HP F2320K, OmniBook xe3-gc, Pavilion N5 Reference Manual
HP Notebook PC
Reference Guide
Notice
This manual and any examples contained herein are provided “as is” and are subject to
change without notice. Hewlett-Packard Company makes no warranty of any kind with
regard to this manual, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Hewlett-Packard Co. shall not be
liable for any errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the
furnishing, performance, or use of this manual or the examples herein.
Consumer transactions in Australia and the United Kingdom: The above disclaimers and
limitations shall not apply to Consumer transactions in Australia and the United Kingdom
and shall not affect the statutory rights of Consumers.
© Copyright Hewlett-Packard Company 2000. All rights reserved. Reproduction,
adaptation, or translation of this manual is prohibited without prior written permission of
Hewlett-Packard Company, except as allowed under the copyright laws.
The programs that control this product are copyrighted and all rights are reserved.
Reproduction, adaptation, or translation of those programs without prior written
permission of Hewlett-Packard Co. is also prohibited.
Portions of the programs that control this product may also be copyrighted by Microsoft
Corporation, Phoenix Technologies, Ltd., ESS, S3 Incorporated, Accton, and Adobe
Systems Incorporated. See the individual programs for additional copyright notices.
Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. Pentium and the Intel Inside logo are U.S. registered trademarks and MMX
is a U.S. trademark of Intel Corporation. Adobe and Acrobat are trademarks of Adobe
Systems Incorporated.
Hewlett-Packard Company
Mobile Computing Division
19310 Pruneridge Ave.
Cupertino, CA 95014, U.S.A.
2 Reference Guide
HP Software Product License Agreement
Your notebook PC contains factory-installed software programs. Please read the Software
License Agreement before proceeding.
Carefully read this License Agreement before proceeding to operate this equipment.
Rights in the software are offered only on the condition that the customer agrees to
all terms and conditions of the License Agreement. Proceeding to operate the
equipment indicates your acceptance of these terms and conditions. If you do not
agree with the terms of the License Agreement, you must now either remove the
software from your hard disk drive and destroy the Recovery CD, or return the
complete computer and software for a full refund.
Proceeding with configuration signifies your acceptance of the License Terms.
Unless otherwise stated below, this HP Software Product License Agreement shall
govern the use of all software that is provided to you, the customer, as part of the
HP computer product. It shall supersede any non-HP software license terms that
may be found online, or in any documentation or other materials contained in the
computer product packaging.
Note: Operating System Software by Microsoft is licensed to you under the Microsoft
End User License Agreement (EULA).
The following License Terms govern the use of the software:
Use. Customer may use the software on any one computer. Customer may not network
the software or otherwise use it on more than one computer. Customer may not reverse
assemble or decompile the software unless authorized by law.
Copies and Adaptations. Customer may make copies or adaptations of the software (a)
for archival purposes or (b) when copying or adaptation is an essential step in the use of
the software with a computer so long as the copies and adaptations are used in no other
manner.
Ownership. Customer agrees that he/she does not have any title or ownership of the
software, other than ownership of the physical media. Customer acknowledges and agrees
that the software is copyrighted and protected under the copyright laws. Customer
acknowledges and agrees that the software may have been developed by a third party
software supplier named in the copyright notices included with the software, who shall be
authorized to hold the Customer responsible for any copyright infringement or violation
of this Agreement.
Product Recovery CD-ROM. If your computer was shipped with a product recovery
CD-ROM: (i) The product recovery CD-ROM and/or support utility software may be
used only for restoring the hard disk of the HP computer with which the product recovery
CD-ROM was originally provided. (ii) The use of any operating system software by
Microsoft contained in any such product recovery CD-ROM shall be governed by the
Microsoft End User License Agreement (EULA).
Reference Guide 3
Transfer of Rights in Software. Customer may transfer rights in the software to a third
party only as part of the transfer of all rights and only if Customer obtains the prior
agreement of the third party to be bound by the terms of this License Agreement. Upon
such a transfer, Customer agrees that his/her rights in the software are terminated and that
he/she will either destroy his/her copies and adaptations or deliver them to the third party.
Sublicensing and Distribution. Customer may not lease, sublicense the software, or
distribute copies or adaptations of the software to the public in physical media or by
telecommunication without the prior written consent of Hewlett-Packard.
Termination. Hewlett-Packard may terminate this software license for failure to comply
with any of these terms provided Hewlett-Packard has requested Customer to cure the
failure and Customer has failed to do so within thirty (30) days of such notice.
Updates And Upgrades. Customer agrees that the software does not include updates and
upgrades which may be available from Hewlett-Packard under a separate support
agreement.
Export Clause. Customer agrees not to export or re-export the software or any copy or
adaptation in violation of the U.S. Export Administration regulations or other applicable
regulation.
U.S. Government Restricted Rights. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S.
Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights
in Technical Data and Computer Software clause in DFARS 252.227-7013. HewlettPackard Company, 3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA 94304, U.S.A. Rights for nonDOD U.S. Government Departments and Agencies are as set forth in FAR 52.22719(c)(1,2).
Edition History
Edition 1 .............................................. July 2000
This manual is printed on recycled paper.
4 Reference Guide
Contents
Introducing Your Computer.............................................................................................9
Taking Inventory..........................................................................................................10
Software bundled on your computer ......................................................................10
To buy accessories..................................................................................................10
To find more information.......................................................................................11
Identifying Parts of the Notebook................................................................................ 12
Top and right side view..........................................................................................12
Front view...............................................................................................................13
Rear and left side view ...........................................................................................14
Bottom view............................................................................................................15
Status lights.............................................................................................................16
Multimedia buttons................................................................................................. 17
Status panel.............................................................................................................18
Power switch and standby button...........................................................................19
Setting Up the Computer..............................................................................................20
To install the battery...............................................................................................20
To connect AC power............................................................................................. 21
To connect a phone line.......................................................................................... 22
To turn on the computer .........................................................................................23
To set up Windows.................................................................................................23
To register your computer ......................................................................................24
To connect to an Internet Service Provider............................................................25
To reset your computer...........................................................................................26
Using Your Computer......................................................................................................27
Operating the Computer............................................................................................... 28
To use the Fn hot keys............................................................................................28
To use the Windows and Applications keys ..........................................................29
To use the embedded keypad .................................................................................29
To use the ALT GR key .........................................................................................30
To adjust the display brightness.............................................................................30
To adjust the volume ..............................................................................................30
To use the touch pad...............................................................................................31
To use the One-Touch buttons ............................................................................... 33
Securing the Computer.................................................................................................36
To set up password protection................................................................................36
To attach a security cable .......................................................................................38
To use virus-protection software............................................................................38
Working in Comfort with a Notebook PC ...................................................................39
Caring for Your Computer...........................................................................................41
To protect your hard disk drive..............................................................................41
To take care of your computer................................................................................41
Reference Guide 5
To safeguard your data...........................................................................................42
To extend the life of the display.............................................................................42
To get the most from your batteries .......................................................................43
To clean your computer..........................................................................................43
Traveling with Your Computer......................................................................................45
Managing Power Consumption....................................................................................46
To use automated power management...................................................................46
To use manual power management........................................................................ 48
Using Battery Power ....................................................................................................50
To check the battery status .....................................................................................50
To respond to a low-battery warning .....................................................................51
To optimize battery operating time ........................................................................51
To control the processor speed...............................................................................52
Making Connections ........................................................................................................53
Using the Modem.........................................................................................................54
To connect the modem ........................................................................................... 55
To connect to the Internet.......................................................................................56
To disconnect from the Internet .............................................................................57
To dial in to a network............................................................................................57
To change your modem settings............................................................................. 57
To send and receive e-mail.....................................................................................58
To send and receive faxes (Windows 98) .............................................................. 59
To send and receive faxes (Windows 2000) .......................................................... 60
Connecting to a LAN ...................................................................................................62
Connecting PC Cards ...................................................................................................63
Connecting External Components................................................................................65
To identify the ports ...............................................................................................65
To connect a printer (or another parallel device)...................................................68
To connect an external keyboard or PS/2 mouse...................................................68
To connect a USB device .......................................................................................69
To connect audio devices .......................................................................................69
To use infrared devices...........................................................................................70
To use an external monitor.....................................................................................72
To use a TV set as monitor.....................................................................................74
To use the port replicator........................................................................................ 75
Configuring and Expanding Your Computer...............................................................77
6 Reference Guide
Using the BIOS Setup Utility.......................................................................................78
Installing RAM modules..............................................................................................79
Removing RAM modules.............................................................................................81
Expanding the hibernate partition................................................................................82
Updating Windows Drivers..........................................................................................83
To download the latest Windows drivers...............................................................83
To locate Windows drivers on your system........................................................... 83
To use digitally signed drivers in Windows 98...................................................... 83
Service and Support.........................................................................................................85
Hewlett-Packard Limited Warranty Statement............................................................86
Getting Support for Your HP Notebook PC ................................................................ 88
To use the Reference Guide.................................................................................... 88
To get help from the HP notebook website............................................................88
To call the HP Customer Care Center.................................................................... 89
Obtaining Repair Service .............................................................................................92
To receive warranty repair service .........................................................................92
To prepare your computer for shipment.................................................................92
Solving Problems with Your Computer.........................................................................93
Troubleshooting Techniques........................................................................................94
Audio problems ......................................................................................................94
CD-ROM drive problems....................................................................................... 94
Display problems....................................................................................................95
DVD problems........................................................................................................ 96
Hard disk drive problems ....................................................................................... 97
Heat problems.........................................................................................................98
Keyboard, touch pad, and mouse problems ........................................................... 98
Memory problems...................................................................................................99
Modem problems..................................................................................................100
One-Touch button problems................................................................................. 101
PC card problems..................................................................................................102
Performance problems..........................................................................................103
Port replicator problems .......................................................................................104
Power and battery problems.................................................................................104
Printing problems .................................................................................................106
Serial, parallel, and USB problems ......................................................................106
Startup problems...................................................................................................108
Standby and resume problems..............................................................................109
Testing Hardware Operation......................................................................................110
Recovering and Reinstalling Software.......................................................................112
To recover the factory installation of your hard disk...........................................112
To replace a damaged Recovery CD....................................................................113
To update the HP notebook BIOS........................................................................113
To recover an application.....................................................................................114
Removing and Reinstalling the Hard Disk Drive ......................................................115
If you decide to remove the hard disk drive.........................................................115
To install the hard disk drive again ......................................................................117
Reference Guide 7
Specifications and Regulatory Information.................................................................119
Hardware and Software Specifications......................................................................120
BIOS Setup utility options....................................................................................120
Hardware specifications .......................................................................................124
Software specifications.........................................................................................128
Software system resources....................................................................................129
Modem Reference Information..................................................................................131
Modem Reference (3Com)................................................................................... 131
Modem Reference (Ambit)...................................................................................136
Safety Information...................................................................................................... 142
Power Cords..........................................................................................................142
Battery Safety .......................................................................................................143
Laser Safety ..........................................................................................................144
LED Safety ...........................................................................................................144
Regulatory Information..............................................................................................145
U.S.A. ................................................................................................................... 145
Canada ..................................................................................................................146
European Union....................................................................................................146
Japan .....................................................................................................................147
Russia....................................................................................................................147
International..........................................................................................................147
Index................................................................................................................................149
8 Reference Guide
Introducing Your Computer
Reference Guide 9
Introducing Your Computer
Taking Inventory
Taking Inventory
Your HP notebook PC is shipped with these items:
• battery
• AC adapter and power cord
• Quick Start sheet
• HP notebook PC Startup Guide
• Recovery CD (or CDs), used to restore Windows and all software included with your
computer
• Microsoft Windows manual (Windows 98 or Windows 2000)
• telephone cord (if your computer has a built-in modem)
Software bundled on your computer
Your HP notebook PC comes with preinstalled software, and various models are
configured with different combinations of software. To see the list of software included
with your computer, check HP Notes in the HP Library: click Start, Programs,
HP Library, HP Notes—or double-click the HP Notes icon on the desktop.
To buy accessories
You can buy accessories for your computer online. For the latest accessories and options,
visit us at www.hp.com/notebooks. As new accessories become available, you'll find
them listed here.
At this time, HP offers the following accessories and replacement modules:
• port replicator
• auto/airline adapter
• AC adapter
• ultraslim AC adapter
• primary lithium ion battery
10 Reference Guide
• PS/2 Y adapter for mouse and keyboard
• additional RAM—HP SDRAM:
• 64 MB
• 128 MB
To find more information
Here are some sources of information about your HP notebook PC.
Source Description
Quick Start sheet
Startup Guide
HP Notes
Introductory Microsoft
manual for Windows
HP notebook PC website
This pictorial inttroduction shows you how to get the computer up and
running quickly.
The Startup Guide is the printed HP manual that came with your
computer. It shows how to set up and operate your computer and where
to go for help if you run into trouble.
This document contains late-breaking information available after the
Reference Guide was completed (Start, Programs, HP Library,
HP Notes—or double-click the HP Notes icon on the desktop).
This manual contains information about using the standard features of
Microsoft Windows (Windows 98 or Windows 2000, depending on which
operating system your computer is shipped with).
www.hp.com/notebooks
Introducing Your Computer
Taking Inventory
Reference Guide 11
Introducing Your Computer
Identifying Parts of the Notebook
Identifying Parts of the Notebook
Top and right side view
1 One-Touch buttons 8 CD-ROM drive or DVD
2 Power switch 9 Microphone
3 Status lights (see “Status lights”) 10 CD-ROM or DVD eject button
4 Pad Lock touch pad on/off button 11 Blue standby button
5 Touch pad (pointing device) 12 Modem port (on certain models)
6 Scroll up/down toggle 13 LAN port (networking—on certain models)
7 Click buttons
12 Reference Guide
Front view
14 Headphone audio jack
15 Status panel mode select button
16 Status panel
17 Multimedia buttons
18 Latch (to open computer)
Introducing Your Computer
Identifying Parts of the Notebook
Reference Guide 13
Introducing Your Computer
Identifying Parts of the Notebook
Rear and left side view
19 AC adapter (power) jack 26 USB ports
20 PS/2 port (external mouse or keyboard) 27 Microphone jack
21 Serial port 28 Kensington lock slot (security connector)
22 Parallel port 29 PC card slots
23 VGA port (external monitor) 30 System-off button (for resetting computer)
24 Infrared port 31 PC card eject buttons
25 TV output port 32 Floppy disk drive
14 Reference Guide
Bottom view
33 Battery
34 Battery latch
35 RAM expansion cover
36 Port replicator (docking) connector
Introducing Your Computer
Identifying Parts of the Notebook
Reference Guide 15
Introducing Your Computer
Identifying Parts of the Notebook
Status lights
1 Power
2 Battery
3 Caps lock (capital letters)
4 Num lock (numeric keypad)
5 Scroll lock
6 Floppy disk drive access
7 Hard disk drive access
8 CD-ROM drive or DVD access
16 Reference Guide
Introducing Your Computer
Identifying Parts of the Notebook
Multimedia buttons
The multimedia buttons are on the front of the computer, to the right of the status display.
They control the computer’s CD (or DVD) player in the same way the controls of a
standalone multimedia player control its functions.
The buttons also work if the system is turned on, though in that case you don’t need to
use the multimedia power switch to turn on the player. When the computer is on, the
volume control buttons also govern the volume for most other audio applications.
If the system is turned off (or in standby or hibernate mode), you can still use the player
for audio CD playback. Slide the multimedia power switch to the left to activate the
player without turning on the computer.
1 Multimedia power (use only when system is turned off or
in standby or hibernate mode)
2 Previous track
3 Play/pause
4 Stop (when computer is on)*
Stop/eject (when computer is off)
5 Next track
6 Volume control down
7 Volume control up
*You can eject a CD or DVD by pressing the eject button
on the CD/DVD drive.
Reference Guide 17
Introducing Your Computer
Identifying Parts of the Notebook
Status panel
The status panel on the front of the computer provides information about CD playback
status, system power management, system date and time, and battery status. Messages are
displayed on the 8-character LCD display, and you can switch from one kind of message
to another by pressing the mode button to the left of the display.
When the computer is on (or when the computer is off and the AC adapter is plugged in),
these modes are displayed sequentially as you press the mode button:
• power management status: on, off, standby (STBY), or hibernate (ZZZZ)
• battery charging status: percentage charged
• date
• time
When the CD player is on and the computer is off, the CD playback mode is displayed. It
shows the CD track number, the time elapsed, and an arrow when the CD is playing or
two parallel lines when it is paused—and when you press the mode button, you can also
display sequentially the four modes listed above.
When the computer is off, the CD player is off, and the AC adapter is not connected, you
can view the status panel by sliding the multimedia power switch to the left to turn it on.
Remember to turn it off when you are through checking the status panel.
If you change the Windows time or date (from Control Panel or the taskbar), the change
displays on the status panel only after you shut down and restart the computer. Click
Start, Shut Down, Shut down; and after the power is off, slide the power switch to restart.
If you want to change the format displayed for date or time in the status panel, change it
in the BIOS; see “Using the BIOS Setup Utility” on page 78.
18 Reference Guide
Introducing Your Computer
Identifying Parts of the Notebook
Power switch and standby button
There are two controls above the keyboard that affect power in the HP notebook PC. The
switch at the top left turns computer power on and off, and the large blue button in the top
center puts the system in standby mode—or, if it is already in standby mode, returns it to
normal operation.
To use the power switch
To turn on the computer when it is off, slide the power switch to the left and release it. If
the computer is plugged into AC power or contains a charged battery, the system turns on
and Windows starts automatically.
When the computer is on, you can also use the power switch to turn the system off. In
most situations, however, it is preferable to shut down Windows instead. Click Start, Shut
Down, then select Shut down and click OK. Windows will shut down, and the computer
will automatically turn off.
To use the standby button
Hint
You can use the standby button to save the current state of your computer and then to
return quickly to the same state when you are ready to resume work.
To put the computer in standby mode when it is on, press the large blue standby button,
which is found in the middle of the four smaller One-Touch buttons above the center of
the keyboard. Pressing the standby button turns off the display and the hard disk drive,
and it saves your current session to RAM. (Standby can also occur automatically when
the timeout setting in the Power Management Properties is reached.)
To return the computer to normal operation when it is in standby mode, press the standby
button again. The display and the hard disk drive will turn on, and the session you were
working on earlier will be recovered from RAM.
If your notebook does not turn on when operating on battery power, the battery may not
be sufficiently charged. Plug in the AC adapter and slide the power switch to the left
and release it. Keep the adapter plugged in until your battery is charged again.
Reference Guide 19
Introducing Your Computer
Setting Up the Computer
Setting Up the Computer
To install the battery
Your computer is shipped with the battery installed. If the battery has been removed, you
can install it by inserting it into the battery bay on the bottom of your computer. Insert the
back edge first, as shown, then press down the front edge until the battery latch clicks
shut.
WARNING
Once you have installed the battery, connect the AC adapter to the computer and recharge
the battery while you work. You can also replace a low battery with another that is more
fully charged.
Do not mutilate, puncture, or dispose of batteries in fire. A battery can burst or
explode, releasing hazardous chemicals. A rechargeable battery must be recycled
or disposed of properly.
20 Reference Guide
Introducing Your Computer
Setting Up the Computer
To connect AC power
Plug in the AC adapter, then connect the AC adapter to the rear of the computer. The
battery starts charging.
CAUTION
Use only an HP AC adapter intended for this product, either the adapter that came
with the computer or another authorized HP adapter. Using an unauthorized AC
adapter can damage the computer and may void your warranty. Refer to the
warranty statement for your product.
Reference Guide 21
Introducing Your Computer
Setting Up the Computer
To connect a phone line
Selected models of the HP notebook PC include a built-in modem. If you prefer, you can
instead use a PC card modem or an external modem to connect a phone line.
1. Plug one end of the phone line into the modem phone jack on the computer. Be sure it
clicks into place.
CAUTION
2. Plug the other end of the phone line into a telephone jack. (If the phone line does not
fit your telephone jack, you may need to use an adapter.)
Your built-in modem may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch
exchange (PBX), cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and does not
work with party lines. Some of these connections may result in excess electrical
voltage and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem. Check your
telephone line type prior to connecting your phone line.
22 Reference Guide
Hint
Introducing Your Computer
Setting Up the Computer
To turn on the computer
Slide the power switch to the left—it’s the control above the left side of the keyboard.
Windows starts automatically. If you are turning on the computer for the first time, go to
“To set up Windows” on page 23.
The power status light next to the power switch (see “Status lights” on page 16) reports
the following:
• steady green light: computer is on
• steady amber light: computer is in system standby (or suspend) mode
• no light: computer is off or in hibernate mode
See “Managing Power Consumption” on page 46 for additional information about turning
off your computer.
If your computer does not turn on when operating on battery power, the battery may be
out of power. Plug in the AC adapter and slide the power switch to the left again.
To set up Windows
Your HP notebook has Microsoft Windows—either Windows 98 or Windows 2000—
preinstalled on the hard disk drive. The first time you turn on your computer, a Windows
Setup program will automatically run so that you can customize your setup.
Before you begin, connect the AC adapter to your notebook, since your battery may not
be sufficiently charged to complete the Windows setup. Also, be sure to connect the
notebook to a phone line; see “To connect a phone line.”
1. Slide the power switch to the left.
2. The Windows Setup program starts automatically.
3. Follow the instructions as they appear on the screen.
During setup, you are prompted to:
• enter a user name
• accept the License Agreement
Reference Guide 23
Note
Introducing Your Computer
Setting Up the Computer
You can also register your computer at this time. Follow the instructions on the screen
during setup, or—if registration does not occur during setup—double-click the HP
Notebook Registration icon on the desktop.
You may be required to enter your Windows ID number. To locate it, look on the
Certificate of Authenticity packaged with the Microsoft Windows manual or look for a
sticker in the battery compartment.
If you have any connection problems with your modem, try redialing. If that doesn’t
work, you can skip registration for now.
To register your computer
Be sure to register your computer. Registering is free and fast, and it ensures you will
receive quicker, more personalized support. The information you provide during
registration will be used to provide you with better products and services.
There are three ways to register:
• by modem
• by phone
• by fax
By modem
If you have Windows 98, you are prompted automatically to register. To register by
modem, see that the phone is connected, then follow the onscreen instructions.
If you have Windows 2000, you are not prompted to register, but you can register by
modem if you double-click the HP Notebook Registration icon on the desktop or click the
Register link in the Windows 2000 welcome screen. See that the phone line is connected
and follow the onscreen instructions.
With either operating system, if you choose not to register right away, you can register by
modem later by double-clicking the Registration icon on the desktop. This icon
disappears after you register.
If your computer does not have a built-in modem, you can register after you set up a PC
card modem or an external modem—or you can register by phone or fax.
24 Reference Guide
Introducing Your Computer
Setting Up the Computer
By phone
You can call your HP Customer Care Center and register by phone. Check “To call the
HP Customer Care Center” on page 89 for the phone number.
By fax
If a printer is connected to your computer, you can print a copy of your registration and
fax it to HP. You will find the fax number on the registration form.
By completing registration, you will:
• Record your ownership of the computer with Hewlett-Packard and gain access to
service, support, and information.
• Record your ownership of the Windows 98 operating system with Microsoft. If you
have Windows 2000, please contact Microsoft separately for registration of the
operating system.
To connect to an Internet Service Provider
Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to set up an account with an Internet
Service Provider (ISP). In some countries, Hewlett-Packard provides easy Internet signup
so that you can connect quickly to an ISP.
1. Connect the included telephone cord to your built-in modem. (If your computer does
not have a built-in modem, you can instead use a PC card modem or an external
modem.)
2. Double-click the desktop icon labeled “Connect to the Internet.” This will launch the
Internet Connection wizard, which will help you locate an ISP in your area.
OR
Click Start, Programs, Online Services and select one of the listed ISPs. This begins
the registration process for the ISP you have chosen.
You can also make arrangements with an ISP of your choice for Internet connection.
Reference Guide 25
Introducing Your Computer
Setting Up the Computer
To reset your computer
If Windows or your computer stops responding, you can reset the computer and restart
Windows.
1. If possible, shut down Windows (Start, Shut Down, Shut down, OK).
2. If the computer does not shut down, slide and hold the power switch for five seconds,
then release it.
3. If the computer still does not shut down, insert a pin or straightened paper clip into the
recess on the left side of the computer, underneath the PC card eject buttons.
4. After the computer shuts down, slide the power switch and release it to turn the
26 Reference Guide
computer on again.
Using Your Computer
Reference Guide 27
Using Your Computer
Operating the Computer
Operating the Computer
To use the Fn hot keys
The combination of the Fn key plus another key creates a hot key—a shortcut key
sequence—for various system controls. Press and hold Fn while pressing the appropriate
key. (When using an external keyboard, press and hold Ctrl+Alt with the appropriate
key.)
Hot key Does this
Fn+F1 Decreases the display’s brightness
Fn+F2 Increases the display’s brightness
Fn+F5 Switches among the built-in display, an external display, and
simultaneous displays
Fn+F7 Toggles the sound on and off (mutes sound)
Fn+F8 Toggles the numeric keypad on and off
Fn+F12 Enters hibernate mode
Fn+Lock key* Toggles Scroll Lock on and off (except on external keyboard)
Fn+Up arrow Increases sound volume (except on external keyboard)
Fn+Down arrow Decreases sound volume (except on external keyboard)
*The Lock key is in the top row of the keyboard:
28 Reference Guide
Using Your Computer
Operating the Computer
To use the Windows and Applications keys
The Windows key brings up the Windows Start menu. This is the same as clicking the
Start button on the taskbar.
The Applications key brings up the shortcut menu for the current application. This is the
same menu that appears when you click the right mouse button while pointing at the
application.
Windows key combinations
Key combination Does this
Windows key+E Runs Windows Explorer
Windows key+F1 Runs Windows Help
Windows key+F Runs Windows Find: Files or Folders
Windows key+M Minimizes all displayed windows
Shift+Windows key+M Returns all minimized windows to original size
Windows key+R Starts the Windows Run dialog box
To use the embedded keypad
After pressing Fn+F8 to activate the numeric keypad, press the Lock key
(in the top row of the keyboard) to turn number lock on or off:
When number lock is on:
• Keys change to the numeric or arithmetic designations printed on the right side of the
keys in the numeric keypad area.
• The Num Lock status indicator is lit.
Reference Guide 29
Using Your Computer
Operating the Computer
To use the ALT GR key
Non–U.S. keyboards have an ALT GR key to the right of the spacebar. This is a shift key
providing access to certain keyboard characters.
• For a character in the lower-right corner of a key, press and hold ALT GR to type the
character.
1. Shifted.
2. Unshifted.
3. ALT GR.
To adjust the display brightness
You can adjust the brightness of your notebook’s display.
• To decrease the brightness, press Fn+F1.
• To increase the brightness, press Fn+F2.
When you are using battery power, the display dims automatically to conserve power.
You can use the brightness controls to override this adjustment.
To adjust the volume
From the keyboard
• To increase the volume, press Fn+Up arrow.
• To decrease the volume, press Fn+Down arrow.
• To temporarily silence the speaker without changing the volume setting, press Fn+F7.
Press Fn+F7 again to restore the speaker output.
In Windows
1. Click the speaker symbol in the taskbar.
2. Drag the volume control bar up or down to adjust the volume.
30 Reference Guide
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