Hp DM3 User Manual
HP Pavilion dm3 Entertainment PC
User Guide
© Copyright 2009 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
ATI is a trademark of Advanced Micro
Devices, Inc. Bluetooth is a trademark
owned by its proprietor and used by HewlettPackard Company under license. Microsoft
and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation. SD Logo is a
trademark of its proprietor.
The information contained herein is subject
to change without notice. The only
warranties for HP products and services are
set forth in the express warranty statements
accompanying such products and services.
Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting an additional warranty. HP shall
not be liable for technical or editorial errors
or omissions contained herein.
First Edition: December 2009
Document Part Number: 589236-001
Product notice
This user guide describes features that are
common to most models. Some features
may not be available on your computer.
To obtain the latest version of the User
Guide, go to the HP Web site at
http://www.hp.com/support.
Safety warning notice
WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not
place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on a
hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft
surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact
the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The computer and the
AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the International
Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).
iii
iv Safety warning notice
Table of contents
1 Getting started
Using HP QuickWeb (select models only) ............................................................................................ 1
2 Features
Identifying hardware ............................................................................................................................. 2
Components ......................................................................................................................................... 2
Top components .................................................................................................................. 2
TouchPad ............................................................................................................ 2
Lights ................................................................................................................... 3
Keys .................................................................................................................... 4
Front components ................................................................................................................ 5
Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 5
Left-side components .......................................................................................................... 6
Bottom components ............................................................................................................. 8
Display components ............................................................................................................ 9
Wireless antennas ............................................................................................................. 10
Additional hardware components ...................................................................................... 11
Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 11
3 Wireless and local area networks
Using wireless devices ....................................................................................................................... 13
Identifying wireless and network status icons .................................................................... 13
Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 14
Using the wireless button ................................................................................................... 14
Using Wireless Assistant software ..................................................................................... 15
Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) ........................................................ 15
Using operating system controls ........................................................................................ 15
Using a WLAN .................................................................................................................................... 16
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................................ 16
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 16
Roaming to another network .............................................................................................. 17
Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) ............................................................................. 17
Inserting a SIM ................................................................................................................... 18
Removing a SIM ................................................................................................................ 19
Using Bluetooth wireless devices ....................................................................................................... 20
Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................. 20
Troubleshooting wireless connection problems ................................................................................. 21
Cannot connect to a WLAN ............................................................................................... 21
v
Cannot connect to a preferred WLAN network .................................................................. 21
Network icon for WLAN is not displayed ............................................................................ 22
Current WLAN network security codes are unavailable .................................................... 22
WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................................... 23
Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................................... 23
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) .......................................................................................... 23
4 Pointing devices and keyboard
Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 25
Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 25
Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 25
Two-finger scrolling ........................................................................................... 25
Rotating (select models only) ............................................................................ 26
Pinching (select models only) ........................................................................... 26
Using the action keys ......................................................................................................................... 27
Using the hotkeys ............................................................................................................................... 28
Using keypads .................................................................................................................................... 29
Using the embedded numeric keypad ............................................................................... 30
Enabling and disabling the embedded numeric keypad .................................... 30
Switching key functions on the embedded numeric keypad ............................. 31
Using an optional external numeric keypad ....................................................................... 31
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................................... 31
5 Multimedia
Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 32
Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 32
Using the media activity keys ............................................................................................ 33
Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 33
Using HP MediaSmart software ......................................................................................... 34
Using multimedia software ................................................................................................. 34
Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 34
Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 34
Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 35
Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 35
Video .................................................................................................................................................. 35
Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................... 36
Connecting an HDMI device .............................................................................................. 36
Webcam ............................................................................................................................................. 37
Webcam tips ...................................................................................................................... 38
Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................. 38
6 Power management
Configuring audio for HDMI (select models only) .............................................. 37
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Setting power devices ........................................................................................................................ 39
Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 39
Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 39
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 40
Using the battery meter ..................................................................................................... 40
Using power plans ............................................................................................................. 40
Viewing the current power plan ......................................................................... 40
Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................ 41
Customizing power plans .................................................................................. 41
Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 41
Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 41
Connecting AC power ........................................................................................................ 42
Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................... 42
Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 43
Finding battery information in Help and Support ............................................................... 43
Using Battery Check .......................................................................................................... 43
Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 44
Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 44
Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 45
Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 46
Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 46
Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 46
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 47
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 47
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is
available ........................................................................................... 47
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is
available ........................................................................................... 47
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 47
Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................... 47
Step 1: Fully charge the battery ........................................................................ 47
Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Sleep ............................................................. 48
Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................ 48
Step 4: Fully recharge the battery ..................................................................... 49
Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Sleep .......................................................... 49
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 49
Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 49
Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 50
Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 50
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 50
7 Memory modules
vii
8 Drives and external devices
Drives ................................................................................................................................................. 54
Identifying installed drives .................................................................................................. 54
Handling drives .................................................................................................................. 54
Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................... 55
Replacing the hard drive in the hard drive bay .................................................................. 56
Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection (select models only) ................................. 58
Using external drives ......................................................................................................... 59
Sharing optical drives ........................................................................................................ 60
External devices ................................................................................................................................. 61
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................... 61
Using Digital Media Slot cards ........................................................................................... 62
Using Disk Defragmenter .................................................................................. 55
Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................... 55
Identifying HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection status ................................ 58
Managing power with a parked hard drive ........................................................ 59
Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection software ................................... 59
Connecting optional external drives .................................................................. 60
Connecting a USB device ................................................................................. 61
Removing a USB device ................................................................................... 61
Inserting a digital card ....................................................................................... 62
Removing a digital card ..................................................................................... 63
9 Security
Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 64
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 64
Setting passwords in Windows .......................................................................................... 65
Setting passwords in Setup Utility ..................................................................................... 65
Administrator password ..................................................................................... 66
Power-on password .......................................................................................... 66
Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................................... 67
Using firewall software ....................................................................................................................... 67
Installing critical security updates ....................................................................................................... 68
Installing an optional security cable .................................................................................................... 68
10 Changing QuickWeb settings
Disabling and enabling QuickWeb ..................................................................................................... 69
Managing an administrator password ............................................... 66
Entering an administrator password ................................................. 66
Managing a power-on password ...................................................... 67
Entering a power-on password ......................................................... 67
Appendix A Setup Utility (BIOS)
viii
Starting Setup Utility ........................................................................................................................... 70
Using Setup Utility .............................................................................................................................. 70
Navigating and selecting in Setup Utility ............................................................................ 70
Changing the language of Setup Utility ............................................................................. 70
Displaying system information ........................................................................................... 71
Restoring default settings in Setup Utility .......................................................................... 71
Exiting Setup Utility ............................................................................................................ 72
Setup Utility menus ............................................................................................................................ 72
Main menu ......................................................................................................................... 72
Security menu .................................................................................................................... 72
System Configuration menu .............................................................................................. 72
Diagnostics menu .............................................................................................................. 73
Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 73
Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 73
Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................. 74
Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................... 75
Appendix B Backup and recovery
Creating recovery discs ...................................................................................................................... 76
Backing up your information ............................................................................................................... 77
Using Windows Backup and Restore ................................................................................ 78
Using system restore points .............................................................................................. 78
When to create restore points ........................................................................... 78
Create a system restore point ........................................................................... 78
Restore to a previous date and time ................................................................. 79
Performing a recovery ........................................................................................................................ 79
Recovering using the recovery discs ................................................................................. 79
Recovering using the dedicated recovery partition ............................................................ 79
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 80
ix
x
1 Getting started
Your computer's main operating system is Microsoft® Windows®. Your computer may also feature HP
QuickWeb (select models only).
The Microsoft Windows operating system displays the desktop on the display and controls your
●
computer's hardware, peripherals, and software programs.
If your computer includes QuickWeb, it allows you to quickly browse the Internet, view digital
●
photos, listen to music, or keep in touch using e-mail, instant messages, or Skype (select models
only), without having to boot your main operating system.
NOTE: To disable or reenable QuickWeb, refer to Chapter 10, "Changing QuickWeb settings." You
can access the software Help when you are in QuickWeb by clicking the Help icon in the notification
area.
Using HP QuickWeb (select models only)
To start QuickWeb:
1. Turn on your computer. The HP QuickWeb screen opens.
2. Click an icon on the QuickWeb screen to start a program.
To start QuickWeb from Microsoft Windows:
Select Start, click the arrow next to the Shut down button, and then click Restart. Your computer
▲
restarts and displays the QuickWeb home page.
NOTE: To learn more about HP QuickWeb, refer to the software Help included with QuickWeb.
Using HP QuickWeb (select models only) 1
2Features
Identifying hardware
To see a list of hardware installed in the computer, select Start > Control Panel > System and
Security. Then in the System area, click Device Manager.
You can also add hardware or modify device configurations using Device Manager.
NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer.
You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running
utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support for more information.
Components
Top components
TouchPad
Component Description
(1) TouchPad light
(2) TouchPad* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.
(3) Left TouchPad button* Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
(4) TouchPad on/off button Enables/disables the TouchPad.
2 Chapter 2 Features
White: TouchPad is enabled.
●
Amber: TouchPad is disabled.
●
Lights
Component Description
(5) TouchPad scroll zone Scrolls up or down.
(6) Right TouchPad button* Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
*This table describes factory settings. To view and change pointing device preferences, select Start > Devices and Printers.
Then, right-click the device representing your computer, and click Mouse settings.
Component Description
(1) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.
(2) Mute light On: Computer sound is off.
(3) Num lock light On: The embedded numeric keypad is enabled or num lock is
on for an optional external numeric keypad.
Components 3
Keys
Component Description
(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with
(2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed in
(3) Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.
(4) Windows applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the cursor.
(5) Embedded numeric keypad keys When the keypad has been enabled, the keys can be used like
(6) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.
(7) num lk key Enables/disables the embedded numeric keypad when
the fn key.
combination with an arrow key, the num lk key, or the esc key.
the keys on an external numeric keypad.
pressed in combination with the fn key.
4 Chapter 2 Features
Front components
Component Description
(1) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
(2) Battery light On: A battery is charging.
(3) Drive light White: The hard drive is being accessed.
Blinking: A battery that is the only available power source has reached a
low battery level. When the battery reaches a critical battery level, the
battery light begins blinking rapidly.
Off: If the computer is plugged into an external power source, the light 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 level.
Right-side components
Component Description
(1) Power light
Blinking: The hard drive or an optional external optical drive is being
accessed.
Amber: HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection has temporarily parked the
hard drive.
On: The computer is on.
●
Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state.
●
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
●
(2) Power switch
When the computer is off, slide the switch to turn on the computer.
●
When the computer is on, slide the switch briefly to initiate Sleep.
●
Components 5
Component Description
When the computer is in the Sleep state, slide the switch briefly to exit
●
Sleep.
When the computer is in Hibernation, slide the switch briefly to exit
●
Hibernation.
If the computer has stopped responding and Windows® shutdown
procedures are ineffective, slide and hold the power switch for at least 5
seconds to turn off the computer.
To learn more about your power settings, select Start > Control Panel >
System and Security > Power Options.
(3) Wireless light
(4) Wireless button Turns the wireless feature on or off but does not create a wireless
(5) USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.
(6) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
(7) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
Left-side components
Blue: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local area
●
network (WLAN) device, a wireless wide area network (WWAN)
device, and/or a Bluetooth® device, is on.
Amber: All wireless devices are off.
●
connection.
NOTE: To establish a wireless connection, a wireless network must
already be set up.
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.
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but it may not
prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.
Component Description
(1) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
(2) AC adapter light
(3) RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
(4) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
6 Chapter 2 Features
On: The computer is connected to external power.
●
Off: The computer is not connected to external power.
●
Component Description
(5) HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a high-
definition television, or any compatible digital or audio
component.
(6) USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.
NOTE: Select models can be configured with an optional
external USB optical disc drive. For more information, refer to
the printed Quick Setup poster.
(7) Digital Media Slot Supports the following digital card formats:
Memory Stick (MS)
●
Memory Stick Pro (MSP)
●
MultiMediaCard (MMC)
●
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card
●
Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Card
●
xD-Picture Card (XD)
●
xD-Picture Card (XD) Type H
●
xD-Picture Card (XD) Type M
●
(8) Audio-out (headphone) jack Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo
speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio.
NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack,
the computer speakers are disabled.
(9) Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo
array microphone, or monaural microphone.
Components 7
Bottom components
Component Description
(1) Subscriber identity module (SIM) slot (select
models only)
(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(3) Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.
(4) Vents (6) Enable airflow to cool internal components.
(5) Memory module compartment Contains the memory module slot (2 slots on select models) and
(6) Hard drive bay Holds the hard drive and wireless wide area network (WWAN)
Located inside the battery bay.
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.
wireless LAN (WLAN) module.
CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system, replace the
wireless module only with a wireless module authorized for use
in the computer by the governmental agency that regulates
wireless devices in your country or region. If you replace the
module and then receive a warning message, remove the
module to restore computer functionality, and then contact
technical support through Help and Support.
module (select models only).
8 Chapter 2 Features
Component Description
Display components
CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system, replace the
wireless module only with a wireless module authorized for use
in the computer by the governmental agency that regulates
wireless devices in your country or region. If you replace the
module and then receive a warning message, remove the
module to restore computer functionality, and then contact
technical support through Help and Support.
Component Description
(1) Internal microphone Records sound.
(2 Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.
(3) Webcam Records video and captures still photographs.
Components 9
Wireless antennas
Component Description
(1) WWAN antennas (2) (select models only)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
(2) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the device. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the
antennas free from obstructions.
wide-area networks (WWANs).
local area networks (WLANs).
To see wireless regulatory notices, refer to the section of the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental
Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.
10 Chapter 2 Features
Additional hardware components
Component Description
(1) Power cord* Connects the AC adapter.
(2) AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power.
Labels
The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system
problems or travel internationally with the computer.
●
(3) Battery* Powers the computer when the computer is not plugged into
external power.
*Batteries and power cords vary in appearance by country or region.
Service tag—Provides important information including the following:
Product name (1). This is the product name affixed to the front of your notebook.
◦
Serial number (s/n) (2). This is an alphanumeric identifier that is unique to each product.
◦
Part number/Product number (p/n) (3). This number provides specific information about the
◦
hardware components of the product. The part number helps a service technician to determine
what components and parts are needed.
Labels 11
Model description (4). This is the alphanumeric identifier you use to locate documents, drivers,
◦
and support for your notebook.
Warranty period (5). This number describes the duration of the warranty period for this
◦
computer.
Have this information available when you contact technical support. The service tag label is affixed
to the bottom of the computer.
Microsoft® Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Windows® Product Key. You may need the
●
Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system. This certificate is affixed to the bottom
of the computer.
Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is
●
located under the battery door.
Wireless certification label(s)—Provide information about optional wireless devices and the
●
approval markings of some of the countries or regions in which the devices have been approved
for use. An optional device may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) device, an HP Mobile
Broadband Module, or an optional Bluetooth® device. If your computer model includes one or more
wireless devices, one or more certification labels are included with your computer. You may need
this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are affixed to the bottom
of the computer.
SIM (subscriber identity module) label (select models only)—Provides the ICCID (Integrated Circuit
●
Card Identifier) of your SIM. This label is located inside the battery bay.
HP Mobile Broadband Module serial number label (select models only)—Provides the serial
●
number of your HP Mobile Broadband Module. This label is located inside the battery bay.
12 Chapter 2 Features
3 Wireless and local area networks
Using wireless devices
Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be
equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:
Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless local area
●
networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate offices,
your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and universities.
In a WLAN, each mobile wireless device communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access
point.
HP Mobile Broadband Module—A wireless wide area network (WWAN) device that provides
●
access to information wherever mobile network operator service is available. In a WWAN, each
mobile device communicates to a mobile network operator’s base station. Mobile network operators
install networks of base stations (similar to cell phone towers) throughout large geographic areas,
effectively providing coverage across entire states, regions, or even countries.
Bluetooth® device—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled
●
devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras. In a PAN, each
device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be relatively close together—
typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.
Computers with WLAN devices support one or more of the following IEEE industry standards:
802.11b, the first popular standard, supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps and operates at a
●
frequency of 2.4 GHz.
802.11g supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. An 802.11g
●
WLAN device is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, so they can operate on the same
network.
802.11a supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 5 GHz.
●
NOTE: 802.11a is not compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g.
802.11n supports data rates of up to 450 Mbps and may operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, making it
●
backward compatible with 802.11a, b, and g.
For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided in
Help and Support.
Identifying wireless and network status icons
Icon Name Description
Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless light and the wireless
button on the computer. Also identifies the Wireless Assistant
software on the computer and indicates that one or more of
the wireless devices are on.
Wireless (disconnected) Identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the computer
and indicates that all of the wireless devices are off.
Using wireless devices 13
HP Connection Manager Opens HP Connection Manager, which enables you to create
a connection with an HP Mobile Broadband device (select
models only).
Wired network (connected) Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are
installed and one or more network devices are connected to
the network.
Network (connected) Indicates that the following conditions exist:
One or more of your network drivers are installed.
●
One or more network devices are connected to a
●
wireless network.
One or more network devices are connected to a wired
●
network.
Network (disabled/disconnected) Indicates that the following conditions exist:
One or more of your network drivers are installed.
●
Either no wireless connections are available or all
●
wireless network devices are disabled by the wireless
button or Wireless Assistant.
Wired network (disabled/disconnected) Indicates that the following conditions exist:
One or more of your network drivers are installed.
●
All network devices or all wireless devices are disabled
●
in Windows® Control Panel.
Network (disconnected) Indicates that the following conditions exist:
Using the wireless controls
You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:
Wireless button or wireless switch (referred to in this guide as the wireless button)
●
Wireless Assistant software
●
HP Connection Manager software (select models only)
●
Operating system controls
●
Using the wireless button
The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights,
depending on the model. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the
wireless light is on (blue) when you turn on the computer.
The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of individual
devices. If the wireless light is blue, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light is off, all
wireless devices are off.
One or more of your network drivers are installed.
●
Wireless connections are available.
●
NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.
14 Chapter 3 Wireless and local area networks
Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless button to turn on or
turn off the wireless devices simultaneously. Individual wireless devices can be controlled through
Wireless Assistant software.
Using Wireless Assistant software
A wireless device can be turned on or off using the Wireless Assistant software. If a wireless device is
disabled in Setup Utility, it must be reenabled in Setup Utility before it can be turned on or off using
Wireless Assistant.
NOTE: Enabling or turning on a wireless device does not automatically connect the computer to a
network or a Bluetooth-enabled device.
To view the state of the wireless devices, click the Show hidden icons icon, the arrow at the left of the
notification area, and position the mouse pointer over the wireless icon.
If the wireless icon is not displayed in the notification area, complete the following steps to change
Wireless Assistant properties:
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware > Windows Mobility Center.
2. Click the wireless icon in the Wireless Assistant tile, which is located in the bottom row of Windows®
Mobility Center.
3. Click Properties.
4. Select the check box next to HP Wireless Assistant icon in notification area.
5. Click Apply.
6. Click Close.
For more information, refer to the Wireless Assistant software Help:
1. Open Wireless Assistant by clicking the wireless icon in Windows Mobility Center.
2. Click the Help button.
Using HP Connection Manager (select models only)
You can use HP Connection Manager to connect to WWANs using the HP Mobile Broadband device in
your computer (select models only).
To start Connection Manager, click the Connection Manager icon in the notification area, at the far
right of the taskbar.
– or –
Select Start > All Programs > HP Connection Manager > HP Connection Manager.
For more details about using Connection Manager, refer to the Connection Manager software Help.
Using operating system controls
Some operating systems also offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless
connection. For example, Windows provides the Network and Sharing Center that allows you to set up
a connection or network, connect to a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair
network problems.
To access the Network and Sharing Center, select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet >
Network and Sharing Center.
Using wireless devices 15
For more information, select Start > Help and Support.
Using a WLAN
With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other
computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.
NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably.
A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points
●
that can accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical
network functions.
A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and
●
wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional
pieces of hardware or software.
To use the WLAN device in your computer, you must connect to a WLAN infrastructure (provided through
a service provider or a public or corporate network).
Setting up a WLAN
To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need the following equipment:
A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from an
●
Internet service provider (ISP)
A wireless router (purchased separately) (2)
●
The wireless computer (3)
●
The illustration below shows an example of a wireless network installation that is connected to the
Internet.
As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to
access the Internet.
For help in setting up your WLAN, refer to the information provided by your router manufacturer or your
ISP.
Protecting your WLAN
Because the WLAN standard was designed with only limited security capabilities—basically to foil casual
eavesdropping rather than more powerful forms of attack—it is essential to understand that WLANs are
vulnerable to well-known and well-documented security weaknesses.
WLANs in public areas, or “hotspots,” like coffee shops and airports may not provide any security. New
technologies are being developed by wireless manufacturers and hotspot service providers that make
the public environment more secure and anonymous. If you are concerned about the security of your
computer in a hotspot, limit your network activities to noncritical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.
16 Chapter 3 Wireless and local area networks
When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your
network from unauthorized access. The common security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)Personal and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Because wireless radio signals travel outside the
network, other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected signals and either connect to your network
(uninvited) or capture information being sent across it. However, you can take precautions to protect
your WLAN:
Use a wireless transmitter with built-in security
●
Many wireless base stations, gateways, or routers provide built-in security features such as
wireless security protocols and firewalls. With the correct wireless transmitter, you can protect your
network from the most common wireless security risks.
Work behind a firewall
●
A firewall is a barrier that checks both data and requests for data that are sent to your network,
and discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in many varieties, both software and
hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.
Use wireless encryption
●
A variety of sophisticated encryption protocols is available for your WLAN. Find the solution that
works best for your network security:
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a wireless security protocol that encodes or encrypts all
◦
network data before it is transmitted using a WEP key. Usually, you can allow the network to
assign the WEP key. Alternatively, you can set up your own key, generate a different key, or
choose other advanced options. Without the correct key, others will not be able to use the
WLAN.
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), like WEP, uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data
◦
that is transmitted over the network. However, instead of using one static security key for
encryptions as WEP does, WPA uses “temporal key integrity protocol” (TKIP) to dynamically
generate a new key for every packet. It also generates different sets of keys for each computer
on the network.
Roaming to another network
When you move your computer within range of another WLAN, Windows attempts to connect to that
network. If the attempt is successful, your computer is automatically connected to the new network. If
Windows does not recognize the new network, follow the same procedure you used initially to connect
to your WLAN.
Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only)
HP Mobile Broadband enables your computer to use wireless wide area networks (WWANs) to access
the Internet from more places and over larger areas than it can access by using WLANs. Using HP
Mobile Broadband requires a network service provider (called a mobile network operator), which in most
cases is a mobile phone network operator. Coverage for HP Mobile Broadband is similar to mobile phone
voice coverage.
When used with mobile network operator service, HP Mobile Broadband gives you the freedom to stay
connected to the Internet, send e-mail, or connect to your corporate network whether you are on the
road or outside the range of Wi-Fi hotspots.
Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) 17
HP Mobile Broadband supports the following technologies:
HSPA (High Speed Packet Access), which provides access to networks based on the Global
●
System for Mobile Communications (GSM) telecommunications standard.
EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized), which provides access to networks based on the code division
●
multiple access (CDMA) telecommunications standard.
You may need the HP Mobile Broadband Module serial number to activate mobile broadband service.
The serial number is printed on a label inside the battery bay of your computer.
Some mobile network operators require the use of a subscriber identity module (SIM). A SIM contains
basic information about you, such as a personal identification number (PIN), as well as network
information. Some computers include a SIM that is preinstalled in the battery bay. If the SIM is not
preinstalled, it may be provided in the HP Mobile Broadband information included with your computer,
or the mobile network operator may provide it separately from the computer.
For information on inserting and removing the SIM, refer to the “Inserting a SIM” and “Removing a SIM”
sections in this chapter.
For information on HP Mobile Broadband and how to activate service with a preferred mobile network
operator, refer to the HP Mobile Broadband information included with your computer. For additional
information, see the HP Web site at
Inserting a SIM
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the connectors, use minimal force when inserting a SIM.
http://www.hp.com/go/mobilebroadband (US only).
To insert a SIM:
1. Shut down the computer. If you are not sure whether the computer is off or in Hibernation, turn the
computer on by sliding the power switch. Then shut down the computer through the operating
system.
2. Close the display.
3. Disconnect all external devices connected to the computer.
4. Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.
5. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you.
6. Remove the battery.
18 Chapter 3 Wireless and local area networks
7. Insert the SIM into the SIM slot, and gently push the SIM into the slot until it is firmly seated.
8. Replace the battery.
NOTE: HP Mobile Broadband is disabled if the battery is not replaced.
9. Reconnect external power.
10. Reconnect external devices.
11. Turn on the computer.
Removing a SIM
To remove a SIM:
1. Shut down the computer. If you are not sure whether the computer is off or in Hibernation, turn the
computer on by sliding the power switch. Then shut down the computer through the operating
system.
2. Close the display.
3. Disconnect all external devices connected to the computer.
4. Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.
5. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you.
6. Remove the battery.
Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) 19
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