HP EliteBook 820 User Manual

0 (0)

HP Notebook

User Guide

© Copyright 2013 Hewlett-Packard

Development Company, L.P.

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: September 2013

Document Part Number: 723687-001

Product notice

This guide describes features that are common to most models. Some features may not be available on your computer.

To obtain the latest information in this guide, contact support. For U.S. support, go to http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP. For worldwide support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/ wwcontact_us.html.

Software terms

By installing, copying, downloading, or otherwise using any software product preinstalled on this computer, you agree to be bound by the terms of the HP End User License Agreement (EULA). If you do not accept these license terms, your sole remedy is to return the entire unused product (hardware and software) within 14 days for a refund subject to the refund policy of your place of purchase.

For any further information or for requesting a full refund of the computer, please contact your local point of sale (the seller).

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 come into contact with 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 Welcome ..........................................................................................................................................................

1

Finding information ...............................................................................................................................

2

2 Getting to know your computer .....................................................................................................................

3

Top .......................................................................................................................................................

3

TouchPad ............................................................................................................................

3

Lights ...................................................................................................................................

4

Buttons and fingerprint reader (select models only) ............................................................

5

Keys .....................................................................................................................................

6

Front .....................................................................................................................................................

7

Right .....................................................................................................................................................

8

Left .......................................................................................................................................................

9

Display ................................................................................................................................................

10

Bottom ................................................................................................................................................

11

3 Networking ....................................................................................................................................................

13

Using an Internet service provider (ISP) ............................................................................................

13

Identifying wireless and network status icons ....................................................................................

13

Creating a wireless connection ..........................................................................................................

13

Turning wireless devices on and off ..................................................................................

13

Using the wireless button ..................................................................................

13

Using the operating system controls .................................................................

14

Using a WLAN ....................................................................................................................................

14

Connecting to an existing WLAN .......................................................................................

14

Setting up a new WLAN .....................................................................................................

15

Protecting your WLAN .......................................................................................................

15

Roaming to another network ..............................................................................................

16

Connecting to a wired network ...........................................................................................................

16

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) .........................................................................

16

4 Keyboard and pointing devices ...................................................................................................................

18

Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................

18

Identifying the hot keys ......................................................................................................

18

Using keypads ...................................................................................................................

19

Using the embedded numeric keypad ...............................................................

19

Turning the embedded numeric keypad on and off ..........................

19

v

Switching key functions on the embedded numeric keypad .............

20

Using an optional external numeric keypad ......................................................

20

Using the TouchPad ...........................................................................................................................

20

Turning the TouchPad off and on ......................................................................................

21

Navigating ..........................................................................................................................

21

Selecting ............................................................................................................................

22

Using TouchPad gestures .................................................................................................

22

Tapping .............................................................................................................

23

Scrolling ............................................................................................................

23

Pinching/Zooming .............................................................................................

24

Setting pointing device preferences ...................................................................................

24

Using the pointing stick ......................................................................................................

24

5 Multimedia .....................................................................................................................................................

25

Using the audio features ....................................................................................................................

25

Adjusting the volume .........................................................................................................

25

Checking your audio functions ...........................................................................................

26

Using the webcam (select models only) .............................................................................................

26

Using video devices ...........................................................................................................................

26

VGA ...................................................................................................................................

26

DisplayPort ........................................................................................................................

28

6 Power management ......................................................................................................................................

29

Shutting down the computer ...............................................................................................................

29

Setting power options .........................................................................................................................

29

Using power-saving states .................................................................................................

29

Initiating and exiting Suspend ...........................................................................

30

Initiating and exiting Hibernation .......................................................................

30

Using the Power icon .........................................................................................................

30

Using power management .................................................................................................

30

Viewing the current power management settings .............................................

31

Changing the current power management settings ..........................................

31

Using battery power ...........................................................................................................................

31

Displaying the remaining battery charge ...........................................................................

31

Inserting or removing the battery .......................................................................................

31

Charging a battery .............................................................................................................

33

Maximizing battery life .......................................................................................................

34

Managing low battery levels ..............................................................................................

34

Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................

34

Resolving a low battery level .............................................................................

35

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available .......

35

vi

Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is available ...

35

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available ....

35

Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit

 

Hibernation .......................................................................................

35

Conserving battery power ..................................................................................................

35

Storing a battery ................................................................................................................

35

Disposing of a used battery ...............................................................................................

36

Replacing the battery .........................................................................................................

36

Using external AC power ....................................................................................................................

36

Testing an AC adapter .......................................................................................................

36

7 Drives .............................................................................................................................................................

38

Handling drives ...................................................................................................................................

38

Using hard drives ...............................................................................................................................

38

Removing or replacing the service door ............................................................................

39

Removing the service door ...............................................................................

39

Replacing the service door ................................................................................

39

Replacing or upgrading the hard drive ...............................................................................................

40

Removing the hard drive ....................................................................................................

40

Installing a hard drive .........................................................................................................

42

8 External cards and devices ..........................................................................................................................

43

Using Memory Card Readers .............................................................................................................

43

Inserting a memory card ....................................................................................................

43

Removing a memory card ..................................................................................................

43

Using smart cards ..............................................................................................................................

44

Inserting a smart card ........................................................................................................

44

Removing a smart card ......................................................................................................

44

Using a USB device ...........................................................................................................................

45

Connecting a USB device ..................................................................................................

46

Removing a USB device ....................................................................................................

46

Using optional external devices ..........................................................................................................

46

Using optional external drives ............................................................................................

47

9 Memory modules ..........................................................................................................................................

48

10 Security ........................................................................................................................................................

51

Protecting the computer .....................................................................................................................

51

Using passwords ................................................................................................................................

51

Setting passwords in the operating system .......................................................................

52

vii

Setting passwords in Computer Setup ..............................................................................

52

Managing a BIOS administrator password ........................................................

53

Entering a BIOS administrator password ..........................................................

53

Using a Computer Setup DriveLock password ..................................................................

53

Managing a DriveLock password ......................................................................

54

Entering a DriveLock password ........................................................................

54

Using Computer Setup Automatic DriveLock .....................................................................................

54

Managing an Automatic DriveLock password ....................................................................

54

Using firewall software .......................................................................................................................

54

11 Backup and Recovery ................................................................................................................................

56

Creating backups ...............................................................................................................................

56

Backing up your information ...............................................................................................................

56

Performing a system recovery ............................................................................................................

57

Remove everything and reinstall SLED ..............................................................................................

57

12 Computer Setup (BIOS) and Advanced System Diagnostics .................................................................

59

Starting Computer Setup ....................................................................................................................

59

Using Computer Setup .......................................................................................................................

59

Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup .....................................................................

59

Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup ...................................................................

60

Updating the BIOS .............................................................................................................................

60

Determining the BIOS version ...........................................................................................

60

Downloading a BIOS update .............................................................................................

61

Using Advanced System Diagnostics .................................................................................................

62

13 MultiBoot .....................................................................................................................................................

63

About the boot device order ...............................................................................................................

63

Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup .........................................................................................

64

Considering boot order changes ........................................................................................................

64

Choosing MultiBoot preferences ........................................................................................................

65

Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup .....................................................................

65

Dynamically choosing a boot device using the f9 prompt ..................................................

66

Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt ..................................................................................

66

Entering MultiBoot Express preferences ...........................................................................

66

Appendix A Troubleshooting and support ....................................................................................................

67

Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................

67

The computer is unable to start up ....................................................................................

67

The computer screen is blank ............................................................................................

67

viii

Software is functioning abnormally ....................................................................................

67

The computer is on but is not responding ..........................................................................

67

The computer is unusually warm .......................................................................................

68

An external device is not working ......................................................................................

68

The wireless network connection is not working ................................................................

68

Contacting support .............................................................................................................................

69

Labels .................................................................................................................................................

70

Appendix B Cleaning your computer .............................................................................................................

71

Cleaning products ..............................................................................................................................

71

Cleaning procedures ..........................................................................................................................

71

Cleaning the display ..........................................................................................................

71

Cleaning the sides and cover ............................................................................................

71

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ..............................................................................

72

Cleaning a tablet PC pen and pen holder (select models only) .........................................

72

Appendix C Specifications ..............................................................................................................................

73

Input power .........................................................................................................................................

73

Operating environment .......................................................................................................................

73

Appendix D Electrostatic discharge ..............................................................................................................

74

Index ...................................................................................................................................................................

75

ix

x

1 Welcome

After you set up and register the computer, take the following steps:

Connect to the Internet—Set up your wired or wireless network so that you can connect to the Internet. For more information, see Networking on page 13.

Get to know your computer—Learn about your computer features. See Getting to know your computer on page 3 and Keyboard and pointing devices on page 18 for additional information.

Find installed software—Access a list of the software preinstalled on the computer. Select

Computer > More Applications.

NOTE: For details about using the software included with the computer, select Computer > Help. You can also see the software manufacturer's instructions, which may be provided with the software or on the manufacturer's Web site.

Back up your hard drive by creating recovery discs. See Backup and Recovery on page 56

Update programs and drivers—Update your programs and drivers with the latest versions on a regular basis. When your computer is registered, it will automatically be updated with the latest versions. When you register, you can choose to receive automatic notifications when updates become available. The automatic notifications for operating system updates are available for 90 days. For U.S. support, go to http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP. For worldwide support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.

1

Finding information

The computer comes with several resources to help you perform various tasks.

Resources

For information about

 

 

 

Setup Instructions poster

Setting up the computer

 

Identifying computer components

 

 

 

Linux Help

Computer software

To access the Linux Help, select Computer > Help.

Computer settings

 

Connecting to the Internet

 

Computer utilities

 

 

 

Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices

Regulatory and safety information

To access the notices, double-click the HP

Battery disposal information

Documents icon located on the desktop.

 

 

 

 

 

Safety & Comfort Guide

Proper workstation setup, posture, health, and work habits

To access this guide, double-click the HP Documents

Electrical and mechanical safety information

icon located on the desktop.

 

 

– or –

 

 

Go to http://www.hp.com/ergo.

 

 

 

 

Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet

HP support telephone numbers

This booklet is provided with your computer.

 

 

 

 

 

HP Web site

Support information

For U.S. support, go to http://www.hp.com/go/

Ordering parts and finding additional help

contactHP. For worldwide support, go to

Software, driver, and BIOS updates

http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/

 

 

wwcontact_us.html.

Accessories available for the device

 

 

 

Limited Warranty*

Warranty information

To access the warranty:

 

 

Double-click the HP Documents icon located on the desktop.

– or –

Go to http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments.

*You can find the expressly provided HP Limited Warranty applicable to your product located with the user guides on your computer and/or on the CD/DVD provided in the box. In some countries/regions, HP may provide a printed HP Limited Warranty in the box. For some countries/regions where the warranty is not provided in printed format, you may request a printed copy from http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:

North America: Hewlett-Packard, MS POD, 11311 Chinden Blvd., Boise, ID 83714, USA

Europe, Middle East, Africa: Hewlett-Packard, POD, Via G. Di Vittorio, 9, 20063, Cernusco s/Naviglio (MI), Italy

Asia Pacific: Hewlett-Packard, POD, P.O. Box 200, Alexandra Post Office, Singapore 911507

When you request a printed copy of your warranty, please include your product number, warranty period (found on your service label), name, and postal address.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT return your HP product to the addresses above. For U.S. support, go to http://www.hp.com/go/ contactHP. For worldwide support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.

2 Chapter 1 Welcome

2 Getting to know your computer

Top

TouchPad

NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.

Component

 

Description

 

 

 

(1)

Pointing stick

Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the

 

 

screen.

 

 

 

(2)

Left pointing stick button

Functions like the left button on an external mouse.

 

 

 

(3)

TouchPad on/off button

Turns the TouchPad on and off.

 

 

 

(4)

TouchPad zone

Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the

 

 

screen.

 

 

 

(5)

Left TouchPad button

Functions like the left button on an external mouse.

 

 

 

(6)

Right pointing stick button

Functions like the right button on an external mouse.

 

 

 

(7)

Right TouchPad button

Functions like the right button on an external mouse.

 

 

 

Top 3

HP EliteBook 820 User Manual

Lights

Component

 

Description

 

 

 

(1)

Power light

On: The computer is on.

 

 

Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state.

 

 

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

 

 

 

(2)

Caps lock light

On: Caps lock is on.

 

 

 

(3)

Microphone mute light

On: Microphone is muted.

 

 

 

(4)

Num lock light

On: Num lock is on.

 

 

 

(5)

Wireless light

White: An integrated wireless device, such as a

 

 

wireless local area network (WLAN) device, is on.

 

 

Amber: All wireless devices are off.

 

 

 

(6)

Mute light

Amber: Computer sound is off.

 

 

Off: Computer sound is on.

 

 

 

4

Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Buttons and fingerprint reader (select models only)

Component

 

Description

 

 

 

 

(1)

Power button

When the computer is off, press the button to turn on

 

 

 

the computer.

 

 

When the computer is on, press the button briefly to

 

 

 

initiate Suspend.

 

 

When the computer is in the Suspend state, press the

 

 

 

button briefly to exit Suspend.

 

 

When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button

 

 

 

briefly to exit Hibernation.

 

 

If the computer has stopped responding and operating

 

 

system 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:

 

 

1.

Select Computer > Control Center.

 

 

2.

In the left pane, click System, and then click Power

 

 

 

Management in the right pane.

 

 

 

(2)

Speakers (2)

Produce sound.

 

 

 

(3)

Wireless button

Turns the wireless feature on or off but does not establish a

 

 

wireless connection.

 

 

 

(4)

Volume mute button

Mutes and restores speaker sound.

 

 

 

(5)

Fingerprint reader (select models only)

Allows a fingerprint logon instead of a password logon.

 

 

 

 

Top 5

Keys

Component

 

Description

 

 

 

(1)

fn key

Executes frequently used system functions when pressed

 

 

in combination with a function key, the num lk key, the esc

 

 

key, or the b key.

 

 

 

(2)

Function keys

Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in

 

 

combination with the fn key.

 

 

 

(3)

Embedded numeric keypad keys

When the keypad is turned on, it can be used like an

 

 

external numeric keypad.

 

 

Each key on the keypad performs the function indicated by

 

 

the icon in the upper-right corner of the key

 

 

 

(4)

num lk key

 

Turns the embedded numeric keypad on and off when pressed in combination with the fn key.

Alternates between the navigational and numeric functions on the integrated numeric keypad.

6

Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Front

Component

 

Description

 

 

 

(1)

Wireless light

The wireless connection is on.

 

 

 

(2)

Power light

On: The computer is on.

 

 

Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state.

 

 

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

 

 

 

(3)

AC adapter/Battery light

Amber: The computer is connected to external

 

 

power and the battery is charged from 0 to 90

 

 

percent.

 

 

White: The computer is connected to external

 

 

power and the battery is charged from 90 to 99

 

 

percent.

 

 

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: The battery is fully charged.

 

 

 

(4)

Hard drive light

Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.

 

 

Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily

 

 

parked the hard drive.

NOTE: For information on HP 3D DriveGuard, see the HP Notebook Reference Guide.

Front 7

Right

Component

 

Description

 

 

 

(1)

Audio-out (headphone) jack/Audio-in

Produces sound when connected to optional powered

 

(microphone) jack

stereo speakers, headphones, earbuds, a headset, or

 

 

television audio. Also connects an optional headset

 

 

microphone.

 

 

WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust

 

 

the volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a

 

 

headset. For additional safety information, see the

 

 

Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices.

 

 

NOTE: When a device is connected to the jack, the

 

 

computer speakers are disabled.

 

 

NOTE: Be sure that the device cable has a 4-conductor

 

 

connector that supports both audio-out (headphone) and

 

 

audio-in (microphone).

 

 

 

(2)

DisplayPort

Connects an optional digital display device, such as a high-

 

 

performance monitor or projector.

 

 

 

(3)

USB 3.0 ports (2)

Connect optional USB 3.0 devices and provide enhanced

 

 

USB power performance.

 

 

 

(4)

Memory card reader

Reads data from and writes data to memory cards such as

 

 

Secure Digital (SD).

 

 

 

(5)

RJ-45 (network) jack

Connects a network cable.

 

 

 

(6)

Docking port

Connects an optional docking device.

 

 

 

(7)

Power connector

Connects an AC adapter.

 

 

 

8

Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Left

Component

 

Description

 

 

 

(1)

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.

 

 

 

(2)

Vents, 2

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)

External VGA monitor port

Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

 

 

 

(4)

USB 3.0 charging port

Connects an optional USB device. The USB charging port

 

 

can also charge select models of cell phones and MP3

 

 

players, even when the computer is off.

 

 

NOTE: A USB charging port (also referred to as a

 

 

powered USB port) allows you to charge connected USB

 

 

devices. Standard USB ports will not charge all USB

 

 

devices or will charge using a low current. Some USB

 

 

devices require power and require you to use a powered

 

 

port.

 

 

 

(5)

Smart card reader

Supports optional smart cards.

 

 

 

Left 9

Display

Component

Description

 

 

 

(1)

WLAN antennas (2)*

Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless

 

 

local area networks (WLAN).

 

 

NOTE: To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you

 

 

need a broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (purchased

 

 

separately), high-speed Internet service, purchased from an

 

 

Internet service provider, and a wireless router (purchased

 

 

separately).

 

 

 

(2)

WWAN antennas (2)*

Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless

 

 

wide area networks (WWAN).

 

 

 

(3)

Internal microphones (2)

Record sound.

 

 

 

(4)

Webcam light (select models only)

On: The webcam is in use.

 

 

 

(5)

Webcam (select models only)

Records video and captures still photographs.

 

 

 

(6)

Internal display switch

Turns off the display or initiates Sleep if the display is closed

 

 

while the power is on.

NOTE: The display switch is not visible from the outside of the computer.

*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, see the section of the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region.

10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Bottom

Component

 

Description

 

 

 

(1)

Service door

Provides access to the hard drive bay, the

 

 

wireless LAN (WLAN) module slot, the WWAN

 

 

module slot, and the memory module slots.

 

 

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 support.

 

 

 

Bottom 11

Component

 

Description

 

 

 

(2)

Service door release lock

Releases the service door from the computer.

 

 

A security screw is available to prevent the

 

 

service door from being accidentally removed.

(3)

Vents (2)

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.

12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

3 Networking

Your computer may support one or both of the following types of Internet access:

Wireless—For mobile Internet access, you can use a wireless connection. See Connecting to an existing WLAN on page 14 or Setting up a new WLAN on page 15.

Wired—You can access the Internet by connecting to a wired network. For information on connecting to a wired network, see Connecting to a wired network on page 16.

NOTE: Internet hardware and software features vary depending on computer model and your location.

Using an Internet service provider (ISP)

Before you can connect to the Internet, you must establish an ISP account. Contact a local ISP to purchase Internet service and a modem. The ISP can help set up the modem, install a network cable to connect your wireless computer to the modem, and test the Internet service.

NOTE: Your ISP will give you a user ID and password to access the Internet. Record this information and store it in a safe place.

Identifying wireless and network status icons

Icon

Name

Description

 

 

 

 

Wireless (connected)

Indicates that one or more wireless devices are on.

 

 

 

 

Network Connection

Indicates that the wired network is connected and active. If both

 

(connected)

wired and wireless connections are active, the operating system

 

 

uses the wired connection because it is faster.

 

 

 

 

Network Connection

Indicates that wired and wireless networks are not connected.

 

(disconnected)

 

 

 

 

Creating a wireless connection

Your computer may be equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:

Wireless local area network (WLAN) device

HP Mobile Broadband Module, a wireless wide area network (WWAN) device

Turning wireless devices on and off

Using the wireless button

Use the wireless button to turn the wireless network controller off or on. This can also be controlled through Control Center or Computer Setup.

Using an Internet service provider (ISP) 13

NOTE: See Getting to know your computer on page 3 for information on identifying the type and location of the wireless button on your computer.

Using the operating system controls

To enable or disable a wireless or wired network device:

1.Right-click the Network Connection icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

2.To enable or disable one of the following devices, select or clear one of the following options:

Enable Networking (all network devices)

Enable Wireless

Using a WLAN

A wireless connection connects the computer to Wi-Fi networks, or WLANs. A WLAN is composed of other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.

NOTE: When creating a wireless connection or allowing access to users in a network, you are prompted for the root password.

Connecting to an existing WLAN

1.Be sure that the WLAN device is on.

NOTE: See Getting to know your computer on page 3 for information on identifying the location of the wireless button and wireless light on your computer.

2.Click the Network Connection icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. Available wireless networks are listed under Wireless Networks.

3.Click the desired wireless network.

If the network is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a network security code. Type the code, and then click OK to complete the connection.

NOTE: To connect to a network that is not automatically detected, click the Network Connection icon and select Connect to Hidden Wireless Network. Enter the ESSID information, and set encryption parameters.

NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, and your network is not hidden, you are out of range of a wireless router or access point.

If you do not see the network you want to connect to, right-click the Network Connection icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, and click Edit Connections.

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Setting up a new WLAN

Required 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.

NOTE: Some cable modems include a built-in router. Check with your ISP to see if you need a separate router.

NOTE: When setting up a wireless connection, be sure that your computer and wireless router are synchronized. To synchronize your computer and wireless router, turn your computer and wireless router off and then back on.

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.

Protecting your WLAN

When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your network from unauthorized access. WLANs in public areas (hotspots) like coffee shops and airports may not provide any security. If you are concerned about the security of your computer in a hotspot, limit your network activities to e-mail that is not confidential and basic Internet surfing.

Wireless radio signals travel outside the network, so other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected signals. You can use the following precautions to protect your WLAN:

Use a firewall—Checks both data and requests for data that are sent to your network, and discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in both software and hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.

Wireless encryption—Your computer supports three encryption protocols:

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)

Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)

Using a WLAN 15

NOTE: HP recommends that you select WPA2, which is the most advanced of the three encryption protocols. The use of WEP encryption is not recommended, because it can be overcome with little effort.

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) use security standards to encrypt and decrypt data transmitted over the network. Both WPA and WPA2 dynamically generate a new key for every packet, and they also generate a different set of keys for each computer on the network. To accomplish this:

WPA uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP).

WPA2 uses Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP), which is a new AES protocol.

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encrypts data with a WEP key before it is transmitted. Without the correct key, others will not be able to use the WLAN.

Roaming to another network

When you move your computer within range of another WLAN, the operating system attempts to connect to that network. If the attempt is successful, your computer is automatically connected to the new network. If the operating system does not recognize the new network, follow the same procedure you used initially to connect to your WLAN.

Connecting to a wired network

Connecting to a local area network (LAN)

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.

To connect the network cable:

1.Plug the network cable into the network jack (1) on the computer.

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2.Plug the other end of the cable into a network wall jack (2) or a router (not illustrated).

WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not plug a modem or telephone cable into the RJ-45 (network) jack.

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