HP Mini 5101 User Manual
HP Mini
User Guide
© Copyright 2009 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its
proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard
Company under license. Microsoft and
Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. SD Logo is a
trademark of its proprietor.
The information contained herein is subject
to change without notice. The only
warranties for HP products and services are
set forth in the express warranty statements
accompanying such products and services.
Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting an additional warranty. HP shall
not be liable for technical or editorial errors
or omissions contained herein.
First Edition: July 2009
Document Part Number: 537596-001
Product notice
This user guide describes features that are
common to most models. Some features
may not be available on your computer.
Safety warning notice
WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not
place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on a
hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft
surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact
the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The computer and the
AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the International
Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).
iii
iv Safety warning notice
Table of contents
1 Features
Identifying the hardware ....................................................................................................................... 1
Top components .................................................................................................................. 1
TouchPad ............................................................................................................ 1
Lights ................................................................................................................... 3
Buttons ................................................................................................................ 4
Keys .................................................................................................................... 5
Front components ................................................................................................................ 5
Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 6
Left-side components .......................................................................................................... 7
Display components ........................................................................................................... 8
Bottom components ............................................................................................................. 8
Wireless antennas ............................................................................................................... 9
Additional hardware components ...................................................................................... 10
Identifying the labels ........................................................................................................................... 10
2 Power management
Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 12
Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 12
Using the battery meter ..................................................................................................... 13
Using power plans ............................................................................................................. 13
Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 14
Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 14
Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................... 15
Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 16
Finding battery information in Help and Support ............................................................... 16
Using Battery Check .......................................................................................................... 16
Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 17
Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 17
Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 18
Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 19
Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 19
Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 12
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 13
Viewing the current power plan ......................................................................... 14
Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................ 14
Customizing power plans .................................................................................. 14
Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 19
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 19
v
3 Wireless
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 19
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is
available ........................................................................................... 19
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is
available ........................................................................................... 20
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 20
Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................... 20
Step 1: Fully charge the battery ........................................................................ 20
Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Sleep ............................................................. 20
Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................ 21
Step 4: Fully recharge the battery ..................................................................... 22
Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Sleep .......................................................... 22
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 22
Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 22
Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 23
Replacing the battery ........................................................................................................ 23
Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................................... 24
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 24
Using wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................................... 25
Identifying wireless and network icons .............................................................................. 25
Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 26
Using the wireless switch ................................................................................................... 26
Using operating system controls ........................................................................................ 26
Using a WLAN .................................................................................................................................... 27
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................................ 27
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 27
Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................................... 29
Roaming to another network .............................................................................................. 29
Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) ............................................................................. 30
Inserting a SIM ................................................................................................................... 30
Removing a SIM ................................................................................................................ 31
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................... 33
Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................. 33
4 Multimedia
Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 34
Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 36
Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 38
Video .................................................................................................................................................. 40
Optical drive (select models only) ...................................................................................................... 41
vi
Identifying your multimedia components ........................................................................... 34
Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 35
Using preinstalled multimedia software ............................................................................. 37
Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 37
Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 38
Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 38
Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................... 40
5 Security
Identifying the external optical drive .................................................................................. 41
Using optical discs ............................................................................................................. 41
Selecting the right disc ....................................................................................................... 41
CD-R discs ........................................................................................................ 42
CD-RW discs ..................................................................................................... 42
DVD±R discs ..................................................................................................... 42
DVD±RW discs ................................................................................................. 42
Playing music ..................................................................................................................... 42
Watching a movie .............................................................................................................. 43
Changing DVD region settings .......................................................................................... 44
Creating or “burning” a CD or DVD .................................................................................... 45
Removing an optical disc (CD or DVD) ............................................................................. 45
Webcam ............................................................................................................................................. 47
Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................. 47
Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 48
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 49
Setting passwords in Windows .......................................................................................... 49
Setting passwords in Computer Setup .............................................................................. 49
Setup password ................................................................................................................. 50
Managing a setup password ............................................................................. 51
Entering a setup password ................................................................................ 52
Power-on password ........................................................................................................... 52
Managing a power-on password ....................................................................... 53
Entering a power-on password ......................................................................... 54
Requiring a power-on password at restart ........................................................ 55
Using Computer Setup DriveLock ..................................................................................... 55
Setting a DriveLock password ........................................................................... 56
Entering a DriveLock password ........................................................................ 57
Changing a DriveLock password ...................................................................... 58
Removing DriveLock protection ........................................................................ 59
Using Computer Setup security features ............................................................................................ 60
Securing system devices ................................................................................................... 60
Using Computer Setup stringent security .......................................................................... 60
Setting stringent security ................................................................................... 61
Removing stringent security .............................................................................. 62
Viewing Computer Setup System Information ................................................................... 62
Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................................... 63
Using firewall software ....................................................................................................................... 64
Installing critical updates .................................................................................................................... 65
Installing a security cable ................................................................................................................... 66
6 External devices
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 67
Using external drives .......................................................................................................................... 69
Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 67
Stopping and removing a USB device ............................................................................... 67
Using USB legacy support ................................................................................................. 68
Using optional external devices ......................................................................................... 69
vii
Using an optional external MultiBay II ............................................................................... 69
Using an optional external optical drive (select models only) ............................................................. 70
Inserting an optical disc (CD or DVD) ................................................................................ 70
Removing an optical disc (CD or DVD) ............................................................................. 71
When the disc tray opens .................................................................................. 71
When the disc tray does not open ..................................................................... 72
7 External media cards
Using SD Card Reader cards ............................................................................................................. 73
Inserting a digital card ........................................................................................................ 73
Stopping and removing a digital card ................................................................................ 74
8 Pointing devices and keyboard
Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 75
Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 75
Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 75
Connecting an external mouse .......................................................................................... 75
Using the keyboard function keys ...................................................................................................... 76
Switching the screen image (f2) ........................................................................................ 77
Decreasing screen brightness (f3) ..................................................................................... 77
Increasing screen brightness (f4) ...................................................................................... 77
Initiating Sleep (f5) ............................................................................................................. 77
Initiating QuickLock (f6) ..................................................................................................... 77
Muting speaker sound (f8) ................................................................................................. 78
Decreasing speaker sound (f10) ........................................................................................ 78
Increasing speaker sound (f11) ......................................................................................... 78
Using keypads .................................................................................................................................... 78
Using the embedded numeric keypad ............................................................................... 78
Enabling and disabling the embedded numeric keypad .................................... 79
Switching key functions on the embedded numeric keypad ............................. 79
Using an optional external numeric keypad ....................................................................... 79
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................................... 80
9 Drives
Identifying installed drives .................................................................................................................. 81
Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 81
Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................................... 83
Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only) .................................................................................. 84
Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................................... 86
10 Memory modules
11 Computer Setup
Starting Computer Setup .................................................................................................................... 93
viii
Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 83
Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 83
Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status ................................................................................. 84
Using HP 3D DriveGuard software .................................................................................... 84
Using Computer Setup ....................................................................................................................... 93
Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup ..................................................................... 93
Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup ................................................................... 94
Computer Setup menus ..................................................................................................................... 94
File menu ........................................................................................................................... 94
Security menu .................................................................................................................... 95
Diagnostics menu .............................................................................................................. 95
System Configuration menu .............................................................................................. 96
12 Backing up and recovering
Backing up .......................................................................................................................................... 99
Recovering ....................................................................................................................................... 100
Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 101
ix
x
1 Features
Identifying the hardware
Components included with the computer may vary by region and model. The illustrations in this chapter
identify the standard features on most computer models.
To see a list of hardware installed in the computer, follow these steps:
1. Select Start > Computer > System properties.
2. In the left pane, click Device Manager.
You can also add hardware or modify device configurations using Device Manager.
NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer.
You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing applications, running
utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support for more information.
Top components
TouchPad
Identifying the hardware 1
Component Description
(1) TouchPad* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.
(2) Left TouchPad button* Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
(3) Right TouchPad button* Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
(4) TouchPad scroll zone Scrolls up or down.
*This table describes factory settings. To view or change pointing device preferences, select Start > Control Panel > Hardware
and Sound > Mouse.
2 Chapter 1 Features
Lights
Component Description
(1) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.
(2) Quick Launch Web light On: The default Internet browser is being launched.
(3) Quick Launch Mail light On: The default mail application is being launched.
(4) Power light
On: The computer is on.
●
Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state.
●
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
●
Identifying the hardware 3
Buttons
Component Description
(1) Quick Launch Web button Opens the default Internet browser when the computer is
on.
(2) Quick Launch Mail button Opens the default mail application when the computer is
(3) Power button
on.
When the computer is off, press the button to turn on
●
the computer.
When the computer is on, press the button to shut
●
down the computer.
When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the
●
button briefly to exit Sleep.
When the computer is in Hibernation, press the
●
button briefly to exit Hibernation.
If the computer has stopped responding and Windows
shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the
power button for at least 5 seconds to turn off the
computer.
To learn more about your power settings, select Start >
Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Power
Options.
4 Chapter 1 Features
Keys
Component Description
(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the
(2) fn key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the
(3) Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.
(4) Windows applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the pointer.
(5) Embedded numeric keypad keys Can be used like the keys on an external numeric keypad.
(6) Function keys Execute the action represented by the icon on the key.
Front components
Component Description
fn key.
esc key.
(1) Drive light Blinking: The hard drive is being accessed.
Identifying the hardware 5
Component Description
(2) Wireless light
(3) Wireless switch Turns the wireless feature on or off, but does not create a wireless
(4) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
Right-side components
Blue: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local
●
area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, is
on.
Amber: All wireless devices are off.
●
NOTE: The wireless light turns amber when the computer turns
on and all wireless devices are off.
connection.
NOTE: To establish a wireless connection, a wireless network
must already be set up.
Component Description
(1) SD Card Reader Supports the following optional digital card formats:
MultiMediaCard (MMC)
●
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card
●
(2) Audio-out (headphone) jack Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo
speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio.
NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the
computer speakers are disabled.
(3) Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo array
microphone, or monaural microphone.
(4) Powered USB port Provides power to a USB device, such as an optional external
optical drive, if used with a powered USB cable.
(5) RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
(6) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but
it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.
6 Chapter 1 Features
Left-side components
Component Description
(1) Power light
(2) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
(3) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
(4) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
(5) USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.
Blue: The computer is on.
●
Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state.
●
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
●
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal
components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal
fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.
Identifying the hardware 7
Display components
Component Description
(1) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.
(2) Webcam Records audio and video and captures still photographs.
(3) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.
(4) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
Bottom components
NOTE: If there is a microphone icon next to each microphone
opening, your computer has internal microphones.
8 Chapter 1 Features
Component Description
(1) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(2) Battery release latches (2) Release the battery from the battery bay.
(3) Service tag Provides the product brand and series name, serial number (s/n),
(4) Memory module compartment Contains the memory module slot.
(5) Vents (2) Enable airflow to cool internal components.
Wireless antennas
On select computer models, at least 2 antennas send and receive signals from one or more wireless
devices. These antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer.
and product number (p/n) of your computer. Have this information
available when you contact technical support.
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal
components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal
fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.
NOTE: For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the WLAN and WWAN antennas
free from obstructions.
To see wireless regulatory notices, refer to the section of the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental
Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.
Identifying the hardware 9
Additional hardware components
Component Description
(1) Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet.
(2) AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power.
(3) Battery* Powers the computer when the computer is not plugged into
external power.
*Batteries and power cords vary in appearance by region and country.
Identifying the labels
The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system
problems or travel internationally with the computer.
Service tag—Provides important information including:
●
Product Name (1). This is the product name affixed to the front of your computer.
◦
Serial Number (s/n) (2). This is an alphanumeric identifier that is unique to each product.
◦
Part Number/Product Number (p/n) (3). This number provides specific information about the
◦
product's hardware components. The part number helps a service technician to determine
what components and parts are needed.
10 Chapter 1 Features
Model Description (4). This is the alphanumeric identifier you need to locate documents,
◦
drivers, and support for your computer.
Warranty period (5). This number describes the duration (in years) of the warranty period for
◦
this computer.
Have this information available when you contact technical support. The service tag label is affixed
to the bottom of the computer.
Microsoft® Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Windows Product Key. You may need the
●
Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system. This certificate is affixed to the bottom
of the computer.
Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is
●
affixed to the bottom of the computer.
Wireless certification label(s) (select models only)—Provide information about optional wireless
●
devices and the approval markings of some of the countries or regions in which the devices have
been approved for use. An optional device may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) device
or an optional Bluetooth® device. If your computer model includes one or more wireless devices,
one or more certification labels are included with your computer. You may need this information
when traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are affixed inside the battery bay.
Identifying the labels 11
2 Power management
Setting power options
Using power-saving states
The computer has two power-saving states enabled at the factory: Sleep and Hibernation.
When Sleep is initiated, the power light blinks and the screen clears. Your work is saved to memory,
letting you exit Sleep faster than exiting Hibernation. If the computer is in the Sleep state for an extended
period or if the battery reaches a critical battery level while in the Sleep state, the computer initiates
Hibernation.
When Hibernation is initiated, your work is saved to a hibernation file on the hard drive and the computer
turns off.
CAUTION: To prevent possible audio and video degradation, loss of audio or video playback
functionality, or loss of information, do not initiate Sleep or Hibernation while reading from or writing to
a disc or an external media card.
NOTE: You cannot initiate any type of networking connection or perform any computer functions while
the computer is in the Sleep state or in Hibernation.
NOTE: When HP 3D DriveGuard has parked a drive, the computer will not initiate Sleep or Hibernation,
and the display will be turned off.
Initiating and exiting Sleep
The system is set at the factory to initiate Sleep after 15 minutes of inactivity when running on battery
power and 30 minutes of inactivity when running on external power.
Power settings and timeouts can be changed using Power Options in Windows® Control Panel.
With the computer on, you can initiate Sleep in any of the following ways:
Press f5.
●
Click Start, and then click the Power button.
●
Click Start, click the arrow next to the Lock button, and then click Sleep.
●
To exit Sleep:
Briefly press the power button.
▲
When the computer exits Sleep, the power lights turn on and your work returns to the screen where
you stopped working.
12 Chapter 2 Power management
NOTE: If you have set a password to be required when the computer exits Sleep, you must enter your
Windows password before your work will return to the screen.
Initiating and exiting Hibernation
The system is set at the factory to initiate Hibernation after 1080 minutes of inactivity when running on
battery power, 1080 minutes (18 hours) of inactivity when running on external power, or when the battery
reaches a critical battery level.
Power settings and timeouts can be changed using Power Options in Windows Control Panel.
To initiate Hibernation:
1. Click Start, and then click the arrow next to the Lock button.
2. Click Hibernate.
To exit Hibernation:
Briefly press the power button.
▲
The power lights turn on and your work returns to the screen where you stopped working.
NOTE: If you have set a password to be required when the computer exits Hibernation, you must enter
your Windows password before your work will return to the screen.
Using the battery meter
The battery meter is located in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. The battery meter
allows you to quickly access power settings, view remaining battery charge, and select a different power
plan.
To display the percentage of remaining battery charge and the current power plan, move the pointer
●
over the battery meter icon.
To access Power Options, or to change the power plan, click the battery meter icon and select an
●
item from the list.
Different battery meter icons indicate whether the computer is running on battery or external power. The
icon also displays a message if the battery has reached a critical battery level.
To hide or display the battery meter icon:
1. Right-click the taskbar, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Notification Area tab.
3. Under System icons, clear the Power check box to hide the battery meter icon, or select the
Power check box to display the battery meter icon.
4. Click OK.
Using power plans
A power plan is a collection of system settings that manages how the computer uses power. Power
plans can help you conserve power or maximize performance.
You can change power plan settings or create your own power plan.
Setting power options 13
Viewing the current power plan
Move the pointer over the battery meter icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
▲
– or –
Select Start > Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Power Options.
Selecting a different power plan
Click the battery meter icon in the notification area, and then select a power plan from the list.
▲
– or –
Select Start > Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Power Options, and then select a
power plan from the list.
Customizing power plans
1. Click the battery meter icon in the notification area and then click More power options.
– or –
Select Start > Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Power Options.
2. Select a power plan, and then click Change plan settings.
3. Change the Turn off the display and Put the computer to sleep timeout settings, as needed.
4. To change additional settings, click Change advanced power settings and make your changes.
Setting password protection on wakeup
To set the computer to prompt for a password when the computer exits Sleep or Hibernation, follow
these steps:
1. Select Start > Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Power Options.
2. In the left pane, click Require a password on wakeup.
3. Click Change Settings that are currently unavailable.
4. Click Require a password (recommended).
5. Click Save changes.
Using external AC power
External AC power is supplied through one of the following devices:
WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the AC adapter provided with the computer,
a replacement AC adapter provided by HP, or a compatible AC adapter purchased from HP.
Approved AC adapter
●
Optional docking device or optional expansion product
●
Connect the computer to external AC power under any of the following conditions:
14 Chapter 2 Power management
WARNING! Do not charge the computer battery while you are onboard aircraft.
When you are charging or calibrating a battery
●
When you are installing or modifying system software
●
When you are writing information to a CD or DVD
●
When you connect the computer to external AC power, the following events occur:
The battery begins to charge.
●
If the computer is turned on, the battery meter icon in the notification area changes appearance.
●
When you disconnect external AC power, the following events occur:
The computer switches to battery power.
●
The display brightness is automatically decreased to save battery life. To increase display
●
brightness, press the f4 key or reconnect the AC adapter.
Connecting the AC adapter
WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to the equipment:
Plug the power cord into an AC outlet that is easily accessible at all times.
Disconnect power from the computer by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet (not by
unplugging the power cord from the computer).
If provided with a 3-pin attachment plug on the power cord, plug the cord into a grounded (earthed) 3pin outlet. Do not disable the power cord grounding pin, for example, by attaching a 2-pin adapter. The
grounding pin is an important safety feature.
To connect the computer to external AC power, follow these steps:
1. Plug the AC adapter into the power connector (1) on the computer.
2. Plug the power cord into the AC adapter (2).
3. Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (3).
Using external AC power 15
Using battery power
When a charged battery is in the computer and the computer is not plugged into external power, the
computer runs on battery power. When the computer is plugged into external AC power, the computer
runs on AC power.
If the computer contains a charged battery and is running on external AC power supplied through the
AC adapter, the computer switches to battery power if the AC adapter is disconnected from the
computer.
NOTE: The display brightness is decreased to save battery life when you disconnect AC power. To
increase display brightness, use the f4 key or reconnect the AC adapter.
You can keep a battery in the computer or in storage, depending on how you work. Keeping the battery
in the computer whenever the computer is plugged into AC power charges the battery and also protects
your work in case of a power outage. However, a battery in the computer slowly discharges when the
computer is off and unplugged from external power.
WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the battery provided with the computer, a
replacement battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased from HP.
Computer battery life varies, depending on power management settings, programs running on the
computer, display brightness, external devices connected to the computer, and other factors.
Finding battery information in Help and Support
The “Battery information” section of the Help and Support Learning Center provides the following tools
and information:
Battery Check tool to test battery performance
●
Information on calibration, power management, and proper care and storage to maximize battery
●
life
Information on battery types, specifications, life cycles, and capacity
●
To access battery information:
▲
Select Start > Help and Support > Learning Center > HP Power and Battery Learning
Center.
Using Battery Check
Battery Check, a part of the Total Care Advisor, provides information on the status of the battery installed
in the computer.
To run Battery Check:
1. Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
NOTE: The computer must be connected to external power for Battery Check to function properly.
2. Select Start > Help and Support > Troubleshooting tools > Battery Check.
Battery Check examines the battery and its cells to see if they are functioning properly, and then reports
the results of the examination.
16 Chapter 2 Power management
Displaying the remaining battery charge
Move the pointer over the battery meter icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
▲
– or –
View the estimated number of minutes of battery charge remaining in Windows Mobility Center:
Click the battery meter icon, and then click Windows Mobility Center.
▲
– or –
Select Start > Control Panel > Mobile PC > Windows Mobility Center.
The time shown indicates the approximate running time remaining on the battery if the battery
continues to provide power at the current level. For example, the time remaining will decrease
when a DVD is playing and will increase when a DVD stops playing.
Inserting or removing the battery
CAUTION: Removing a battery that is the sole power source can cause loss of information. To prevent
loss of information, initiate Hibernation or shut down the computer through Windows before removing
the battery.
To insert the battery:
1. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you.
2. Insert the battery into the battery bay (1) and push in until it is seated.
The battery release latches (2) automatically lock the battery into place.
To remove the battery:
1. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you.
2. Slide the battery release latches (1) to release the battery.
Using battery power 17
3. Remove the battery (2) from the computer.
Charging a battery
WARNING! Do not charge the computer battery while you are onboard aircraft.
The battery charges whenever the computer is plugged into external power through an AC adapter, an
optional power adapter, an optional expansion product, or an optional docking device.
The battery charges whether the computer is off or in use, but it charges faster when the computer is
off.
Charging may take longer if a battery is new, has been unused for 2 weeks or more, or is much warmer
or cooler than room temperature.
To prolong battery life and optimize the accuracy of battery charge displays, follow these
recommendations:
If you are charging a new battery, charge it fully before turning on the computer.
●
Charge the battery until the battery light turns off.
●
NOTE: If the computer is on while the battery is charging, the battery meter in the notification
area may show 100 percent charge before the battery is fully charged.
Allow the battery to discharge below 5 percent of a full charge through normal use before charging
●
it.
If the battery has been unused for one month or more, calibrate the battery instead of simply
●
charging it.
The battery light displays charge status:
On: The battery is charging.
●
Blinking: The battery has reached a low battery level or critical battery level and is not charging.
●
Off: The battery is fully charged, in use, or not installed.
●
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Maximizing battery discharge time
Battery discharge time varies, depending on the features you use while on battery power. Maximum
discharge time gradually shortens as the battery storage capacity naturally degrades.
Tips for maximizing battery discharge time:
Lower the brightness on the display.
●
Select the Power saver setting in Power Options.
●
Remove the battery from the computer when it is not being used or charged.
●
Store the battery in a cool, dry location.
●
Managing low battery levels
The information in this section describes the alerts and system responses set at the factory. Some low
battery alerts and system responses can be changed using Power Options in Windows Control Panel.
Preferences set using Power Options do not affect lights.
Identifying low battery levels
When a battery that is the sole power source for the computer reaches a low battery level, the battery
light blinks.
If a low battery level is not resolved, the computer enters a critical battery level, and the battery light
continues to blink.
The computer takes the following actions for a critical battery level:
If Hibernation is enabled and the computer is on or in the Sleep state, the computer initiates
●
Hibernation.
If Hibernation is disabled and the computer is on or in the Sleep state, the computer remains briefly
●
in the Sleep state, and then shuts down and loses any unsaved information.
Resolving a low battery level
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of losing information when the computer reaches a critical battery level
and has initiated Hibernation, do not restore power until the power lights turn off.
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available
Connect one of the following devices:
▲
AC adapter
●
Optional expansion product or docking device
●
Optional power adapter
●
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is available
1. Turn off the computer or initiate Hibernation.
2. Remove the discharged battery, and then insert a charged battery.
3. Turn on the computer.
Using battery power 19
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available
Initiate Hibernation.
▲
– or –
Save your work and shut down the computer.
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation
When the computer lacks sufficient power to exit Hibernation, follow these steps:
1. Insert a charged battery or plug the computer into external power.
2. Exit Hibernation by briefly pressing the power button.
Calibrating a battery
Calibrate a battery under the following conditions:
When battery charge displays seem inaccurate
●
When you observe a significant change in battery run time
●
Even if a battery is heavily used, it should not need to be calibrated more than once a month. It is also
not necessary to calibrate a new battery.
Step 1: Fully charge the battery
WARNING! Do not charge the computer battery while you are onboard aircraft.
NOTE: The battery charges whether the computer is off or in use, but it charges faster when the
computer is off.
To fully charge the battery:
1. Insert the battery into the computer.
2. Connect the computer to an AC adapter, optional power adapter, optional expansion product, or
optional docking device, and then plug the adapter or device into external power.
The battery light on the computer turns on.
3. Leave the computer plugged into external power until the battery is fully charged.
The battery light on the computer turns off.
Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Sleep
1. Click the battery meter icon in the notification area, and then click More power options.
– or –
Select Start > Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Power Options.
2. Under the current power plan, click Change plan settings.
3. Record the Turn off the display and Put the computer to sleep settings listed in the On
battery column so that you can reset them after the calibration.
20 Chapter 2 Power management
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