HP (Hewlett-Packard) N6xxx User 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, SystemSoft Corp., Phoenix Technologies, Ltd., ATI Technologies Inc., and
Adobe Systems Incorporated. See the individual programs for additional copyright
notices.
Microsoft®, MS-DOS®, and Windows® are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. Pentium® and the Intel Inside logo are U.S. registered trademarks and
Celeron™ and SpeedStep™ are U.S. trademarks of Intel Corporation. TrackPoint™ is a
U.S. trademark of International Business Machines. Adobe® and Acrobat® are
trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Hewlett-Packard Company
Mobile Computing Division
19310 Pruneridge Ave.
Cupertino, CA 95014
2 Reference Guide
HP Software Product License Agreement
Your HP 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 only
be used 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 3.......................................... December 2000
This manual is printed on recycled paper.
4 Reference Guide
Contents
Introducing the Notebook Computer .............................................................................. 9
Taking Inventory.......................................................................................................... 10
What’s in the Box?................................................................................................. 10
Software bundled on your computer......................................................................11
To buy accessories .................................................................................................11
To find more information....................................................................................... 12
Identifying Parts of the Computer ............................................................................... 13
Front View ............................................................................................................. 13
Bottom View .......................................................................................................... 14
Back View..............................................................................................................15
Status Lights........................................................................................................... 16
Setting Up Your Computer.......................................................................................... 18
Step 1 – Install the battery...................................................................................... 18
Step 2 – Connect ac power..................................................................................... 20
Step 3 – Turn on the computer............................................................................... 21
Step 4 – Set up Windows ....................................................................................... 22
Using Your Computer ..................................................................................................... 23
Operating Your Computer ........................................................................................... 24
To start and stop the computer...............................................................................24
To reset the computer............................................................................................. 25
To use the pointing devices.................................................................................... 26
To configure the pointing devices.......................................................................... 27
To disable one pointing device ..............................................................................27
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 .............................................................................................. 30
To adjust the volume.............................................................................................. 31
Working in Comfort with a Notebook PC................................................................... 32
Taking Care of Your Computer................................................................................... 34
To protect your hard disk drive.............................................................................. 34
To take care of your computer ............................................................................... 34
To safeguard your data........................................................................................... 35
To extend the life of the display............................................................................. 35
To get the most from your batteries....................................................................... 36
To clean your computer .........................................................................................36
Securing Your Computer............................................................................................. 37
To set up password protection ............................................................................... 37
To attach a security cable....................................................................................... 38
To use the VirusScan utility................................................................................... 39
Reference Guide 5
To set PC identification.......................................................................................... 39
To lock the hard disk drive .................................................................................... 40
Traveling with Your Computer...................................................................................... 41
Managing Power Consumption ................................................................................... 42
How the computer manages power automatically................................................. 42
To manage power manually................................................................................... 45
To suspend the computer when closing the display .............................................. 46
Using Battery Power.................................................................................................... 47
To check battery status........................................................................................... 47
To respond to a low-battery warning ..................................................................... 48
To install a secondary battery ................................................................................48
To maximize battery operating time ...................................................................... 48
Making Connections........................................................................................................ 51
Using Plug-In Modules................................................................................................ 52
To install hot-swap support.................................................................................... 52
To replace a plug-in module ..................................................................................53
To connect the floppy disk drive to the parallel port............................................. 55
To insert or remove a CD or DVD......................................................................... 55
To play DVD movies ............................................................................................. 56
Using the Modem......................................................................................................... 57
To connect the modem........................................................................................... 57
To connect to the Internet ......................................................................................59
To disconnect from the Internet............................................................................. 59
To dial in to a network ........................................................................................... 59
To change your modem settings ............................................................................60
To send and receive e-mail ....................................................................................61
To send and receive faxes (Windows 95).............................................................. 62
To send and receive faxes (Windows ME or 98)................................................... 63
To send and receive faxes (Windows 2000).......................................................... 64
Connecting to a LAN................................................................................................... 65
To connect to a LAN.............................................................................................. 65
Connecting PC Cards................................................................................................... 66
To insert or remove a PC Card............................................................................... 66
Connecting External Devices....................................................................................... 68
To identify connectors for external devices........................................................... 68
To use an external monitor..................................................................................... 69
To connect a printer or other parallel device ......................................................... 70
To connect an external keyboard or PS/2 mouse................................................... 71
To connect a USB device....................................................................................... 71
To connect a serial device...................................................................................... 71
To connect an audio device.................................................................................... 72
To make an infrared connection............................................................................. 72
To connect to a docking product............................................................................ 74
6 Reference Guide
Configuring and Expanding Your Computer............................................................... 77
Using the BIOS Setup Utility ......................................................................................78
To run the BIOS Setup utility ................................................................................ 78
Using TopTools ........................................................................................................... 84
To set up TopTools ................................................................................................84
Installing a RAM Expansion Module.......................................................................... 85
To install a RAM expansion module .....................................................................85
To remove a RAM expansion module ................................................................... 86
Replacing a Hard Disk Drive....................................................................................... 88
To replace the hard disk drive................................................................................ 88
To replace the hard disk drive holder .................................................................... 88
To prepare a new hard disk drive........................................................................... 89
Troubleshooting Your Computer .................................................................................. 91
Troubleshooting Techniques........................................................................................ 92
Audio Problems...................................................................................................... 92
CD-ROM and DVD Problems ............................................................................... 93
Display Problems ................................................................................................... 94
Docking Problems.................................................................................................. 95
Hard Disk Drive Problems..................................................................................... 96
Heat Problems ........................................................................................................ 97
Infrared Problems................................................................................................... 97
Keyboard and Pointing Device Problems.............................................................. 98
Memory Problems................................................................................................ 100
Modem Problems ................................................................................................. 100
Network Problems................................................................................................ 103
PC Card (PCMCIA) Problems............................................................................. 104
Performance Problems ......................................................................................... 105
Power and Battery Problems................................................................................ 106
Printing Problems................................................................................................. 108
Serial, Parallel, and USB Problems ..................................................................... 109
Startup Problems .................................................................................................. 111
Testing the Hardware................................................................................................. 113
To run the DiagTools diagnostic test ................................................................... 113
Recovering and Reinstalling Software ...................................................................... 115
To recover the factory installation of your hard disk........................................... 115
To replace a damaged Recovery CD ................................................................... 116
To update the computer BIOS ............................................................................. 116
Support and Service ...................................................................................................... 117
Getting Assistance for Your Computer .....................................................................118
To get help from the web ..................................................................................... 118
To contact the HP Customer Care Center............................................................ 119
To receive repair service...................................................................................... 120
To prepare your computer for shipment ..............................................................121
Hewlett-Packard Limited Warranty Statement.......................................................... 122
Reference Guide 7
Specifications and Regulatory Information ................................................................ 125
Hardware Specifications............................................................................................ 126
Modem Reference Information.................................................................................. 129
Modem Reference (3Com)................................................................................... 129
Modem Reference (Ambit) .................................................................................. 134
Safety Information ..................................................................................................... 141
Power Cords......................................................................................................... 141
Ergonomics .......................................................................................................... 142
Battery Safety....................................................................................................... 142
Laser Safety.......................................................................................................... 143
LED Safety........................................................................................................... 143
Regulatory Information.............................................................................................. 144
U.S.A.................................................................................................................... 144
Canada.................................................................................................................. 145
European Union ................................................................................................... 145
Japan..................................................................................................................... 146
International .........................................................................................................146
Index................................................................................................................................ 149
8 Reference Guide
Introducing the Notebook Computer
Reference Guide 9
Introducing the Notebook Computer
Taking Inventory
Taking Inventory
Congratulations! Your notebook computer sets a new standard in personal computing.
Although compact and easy to carry, your computer is made with the quality and
attention to detail that are the hallmark of Hewlett-Packard.
Your computer has several features that make it convenient to use:
• The display is brighter than those on previous HP notebook computers.
• Two buttons provide convenient options for starting and stopping the computer.
• Volume controls are located within easy reach on the computer’s right side, and the
audio-off button and light let you cut off all sound quickly when needed.
• All cable connectors are near the back of the computer, keeping cables away from
your working area.
This manual shows how to set up and operate your computer, as well as what to do if you
run into trouble.
What’s in the Box?
• HP notebook PC.
• Main battery (installed).
• CD-ROM or DVD drive module (installed).
• Floppy disk drive module.
• External floppy disk drive cable.
• ac adapter and power cord.
• Quick Start sheet.
• Startup Guide.
• Recovery CD, for restoring Windows and all software included with your computer.
• Microsoft Windows manual.
• Mediamatics CD (for models with a DVD drive).
10 Reference Guide
Introducing the Notebook Computer
Taking Inventory
Software bundled on your computer
Your computer includes the following software.
Software Function
Softex Bay Manager Lets you swap most modules in the plug-in bay without needing to shut
down and reboot the computer (Windows ME only).
Agaté Tioman Hot-Swap Lets you swap most modules in the plug-in bay without needing to shut
down and reboot the computer (Windows 95 and 98 only).
QuickLink Permits fax transfer to fax machines and fax software, and permits data
transfer (Windows ME and 98 only).
HP e-center Provides easy access to e-pages and e-services—including backup,
e-mail, and fax transfer (North America English only).
VirusScan Protects your computer from potentially harmful files.
Adobe Acrobat Reader Allows you to read documents in Acrobat format frequently used on the
Internet.
MusicMatch Jukebox Lets you download, organize, encode, and play MP3 files (Windows ME
and 98 only).
Microsoft Works Provides word processor, spreadsheet, calendar, and more (Windows ME
only).
Microsoft Encarta Provides an online encyclopedia (Windows ME only).
Microsoft Money Helps manage personal finances (Windows ME only).
HP DiagTools Provides hardware diagnostic tests.
DVD Express Controls DVD play (for models with a DVD drive).
HP TopTools Allows network managers and administrators to check the hardware and
software on your computer and how well they are working (not on Pavilion
models).
To buy accessories
You can buy accessories for your computer online. For the latest accessories and options,
visit the HP Notebook Web site (www.hp.com/notebooks).
HP currently offers docking solutions, plug-in modules, and other accessories, such as the
following:
• ac adapter.
• Floppy disk drive module.
Reference Guide 11
Introducing the Notebook Computer
Taking Inventory
• External floppy disk drive cable.
• Plug-in modules, such as CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, CD read/write drive, Zip drive,
LS-120 drive, second hard disk drive.
• Replacement hard disk drive module.
• Main battery.
• Secondary battery.
• Weight-saving module, for module bay to reduce travel weight.
• External battery charger.
To find more information
The following table lists other sources of information about your computer and related
products.
Source Description and Location
Startup Guide This printed manual introduces your computer. It also contains setup instructions,
basic operation guidelines, troubleshooting information, and warranty information.
Online Reference
Guide
Online HP Notes For late-breaking information available after the manuals were completed, see the
Microsoft Windows
manual
HP Notebook Web
Site
HP Customer Care
Web Site
Corporate
Evaluator’s Guide
The full Reference Guide is shipped on the computer’s hard drive, and provides a
complete source for operating and maintaining the computer. Look in the HP Library
group, or on the Recovery CD in \hp\Library. For Windows ME, click Start, Help,
Your HP Notebook, HP Reference Guide.
HP Notes in the online HP Library, or on the Recovery CD in \hp\Library. For
Windows ME, click Start, Help, Your HP Notebook, HP Notes.
This is shipped with your computer and contains information about using the version
of Microsoft Windows shipped with your computer.
www.hp.com/notebooks
www.europe.hp.com/notebooks (European mirror).
www.hp.com/go/support.
This provides information about installing alternate operating systems, as well as
how to configure your notebook computer in a corporate, networked environment.
Located at the HP Notebook Web site.
12 Reference Guide
Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Front View
1. Sleep button. Suspends and resumes operation.
2. Keyboard status lights (left to right: Caps Lock,
Num Lock, Keypad Lock, Scroll Lock).
3. Power slide button. Turns the computer on and off.
4. Pointing stick (pointing device).
5. Click buttons and scroll button.
6. Touch pad (pointing device).
7. Click buttons.
8. Main status lights (left to right): power mode, hard
disk activity, charging status for main battery, and
charging status for secondary battery.
9. Module eject latch.
Reference Guide 13
10. System-off switch.
11. Audio-off button and audio-off light.
12. Infrared port (below the volume control).
13. Volume control.
14. Audio jacks (left to right): audio out (headphones),
external microphone, audio in.
15. Kensington lock slot (security connector).
16. Built-in speakers (one on each side).
17. Built-in microphone.
18. Latch for opening the computer.
Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Bottom View
19. Modem port (on certain models).
20. LAN port (on certain models).
21. PC Card and CardBus slots (upper and lower).
22. Hard disk drive.
23. Main battery latch.
24. Main battery.
25. Plug-in module bay. Can contain a CD-ROM or
DVD drive, floppy disk drive, secondary battery, or
other plug-in module.
26. Mini-PCI cover (no user parts inside).
27. RAM cover.
14 Reference Guide
Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Back View
28. Universal serial bus port (USB).
29. Parallel port (LPT1). Use this port for a parallel
printer or other parallel device, or to connect the
floppy disk drive externally.
30. Docking port.
31. PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse port (supports Y
adapter).
32. Serial port (COM1). Use this port for a serial
mouse, modem, printer, or other serial device.
33. External monitor port.
34. ac adapter jack.
Reference Guide 15
Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Status Lights
The computer includes a number of status lights that report power and battery status,
drive activity, and keyboard functions such as caps lock and num lock.
The following diagram shows the status lights on the front of the computer.
1. Power mode.
• Green: computer is on or in Display-off mode (Windows ME, 98 or 2000).
• Amber: computer is in Standby mode or Display-off mode (Windows 95).
• No light: computer is off or in Hibernate mode.
• Red light: computer failed when resuming, and must be reset.
2. Hard disk drive activity.
• Green: computer is accessing the hard disk drive.
3. Main battery status.
• Green: The ac adapter is connected and the battery is fully charged.
• Amber: The ac adapter is connected and the battery is charging.
• Red. The ac adapter is connected and the battery is missing or has a fault.
• Off: The ac adapter is not connected.
4. Secondary battery status.
• Green: The ac adapter is connected and the battery is fully charged.
• Amber: The ac adapter is connected and the battery is charging.
• Red. The battery has a fault.
• Off: The ac adapter is not connected, a secondary battery is not installed, or the
battery is not charging.
16 Reference Guide
Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
The keyboard status lights, located above the keyboard, indicate the states of the
keyboard locks.
1. Caps Lock. Caps Lock is active.
2. Num Lock. Num Lock is active. (The Keypad Lock must also be on to use the
embedded keypad.)
3. Keypad Lock. The embedded keypad is active (Fn+F8). Num Lock must also be on
for the numeric keys—otherwise, cursor control is active.
4. Scroll Lock. Scroll Lock is active.
Reference Guide 17
Introducing the Notebook Computer
Setting Up Your Computer
Setting Up Your Computer
WARNING
WARNING
Improper use of keyboards and other input devices has been associated with
ergonomic injury. For information about reducing your risk, see Working in
Comfort in the online HP Library (for Windows ME, click Start, Help, Your HP
Notebook), or visit our ergonomics Web site, www.hp.com/ergo. For a summary
about working with a notebook computer, see “Working in Comfort with a
Notebook PC” on page 32.
If you are using your notebook computer as your primary computer, or using it for
extended periods, you should use it with a full-size keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
This can reduce the risk of ergonomic injury. See Working in Comfort in the online
HP Library (for Windows ME, click Start, Help, Your HP Notebook).
When you set up your computer for the first time, you’ll need to install and charge the
battery, connect the ac adapter, turn on the computer, and run the Windows setup
program.
Step 1 – Install the battery
Do not mutilate or puncture batteries. Do not dispose of batteries in fire, or they
can burst or explode, releasing hazardous chemicals. Rechargeable batteries must
be recycled or disposed of properly.
Your computer is shipped with the battery installed. If the battery has been removed, you
should install it:
1. Turn the computer upside down.
2. Insert the front (rounded) end of the battery into the battery compartment on the
bottom of the computer, and lower the back end in until it clicks into place.
18 Reference Guide
Introducing the Notebook Computer
Setting Up Your Computer
To remove the battery
• Slide the battery’s release latch, then lift the battery out of its compartment.
Reference Guide 19
Introducing the Notebook Computer
Setting Up Your Computer
Step 2 – Connect ac power
CAUTION
Use only the HP ac adapter included with your computer (or other approved
adapter). Using any other ac adapter could damage the computer and may void
your warranty (see the warranty statement in this manual).
• Plug in the ac adapter, and connect it to the ac adapter jack on the back of the
computer. The computer’s battery then starts charging.
While the battery is charging, you can continue with step 3.
20 Reference Guide
Introducing the Notebook Computer
Setting Up Your Computer
Step 3 – Turn on the computer
• Press the blue sleep button above the keyboard. The computer then boots up, and
Windows starts automatically.
Hint
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 press the blue sleep button again. Leave the ac
adapter plugged in for at least an hour.
Reference Guide 21
Pavilion models
Introducing the Notebook Computer
Setting Up Your Computer
Step 4 – Set up Windows
Your notebook computer has Microsoft Windows ME, 95, 98, or 2000 preinstalled on its
hard disk drive. The first time you turn on your computer, the Windows Setup program
runs automatically so you can customize your setup.
• Follow the Setup program’s instructions as they appear on the screen. If the program
prompts you to enter the Product ID code, you will find this code on the bottom of the
computer.
When the Setup program finishes, the Windows welcome screen appears. The welcome
screen gives you the option to register your computer. Registering is free and fast, and it
ensures you will receive quicker, more personalized support from Hewlett-Packard.
To register by modem, connect a phone line to the modem port—or, if your model has
no built-in modem, to a modem you connect—then click the Register button in the
welcome screen or double-click the HP Notebook Registration icon on the desktop.
Follow the onscreen instructions. (See "To connect the modem" on page 57 for details
about using the built-in modem.)
To register by phone, call your HP Customer Care Center—see “To contact the HP
Customer Care Center” on page 119 for the phone number.
22 Reference Guide
Using Your Computer
Reference Guide 23
Using Your Computer
Operating Your Computer
Operating Your Computer
You can start and stop your computer using its blue sleep button. However, at certain
times you may want to use other methods to start or stop the computer—depending on
power considerations, types of active connections, and start-up time.
To start and stop the computer
Power mode To enter this mode To turn on again
Display-off mode
Saves minimal power.
Turns off the display and hard disk.
Restarts quickly.
Maintains network connections.
Standby mode
Saves significant power.
Turns off the display and other components.
Maintains current session in RAM.
Restarts quickly.
Restores network connections.
Hibernate mode
Saves maximum power.
Saves current session to disk, then shuts down.
Restores network connections.
Shut down (off)
Saves maximum power.
Turns off without saving current session.
At startup, resets everything, starts a new
session, and restores network connections.
Allow timeout. Press any key or move a
pointing device to restore
the display (“Instant-On”).
Press blue sleep button
–or–
click Start, Suspend
(Windows 95) or Start,
Shutdown, Standby
(Windows ME, 98 or 2000)
–or–
allow timeout.
Press Fn+F12
–or–
Click Start, Shut Down,
Hibernate (Windows ME or
2000)
–or–
allow timeout.
Click Start, Shut Down
(recommended)
–or–
slide the power button.
Press the blue sleep
button to display your
current session (“InstantOn”).
Press the blue sleep
button to restart and
restore your previous
session.
Press the blue sleep
button to restart with a
new session.
You can also customize the way these power modes work. See “How the computer
manages power automatically” on page 42.
24 Reference Guide
Using Your Computer
Operating Your Computer
Hint
To boot from a floppy drive or CD-ROM or DVD drive, press ESC during reboot when
the HP logo and prompt appear. Then select the removable floppy drive or CDROM/DVD drive as the temporary boot device.
To reset the computer
Occasionally, you may find that Windows or the computer has stopped responding, and
will not let you turn the computer off. If this happens, try the following in the order listed.
1. If possible, shut down Windows: press CTRL+ALT+DEL, then click Shut Down.
2. Slide and hold the power button for 4 seconds, until the display shuts down, then
press the blue sleep button to restart.
–or, if this fails–
Insert a straightened paper clip into the system-off switch on the right side of the
computer, then press the blue sleep button to restart.
Reference Guide 25
Using Your Computer
Operating Your Computer
To use the pointing devices
Your computer includes two built-in pointing devices: the pointing stick and touch pad.
1. Pointing stick (pressure-sensitive pointing device).
2. Click buttons and scroll button. The click buttons work like the left and right buttons
on a standard mouse. The scroll button works with the pointing stick to scroll the
contents of a window.
3. Touch pad (touch-sensitive pointing device).
4. Click buttons. These also work like the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.
Moving and selecting
1. Place your hands in a normal typing position.
2. Pointing stick. With your index finger, press the pointing stick in the direction you
want the pointer to move.
Touch pad. Move a thumb or finger across the touch pad in the direction you want
the pointer to move.
3. Use the left and right click buttons, which function like the left and right buttons on a
mouse, to make your selection:
• To open an application, move the pointer over the icon and double-click the left
button.
• To make menu selections, move the pointer to the menu item and click the left
button.
• To open the shortcut menu for an item, move the pointer over the item and click
the right button.
• To drag an item, move the pointer over the item. Then press and hold the left
button while you move the pointer to the new location, and release the button.
26 Reference Guide
Using Your Computer
Operating Your Computer
Scrolling with the scroll button
• Hold down the scroll button and move the pointer using the pointing stick. The
contents of the window scroll in the direction you move the pointer.
To configure the pointing devices
You can customize the operation of your computer’s pointing devices (pointing stick,
touch pad, and external PS/2 or serial mouse). You can change the left, right, and scroll
button actions, double-click speed, pointer speed, and more. For details, click Help in the
Mouse window.
• Double-click the touch pad icon in the task bar.
–or–
Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, then double-click Mouse.
To disable one pointing device
If you prefer to use only one of your computer’s built-in pointing devices, you can
disable the other. For example, if you notice that your hand inadvertently contacts the
touch pad and moves the cursor while you’re typing, consider disabling the touch pad.
1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, then double-click Mouse.
–or–
Double-click the touch pad icon in the taskbar.
2. Click the Touch tab, and select the device you want to disable from the pull-down
menu.
3. Select Disable This Device near the bottom of the window.
4. Click OK.
Reference Guide 27
Using Your Computer
Operating Your 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. To use a hot key, press and hold Fn, press the
appropriate second key, then release both keys.
This hot key Does this
Fn+F1 Decreases the display brightness.
Fn+F2 Increases the display brightness.
Fn+F5 Toggles among the built-in display, an external display, and simultaneous display on
both.
Fn+F7 Audio mute
Fn+F8 Toggles the built-in keypad on and off. Does not affect an external keyboard. If Num
Lock is on, then the numeric functions are active; otherwise, cursor control is active.
Fn+F12 Enters Hibernate mode.
Fn+NumLock Toggles Scroll Lock on and off.
Fn+UP ARROW Increases sound volume.
Fn+DOWN ARROW Decreases sound volume.
External keyboards support only Fn+F5, Fn+F7, and Fn+F12. To use these, press and
hold left CTRL+left ALT, press the appropriate second key, then release both keys.
28 Reference Guide
Using Your Computer
Operating Your 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 right-click while pointing at the application.
This key combination Does this
Windows key+E Runs Windows Explorer
Windows key+F1 Runs Windows Help
Windows key+F Runs Windows Find: File or Folders… dialog box
Windows key+M Minimizes all displayed windows
Shift+Windows key+M Returns all minimized windows to original size
Windows key+R Runs the Windows Run dialog box
To use the embedded keypad
Your computer’s built-in keyboard includes an embedded keypad you can use to type
numbers and arithmetic operators. The keys in this keypad are marked using light gold
characters.
• Press Fn+F8 to turn on the embedded keypad.
• Hold Fn while typing a key to turn the embedded keypad on temporarily.
When the embedded keypad is active, you can use Num Lock to change how the keypad
functions:
• Num Lock on: The keys enter the numbers and arithmetic operator printed in light
gold on the keyboard.
• Num Lock off: The keys act as cursor control keys.
Reference Guide 29
Using Your Computer
Operating Your 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
that provides access to certain special keyboard characters.
• For a character in the lower-right corner of a key, press and hold ALT GR to type the
character.
Hint
1. Shifted.
2. Unshifted.
3. ALT GR.
To adjust the display
Changing the brightness
• Press Fn+F1 to decrease the display’s brightness.
• Press Fn+F2 to increase the display’s brightness.
To maximize your battery operating time, set the brightness to the lowest level you can
view comfortably.
Changing display settings
You can customize a number of display settings for your computer, such as color depth
and screen area.
1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, then double-click Display.
2. Click the Settings tab, then make the settings you want.
Using an external monitor
If you want, you can attach an external monitor to your notebook computer. See “To use
an external monitor” on page 69.
30 Reference Guide
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