopping and removing a USB device ............................................................................... 97

Using USB legacy support ................................................................................................. 98

Connecting a 1394 device ................................................................................................. 99

Stopping and removing a 1394 device .............................................................................. 99

Connecting an eSATA device .......................................................................................... 100

Stopping and removing an eSATA device ....................................................................... 100

Using optional external devices ....................................................................................... 101

8 External media cards

Using Media Card Reader cards ...................................................................................................... 103

Inserting a digital card ...................................................................................................... 103

Stopping and removing a digital card .............................................................................. 104

Using ExpressCards (select models only) ........................................................................................ 105

Configuring an ExpressCard ............................................................................................ 105

Inserting an ExpressCard ................................................................................................ 105

Stopping and removing an ExpressCard ......................................................................... 106

Using Smart Cards (select models only) .......................................................................................... 107

Inserting a smart card ...................................................................................................... 107

Removing a smart card .................................................................................................... 107

9 Memory modules

Adding or replacing a memory module in the expansion memory module slot ................................ 110

Upgrading a memory module in the primary memory module slot ................................................... 113

10 Security

Protecting the computer ................................................................................................................... 117

Using passwords .............................................................................................................................. 118

Using Computer Setup security features .......................................................................................... 127

Using antivirus software ................................................................................................................... 129

Using firewall software ..................................................................................................................... 130

Installing critical updates .................................................................................................................. 131

Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only) ....................................................... 132

Installing a security cable ................................................................................................................. 133

Setting passwords in Windows ........................................................................................ 118

Setting passwords in Computer Setup ............................................................................ 118

BIOS administrator password .......................................................................................... 119

Managing a BIOS administrator password ...................................................... 120

Entering a BIOS administrator password ........................................................ 121

Using Computer Setup DriveLock ................................................................................... 121

Setting a DriveLock password ......................................................................... 122

Entering a DriveLock password ...................................................................... 123

Changing a DriveLock password .................................................................... 124

Removing DriveLock protection ...................................................................... 125

Using Computer Setup Auto DriveLock ........................................................................... 125

Entering an Automatic DriveLock password ................................................... 125

Removing Automatic DriveLock protection ..................................................... 126

Securing system devices ................................................................................................. 127

Viewing Computer Setup System Information ................................................................. 127

Using Computer Setup System IDs ................................................................................. 128

11 Software updates

Updating software ............................................................................................................................ 134

Updating the BIOS ........................................................................................................................... 136

Determining the BIOS version ......................................................................................... 136

Downloading a BIOS update ........................................................................................... 137

Updating programs and drivers ........................................................................................................ 139

Using SoftPaq Download Manager .................................................................................................. 140

12 Backup and recovery

Backing up your information ............................................................................................................. 142

Performing a recovery ...................................................................................................................... 144

Using the Windows recovery tools ................................................................................... 144

Using f11 .......................................................................................................................... 145

Using a Windows 7 operating system DVD (purchased separately) .............................. 145

13 Computer Setup

Starting Computer Setup .................................................................................................................. 147

Using Computer Setup ..................................................................................................................... 147

Computer Setup menus ................................................................................................................... 148

14 MultiBoot

About the boot device order ............................................................................................................. 155

Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup ....................................................................................... 157

Considering boot order changes ...................................................................................................... 158

Choosing MultiBoot preferences ...................................................................................................... 159

Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup ................................................................... 147

Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup ................................................................. 148

File menu ......................................................................................................................... 149

Security menu .................................................................................................................. 149

System Configuration menu ............................................................................................ 150

Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup ................................................................... 159

Dynamically choosing a boot device using the F9 prompt ............................................... 159

Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt ................................................................................ 160

Entering MultiBoot Express preferences ......................................................................... 160

15 Management and printing

Using Client Management Solutions ................................................................................................ 161

Configuring and deploying a software image ................................................................... 161

Managing and updating software ..................................................................................... 162

HP Client Manager for Altiris (select models only) .......................................... 162

HP CCM (Client Configuration Manager) (select models only) ....................... 164

HP SSM (System Software Manager) ............................................................. 165

Using Intel Active Management Technology (select models only) ................................................... 166

Enabling the iAMT solution .............................................................................................. 166

Using the MEBx setup utility menus ................................................................................ 166

Using the HP Universal Print Driver (select models only) ................................................................ 168

Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 169

xii

1 Features

Identifying hardware

To see a list of hardware installed in the computer, follow these steps:

1. Select Start > Computer > System properties.

2. In the left pane, click Device Manager.

You can also add hardware or modify device configurations using Device Manager.

NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer.

You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Windows Help and Support for more information.

Top components

Pointing devices

Component Description

(1) Pointing stick* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.

Identifying hardware 1

Component Description

(2) Center pointing stick button* Functions like the center button on an external mouse.

(3) Right pointing stick button* Functions like the right button on an external mouse.

(4) TouchPad scroll zone Scrolls up or down.

(5) Right TouchPad button* Functions like the right button on an external mouse.

(6) Center TouchPad button* Functions like the center button on an external mouse.

(7) Left TouchPad button* Functions like the left button on an external mouse.

(8) TouchPad* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.

(9) Left pointing stick button* Functions like the left button on an external mouse.

*This table describes factory settings. To view or change pointing device preferences, select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Mouse.

2 Chapter 1 Features

Lights

Component Description

(1)

Wireless lights (2)

(2) Power lights (2)*

(3) Battery light

(4) Drive light

†

Blue: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local

●

area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, is on.

Amber: All wireless devices are off.

●

On: The computer is on.

●

Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state.

●

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

●

Amber: A battery is charging.

●

Turquoise: A battery is close to full charge capacity.

●

Blinking amber: A battery that is the only available power

●

source has reached a low battery level. When the battery reaches a critical battery level, the battery light begins blinking rapidly.

Off: If the computer is plugged into an external power source,

●

the light turns off when all batteries in the computer are fully charged. If the computer is not plugged into an external power source, the light stays off until the battery reaches a low battery level.

Blinking turquoise: The hard drive or optical drive is being

●

accessed.

(5) QuickLook light

(6) HP QuickWeb light

Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the hard

●

drive.

On: The computer is on.

●

Off: The computer is off or in the Sleep or Hibernation state.

●

On: The Web browser is in use.

●

Identifying hardware 3

Component Description

(7) TouchPad light

Blue: TouchPad is on.

●

Amber: TouchPad is off.

●

(8) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.

(9) Num lock light On: Num lock is on.

(10) Volume mute light

On: Computer sound is on.

●

Amber: Computer sound is off.

●

(11) Volume down light Blinking: The volume scroll zone is being used to decrease speaker

volume.

(12) Volume up light Blinking: The volume scroll zone is being used to increase speaker

volume.

(13) Calculator light

On: The Windows calculator function is on.

●

Blinking: The Windows calculator is in use.

●

*The two power lights display the same information. The light on the power button is visible only when the computer is open. The power light on the front of the computer is visible whether the computer is open or closed.

†

The two wireless lights display the same information. The light on the wireless button is visible only when the computer is open.

The wireless light on the front of the computer is visible whether the computer is open or closed.

4 Chapter 1 Features

Buttons, switches, and fingerprint reader

Component Description

(1) Power button

(2) QuickLook button

When the computer is off, press the button to turn on

●

the computer.

When the computer is on, press the button to shut

●

down the computer.

When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the

●

button briefly to exit Sleep.

When the computer is in Hibernation, press the

●

button briefly to exit Hibernation.

If the computer has stopped responding and Windows shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds to turn off the computer.

To learn more about your power settings, select Start >

Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options.

When the computer is off, press the button to open

●

HP QuickLook.

When the computer is on, press the button to open

●

Software Setup.

NOTE: If Software Setup is not available, the

default Web browser opens.

Identifying hardware 5

Component Description

(3) QuickWeb button

(4) Wireless button Turns the wireless feature on or off but does not establish

(5) TouchPad button Enables/disables the TouchPad.

(6) Volume mute button Mutes and restores speaker sound.

(7) Volume down button Decreases computer volume.

(8) Volume up button Increases computer volume.

(9) Calculator button Turns on the Windows calculator function.

(10) Fingerprint reader Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a

When the computer is off, press the button to open

●

HP QuickWeb.

When the computer is on, press the button to open

●

the default Web browser.

a wireless connection.

password logon.

6 Chapter 1 Features

Keys

Component Description

(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the

(2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed in

(3) Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.

(4) Windows applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the pointer.

(5) Integrated numeric keypad keys Can be used like the keys on an external numeric keypad.

(6) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in

Front components

fn key.

combination with a function key or the esc key.

combination with the fn key.

Identifying hardware 7

Component Description

(1) Wireless light

(2) Power light

(3) Battery light

(4) Drive light

Blue: An integrated wireless device, such as a WLAN device,

●

the HP Mobile Broadband Module (select models only), and/ or a Bluetooth device, is on.

Amber: All wireless devices are off.

●

On: The computer is on.

●

Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state.

●

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

●

Amber: A battery is charging.

●

Turquoise: A battery is close to full charge capacity.

●

Blinking amber: A battery that is the only available power

●

source has reached a low battery level. When the battery reaches a critical battery level, the battery light begins blinking rapidly.

Off: If the computer is plugged into an external power source,

●

Blinking turquoise: The hard drive or optical drive is being

●

accessed.

Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the hard

●

drive.

(5) Speakers (2) Produce sound.

(6) Media Card Reader Supports the following optional digital card formats:

Memory Stick

●

Memory Stick Duo (adapter required)

●

Memory Stick Pro (adapter required)

●

MultiMediaCard

●

Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card

●

xD-Picture Card

●

xD-Picture Card Type H

●

xD-Picture Card Type M

●

(7) Display release button Opens the computer.

(8) Business card slot Holds a business card in position so that the webcam can capture

an image.

8 Chapter 1 Features

Right-side components

Component Description

(1) Smart card reader Supports optional smart cards and Java™ Cards.

(2) Upgrade bay Supports an optical drive or hard drive.

(3) 3.0 SuperSpeed USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices and transfer data at a higher speed

(4) RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.

(5) RJ-11 (modem) jack Connects a modem cable.

(6) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.

than a 2.0 USB device.

NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but

it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.

Left-side components

Component Description

(1) USB ports (3) Connect optional USB devices.

(2) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.

(3) DisplayPort Connects an optional digital display device, such as a high-

(4) eSATA port Connects high-performance eSATA components, such as an

(5) 1394 port Connects an optional IEEE 1394 or 1394a device, such as a

NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal

components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.

performance monitor or projector.

eSATA external hard drive.

camcorder.

Identifying hardware 9

Component Description

(6) Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo array

microphone, or monaural microphone.

(7) Audio-out (headphone) jack Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo

(8) ExpressCard slot Supports optional ExpressCards.

Rear components

The vent enables airflow to cool internal components.

NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal components and prevent overheating.

It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.

Component Description

speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio.

NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the

computer speakers are disabled.

(1) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

(2) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

10 Chapter 1 Features

Bottom components

Component Description

(1) SIM slot Contains a wireless subscriber identity module (SIM) (select

models only). The SIM slot is located inside the battery bay.

(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.

(3) Docking connector Connects an optional docking device.

(4) Vents (6) Enable airflow to cool internal components.

NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal

components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.

(5) Accessory battery connector Connects an optional accessory battery.

(6) Memory module compartment Contains two expansion memory module slots.

(7) Hard drive bay Holds the hard drive.

(8) Bluetooth compartment Contains a Bluetooth device.

(9) Wireless module compartment Contains an HP Mobile Broadband Module.

NOTE: To prevent an unresponsive system, replace the wireless

module only with a wireless module authorized for use in the computer by the governmental agency that regulates wireless devices in your country or region. If you replace the module and then receive a warning message, remove the module to restore computer functionality, and then contact technical support through Help and Support.

(10) Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.

Identifying hardware 11

Display

Component Description

(1) Internal display switch Turns off the display if the display is closed while the power is on.

(2) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.

(3) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.

(4) Webcam Records audio and video and captures still photographs.

(5) Keyboard light Illuminates the keyboard in low-light conditions when the keyboard

(6) Keyboard light button Turns on the keyboard light.

(7) Ambient light sensor Automatically adjusts the display brightness based on the lighting

Wireless antennas (select models only)

The antennas send and receive signals from one or more wireless devices. These antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer.

light button is pressed.

conditions in your environment.

12 Chapter 1 Features

Component Description

(1) WWAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless

(2) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless

*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from obstructions.

To see wireless regulatory notices, refer to the section of the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.

Additional hardware components

wide area networks (WWANs).

local area networks (WLANs).

Identifying hardware 13

Component Description

(1) Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet.

(2) Battery* Powers the computer when the computer is not plugged into an

external power source.

(3) AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power.

(4) Modem cable (select models only)* Connects the internal modem to an RJ-11 telephone jack or to a

country- or region-specific modem cable adapter.

(5) Country- or region-specific modem cable adapter

(select models only)*

*Modem cables, batteries, modem cable adapters, and power cords vary in appearance by country or region.

Identifying the labels

The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system problems or travel internationally with the computer:

Service tag—Provides important information, including the following:

●

Product Name (1). This is the product name affixed to the front of your computer.

◦

Serial Number (s/n) (2). This is an alphanumeric identifier that is unique to each product.

◦

Part number/Product number (p/n) (3). This number provides specific information about the

◦

product's hardware components. The part number helps a service technician to determine what components and parts are needed.

Adapts the modem cable to a non-RJ-11 telephone jack.

Model description (4). This is an alphanumeric identifier used to locate documents, drivers,

◦

and support for your computer.

Warranty period (5). This number describes the duration (in years) of the warranty period for

◦

this computer.

Have this information available when you contact technical support. The service tag label is affixed to the bottom of the computer.

Microsoft® Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the 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 computer.

Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is

●

affixed inside the battery bay.

Modem approval label—Provides regulatory information 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 inside the memory module compartment.

14 Chapter 1 Features

Wireless certification label(s) (select models only)—Provide information about optional wireless

●

devices and the approval markings of some of the countries or regions in which the devices have been approved for use. An optional device may be a WLAN device or a Bluetooth device. If your computer model includes one or more wireless devices, one or more certification labels are included with your computer. You may need this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are affixed to the bottom of the computer.

SIM (subscriber identity module) label (select models only)—Provides the ICCID (Integrated Circuit

●

Card Identifier) of your SIM. This label is located inside the battery bay.

HP Mobile Broadband Module serial number label (select models only)—Provides the serial

●

number of your HP Mobile Broadband Module. This label is located inside the battery bay.

Identifying the labels 15

2 Wireless, modem, and local area

network

Using wireless devices (select models only)

Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:

WLAN device—Connects the computer to wireless local area networks (commonly referred to as

●

Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate offices, your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and universities. In a WLAN, each mobile wireless device communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access point.

HP Mobile Broadband Module—A wireless wide area network (WWAN) device that provides

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access to information wherever mobile network operator service is available. In a WWAN, each mobile device communicates to a mobile network operator’s base station. Mobile network operators install networks of base stations (similar to cell phone towers) throughout large geographic areas, effectively providing coverage across entire states, regions, or even countries.

Bluetooth device—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled

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devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras. In a PAN, each device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be relatively close together— typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.

Computers with WLAN devices support one or more of the following IEEE industry standards:

802.11b, the first popular standard, supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps and operates at a

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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

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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.

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NOTE: 802.11a is not compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g.

802.11n supports data rates of up to 450 Mbps and may operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, making it

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backward compatible with 802.11a, b, and g.

NOTE: The specifications for the 802.11n WLAN are draft specifications and are not final. If the

final specifications differ from the draft specifications, it may affect the ability of the computer to communicate with other 802.11n WLAN devices.

For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided in Help and Support.

16 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network

Identifying wireless and network icons

Icon Name Description

Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless lights and the wireless buttons on

the computer. Also identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the computer and indicates that one or more of the wireless devices are on.

Wireless (disconnected)

HP Connection Manager

Wired network (connected)

Network (connected) Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed, one or

Network (disconnected)

Network (disabled/ disconnected)

Wired network (disabled/ disconnected)

Identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the computer and indicates that all of the wireless devices are off.

Opens HP Connection Manager, which enables you to create a connection with an HP Mobile Broadband device (select models only).

Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed and one or more network devices are connected to the network.

more network devices are connected to a wireless network, and one or more network devices may be connected to a wired network.

Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed and wireless connections are available, but no network devices are connected to a wired or wireless network.

Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed, no wireless connections are available or all wireless network devices are disabled by the wireless button or Wireless Assistant, and no network devices are connected to a wired network.

Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed, all network devices or all wireless devices are disabled in Windows Control Panel, and no network devices are connected to a wired network.

Using the wireless controls

You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:

Wireless button or wireless switch (referred to in this guide as the wireless button)

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Wireless Assistant software (select models only)

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HP Connection Manager software (select models only)

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Operating system controls

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Using the wireless button

The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights, depending on the model. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless light is on (blue) when you turn on the computer.

The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of individual devices. If the wireless light is blue, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light is off, all wireless devices are off.

Using wireless devices (select models only) 17

NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.

Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless button to turn on or turn off the wireless devices simultaneously. Individual wireless devices can be controlled through Wireless Assistant software (select models only) or through Computer Setup.

NOTE: If the wireless devices are disabled by Computer Setup, the wireless button will not work until

you reenable your devices.

Using Wireless Assistant software (select models only)

A wireless device can be turned on or off using the Wireless Assistant software. If a wireless device is disabled by Computer Setup, it must be reenabled by Computer Setup before it can be turned on or off using Wireless Assistant.

NOTE: Enabling or turning on a wireless device does not automatically connect the computer to a

network or a Bluetooth-enabled device.

To view the state of the wireless devices, click the Show hidden icons icon, the arrow at the left of the notification area, and position the cursor over the wireless icon.

If the wireless icon is not displayed in the notification area, complete the following steps to change the Wireless Assistant properties:

1. Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Windows Mobility Center.

2. Click the wireless icon in the Wireless Assistant tile, which is located in the bottom row of Windows

Mobility Center.

3. Click Properties.

4. Select the check box next to HP Wireless Assistant icon in notification area.

5. Click Apply.

6. Click Close.

For more information, refer to the Wireless Assistant software Help:

1. Open Wireless Assistant by clicking the wireless icon in Windows Mobility Center.

2. Click the Help button.

Using HP Connection Manager (select models only)

You can use HP Connection Manager to connect to WWANs using the HP Mobile Broadband device in your computer (select models only).

To start Connection Manager, click the Connection Manager icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

– or –

Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Connection Manager.

For more details about using Connection Manager, refer to the Connection Manager software Help.

18 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network

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