HP ARMADA E700 User Manual

Compaq Armada E700

Series of Personal Computers

Reference Guide

Notice

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

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

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

© 1999 Compaq Computer Corporation.
All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S., U.K., Singapore, and Taiwan.

OMPAQ

C

Office.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, Windows NT, and other names of

Microsoft products mentioned herein are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Phoenix is a registered trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
MultiBoot is a trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.

Imation and SuperDisk are trademarks of Imation Corporation.
CardWare is a registered trademark of Award Software International Inc.
All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks or

registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Software described herein is furnished under a license agreement or

nondisclosure agreement. The software may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of the agreement.

and

RMADA

A

are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark

EFERENCE GUIDE

R

Compaq Armada E700 Series of Personal Computers

First Edition July 1999
Part Number 103542-001

Compaq Computer Corporation

ONTENTS

C

preface

U

SING THIS GUIDE

chapter 1

G

ETTING STARTED

Finding Assistance ...........................................................................1-1

Identifying Packing Box Contents...................................................1-1

chapter 2

T

AKING A LOOK AT THE COMPUTER

Display Component..........................................................................2-1

Top Components..............................................................................2-2

Left Side Components......................................................................2-4

Right Side Components....................................................................2-5

Front Panel Components..................................................................2-6

Rear Panel Components...................................................................2-7

Bottom Components.........................................................................2-8

chapter 3

U

SING THE KEYBOARD

Using the Pointing Device ...............................................................3-1

Identifying Keyboard Components (Pointing-Stick Models).....3-1

Identifying Keyboard Components (Touchpad Models) ............3-2

Navigating with the Pointing Device...........................................3-2

Setting Pointing Device Preferences ...........................................3-3

Using Hotkeys..................................................................................3-4

Switching the Display and Image................................................3-5

Adjusting System Volume...........................................................3-5

Initiating Quick Controls.............................................................3-5

Setting a Power Conservation Level ...........................................3-6

Viewing Battery Charge Status ...................................................3-6

Adjusting Screen Brightness........................................................3-6

Displaying System Information...................................................3-6

Stretching Text.............................................................................3-6

Contents v

Using the Embedded Numeric Keypad...........................................3-7

Toggling the Keypad On and Off................................................ 3-7

Operating the Keypad Keys as Standard Keys ........................... 3-7

Enabling the Keypad at Startup................................................... 3-8

chapter 4

I

NSERTING

, R

EMOVING, OR STORING A BATTERY PACK

Selecting a Battery Pack Location...................................................4-1

Inserting Multiple Battery Packs.....................................................4-2

Storing a Battery Pack .....................................................................4-2

Replacing the Primary Battery Pack................................................ 4-3

Inserting or Removing a MultiBay Battery Pack............................ 4-4

Inserting or Removing a Dual-MultiBay Battery Pack................... 4-5

chapter 5

M

ANAGING POWER

Selecting a Power Source ................................................................5-1

Beginning, Leaving, or Resuming Your Work ............................... 5-2

Managing Low-Battery Conditions................................................. 5-4

Identifying Low-Battery Conditions........................................... 5-4

Resolving Low-Battery Conditions............................................. 5-5

Restoring from Hibernation After Resolving a Critical

Low-Battery Condition................................................................5-5

Charging a Battery Pack.................................................................. 5-6

Monitoring the Charge in a Battery Pack........................................ 5-7

Using the Battery Charge Level Lights....................................... 5-7

Using the Battery Status Tab....................................................... 5-7

Using the Battery Meter or Power Meter Icon............................5-8

Using the Power or Power Meter Tab......................................... 5-9

Calibrating a Battery Pack.............................................................5-10

Checking or Running a Calibration...........................................5-11

Stopping a Calibration............................................................... 5-11

Setting Power Preferences............................................................. 5-12

Setting Power Preferences in Windows 95...............................5-13

Setting Power Preferences in Windows 98...............................5-14

Setting Power Preferences in Windows NT 4.0........................ 5-15

Turning Auto Insert Notification On or Off.............................. 5-16

Conserving Battery Power............................................................. 5-17

Battery Power Conservation Checklist .....................................5-17

Conserving Battery Power in Windows 95...............................5-17

Conserving Battery Power in Windows 98...............................5-18

Conserving Battery Power in Windows NT 4.0 ....................... 5-18

vi Contents

chapter 6

U

SING DRIVES

Caring for Drives..............................................................................6-1

Removing and Inserting the Primary Hard Drive............................6-1

Removing the Primary Hard Drive..............................................6-2

Inserting the Primary Hard Drive................................................6-3

Using a Drive in a MultiBay............................................................6-4

Selecting a MultiBay Location....................................................6-4

Selecting a MultiBay Drive Adapter ...........................................6-4

Preparing to Insert or Remove a MultiBay Drive .......................6-5

Inserting a Hard Drive into a MultiBay Adapter.........................6-6

Removing a Hard Drive from a MultiBay Adapter.....................6-7

Inserting or Removing a MultiBay Drive....................................6-8

Changing the Startup Sequence with MultiBoot ...........................6-10

chapter 7

S

ECURING THE COMPUTER

Security Features Quick Reference..................................................7-1

If You Forget a Password.................................................................7-1

Setting Passwords and Quick Controls............................................7-2

Using a Power-On Password .......................................................7-3

Using Quick Controls ..................................................................7-4

Using a Setup Password...............................................................7-5

Using DriveLock..........................................................................7-6

Disabling a Device ...........................................................................7-9

Securing the Memory Expansion Compartment............................7-10

Connecting an Optional Cable Lock..............................................7-10

chapter 8

U

SING AUDIO AND VIDEO FEATURES

Using the Internal Microphone and Stereo Speakers.......................8-1

Connecting an External Audio Device ............................................8-2

Selecting an Audio Connector.....................................................8-2

Connecting a Device to the Microphone Jack.............................8-2

Connecting a Device to the Stereo Speaker/Headphone Jack.....8-3

Connecting a Device to the Stereo Line-In Jack.........................8-3

Connecting an External Video Device.............................................8-3

Using the Video-Out Adapter......................................................8-4

Changing the Video Mode...........................................................8-5

Setting Video Preferences............................................................8-5

Contents vii

Adjusting Volume............................................................................8-6

Adjusting System Volume...........................................................8-6

Setting Device Volume ............................................................... 8-6

chapter 9

U

SING AN INTERNAL MODEM

Connecting the Modem Cable......................................................... 9-1

Selecting Communication Software................................................ 9-2

Configuring the Modem .................................................................. 9-2

Modem Model............................................................................. 9-2

Other Recommended Settings..................................................... 9-2

Using Modem Commands and Dial Modifiers........................... 9-3

Setting Modem Preferences......................................................... 9-3

Reinstalling Modem Software......................................................... 9-4

Using the Modem............................................................................. 9-5

Using the Modem While Traveling Internationally........................ 9-6

Using a Country-Specific Modem Adapter.................................9-6

Selecting a Country-Specific Modem Configuration ................. 9-7

Travel Connection Checklist....................................................... 9-7

chapter 10

C

ONNECTING TO A LOCAL AREA NETWORK

(LAN)

Connecting the Network Cable...................................................... 10-2

Turning a LAN Connection On and Off........................................ 10-2

Accessing the Network at Startup..................................................10-3

Reinstalling LAN Drivers..............................................................10-3

chapter 11

U

PC C

SING

ARDS

Selecting a PC Card Slot................................................................ 11-1

Configuring a PC Card .................................................................. 11-2

Inserting or Removing a PC Card.................................................. 11-2

Inserting a PC Card ................................................................... 11-3

Removing a PC Card................................................................. 11-4

chapter 12

U

SING INFRARED COMMUNICATION

Communicating with Infrared........................................................12-1

Configuring the Infrared Port ........................................................ 12-2

Enabling the Infrared Port ............................................................. 12-2

viii Contents

chapter 13

E

XPANDING MEMORY

Managing Random Access Memory (RAM).................................13-1

Inserting or Removing a Memory Expansion Board.....................13-2

chapter 14

I

NTELLIGENT MANAGEABILITY

Finding Intelligent Manageability Help.........................................14-1

Using Fault Management Alerts ....................................................14-2

Identifying a Fault Management Alert ......................................14-2

Setting Fault Management Alert Preferences............................14-2

chapter 15

C

ONFIGURATION AND DIAGNOSTIC UTILITIES

Selecting Computer Setup or Compaq Diagnostics.......................15-1

Using Computer Setup...................................................................15-2

Selecting from the File Menu....................................................15-2

Selecting from the Security Menu.............................................15-3

Selecting from the Advanced Menu..........................................15-4

Using Compaq Diagnostics............................................................15-5

Displaying System Information.................................................15-5

Running a Diagnostic Test.........................................................15-5

chapter 16

M

AINTENANCE

, S

HIPPING, AND TRAVEL

Updating the System ......................................................................16-1

Obtaining Customized Update Information with Info Messenger16-1
Obtaining Software Updates and Enhancements by Subscription16-1
Obtaining Software Updates from the Compaq Internet Site ...16-2

Updating the System ROM........................................................16-2

Reinstalling Software.....................................................................16-3

Caring for the Computer ................................................................16-4

Preparing the Computer for Shipping or Travel............................16-4

Traveling with the Computer.........................................................16-5

chapter 17

T

ROUBLESHOOTING

Quick Solutions Checklist..............................................................17-2

Solving Audio Problems................................................................17-3

Solving Battery Problems ..............................................................17-4

Contents ix

Solving Drive Problems................................................................. 17-7

Solving Hard Drive Problems................................................... 17-7

Solving CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drive Problems................17-8

Solving Diskette and SuperDisk LS-120 Drive Problems........17-9

Solving Infrared Problems...........................................................17-11

Solving Keyboard and Pointing Device Problems...................... 17-13

Solving LAN Connection Problems............................................ 17-14

Solving Memory Problems.......................................................... 17-14

Solving Modem Problems ...........................................................17-15

Solving PC Card Problems..........................................................17-20

Solving Power Problems..............................................................17-21

Solving Screen Problems............................................................. 17-23

Solving USB Problems................................................................ 17-24

appendix A

C

OMPAQ CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Using the Worldwide Web ............................................................. A-1

Preparing to Call Technical Support .............................................. A-1

Worldwide Telephone Numbers..................................................... A-2

appendix B

R

EGULATORY NOTICES

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

appendix C

E

LECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE

Preventing Electrostatic Discharge..................................................C-1

When Handling Drives................................................................C-1

When Installing Internal Components ........................................C-1

Grounding Methods.........................................................................C-2

appendix D

S

PECIFICATIONS

Computer Dimensions .................................................................... D-1

Operating Environment .................................................................. D-1

Rated Input Power .......................................................................... D-2

Port and COM Port Settings........................................................... D-2

Modem Specifications .................................................................... D-2

I

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

NDEX

x Contents

preface

USING THIS GUIDE

Some or all of the following format conventions are used in this
guide to distinguish elements of text:

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

keyboard, for example,

■ Keys that you should press at the same time are represented by

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

Ctrl+Alt+Delete.

■ Commands are presented in lowercase, bold type as shown

install or a:\install.

here:

■ An arrow symbol is used to separate icons or menu options

that you should select in succession; for example, select
StartÅSettingsÅControl Panel.

Ctrl, Backspace, Tab.

■ When you need to type information without pressing the Enter

key, you are directed to “type” the information.

■ When you need to type information and press the Enter key,

you are directed to “enter” the information.

NOTE: Text set off in this manner presents commentary, sidelights,

or interesting points of information.

IMPORTANT: Text set off in this manner presents clarifying

information or specific instructions.

WARNING: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to

!

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

CAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to

follow directions could result in damage to equipment or loss
of work.

Using This Guide xi

chapter

1

GETTING STARTED

Finding Assistance

■ For setup instructions, refer to the setup poster included with

the computer.

■ To access the online quick reference guide for the computer

■ Select the Armada Quick Reference icon on the desktop
or

■ Select StartÅCompaq Information CenterÅArmada

Quick Reference.

■ To access additional information about the computer

■ Select StartÅCompaq Information Center.

■ Go to the Compaq Internet site at

http://www.compaq.com.

■ To contact Compaq customer support, refer to Appendix A in

this guide.

Identifying Packing Box Contents

The contents of the packing box vary by geographic region and the
computer hardware configuration ordered.

The following illustration and component list identify the standard
components included with most computer models.

As you unpack the box, make sure you have received all the
standard and optional components you ordered.

Getting Started 1-1

Identifying Hardware Components

Component Function

1

Computer Compaq Armada E700 Personal

2

Hard drive (inserted in
computer hard drive bay)

3

Battery pack (inserted in
computer battery bay)

1-2 Getting Started

Computer.
Primary hard drive when used in hard

drive bay. Can also be used, with an
adapter, in the Dual MultiBay.

Primary battery pack.
NOTE: The battery pack can be charged

and used as shipped, but battery
charge displays will not be accurate
until the battery pack is calibrated.

Continued

Identifying Hardware Components

Continued

Component Function

4

Weight savers (2) ■ Protect an empty MultiBay.

■ Can replace a MultiBay device to

reduce computer weight.

NOTE: A weight saver can be inserted or
removed while the computer is on, off,
in Hibernation, or in Suspend.*

5

Power cord ■ Internal adapter models: connects

6

AC Adapter (external AC
Adapter models only)

7

Modem cable (internal
modem models only)

8

Country-specific modem
adapter (provided with
internal modem models by
region as required)

9

Network cable (network
models only)

:

Video-out adapter Adapts video-out jack to S-video and

;

Bag containing two spare
pointing stick caps
(EasyPoint IV pointing-stick
models only)

<

Security kit containing

■ Torx T-10 memory

security screws (2)

■ Torx T-10 screwdriver

to use with memory
security screws

=

3-to-2-prong plug adapter
(Japan only)

*In Windows 98 the term

Standby

computer to AC electrical outlet.

■ External adapter models: connects

AC Adapter to AC electrical outlet.

Converts AC power to DC power.

Connects modem to RJ-11 telephone
jack or to a country-specific adapter.

Adapts modem cable to non-RJ-11
telephone jacks.

Connects computer to an Ethernet
network jack.

composite video devices.
To replace a worn pointing stick cap:

1. Turn off the computer.

2. Gently pull off the used rubber
pointing stick cap, then push the
replacement cap into place.

The screws are tamper-resistant
replacement screws for the memory
expansion compartment cover.

■ If the computer shipped with an

empty memory expansion
compartment, the cover is secured
with a standard screw.

■ If the computer shipped with a

factory-installed memory expansion
board, the cover is secured with a
Torx T-10 memory security screw.

Adapts the power cord to a 2-prong
electrical outlet.

replaces the term

Suspend.

Getting Started 1-3

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, electric shock,

!

fire, or damage to the equipment:

■ Do not disable the power cord grounding plug. The grounding

plug is an important safety feature.

■ Plug the equipment into a grounded (earthed) electrical outlet that

is easily accessible at all times.

■ Disconnect power from the equipment by unplugging the power

cord from the electrical outlet.

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

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

1-4 Getting Started

chapter

2

TAKING A LOOK AT THE
COMPUTER

Display Component

Display Component

Component Function

1

Display release latch Opens the computer.

Taking a Look at the Computer 2-1

Top Components

Component Function

1

Num lock light On: Num lock is on and the embedded numeric

2

Scroll lock light On: Scroll lock is on.

3

Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.

4

Display switch Turns off the computer display if the computer

5

Vents Allow airflow to cool internal components.

6

Pointing stick Moves the pointer.

7

Windows
application key

8

Stereo speakers (2) Produce stereo sound.

2-2 Taking a Look at the Computer

Top Components

keypad is enabled.

is closed while on.

Displays shortcut menu for item beneath
pointer.

Continued

Top Components

Continued

Component Function

9

Left and right
pointing-stick
buttons (pointing­stick models only)

:

Scroll pointing-stick
button (pointing­stick models only)

;

MultiBay light On: A drive in a MultiBay is being accessed.

<

Hard drive light On: The primary hard drive is being accessed.

=

Power/suspend
light

>

Battery light On: A battery pack is charging.

?

Microsoft logo key Displays Windows Start menu.

@

Suspend button** ■ Turns on the computer if it is off.

A

Volume buttons (2) Adjust or mute system volume.

B

Power switch Turns the computer on or off or exits Suspend.*

C

Touchpad
(touchpad models
only)

D

Left and right
touchpad buttons
(touchpad models
only)

*In Windows 98 the term
**In Windows 98 the term

button.

Function like the left and right buttons on an
external mouse.

Can be set to scroll, magnify, or function like
the scroll button on an external mouse.

On: Power is turned on.
Off: Power is turned off.
Blinking: Computer is in Suspend.*
NOTE: The power/suspend light also blinks if a

battery pack that is the only available power
source reaches a critical low-battery condition
while Hibernation is disabled.

Blinking: A battery pack that is the only
available power source has reached a
low-battery condition.

■ Initiates and exits Suspend.*

■ When pressed with the Fn key, initiates

Hibernation.

Moves the pointer, selects, and activates.

Function like the left and right buttons on an
external mouse.

Used with the touchpad, the left touchpad
button drags and highlights.

Standby

sleep button

replaces the term

replaces the term

Suspend.

suspend

Taking a Look at the Computer 2-3

Left Side Components

Left Side Components

Component Function

1

Fan Provides airflow to cool internal

2

Video-out jack Connects a television, VCR,

3

Hard drive bay Holds primary hard drive.

4

Left acoustic port Enhances bass sound.

5

Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to

6

Microphone Inputs single-channel sound to the

2-4 Taking a Look at the Computer

components.

camcorder, overhead projector, or
video capture card.

NOTE: The connection requires the
use of the video-out adapter included
with the computer and an optional
video cable.

the computer.

computer; can be used whether the
computer is open or closed.

Right Side Components

Right Side Components

Component Function

1

Right acoustic port Enhances bass sound.

2

RJ-45 jack (network models
only)

3

RJ-11 jack (internal modem
models only)

4

PC Card slots (2) Support 32-bit (CardBus) and 16-bit

5

PC Card eject buttons (2) Top button: Ejects a PC Card from the

Connects the network cable.
NOTE: A network cable is included with

network models.
Connects the modem cable to an

internal modem.
NOTE: A modem cable is included with

internal modem models.

PC Cards.

top PC Card slot.
Bottom button: Ejects a PC Card from

the bottom PC Card slot.

Taking a Look at the Computer 2-5

Front Panel Components

Front Components

Component Function

1

Microphone jack Connects a single sound

2

Stereo line-in jack Connects a CD player, tuner, or

3

Stereo speaker/headphone
jack

4

Battery bay Holds the primary battery pack.

5

Top MultiBay* Supports a12.7-mm Armada drive

6

Bottom MultiBay* Supports a 12.7-mm Armada drive or

*The Dual MultiBay, which comprises both the top and bottom
MultiBays, supports devices, such as a 17-mm Armada hard drive or a
Dual-MultiBay battery pack, which fill both the top and bottom MultiBays.

channel microphone.

tape deck.
Connects stereo speakers,

headphones, headset, or television
audio.

other than a diskette drive.

a MultiBay battery pack.

2-6 Taking a Look at the Computer

Rear Panel Components

Rear Panel Components

Component Function

1

Infrared port Links another IrDA-compliant device for

2

USB connector Connects USB devices.

3

Serial connector Connects a serial device.

4

Vents Allow airflow to cool internal components.

5

Parallel connector Connects a parallel device.

6

Docking connector Connects the computer to a docking base.

7

Keyboard/mouse
connector

8

External monitor
connector

9

DC power jack Connects any one of the following:

:

AC power connector Connects the power cord.

wireless communication.

Connects an external keyboard or PS/2­compatible external mouse.

NOTE: To connect a keyboard and a mouse at
the same time, use an optional Y-adapter.

Connects an external monitor or overhead
projector.

■ AC Adapter (external adapter models

■ Optional Automobile Power Adapter/

■ Optional Aircraft Power Adapter.

■ Optional DC cable.

only).

Charger.

Taking a Look at the Computer 2-7

Bottom Components

Bottom Components

Component Function

1

Tilt feet latches (2) Release tilt feet.

2

Tilt feet (2) Tilt the computer.

3

Memory expansion
compartment cover

4

Hard drive release latch Releases a hard drive from the hard

5

Battery release latch Releases the primary battery pack

6

Docking restraint latch
recess

7

Front MultiBay release latch Releases a device from the bottom

8

Rear MultiBay release latch Releases a device from the top

9

Serial number Identifies computer; needed when you

Note: To close tilt feet, press the feet
against the bottom of the computer.

Covers the memory expansion
compartment, which contains two
memory expansion slots for memory
expansion boards.

drive bay.

from the battery bay.
Helps secure the computer to a

docking base.

MultiBay or a device which fills both
the top and bottom MultiBays.

MultiBay.

call Compaq customer support.

2-8 Taking a Look at the Computer

chapter

3

USING THE KEYBOARD

Using the Pointing Device

The pointing stick (pointing-stick models) and the touchpad
(touchpad models) function with any software that supports a
Microsoft-compatible mouse.

NOTE: For software that does not support a Microsoft-compatible

mouse, open Computer Setup, select AdvancedÅDevice Options,
then select the Disable Multiple Pointing Devices checkbox.

Identifying Keyboard Components (Pointing-Stick Models)

Pointing stick

1

Left pointing-stick button

2

Right pointing-stick button

3

Scroll pointing-stick button

4

Using the Keyboard 3-1

Identifying Keyboard Components (Touchpad Models)

Touchpad

1

Left touchpad button

2

Right touchpad button

3

Navigating with the Pointing Device

Pointing Device Procedures

Task Procedure

Move the pointer. Pointing stick: Directionally press the

Increase or decrease
pointer speed as you move
the pointer.

To set a pointer speed
preference, refer to

“Setting Pointing Stick
Preferences.”

Right-, left-, or scroll-click,
or double-click.

pointing stick.
Touchpad: Move your finger directionally

across the touchpad surface.

Pointing stick: Increase or decrease the
pressure on the pointing stick.

Touchpad: Increase or decrease finger
speed across the touchpad surface.

Pointing stick: Press the right, left, or scroll
pointing-stick button as you would the
right, left, or scroll button on an external
mouse.

Touchpad: Press the right or left touchpad
button as you would the right or left button
on an external mouse.

Continued

3-2 Using the Keyboard

Pointing Device Procedures

Continued

Task Procedure

Highlight an item.* Position the pointer at the item to be

Select text or an object.* Position the pointer over the highlighted

Activate a selection.* Position the pointer over the selection,

Select, then drag and drop
an item.*

*To perform this task exactly as you would with an external mouse, use
the left pointing device button like an external mouse left button.

highlighted. Quickly tap the pointing stick
or touchpad once, then hold down on the
pointing stick or touchpad as you move the
pointer over the item.

text or object, then quickly tap the pointing
stick or touchpad once.

then quickly tap the pointing stick or
touchpad twice.

NOTE: To select and activate a preference,
first tap the preference once to select it,
then tap the preference twice to activate it.

Position the pointer over the highlighted
text or object. Quickly tap the pointing stick
or touchpad once, then hold down on the
pointing stick or touchpad while dragging
the item to the new location. To drop the
item, release the pressure.

Setting Pointing Device Preferences

■ Pointing-stick models—

■ To access settings common to any Microsoft-compatible

mouse, such as mouse trails, pointer speed, double-click
pace, and Windows 98 single-click mode, select StartÅ
SettingsÅControl PanelÅMouse.

■ To access settings and instructions for using additional

pointing-stick features, such as scrolling, magnifying, and
selecting, select StartÅSettingsÅControl PanelÅ
EasyPoint IV.

■ Touchpad models—To access all touchpad features and

settings, including mouse trails, pointer speed, double-click
pace, and Windows 98 single-click mode, select StartÅ
SettingsÅ Control PanelÅMouse.

Using the Keyboard 3-3

Using Hotkeys

Hotkeys are preset combinations of the Fn key 1 plus a second key
that access or execute frequently used system functions. The icons
on the function keys

■ To use hotkeys on an external keyboard, which does not

have an

Fn key, press the Scroll Lock key twice, then the second

F1-F10

key only of the hotkeys combination. For example, to use the

Fn+F10 hotkeys, press Scroll Lock+Scroll Lock+F10.

NOTE: The Fn+F6 hotkeys cannot be used on an external

keyboard connected through a USB connector.

■ To close a window opened with hotkeys, use standard

Windows procedures or press the hotkeys again.

represent these functions.

2

Hotkeys Quick Reference

Task Hotkeys

Switch the display and image. Fn+F4
Adjust system volume. Fn+F5
Initiate Quick Controls. Fn+F6
Set a power conservation level. Fn+F7
View battery charge status. Fn+F8
Adjust screen brightness. Fn+F10
Display system information. Fn+Esc
Stretch text. Fn+T

3-4 Using the Keyboard

Switching the Display and Image

In Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 toggle Fn+F4 to switch the
image among the computer display, an external display, and
simultaneous display. The external display can be connected
through the external monitor connector or the video-out jack.

In Windows 98 toggle

Fn+F4 to switch the image between the

computer display and an external display that is connected through
the external monitor connector.

■ When MultiMonitor is enabled, press Fn+F4 to turn off the

external display and disable MultiMonitor.

■ When MultiMonitor is disabled, toggle Fn+F4 to switch the

image among the computer display, the external display, and
simultaneous display.

Adjusting System Volume

■ To adjust system volume with an onscreen slide button or with

the keyboard arrow keys, press

■ To mute or restore volume

■ Press Fn+F5+M
or

■ Press Fn+F5, then select or clear the Mute checkbox.

Fn+F5.

Initiating Quick Controls

Quick Controls security features disable the keyboard and pointing
device and clear the screen. Before you can use Quick Controls,
you must set a power-on password and enable Quick Control
preferences. For instructions, refer to Chapter 7.

■ To initiate Quick Controls manually, press Fn+F6.

■ To exit Quick Controls, enter your power-on password.

The

Fn+F6 hotkeys cannot be used on an external keyboard

connected through a USB connector on the computer or an
optional docking base.

Using the Keyboard 3-5

Setting a Power Conservation Level

In Windows 98 press Fn+F7 to open the Power Schemes window.
In Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 press

Fn+F7 to open the

Battery Conservation Settings window.

■ To select a preset battery conservation level, choose among

■ High—Maximizes running time from a single charge.

■ Medium—Balances system performance with running time.

■ None (Drain)—Runs the computer at full power.

■ For information about the Custom level, refer to “Using Power

Preferences” in Chapter 5.

Viewing Battery Charge Status

Press Fn+F8 to view the status of all installed battery packs. Battery
packs are listed by location.

■ To display the location of a listed battery pack, select the

corresponding battery icon.

■ A lightening bolt icon beside a battery icon indicates that the

battery pack in that location is charging.

NOTE: The availability of docking base bays varies by model and

configuration.

Adjusting Screen Brightness

Press Fn+F10 to adjust the brightness of the computer screen
with an onscreen slide button or with the arrow keys.

Displaying System Information

Press Fn+Esc to display information about system hardware
components and software version numbers.

NOTE: The number beside System BIOS is the version number of

your system ROM.

Stretching Text

When the computer is running MS-DOS under Windows and the
desktop area resolution is set lower than the display resolution,

Fn+T to toggle the image between Text Stretch, which

press
stretches the text to fill more of the screen, and Regular. Text
Stretch is the default. While Regular is selected, a graphics
accelerator cannot be enabled.

3-6 Using the Keyboard

Using the Embedded Numeric Keypad

Toggling the Keypad On and Off

■ To convert the embedded numeric keypad section

keyboard to a keypad, press

Fn+Num Lk 2. When the embedded

of the

1

numeric keypad is enabled, the characters upper-right on the
keypad keys are active and the num lock light 3 is on.

■ To disable the embedded numeric keypad, press Fn+Num Lk.

■ The embedded numeric keypad cannot be enabled while

an optional external keyboard or numeric keypad is connected
to the computer.

Operating the Keypad Keys as Standard Keys

To use the embedded numeric keypad keys as standard keyboard
keys while the keypad is enabled:

■ Press and hold Fn to type in lowercase.

■ Press and hold Fn+Shift to type in uppercase.

Using the Keyboard 3-7

Enabling the Keypad at Startup

■ To set the computer to start up with the embedded

numeric keypad enabled—

1. Turn on or restart the computer, then press

F10 when the

blinking cursor appears upper-right on the screen.

■ To change the language, press F2.

■ For navigation instructions, press F1.

2. Select AdvancedÅDevice Options, then press Enter.

3. Toggle on the Num Lock State at Boot field, then press F10.

4. To save your preferences, then close Computer Setup and
restart the computer, select FileÅSave Changes and Exit,
then press

Enter.

5. When prompted to confirm your action, press F10.

■ To disable the embedded numeric keypad at startup—

Repeat the above procedure, toggling off the Num Lock State
at Boot field.

NOTE: The embedded numeric keypad can be enabled or disabled

Fn+Num Lk in either startup state.

with

3-8 Using the Keyboard

chapter

4

INSERTING, REMOVING, OR
STORING A BATTERY PACK

Selecting a Battery Pack Location

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to the

!

battery pack, do not crush, puncture, or incinerate the battery pack
or short the metal contacts. Do not attempt to open or service the
battery pack.

The following battery packs can be used in the computer only in
the indicated locations.

Selecting a Battery Pack Location

Battery Pack Location

Primary battery pack (8 cell, 17 mm,
included with the computer)

MultiBay battery pack (6 prismatic cell,

12.7 mm, optional)
Dual-MultiBay battery pack (12 cell,

25 mm, optional)

Inserting, Removing, or Storing a Battery Pack 4-1

Battery bay

Bottom MultiBay

MultiBay (fills both top and
bottom MultiBays)