HP Evo Notebook N180 User guide

Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

Document Part Number: 260623-001

November 2001

Compaq, the Compaq logo, and Evo are trademarks of Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Compaq shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. The information in this document is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind and is subject to change without notice. The warranties for Compaq products are set forth in the express limited warranty statements accompanying such products. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.

Users Guide Evo Notebook N180 First Edition November 2001 Document Part Number: 260623-001

Contents

1 Introduction

Where Can I Find Information? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2

Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2

Viewing or Printing a Guide on the CD . . . . . . . . . . 1–3

Symbols and Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5

Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5

Graphics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5

Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–6

Turning Off Your Notebook PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–6

Protecting Your Notebook During an

Electrical Storm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–7

2 Your Notebook at a Glance

Front of Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2

Common Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2

Lower Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3

Lights and Easy Access Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–4

Function Key Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–6

Left and Right Panels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–8

Components on Left Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–8

Components on Right Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–9

Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–10

Components on Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–10

Underside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–11

Components on the Underside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–11

Users Guide iii Evo Notebook N180

Contents

3 Using Your Notebook

Power On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2

Plugging and Unplugging AC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2

Turning Your Notebook On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–4

Using Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–5

Using Keyboard and Pointing Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–7

Using the TouchPad Instead of a Mouse. . . . . . . . . . 3–8

Tapping and Double-Tapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–9

Edge Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–10

Easy Access Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–11

Reprogramming the Easy Access Buttons. . . . . . . . 3–11

Storage Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–12

Identifying Your Storage Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–12

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–13

Using the Security Slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–13

Power-On Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–13

4 Common Tasks

S-Video Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–2

Switching Between Displays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–2

Connecting and Enabling S-Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–3

Software and Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–5

Adding and Removing Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–6

Installing Hardware Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–7

Upgrading Your Notebook’s Memory . . . . . . . . . . . 4–8

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–11

Connecting a Modem Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–11

Connecting a Network Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–13

5 Using the CD or DVD Drive

CD or DVD Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–2

Inserting a Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–2

Removing a Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–3

Manually Ejecting a Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–3

iv Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

Modular Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–4

Using the Modular Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–4

Audio CDs and Non-DVD Video Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–8

Playing Audio CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–8

Playing Non-DVD Video Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–9

DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–10

Using the DVD Player. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–10

On-Screen Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–11

Identifying Your DVD Region Setting . . . . . . . . . . 5–12

CD-RW Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–14

Installing CD-RW Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–14

Accessing CD-RW Software

User Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–15

Using CD-RW Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–16

Preventing Buffer Underrun Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–17

6 Caring for Your Battery

Battery Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–2

Using the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–2

Storing the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–4

Recycling the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–5

Battery Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–5

Calibrating the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–5

Maximizing Battery Operating Time . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–9

Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–10

What Is Power Management? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–10

Fixing a Low-Battery Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–13

Contents

7 Maintenance, Shipping and Travel

Updating Your System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–1

Obtaining Update Information and Software . . . . . . 7–1

Downloading Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–2

Installing Software Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–3

Restoring Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–5

Installing a Retail Version of an Operating System. . . . . 7–6

Users Guide v Evo Notebook N180

Contents

Virus Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–7

Monitoring Computer Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–7

Caring for the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–8

Caring for Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–9

Preparing the Computer for Shipping or Travel . . . . . . 7–10

Traveling with the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–10

Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–12

8 Solutions

Basic Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–2

Backup Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–2

Using Backup Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–2

Compaq Help and Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–3

Accessing Compaq Help and Support. . . . . . . . . . . . 8–3

Using Online Help and Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–4

Helpful Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–5

Finding Solutions Quickly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–6

Solution Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–7

Audio and Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–7

Battery and Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–11

Mass-Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–12

Games and Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–14

Keyboard and TouchPad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–15

Memory and PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–17

Glossary

Index

vi Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

Introduction

Congratulations! As the owner of a new Compaq notebook computer, you have joined the worldwide community of mobile computer users. After your notebook is set up and connected to the Internet, you can explore vast regions of information, entertainment, and services online.

To help you access the information you need on your notebook, this chapter covers the following main topics:

Where Can I Find Information?, 1-2

■

Symbols and Graphics, 1-5

■

Safety, 1-6

■

This Users Guide is designed for both experienced computer users and beginners. This easy-to-scan guide helps you find the information you want as quickly as possible. It’s also designed to familiarize you with the following:

Features you’ll want to try

■

during the first few days or weeks.

Keeping your notebook running

■

smoothly. Solving common problems

■

as they occur.

Users Guide 1–1 Evo Notebook N180

cad goes here

Introduction

Where Can I Find Information?

All the information you’ll need to use the basic features of your new notebook is available in the documents included with your notebook. Some of these documents are printed and some are provided on the Documentation Suite CD.

Documentation

Your new notebook computer comes with documentation containing helpful reference material. If you have access to the Internet, you can also view these and other documents on the Compaq Web site. See the “Using Online Help and Support” section in Chapter 8 for specific Web site information.

The Warranty Statement and setup card are included in

■

your kit. The Users Guide and Safety and Comfort Guide can be found

■

on CD.

Additional documents may vary by region.

Note

✎

Setup Card

This card shows you how to set up your notebook. For more information about the hardware that came with your new notebook, see “Your Notebook at a Glance” later in this guide.

Users Guide

This easy-to-scan guide explains how to set up your notebook and get acquainted with its features. It also introduces:

Common computer tasks

■

The Internet

■

Notebook maintenance

■

1–2 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

Solutions for computer problems

■

Compaq service and support tools

■

Introduction

Did you know...

Guide is available on the Compaq Web Site. See the “Using Online Help and Support” section in Chapter 8 for specific Web site information.

The Users Guide and the Safety and Comfort

Safety and Comfort Guide

This document explains how to protect your equipment from damage, protect yourself from injury, and ensure your comfort while using your notebook.

Warranty Certificate

The warranty details the Compaq commitment to service during the warranty period. Keep the warranty in a safe place for future reference.

Viewing or Printing a Guide on the CD

For information about using the CD drive, including instructions for inserting or removing a CD, refer to Chapter 5, “Using the CD or DVD Drive.”

To view or print a document on the Documentation Suite CD:

1. Insert the Documentation Suite CD into the CD drive.

2. Select a guide from the Documentation Suite menu.

Users Guide 1–3 Evo Notebook N180

Introduction

3. If Adobe Acrobat Reader information is displayed and you are asked to respond, follow the instructions on the screen to accept the Adobe Acrobat Reader license agreement. (Acrobat Reader is a software application that enables you to view and print the documents on the Documentation Suite CD. You will also use Acrobat Reader to view and print some documents available on the Internet.)

4. For information about closing Acrobat Reader or using it to view or print a document on the Documentation Suite CD, click the Help button near the top of the Adobe Acrobat Reader window.

1–4 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

Symbols and Graphics

Symbols

The following words and symbols have special meaning in this guide and in the electronic documentation:

WARNING: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow

directions in the warning could result in bodily harm or loss of life.

CAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow

directions could result in damage to equipment or loss of information.

Introduction

Did you know...

information that may help you solve a problem.

Tip

☞

✎

Text set off in this manner provides helpful hints that make

using your notebook easier and faster.

See also

or another page in this document that has related information.

Note

or interesting points of information.

Text set off in this manner refers to another document

Text set off in this manner provides commentary, sidelights,

Text set off in this manner provides important

Graphics

The illustrations shown and features described in this document may differ slightly from those provided with your notebook computer.

Users Guide 1–5 Evo Notebook N180

Introduction

Safety

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock and damage to the

equipment, read the Safety and Comfort Guide.

Did you know...

plug all power cords into a high-quality surge protector. If you have a dedicated telephone line for the modem, buy a surge protector with a telephone jack.

To protect your equipment from power surges,

Turning Off Your Notebook PC

Windows 2000—To shut down your Notebook properly, complete the following steps:

1. Close all open programs.

2. On the Windows taskbar, click Start, then click Shut Down... The Shut Down Windows dialog box is displayed.

3. Select the Shut down option and click OK.

Did you know...

✎

press and hold the Power Compaq does not recommend turning off your computer this way under normal circumstances.

4. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet and unplug the modem line from the wall jack.

If the notebook does not turn off automatically,

button until the notebook shuts down.

Windows XP Professional—To shut down your Notebook properly, complete the following steps:

1. Close all open programs.

2. Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. The Windows Start menu is displayed.

1–6 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

3. Click the Turn Off Computer button. The Turn off computer dialog box is displayed.

4. Select the Turn Of f button.

If the notebook does not turn off automatically, press and

Note

✎

hold the Power does not recommend turning off your computer this way under normal circumstances.

5. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet and unplug the modem line from the wall jack.

button until the notebook shuts down. Compaq

Protecting Your Notebook During an Electrical Storm

During an electrical storm, you should take the following precautions to protect your notebook from damage. You should immediately disconnect your notebook from the power source.

After your notebook is disconnected from AC power, you can

Tip

run your notebook on battery power.

Introduction

If you are not using a surge protector, unplug all power cords

■

from the wall outlets. Disconnect your notebook from the wall outlets.

■

Turn off the power button on all surge protectors.

■

If a telephone line from your notebook is plugged directly

■

into the wall jack (without going through a surge protector), disconnect the line from the wall jack.

Users Guide 1–7 Evo Notebook N180

Your Notebook at a Glance

Before you begin using your new notebook computer, you’ll want to look at some of the basic components.

To help you locate your notebook’s components, this chapter covers the following main topics:

Front of Your Notebook, 2-2

■

Left and Right Panels, 2-8

■

Back Panel, 2-10

■

Underside, 2-11

■

To open your notebook, push the Display Release Latch gently lift up the lid.

Users Guide 2–1 Evo Notebook N180

and

Your Notebook at a Glance

Front of Your Notebook

Open your notebook and take a look at these components.

See also

☞

this guide to learn more about how to start and shut down your

“Turning Your Notebook On and Off” in Chapter 3 of

notebook.

Common Features

1 Display 2 Series Number 3 Keyboard 4 Speakers 5 TouchPad

cad goes here

6 Left TouchPad Button 7 Easy Scroll 8 Right TouchPad Button 9 Power Button

- Display Release Latch

2–2 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

Lower Front Panel

Your Notebook at a Glance

See also

☞

of this guide for more information on using the TouchPad.

1 Power Light 2 Battery Charge Light

“Using Keyboard and Pointing Device” in Chapter 3

Users Guide 2–3 Evo Notebook N180

Your Notebook at a Glance

Lights and Easy Access Buttons

1 AC Adapter Light 7 Digital Audio Button

2 Caps Lock Light 8 Volume Down Button

3 Instant Internet Access Button 9 Volume Up Button

4 Instant E-Mail Button - Num Lock Light

5 Search Button q Scroll Lock Light

6 Power Button

See also

☞

Chapter 3 of this guide to learn how to program the Easy Access buttons to suit your needs.

Tip

same time mutes the sound. Repeat to restore the sound.

2–4 Users Guide

“Reprogramming the Easy Access Buttons” in

Pressing the volume down and volume up buttons at the

Evo Notebook N180

Button

Your Notebook at a Glance

Button

Description

Digital Audio Launches Windows Media Player to

Default Button Action

play MP3 music.

∆

Instant Internet Access

Instant E-mail Provides you with one-touch access

Search Provides you with instant access to

Provides your daily start point to the Internet. It connects you to a personalized Web page filled with local weather, news, sports, and financial information.

for sending and reading your e-mail.

news and information on the Internet. Search for topics including shopping, images, music, and videos.

Users Guide 2–5 Evo Notebook N180

Your Notebook at a Glance

Function Key Combinations

Preset function key combinations use the Fn key and a function key to access or execute frequently used system functions.

Keys Description Fn+F1 Compaq Help and Support Web site launch key* Fn+F2 Fn+F3 Switch between the display and external monitor in the

Fn+F4 Fn+F7 Brightness control down Fn+F8 Fn+F9 CD or DVD play/pause Fn+F10

2–6 Users Guide

Help launch key†

following order:

Display

■

External monitor

■

Display and external monitor

■

Sleep

Brightness control up

CD or DVD stop

Evo Notebook N180

Your Notebook at a Glance

Keys Description Fn+F11 CD or DVD previous track Fn+F12

*Connects instantly to Compaq for product information, helpful hints, performance updates, service, and more.

†Launches Compaq Help and Support and provides access to Web-based service and support information.

CD or DVD next track

Users Guide 2–7 Evo Notebook N180

Your Notebook at a Glance

Left and Right Panels

Take a look at the left and right sides of your notebook. The PC card slot and the optical drive are located on the left side panel. The microphone jack, headphone jack, and floppy drive are located on the right side panel.

Components on Left Side

cad goes here

1 Air Vent 4 Optical Card Eject Button

2 PC Card Slot (Type I or II) 5 Manual Eject Hole

3 PC Card Eject Button 6 Optical Drive

2–8 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

Components on Right Side

Your Notebook at a Glance

Did you know...

modular bay. The modular bay feature allows you to swap storage drives (CD, DVD, CD-RW, DVD/CD-RW, or diskette drive), extra batteries, and a weight saver in your notebook.

1 Headphone Jack 2 Microphone Jack

Your notebook is equipped with a feature called

3 Modular Bay/Removeable

Diskette Drive*

4 Diskette Eject Button

* A CD, DVD, CD-RW, DVD/CD-RW, or extra battery is available on selected models.

See also

☞

for more information.

Users Guide 2–9 Evo Notebook N180

“Using the Modular Bay” in Chapter 5 of this guide

Your Notebook at a Glance

Back Panel

Take a look at the back of your notebook. This is where you connect external hardware, such as a printer or external monitor. See “Installing Hardware Devices” in Chapter 4 of this guide for more information on attaching external devices.

Components on Back

1 Modem 2 10/100 Ethernet Port 3 Air Vents 4 S-Video (TV Output) Port 5 External Monitor (VGA) Port

6 1394 Port

2–10 Users Guide

7 USB Ports (2) 8 Keyboard/Mouse Port 9 Printer/Parallel Port

- AC Adapter Connector q Security Slot

Evo Notebook N180

Underside

The memory compartment, main battery, battery release switch, modular bay, quick release handle, and the pop-up feet are located on the underside of your notebook.

Before contacting Compaq Customer Support, you will need

Tip

the serial number from the underside of your notebook.

Components on the Underside

cad goes here

Your Notebook at a Glance

1 Pop-up Feet 2 Modular Bay Quick Release

Handle

3 Memory Compartment 4 Battery Release Switch

See also

☞

more information about the Battery Release Switch.

Users Guide 2–11 Evo Notebook N180

“Using Battery Power” in Chapter 3 of this guide for

5 Main Battery Compartment 6 Model and Serial Number 7 QuikDock Port (Port

Replicator)

Using Your Notebook

Your notebook computer is designed for easy setup, use, and upgrading. In this chapter, you’ll become familiar with your notebook features.

This chapter covers the following main topics:

Power On, 3-2

■

Using Keyboard and Pointing Device, 3-7

■

Easy Access Buttons, 3-11

■

Storage Drives, 3-12

■

Security, 3-13

■

Users Guide 3–1 Evo Notebook N180

Using Your Notebook

Power On

This section helps you get your notebook set up and running:

Plugging and Unplugging AC Power

■

Turning Your Notebook On and Off

■

Using Battery Power

■

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, or damage to

the equipment, do not use converter kits sold for appliances to power your notebook. Use only the Compaq adapter that came with your notebook or a Compaq replacement part.

CAUTION: High voltages can enter your notebook through the

phone line connected to the modem. To protect your notebook during electrical storms, use a telephone line surge protector.

Plugging and Unplugging AC Power

Do’s

Ensure that you can

■

reach the electrical outlet easily.

Unplug the AC adapter

■

from the electrical outlet when you want to disconnect AC power from your notebook.

When unplugging from

■

the electrical outlet, grasp the cord by the plug.

3–2 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

Don’ts

Don’t leave the AC adapter plugged into the electrical outlet

■

when it is not connected to your notebook. Don’t place anything on power cords or cables. Arrange them

■

so that no one accidentally steps on or trips over them.

Surge Protectors

Using surge protectors and line conditioners can substantially reduce the risk of electrical shock and aid in protecting your notebook from power-source problems.

During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your notebook can increase and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your notebook and peripherals by connecting them to a surge suppressor, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your notebook.

Why Use AC Power When I’ve Got a Battery?

When you’re not on the go, you’ll want to use your notebook’s AC adapter as your power source. This method ensures that the battery is always charged.

Using Your Notebook

When your notebook does not have a charged battery, you should save your work and turn off your notebook before unplugging it from the AC power supply.

Did you know...

you can simply unplug it from AC power. Your notebook automatically switches to battery power.

Users Guide 3–3 Evo Notebook N180

When a charged battery is in your notebook,

Using Your Notebook

Turning Your Notebook On and Off

To turn on your notebook, press the Power located at the top of the keyboard.

Windows 2000

To turn off your notebook properly:

1. Save your work and exit all open programs.

2. Click the Start button, then click Shut Down, and select the

Shut down option.

3. Click the OK button. After a few seconds, your notebook will

turn itself off.

Windows XP Professional—To turn off your Notebook properly, complete the following steps:

1. Save your work and exit all open programs.

ª button, which is

2. Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. The Windows

Start menu is displayed.

3. Click the Turn Off Computer button. The Turn off

computer dialog box is displayed.

4. Click the Turn Off button. The operating system closes and

your notebook turns off.

3–4 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

Power Button Functionality

When your notebook is on, pressing the Power ª button places your notebook in Hibernation mode.

Using Your Notebook

Did you know...

When your notebook enters this mode, the contents of the memory are saved to the hard disk and your notebook powers off.

The settings for the Power

Press and release the Powerªbutton once to enter

■

Hibernation mode. Press and hold down the Powerªbutton to shut down your

■

notebook.

Hibernation is a state of no power consumption.

Using Battery Power

WARNING: Your notebook contains a lithium-ion battery pack.

Improper handling of the battery pack can result in fire and chemical burns. Do not disassemble, crush, puncture, short external contacts, dispose of in water or fire, or expose to temperatures higher than 140° F (60° C). Replace only with the Compaq battery pack specified for your notebook.

Did you know...

on or off. It continues charging until the battery is fully charged or the AC power is disconnected.

The battery charges whether your notebook is

button are:

The battery will lose its charge if not used for a long time.

Tip

Users Guide 3–5 Evo Notebook N180

Using Your Notebook

Inserting and Removing the Battery

To insert the main battery into the battery compartment:

1. Turn your notebook bottom side up.

2. Slide the Battery Release Switch outward. Lift up the

battery door.

3. Position the battery so that the battery label faces downward.

4. Insert the battery, front-edge first, into the keyed battery

compartment.

5. Gently push down on the battery door until it snaps into

place.

See also

☞

guide for help in locating the Battery Release Switch.

To remove the battery:

1. Save your files.

2. If the AC adapter is not connected, turn off your notebook.

3. Turn your notebook bottom side up and slide the Battery

4. Lift the battery out of the battery compartment.

3–6 Users Guide

“Components on the Underside” in Chapter 2 of this

Release Switch on the underside of your notebook outward. The battery will pop up.

Evo Notebook N180

Charging the Battery

Using Your Notebook

See also

“Battery Care” in Chapter 6 of this guide.

☞

To charge the battery, insert the battery in the battery compartment and connect your notebook to AC power. Leave your notebook plugged into the electrical outlet until the Battery Charge light is no longer illuminated. This method ensures that the battery is fully charged.

If you will not be using your notebook for an extended

Note

✎

period of time, Compaq recommends that you unplug the electrical cord from the outlet and remove the battery while your notebook is not in use.

Using Keyboard and Pointing Device

In this section you’ll learn how to select, click, and double-click with the TouchPad:

Using the TouchPad Instead of a Mouse

■

Tapping and Double-Tapping

■

Edge Motion

■

See also

☞

guide to learn how to attach an external mouse.

Users Guide 3–7 Evo Notebook N180

“Installing Hardware Devices” in Chapter 4 of this

Using Your Notebook

Using the TouchPad Instead of a Mouse

Just like the mouse, the TouchPad lets you draw lines or point to items on the Windows desktop. Try dragging the pointer across the screen by gently dragging your finger across the TouchPad.

Left-Click

To left-click, press the Left TouchPad button. It is located directly below the TouchPad. The Left TouchPad button works as the select or drag button. To double-click an item, move the pointer over the item and press the Left TouchPad button twice in rapid succession.

Right-Click

The Right TouchPad button works as the context menu or special drag button. Move the pointer over the item and press the Right TouchPad button to get context-sensitive options.

Easy Scroll Button

The Easy Scroll button is the equivalent of the right, left, up, and down buttons of the scroll bars on the side and bottom of your screen. To view other areas of a document or browser window, press the Easy Scroll button in the desired direction.

The Easy Scroll button is only functional with selected

Note

✎

software applications.

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Tapping and Double-Tapping

Your TouchPad has a tapping feature that works like the left mouse button. If enabled, you can tap once on the TouchPad to select an object and tap twice to double-click.

Windows 2000—To turn on the tapping feature:

1. From the Windows desktop, click Start, point to Settings,

and then click Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Mouse icon

Properties dialog box.

3. Select the Tou ch tab and click the Tap to Click check box to

turn on the tapping feature.

4. Click OK to accept the changes and close the dialog box.

Windows XP Professional—To turn on the tapping feature, complete the following steps:

1. Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar, then click

Control Panel.

Using Your Notebook

to open the Mouse

2. Click the Printers and Other Hardware icon. The Printers

and Other Hardware window is displayed.

3. Select the Tou ch tab and click the Tap to Click check box to

turn on the tapping feature.

4. Click OK to accept the changes and close the dialog box.

5. Close the Control Panel window.

Did you know...

typing, drag the PalmCheck slider toward maximum.

Users Guide 3–9 Evo Notebook N180

To help prevent accidental pointing while

Using Your Notebook

Edge Motion

Edge Motion allows you to continue to scroll when your finger reaches the edge of the TouchPad. When this feature is turned on, the window continues to scroll until you lift your finger.

Windows 2000—To turn on Edge Motion, complete the following steps:

1. From the Windows desktop, click Start, point to Settings,

and then click Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Mouse icon

Properties dialog box.

3. Click the Edge Motion tab.

4. Select When Dragging, Always, and When Scrolling to

turn on Edge Motion.

5. Click OK to accept the changes and close the dialog box.

Windows XP Professional—To turn on Edge Motion, complete the following steps:

to open the Mouse

1. Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar, then click

Control Panel.

2. Click the Printers and Other Hardware icon. The Printers

and Other Hardware window is displayed.

3. Click the Mouse icon

displayed.

4. Click the Edge Motion tab.

5. On the Edge Motion tab, select When Dragging, Always,

and When Scrolling to turn on Edge Motion.

6. Click OK to accept the changes and close the dialog box.

7. Close the Appearance and Themes window.

3–10 Users Guide

. The Mouse Properties dialog box is

Evo Notebook N180

Using Your Notebook

Easy Access Buttons

The Easy Access buttons, located above your notebook’s keyboard, automatically connect you to the Internet. These buttons give you one-touch access to Internet activities or to software applications.

Until your Internet or network services are configured, all buttons launch the Internet Setup Wizard. After your Internet/network services are set up, each button opens your default Web browser and connects to pre-programmed applications.

Reprogramming the Easy Access Buttons

See also

☞

guide for descriptions of each button and its default action.

You can reprogram the Easy Access buttons to reflect your personal preferences.

To reprogram your Easy Access buttons:

1. Use the Windows Start menu to open the Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Easy Access buttons

“Lights and Easy Access Buttons” in Chapter 2 of this

the instructions provided.

icon and follow

Users Guide 3–11 Evo Notebook N180

Using Your Notebook

Storage Drives

Identifying Your Storage Drives

Your floppy drive, hard drive, and CD, DVD, CD-RW, or DVD/CD-RW drive are designated with letters of the alphabet, as well as with icons.

Windows 2000—To determine your drive letters, complete the following steps:

1. From the Windows desktop,

double-click the My Computer icon corresponding drive letters are displayed in the My Computer window.

2. Use the icons to the right to identify

your drives.

. The icons for each drive and

____

Standard 3½-inch

Floppy Drive

____

Local Hard Drive

____

CD, DVD, CD-RW, or

DVD/CD-RW Drive

Windows XP Professional—To determine the drive designations that your notebook uses to identify your drives, complete the following steps:

1. Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. The Windows

Start menu is displayed.

2. Click My Computer. The My Computer dialog box is

displayed.

3. The drive designation for each drive in your computer is

displayed in the right pane of the My Computer dialog box. For example, if your hard drive is displayed under Hard Disk Drives as Local Disk (C:), then “C” is the drive designation of your hard drive.

4. Close the My Computer window.

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Security

To protect your files and programs, your notebook provides the following security features:

Using the Security Slot

■

Power-On Password

■

Using the Security Slot

To use the security slot found on the side of your notebook, complete the following steps:

1. Insert a locking device

(such as a cable lock) into the security slot.

Using Your Notebook

2. Turn the locking device

clockwise 90 degrees.

To remove the locking device, turn the locking device counter-clockwise 90 degrees and remove the device from the slot.

cad goes here

Power-On Password

You can set a power-on password that will secure the information you store on the hard disk. When turning on your notebook, you must enter this password before you can access your files.

Users Guide 3–13 Evo Notebook N180

Using Your Notebook

Setting the Password

To set the power-on password:

1. Press the Power

2. After the Compaq logo is displayed, a cursor is shown in the

upper right corner of the screen for a few seconds. While the cursor is visible, press the F10 key.

CAUTION: Write your password down in a secure location. If you

forget or lose your password, a Compaq service technician must reset your notebook for you to be able to access your files.

3. From the Main option on the menu bar, use your arrow keys

to move to the Security menu bar item. The cursor should be in the Set Supervisor Password field. Press the Enter key.

4. Set your personal password, and press the Enter key. You

must confirm the password and press the Enter key again.

5. Press the Enter key at the Setup Notice screen to continue.

6. Move to Password on boot. Use the + or - keys to

select Enabled.

7. Use the arrow keys to select Exit from the menu bar.

8. Make sure that Exit Saving Changes is selected. Press the

Enter key.

ª button to turn on your notebook.

9. Select Ye s to save your changes and exit.

Your power-on password is now set. Every time you turn on your notebook, resume working from hibernation mode, or access F10 Setup, you must enter this password.

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Removing the Password

To remove a power-on password:

Using Your Notebook

1. Press the Power

2. Access F10 Setup as described in the “Setting the Password”

section, type your current password, and press the Enter key.

3. From the Main option on the menu bar, use your arrow keys

to move to the Security menu bar item. The cursor should be in the Set Supervisor Password field. Press the Enter key.

4. Type your current password and press the Enter key.

5. Type your new password, confirm the new password, then

press the Enter key.

6. Press the Enter key at the Setup Notice screen to continue.

7. Use the arrow keys to select Exit from the menu bar.

8. Make sure that Exit Saving Changes is selected. Press the

Enter key, then select Ye s to save your changes and exit.

Pressing the F9 key at any point within the setup returns

Tip

your notebook to the default settings.

ª button to turn on your notebook.

Users Guide 3–15 Evo Notebook N180

Common Tasks

Now that your notebook computer is set up and running, you may want to explore some common tasks.

To help you take advantage of your notebook’s common features, this chapter covers the following main topics:

S-Video Connection, 4-2

■

Software and Hardware, 4-5

■

Modem, 4-11

■

Users Guide 4–1 Evo Notebook N180

Common Tasks

S-Video Connection

With an S-Video connection, you can play games on a bigger screen or watch DVD movies on TV instead of on a notebook display.

Did you know...

See your local electronics store dealer for an S-Video adapter.

Your TV may not have an S-Video connector.

This section helps you complete the following tasks:

Switching Between Displays (Function Key method)

■

Connecting and Enabling S-Video (Manual method)

■

Switching Between Displays

You can switch between your television and your display or external monitor by pressing the Fn+F3 keys. The order in which they change is:

Key

Combination

FN+F3 LCD + Ext.

FN+F3 (2 times) FN+F3 (3 times) Ext. monitor

FN+F3 (4

timesX)

External

Monitor TV

monitor

LCD only TV only TV only

only

External

Monitor + TV

LCD only LCD +Ext.

monitor

LCD only

Ext. monitor only

You must connect the S-Video cable before powering on the

Note

✎

system.

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Connecting and Enabling S-Video

To connect your notebook and your television, you need an S-Video cable to plug into your TV, VCR, or other device. These cables can be purchased from a retail TV store or a computer store.

You must connect the S-Video cable before powering on the

Note

✎

system.

Windows 2000—To connect and enable S-Video:

1. Connect your notebook and your television with an S-Video

cable.

2. From the Windows taskbar, click Start, point to Settings,

then click Control Panel.

Common Tasks

3. Double-click the Display

Properties dialog box, then click the Settings tab.

4. Click the Advanced button to open the ATI Mobility

Radeon Properties dialog box, then click the Displays tab.

Users Guide 4–3 Evo Notebook N180

icon to open the Display

Common Tasks

5. Click the top left corner of the TV button to enable S-Video.

S-Video is enabled if the button next to Primary is blue.

6. Click Apply to accept the changes and then click OK to exit

both dialog boxes.

7. If your notebook asks you to restart Windows, click OK for

the new settings to take effect.

Did you know...

greater than the resolution of your TV. Image quality on the TV varies from application to application.

4–4 Users Guide

The resolution of your notebook display is much

Evo Notebook N180

Common Tasks

Windows XP Professional—To connect and enable S-Video:

1. Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar, then click

Control Panel.

2. Click the Appearance and Themes icon. The Appearance

and Themes dialog box is displayed.

3. Click the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box is

displayed.

4. Click the Settings tab.

5. On the Settings tab, click the Advanced button. The

(Multiple Monitors) and Radeon Mobility-P AGP 4x Properties dialog box is displayed.

6. Click the Displays tab.

7. On the Displays tab, click the top left corner of the TV button

to enable S-Video. S-Video is enabled if the button next to Primary is blue.

8. Click Apply to accept the changes and then click OK to exit

both dialog boxes.

9. If your notebook asks you to restart Windows, click OK for

the new settings to take effect.

Software and Hardware

Discover how easy it is to add and remove software, attach new hardware devices, or reinstall deleted hardware drivers. With easy-to-follow instructions, you can completely and safely install or remove software programs and hardware devices.

This section covers:

Adding and Removing Software

■

Users Guide 4–5 Evo Notebook N180

Common Tasks

Installing Hardware Devices

■

Adding and Removing Software

Software can be installed from a CD or a floppy disk, or downloaded from a Web site. Many software CDs automatically begin the installation process when placed in the CD drive. If you have software that does not automatically begin the installation process, you can install the software by using the Microsoft Windows Add/Remove Programs utility.

Installing Software from a CD or Floppy Disk

To install software from a floppy disk or from a CD that does not automatically install:

1. Close all programs.

2. Use the Windows Start menu to open the Control Panel.

3. Double-click the Add or Remove Programs

icon to open

the Add or Remove Programs dialog box.

4. Click Add New Programs.

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Evo Notebook N180

5. Click the CD or Floppy button.

6. Insert the CD or floppy disk into the proper drive when

prompted by Windows, and click the Next button.

Windows finds the CD or floppy disk and begins the installation process.

Installing Hardware Devices

To install a new hardware device, such as a printer or gamepad, to your notebook:

1. Turn off your notebook.

2. Connect the device to your notebook according to the

instructions that came with it.

3. Turn on your notebook.

Common Tasks

Did you know...

that can be used to connect external desktop peripherals. One of these ports is the 1394 port, also known as Firewire. The 1394 port allows high-speed data transfer between your notebook and external professional electronic devices, such as digital camcorders.

Most hardware devices are plug-and-play compliant. Windows will locate the proper device driver or prompt you to insert the media provided by your hardware manufacturer. Follow the on-screen instructions and use any floppy disk or CD that has been provided by your hardware manufacturer.

You may need to restart your notebook for the new hardware to be recognized.

Users Guide 4–7 Evo Notebook N180

Your notebook is equipped with various ports

Common Tasks

Upgrading Your Notebook’s Memory

Did you know...

RAM (Random Access Memory). Your notebook uses memory as a scratch pad for all of its internal processes. When your notebook is turned off, the contents of its memory are lost.

To avoid losing information that is temporarily stored in your notebook’s memory, always save your work often to nonvolatile media, such as a floppy or your notebook’s hard drive.

You can easily upgrade your notebook’s memory to take full advantage of the latest applications and games. Your notebook can be upgraded to 1 GB of memory using PC 133 memory modules, available from any Compaq retailer.

CAUTION: Electrostatic discharge can damage many electronic

components, including memory upgrade modules. Ensure that you are suitably grounded before upgrading your notebook’s memory.

To upgrade your notebook’s memory:

1. Ensure that you have the memory upgrade module available.

2. Turn off your notebook and disconnect the AC adapter.

3. Turn your notebook bottom side up.

Memory is a volatile medium also known as

4–8 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

Common Tasks

4. Remove the two retaining screws1from the memory

compartment cover and lift the cover

cad goes here

5. Determine the location of the memory modules.

cad goes here

1 Memory Modules* 3 Internal Mini PCI Device

2 Video RAM

*Depending on the model of your notebook, one or both memory banks may be populated with memory.

Users Guide 4–9 Evo Notebook N180

Common Tasks

6. Gently pry outward the tabs that hold the memory module in

place. The memory module will dislodge and pop up at a 45° angle.

7. Grasp the edges of the memory module and remove it from

its socket.

8. Insert the upgrade memory module into the socket at a

45° angle, and gently push down on the sides of the upgrade memory module until it snaps securely into place.

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4–10 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

Common Tasks

Did you know...

are keyed. When inserting the memory module into its socket, ensure that the module is correctly aligned with the socket.

9. If replacing both memory modules, repeat steps 6 through 8

10. Replace the memory compartment cover and secure it with

Modem

The physical connection of a computer to the Internet is typically through a telephone line. Your notebook contains hardware called a modem that sends and receives information over a standard telephone line. On-screen instructions are provided that you must follow when you set up your modem.

Did you know...

your area. Check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or local telephone company for more information.

Did you know...

connection, which is the most common way to connect to high-speed Internet access.

The memory module socket and memory module

for the remaining memory module.

the retaining screws.

High-speed Internet access may be available in

Your notebook has a built-in Ethernet

Connecting a Modem Cable

A modem cable, which has a 6-pin RJ-11 connector at each end, must be connected to an analog telephone line. Jacks for digital PBX systems may resemble analog telephone jacks but are not compatible with the modem. Immediately disconnect an accidental connection to a digital line.

1. Plug the modem cable into the modem port on the computer.

Users Guide 4–11 Evo Notebook N180

Common Tasks

2. Plug the other end of the modem cable into an analog jack.

Did you know...

you purchased the computer, you may need to use a country-specific modem adapter and select a country-specific modem configuration.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, or damage to

the equipment, do not plug a telephone cable into the RJ-45 jack.

3. For international use, plug the modem cable into the

country-specific modem adapter, as shown in the following figure.

To use the modem outside the country in which

4. Plug the country-specific modem adapter into the wall jack.

4–12 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

Connecting a Network Cable

A network cable has an 8-pin RJ-45 connector at each end.

1. Plug the network cable into the RJ-45 port on the computer.

2. Plug the other end of the cable into a network jack.

Common Tasks

Users Guide 4–13 Evo Notebook N180

Using the CD or DVD Drive

Your notebook allows you to listen to music and (on selected models) watch movies.

This chapter covers the following main topics:

CD or DVD Drive, 5-2

■

Modular Bay, 5-4

■

DVDs, 5-10

■

CD-RW Basics, 5-14

■

cad goes here

Users Guide 5–1 Evo Notebook N180

Using the CD or DVD Drive

CD or DVD Drive

In this section, you will learn how to insert and remove CDs and DVDs:

Inserting a Disc

■

Removing a Disc

■

Manually Ejecting a Disc

■

Inserting a Disc

To load a disc into the disc drive:

CAUTION: Improper handling of a CD or DVD can damage the disc

and could potentially damage the drive.

1. Press the Eject button located on the front of the drive.

2. Remove a disc from its protective case, holding the disc by its

center hole and outer edge to avoid touching the surface.

3. Place the disc, label side up (unless it is a double-sided

DVD), into the round area of the tray. Gently press the disc down onto the center spindle of the tray until the disc snaps into place.

cad goes here

5–2 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

CAUTION: Before closing the disc tray, ensure that the disc snaps

onto the spindle in the center of the tray. You can damage the disc and your notebook if the disc is not seated properly.

4. Push the tray back into the drive until the drive locks into

place.

Removing a Disc

To remove a disc from the drive, complete the following steps:

1. Press the Eject button on the

drive.

2. Remove the disc from the tray, gently pushing down on the

center spindle while pulling up on the outer edges. Avoid touching the surface of the disc.

3. Push the tray back into the drive until it locks into place.

Manually Ejecting a Disc

Using the CD or DVD Drive

Did you know...

able to eject a disc from the CD or DVD drive. To remove a disc without powering up your notebook, you must eject the disc from the drive manually.

If you need to eject a disc when the power is off, complete the following steps to eject the disc manually:

1. Make sure that the power is off and any external power

sources are disconnected.

Users Guide 5–3 Evo Notebook N180

If your notebook power is off, you will not be

Using the CD or DVD Drive

2. Insert a small rod or pin, such as a paper clip (approximately

1/16 inch in diameter and at least 3/8 inch in length) into the Manual Eject Hole and push firmly.

3. Remove the disc from the tray.

4. Gently push the tray back into the drive until it locks into

place.

Modular Bay

Your new notebook provides you with the ability to interchange drives (CD, DVD, CD-RW, DVD/CD-RW, or diskette drive), spare batteries, or a weight saver using a swapping design called modular bay.

cad goes here

Using the Modular Bay

Did you know...

time whether your notebook is on or off.

See also

☞

guide to locate the modular bay quick-release handle.

To change the drive in the modular bay, follow the instructions provided for your operating system.

5–4 Users Guide

“Components on the Underside” in Chapter 2 of this

With modular bay, you can swap drives at any

Evo Notebook N180

Windows 2000

To switch from one drive to another:

1. Click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon in the Windows

system tray. The Unplug or Eject Hardware dialog box is displayed.

2. Select the device to unplug and click the Stop button.

3. Confirm the device to stop and click the OK button.

4. When Windows notifies you that it is safe to unplug the

device, click the OK button.

5. Slide and hold the modular bay release switch toward the

back, and pull out the drive.

6. After you remove the drive, insert the other drive.

Close the Unplug or Eject Hardware dialog box. Your notebook will automatically detect that the drive in the modular bay has been swapped.

Using the CD or DVD Drive

Windows XP Professional

To switch from one modular bay device to another:

1. Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the Windows

system tray. The devices that are installed display.

2. Select the device to be removed.A message appears telling

you that the device can be safely removed from the system.

Users Guide 5–5 Evo Notebook N180

Using the CD or DVD Drive

3. Slide and hold the modular bay release switch toward the

back, then pull out the device.

4. After you remove the device, insert another device.

5. Your notebook automatically detects that the modular bay

device has been swapped.

5–6 Users Guide

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Using the CD or DVD Drive

1. Right click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the

Windows system tray. Select Safely Remove Hardware. The Safely Remove Hardware dialog box appears.

2. Select the device to remove and click Stop.

3. The Stop a hardware device dialog box prompts you to

confirm the device to be stopped. Click OK.

4. A message appears telling you that it is safe to remove the

hardware.

5. Slide and hold the modular bay release switch toward the

back, then pull out the device.

6. After you remove the device, insert another device.

7. Close the Safely Remove Hardware dialog box. Your

notebook automatically detects that the modular bay device has been swapped.

To avoid losing data, Compaq recommends that you use the

Tip

operating system to completely stop a modular bay drive from running before you remove the drive from your notebook. Refer to the appropriate Web site for information about using the operating system to stop drives before unplugging them.

Users Guide 5–7 Evo Notebook N180

Using the CD or DVD Drive

Audio CDs and Non-DVD Video Discs

In this section you’ll learn how to play audio and video discs with your notebook:

Playing Audio CDs

■

Playing Non-DVD Video Discs

■

Playing Audio CDs

Did you know...

audio CD. These keys are shown in “Function Key Combinations” in Chapter 2 of this guide.

To play an audio CD, insert the disc into the CD or DVD drive. After a few seconds the Windows Media Player opens and the disc automatically starts playing.

If disc play does not start automatically, complete the following steps:

1. Use the Windows Start menu to open the Windows Media

Player.

2. Click the Play button to begin playing the CD.

3. Click the Stop button to stop playing the CD.

To remove the disc from the drive, click the Eject button on the CD or DVD drive.

You can also use the function keys to play an

5–8 Users Guide

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Playing Non-DVD Video Discs

To play a video disc, insert the disc into the CD or DVD drive. After a few seconds, the disc automatically starts playing.

Windows 2000—If disc play does not start automatically, complete the following steps:

1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, point to

Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, and then click Windows Media Player.

2. Select File, and then Open from the Windows Media

Player menu.

3. Click the Browse button.

Using the CD or DVD Drive

4. Locate and double-click the CD Drive

icon. You should

see a list of files and file folders.

5. Double-click the folder that contains the CD movie files.

6. Select a movie file and click the Open button. A viewing

window for the movie is displayed.

7. Click the Play button on the window to begin playing the

movie.

Windows XP Professional—If disc play does not start automatically:

1. Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar.

2. Click the Windows Media Player icon. The Windows

Media Player dialog box is displayed.

3. Click the down arrow beside the Playlist field in the

upper-right corner of the Windows Media Player dialog box. A drop-down list displays the contents of the disc.

Users Guide 5–9 Evo Notebook N180

Using the CD or DVD Drive

DVDs

In this section you’ll learn how to play DVD discs with your notebook:

Using the DVD Player

■

On-Screen Controls

■

Identifying Your DVD Region Setting

■

Your notebook’s DVD drive reserves the best seat in the house for you, so you can watch all your favorite movies anytime, anywhere.

Did you know...

DVDs look like CDs, but they store movies. DVDs store about 28 times more information than video CDs.

DVD stands for Digital Versatile Disc.

Using the DVD Player

Did you know...

playback because it must first determine the type of media being played.

For the best playback quality, close all open applications

Tip

while playing a DVD.

The DVD player is available only on selected models.

Note

The DVD drive will take a few seconds to start

✎

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On-Screen Controls

The on-screen controls allow you to quickly and easily access the features of the WinDVD Player.

After the WinDVD Player is launched and active, use the controls shown on the WinDVD Player panel to navigate through the DVD titles. The WinDVD Player controls are designed to look like controls on a stand-alone DVD player, so they may seem familiar.

Keep in mind that not all options are available with all DVD titles. Only the author of a title can include features. If a feature is not available with a particular title, it will be grayed out and inaccessible.

Using the CD or DVD Drive

cad goes here

Users Guide 5–11 Evo Notebook N180

Using the CD or DVD Drive

Identifying Your DVD Region Setting

Did you know...

match the drive’s region setting, you will see the message “Playback of content from this region is not permitted.”

To close the player without changing the drive’s region setting, click Cancel.

To change the region setting and play the DVD disc, select the current region and click OK.

Most DVD discs have a “region” setting that limits the playback of the disc to specific geographical regions. The region code on the DVD drive must match the region code on the DVD disc.

To change the DVD drive region, complete the following steps:

1. With a DVD disc in the drive, open the WinDVD Player.

2. Click the Properties icon on the lower left corner of the

player to open the Properties dialog box.

3. Click the General tab.

When attempting to play a DVD that does not

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Using the CD or DVD Drive

cad goes here

4. Select the desired region in the Current regions section.

5. Click OK to return to the WinDVD Player.

Did you know...

DVD drive five times. The fifth setting change you make becomes the permanent region on the player. Each time you make a change to the drive’s region setting, the remaining number of changes allowed on the DVD drive is displayed.

Users Guide 5–13 Evo Notebook N180

You can only change the region code for the

Using the CD or DVD Drive

CD-RW Basics

If your notebook has a CD-RW drive and the Easy CD Creator Kit, you can create your own audio and data CDs:

Installing CD-RW Software

■

Accessing CD-RW Software User Information

■

Using CD-RW Software

■

Preventing Buffer Underrun Errors

■

Installing CD-RW Software

Did you know...

Windows Media Player CD-RW software is activated automatically. Use the on-line Help of the Windows Media Player for more information.

Did you know...

own CDs. You can buy two types of media: CD-RW and CD-R. CD-RW refers to compact discs (or drives) that are readable and writable. CD-RW discs can hold more than 450 times the information that can be stored on a floppy disk and CD-R media can be played on most of the newer CD players, CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives. CD-R media can be written to only once. However, you can write to CD-RW media using multiple recording sessions until you close out the disc. CD-RW media can be used to make backups of your personal CDs or hard disk. These discs are reusable and can be erased and rewritten to numerous times.

CD-RW software is only available on selected models.

Note

If you are are running Windows XP, the

The CD-RW drive allows you to create your

✎

5–14 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

Using the CD or DVD Drive

Did you know...

before installing CD-RW software.

To install CD-RW software:

1. After the CD is inserted, the CD-RW software installation

dialog box is displayed. Click the Next button to begin the installation process.

2. Select the Complete option to install CD-RW software. Click

the Next button to continue the installation process.

3. At the screen advising you that installation is about to start,

click the Install button to begin copying files to your system.

4. When the installation is complete, click Finish.

You must close all other Windows programs

Accessing CD-RW Software User Information

The CD-RW software included with your notebook comes with step-by-step instructions and a complete user’s manual called Online Help to answer any questions you might have about the functionality of the software with your CD-RW drive.

To access Online Help, click Help from the toolbar, then select Contents and Index from the drop-down list.

Users Guide 5–15 Evo Notebook N180

Using the CD or DVD Drive

Using CD-RW Software

CDs are created using the Easy CD Creator Kit (available on selected models). Various uses of the CD-RW drive are shown in the following table.

Media Uses

Audio Create personal music CDs with your favorite music

tracks and MP3/WMA files.

Data Create a data CD to store data, such as files or folders

from the hard disk. This feature is useful for backing up important files or sharing data with other people.

Direct CD Write files directly to a CD-R/CD-RW just like you copy

files to a disk drive. Drag-and-drop files from one drive to another in Microsoft Explorer, without accessing Easy CD Creator.

CD Copier Create an entire copy of a CD or a backup of data files.

Jewel Case Creator

Make custom jewel case inserts and CD labels to indicate the title and contents of a CD. Labels are sold separately.

Confirm that the Easy CD Creator software has been

Note

✎

installed before you begin creating CDs.

Did you know...

be prompted to restart your notebook. You must restart your notebook before you can begin using the software.

Did you know...

before installing CD-RW software.

5–16 Users Guide

After installation of CD-RW software, you will

You must close all other Windows programs

Evo Notebook N180

Preventing Buffer Underrun Errors

Using the CD or DVD Drive

Did you know...

disc unusable. If this occurs, it may be necessary to start over with a new disc and then properly dispose of the old disc.

A buffer underrun is an error that occurs when the flow of data to the CD-Recorder is interrupted. When a buffer underrun occurs, the CD creation process is halted.

The following suggestions may help prevent buffer underruns:

Close other programs and disable tasks or applications

■

running in the background, such as screen savers and virus software.

Ensure that the temporary files created during CD recording

■

are created on the local hard disk, not in a directory on a network drive.

To change the location where the temporary files are

Note

✎

stored, click Tools from the Easy CD Creator menu, select Options, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Do not attempt to record CDs from files on a network. If the

■

desired files are on a network, copy them to your local hard disk before recording the CD.

In extreme cases, some errors may render your

A buffer underrun error can occur on single or dual optical

Note

✎

drive systems (CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM drives).

Users Guide 5–17 Evo Notebook N180

Caring for Your Battery

This chapter shows you how to maintain and recharge your battery properly so that your notebook computer has the power necessary to continue running.

This chapter covers the following main topics:

Battery Care, 6-2

■

Battery Calibration, 6-5

■

Power Management, 6-10

■

After you have read this chapter, you will be able to complete the following tasks:

Increase the length of battery operating time

■

Correct a low-battery condition

■

Store your battery

■

Recycle your battery

■

Users Guide 6–1 Evo Notebook N180

Caring for Your Battery

Battery Care

Using the Battery

In this section you will become familiar with the following:

Using the Battery

■

Storing the Battery

■

Recycling the Battery

■

WARNING: If your notebook contains a lithium battery pack,

improper handling of the battery pack may result in fire and chemical burns. Do not disassemble, crush, puncture, short external contacts, dispose of in water or fire, or expose it to temperatures higher than 140° F (60° C). Replace only with the Compaq battery pack specified for your notebook.

See also

☞

information on inserting, removing, and charging your battery.

Tip

Compaq recommends that you keep a battery installed. This method ensures that you have a charged battery when you need it.

6–2 Users Guide

“Using Battery Power” in Chapter 3 of this guide for

For safety reasons, when operating under AC power,

Evo Notebook N180

The computer supports two batteries: a main battery and a modular bay battery.

1 Main Battery 2 Modular Bay Battery

Checking Battery Power

To determine the amount of remaining battery power, double-click the Battery Status or Power Meter icon located on the right side of the Windows taskbar.

Caring for Your Battery

Did you know...

optional modular bay battery installed on your notebook, the modular bay battery discharges before the main battery.

Users Guide 6–3 Evo Notebook N180

When you have the main battery and the

Caring for Your Battery

Storing the Battery

Your notebook uses a Li-Ion (lithium-ion) battery. If you will not be using your notebook for an extended period of time (2 weeks, for example), you must take precautions to ensure that your battery is stored correctly.

Use your notebook until the battery is drained to 50 percent.

■

Remove the battery and store it separately.

■

You may store your battery within the following temperature

Tip

range: 32° F to 113° F (0° C to 45° C). To extend its operating life, store the battery in a cool, dry place.

Temperature plays an important role in recharging your

Tip

battery. To gain maximum capacity, allow both the battery and your notebook to cool to 68° F (20° C), which is room temperature, before recharging the battery.

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Recycling the Battery

In North America, dispose of lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries by taking advantage of the Compaq battery recycling program. You will be provided with a postage-paid battery pack mailer pre-addressed to a reclamation facility where the metals are recycled.

Do not dispose of batteries with general household waste. Dispose of or recycle them by using a public collection system or returning them to Compaq, your authorized Compaq partners, or their agents.

Battery Calibration

All batteries lose their charge if they have not been used for a long period of time. In this section you will become familiar with the following:

Caring for Your Battery

Calibrating the Battery

■

Maximizing Battery Operating Time

■

Calibrating the Battery

Recalibrating the battery simply means recharging the battery to its maximum capacity and resetting the battery gauge to display the level of charge accurately. You may notice that the battery gauge does not correctly display the battery charge level when you first receive your notebook, or if you have not used your notebook for a long period of time. If the battery gauge becomes inaccurate, you must recalibrate your battery.

Users Guide 6–5 Evo Notebook N180

Caring for Your Battery

Windows 2000—To recalibrate the battery:

1. Plug in the AC adapter.

2. Allow the battery to charge until the Battery Charge

turns off, showing that the battery is fully charged.

light turns off, unplug the

3. After the Battery Charge

AC adapter.

4. Turn on or restart your notebook.

Do not plug in the AC adapter during the process or you will

Tip

have to start over with step 1.

Steps 5 through 8 prevent your notebook from entering

Note

✎

Sleep mode. These steps also allow the battery to drain faster.

5. Use the Windows Start menu to open the Control Panel.

6. Click the Power Options

Options Properties dialog box.

You can use your notebook while the battery is draining or

Tip

charging.

7. Click the Power Schemes tab and select the

Portable/Laptop scheme.

icon to display the Power

7 light

6–6 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

8. From the Running on batteries column:

Caring for Your Battery

a. In the Turn off monitor drop-down list, select Never. b. In the Turn off hard disks drop-down list, select Never. c. In the System standby drop-down list, select Never. d. In the System hibernates drop-down list, select Never.

9. Let the battery drain until your notebook reaches Hibernation

and turns off.

10. Plug in the AC adapter and restart your notebook.

11. Return to the Power Options Properties dialog box, and

re-enter your power savings settings to the desired level.

Users Guide 6–7 Evo Notebook N180

Caring for Your Battery

Windows XP Professional—To recalibrate the battery:

1. Plug in the AC adapter.

2. Allow the battery to charge until the Battery Charge

7 light

turns off, showing that the battery is fully charged.

light turns off, unplug the

3. After the Battery Charge

AC adapter.

4. Turn on or restart your notebook.

Steps 5 through 8 prevent your notebook from entering Sleep mode. These steps also allow the battery to drain faster.

5. Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar, then click

Control Panel.

6. Click the Performance and Maintenance icon. The

Performance and Maintenance dialog box is displayed.

7. Click the Power Options icon. The Power Options

Properties dialog box is displayed.

8. Click the Power Schemes tab.

9. From the Running on batteries column:

10. Let the battery drain until your notebook reaches Hibernation and turns off.

11. Plug in the AC adapter and restart your notebook.

12. Return to the Power Options Properties dialog box, and re-enter your power savings settings to the desired level.

6–8 Users Guide

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Battery Charging Time

Battery charging time will vary based on the initial battery charge, the type of battery, and the activity of your notebook while charging.

Your notebook’s batteries charge much faster if the notebook

Tip

is off while charging.

Maximizing Battery Operating Time

The battery operating time depends on your power management settings. Your notebook components, the options, and the applications that you use also affect the operating time. This section shows you how to increase the length of time you are able to operate under battery power.

The display, processor, CD/DVD drive, and hard drive use the most battery power. To maximize the battery operating time, perform one or more of the following actions:

Press the Fn+F7 keys to reduce the display brightness and to

■

select a short wait for your screen saver.

Caring for Your Battery

Select a screen saver that does not generate a lot of graphics

■

or motion. Reduce audio volume or use headphones.

■

Exit modem programs when you are not using them.

■

Remove PC Cards when you are not using them.

■

Remove CDs or DVDs when you are not using them.

■

Use Sleep or Hibernation mode to turn off your notebook

■

when you are not using it.

Users Guide 6–9 Evo Notebook N180

Caring for Your Battery

Power Management

Did you know...

protect your data and conserve battery and monitor life.

Notebooks have power-saving features that

What Is Power Management?

This section explains the following main topics:

Understanding Power Management

■

Starting and Ending Power Modes

■

Understanding Power Management

Power management lets you reduce your notebook power consumption. Your notebook has two power management modes:

Hibernation is an energy-saving feature and safeguard that

■

saves information to the hard drive, then turns off your notebook. When you resume from Hibernation, your information returns to the screen where you were previously working. Your notebook hibernates when the Power is pressed, when the battery has little power left, or when your notebook (operating on battery power) is in Sleep mode for more than one hour.

Sleep, also called Standby, is an energy-saving feature that

■

reduces power to system components that are not being used. When Sleep is initiated, your information is saved in Random Access Memory (RAM), and the screen is cleared. Your notebook is still on, but the display is blank. When you resume from Suspend, your information returns to the screen where you were previously working.

button

6–10 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

Caring for Your Battery

Did you know...

takes longer than returning to information saved in Sleep but is faster than returning to your information manually after restarting your notebook.

CAUTION: Although Sleep mode maintains system information

and open files, you will lose any unsaved information if you turn off your notebook before you end the Sleep mode.

Starting and Ending Power Modes

The following table shows you how to start and end the various power modes of your notebook.

Did you know...

Hibernation if your battery is low or after one hour of Sleep. When your notebook is on AC power, it does not go into Hibernation.

Returning to information saved in Hibernation

Your notebook automatically goes into

Users Guide 6–11 Evo Notebook N180

Caring for Your Battery

If you want to... Then... Result/Indicators

Put your notebook to Sleep manually.

Wake your notebook from Sleep manually.

Put your notebook into Hibernation manually.

Wake your notebook from Hibernation manually.

Windows 2000—Press the Fn+F4 keys. Or click the Start button and select the Standby option from the shut down menus.

Windows XP Professional—Press the Fn+F4 keys. Or click the Start button on the Windows taskbar, Tur n Off Computer, then Stand By.

Press any key.

Windows 2000—Press the Power Or click the Start button,

Shutdown, then Hibernate.

Windows XP Professional—Press the Power click the Start button, Turn Off Computer, then

hold down thte Shift key as you click on Hibernate.

Press the Power ª button once.

ª button once.

ª button once. Or

Power

blinks.

Power

stays on.

Power

is off.

Power

stays on.

ª light

ªlight

6–12 Users Guide

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Fixing a Low-Battery Condition

If you will not be using your notebook for an extended period

Tip

of time, Compaq recommends that you unplug the electrical cord from the outlet and remove the battery.

A low-battery condition exists when the battery has less than 10 percent of its power remaining. This section shows you how to correct a low-battery condition and what to do if your notebook loses all battery power.

When your notebook loses all battery power, it begins Hibernation, a process that cannot be interrupted. If Hibernation has begun, you must allow your notebook to finish saving your information and shut off automatically before you try to correct the low-battery condition.

The availability of an AC wall outlet will determine which solution you should use to correct a low-battery condition.

Caring for Your Battery

Use one of the following options:

Connect the AC Adapter

■

Replace the Drained Battery with a Charged One

■

Suspend Your Work

■

Users Guide 6–13 Evo Notebook N180

Caring for Your Battery

Connect the AC Adapter

This solution allows you to continue working without being interrupted and simultaneously charges the drained battery. You don’t have to turn off your notebook before connecting the AC adapter. Your notebook automatically switches to AC power when you connect the AC adapter.

Did you know...

will charge whether your notebook is on or off and will continue to charge until the battery is fully charged or AC power is disconnected.

When the AC adapter is connected, the battery

Replace the Drained Battery with a Charged One

If you cannot connect the AC adapter, but you have a charged battery, you can change to battery power and continue working. To replace the drained battery with a charged one, complete the following steps:

1. Save your work.

2. Turn off your notebook (or initiate Hibernation).

3. Replace the drained battery with the charged one.

4. Press the Power

5. Resume your work.

When AC power becomes available, plug in the AC adapter and replace your notebook’s battery with the drained battery to recharge it.

button to turn on your notebook.

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Suspend Your Work

If you cannot plug in the AC adapter and you do not have a charged replacement battery, start Hibernation by pressing the

Power

available, press the Power resume your work.

ª button. When a power source (AC or battery) becomes

Caring for Your Battery

ª button to turn your notebook on and

Did you know...

mode, it will not turn on until it is plugged into an AC adapter or the drained battery is replaced with a charged one.

After your notebook has entered Hibernation

Users Guide 6–15 Evo Notebook N180

Maintenance, Shipping

and Travel

Updating Your System

Compaq recommends that you install all software updates as they become available. However, if your system is connected to a network, you may need to confer with your Information Services department before updating system ROM.

Obtaining Update Information and Software

Checking the Compaq Web Site

You can obtain the latest information and updated software directly from the Compaq Web site at

To ensure optimal computer performance, check the Compaq Web site frequently for product news and software updates.

http://www.compaq.com.

Subscribing to the Compaq Support Software CD

You can subscribe to the Compaq Support Software CD that contains detailed software support information and software and installation instructions for the latest device drivers, system ROMs, and utilities.

To obtain ordering information, contact your Compaq authorized dealer, reseller, or service provider or go to the Compaq Web site at

http://www.compaq.com.

Users Guide 7–1 Evo Notebook N180

Maintenance, Shipping and Travel

Downloading Software Updates

You can obtain download and installation instructions from the Software and Drivers Download Center at the Compaq Web site. In addition, each download includes a Readme.txt file that includes installation instructions and other information.

Most software at the Compaq Web site is packaged in a

Note

✎

compressed file called a SoftPaq™. A compressed file containing a system read-only memory (ROM) is called a ROMPaq™.

To download software updates from the Compaq Web site:

1. Go to

2. From the Software and Drivers Download Center menu,

3. Select your computer family, model, and operating system

4. Browse through the entries and ensure that you have the latest

Note

✎

the computer, press Fn+esc. (The version of the Compaq System BIOS is the version of your system ROM.) If you are unable to display the system ROM version with Fn+esc, run Computer Setup. For instructions on running Computer Setup, refer to the Compaq Utilities guide.

http://www.compaq.com/support/files.

select your notebook.

and select Go.

software, especially the ROM and video updates.

To determine the version of the system ROM installed on

7–2 Users Guide

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5. Download any updates that are later than those currently on your computer.

If you are downloading a ROMPaq, you will need a

Note

✎

formatted 1.44-megabyte or larger diskette. A ROMPaq can be installed from a diskette inserted into either a diskette drive or a SuperDisk LS-120 drive, but it cannot be installed from a SuperDisk LS-120 disk.

Installing Software Updates

Installing a Downloaded SoftPaq

1. Read the Readme.txt file included with the download.

2. Follow the installation instructions in the Readme.txt file or on the Compaq Web site.

Installing a System ROM

The easiest way to install a system ROM is from a diskette.

Maintenance, Shipping and Travel

A system ROM cannot be installed directly from any other

Note

✎

drive medium, including a SuperDisk LS-120 disk. A system ROM can be installed directly from your hard drive only if you start up the computer and install it from MS-DOS.

The procedures for downloading a ROMPaq or loading a system ROM from a Compaq CD-ROM include the extraction of the installation files to a diskette.

Be sure you have removed the diskette containing the system ROM from the drive before beginning the following procedure:

1. Shut down the computer.

2. Connect the computer to an electrical outlet.

Users Guide 7–3 Evo Notebook N180

Maintenance, Shipping and Travel

CAUTION: The system ROM will not install properly if the computer is

docked or running on battery power. During the installation, do not shut down or unplug the computer.

3. Insert the diskette containing the system ROM into the diskette drive.

4. Turn on the computer and follow the instructions on the screen.

5. When the message on the screen reports that the installation is complete, remove the diskette.

6. Shut down the computer.

Note

✎

Do not turn on the computer immediately after installing a system ROM. To continue working after a message on the screen reports that the installation is complete, shut down the computer, wait 10 seconds, then turn on the computer.

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Restoring Software

A QuickRestore CD kit is included with the computer. If necessary, you can restore any or all of the software for the operating system and language you selected during initial setup from the CD.

If you are restoring Windows NT 4.0 operating system,

Note

✎

refer to the Hardware Guide, “Computer Upgrades and Add-Ons” section, for information about reinstalling CardWare.

CAUTION: To prevent file corruption and ensure that the correct drivers install during the restore process:

Do not restore software while the computer is docked in a

■

docking base. Plug the computer into an electrical outlet and do not unplug it.

■

Do not shut down the computer.

■

Do not remove or insert a drive.

■

Maintenance, Shipping and Travel

Users Guide 7–5 Evo Notebook N180

Maintenance, Shipping and Travel

Installing a Retail Version of an Operating System

The Microsoft Windows operating system available during the original computer setup and included on the QuickRestore CD is enhanced by Compaq. The enhancements provide additional functionality in such areas as power management, security, and the use of drives and PC Cards.

All Compaq enhancements can be obtained from the Compaq Support Software CD or from the Compaq Web site at

http://www.compaq.com.

CAUTION: Replacing a Compaq enhanced operating system with

a retail version will result in the loss of enhancements added by Compaq. In other cases, it may result in system lockups and loss of unsaved information. In other cases, complete USB support will become unavailable.

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Maintenance, Shipping and Travel

Virus Protection

If you use the computer for email or to access the World Wide Web or if you install software from media of unprotected sources, you risk infecting the system with a computer virus. You can protect the computer from infection by installing antivirus software. Several products are available on the market that will detect the virus, destroy it, and repair any damage it causes. Contact your authorized Compaq retailer for details.

Monitoring Computer Temperature

When the computer is run at high power levels or for an extended period of time, it is normal for the computer to feel warm to hot.

The computer complies with international safety standards for temperatures of user-accessible surfaces.

For more information about operating temperatures, refer to Hardware Guide, “Specifications” section.

Users Guide 7–7 Evo Notebook N180

Maintenance, Shipping and Travel

Caring for the Computer

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to

internal components, do not allow liquids to drip into the computer keyboard.

CAUTION: To prevent possible damage to the display, do not place

anything on top of the computer when it is closed.

CAUTION: Soap or other cleaning products can damage the

screen and discolor the plastic.

Keep the computer away from excessive moisture and

■

temperature extremes. Do not expose the computer to liquids or precipitation.

Avoid exposing the computer to direct sunlight or strong

■

ultraviolet light for extended periods of time. If the computer will not be used for a week or more, shut it

■

down. If the computer will be disconnected from an external power

■

source for more than 2 weeks:

Shut down the computer.

❏

Remove all battery packs and store them in a cool,

❏

dry place.

As needed, clean the screen and exposed computer surfaces

■

with a soft cloth moistened only with water. Do not spray liquids directly on the computer.

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Caring for Drives

Drives are fragile computer components that must be handled with care.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the computer or drive and loss of information:

Turn off the computer before removing or inserting a hard drive

■

from the hard drive bay or MultiBay. Do not remove a hard drive while the computer is on, in Suspend, or in Hibernation.

Remove a storage medium from the drive prior to removing the

■

drive from the computer. Close the CD or DVD media tray before removing the drive.

■

Electrostatic discharge can damage electronic components.

■

Before handling a drive, ensure that you are discharged of static electricity. Grasp the outer case and avoid touching the connectors. For more information about preventing electrostatic damage, refer to the this CD.

Do not use force when inserting a drive into a bay. Excessive

■

force may damage the connectors. Handle the drive carefully. Do not drop it.

■

Avoid exposing a hard drive to products with magnetic fields

■

such as video and audio tape erasure products, monitors, and speakers.

Do not spray a drive with cleaners.

■

Avoid exposing a drive to liquids or temperature extremes. If a

■

drive must be mailed, ship it in packaging that protects it from shock, vibration, temperature, and humidity. Label the mailer as “fragile.”

Maintenance, Shipping and Travel

Regulatory and Safety Notices

guide on

Users Guide 7–9 Evo Notebook N180

Maintenance, Shipping and Travel

Preparing the Computer for Shipping or Travel

1. Back up your work.

2. Remove all CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, diskettes, disks, or PC Cards.

3. Shut down the computer.

4. If the computer will be disconnected from an external power source for more than 2 weeks, remove all battery packs.

5. Turn off, then disconnect all external devices.

6. If you are shipping the computer, place it in the original packing box or similar protective packaging and label the package as fragile.

Traveling with the Computer

Take along a backup of your work. Do not pack the backup

■

with the computer. Hand carry the computer. Do not check it with your luggage.

■

Do not expose the computer or diskettes to a magnetic

■

security detector.

The security device that examines carry-on items placed

❏

on a conveyer belt uses X-rays and is safe for the computer and diskettes.

The walk-through security device and the handheld

❏

security wands are magnetic and may damage the computer or diskettes.

If you plan to use the computer during a flight, check in

■

advance with the airline: in-flight computer use is at the discretion of the airline.

7–10 Users Guide

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Maintenance, Shipping and Travel

If you expect to encounter climatic extremes, review the

■

Operating Environment guidelines in the Hardware Guide, “Specifications” section.

If you are traveling internationally:

■

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to

the equipment, do not attempt to power the computer with a voltage converter kit sold for appliances.

Consult with a Compaq authorized dealer, reseller, or

❏

service provider about power cord and adapter requirements for each location in which you plan to use the computer. (Voltage, frequency, and plug configurations vary.) To contact a Compaq authorized dealer, reseller, or service provider near you, refer to the Worldwide Telephone Numbers guide included with the computer.

If you plan to use an internal modem, review the

❏

instructions for using it internationally in the Modem and Networking guide.

Check the computer-related Customs regulations for each

❏

country on your itinerary.

Users Guide 7–11 Evo Notebook N180

Maintenance, Shipping and Travel

Regulatory Information

Regulatory agencies worldwide use agency series numbers for product identification. Each approved product displays the assigned agency series number. To ensure continued safe and reliable operation, use the computer only with the products listed below:

Product Agency Series Number

Computer CM2110

Battery pack CM2111X

AC Adapters ADP-60DB

ADP-60DB Rev. B PA-1600-01 PA-1600-02 LE-9702A-01+ LE-9702B-01+ LSE9802B1960 LSE9802A1960

Docking base CM2117

7–12 Users Guide

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Solutions

In this chapter you’ll learn easy ways to increase computer performance and solve some basic computer problems.

This chapter covers the following main topics:

Basic Solutions, 8-2

■

Backup Utilities, 8-2

■

Compaq Help and Support, 8-3

■

Solution Tables, 8-7

■

If you cannot solve a problem yourself, you can contact Compaq support for all the help you’ll need.

Users Guide 8–1 Evo Notebook N180

Solutions

Basic Solutions

Before you consult our extensive list of common solutions, try these helpful hints. If you still need help, this section tells you how to quickly find the solution:

Backup Utilities

■

Compaq Help and Support

■

Helpful Hints

■

Finding Solutions Quickly

■

Backup Utilities

Using Backup Devices

You should back up your files regularly with a backup utility. A backup utility provides an extra copy of your data in case of

accidental loss because of a hardware or media failure. This is done by creating a duplicate copy of the data on your hard drive on another storage device, such as a floppy disk, a tape drive, or another hard drive. In the event that the original data on your hard drive is accidentally erased or overwritten, or becomes inaccessible because of a hard drive malfunction, you can easily restore your data from the backed up copy.

Backup utilities allow you to back up all the files on your notebook or select specific files and folders. For a partial backup of selected files or folders, save to floppy disks. For a complete hard drive backup, use backup devices such as tape drives, external hard drives, or other high-capacity backup devices.

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Compaq Help and Support

Your notebook is equipped with Compaq Help and Support, an integrated help and assistance tool from Microsoft and Compaq that provides the following services:

Easy access to your notebook’s built-in product information

■

Preventive care and maintenance assistance for your

■

notebook Links to online support and technical assistance

■

Accessing Compaq Help and Support

To access Compaq Help and Support, press Fn+F2 or double-click the Help and Support icon on your Windows Start menu. The Help and Support window is displayed.

You can also access Compaq Help and Support by clicking

Tip

the Start button and pointing to Compaq Help and Support.

Use Compaq Help and Support when you need:

Solutions

Answers to questions about your hardware or software.

■

Help installing new peripherals or software applications.

■

A resolution to a hardware or software problem or error.

■

Help restoring your notebook’s settings and undoing

■

unsuitable changes. Access to the latest drivers, updates, downloads, and online

■

documentation. Access to online help and support from a qualified Compaq

■

support specialist.

Users Guide 8–3 Evo Notebook N180

Solutions

Using Online Help and Support

If you are unable to resolve the problem on your notebook using the troubleshooting and diagnostic features of Compaq Help and Support, additional assistance is available online.

Compaq Help and Support provides integrated access to online assistance, allowing you to post questions or issues to the Compaq Customer Communities or to open a service request online for a Compaq support specialist.

To post your question to the Compaq Customer Communities, open Compaq Help and Support and click Join the Compaq

Customer Communities.

You may want to visit the following Compaq Web sites:

www.compaq.com/ communities

www.compaq.com/ /support/files

Did you know...

find collaborative assistance from other users like yourself. You

In the Compaq Customer Communities, you will

Keyword search site, where novices to technical experts collaborate to share knowledge, information, and assistance.

Direct link to the Software and Drivers Download Center where the latest software updates are available for downloading.

can search the community for existing discussions applicable to your questions or issues, or you can post a new question for a response from the community.

8–4 Users Guide

Evo Notebook N180

HP Evo Notebook N180 User guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Introduction

Where Can I Find Information?

Documentation

Viewing or Printing a Guide on the CD

Symbols and Graphics

Symbols

Graphics

Safety

Turning Off Your Notebook PC

Your Notebook at a Glance

Front of Your Notebook

Common Features

Lower Front Panel

Lights and Easy Access Buttons

Function Key Combinations

Left and Right Panels

Components on Left Side

Components on Right Side

Back Panel

Components on Back

Underside

Components on the Underside

Using Your Notebook

Power On

Plugging and Unplugging AC Power

Turning Your Notebook On and Off

Using Battery Power

Using Keyboard and Pointing Device

Using the TouchPad Instead of a Mouse

Tapping and Double-Tapping

Edge Motion

Easy Access Buttons

Reprogramming the Easy Access Buttons

Storage Drives

Identifying Your Storage Drives

Security

Using the Security Slot

Power-On Password

Common Tasks

S-Video Connection

Switching Between Displays

Connecting and Enabling S-Video

Software and Hardware

Adding and Removing Software

Installing Hardware Devices

Upgrading Your Notebook’s Memory

Modem

Connecting a Modem Cable

Connecting a Network Cable

Using the CD or DVD Drive

CD or DVD Drive

Inserting a Disc

Removing a Disc

Manually Ejecting a Disc

Modular Bay

Using the Modular Bay

Audio CDs and Non-DVD Video Discs

Playing Audio CDs

Playing Non-DVD Video Discs

DVDs

Using the DVD Player

On-Screen Controls

Identifying Your DVD Region Setting

CD-RW Basics

Installing CD-RW Software

Accessing CD-RW Software User Information

Using CD-RW Software

Preventing Buffer Underrun Errors

Caring for Your Battery

Battery Care

Using the Battery

Storing the Battery

Recycling the Battery

Battery Calibration

Calibrating the Battery

Maximizing Battery Operating Time