HP EliteBook 8440p User Manual

HP EliteBook

User Guide

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Java is a U.S. trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. SD Logo is a trademark of its proprietor.

The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

First Edition: January 2010

Document Part Number: 582867-001

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 ................................................................................................................... 2

Buttons, switches, and fingerprint reader ............................................................ 4

Keys .................................................................................................................... 5

Front components ................................................................................................................ 6

Rear components ................................................................................................................ 7

Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 7

Left-side components .......................................................................................................... 8

Bottom components ............................................................................................................. 9

Display components ......................................................................................................... 10

Wireless antennas (select models only) ............................................................................ 11

Additional hardware components ...................................................................................... 12

Identifying the labels ........................................................................................................................... 12

2 Wireless, modem, and local area network

Using wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................................... 14

Identifying wireless and network icons .............................................................................. 15

Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 15

Using the wireless button ................................................................................................... 15

Using Wireless Assistant software (select models only) .................................................... 16

Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) ........................................................ 16

Using operating system controls ........................................................................................ 17

Using a WLAN device (select models only) ....................................................................................... 18

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) ............................................................................. 21

Inserting a SIM (select models only) .................................................................................. 21

Removing a SIM (select models only) ............................................................................... 22

Using a Bluetooth wireless device (select models only) ..................................................................... 24

Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................. 24

Troubleshooting wireless connection problems ................................................................................. 25

Cannot create a WLAN connection ................................................................................... 25

Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................................. 26

Network icon is not displayed ............................................................................................ 26

Current network security codes are unavailable ................................................................ 26

WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................................... 27

Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................................... 27

Using the modem (select models only) .............................................................................................. 28

Connecting a modem cable (purchased separately) ......................................................... 28

Connecting a country- or region-specific modem cable adapter (purchased

separately) ......................................................................................................................... 28

Selecting a location setting ................................................................................................ 29

Viewing the current location selection ............................................................... 29

Adding new locations when traveling ................................................................ 29

Solving travel connection problems .................................................................. 30

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) .......................................................................................... 32

3 Pointing devices and keyboard

Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 33

Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 33

Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 33

Using the pointing stick ...................................................................................................... 33

Connecting an external mouse .......................................................................................... 33

Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 33

Using hotkeys .................................................................................................................... 33

Displaying system information .......................................................................... 34

Initiating Sleep ................................................................................................... 34

Switching the screen image .............................................................................. 35

Viewing battery charge information ................................................................... 35

Decreasing screen brightness ........................................................................... 35

Increasing screen brightness ............................................................................ 35

Activating the ambient light sensor ................................................................... 35

Using HP QuickLook .......................................................................................................................... 36

Using keypads .................................................................................................................................... 36

Using the embedded numeric keypad ............................................................................... 37

Enabling and disabling the embedded numeric keypad .................................... 37

Switching key functions on the embedded numeric keypad ............................. 37

Using an optional external numeric keypad ....................................................................... 37

Cleaning the TouchPad, keyboard, and vents ................................................................................... 38

4 Multimedia

Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 39

Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 39

Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 40

Accessing your preinstalled multimedia software .............................................................. 41

Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 41

Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 42

Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 42

Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 42

Video .................................................................................................................................................. 44

Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................... 44

Using the external monitor port ......................................................................... 44

Using the DisplayPort ........................................................................................ 44

Optical drive (select models only) ...................................................................................................... 46

Identifying the optical drive ................................................................................................ 46

Using optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) ....................................................................... 46

Selecting the right disc (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) ................................................................. 47

CD-R discs ........................................................................................................ 47

CD-RW discs ..................................................................................................... 47

DVD±R discs ..................................................................................................... 47

DVD±RW discs ................................................................................................. 48

LightScribe DVD+R discs .................................................................................. 48

Blu-ray Discs (BDs) ........................................................................................... 48

Playing a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................................. 48

Configuring AutoPlay ......................................................................................................... 49

Changing DVD region settings .......................................................................................... 49

Observing the copyright warning ....................................................................................... 50

Copying a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................................ 50

Creating (burning) a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................ 51

Removing an optical disc (CD, DVD, or BD) ..................................................................... 51

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 52

The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD, DVD, or BD ............. 52

The computer does not detect the optical drive ................................................ 53

A disc does not play .......................................................................................... 54

A disc does not play automatically .................................................................... 54

A movie stops, skips, or plays erratically .......................................................... 55

A movie is not visible on an external display ..................................................... 55

The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before

completion ......................................................................................................... 55

A device driver must be reinstalled ................................................................... 56

Obtaining the latest HP device drivers ............................................. 56

Obtaining Microsoft device drivers ................................................... 56

Webcam (select models only) ............................................................................................................ 57

Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................. 57

Capturing business card images ....................................................................................... 58

vii

5 Power management

Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 60

Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 60

Using the battery meter ..................................................................................................... 61

Using power plans ............................................................................................................. 61

Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 62

Using Power Assistant (select models only) ...................................................................................... 63

Starting Power Assistant .................................................................................................... 63

Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 63

Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................... 64

Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 64

Finding battery information in Help and Support ............................................................... 65

Using Battery Check .......................................................................................................... 65

Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 65

Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 65

Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 66

Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 67

Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 67

Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................... 69

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 71

Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 71

Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 71

Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 71

Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................................... 73

Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 73

Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 60

Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 61

Viewing the current power plan ......................................................................... 62

Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................ 62

Customizing power plans .................................................................................. 62

Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 68

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 68

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 68

Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is

available ........................................................................................... 68

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is

available ........................................................................................... 68

Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit

Hibernation ....................................................................................... 68

Step 1: Fully charge the battery ........................................................................ 69

Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Sleep ............................................................. 69

Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................ 70

Step 4: Fully recharge the battery ..................................................................... 70

Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Sleep .......................................................... 70

viii

6 Drives

Identifying installed drives .................................................................................................................. 75

Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 75

Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................................... 77

Using HP 3D DriveGuard ................................................................................................................... 78

Replacing a hard drive in the hard drive bay ...................................................................................... 80

Replacing a drive in the upgrade bay ................................................................................................. 83

7 External devices

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 89

Using a 1394 device ........................................................................................................................... 91

Using external drives .......................................................................................................................... 93

Using a docking device ...................................................................................................................... 94

Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 77

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 77

Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status ................................................................................. 78

Using HP 3D DriveGuard software .................................................................................... 79

Removing the protective insert .......................................................................................... 83

Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................... 83

Replacing an optical drive .................................................................................................. 86

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 89

Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 90

Using USB legacy support ................................................................................................. 90

Connecting a 1394 device ................................................................................................. 91

Removing a 1394 device ................................................................................................... 91

Using optional external devices ......................................................................................... 93

8 External media cards

Using SD Card Reader cards ............................................................................................................. 95

Inserting a digital card ........................................................................................................ 95

Removing a digital card ..................................................................................................... 96

Using ExpressCards (select models only) .......................................................................................... 96

Configuring an ExpressCard .............................................................................................. 96

Inserting an ExpressCard .................................................................................................. 96

Removing an ExpressCard ................................................................................................ 97

Using smart cards (select models only) ............................................................................................. 98

Inserting a smart card ........................................................................................................ 99

Removing a smart card ...................................................................................................... 99

9 Memory modules

Adding or replacing a memory module in the expansion memory module slot ................................ 101

Upgrading a memory module in the primary memory module slot ................................................... 104

10 Security

Protecting the computer ................................................................................................................... 108

Using passwords .............................................................................................................................. 109

Using Computer Setup security features .......................................................................................... 115

Using antivirus software ................................................................................................................... 117

Using firewall software ..................................................................................................................... 118

Installing critical updates .................................................................................................................. 119

Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only) ....................................................... 120

Installing a security cable ................................................................................................................. 121

Setting passwords in Windows ........................................................................................ 109

Setting passwords in Computer Setup ............................................................................ 109

BIOS administrator password .......................................................................................... 110

Managing a BIOS administrator password ...................................................... 110

Entering a BIOS administrator password ........................................................ 111

Using Computer Setup DriveLock ................................................................................... 111

Setting a DriveLock password ......................................................................... 112

Entering a DriveLock password ...................................................................... 112

Changing a DriveLock password .................................................................... 113

Removing DriveLock protection ...................................................................... 113

Using Computer Setup Auto DriveLock ........................................................................... 114

Entering an Automatic DriveLock password ................................................... 114

Removing Automatic DriveLock protection ..................................................... 114

Securing system devices ................................................................................................. 115

Viewing Computer Setup System Information ................................................................. 115

Using Computer Setup System IDs ................................................................................. 116

11 Software updates

Updating software ............................................................................................................................ 123

Updating the BIOS ........................................................................................................................... 124

Determining the BIOS version ......................................................................................... 124

Downloading a BIOS update ........................................................................................... 124

Updating programs and drivers ........................................................................................................ 126

Using SoftPaq Download Manager .................................................................................................. 127

12 Backup and recovery

Backing up your information ............................................................................................................. 129

Performing a recovery ...................................................................................................................... 131

Using the Windows recovery tools ................................................................................... 131

Using f11 recovery tools .................................................................................................. 132

Using a Windows 7 operating system DVD (purchased separately) ............................... 132

13 Computer Setup

Starting Computer Setup .................................................................................................................. 134

Using Computer Setup ..................................................................................................................... 134

Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup ................................................................... 134

Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup ................................................................. 135

Computer Setup menus ................................................................................................................... 135

File menu ......................................................................................................................... 136

Security menu .................................................................................................................. 13 6

System Configuration menu ............................................................................................ 137

14 MultiBoot

About the boot device order ............................................................................................................. 142

Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup ....................................................................................... 143

Considering boot order changes ...................................................................................................... 144

Choosing MultiBoot preferences ...................................................................................................... 145

Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup ................................................................... 145

Dynamically choosing a boot device ................................................................................ 146

Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt ................................................................................ 146

Entering MultiBoot Express preferences ......................................................................... 146

15 Management and printing

Using Client Management Solutions ................................................................................................ 148

Configuring and deploying a software image ................................................................... 148

Managing and updating software ..................................................................................... 148

Using the HP Universal Print Driver ................................................................................................. 150

HP Client Automation (select models only) ..................................................... 148

HP SSM (System Software Manager) ............................................................. 149

Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 151

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:

Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > 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

Component Description

(1) Pointing stick Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.

Identifying hardware 1

Lights

Component Description

(2) Left pointing stick button Functions like the left button on an external mouse.

(3) TouchPad* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.

(4) Left TouchPad button* Functions like the left button on an external mouse.

(5) Right pointing stick button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.

(6) TouchPad scroll zone* Scrolls up or down.

(7) 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 > Devices and Printers. Then, right-click the device representing your computer, and select Mouse settings.

Component Description

(1) Wireless lights (2)*

(2) Power lights (2)†

2 Chapter 1 Features

Blue: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local

●

area network (WLAN) device, the HP Mobile Broadband Module, 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.

●

Blinking rapidly: An AC adapter with a higher power rating

●

should be connected.

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

●

Component Description

(3) Battery light

(4) Drive light

(5) QuickLook light

(6) QuickWeb light On: Web browser is in use.

(7) TouchPad light

Amber: A battery is charging.

●

Turquoise: 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.

Blinking turquoise: The hard drive or optical drive is being

●

accessed.

Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the internal

●

hard drive, and if present, the hard drive in the upgrade bay.

On: The computer is on.

●

Off: The computer is off or in the Sleep or Hibernation state.

●

Turquoise: The TouchPad is on.

●

Amber: The TouchPad is off.

●

(8) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.

(9) Num lock light On: Num lock is on or the embedded numeric keypad is enabled.

(10) Volume mute light

(11) Volume down light Blinking: The volume down button is being used to decrease the

(12) Volume up light Blinking: The volume up button is being used to increase the

*The 2 wireless lights display the same information. The light on the wireless button is visible only when the computer is open. The wireless light on the front of the computer is visible whether the computer is open or closed.

†The 2 power lights display the same information. The light on the power button is visible only when the computer is open. The power light on the front of the computer is visible whether the computer is open or closed.

Turquoise: Speaker sound is on.

●

Amber: Speaker sound is off.

●

speaker volume.

Identifying hardware 3

Buttons, switches, and fingerprint reader

Component Description

(1) Power button

(2) Internal display switch Turns off the display and initiates Sleep if the display is closed while

(3) 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.

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 Security > Power Options.

the power is on.

NOTE: The internal display switch is not visible from the outside

of the computer.

When the computer is off, press the button to open HP

●

QuickLook.

When the computer is on, press the button to open Software

●

Setup.

4 Chapter 1 Features

NOTE: If Software Setup is not available, the default Web

browser opens.

Component Description

Keys

(4) QuickWeb button

(5) Wireless button Turns the wireless feature on or off but does not establish a

(6) TouchPad button Turns the TouchPad on or off.

(7) Caps lock button Turns caps lock on or off.

(8) Num lock button Turns num lock on or off.

(9) Volume mute button Mutes and restores speaker sound.

(10) Volume down button Decreases speaker volume.

(11) Volume up button Increases speaker volume.

(12) Fingerprint reader (select models only) Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a password logon.

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.

wireless connection.

NOTE: A wireless network must be set up in order to establish a

wireless connection.

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

Component Description

(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the

fn key.

Identifying hardware 5

Component Description

(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

combination with a function key or the esc key.

combination with the fn key.

Component Description

(1) Wireless light

(2) Power light

(3) Battery light

Blue: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local

●

area network (WLAN) device, the HP Mobile Broadband Module, 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.

●

Blinking rapidly: An AC adapter with a higher power rating

●

should be connected.

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

●

Amber: A battery is charging.

●

Turquoise: 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,

●

6 Chapter 1 Features

Component Description

(4) Drive light

(5) Business card slot Holds a business card in position so that the webcam (select

(6) SD Card Reader Supports the Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card and

(7) Display release button Opens the computer.

(8) Speakers (2) Produce sound.

(9) Bluetooth compartment (select models only) Contains a Bluetooth device.

Rear components

Blinking turquoise: The hard drive or optical drive is being

●

accessed.

Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the internal

●

hard drive, and if present, the hard drive in the upgrade bay.

models only) can capture an image.

MultiMediaCard (MMC) optional digital card formats.

Component Description

(1) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.

(2) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

(3) DisplayPort Connects an optional digital display device such as a high-

(4) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

Right-side components

NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but

it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.

performance monitor or projector.

Identifying hardware 7

Component Description

(1) Smart card reader Supports optional smart cards and Java™ cards.

(2) Upgrade bay Supports an optical drive or a hard drive.

(3) eSATA/USB port Connects an eSATA device or a USB device.

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

(5) RJ-11 (modem) jack (select models only) Connects a modem cable (purchased separately).

Left-side components

Component Description

(1) Vent Enables 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.

(2) USB ports (3) Connect optional USB devices.

(3) 1394 port Connects an optional IEEE 1394 or 1394a device, such as a

camcorder.

(4) ExpressCard slot Supports optional ExpressCards.

(5) Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo array

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

microphone, or monaural microphone.

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

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

computer speakers are disabled.

8 Chapter 1 Features

Bottom components

Component Description

(1) Battery bay Holds the battery.

(2) Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.

(3) SIM slot (select models only) Contains a wireless subscriber identity module (SIM). The SIM slot

is located inside the battery bay.

(4) Docking connector Connects an optional docking device.

(5) Accessory battery connector Connects an optional accessory battery.

(6) 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.

(7) WWAN/WLAN module compartment Contains a WWAN module 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.

Identifying hardware 9

Component Description

(8) Business card holder Holds a business card.

(9) Memory module compartment Contains the expansion memory module slot.

(10) Hard drive bay Holds the hard drive.

Display components

Component Description

(1) Internal display switch Turns off the display and initiates Sleep if the display is closed while

(2) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.

(3) Webcam light (select models only) On: The webcam is in use.

(4) Webcam (select models only) Records audio and video and captures still photographs.

(5) Keyboard light button Opens and turns the keyboard light on or off.

10 Chapter 1 Features

the power is on.

NOTE: The internal display switch is not visible from the outside

of the computer.

NOTE: If there is a microphone icon next to each microphone

opening, your computer has internal microphones.

Wireless antennas (select models only)

On select computer models, at least 2 antennas send and receive signals from one or more wireless devices. These antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer.

Component Description

(1) WWAN antennas (2)* (select models only) Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with

(2) WLAN antennas (3)* (select models only) Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with

*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from obstructions.

wireless wide-area networks (WWANs).

wireless local area networks (WLANs).

To see wireless regulatory notices, refer to the section of the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.

Identifying hardware 11

Additional hardware components

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

*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.

◦

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.

external power.

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.

12 Chapter 1 Features

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 inside the battery bay.

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

●

approval markings required by some of the countries or regions in which the modem has been approved for use. You may need this information when traveling internationally. The modem approval label is affixed inside the battery bay.

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, the HP Mobile Broadband Module (select models only), or an optional Bluetooth® device. If your computer model includes one or more wireless devices, one or more certification labels are included with your computer. You may need this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are affixed to the bottom of the computer and/or inside the battery bay.

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

●

Card Identifier) of your SIM. This label is affixed to the outside packaging of the SIM (select models only) included in the box with the computer.

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

●

number of your HP Mobile Broadband Module. This label is affixed to the bottom of the computer.

Identifying the labels 13

2 Wireless, modem, and local area

network

Using wireless devices (select models only)

Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:

Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless local area

●

networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate offices, your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and universities. In a WLAN, each mobile wireless device communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access point.

HP Mobile Broadband Module—A wireless wide area network (WWAN) device that provides

●

access to information wherever mobile network operator service is available. In a WWAN, each mobile device communicates to a mobile network operator’s base station. Mobile network operators install networks of base stations (similar to cell phone towers) throughout large geographic areas, effectively providing coverage across entire states, regions, or even countries.

Bluetooth® device (select models only)—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to

●

other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras. In a PAN, each device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be relatively close together—typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.

Computers with WLAN devices support one or more of the following IEEE industry standards:

802.11b, the first popular standard, supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps and operates at a

●

frequency of 2.4 GHz.

802.11g supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. An 802.11g

●

WLAN device is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, so they can operate on the same network.

802.11a supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 5 GHz.

●

NOTE: 802.11a is not compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g.

802.11n supports data rates of up to 450 Mbps and may operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, making it

●

backward compatible with 802.11a, b, and g (depending on your network configuration).

For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided in Help and Support.

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Identifying wireless and network icons

Icon Name Description

Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless lights and the wireless buttons on

Wireless (disconnected)

HP Connection Manager

Wired network (connected)

Network (disconnected)

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

Network (disabled/ disconnected)

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

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).

Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed and one or more network devices are connected to the network.

Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed and wireless connections are available, but no network devices are connected to a wired or wireless network.

more network devices are connected to a wireless network, and one or more network devices may be connected to a wired network.

Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed, no wireless connections are available or all wireless network devices are disabled by the wireless button or Wireless Assistant, and no network devices are connected to a wired network.

Wired network (disabled/ disconnected)

Using the wireless controls

You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:

Wireless button

●

Wireless Assistant software (select models only)

●

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 two wireless lights. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless light is on (blue) when you turn on the computer.

Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed, all network devices or all wireless devices are disabled in Windows® Control Panel, and no network devices are connected to a wired network.

Using wireless devices (select models only) 15

The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of individual devices. If the wireless light is blue, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light is amber, all wireless devices are off.

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 (select models only) 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 (select models only)

A wireless device can be turned on or off using the Wireless Assistant software. If a wireless device is disabled by Computer Setup, it must be reenabled by 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, click the Show hidden icons icon, the arrow at the left of the notification area, and position the cursor over the wireless icon.

If the wireless icon is not displayed in the notification area, complete the following steps to change the Wireless Assistant properties:

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

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

Mobility Center.

3. Click Properties.

4. Select the check box next to HP Wireless Assistant icon in notification area.

5. Click Apply.

6. Click Close.

For more information, refer to the Wireless Assistant software Help:

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

2. Click the Help button.

Using HP Connection Manager (select models only)

You can use HP Connection Manager to connect to WWANs using the HP Mobile Broadband device in your computer (select models only).

To start Connection Manager, click the Connection Manager icon in the notification area, at the

▲

far right of the taskbar.

– or –

Select Start > All Programs > HP Connection Manager > HP Connection Manager.

For more details about using Connection Manager, refer to the Connection Manager software Help.

16 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network

Using operating system controls

Some operating systems also offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless connection. For example, Windows provides the Network and Sharing Center that allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair network problems.

To access the Network and Sharing Center, select Start > Control Panel > Network and

▲

Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

For more information, refer to Help and Support. Select Start > Help and Support.

Using wireless devices (select models only) 17

Using a WLAN device (select models only)

With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.

NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably.

A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points

●

that can accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network functions.

A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and

●

wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional pieces of hardware or software.

NOTE: 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 following illustration 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.

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