HP (Hewlett-Packard) DV6-3225DX User Manual

Notebook PC User Guide

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. 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.

Second Edition: December 2010

First Edition: April 2010

Document Part Number: 597853-002

Product notice

This user guide describes features that are common to most models. Some features might not be available on the computer.

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

Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 97

1Features

Identifying hardware

To see a list of hardware installed on the computer:

1. Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security.

2. In the System area, click Device Manager.

Use Device Manager to add hardware or modify device configurations.

NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feature that improves the security of the

computer. You might be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing applications, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. For more information, see Help and Support.

Identifying hardware 1

Components

Top components

TouchPad

Component Function

TouchPad Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.

To view or change the pointing device preferences:

1. Select Start > Devices and Printers.

2. Right-click the device representing the computer.

3. Select Mouse settings.

2 Chapter 1 Features

TouchPad buttons

Item Description Function

2 Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an external

3 Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external

TouchPad On/Off button Turns the TouchPad on and off. Press and hold

the button for two seconds to turn the TouchPad on and off.

mouse.

To view or change pointing device preferences:

1. Select Start > Devices and Printers.

2. Right-click the device representing your computer.

3. Select Mouse settings.

Components 3

Lights

Item Description Function

1 TouchPad light Amber—The TouchPad is disabled.

2 Caps Lock light On—The Caps Lock is on.

3 Power light ● On—The computer is on.

Flashing—The computer is in Sleep.

●

● Off—The computer is off or in Hibernation.

4 Volume Mute light Amber—The computer sound is off.

5 Wireless light ● White—An integrated wireless device, such as a

6 Fingerprint Reader light

wireless local area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, is detected.

● Amber—No wireless devices are detected.

White—The fingerprint was read.

●

● Amber—The fingerprint was not read.

4 Chapter 1 Features

Buttons and Fingerprint Reader (select models only)

Item Description Function

1 Power button Press the Power button to:

●

Turn on the computer.

● Initiate Sleep.

● Exit Sleep.

Exit Hibernation.

●

If the computer has stopped responding and Windows shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the Power button for at least five seconds to shut down the computer.

For more information about the power settings, select

Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.

2 Fingerprint Reader (select models only) Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a

password logon.

For information about changing the factory settings, see Help and Support.

Components 5

Keys

Item Description Function

1 esc key Press the esc and fn keys at the same time to display

system information.

2 E-mail key Opens a new e-mail in the default e-mail client.

3 Media Application key Launches the MediaSmart application.

4 Web Browser key Launches the default web browser.

5 Print key Sends the currently-active document to the default

printer.

6 Calculator key Launches the Calculator application.

7 fn key Press the fn key at the same time as a function key or

8 Windows Logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.

9 Function keys Press a function key and the fn key at the same time to

10 Windows Application key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the pointer.

11 QuickLock key Initiates QuickLock.

12 Backlight key Turns the backlit keyboard on or off.

the esc key to execute frequently used system functions.

execute frequently used system functions.

6 Chapter 1 Features

Front components

Description Function

Speakers Produce sound.

Right-side components

Item Description Function

1 USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.

2 Optical drive Reads optical discs and, on select models, writes to

3 Optical Drive light Flashing—Accessing the optical drive.

4 Hibernate light White—The computer is in Hibernate.

5 Hard Disk Drive light ● White—The hard disk drive is active.

6 AC Adapter light ● On—The computer is connected to external power.

7 Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

8 Security Cable slot Connects an optional security cable. The security cable

optical discs.

● Amber—The hard disk drive is parked.

Off—The computer is not connected to external

●

power.

is designed to act as a deterrent, but might not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.

Components 7

Left-side components

Item Description Function

1 Vents (2) Enable airflow to cool internal components.

2 External Monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

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.

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

4 HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a

5 eSATA/USB port (select models only) Connects an optional high-performance eSATA

6 USB port Connects an optional USB device.

7 Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone,

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

9 SD card reader Reads SD cards that are inserted into the reader.

high-definition television, or any compatible digital or audio component.

component, such as an eSATA external hard drive, or connects an optional USB device.

NOTE: Depending on the computer model, the

computer might include only a USB port.

stereo array microphone, monaural microphone.

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

8 Chapter 1 Features

Bottom components

Item Description Function

1 Battery bay Holds the battery.

2 Vents (6) Enable airflow to cool internal components.

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.

3 Battery Release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.

4 Primary Hard Drive bay Holds the primary hard drive, the memory module slots,

and the WLAN module (select models only).

CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system,

replace the wireless module with a wireless module authorized for use 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.

Components 9

Display components

Item Description Function

1 Internal microphones (2) Record sound.

2 Webcam light On—The webcam is in use.

3 Webcam Records video and captures still photographs.

10 Chapter 1 Features

Wireless antennas (select models only)

On select computer models, at least two antennas send and receive signals from one or more wireless devices. These antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer.

NOTE: For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from

obstructions.

To review wireless regulatory notices, see the country-specific section of the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices chapter in Help and Support.

Components 11

Additional hardware components

Item Description Function

1 Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet.

2 AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power.

3 Battery* Provides power when the computer is not connected to

an external power source.

* Batteries and power cords vary in appearance by region and country.

12 Chapter 1 Features

Labels

The labels affixed to the computer provide information needed when troubleshooting system problems or traveling internationally with the computer.

●

Service tag—Provides important information including:

The service tag label is affixed to the bottom of the computer. When contacting technical support, have this information available.

Item Description Function

1 Serial number (s/n) An alphanumeric identifier that is

2 Product name The name affixed to the front of the

3 Warranty period The duration (in years) of the

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

●

unique to each product.

computer.

warranty period for this computer.

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

● Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is

affixed inside the battery bay.

● Modem approval label—Provides regulatory information about the modem and lists the agency

approval markings required by some countries or regions where the modem has been approved for use. You might need this information when traveling internationally. The modem approval label is affixed inside the hard drive bay.

● Wireless certification label(s) (select models only)—Provides information about optional wireless

devices and the approval markings of some of the countries or regions where the devices have been approved for use. An optional device might be a wireless local area network (WLAN) device or an optional Bluetooth device. If the computer model includes one or more wireless devices, one or more certification labels are included with the computer. You might need this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are affixed inside the Mini Card compartment.

● SIM (subscriber identity module) label (select models only)—Provides the ICCID (Integrated

Circuit Card Identifier) of the SIM. This label is located inside the battery bay.

● HP Mobile Broadband Module serial number label (select models only)—Provides the serial

number of the HP Mobile Broadband Module. This label is located inside the battery bay.

Labels 13

2 Wireless, local area network, and

modem

Using wireless devices

Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. The computer might 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.

Bluetooth device (select models only)—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 that 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 might operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, making

it backward compatible with 802.11a, b, and g.

For more information on wireless technology, see the information and website links provided in Help and Support.

14 Chapter 2 Wireless, local area network, and modem

Identifying wireless and network status icons

Icon Name Description

Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless light and the wireless key on

Wired network (connected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, and one

Wired network (disabled/ disconnected)

Network (connected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, and one

Network (disconnected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed and

Network (disabled/ disconnected)

the computer. Also identifies the HP Wireless Assistant software on the computer and indicates that one or more of the wireless devices are on.

or more network devices are connected to a wired network.

Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, but no network devices are connected (or all network devices are disabled in Windows Control Panel).

or more network devices are connected to a wireless network.

wireless connections are available, but no network devices are connected to a wireless network.

Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, but no wireless connections are available (or all wireless network devices are disabled by the wireless key or HP Wireless Assistant).

Using the wireless controls

Control the wireless devices on the computer using:

Wireless action key or hotkey (fn+f12)

●

HP Wireless Assistant software

●

HP Connection Manager software (select models only)

●

Operating system controls

●

Using the wireless key

The computer has a wireless key, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights, depending on the model. All of the wireless devices on the computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless light illuminates white 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 illuminates white, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light is off, all wireless devices are off.

NOTE: On some models, the wireless light illuminates amber when all wireless devices are off.

Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, use the wireless key to turn on or turn off the wireless devices simultaneously. Individual wireless devices are controlled through HP Wireless Assistant.

Using wireless devices 15

Using HP Wireless Assistant

A wireless device is turned on or off using HP Wireless Assistant. If a wireless device is disabled by Setup Utility, it must be re-enabled by 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:

1. Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Windows Mobility Center.

2. Click the Wireless icon in the Wireless Assistant tile, which is located in the bottom row of

Windows Mobility Center. Wireless Assistant appears.

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, see the Wireless Assistant software Help. To access Help:

1. Open Wireless Assistant by clicking the Wireless icon in Windows Mobility Center.

2. Click the Help button.

Using operating system controls

Some operating systems 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.

For more information, select Start > Help and Support.

16 Chapter 2 Wireless, local area network, and modem

Using a WLAN

With a WLAN device, access is available to 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 accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network functions.

● A home or small office WLAN 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 the computer, 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:

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, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.

Using a WLAN 17

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 might 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 the computer in a hotspot, limit your network activities to noncritical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.

When setting 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. To protect the 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 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. The network assigns the WEP key, but you can set up your own key, generate a different key, or choose other advanced options. Without the correct key, others cannot access 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.

18 Chapter 2 Wireless, local area network, and modem

Connecting to a WLAN

To connect to the WLAN:

1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If it is on, the wireless light is illuminated white. If the

wireless light is off, press the wireless key.

NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.

2. Click the Network icon in the notification area at the far right of the taskbar.

3. Select your WLAN from the list.

4. Click Connect.

NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, you are out of range of a wireless router or access point.

● If the network is a security-enabled WLAN, enter a network security key at the prompt,

which is a security code, and then click OK to complete the connection.

● If you do not see the network you want to connect to, click Open Network and Sharing

Center, and then click Set up a new connection or network. A list of options appears.

Search for and connect to a network or to create a new network connection.

After the connection is made, place the mouse pointer over the Network icon in the notification area to verify the name and status of the connection.

NOTE: The functional range (how far your wireless signals travel) depends on WLAN

implementation, router manufacturer, and interference from other electronic devices or structural barriers such as walls and floors.

More information about using a WLAN is available through:

Your ISP and the user guides included with the wireless router and other WLAN equipment

●

Help and Support information and website links

●

For a list of public WLANs near you, contact your ISP or search the Web. Websites that list public WLANs include Cisco Internet Mobile Office Wireless Locations, Hotspotlist, and Geektools. Check with each public WLAN location for cost and connection requirements.

Roaming to another network

When you move the computer within range of another WLAN, Windows attempts to connect to that network. If the attempt is successful, the computer is automatically connected to the new network. If Windows does not recognize the new network, follow the instructions in “Connecting to a WLAN.”

Using a WLAN 19

Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only)

A Bluetooth device provides short-range wireless communications that replace the physical cable connections that traditionally link electronic devices such as:

Computers (desktop, notebook, PDA)

●

Phones (cellular, cordless, smart phone)

●

Imaging devices (printer, camera)

●

● Audio devices (headset, speakers)

Bluetooth devices provide peer-to-peer capability that allows you to set up a personal area network (PAN) of Bluetooth devices. For information on configuring and using Bluetooth devices, see the Bluetooth software Help.

Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

HP does not recommend setting up a host, Bluetooth computer and using it as a gateway through which other computers connect to the Internet. When two or more computers are connected using Bluetooth, and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is enabled on one of the computers, the other computers cannot connect to the Internet using the Bluetooth network.

The strength of Bluetooth is in synchronizing information transfers between the computer and wireless devices including cellular phones, printers, cameras, and PDAs. The inability to consistently connect two or more computers to share the Internet through Bluetooth is a limitation of Bluetooth and the Windows operating system.

20 Chapter 2 Wireless, local area network, and modem

Connecting to a local area network

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) requires an 8-pin, RJ-45 network cable (purchased separately). If the network cable contains noise suppression circuitry (1), which prevents interference from TV and radio reception, orient the circuitry end of the cable (2) toward the computer.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not connect a

modem or telephone cable to the RJ-45 (network) jack.

To connect the network cable:

1. Connect the network cable to the network jack (1) on the computer.

2. Connect the other end of the cable to a network wall jack (2).

Connecting to a local area network 21

3 Pointing devices and keyboard

Using pointing devices

Setting pointing device preferences

Use Mouse Properties in Windows to customize settings for pointing devices, such as button configuration, click speed, and pointer options.

To access Mouse Properties:

1. Select Start > Devices and Printers.

2. Right-click the device representing the computer.

3. Select Mouse settings.

Using the TouchPad

The following illustration and table describe the computer TouchPad.

Component Description

(1) TouchPad off indicator To switch the TouchPad zone on and off, quickly double-tap the

TouchPad off indicator.

22 Chapter 3 Pointing devices and keyboard

NOTE: When the TouchPad zone is active, the light is off.

Component Description

(2) TouchPad zone 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) Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.

Turning the TouchPad on and off

The TouchPad is turned on at the factory. When the TouchPad zone is active, the light is off. To turn the TouchPad on and off, quickly double-tap the TouchPad off indicator.

Using TouchPad gestures

The TouchPad supports a variety of TouchPad gestures. To activate the TouchPad gestures, place two fingers on the TouchPad as described in the following sections.

To enable or disable gestures, click the Synaptics icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, and then check or uncheck Disable gestures. To enable or disable a specific gesture, select Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Mouse > Device settings > Settings, and then check or clear the check box next to the gesture you want to enable or disable.

Scrolling

Scrolling is useful for moving up or down on a page or image. To scroll, place two fingers slightly apart on the TouchPad and drag them across the TouchPad in an up, down, left, or right motion.

NOTE: Scrolling speed is controlled by finger speed.

Using pointing devices 23

Pinching

Pinching allows you to zoom in or out on items such as PDFs, images, and photos.

To pinch:

Zoom in by holding two fingers together on the TouchPad, and then pull the fingers apart to

●

increase an object's size.

Zoom out by holding two fingers apart on the TouchPad, and then pull the fingers together to

●

decrease an object's size.

Rotating

Rotating allows you rotate items such as photos and pages. To rotate, move your thumb and forefinger in a circular motion on the TouchPad.

24 Chapter 3 Pointing devices and keyboard

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