HP EliteBook 8740w User Manual
HP EliteBook
User Guide
© Copyright 2010 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its
proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard
Company under license. Intel is a trademark
of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other
countries. Java is a U.S. trademark of Sun
Microsystems, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, and
Windows Vista are U.S. registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. SD
Logo is a trademark of its proprietor.
The information contained herein is subject
to change without notice. The only
warranties for HP products and services are
set forth in the express warranty statements
accompanying such products and services.
Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting an additional warranty. HP shall
not be liable for technical or editorial errors
or omissions contained herein.
First Edition: March 2010
Document Part Number: 592666-001
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 ........................................................................................................................................................... 1
Identifying hardware ............................................................................................................................. 1
Top components .................................................................................................................. 1
Pointing devices .................................................................................................. 1
Lights ................................................................................................................... 2
Buttons, switches, and fingerprint reader ............................................................ 4
Keys .................................................................................................................... 6
Front components ................................................................................................................ 6
Rear components ................................................................................................................ 8
Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 8
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 .................................................................................................. 14
Using wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................................... 14
Identifying wireless and network icons .............................................................................. 14
Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 15
Using the wireless button ................................................................................................... 15
Using Wireless Assistant software (select models only) .................................................... 15
Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) ........................................................ 16
Using operating system controls ........................................................................................ 16
Using a WLAN device (select models only) ....................................................................................... 16
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................................ 17
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 17
Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................................... 18
Roaming to another network .............................................................................................. 19
Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) ............................................................................. 19
Inserting a SIM (select models only) .................................................................................. 20
Removing a SIM (select models only) ............................................................................... 21
Using a Bluetooth wireless device (select models only) ..................................................................... 21
Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................. 22
Troubleshooting wireless network problems ...................................................................................... 22
Cannot create a WLAN connection ................................................................................... 22
Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................................. 23
v
Network status icon is not displayed .................................................................................. 23
Current network security codes are unavailable ................................................................ 23
WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................................... 24
Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................................... 24
Using the modem (select models only) .............................................................................................. 24
Connecting a modem cable (select models only) .............................................................. 25
Connecting a country- or region-specific modem cable adapter (select models only) ...... 25
Selecting a location setting ................................................................................................ 26
Viewing the current location selection ............................................................... 26
Adding new locations when traveling ................................................................ 27
Solving travel connection problems .................................................................. 28
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) .......................................................................................... 29
3 Pointing devices and keyboard ................................................................................................................... 30
Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 30
Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 30
Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 30
Using the pointing stick ...................................................................................................... 30
Connecting an external mouse .......................................................................................... 30
Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 30
Using hotkeys .................................................................................................................... 30
Displaying system information .......................................................................... 31
Initiating Sleep ................................................................................................... 32
Switching the screen image .............................................................................. 33
Viewing battery charge information ................................................................... 34
Decreasing screen brightness ........................................................................... 34
Increasing screen brightness ............................................................................ 34
Activating the ambient light sensor ................................................................... 34
Using HP QuickLook .......................................................................................................................... 34
Using HP QuickWeb ........................................................................................................................... 34
Using keypads .................................................................................................................................... 34
Using an optional external numeric keypad ....................................................................... 35
Cleaning the TouchPad, keyboard, and vents ................................................................................... 35
4 Multimedia ..................................................................................................................................................... 37
Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 37
Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 37
Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 38
Accessing your preinstalled multimedia software .............................................................. 38
Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 39
Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 39
Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 39
Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 39
vi
Video .................................................................................................................................................. 40
Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................... 40
Using the external monitor port ......................................................................... 40
Using the DisplayPort ........................................................................................ 41
Using the DreamColor display (select models only) ......................................... 42
Optical drive (select models only) ...................................................................................................... 42
Identifying the optical drive ................................................................................................ 42
Using optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) ....................................................................... 42
Selecting the right disc (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) ................................................................. 43
CD-R discs ........................................................................................................ 43
CD-RW discs ..................................................................................................... 43
DVD±R discs ..................................................................................................... 44
DVD±RW discs ................................................................................................. 44
LightScribe DVD+R discs .................................................................................. 44
Blu-ray Discs (BDs) ........................................................................................... 44
Playing a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................................. 44
Configuring AutoPlay ......................................................................................................... 45
Changing DVD region settings .......................................................................................... 45
Observing the copyright warning ....................................................................................... 46
Copying a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................................ 46
Creating (burning) a CD or DVD ........................................................................................ 47
Removing an optical disc (CD, DVD, or BD) ..................................................................... 47
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 48
The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD, DVD, or BD ............. 48
The computer does not detect the optical drive ................................................ 49
A disc does not play .......................................................................................... 50
A disc does not play automatically .................................................................... 50
A movie stops, skips, or plays erratically .......................................................... 50
A movie is not visible on an external display ..................................................... 51
The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before
completion ......................................................................................................... 51
A device driver must be reinstalled ................................................................... 51
Obtaining the latest HP device drivers ............................................. 52
Obtaining Microsoft device drivers ................................................... 52
Webcam (select models only) ............................................................................................................ 52
Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................. 53
Capturing business card images ....................................................................................... 54
5 Power management ...................................................................................................................................... 56
Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 56
Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 56
Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 56
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 57
Using the battery meter ..................................................................................................... 57
vii
Using power plans ............................................................................................................. 57
Viewing the current power plan ......................................................................... 57
Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................ 58
Customizing power plans .................................................................................. 58
Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 58
Using Power Assistant (select models only) ...................................................................................... 58
Starting Power Assistant .................................................................................................... 58
Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 59
Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................... 59
Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 60
Finding battery information in Help and Support ............................................................... 60
Using Battery Check .......................................................................................................... 61
Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 61
Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 61
Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 62
Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 63
Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 63
Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 63
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 65
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 65
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is
available ........................................................................................... 65
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is
available ........................................................................................... 65
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 65
Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................... 65
Step 1: Fully charge the battery ........................................................................ 65
Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Sleep ............................................................. 66
Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................ 66
Step 4: Fully recharge the battery ..................................................................... 67
Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Sleep .......................................................... 67
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 67
Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 67
Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 68
Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 68
Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................................... 68
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 68
6 Drives ............................................................................................................................................................. 70
Identifying installed drives .................................................................................................................. 70
Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 70
Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................................... 71
Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 71
viii
Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 71
Using HP 3D DriveGuard ................................................................................................................... 71
Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status ................................................................................. 72
Using HP 3D DriveGuard software .................................................................................... 72
Replacing a hard drive in the hard drive bay ...................................................................................... 73
Replacing a drive in the upgrade bay ................................................................................................. 75
Removing the protective insert .......................................................................................... 75
Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................... 76
Replacing an optical drive .................................................................................................. 78
7 External devices ............................................................................................................................................ 81
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 81
Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 81
Stopping and removing a USB device ............................................................................... 81
Using USB legacy support ................................................................................................. 82
Using a 1394 device ........................................................................................................................... 82
Connecting a 1394 device ................................................................................................. 82
Removing a 1394 device ................................................................................................... 83
Using external drives .......................................................................................................................... 83
Using optional external devices ......................................................................................... 84
Using a docking device ...................................................................................................................... 84
8 External media cards .................................................................................................................................... 85
Using Media Card Reader cards ........................................................................................................ 85
Inserting a digital card ........................................................................................................ 85
Removing a digital card ..................................................................................................... 86
Using ExpressCards (select models only) .......................................................................................... 86
Configuring an ExpressCard .............................................................................................. 86
Inserting an ExpressCard .................................................................................................. 86
Stopping and removing an ExpressCard ........................................................................... 88
Using smart cards (select models only) ............................................................................................. 88
Inserting a smart card ........................................................................................................ 89
Removing a smart card ...................................................................................................... 89
9 Memory modules .......................................................................................................................................... 90
Adding or replacing a memory module in the expansion memory module slot .................................. 90
Upgrading a memory module in the primary memory module slot ..................................................... 94
10 Security ........................................................................................................................................................ 98
Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 98
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 99
Setting passwords in Windows .......................................................................................... 99
Setting passwords in Computer Setup .............................................................................. 99
ix
BIOS administrator password .......................................................................................... 100
Managing a BIOS administrator password ...................................................... 101
Entering a BIOS administrator password ........................................................ 102
Using Computer Setup DriveLock ................................................................................... 102
Setting a DriveLock password ......................................................................... 103
Entering a DriveLock password ...................................................................... 104
Changing a DriveLock password .................................................................... 105
Removing DriveLock protection ...................................................................... 106
Using Computer Setup Auto DriveLock ........................................................................... 106
Entering an Automatic DriveLock password ................................................... 106
Removing Automatic DriveLock protection ..................................................... 107
Using Computer Setup security features .......................................................................................... 107
Securing system devices ................................................................................................. 107
Viewing Computer Setup System Information ................................................................. 108
Using Computer Setup System IDs ................................................................................. 108
Using antivirus software ................................................................................................................... 109
Using firewall software ..................................................................................................................... 109
Installing critical updates .................................................................................................................. 109
Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only) ....................................................... 110
Installing a security cable ................................................................................................................. 110
11 Software updates ...................................................................................................................................... 111
Updating software ............................................................................................................................ 111
Updating the BIOS ........................................................................................................................... 112
Determining the BIOS version ......................................................................................... 112
Downloading a BIOS update ........................................................................................... 113
Updating programs and drivers ........................................................................................................ 114
Using SoftPaq Download Manager .................................................................................................. 114
12 Backup and recovery ................................................................................................................................ 116
Backing up your information ............................................................................................................. 116
Performing a recovery ...................................................................................................................... 117
Using the Windows recovery tools ................................................................................... 117
Using f11 recovery tools .................................................................................................. 118
Using a Windows Vista operating system DVD (purchased separately) ......................... 118
13 Computer Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 120
Starting Computer Setup .................................................................................................................. 120
Using Computer Setup ..................................................................................................................... 120
Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup ................................................................... 120
Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup ................................................................. 121
Computer Setup menus ................................................................................................................... 121
File menu ......................................................................................................................... 122
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Security menu .................................................................................................................. 122
System Configuration menu ............................................................................................ 123
14 MultiBoot ................................................................................................................................................... 128
About the boot device order ............................................................................................................. 128
Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup ....................................................................................... 128
Considering boot order changes ...................................................................................................... 129
Choosing MultiBoot preferences ...................................................................................................... 130
Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup ................................................................... 130
Dynamically choosing a boot device ................................................................................ 130
Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt ................................................................................ 131
Entering MultiBoot Express preferences ......................................................................... 131
15 Management and Printing ........................................................................................................................ 132
Using Client Management Solutions ................................................................................................ 132
Configuring and deploying a software image ................................................................... 132
Managing and updating software ..................................................................................... 132
HP Client Automation (select models only) ..................................................... 133
HP SSM (System Software Manager) ............................................................. 134
Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 135
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xii
1Features
Identifying hardware
Components included with the computer may vary by region and model. The illustrations in this chapter
identify the standard features on most computer models.
To see a list of hardware installed in the computer:
1. Select Start > Computer > System Properties.
2. In the left pane, click Device Manager.
You can also add hardware or modify device configurations using Device Manager.
NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer.
You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running
utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support for more information.
Top components
Pointing devices
Component Description
(1) Pointing stick* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.
(2) Center pointing stick button* Functions like the center button on an external mouse.
(3) Right pointing stick button* Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
Identifying hardware 1
Lights
Component Description
(4) TouchPad scroll zone Scrolls up or down.
(5) Right TouchPad button* Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
(6) Center TouchPad button* Functions like the center button on an external mouse.
(7) Left TouchPad button* Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
(8) TouchPad* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.
(9) Left pointing stick button* Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
*This table describes factory settings. To view or change pointing device preferences, select Start > Control Panel > Hardware
and Sound > Mouse.
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
(8) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.
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.
●
(9) Num lock light On: Num lock is on or the integrated 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
(13) Calculator light On: The Windows calculator function is on.
*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.
speaker volume.
Identifying hardware 3
Buttons, switches, and fingerprint reader
Component Description
(1) Power button
(2) QuickLook button
(3) Internal display switch Turns off the display and initiates Sleep if the display is closed while
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 Maintenance > Power Options.
When the computer is off, press the button to open HP
●
QuickLook.
When the computer is on, press the button to open Software
●
Setup.
NOTE: If Software Setup is not available, the default Web
browser opens.
the power is on.
NOTE: The internal display switch is not visible from the outside
of the computer.
(4) QuickWeb button
4 Chapter 1 Features
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.
Component Description
(5) Wireless button Turns the wireless feature on or off but does not establish a
wireless connection.
NOTE: A wireless network must be set up in order to establish a
wireless connection.
(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) Calculator button Turns on the Windows calculator function.
(13) Fingerprint reader (select models only) Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a password logon.
Identifying hardware 5
Keys
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
(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) Integrated numeric keypad keys Can be used like the keys on an external numeric keypad.
(6) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in
Front components
fn key.
combination with a function key or the esc key.
combination with the fn key.
6 Chapter 1 Features
Component Description
(1) Wireless light
(2) Power light
(3) Battery light
(4) Drive 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,
●
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.
(5) Business card slot Holds a business card in position so that the webcam can capture
an image.
(6) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
(7) Audio-out (headphone) jack Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo
(8) Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo array
(9) Media Card Reader Supports the following optional digital card formats:
speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio.
NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the
computer speakers are disabled.
microphone, or monaural microphone.
Memory Stick
●
Memory Stick Duo
●
Memory Stick Pro
●
MultiMediaCard
●
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card
●
xD-Picture Card
●
xD-Picture Card Type H
●
xD-Picture Card Type M
●
(10) Display release button Opens the computer.
Identifying hardware 7
Rear components
The 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.
Right-side components
Component Description
(1) eSATA port Connects high-performance eSATA components, such as an
eSATA external hard drive.
(2) 3.0 SuperSpeed USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices and transfer data at a higher speed
(3) USB port Connects an optional USB device.
(4) Upgrade bay Supports an optical drive or a hard drive.
(5) RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
(6) RJ-11 (modem) jack Connects a modem cable (select models only).
Left-side components
Component Description
(1) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
than a 2.0 USB device.
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but
it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.
8 Chapter 1 Features
Component Description
(2) 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.
(3) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
(4) DisplayPort Connects an optional digital display device such as a high-
(5) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
(6) USB port Connects an optional USB device.
(7) 1394 port Connects an optional IEEE 1394 or 1394a device, such as a
(8) ExpressCard slot Supports optional ExpressCards.
(9) Smart card reader Supports optional smart cards and Java™ Cards.
Bottom components
performance monitor or projector.
camcorder.
Component Description
(1) Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.
(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(3) Docking connector Connects an optional docking device.
Identifying hardware 9
Component Description
(4) Vents (5) 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.
(5) Memory module compartment Contains the memory module slots, a WWAN module, and a WLAN
(6) Bluetooth compartment (select models only) Contains a Bluetooth device.
(7) Hard drive bay Holds the hard drive.
(8) Accessory battery connector Connects an optional accessory battery.
(9) SIM slot (select models only) Contains a wireless subscriber identity module (SIM). The SIM slot
Display components
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.
is located inside the battery bay.
10 Chapter 1 Features
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.
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.
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.
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).
Identifying hardware 11
To see wireless regulatory notices, refer to the section of the
Notices
that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.
Additional hardware components
Component Description
(1) Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet.
Regulatory, Safety and Environmental
(2) Battery* Powers the computer when the computer is not plugged into
(3) AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power.
*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
●
located 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 located 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,
an HP Mobile Broadband Module, or an optional Bluetooth® device. If your computer model
includes one or more wireless devices, one or more certification labels are included with your
computer. You may need this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification
labels are located 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 located inside the battery bay.
HP Mobile Broadband Module serial number label (select models only)—Provides the serial
●
number of your HP Mobile Broadband Module. This label is located inside the battery bay.
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.
Identifying wireless and network icons
Icon Name Description
Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless lights and the wireless button on
the computer. Also identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the
computer and indicates that one or more of the wireless devices are on.
14 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network
Icon Name Description
Wireless
(disconnected)
HP Connection
Manager
Network status
(connected)
Network status
(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)
●
Identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the computer and
indicates that all of the wireless devices are off.
Opens HP Connection Manager, which enables you to create a
connection with an HP Mobile Broadband device (select models only).
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, but no
network devices are connected to the network.
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 lights are on (blue) when
you turn on the computer.
The wireless lights indicate the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of individual
devices. If the wireless lights are blue, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless lights are amber,
all wireless devices are off.
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.
Using wireless devices (select models only) 15
To view the state of the wireless devices, position the cursor over the wireless icon in the notification
area, at the far right of the taskbar.
NOTE: To display the Wireless icon, click the Show Hidden Icons icon (< or <<) in the notification
area.
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 > Mobile PC > Windows Mobility Center.
2. Click the wireless icon in the Wireless Assistant tile, which is located in the bottom-left corner of
Windows® Mobility Center.
3. Click Properties.
4. Select the check box next to HP Wireless Assistant icon in notification area.
5. Click Apply.
For more information, refer to the Wireless Assistant software Help:
1. Open Wireless Assistant by clicking the wireless icon in Windows Mobility Center.
2. Click the Help button.
Using HP Connection Manager (select models only)
You can use HP Connection Manager to connect to WWANs using the HP Mobile Broadband device in
your computer (select models only).
To start Connection Manager, click the Connection Manager icon in the notification area, at the
▲
far right of the taskbar.
– or –
Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Connection Manager.
For more details about using Connection Manager, refer to the Connection Manager software Help.
Using operating system controls
Some operating systems also offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless
connection. For example, Windows provides the Network and Sharing Center that allows you to set up
a connection or network, connect to a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair
connections.
To access the Network and Sharing Center, select Start > Control Panel > Network and
▲
Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
For more information, refer to Help and Support. Select Start > Help and Support.
Using a WLAN 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.
16 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network
NOTE: The terms
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.
wireless router
and
wireless access point
are often used interchangeably.
As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to
access the Internet.
For help in setting up your WLAN, refer to the information provided by your router manufacturer or your
ISP.
Protecting your WLAN
Because the WLAN standard was designed with only limited security capabilities—basically to foil casual
eavesdropping rather than more powerful forms of attack—it is essential to understand that WLANs are
vulnerable to well-known and well-documented security weaknesses.
WLANs in public areas, or “hotspots,” like coffee shops and airports may not provide any security. New
technologies are being developed by wireless manufacturers and hotspot service providers that make
the public environment more secure and anonymous. If you are concerned about the security of your
computer in a hotspot, limit your network activities to noncritical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.
When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your
network from unauthorized access. The common security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Because wireless radio signals travel outside the network, other WLAN
Using a WLAN device (select models only) 17
devices can pick up unprotected signals and either connect to your network (uninvited) or capture
information being sent across it. However, you can take precautions to protect your WLAN:
Use a wireless transmitter with built-in security.
●
Many wireless base stations, gateways, and routers provide built-in security features such as
wireless security protocols and firewalls. With the correct wireless transmitter, you can protect your
network from the most common wireless security risks.
Work behind a firewall.
●
A firewall is a barrier that checks both data and requests for data that are sent to your network and
then discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in many varieties, both software and
hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.
Use wireless encryption.
●
A variety of sophisticated encryption protocols is available for your WLAN. Find the solution that
works best for your network security:
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a wireless security protocol that uses a WEP key to
◦
encode or encrypt all network data before it is transmitted. Usually, you can allow the network
to assign the WEP key. Alternatively, you can set up your own key, generate a different key,
or choose other advanced options. Without the correct key, others will not be able to use the
WLAN.
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), like WEP, uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data
◦
that is transmitted over the network. However, instead of using one static security key for
encryptions as WEP does, WPA uses
generate a new key for every packet. It also generates different sets of keys for each computer
on the network.
temporal key integrity protocol
(TKIP) to dynamically
Close your network.
●
If possible, prevent your network name (SSID) from being broadcast by the wireless transmitter.
Most networks initially broadcast the name, telling any computer nearby that your network is
available. By closing the network, other computers are less likely to know that your network exists.
NOTE: If your network is closed and the SSID is not broadcast, you will need to know or remember
the SSID to connect new devices to the network. Write down the SSID and store it in a secure
place before closing the network.
Connecting to a WLAN
To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps:
1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If it is on, the wireless lights are on (blue). If the wireless lights
are amber, press the wireless button.
2. Select Start > Connect to.
3. Select your WLAN from the list, and then type the network security key, if required.
If the network is unsecured, meaning that anyone can access the network, a warning is
●
displayed. Click Connect Anyway to accept the warning and complete the connection.
If the network is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a network security key,
●
which is a security code. Type the code, and then click Connect to complete the connection.
NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, you are out of range of a wireless router or access point.
18 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network
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