HP EliteBook Notebook PC
User Guide
© Copyright 2010 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its
proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard
Company under license. Intel and Centrino
are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the
United States and other countries. Java is a
U.S. trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista 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: March 2010
Document Part Number: 592934-001
Product notice
This user guide describes features that are
common to most models. Some features
may not be available on your 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
1 Features
Identifying hardware ............................................................................................................................. 1
Top components .................................................................................................................. 1
Pointing devices .................................................................................................. 1
Lights ................................................................................................................... 3
Buttons and fingerprint reader ............................................................................. 4
Keys .................................................................................................................... 6
Front components ................................................................................................................ 6
Rear components ................................................................................................................ 7
Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 8
Left-side components .......................................................................................................... 8
Bottom components ........................................................................................................... 10
Display components ......................................................................................................... 11
Additional hardware components ...................................................................................... 12
Identifying the labels ........................................................................................................................... 13
2 Networking (select models only)
Wireless connections ......................................................................................................................... 15
Creating a wireless connection .......................................................................................... 15
Identifying wireless and network icons .............................................................. 15
Using the wireless controls ............................................................................... 16
Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 16
Using Wireless Assistant software .................................................................... 16
Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) ........................................ 17
Using operating system controls ....................................................................... 17
Using a WLAN ................................................................................................................... 17
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................ 18
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................... 18
Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................... 19
Roaming to another network ............................................................................. 20
Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) ............................................................ 20
Inserting a SIM .................................................................................................. 21
Removing a SIM ................................................................................................ 22
Using a Bluetooth wireless device ..................................................................................... 23
v
Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................. 23
Troubleshooting wireless connection problems ................................................................. 24
Cannot create a WLAN connection ................................................................... 24
Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................. 25
Network status icon is not displayed ................................................................. 25
Current network security codes are unavailable ............................................... 25
WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................... 26
Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................... 26
Wired connections .............................................................................................................................. 27
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) ......................................................................... 27
Using the modem (select models only) .............................................................................. 27
Connecting a modem cable (select models only) ............................................. 28
Connecting a country- or region-specific modem cable adapter (select
models only) ...................................................................................................... 28
Selecting a location setting ............................................................................... 29
Solving travel connection problems .................................................................. 31
3 Pointing devices and keyboard
Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 32
Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 32
Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 32
Using the pointing stick ...................................................................................................... 32
Connecting an external mouse .......................................................................................... 32
Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 33
Using the keyboard light .................................................................................................... 33
Using hotkeys .................................................................................................................... 33
Using HP QuickLook 3 ....................................................................................................................... 35
Using keypads .................................................................................................................................... 35
Using the embedded numeric keypad ............................................................................... 36
Enabling and disabling the embedded numeric keypad .................................... 36
Switching key functions on the embedded numeric keypad ............................. 36
Using an optional external numeric keypad ....................................................................... 36
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................................... 37
Viewing the current location selection .............................................. 29
Adding new locations when traveling ............................................... 29
4 Multimedia
Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 38
Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 40
Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 41
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Identifying your multimedia components ........................................................................... 38
Accessing your preinstalled multimedia software .............................................................. 40
Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 40
Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 41
Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 42
Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 42
Video .................................................................................................................................................. 44
Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................... 44
Optical drives (select models only) ..................................................................................................... 46
Identifying the installed optical drive .................................................................................. 46
Playing a CD or DVD ......................................................................................................... 46
Changing DVD region settings .......................................................................................... 47
Creating (burning) a CD or DVD ........................................................................................ 47
Removing an optical disc (CD or DVD) ............................................................................. 48
Webcam ............................................................................................................................................. 49
Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................. 49
Controlling the webcam focus ............................................................................................ 50
Capturing business card images ....................................................................................... 50
5 Power management
Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 52
Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 52
Using the battery meter ..................................................................................................... 53
Using power plans ............................................................................................................. 53
Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 54
Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 54
Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................... 55
Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 56
Finding battery information in Help and Support ............................................................... 56
Using Battery Check .......................................................................................................... 57
Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 57
Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 57
Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 58
Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 59
Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 59
Using the external monitor port ......................................................................... 44
Using the DisplayPort ........................................................................................ 44
Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 52
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 53
Viewing the current power plan ......................................................................... 54
Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................ 54
Customizing power plans .................................................................................. 54
Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 60
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 61
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 61
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is
available ........................................................................................... 61
vii
6 Drives
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is
available ........................................................................................... 61
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 61
Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................... 61
Step 1: Fully charge the battery ........................................................................ 61
Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Sleep ............................................................. 62
Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................ 62
Step 4: Fully recharge the battery ..................................................................... 64
Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Sleep .......................................................... 64
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 64
Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 65
Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 65
Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 65
Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................................... 66
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 66
Identifying installed drives .................................................................................................................. 68
Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 68
Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................................... 70
Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 70
Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 70
Using HP 3D DriveGuard ................................................................................................................... 71
Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status ................................................................................. 71
Using HP 3D DriveGuard software .................................................................................... 72
Using RAID (select models only) ........................................................................................................ 73
Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................................... 74
Replacing a 1.8-inch hard drive ......................................................................................... 74
Replacing a 2.5-inch hard drive ......................................................................................... 79
7 External devices
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 86
Using a 1394 device ........................................................................................................................... 88
Using the docking connector .............................................................................................................. 89
Using external drives .......................................................................................................................... 90
Using an optional external optical drive .............................................................................................. 91
viii
Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 86
Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 87
Using USB legacy support ................................................................................................. 87
Connecting a 1394 device ................................................................................................. 88
Removing a 1394 device ................................................................................................... 88
Using optional external devices ......................................................................................... 90
Inserting an optical disc (CD or DVD) ................................................................................ 91
Removing an optical disc (CD or DVD) ............................................................................. 91
8 External media cards
Using SD Card Reader cards ............................................................................................................. 94
Inserting a digital card ........................................................................................................ 94
Removing a digital card ..................................................................................................... 94
Using ExpressCards ........................................................................................................................... 95
Configuring an ExpressCard .............................................................................................. 95
Inserting an ExpressCard .................................................................................................. 95
Removing an ExpressCard ................................................................................................ 96
Using smart cards .............................................................................................................................. 97
Inserting a smart card ........................................................................................................ 98
Removing a smart card ...................................................................................................... 98
9 Memory modules
Adding or replacing a memory module in the expansion memory module slot ................................ 100
Upgrading a memory module in the primary memory module slot ................................................... 103
When the disc tray opens .................................................................................. 92
When the disc tray does not open ..................................................................... 92
10 Security
Protecting the computer ................................................................................................................... 111
Using passwords .............................................................................................................................. 112
Using Computer Setup security features .......................................................................................... 122
Using antivirus software ................................................................................................................... 124
Using firewall software ..................................................................................................................... 125
Setting passwords in Windows ........................................................................................ 112
Setting passwords in Computer Setup ............................................................................ 112
BIOS administrator password .......................................................................................... 113
Managing a BIOS administrator password ...................................................... 114
Entering a BIOS administrator password ........................................................ 116
Using Computer Setup DriveLock ................................................................................... 116
Setting a DriveLock password ......................................................................... 117
Entering a DriveLock password ...................................................................... 118
Changing a DriveLock password .................................................................... 119
Removing DriveLock protection ...................................................................... 120
Using Computer Setup Auto DriveLock ........................................................................... 120
Entering an Automatic DriveLock password ................................................... 120
Removing Automatic DriveLock protection ..................................................... 121
Securing system devices ................................................................................................. 122
Viewing Computer Setup System Information ................................................................. 122
Using Computer Setup System IDs ................................................................................. 123
ix
Installing critical security updates ..................................................................................................... 126
Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only) ....................................................... 127
Installing a security cable ................................................................................................................. 128
11 Software updates
Updating software ............................................................................................................................ 129
12 MultiBoot
About the boot device order ............................................................................................................. 134
Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup ....................................................................................... 135
Considering boot order changes ...................................................................................................... 136
Choosing MultiBoot preferences ...................................................................................................... 137
Updating the BIOS ........................................................................................................... 130
Determining the BIOS version ......................................................................... 130
Downloading a BIOS update ........................................................................... 131
Updating programs and drivers ....................................................................................... 132
Using SoftPaq Download Manager .................................................................................. 132
Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup ................................................................... 137
Dynamically choosing a boot device using the f9 prompt ................................................ 137
Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt ................................................................................ 138
Entering MultiBoot Express preferences ......................................................................... 138
13 Management
Using Client Management Solutions ................................................................................................ 139
Using Intel Active Management Technology (select models only) ................................................... 144
14 Computer Setup
Starting Computer Setup .................................................................................................................. 146
Using Computer Setup ..................................................................................................................... 146
Computer Setup menus ................................................................................................................... 147
Configuring and deploying a software image ................................................................... 139
Managing and updating software ..................................................................................... 140
HP Client Manager for Altiris (select models only) .......................................... 140
HP CCM (Client Configuration Manager) (select models only) ....................... 142
HP SSM (System Software Manager) ............................................................. 143
Enabling the iAMT solution .............................................................................................. 144
Using the MEBx setup utility menus ................................................................................ 144
Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup ................................................................... 146
Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup ................................................................. 147
File menu ......................................................................................................................... 148
Security menu .................................................................................................................. 148
System Configuration menu ............................................................................................ 149
x
15 Backing up and recovering
Backing up your information ............................................................................................................. 155
Performing a recovery ...................................................................................................................... 156
Using the Windows recovery tools ................................................................................... 156
Using f11 .......................................................................................................................... 157
Using a Windows Vista operating system DVD (purchased separately) ......................... 157
Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 158
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xii
1Features
Identifying hardware
Components included with the computer may vary by region and model. The illustrations in this chapter
identify the standard features on most computer models.
To see a list of hardware installed in the computer, follow these steps:
1. Select Start > Computer > System Properties.
2. In the left pane, 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.
Top components
Pointing devices
Identifying hardware 1
Component Description
(1) Left TouchPad button* Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
(2) TouchPad* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.
(3) Left pointing stick button* Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
(4) Pointing stick* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.
(5) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on and off.
(6) Right pointing stick button* Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
(7) TouchPad scroll zone Scrolls up or down.
(8) Right TouchPad button* Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
*This table describes factory settings. To view or change pointing device preferences, select Start > Control Panel > Hardware
and Sound > Mouse.
2 Chapter 1 Features
Lights
Component Description
(1) Power light
(2) QuickLook light
(3) QuickWeb light
(4) Wireless light
(5) TouchPad on/off light
(6) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.
(7) Num lock light On: Num lock is on or the embedded numeric keypad is enabled.
(8) Volume mute light
On: The computer is on.
●
Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state.
●
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
●
On: The computer is on.
●
Off: The computer is off or in Sleep or Hibernation.
●
On: The computer is on.
●
Off: The computer is off or in Sleep or Hibernation.
●
Blue: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local
●
area network (WLAN) device, the HP Mobile Broadband
Module (select models only), and/or a Bluetooth® device, is
on.
Amber: All wireless devices are off.
●
White: TouchPad is on.
●
Amber: TouchPad is off.
●
White: Speaker sound is on.
●
Amber: Speaker sound is off.
●
Identifying hardware 3
Component Description
(9) Volume down light Blinking: The volume down button is being used to decrease the
speaker volume.
(10) Volume up light Blinking: The volume up button is being used to increase the
Buttons and fingerprint reader
speaker volume.
4 Chapter 1 Features
Component Description
(1) Power button
(2) QuickLook button
When the computer is off, press the button to turn on
●
the computer.
When the computer is on, press the button to shut
●
down the computer.
NOTE: Although you can shut down the computer
with the power button, the recommended procedure
is to use the Windows Shut Down command.
When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the
●
button briefly to exit Sleep.
When the computer is in Hibernation, press the
●
button briefly to exit Hibernation.
If the computer has stopped responding and Windows
shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the
power button for at least 5 seconds to turn off the
computer.
To learn more about your power settings, select Start >
Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Power
Options.
When the computer is off, press the button to open
●
HP QuickLook.
When the computer is on, press the button to open
●
HP Software Setup.
NOTE: If HP Software Setup is not available, the
default Web browser opens.
(3) QuickWeb button
(4) Wireless button Turns the installed wireless devices on or off but does not
(5) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on or off.
(6) Volume mute button Mutes and restores speaker sound.
(7) Volume down button Decreases speaker volume.
(8) Volume up button Increases speaker volume.
(9) Fingerprint reader Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a
When the computer is off, press the button to open
●
HP QuickWeb.
When the computer is on, press the button to open
●
the default Web browser.
establish a wireless connection.
NOTE: A wireless network must be set up in order to
establish a wireless connection.
password logon.
Identifying hardware 5
Keys
Component Description
(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the
(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 pointer.
(5) Embedded numeric keypad keys Can be used like the keys on an external numeric keypad.
(6) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in
Front components
fn key.
combination with a function key or the esc key.
combination with the fn key.
6 Chapter 1 Features
Component Description
(1) Business card slot Holds a business card in position so that the webcam can capture
the information on the card.
(2) Wireless light
(3) Power light
(4) Battery light
(5) Drive light
Blue: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local
●
area network (WLAN) device, the HP Mobile Broadband
Module (select models only), and/or a Bluetooth device, is on.
Amber: All wireless devices are off.
●
On: The computer is on.
●
Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state.
●
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
●
Amber: A battery is charging.
●
White: A battery is close to full charge capacity.
●
Blinking amber: 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 turns 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.
White: The hard drive or optical drive is being accessed.
●
Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the hard
●
drive.
(6) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
(7) Display release button Opens the computer.
Rear components
Component Description
(1) RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
(2) USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.
Identifying hardware 7
Right-side components
Component Description
(1) ExpressCard slot Supports optional ExpressCards.
(2) Docking connector Connects an optional docking device.
(3) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but
it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.
(4) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
(5) DisplayPort Connects a digital display device, such as a high-performance
(6) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
(7) Audio-out (headphone) jack/Audio-in
(microphone) jack
(8) 1394 port Connects an optional IEEE 1394 or 1394a device, such as a
(9) SD Card Reader Supports the MultiMediaCard (MMC) and Secure Digital (SD)
Left-side components
NOTE: Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer.
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.
monitor or projector.
Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo
speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio.
Also connects an optional headset microphone.
NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the
computer speakers are disabled.
camcorder.
Memory Card optional digital card formats.
8 Chapter 1 Features
Component Description
(1) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
(2) RJ-11 (modem) jack Connects a modem cable (select models only).
(3) Powered USB port Provides power to a USB device, such as an optional external
(4) Optical drive Reads and writes to (select models only) an optical disc.
(5) Smart card reader Supports optional smart cards and Java™ Cards.
Component Description
(1) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
(2) RJ-11 (modem) jack Connects a modem cable (select models only).
(3) Powered USB port Provides power to a USB device, such as an optional external
MultiBay or an optional external optical drive, if used with a
powered USB cable.
MultiBay or an optional external optical drive, if used with a
powered USB cable.
(4) USB port Connects an optional USB device.
(5) Hard drive bay Holds a 2.5-inch hard drive.
(6) Smart card reader Supports optional smart cards and Java Cards.
Identifying hardware 9
Bottom components
Component Description
(1) Battery release latches (2) Release the battery from the battery bay.
(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(3) Vents (7) 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.
(4) SIM slot (select models only) Contains a wireless subscriber identity module (SIM). The SIM slot
is located inside the battery bay.
(5) Hard drive bay and memory module
compartment
(6) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
Holds a 1.8-inch hard drive and contains an expansion memory
module slot.
NOTE: Your computer has one hard drive, either 1.8-inch or 2.5-
inch, or your computer may have two hard drives (1.8-inch and 2.5inch). If your computer has one hard drive, the location of the hard
drive varies.
10 Chapter 1 Features
Component Description
(7) Wireless compartment Contains an HP Mobile Broadband Module (select models only)
(8) Optical drive bay or hard drive bay Holds an optical drive or a 2.5-inch hard drive.
Display components
and a WLAN module (select models only).
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.
NOTE: Your computer has one hard drive, either 1.8-inch or 2.5-
inch, or your computer may have two hard drives (1.8-inch and 2.5inch). If your computer has one hard drive, the location of the hard
drive varies.
Identifying hardware 11
Component Description
(1) WWAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
wide-area networks (WWANs) (select models only).
(2) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
(3) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.
(4) Webcam Records audio and video and captures still photographs.
(5) Keyboard light and button Opens and turns on the keyboard light, which illuminates the
(6) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.
(7) Ambient light sensor Automatically adjusts the display brightness based on the lighting
*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around
the antennas free from obstructions.
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.
Additional hardware components
local area networks (WLANs) (select models only).
keyboard in low-light conditions.
NOTE: If there is a microphone icon next to each microphone
opening, your computer has internal microphones.
conditions in your environment.
12 Chapter 1 Features
Component Description
(1) Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet.
(2) AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power.
(3) Battery* Powers the computer when the computer is not plugged into
(4) Modem cable (select models only)* Connects the internal modem to an RJ-11 telephone jack or to a
(5) Country- or region-specific modem cable adapter
(select models only)
*Modem cables, batteries, and power cords vary in appearance by country or region.
Identifying the labels
The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system
problems or travel internationally with the computer:
Service tag—Provides important information, including the following:
●
Product name (1). This is the product name affixed to the front of the computer.
◦
external power.
country- or region-specific modem cable adapter.
Adapts the modem cable to a non-RJ-11 telephone jack.
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
◦
product's hardware components. The part number helps a service technician to determine
what components and parts are needed.
Model description (4). This is an alphanumeric identifier used to locate documents, drivers,
◦
and support for the computer.
Warranty period (5). This number describes the duration (in years) of the warranty period for
◦
the 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
●
affixed to the bottom of the computer.
Wireless certification label(s) (select models only)—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
Identifying the labels 13
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 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.
14 Chapter 1 Features
2 Networking (select models only)
Your computer supports 2 types of Internet access:
Wireless—For mobile Internet access, you can use a wireless connection.
●
Wired—You can access the Internet by dialing in to a service provider or by connecting to a wired
●
network.
Wireless connections
Creating a wireless connection
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
●
HP Mobile Broadband Module
●
Bluetooth® device
●
For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided in
Help and Support.
Identifying wireless and network icons
Icon Name Description
Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless lights and the wireless button on
Wireless
(disconnected)
HP Connection
Manager
the computer. Also identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the
computer and indicates that one or more of the wireless devices are on.
Identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the computer and
indicates that all of the wireless devices are off.
Opens HP Connection Manager, which enables you to create a
connection with an HP Mobile Broadband device (select models only).
Wireless connections 15
Network status
(connected)
Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed and one
or more network devices are connected to the network.
Using the wireless controls
You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:
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 2 wireless lights. All of the
wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless lights are on (blue) when
you turn on the computer.
The wireless lights indicate the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of individual
devices. If the wireless lights are blue, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless lights are amber,
all wireless devices are off.
Network status
(disconnected)
Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed but no
network devices are connected to the network.
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 or through Computer Setup.
NOTE: If the wireless devices are disabled by Computer Setup, the wireless button will not work until
you reenable your devices.
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 Computer Setup, it must be reenabled in Computer Setup 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, position the mouse pointer over the wireless icon in the
notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
NOTE: To display the wireless icon, click the Show Hidden Icons icon (< or <<) in the notification
area.
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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 > Mobile PC > Windows Mobility Center.
2. Click the wireless icon in the Wireless Assistant tile, which is located in the bottom-left corner of
Windows® Mobility Center.
3. Click Properties.
4. Select the check box next to HP Wireless Assistant icon in notification area.
5. Click Apply.
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 > 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
connections.
To access the Network and Sharing Center, select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet >
Network and Sharing Center.
For more information, refer to Help and Support. 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.
Wireless connections 17
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.
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) and
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Because wireless radio signals travel outside the network, other WLAN
18 Chapter 2 Networking (select models only)
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