HP Compaq Presario 6400NX, Compaq Presario 6401RSH, Compaq Presario 6404US, Compaq Presario 6410NX, Compaq Presario 6415CL Getting Started Guide

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Getting Started

Compaq Presario

6000 and 8000 Series Computer

This guide helps you get acquainted

with the features of your computer

and provides solutions to problems.

Connection locations and system

components may vary.

trademarks of Compaq Computer Corporation in the U.S. and other countries/regions.

Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows XP are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries/regions.

Intel, Pentium, Intel Inside, and Celeron are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries/regions.

Adobe, Acrobat, and Acrobat Reader are trademarks or registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

Compaq Computer Corporation shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. The information in this document is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, and is subject to change without notice. The warranties for Compaq products are set forth in the express limited warranty statements accompanying such products. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.

This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the prior written consent of Compaq Computer Corporation.

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 information.

Text set off in this manner represents a note with additional information relating to a topic.

Contents

1 Getting Information and Updates

Warranty and Support Guide . . . . . . . . . 1–2

2 Setting Up the Computer

Turning On the

Computer for the First Time . . . . . . . . . . . 2–1

Registering with Compaq . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2

Making Recovery CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3

Working in Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3

Getting Started iii

3 Using the Computer

Using the Diskette (Floppy) Drive . . . . . . 3–2

Using the Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–3

Using the CD or DVD Drive . . . . . . . . . . 3–5

Support for Disc Types . . . . . . . . . . . 3–7

Using the Combo Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–7

Inserting and Removing

a CD or DVD Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–8

Listening to Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–9

Playing a Movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–10

Creating a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–11

Maintaining the CD or

DVD Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–13

Using the DVD Writer Drive . . . . . . 3–13

Using the Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–14

4 Using the Internet

Using the Scroll Mouse . . . . . . . . . . 3–15

Using the Optical Mouse. . . . . . . . . 3–16

Using the Wireless Optical

Mouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–17

Using the Compaq Keyboards. . . . . . . . 3–17

Using the Internet Buttons. . . . . . . . . 3–19

Customizing the Internet Buttons . . . . 3–22

The Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–1

What Is the Internet? . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–2

What Is a Hyperlink?. . . . . . . . . . . . 4–2

Web Browsers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–3

E-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–3

Content Advisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–7

Modifying Monitor Display Properties. . . 3–22

Turning Off the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . 3–23

Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–24

Using the Print Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . 3–24

Saving Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–25

Standby Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–26

Hibernation Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–27

Automatic Standby or

Hibernation Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–28

iv Getting Started

5 Maintaining the Computer

Routine Maintenance Guidelines . . . . . . 5–1

Preventive Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–2

Cleaning Up the Hard Drive . . . . . . . 5–3

Emptying the Recycle Bin . . . . . . . . . 5–4

Scanning the Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . 5–4

Defragmenting the Drive. . . . . . . . . . 5–5

Virus Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–6

6 Using Application Recovery

and System Recovery

System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–2

Application Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–3

System Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–4

Using Compaq Recovery CD Creator . . . . 6–7

System Recovery Using Recovery CDs . . . 6–9

7 Finding Help & Support

Integrated Help Tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–2

Online Service and Support . . . . . . . . . . 7–2

Preparing to Ship the Computer. . . . . . . . 7–3

Solving Minor Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–4

8 Upgrading the Computer

Preparing the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–2

Removing or Upgrading a Drive. . . . . . . 8–6

Locating Drive Positions . . . . . . . . . . 8–7

Removing a Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–7

Replacing or Adding a Drive . . . . . 8–13

Upgrading or Replacing Memory . . . . . 8–17

Removing a Memory Module . . . . . 8–18

Replacing or Adding a

Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–19

Removing or Installing an

Expansion Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–22

Reassembling the Computer . . . . . . . . . 8–27

Index

Getting Started v

vi Getting Started

Getting Information and Updates

Information about your computer is available in the printed documents that came with your computer and from the Compaq Web site. Use this guide as your first point of reference, and then refer to the following documents:

■ Quick Setup guide

■ Warranty and Support Guide

Getting Started 1–1

The Compaq Web site provides additional information about your computer:

■ For general information about products and services, go to http://www.compaq.com/athome/

■ For answers to computer support questions, go to http://www.compaq.com/consumersupport/

Getting Information and Updates

When requesting computer support, include the following information in your inquiry. Please write it down now for your future reference. (The serial number is found on a label attached to the chassis of your computer.)

Product Name: ______________________________

Model Name: _______________________________

Serial Number: ______________________________

Date of Purchase: ____________________________

1–2 Getting Started

Warranty and Support Guide

The Warranty and Support Guide describes the Compaq commitment to repair or replace parts during the computer’s warranty period and lists important Compaq telephone numbers.

In the event of a mechanical problem, contact Compaq, not the retailer who sold you the computer. Keep the guide in a safe place for

future reference.

Setting Up the Computer

Follow the steps shown in the Quick Setup guide to set up the computer in your work area. Then read the topics in this section describing how to turn on the computer for the first time, and finish the registration process.

After registering, install any software programs that came on CDs or DVDs included in the computer box (select models only).

Getting Started 2–1

Turning On the Computer for the First Time

After you’ve finished connecting the components of your computer by using the steps illustrated in the Quick Setup guide, you’re ready to turn on the computer.

First, press the Power button on the monitor. Then, to turn on the computer, press the Power button on the front of the PC.

Setting Up the Computer

When you first turn on the computer, a series of startup screens appears. For some models, you choose your language: click an option to select your language, and then click OK. Confirm your selection by clicking Ye s. Wait while the PC makes preparations. (It may take up to 15 minutes to set

We recommend that you register the Compaq Presario at this time. You can register any of these ways:

■ When you first start up your computer, follow the onscreen instructions and register as soon as you have a modem connection.

up the language on the PC.) To proceed with the initial Microsoft

Windows® setup, you must

answer a few additional questions.

■ Double-click the Registration icon on your desktop, and follow the onscreen instructions.

The registration icon appears on your

Registering with Compaq

desktop only if you did not register during the initial setup of your computer.

As part of the initial setup in some countries/regions, you are prompted to register the computer with Compaq. It’s important to register so that you can be notified of changes and updates to the Compaq Presario.

2–2 Getting Started

Setting Up the Computer

Making Recovery CDs

In the unlikely event that there is damage to the hard disk drive, or you have to replace it, you must use recovery CDs that you create to reinstall the operating system and software. Make the recovery CDs for your PC by using the Compaq Recovery CD Creator now, before a need occurs. Refer to “Using Compaq Recovery CD Creator” on page 6–7. This program assembles the necessary files and writes the information onto CDs.

To use the Compaq Recovery CD Creator program, your PC must have a CD-RW drive or other drive that can write to CDs. If necessary, purchase a Windows XP–compatible CD-RW drive from a computer or electronic store.

Getting Started 2–3

Working in Comfort

After assembling your computer, but before you begin using it, make sure the computer and your work area are properly set up to maintain your comfort and productivity. Refer to the printed Safety and Comfort Guide included in your literature pack.

Setting Up the Computer

2–4 Getting Started

Using the Computer

The operation of your computer is controlled by two kinds of software:

■ The Microsoft Windows operating system, which governs the interaction of the computer’s hardware, peripherals, and software applications

■ Software applications, such as Microsoft Works, which perform specific functions

Getting Started 3–1

You will find information about using applications and Microsoft Windows in the printed manuals and online Help that accompany them. For Microsoft Windows, you can also press the Internet Help G button on your keyboard to access the built-in Help and Support Center.

This chapter provides introductory information about your computer’s hardware. For additional details, see Chapter 8, “Upgrading the Computer.”

Using the Computer

Using the Diskette (Floppy) Drive

The diskette drive (also known as a floppy drive) uses a 3.5" diskette (or floppy disk) to store files. A diskette can hold up to 1.44 MB of data. Once information is copied onto a diskette, it remains until you delete or overwrite it.

3–2 Getting Started

■ To insert a diskette, hold it with the label facing up and the arrow on the diskette pointing toward the drive; then gently push the diskette into the drive.

Inserting and Removing a Diskette

Using the Computer

■ To remove a diskette, press the Eject button 1 on the diskette drive.

CAUTION: Wait until the diskette drive activity is complete (the activity light 2 stops glowing) before removing a diskette. Removing a diskette when the drive is reading from or writing to the diskette can damage the diskette or the information stored on it.

Remove the diskette from the drive prior to shutting down Microsoft Windows, so that Windows runs when you restart.

Getting Started 3–3

Using the Hard Drive

You can store computer operating files, applications, data, Internet files, and personal files on your hard drive.

As you create and save files, download information from the Internet, install applications, or receive e-mail messages and attachments, your hard drive storage space diminishes. The amount of information you can store on your computer’s hard drive depends on the size of the drive, so you may want to check the available space before installing an application or copying a large amount of data.

Using the Computer

To Check Hard Disk Space

1. Click the Start button on the Windows

taskbar.

4. Notice the amount of free space listed in the Details area, and make sure it is enough for your application or data.

2. Click My Computer.

3. Click the hard disk drive you are checking, usually labeled (C:).

3–4 Getting Started

Using the Computer

Using the CD or DVD Drive

Your computer may have one or two optical drives — CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, and/or DVD+RW/+R drives — depending on the model you purchased. Some computers have a combination drive (known as a combo drive), which combines the functions of two drives into one. These drives feature either a DVD+RW/+R drive and a CD-RW drive, or a DVD-ROM and a CD-RW drive. Optical drives allow you to perform several different activities, such as storing information, listening to music, or viewing and creating movies.

Getting Started 3–5

DVD-ROM and DVD+RW/+R drives take longer to begin playback than CD drives because they must determine the type of media being played. If any of the drives fails to play a disc, check to make sure that the disc is inserted with the label facing up and properly seated in the drive.

Using the Computer

Comparison of Drives and Actions

Allows you to CD-ROM CD-RW DVD-ROM DVD+RW/+R

Read CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs ••• •

Read DVDs • •

Read data from CD • • • •

Listen to music • • • •

Record music onto a CD • •

Write data to disc for storage • •

View movies • •

Record home videos •

3–6 Getting Started

Using the Computer

Support for Disc Types

You can use several different types of optical discs with your CD or DVD drives. The type of drive in your computer and the type of disc you use determine what you can do. For example, you can listen to music, but not record it, if you use a CD-ROM disc in the CD drive. On the other hand, you can record and play back a DVD movie if you use a DVD+R or DVD+RW disc in the DVD+RW/+R drive.

A DVD+R disc is compatible with more DVD set-top players than a DVD+RW disc.

Getting Started 3–7

Using the Combo Drive

The combination drive is available on select models only. It combines the functions of two drives into one: either a DVD+RW/+R drive and a CD-RW drive or a DVD-ROM and a CD-RW drive.

When you insert a disc into the combo drive, the computer automatically detects the type of disc:

■ If you insert a software program CD, it is available for use.

■ If you insert a music CD, a window opens for the program that plays CDs. See “Listening to Music” on page 3–9.

■ If you insert a DVD movie, the Video window and WinDVD control panel open. See “Playing a Movie” on page 3–10.

Using the Computer

If you insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc, use RecordNow to copy audio or data files. If you insert a blank DVD, a program opens for you to use to record to the disc. See “Using the DVD Writer Drive” on page 3–13.

To Insert a Disc

1. Press the Load/Eject button to open the drive.

Inserting and Removing aCDorDVD Disc

To insert or remove a CD or DVD disc, follow the procedures below.

Inserting a CD or DVD disc

Your computer must be turned on before you can insert or remove a CD or DVD disc.

3–8 Getting Started

2. Carefully lift the disc from the disc case. Hold the disc by the edges and the center hole only, to avoid touching the surface.

3. Place the disc, label side facing up, into the round area of the tray.

4. Press the Load/Eject button to close the drive.

Using the Computer

To Remove a Disc

■ To remove the disc, press the Load/Eject button to open the drive.

To Adjust the Volume

1. Click the Start button on the Windows

taskbar.

2. Click Control Panel.

Listening to Music

3. Click Sounds, Speech, and Audio

You can listen to music using any CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD+RW/+R, or combo drive.

To Listen to Music

1. Insert a CD or DVD disc.

2. Wait for the disc to start playing automatically.

If the disc does not play automatically, follow the onscreen instructions.

3. When you are finished listening, press the Load/Eject button to eject the CD or DVD from the drive.

Getting Started 3–9

Devices.

4. Click Adjust the System Volume.

Using the Computer

5. Make adjustments to the device and speaker

Playing a Movie

volume levels.

You can play a DVD movie only on a DVD-ROM or DVD+RW/+R drive.

To Play a Movie

1. Insert a DVD disc.

For best performance, close all other programs before playing a DVD movie.

2. Wait for the DVD to start playing automatically. If it does not, follow these steps.

a. Click the Start button on your Windows

desktop.

b. Click All Programs, WinDVD, then

WinDVD Player.

6. Click Apply, then OK.

3–10 Getting Started

c. Click the Play button to start the movie.

3. Press the Load/Eject button to eject the DVD from the drive.

Using the Computer

Creating a CD

There are several applications available for creating CDs. Compaq provides CD burning software on select models to assist you with creating CDs.

Uses of the CD-RW Drive

You can create To

An audio CD Create personal music CDs with your favorite music tracks and MP3/WMA files.

A data CD Store data from files or folders on your hard disk. This feature is useful for backing up

important files or for sharing data with other people.

A direct copy of files Write files directly to a CD-R and CD-RW just like you copy files to a disk drive. You

can drag and drop files from one drive to another in Windows Explorer.

A copy of a CD Create an entire copy of a CD or a backup of data files.

Jewel Case inserts and labels

Getting Started 3–11

Make custom jewel case inserts and CD labels to indicate the title and contents of a CD (labels are sold separately).

Using the Computer

You can use either CD-R or CD-RW discs to create your CDs. You can write to a CD-R disc only once; but you can write to, erase, rewrite to, and reuse a CD-RW disc.

It is recommended that you use a CD-R disc if you are going to play it in a CD player, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or DVD+RW/+R drive. CD-R discs are compatible with more players than are CD-RW discs.

CD-RW discs are typically used for making data backups of your personal CDs and computer hard drive.

CD-R and CD-RW Disc Comparison

Allows you to CD-R CD-RW

Write/Record to CD once • •

Write/Record to CD multiple times •

Reuse CD •

Erase information •

3–12 Getting Started

Using the Computer

Maintaining the CD or DVD Drive

Keep the following guidelines in mind when maintaining and cleaning your CD or DVD drive:

■ Do not move the drive while it is operating.

■ Avoid exposing the drive to rapid changes in

temperature.

■ If the drive is exposed to sudden change in temperature, wait one hour before turning off the computer.

■ Avoid exposing the drive to high temperatures or humidity, direct sunlight, or mechanical vibrations.

■ Clean the panel and controls with a soft, dry cloth.

■ Never spray cleaning fluids into the drive.

Getting Started 3–13

■ Unplug the computer if any liquids or objects fall into the drive.

Using the DVD Writer Drive

The DVD Writer drive is a DVD+RW/+R drive available on select models only.

The DVD Writer drive plays movie DVDs and music CDs, reads data CDs and DVDs, and records files to DVD+RW, DVD-R, CD-R, and CD-RW discs.

There are two types of DVD discs: DVD+RW/+R and DVD-R/RW. DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM discs do not work in the DVD+RW/+R drive.

The guide for this drive is printed and included in the computer box if your computer has a DVD Writer drive.

Using the Computer

Using the Mouse

Your computer includes either a Scroll Mouse, an Optical Mouse, or a Wireless Optical Mouse.

3–14 Getting Started

Mouse Components

1 Left mouse

button

2 Scroll wheel Spin to move backward and

3 Right mouse

button

Click and quickly release to make screen selections. Double-click and quickly release to open applications and files.

forward through a document without having to continuously move the mouse.

Click to activate autoscroll.

Click and quickly release to display application menu selections.

Using the Computer

If you wish, you can switch the functions of the

Using the Scroll Mouse

left and right buttons of a mouse.

The mouse directs the cursor on the Windows

To Modify Mouse Buttons

1. Click the Start button from the Windows

taskbar.

2. Click Control Panel.

3. Click Printers and Other Hardware.

4. Click Mouse.

5. Check “Switch primary and secondary

buttons” on the Buttons tab.

6. Click OK to apply the changes.

desktop. Use the mouse to move quickly through a document or Web site.

Moving through a document or Web site with the scroll wheel is faster than using the scroll bar. You can use the scroll wheel to:

■ Scroll forward or backward through a document or Web site by turning the scroll wheel forward or backward.

■ Autoscroll by pressing down on the scroll wheel until it clicks (you will see an autoscroll icon on your desktop). Move the mouse vertically, horizontally, or diagonally to scroll in the desired direction. The farther you move

Getting Started 3–15

Using the Computer

the cursor from the starting point icon, the faster the scrolling occurs. To stop autoscrolling, press any mouse button.

Autoscrolling does not work with some software.

When using the optical mouse:

■ Use a mousepad or a white sheet of paper underneath your mouse. Using it on a glass or see-through surface inhibits the ability of the sensor to track the cursor.

■ Avoid using the mouse on a reflective surface such as a mirror or shiny metal disk. This may

Using the Optical Mouse

The optical mouse is available with select models. It provides the same functions as the scroll mouse, but it uses an optical sensor instead of a mechanical ball to determine the position of the cursor on the screen. The surface on which

cause tracking problems.

■ Some wood grains and grooved surfaces may also cause tracking problems.

■ If your mouse does not function properly, see the troubleshooting section “Optical Mouse” on page 7–25.

you use the optical mouse plays an important role in tracking the cursor.

3–16 Getting Started

Using the Computer

Using the Wireless Optical Mouse

The wireless optical mouse and wireless keyboard may be available. The wireless mouse provides the same functions as the optical mouse, but uses a receiver unit to communicate with your computer instead of a connector cable.

If your mouse does not function properly, see the troubleshooting section “Wireless Mouse” on page 7–26.

A wireless keyboard functions the same as the other keyboard types, except it uses a receiver unit to communicate with your computer instead of a connector cable.

The layout of the keyboards is the same, except where noted.

Using the Compaq Keyboards

The keyboard has an arrangement of standard keys and special buttons. The illustration shows the location of the keys and buttons. The number and location of keys or buttons on your keyboard may vary from the illustration.

Getting Started 3–17

Using the Computer

Compaq Internet Keyboard Components

1 Function keys Perform special functions, depending on the software application being used.

2 Internet buttons Provide quick access to your favorite Web sites, services, and applications.

(Internet buttons are not available on all keyboards.)

3 Edit keys Include the following: Insert, Home, Page Up, Delete, End, and Page Down.

4 Status lights Indicate a quick status of your computer and keyboard settings (Num Lock,

Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock). The wireless keyboard has two additional status lights for indicating a

low battery level for the keyboard and mouse.

5 Numeric keys Work like a calculator keypad.

6 Arrow keys Navigate through games or through a document or Web site. These keys allow

you to move left, right, up, and down, using the keyboard instead of the mouse.

7 Application key* Opens pop-up menus (like the right mouse button) in a Microsoft Office

application. May perform other functions in other software applications.

3–18 Getting Started

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