HP Compaq C310EU User Manual

Notebook PC User Guide

Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

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: July 2006

Document Part Number: 433561-001

Table of contents

1 Notebook Tour

Components ......................................................................................................................................... 1

Top components .................................................................................................................. 2

Keys .................................................................................................................... 2

TouchPad ............................................................................................................ 3

Buttons and switches .......................................................................................... 4

Lights ................................................................................................................... 5

Display components ............................................................................................ 6

Front components ................................................................................................................ 6

Rear components ................................................................................................................ 7

Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 8

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

Bottom components ........................................................................................................... 10

Wireless antennae (select models only) ............................................................................ 11

Additional hardware components ...................................................................................... 12

Labels ................................................................................................................................ 13

Specifications ..................................................................................................................................... 14

Operating environment ...................................................................................................... 14

Rated input power .............................................................................................................. 14

2 TouchPad and Keyboard

TouchPad ........................................................................................................................................... 15

Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 16

Using an external mouse ................................................................................................... 16

Setting TouchPad preferences .......................................................................................... 16

Keyboard ............................................................................................................................................ 17

Hotkeys .............................................................................................................................. 17

Hotkey quick reference ..................................................................................... 18

Hotkey procedures ............................................................................................ 18

Display and clear system information (fn+esc) ................................................. 18

Open the Help and Support Center (fn+f1) ....................................................... 19

Open the Print Options window (fn+f2) ............................................................. 19

Open a Web browser (fn+f3) ............................................................................. 19

Switch the screen image (fn+f4) ........................................................................ 20

Initiate standby (fn+f5) ....................................................................................... 20

Initiate QuickLock (fn+f6) .................................................................................. 21

Decrease screen brightness (fn+f7) .................................................................. 21

Increase screen brightness (fn+f8) .................................................................... 21

Play, pause or resume an audio CD or a DVD (fn+f9) ...................................... 21

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3 Power

Stop an audio CD or a DVD (fn+f10) ................................................................. 21

Play previous track or section of an audio CD or a DVD (fn+f11) ..................... 21

Play next track or section of an audio CD or a DVD (fn+f12) ............................ 21

Quick Launch Buttons software ......................................................................................... 22

Accessing the Quick Launch Buttons control panel .......................................... 22

Setting tiling preferences ................................................................................... 22

Setting advanced preferences .......................................................................... 23

Displaying the Quick Launch Buttons icon ....................................... 23

Setting button assignments on an external keyboard ....................... 24

Keypads ............................................................................................................................................. 25

Using the embedded numeric keypad ............................................................................... 25

Enabling and disabling the embedded numeric keypad .................................... 25

Switching key functions on the embedded numeric keypad ............................. 26

Using an external numeric keypad .................................................................................... 26

Enabling or disabling num lock mode as you work ........................................... 26

Power control and light locations ........................................................................................................ 27

Power sources .................................................................................................................................... 29

Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................... 30

Standby and hibernation .................................................................................................................... 31

Standby .............................................................................................................................. 31

Hibernation ........................................................................................................................ 31

Initiating standby, hibernation or shutdown ....................................................................... 32

When you leave your work ................................................................................ 32

When a reliable power supply is unavailable .................................................... 32

When using wireless communication or readable or writable media (select

models only) ...................................................................................................... 33

Default power settings ........................................................................................................................ 34

Turning the computer or display on or off .......................................................................... 34

Using emergency shutdown procedures ........................................................................... 34

Initiating or resuming from standby .................................................................................... 35

Initiating or restoring from hibernation ............................................................................... 36

Power options ..................................................................................................................................... 37

Accessing Power Options Properties ................................................................................ 37

Displaying the Power Meter icon ....................................................................................... 37

Setting or changing a power scheme ................................................................................ 38

Setting a security prompt ................................................................................................... 38

Processor performance controls ........................................................................................................ 39

Battery packs ...................................................................................................................................... 40

Inserting or removing a battery pack ................................................................................. 40

Charging a battery pack ..................................................................................................... 41

Monitoring the charge of the battery pack ......................................................... 42

Obtaining accurate charge information ............................................. 42

Displaying charge information on the screen ................................... 42

Viewing charge displays ................................................... 42

Interpreting charge indicators ........................................... 42

Managing low-battery conditions ....................................................................................... 43

Identifying low-battery conditions ...................................................................... 43

Low-battery condition ....................................................................... 43

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4 Drives

Critical low-battery condition ............................................................. 43

Resolving low-battery conditions ....................................................................... 44

When external power is available ..................................................... 44

When a charged battery pack is available ........................................ 44

When no power source is available .................................................. 44

When the computer cannot restore from hibernation ....................... 44

Calibrating a battery pack .................................................................................................. 45

When to calibrate .............................................................................................. 45

How to calibrate ................................................................................................ 45

Step 1: Charging the battery pack .................................................... 45

Step 2: Discharging the battery pack ................................................ 46

Step 3: Recharging the battery pack ................................................ 47

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 47

Conserving power as you work ......................................................................... 47

Selecting power conservation settings .............................................................. 48

Storing a battery pack ........................................................................................................ 48

Disposing of a used battery pack ....................................................................................... 48

Drive care ........................................................................................................................................... 49

IDE drive light ..................................................................................................................................... 50

Hard drive ........................................................................................................................................... 51

Optical drives ...................................................................................................................................... 54

Inserting an optical disc ..................................................................................................... 55

Removing an optical disc (with power) .............................................................................. 56

Removing an optical disc (without power) ......................................................................... 57

Avoiding standby or hibernation ........................................................................................ 58

5 Multimedia

Multimedia hardware .......................................................................................................................... 59

Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 68

Using the optical drive ....................................................................................................... 59

Identifying the installed optical drive ................................................................. 59

Inserting an optical disc ..................................................................................... 60

Removing an optical disc (with power) .............................................................. 61

Removing an optical disc (without power) ......................................................... 62

Using media activity hotkeys ............................................................................................. 63

Using the audio features .................................................................................................... 64

Using the audio-in (microphone) jack ................................................................ 64

Using the audio-out (headphone) jack .............................................................. 64

Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................... 65

Using the video features .................................................................................................... 66

Using the external monitor port ......................................................................... 66

Using the S-Video-out jack ................................................................................ 67

Identifying preinstalled multimedia software ...................................................................... 68

Installing multimedia software from a CD (select models only) ......................................... 68

Using multimedia software ................................................................................................. 69

Protecting playback ........................................................................................................... 70

Protecting the CD or DVD write process ........................................................................... 70

Changing DVD region settings .......................................................................................... 71

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Observing the copyright warning ....................................................................................... 71

6 External Devices

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 72

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 72

Stopping a USB device ...................................................................................................... 73

Required USB software ..................................................................................................... 73

7 Memory Modules

Adding or replacing memory modules ................................................................................................ 74

Effects of increasing memory ............................................................................................................. 77

Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 78

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1 Notebook Tour

Components

This chapter explains the hardware features of the computer.

To see a list of installed hardware in the computer:

1. Select Start > My Computer.

2. In the left pane of the System Tasks window, select View system information.

3. Select Hardware tab > Device Manager.

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

NOTE Components included with the computer may vary by region and by model. The

illustrations in this chapter identify the standard features included in most computer models.

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Top components

Keys

Component Description

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

the fn key.

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

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

(4) Embedded numeric keypad keys Can be used like the keys on an external numeric keypad.

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

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

combination with a function key or the esc key.

combination with the fn key.

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TouchPad

Component Description

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

Can be set to perform other mouse functions, such as scrolling, selecting, and double-clicking.

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

(3) TouchPad horizontal scroll zone* Scrolls left or right.

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

(5) TouchPad vertical scroll zone* Scrolls up or down.

*This table describes default settings. To view and change TouchPad preferences, select Start > Control Panel > Printers and Other Hardware > Mouse.

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Buttons and switches

Component Description

(1) Wireless button* Turns the wireless functionality on or off, but does not create a

wireless connection.

NOTE To establish a wireless connection, a wireless

network must already be set up.

(2) Power button* When the computer is

Off, press to turn on the computer.

●

On, press to enter hibernation.

●

In standby, briefly press to exit standby.

●

In hibernation, briefly press to exit hibernation.

●

If the computer has stopped responding and Microsoft® Windows® shutdown procedures cannot be used, press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds to turn off the computer.

(3) Volume down button Decreases system volume.

(4) Volume up button Increases system volume.

(5) Volume mute button Mutes system sound.

*This table describes default settings.

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Lights

Component Description

(1) Wireless light On: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local area

network (LAN), is turned on.

(2) Power lights* (2) On: The computer is on.

Blinking: The computer is in standby.

Off: The computer is off or in hibernation.

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

(4) Battery light On: A battery pack is charging or is close to full charge capacity.

Blinking: A battery pack that is the only available power source has reached a low-battery condition. When the battery reaches a critical low-battery condition, the battery light begins blinking rapidly.

Off: If the computer is plugged into an external power source, the light is turned 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 condition.

(5) IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) drive light Blinking: The hard drive or optical drive is being accessed.

(6) Num lock light On: Num lock is on or the embedded numeric keypad is enabled.

(7) Volume mute light On: System sound is turned off.

*There are 2 power lights. Both display the same information. The light on the power button is visible only when the computer is open; the other power light is always visible on the front of the computer.

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Display components

Component Description

(1) Display release button Opens the computer.

(2) Internal display switch Initiates standby if the display is closed while the notebook is turned

on.

CAUTION The internal display switch is magnetic. Keep

diskettes and other magnetic media away from magnetic fields, which can erase data.

Front components

Component Description

(1) Speakers (2) Produce system sound.

(2) Display release button Opens the computer.

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Rear components

Component Description

Vent* Provides airflow to cool internal components.

CAUTION To prevent overheating, do not obstruct

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 thick rugs or clothing, to block airflow.

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.

*The computer has 3 vents. The other vents are located on the bottom of the computer.

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Right-side components

Component Description

(1) Audio-out (headphone) jack Produces system sound when connected to optional powered

(2) Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone or a

(3) USB port (select models only) Connects an optional USB device.

(4) Optical drive Reads an optical disc.

(5) RJ-11 (modem) jack Connects an optional modem cable.

(6) Power connector Connects an AC adapter or an optional power adapter.

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

microphone.

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Left-side components

Component Description

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

NOTE The security cable is designed to act as a

deterrent, but may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.

(2) External monitor port Connects an external monitor.

(3) S-Video-out jack Connects an optional S-Video device such as a television, VCR,

camcorder, overhead projector, or video capture card.

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

(5) USB ports (2) Connect an optional USB device.

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Bottom components

Component Description

(1) Battery bay Holds the primary battery pack.*

(2) Battery pack release latch Releases the battery pack from the battery bay.

(3) Memory module compartment Contains the memory module slots.

(4) Hard drive bay Holds the hard drive.

(5) Vents (2)† Enable airflow to cool internal components.

CAUTION To prevent overheating, do not obstruct

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.

*Battery packs vary by model.

†The computer has 3 vents. One other vent is located on the rear of the computer.

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Wireless antennae (select models only)

On select computer models, there are at least 2 wireless antennae that send and receive wireless device signals. They are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennae free from obstructions.

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Additional hardware components

Component Description

(1) Battery pack* Powers the computer when the computer is not connected to

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

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

*Battery packs and power cords vary in appearance by region and country.

external power.

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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 the product name, serial number (S/N), and other specifics about the

●

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

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Microsoft Windows Product Key. You may need

●

the Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system. This certificate is affixed to the bottom of the 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 door.

Wireless certification labels—Provide information about optional wireless devices available on

●

select models, and the approval markings of some of the countries in which the devices have been approved for use. An optional device may be a wireless local area network (WLAN). If the computer model includes one or more wireless devices, a certification label is included with the computer. You may need this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are affixed inside the memory door.

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Specifications

Operating environment

The operating environment information in the following table may be helpful if you plan to use or transport the computer in extreme environments.

Factor Metric U.S.

Temperature

Operating

Nonoperating -20˚C to 60˚C -4˚F to 140˚F

Relative humidity (noncondensing)

Operating

Nonoperating 5% to 95% 5% to 95%

Maximum altitude (unpressurized)

Operating (14.7 to 10.1 psia*)

Nonoperating (14.7 to 4.4 psia*) -15 m to 12,192 m -50 ft to 40,000 ft

*Pounds per square inch absolute (psia) is another unit of measurement for altitude.

10˚C to 35˚C 50˚F to 95˚F

10% to 90% 10% to 90%

-15 m to 3,048 m -50 ft to 10,000 ft

Rated input power

The power information in this section may be helpful if you plan to travel internationally with the computer.

The computer operates on DC power, which can be supplied by an AC or a DC power source. Although the computer can be powered from a stand-alone DC power source, it should be powered only with an AC adapter or a DC power cord supplied by or approved for this computer.

The computer is capable of accepting DC power within the following specifications.

Input Power Rating

Operating voltage 18.5 V dc to 19.0 V dc

Operating current 3.5 A or 4.74 A

This product is designed for IT power systems in Norway with phase-to-phase voltage not exceeding 240 V rms.

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2 TouchPad and Keyboard

TouchPad

The following illustration and table describe the computer TouchPad.

Component Description

(1) TouchPad* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen. Can be

set to perform other mouse functions, such as scrolling, selecting, and double-clicking.

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

(3) TouchPad horizontal scroll zone* Scrolls left or right.

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

(5) TouchPad vertical scroll zone* Scrolls up or down.

*This table describes default settings. To view and change TouchPad preferences, select Start > Control Panel > Printers and Other Hardware > Mouse.

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Using the TouchPad

To move the pointer, slide your finger across the TouchPad surface in the direction you want the pointer to go. Use the left and right TouchPad buttons as you would the left and right buttons on an external mouse. To scroll up and down using the TouchPad vertical scroll zone, slide your finger up or down over the vertical white line. To scroll left and right using the TouchPad horizontal scroll zone, slide your finger left or right over the horizontal white line.

Using an external mouse

An external USB mouse can be connected to the computer using one of the USB ports on the computer.

Setting TouchPad preferences

Mouse Properties in Microsoft® Windows® allows you to customize settings for pointing devices, including

TouchPad tapping, which enables you to tap the TouchPad once to select an object or twice to

●

double-click an object (enabled by default).

Edge motion, which enables you to continue to scroll even though your finger has reached the

●

edge of the TouchPad (disabled by default).

Button preference, which allows you to switch between left-hand and right-hand use (right-hand

●

preference is enabled by default).

Other features, such as mouse speed preferences and mouse trails, are also found in Mouse Properties.

To access Mouse Properties, select Start> Control Panel > Printers and Other Hardware > Mouse.

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Keyboard

The following sections provide information on the keyboard features of the notebook.

Hotkeys

Hotkeys are combinations of the fn key (1) and either the esc key (2) or one of the function keys (3).

The icons on the f1 through f12 keys represent the hotkey functions. Hotkey functions and procedures are discussed in the following sections.

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Hotkey quick reference

Function Key Combination

Display and clear system information. fn+esc

Open the Help and Support Center. fn+f1

Open the Print Options window. fn+f2

Open a Web browser. fn+f3

Switch the screen image between the computer display and an external display. fn+f4

Initiate standby. fn+f5

Initiate QuickLock. fn+f6

Decrease screen brightness. fn+f7

Increase screen brightness. fn+f8

Play, pause, or resume an audio CD or a DVD. fn+f9

Stop an audio CD or a DVD. fn+f10

Play the previous track or section on an audio CD or a DVD. fn+f11

Play the next track on an audio CD or a DVD. fn+f12

Hotkey procedures

To use a hotkey command on the computer keyboard, either

Briefly press the fn key, and then briefly press the second key of the hotkey command.

●

– or –

Press and hold down the fn key, briefly press the second key of the hotkey command, and then

●

release both keys at the same time.

Display and clear system information (fn+esc)

Press fn+esc to display information about system hardware components and the system BIOS version number. Press fn+esc a second time to remove the system information from the screen.

In the Windows fn+esc display, the version of the system BIOS (basic input-output system) is displayed as the BIOS date. On some computer models, the BIOS date is displayed in decimal format. The BIOS date is sometimes called the system ROM version number.

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Open the Help and Support Center (fn+f1)

Press fn+f1 to open the Help and Support Center.

In addition to providing information about your Windows operating system, the Help and Support Center provides

Information about your computer, such as model and serial number, installed software, hardware

●

components, and specifications.

Answers to questions about using your computer.

●

Tutorials to help you learn to use computer and Windows features.

●

Updates for your Windows operating system, drivers, and the software provided on your computer.

●

Checkups for computer functionality.

●

Automated and interactive troubleshooting, repair solutions, and system recovery procedures.

●

Links to support specialists.

●

You can also access the Help and Support Center by selecting Start > Help and Support.

Open the Print Options window (fn+f2)

Press fn+f2 to open the Print Options window of the active Windows application.

Open a Web browser (fn+f3)

Press fn+f3 to open your default Web browser.

Until you have set up your Internet or network services, the fn+f3 hotkey opens the Windows Internet Connection Wizard.

After you have set up your Internet or network services and your Web browser home page, you can press fn+f3 to quickly access your home page and the Internet.

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Switch the screen image (fn+f4)

Press fn+f4 to switch the screen image among display devices connected to the system. For example, if a monitor is connected to the computer, each time you press fn+f4 the image switches among the computer display, the monitor display, and a simultaneous display on both the computer and the monitor.

Most external monitors receive video information from the computer using the external VGA video standard. The fn+f4 hotkey can also toggle images among other devices receiving video information from the computer, such as S-Video.

The following video transmission types, with examples of devices that use them, are supported by the fn+f4 hotkey:

LCD (computer display)

●

External VGA (most external monitors)

●

S-Video (televisions, camcorders, VCRs, and video capture cards with S-Video-in jacks, on select

●

models)

Initiate standby (fn+f5)

Press fn+f5 to initiate standby.

When standby is initiated, your information is stored in random access memory (RAM), the screen is cleared, and power is conserved. While the computer is in standby, the power light blinks.

CAUTION To reduce the risk of information loss, save your work before initiating standby.

The computer must be turned on before you initiate standby. If the computer is in hibernation, you must restore from hibernation before you can initiate standby.

NOTE To restore from hibernation, briefly press the power button.

To resume from standby, briefly press the power button, use the TouchPad, press any key on the keyboard, or press a TouchPad button.

The function of the fn+f5 hotkey can be changed. For example, you can set the fn+f5 hotkey to initiate hibernation instead of standby.

NOTE In all Windows operating system windows, references to the sleep button apply to the

fn+f5 hotkey.

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Initiate QuickLock (fn+f6)

Press fn+f6 to initiate the QuickLock security feature.

QuickLock protects your information by displaying the operating system Log On window. While the Log On window is displayed, the computer cannot be accessed until a Windows user password or a Windows administrator password is entered.

NOTE Before you can use QuickLock, you must set a Windows user password or a Windows

administrator password. For instructions, refer to the Help and Support Center.

To use QuickLock, press fn+f6 to display the Log On window and lock the computer. Then follow the instructions on the screen to enter your Windows user password or your Windows administrator password and access the computer.

Decrease screen brightness (fn+f7)

Press fn+f7 to decrease screen brightness. Hold down the hotkey to decrease the brightness level incrementally.

Increase screen brightness (fn+f8)

Press fn+f8 to increase screen brightness. Hold down the hotkey to increase the brightness level incrementally.

Play, pause or resume an audio CD or a DVD (fn+f9)

The fn+f9 hotkey functions only when an audio CD or a DVD is inserted. If the audio CD or the DVD is

Not playing, press fn+f9 to begin or resume the play.

●

Playing, press fn+f9 to pause the play.

●

Stop an audio CD or a DVD (fn+f10)

Press fn+f10 to stop the play of an audio CD or a DVD.

Play previous track or section of an audio CD or a DVD (fn+f11)

While an audio CD or a DVD is playing, press fn+f11 to play the previous track of the CD or the previous section of the DVD.

Play next track or section of an audio CD or a DVD (fn+f12)

While an audio CD or a DVD is playing, press fn+f12 to play the next track of the CD or the next section of the DVD.

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