HP Compaq Presario 900AP, Compaq Presario 900LA, Compaq Presario 900US, Compaq Presario 901AP, Compaq Presario 901EA Software Guide

b

Software Guide

Compaq Notebook Series

Document Part Number: 272631-001

June 2002

This guide provides settings and procedures for managing
notebook power and security. It also provides instructions for
obtaining system information and using diagnostic utilities to
help detect, solve, and prevent problems.

© 2002 Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P.

Compaq, the Compaq logo, Evo, Presario, RomPaq, and SoftPaq are
trademarks of Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P. in the U.S.
and/or other countries. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other product
names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

Compaq shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions
contained herein. The information is provided “as is” without warranty of
any kind 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.

Software Guide
First Edition June 2002
Reference Number: N1005/900
Document Part Number: 272631-001

Contents

1 Power Management

Selecting a Power Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1

Using Standby and Hibernation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2

Standby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2

Hibernation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2

Selecting Standby, Hibernation or Shutdown . . . . . . 1–3

Using Hibernation or Standby While

Playing Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–3

Standby, Hibernation and Shutdown Procedures. . . . . . . 1–4

Identifying Power Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . 1–4

Using the Default Power Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5

Setting Power Procedure Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–6

Managing Low-Battery Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–7

Identifying a Low-Battery Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–7

Identifying a Critical Low-Battery Condition . . . . . . 1–8

Resolving Low-Battery Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–9

Charging a Battery Pack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–10

Monitoring the Charge in a Battery Pack. . . . . . . . . . . . 1–11

Obtaining Accurate Charge Information . . . . . . . . . 1–11

Displaying Charge Information on the Screen . . . . 1–11

Battery Conservation Procedures and Settings . . . . . . . 1–12

2 Security Management

Security Features Quick Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–1

If You Forget a Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2

Using a Power-On Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2

Setting, Changing or Deleting a Power-On Password 2–2

Entering a Power-On Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3

Software Guide iii

Contents

Using a Setup Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–4

Using DriveLock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–6

Protecting a Hard Drive with DriveLock . . . . . . . . . 2–6

Accessing a Protected Hard Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–7

Changing a DriveLock Password or

Removing DriveLock Protection from a Drive . . . . . 2–8

Using Device Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–9

Setting Device Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–9

Connecting an Optional Cable Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–10

3 Software Updates and Restorations

Updating Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1

Preparing for a Software Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1

Accessing Notebook Model Information . . . . . . . . . 3–1

Accessing Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2

Updating Software from the Internet. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2

Downloading and Installing a SoftPaq . . . . . . . . . . . 3–3

Restoring Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–4

4 Setup Utilities and Diagnostics

Selecting the Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–1

Using the Setup Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–2

Selecting from the Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–3

Selecting from the Advanced Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–4

Selecting from the Security Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–5

Selecting from the Exit Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–6

Using Compaq Diagnostics for Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–6

Installing Compaq Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–7

Accessing Compaq Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–7

Obtaining, Saving or Printing

Configuration Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–7

Obtaining, Saving or Printing

Diagnostic Test Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–8

Index

iv Software Guide

Power Management

Selecting a Power Source

Any supported power source can be used to work in most
software applications, but some tasks require the specific power
sources described in the following table.

Task Powe r Sou r c e

1

Work in a software
application.

Charge or calibrate a
primary or external
battery pack.

Install or modify system
software.

■

Charged battery pack in the
notebook.

or

■

External power supplied through
one of the following devices:

❖

AC Adapter

❖

Optional Aircraft Power Adapter

❖

Optional Automobile Power
Adapter/Charger

External power supplied through the
AC Adapter.

External power supplied through the
AC Adapter.

Software Guide 1–1

Power Management

Using Standby and Hibernation

Standby and Hibernation are energy-saving features that conserve
power and reduce startup time. They can be initiated by you or by
the system.

Standby

Standby in the Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft
Windows XP Home operating systems reduces power to system
components that are not being used. When Standby is initiated,
your work is saved in RAM (random access memory) and the
screen is cleared. When you exit Standby, your work returns to
the screen where you left off.

Hibernation

Hibernation saves all information in RAM to a hibernation file
on the hard drive, then shuts down the notebook. When you exit
Hibernation, your work returns to the screen where you left off.

If a power-on password is set, the password must be entered to
exit Hibernation.

Hibernation is enabled by default, but can be disabled (usually to
save space on the hard drive). Disabling Hibernation is not
recommended. When Hibernation is disabled, system-initiated
Hibernation cannot save your work if the notebook reaches a
critical low-battery condition while it is on or in Standby.

To verify that Hibernation is enabled, select Start > Control
Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options icon.
Select the Hibernate tab, then ensure that the Enable Hibernation
check box is selected.

1–2 Software Guide

Power Management

Selecting Standby, Hibernation or Shutdown

If you plan to resume shortly—Initiate Standby. Standby clears
the screen, uses less power than leaving the notebook on, and
your work returns instantly to the screen when you exit Standby.
A fully charged new battery pack can support Standby for at least
two days. A battery pack that has been frequently charged and
discharged will support Standby for less time.

If you plan to resume within one week—Initiate Hibernation.
Hibernation clears the screen, saves your work to the hard drive,
and uses much less power than Standby. Returning to work saved
in Hibernation takes longer than returning to work saved in
Standby, but is faster than returning to your place manually after
restarting the notebook. A fully charged battery pack supports
Hibernation indefinitely.

If the notebook will be disconnected from external power for
more than one week—Recharge the battery pack before using it

to run the notebook.

Using Hibernation or Standby While Playing Media

CAUTION: To prevent possible video degradation and loss of audio

Ä

or video playback functionality, do not initiate Standby or
Hibernation while playing media.

If you are playing a medium in an optional drive, turn off the
medium before initiating Standby or Hibernation.

If Standby or Hibernation is accidentally initiated while a
medium is playing:

1. Exit Standby or Hibernation.

2. Restart the notebook.

Software Guide 1–3

Power Management

Standby, Hibernation and Shutdown Procedures

Identifying Power Controls and Indicators

Standby, Hibernation, and shutdown procedures use the following
light and controls:

Power/standby light

1

Fn+F3 hotkeys (default Standby)

2

Power button

3

Display switch

4

Identifying power controls and indicators

1–4 Software Guide

Using the Default Power Procedures

The following table describes the default procedures for manually
turning the notebook on and off, for manually initiating or exiting
Standby or Hibernation, and for turning off the display when the
notebook is closed while it is on.

You can assign different functions to the power button and
display switch. For instructions, see “Setting Power Procedure
Preferences” in this chapter.

Task Procedure Result

Power Management

Turn the notebook
on from shutdown.

Shut down the
notebook.

Turn off the
display when the
notebook is closed
while it is on.

Initiate Standby. Press Fn+F3

Press the power
button.

Shut down the
notebook as
directed by your
operating system
documentation.

Close the notebook. Closing the notebook

hotkeys.
or
Select Start > Turn

Off Computer >
Stand By.

■

Power/standby light
turns on.

■

Operating system
loads.

■

Operating system
closes.

■

Power/standby light
turns off.

■

Computer turns off.

activates the display
switch, which turns off
the display.

■

Power/standby light
blinks.

■

Screen clears.

■

Your work is saved
in system memory.

Software Guide 1–5

Power Management

Task Procedure Result

Exit Standby. Press the power

button.

Initiate
Hibernation.

Exit Hibernation. Press the power

Assign this function
as instructed in
“Setting Power
Procedure
Preferences” in this
chapter.

button.

■

Power/standby light
turns on.

■

Your work returns
to the screen.

■

Power/standby light
turns off.

■

Screen clears.

■

Your work is saved
to the hard drive
and the notebook
turns off.

■

Power/standby light
turns on.

■

Your work returns
to the screen.

Setting Power Procedure Preferences

To access the settings that change the functions of the power
button and display switch, select Start > Control Panel >
Performance and Maintenance > Power Options icon >
Advanced tab.

The initiate Hibernation setting is available only if Hibernation is
enabled. Hibernation is enabled by default. To verify that
Hibernation is enabled, select Start > Control Panel >
Performance and Maintenance > Power Options icon. Select the
Hibernate tab, then ensure that the Enable Hibernation check box
is selected.

For more information about power options settings, refer to your
operating system documentation.

1–6 Software Guide

Power Management

Managing Low-Battery Conditions

Identifying a Low-Battery Condition

When the battery pack reaches a low-battery condition, the
system beeps several times and the battery light blinks.

Identifying the battery light

Software Guide 1–7

Power Management

Identifying a Critical Low-Battery Condition

If a low-battery condition is not resolved, the notebook enters a
critical low-battery condition. In a critical low-battery condition:

■

If Hibernation is enabled and the notebook is on or in
Standby, the notebook then initiates Hibernation.

■

If Hibernation is disabled and the notebook is on or in
Standby, the power/standby light blinks. The notebook
remains briefly in Standby, then shuts down and your
unsaved work is lost.

Hibernation is enabled by default. To verify that Hibernation is

✎

enabled, follow the instructions in “Setting Power Procedure
Preferences” earlier in this chapter.

Identifying the power/standby light

1–8 Software Guide

Resolving Low-Battery Conditions

When External Power Is Available

Select one of the following options:

■

Connect the notebook to an electrical outlet.

■

Plug an optional Automobile Power Adapter/Charger into the
notebook and into a vehicle cigarette lighter receptacle.

■

Plug an optional Aircraft Power Adapter into the notebook
and into the in-seat power supply available on some
commercial aircraft. (An Aircraft Power Adapter can run the
notebook but cannot charge a battery pack.)

When a Charged Battery Pack Is Available

Turn off the notebook or initiate Hibernation, then insert a
charged battery pack. For instructions, see the Hardware Guide,
Chapter 3, “Battery Pack,” on this CD.

When No Power Source Is Available

Power Management

Shut down the notebook or initiate Hibernation.

Software Guide 1–9

Power Management

Charging a Battery Pack

CAUTION: Allow sufficient air circulation around the notebook and

Ä

the AC Adapter during use and while charging the battery pack to
ensure adequate cooling of the devices. Prevent direct exposure to
radiant heat sources.

To charge a battery pack, connect the notebook to external power
through:

■

The AC Adapter.

■

An optional Automobile Power Adapter/Charger.

Charging may be delayed if a battery pack is new, has not been
used for 2 weeks or more, or is much warmer or cooler than room
temperature.

While the battery pack is charging, the battery light turns on. The
light turns off when the battery pack is fully charged.

Identifying the battery light

1–10 Software Guide

Power Management

Monitoring the Charge in a Battery Pack

Obtaining Accurate Charge Information

To increase the accuracy of the battery charge display:

■

Allow a battery pack to discharge to the low-battery level
through normal use before charging it.

■

When you charge a battery pack, charge it fully.

■

Calibrate a new battery pack before you charge it.

■

Calibrate an in-use battery pack that has not been used for
one month or more before you charge it.

Displaying Charge Information on the Screen

The amount of charge remaining in the battery pack is displayed
on the Power Meter tab.

To display the battery charge information, select Start > Control
Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options icon >
Power Meter tab.

Software Guide 1–11

Power Management

Battery Conservation Procedures and Settings

Use the following procedures to conserve power while the
notebook is running on battery power:

■

Turn off local area network (LAN) connections, and exit
modem applications when you are not using them.

■

Disconnect external equipment you are not using that is not
connected to an external power source.

■

If you leave your work, initiate Standby or Hibernation or
shut down the notebook.

■

Stop or remove a PC Card that you are not using.

■

Use the Fn+F7 and Fn+F8 hotkeys to quickly increase or
decrease screen brightness as you work.

1–12 Software Guide

Security Management

This chapter describes security features specific to your
notebook. For information about Windows XP Professional or
Windows XP Home security features, refer to your operating
system documentation.

Security Features Quick Reference

To Protect Against This Risk Use This Feature

Unauthorized use of the notebook Power-on password

2

Unauthorized access to the notebook
system upon starting up

Unauthorized access to the contents of a
hard drive

Enable or Disable a CD-ROM drive, floppy
drive, or a parallel port during notebook
startup

Unauthorized removal of the notebook Security cable slot

Software Guide 2–1

Setup password

DriveLock

Device Security

Security Management

If You Forget a Password

■

If you forget your power-on password or setup password,
refer to Worldwide Telephone Numbers, included with the
notebook, for the General Information number to call for
information about contacting a Compaq authorized service
provider.

■

If you forget your DriveLock password, the hard drive is
permanently unusable.

Using a Power-On Password

A power-on password prevents unauthorized use of the notebook.
After being set, a power-on password must be entered each time
the notebook is turned on, restarted, or exits Hibernation. A
power-on password:

■

Can be the same as any other password.

■

Does not display as you set, enter, change, or delete it.

■

Must be set and entered with the same keys. For example,
a password set with keyboard number keys will not be
recognized if entered with embedded keypad number keys.

■

Can include up to 8 alphanumeric characters and is not case
sensitive.

Setting, Changing or Deleting a Power-On Password

A power-on password is set, changed, or deleted in the Setup
Utility.

1. To open the Setup Utility, turn on or restart the notebook,
then press
F10 message is displayed in the lower left corner of the
screen.

2–2 Software Guide

while the To Change System Settings, Press

F10

Security Management

2. Select Security from the menu bar. (To select a menu, use the
arrow keys.)

3. Select the Set Power-On Password field. Then,

❏

To set a power-on password:

a. Type the password in the New Password field, then

press

enter.

b. Type the password in the Confirm New Password

field, then press

❏

To change a power-on password:

enter.

a. Type the current password in the Enter Current

Password field, then press

enter.

b. Type the new password in the Enter New Password

field, press

enter.

c. Type the new password in the Confirm New

Password field, then press

❏

To delete a power-on password, select the Set Power on

enter.

Password option, type the current password in the Enter
Current Password field, then press

4. When you are prompted to continue, press

enter

3 times.

enter.

5. To save your preferences and exit the Setup Utility, press

esc

(or select Exit from the menu bar), select Exit Saving
Changes, then follow the instructions on the screen.

Entering a Power-On Password

When prompted as the notebook is turned on or restarted, or exits
Hibernation, type your password using the same keys you used to
set the password, then press
to enter the password, you must restart the notebook to try again.

Software Guide 2–3

After 3 unsuccessful attempts

enter.

Security Management

Using a Setup Password

A setup password prevents unauthorized use of the notebook
settings when turning on or restarting the system.

A setup password:

■

Can be the same as any other password.

■

Does not display as you set, enter, change, or delete it.

■

Must be set and entered with the same keys. For example,
a password set with keyboard number keys will not be
recognized if entered with embedded keypad number keys.

■

Can include up to 8 alphanumeric characters and is not case
sensitive.

Setting, Changing or Deleting a Setup
Password

A setup password is set in the Setup Utility.

1. To open the Setup Utility, turn on the notebook, then press

while the To Change System Settings, Press F10 message

F10

is displayed in the lower left corner of the screen.

2. Select Security from the menu bar. (To select a menu, use the
arrow keys.)

3. Select Setup Password, then press

❏

To set a setup password:

enter.

a. Type the password in the New Password field, then

press

enter.

b. Type the password in the Confirm New Password

field, then press

2–4 Software Guide

enter.

Security Management

❏

To change a setup password:

a. Type the current password in the Enter Current

Password field, then press

enter.

b. Type the new password in the Enter New Password

field, then press

enter.

c. Type the password in the Confirm New Password

field, then press

❏

To delete a setup password, select the Set Setup Password

enter.

option, type the current password in the Enter Current
Password field, then press

enter

3 times.

4. When you are prompted to continue, press

enter.

5. To save your preferences and exit the Setup Utility, press
(or select Exit from the menu bar), select Exit Saving
Changes, then follow the instructions on the screen.

esc

Software Guide 2–5

Security Management

Using DriveLock

CAUTION: If you forget the DriveLock password, the protected

Ä

hard drive is permanently unusable.

DriveLock prevents unauthorized access to the contents of a hard
drive. After DriveLock protection is applied to a hard drive, the
DriveLock password must be entered to access the drive

A DriveLock password:

■

Can be deleted only by removing DriveLock protection from
the drive. Removing DriveLock protection from a drive
requires the use of the DriveLock password.

■

Does not display as you set, enter, change, or delete it.

■

Must be set and entered with the same keys. For example,
a password set with keyboard number keys will not be
recognized if you enter it with embedded keypad
number keys.

■

Can include up to 8 alphanumeric characters and is not case
sensitive.

Protecting a Hard Drive with DriveLock

CAUTION: If you forget the DriveLock password, the protected

Ä

hard drive is permanently unusable.

CAUTION: To prevent system lockup and loss of information:

Ä

■

Shut down the notebook before removing a hard drive from the
hard drive bay. Do not remove a hard drive while the notebook
is on, in Standby, or in Hibernation.

■

If you are not sure whether the notebook is in Hibernation, turn
the notebook on, then shut it down.

2–6 Software Guide

Security Management

DriveLock preferences are entered in the Setup Utility. To access
the DriveLock settings in the Setup Utility, shut down, then turn
on the notebook to open the utility. If you open the Setup Utility
from a Windows restart, DriveLock settings are not accessible.

1. To open the Setup Utility, turn on the notebook, then press

while the To Change System Settings, Press F10 message

F10

is displayed in the lower left corner of the screen.

2. Select Security from the menu bar. (To select a menu, use the
arrow keys.)

3. Select the DriveLock Passwords field, then press

4. Read the warning. To continue, press

5. Type the password in the New Password field, then press

enter.

6. Type the password in the Confirm New Password field, then
press

enter.

7. To confirm DriveLock protection on the drive you have
selected, type the word
then press

F10.

DriveLock

in the confirmation field,

8. To save your password, apply DriveLock protection to the
drive, and exit the Setup Utility, press
the menu bar). Select Exit Saving Changes, then follow the
instructions on the screen.

Accessing a Protected Hard Drive

When prompted for the DriveLock password, type your
DriveLock password using the same keys you used to set the
password, then press
the password correctly, you must restart the notebook to try again.

After 2 unsuccessful attempts to enter

enter.

enter.

enter.

(or select Exit from

esc

Software Guide 2–7

Security Management

Changing a DriveLock Password or Removing DriveLock Protection from a Drive

CAUTION: To prevent system lockup and loss of information:

Ä

■

Shut down the notebook before removing a hard drive from the
hard drive bay. Do not remove a hard drive while the notebook
is on, in Standby, or in Hibernation.

■

If you are not sure whether the notebook is in Hibernation, turn
the notebook on, then shut it down.

DriveLock preferences are entered in the Setup Utility. To access
the DriveLock settings in the Setup Utility, shut down, then turn
on the notebook to open the utility. If you open the Setup Utility
from a Windows restart, DriveLock settings are not accessible.

1. To open the Setup Utility, turn on the notebook, then press

while the To Change System Settings, Press F10 message

F10

is displayed in the left corner of the screen.

2. Select Security from the menu bar. (To select a menu, use the
arrow keys.) Select the DriveLock Protection field, then press

enter.

❏

To change a DriveLock password:

a. Type the current password in the Enter Current

Password field, then press

enter.

b. Type the new password in the Enter New Password

field, then press

enter.

c. Type the new password in the Confirm New

Password field, then press

❏

To remove DriveLock protection from the drive, type the

enter.

current password in the Enter Current Password field,
then press

3. To save your preferences and exit the Setup Utility, press

enter

3 times.

esc

(or select Exit from the menu bar), select Exit Saving
Changes, then follow the instructions on the screen.

2–8 Software Guide

Using Device Security

The Device Security feature allows an administrator to set the
system startup preferences by enabling or disabling notebook
devices.

Setting Device Security

1. To open the Setup Utility, turn on or restart the notebook,

while the To Change System Settings, Press

then press
F10 message is displayed in the lower left of the screen.

2. Select Security from the menu bar. (To select a menu, use the
arrow keys.)

3. In the Device Security field:

❏

❏

❏

F10

Select the enable or disable parallel port setting during
boot time.

Select the enable or disable floppy boot during boot time.

Select the enable or disable CD-ROM boot during
boot time.

Security Management

4. To save your preferences and exit the Setup Utility, press

esc

(or select Exit from the menu bar), select Exit Saving
Changes, then follow the instructions on the screen.

Software Guide 2–9

Security Management

Connecting an Optional Cable Lock

Loop the cable around a secure object, then insert the cable
lock
cable lock key

into the security cable slot 2 and lock it with the

1

.

3

Connecting the optional cable lock

2–10 Software Guide

Software Updates and

Restorations

Updating Software

For optimal notebook performance and to make sure your
notebook remains compatible with changing technologies,
Compaq strongly recommends that you install the latest versions
of Compaq software as they become available.

To update Compaq software:

1. Prepare for any update by identifying your notebook type,
series or family, and, in some cases model. Access the
updates on your local Compaq Web site.

2. Download and install the updates.

Preparing for a Software Update

3

If your notebook connects to a network, Compaq recommends
that you consult with your Network Administrator before
installing any software updates.

Accessing Notebook Model Information

To access the updates for your notebook, you may need to know
the following information about your notebook:

■

The product category is Notebook.

Software Guide 3–1

Software Updates and Restorations

■

The product family name and series number are printed on
the display bezel.

■

More complete model information is provided on the serial
number label on the underside of the notebook.

To open Computer Setup, turn on or restart the notebook. Press

while the To Change System Settings, Press F10 message is

F10

displayed in the lower left of the screen.

■

To change the language, press

■

For navigation instructions, press

F2.

F1.

Accessing Software Updates

For instructions for updating software from the Compaq Web site,

http://www.compaq.com/athome/support/.

visit

Updating Software from the Internet

Most software at the Compaq Web site is available in English
only and packaged in a compressed file called a SoftPaq™. Some
Read Only Memory (ROM) updates may be packaged in a
compressed file called a RomPaq™. Other ROM updates may be
provided as a CPQFlash SoftPaq.

Most download packages contain a file named Readme.txt. A
Readme.txt file contains detailed descriptions, installation, and
troubleshooting information about the download. The Readme.txt
files included with RomPaqs are in English only.

3–2 Software Guide

Software Updates and Restorations

Downloading and Installing a SoftPaq

To update software:

1. Access the page at the Compaq Web site that provides
software for your notebook.

❏

For home and small office products, visit:

http://www.compaq.com/athome/support/

❏

For corporate office products, visit:

http://www.compaq.com/support/files

2. In the Notebook column, select your notebook series.

3. On the next page that is displayed, select your notebook from
the lists. Then follow the instructions on the screen to select a
software package.

4. At the download area:

a. Write down the number or name of the software package.

b. Follow the instructions on the Web page to download the

software package.

5. When the download is complete, open Windows Explorer.

6. In the left pane of the Windows Explorer window, select My
Computer > your hard drive (usually, drive C) > Compaq.

7. In the Compaq folder, select the name or number of the
software package.

8. Select the file that ends with an .exe extension (for example,
Filename.exe), and press

9. To complete the installation, follow the instructions on the
screen.

After a message on the screen reports a successful installation,

✎

you can delete the download package from the Compaq folder.

Software Guide 3–3

The installation begins.

enter.

Software Updates and Restorations

Restoring Software

The Restore CDs included with the notebook contain all the
software that shipped preinstalled or preloaded on the notebook
and instructions for restoring it.

You can use the Restore CDs to install or reinstall individual
software items, such as applications, or to restore the notebook
factory image.

The notebook factory image is the notebook software as it was
when the notebook was shipped. When you restore to the
factory image:

■

All settings are as they were set at the factory when the
notebook was shipped.

■

All software is the version installed at the factory.

■

All software not included in the factory-supplied image,
including drivers, applications, and utilities that you
personally installed, will have to be reinstalled.

If the notebook has become unresponsive, you may be able to
start the notebook from a bootable Restore CD. For information
about starting the notebook from a bootable Restore CD, see the
documentation included with the Restore CDs.

CAUTION: To prevent an unsuccessful restoration, use a Restore CD
only while the notebook is connected to reliable external power using the

Ä

AC Adapter. (Do not use a Restore CD while the notebook is running on
battery power or connected to an optional power source.) During a
restoration or installation:

■

Do not unplug the notebook from the electrical outlet.

■

Do not shut down the notebook.

■

Do not remove or insert a drive.

3–4 Software Guide

Setup Utilities and Diagnostics

Selecting the Setup Utility

The notebook features two system management utilities:

■

PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility—A system information and
customization utility that can be used even when your
operating system is not working or will not load. This utility
includes settings that are not available in the Windows
XP Professional or Windows XP Home operating systems.

■

Compaq Diagnostics for Windows—A system information
and diagnostic utility that is used within your Windows
operating system. Use this utility whenever possible to:

❏

Display system information.

❏

Test system components.

❏

Troubleshoot a device configuration problem.

4

It is not necessary to configure a device connected to a USB

✎

connector on the notebook.

Software Guide 4–1

Setup Utilities and Diagnostics

Using the Setup Utility

To open the utility:

1. Turn on or restart the notebook.

2. Press

while the To Change System Settings, Press F10

F10

message is displayed in the lower left corner of the screen.

3. Use the arrow keys

select the Main, Advanced, or Security

to

menu, or Exit from the menu bar.

4. For navigation and selection instructions, read the
information in the bar at the bottom of the screen.

To exit the utility:

1. Press

or select the Exit screen.

esc

2. Select an exit option.

3. At the exit prompt, select Yes to exit the utility or No to
return to the utility, then press

(When the Setup Utility

enter.

closes, your Windows operating system restarts.)

4–2 Software Guide

Selecting from the Main Screen

Select To Do This

System Time* Set the time.

System Date* Set the date.

Product Name* Display Compaq notebook name.

Notebook Model* Display Model number of

notebook.

CPU Type* Display the CPU family.

CPU Speed* Display the CPU clock speed.

BIOS Version* Display the version number of the

BIOS (Basic Input Output System).

KBC Version* Display the version number of the

KBC (keyboard controller).

Serial Number* Display the serial number of the

notebook.

Setup Utilities and Diagnostics

Asset Tag* Displays a unique asset tag.

Ownership Tag* Displays a unique ownership tag.

UUD Number* Unique system ID for systems with

NICs installed

Note: Pressing
factory default settings. Pressing

*Can be viewed on the Main screen without making a selection.

Software Guide 4–3

replaces all settings on the Main screen with

F9

saves settings and exits.

F10

Setup Utilities and Diagnostics

Selecting from the Advanced Screen

Select To Do This

Language Select a display language for the

BIOS from the popup menu:

■

US (English)

■

FR (French)

■

IT (Italian)

■

GR (German)

■

SP (Spanish)

■

JR (Japanese)

■

CT (Traditional Chinese)

■

NL (Dutch)

Boot Select from the following options:

■

Floppy Diskette Drive

■

CD-ROM Drive

■

Hard Drive

■

Network Adapter

USB Legacy Support Enable or disable access to the

following legacy devices:

■

Mouse

■

Keyboard

DMA (Direct Memory Access)
Frame Buffer Size

Set the DMA buffer at 11 MB, 32 MB,
or 64 MB.

Primary Master Displays primary hard drive

information.

Section 508 Compliance Display the F10 delay in seconds.

Enter 1, 2, 3, or 4.

PXE (Pre Execution Boot) Enable or disable the PXE remote

boot function.

Note: Pressing
factory default settings. Pressing

replaces all settings on the Main screen with

F9

saves settings and exits.

F10

4–4 Software Guide

Setup Utilities and Diagnostics

Selecting from the Security Screen

For more information about passwords, see Chapter 2, “Security
Management.”

.

Select To Do This

Setup Password Set, change, or delete a setup

password.

Power-On Password Set, change, or delete a power-on

password.

DriveLock Passwords ■

Device Security

replaces all settings on the Main screen with

Note: Pressing
factory default settings. Pressing

F9

Protect a hard drive with
DriveLock.

■

Set or change a DriveLock
password.

■

Remove DriveLock protection
from a hard drive.

■

Enable or disable a parallel port
setting during notebook startup.

■

Enable or disable the floppy
boot during notebook startup.

■

Enable or disable the CD-ROM
boot during notebook startup.

saves settings and exits.

F10

Software Guide 4–5

Setup Utilities and Diagnostics

Selecting from the Exit Screen

The command is followed by a confirmation prompt. Select Yes
to confirm your exit command or No to return to the Setup Utility.

.

Select To Do This

Exit Saving Changes Save settings entered during current

Setup Utility session, then exit and
close the utility.

Exit Discarding Changes Discard settings entered during

current Setup Utility session, then
exit and close the utility.

Load Setup Defaults Replace all configuration settings in

the Setup Utility with factory default
settings. (Identification information is
retained.)

Discard Changes Discard settings entered during

current Setup Utility session.

Save Changes Save settings entered during current

Setup Utility session.

Note: Pressing
factory default settings. Pressing

F9

replaces all settings on the Main screen with

saves settings and exits.

F10

Using Compaq Diagnostics for Windows

When you open Compaq Diagnostics, a scan of all system
components appears on the screen before the Compaq
Diagnostics window opens.

You can display more or less information from anywhere within
Compaq Diagnostics by selecting Level on the menu bar.

Compaq Diagnostics is designed to test Compaq components. If
non-Compaq components are tested, the results may be
inconclusive.

4–6 Software Guide

Setup Utilities and Diagnostics

Installing Compaq Diagnostics

The Compaq Diagnostics utility is preloaded on the computer, but
is not installed.

To install Compaq Diagnostics (or any other preloaded Compaq
utility), select Start > All Programs > Setup Compaq Software >
Next. Select the check box for Compaq Diagnostics for Windows.
Clear the check boxes for preloaded software you do not want to
install.

Accessing Compaq Diagnostics

To access the Compaq Diagnostics, select Start > Control Panel >
Performance and Management, Compaq Diagnostics icon.

Obtaining, Saving or Printing Configuration Information

1. Open Compaq Diagnostics by selecting Start > Control
Panel > Performance and Management > Compaq
Configuration Record.

2. Select Categories, then select a category from the
drop-down list.

❏

To save the information, select File > Save As.

❏

To print the information, select File > Print.

3. To close Compaq Diagnostics, select File > Exit.

Software Guide 4–7

Setup Utilities and Diagnostics

Obtaining, Saving or Printing Diagnostic Test Information

1. Open Compaq Diagnostics by selecting Start > Control
Panel > Performance and Management > Compaq
Diagnostics.

2. Select the Test tab.

3. In the scroll box, select the category or device you want
to test.

4. Select a test type:

❏

Quick Test—Runs a quick, general test on each device in
a selected category.

❏

Complete Test—Performs maximum testing on each
device in a selected category.

❏

Custom Test—Performs maximum testing on a selected
device.

◆

To run all tests for your selected device, select the
Check All button.

◆

To run only the tests you select, select the Uncheck
All button, then select the check box for each test you
want to run.

5. Select a test mode:

❏

Interactive Mode—Provides maximum control over the
testing process. You determine whether the test was
passed or failed and may be prompted to insert or remove
devices.

❏

Unattended Mode—Does not display prompts. If errors
are found, they are displayed when testing is complete.

6. Select the Begin Testing button.

4–8 Software Guide

7. Select a tab to display a test report:

❏

Status tab—Summarizes the tests run, passed, and failed
during the current testing session.

❏

Log tab—Lists tests run on the system, the numbers of
times each test has run, the number of errors found on
each test, and the total run time of each test.

❏

Error tab—Lists all errors found on the computer with
their error codes.

8. Select a tab to save the report:

❏

Log tab—Select the Log tab Save button.

❏

Error tab—Select the Error tab Save button.

9. Select a tab to print the report:

❏

Log tab—Select the File menu > Save As, then print the
file from your folder.

❏

Error tab—Select the Error tab Print button.

Setup Utilities and Diagnostics

Software Guide 4–9

Index

A

air circulation and the

computer 1–10

audio/video playback,

degraded by Hibernation or
Suspend 1–3

B

battery charge level displays

on the screen 1–12

battery conservation checklist

1–12

battery pack

charging accessories 1–10
delayed charging 1–10

BIOS (Basic Input Output

System) 3–1

C

cable lock, connecting 2–10
CDs, Restore 3–4
Compaq Diagnostics

configuration information

4–7
described 4–1
diagnostic test information

4–8
installing 4–7

Compaq technical support

telephone numbers 2–2

Compaq Web site, updating

software from 3–1

Compaq worldwide telephone

numbers 2–2

configuration of USB device

4–1, 4–3

connecting optional cable lock

2–10

conserving power

battery conservation

checklist 1–12
Hibernation 1–2
Suspend 1–2

CPQFlash file 3–2
critical low-battery condition

identifying 1–8
resolving 1–9
restoring from 1–9

D

diagnostics utility. See

Compaq Diagnostics

display switch

changing functions 1–6
default function 1–5
identifying 1–4

DriveLock

changing password 2–8
entering password 2–8
forgetting password 2–2,

2–6

Software Guide Index–1

Index

protecting hard drive with

2–6
removing protection 2–8
setting 2–7
using 2–6

E

energy-saving tools

Hibernation 1–2
Suspend 1–2

F

family, identifying notebook

3–1

forgetting passwords

DriveLock password 2–2
power-on password 2–2

H

hard drive and DriveLock

password 2–8

Hibernation

affecting hard drive

removal 2–6
compared to Suspend and

Shutdown 1–3
degraded playback of

video/audio 1–3
described 1–2
disabling/enabling 1–2
exiting 1–6
initiating 1–6
setting preferences 1–6
when to use 1–2

K

KBC ROM (Keyboard

Controller Read Only
Memory) 3–1

keyboard locking at power-on

2–2, 2–4

L

locked system and reinstalling

software 3–4

low-battery conditions

identifying 1–7
resolving 1–9

M

model, identifying notebook

3–1

N

notebook model, family, type

3–1

O

operating system, reinstalling

3–4

P

passwords

changing or deleting

DriveLock password 2–8

entering power-on

password 2–3

forgetting DriveLock

password 2–2, 2–6

forgetting power-on

password 2–2

Index–2 Software Guide

Index

setting DriveLock

password 2–6
setting, changing, or

deleting power-on

password 2–2, 2–9

playback of audio/video,

degraded 1–3

pointing device, locking at

power-on 2–2, 2–4

power button

changing functions 1–6
identifying 1–4

power conservation

battery conservation

checklist 1–12
Hibernation 1–2
Suspend 1–2

power controls, identifying

1–4

power procedures, default

initiating/exiting

Hibernation 1–6
initiating/exiting Suspend

1–5, 1–6
turning on/off 1–5

power settings, accessing 1–6
power source, selecting

battery pack 1–1
external power 1–1

power/suspend light,

identifying 1–4

power-on and keyboard or

mouse locking 2–2, 2–4

power-on password

described 2–2, 2–4
entering 2–3
forgetting 2–2
setting, changing, or

deleting 2–2, 2–9

R

removal of hard drive 2–6
Restore CDs 3–4
restoring software 3–4
RomPaq 3–2

S

security features quick

reference 2–1

series, identifying notebook

3–1

setting DriveLock password

2–7

setting power-on password

2–2, 2–4

Setup Compaq Software icon

4–7

Setup utility

advanced screen 4–4
described 4–1
DriveLock password 2–6
exit screen 4–6
main screen 4–3
power-on password 2–2,

2–9
security screen 4–5
using 4–2

Shutdown compared to

Hibernation and Suspend
1–3

Software Guide Index–3

Index

SoftPaq 3–2
software

reinstalling 3–4
restoring 3–4

software updates

CPQFlash file 3–2
determining notebook

model, family, type 3–1

identifying software

packages 3–2
RomPaq 3–2
SoftPaq 3–2
summary of procedures

3–1
updating KBC ROM from

Internet 3–2
updating system ROM

from Internet 3–2

Suspend (Standby)

affecting hard drive

removal 2–6
compared to Hibernation

and Shutdown 1–3
degraded playback of

video/audio 1–3
described 1–2
exiting 1–6

initiating 1–5
setting preferences 1–6
when to use 1–3

Suspend button (sleep button)

changing functions 1–6
identifying 1–4

system lock-up and

reinstalling software 3–4

system ROM (Read Only

Memory) 3–1

T

telephone numbers, Compaq

Technical Support 2–2

U

unresponsive system and

reinstalling software 3–4

USB device configuration 4–1,

4–3

V

video/audio playback affected

by Hibernation/Suspend 1–3

W

worldwide telephone numbers

2–2

Index–4 Software Guide