HP OB4150 Service Manual

HP OmniBook 4150

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 1999. 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.,
NeoMagic Corporation, and Adobe Systems Incorporated. See the individual programs
for additional copyright notices.

Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. Pentium and the Intel Inside logo are U.S. registered trademarks
of Intel Corporation. TrackPoint is a U.S. registered 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 OmniBook 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 1 ............................................ August 1999

Edition 2 .......................................... December 1999

This manual is printed on recycled paper.

4 Reference Guide

Contents

Introducing the OmniBook ...............................................................................................9

Getting More Information............................................................................................10

Taking Inventory..........................................................................................................11

Included in the OmniBook box ..............................................................................11

To buy OmniBook accessories...............................................................................12

OmniBook Features......................................................................................................13

OmniBook—Front View........................................................................................ 13

OmniBook—Side View..........................................................................................14

OmniBook—Back View.........................................................................................15

Setting Up for the First Time ....................................................................................... 16

To set up the OmniBook and Windows .................................................................16

Operating the OmniBook................................................................................................19

Starting and Stopping the OmniBook..........................................................................20

To start and stop the OmniBook.............................................................................20

To reset the OmniBook...........................................................................................21

Checking the Status of the OmniBook.........................................................................22

To check power status and drive activity...............................................................22

To check the keyboard status .................................................................................23

Using the OmniBook Pointing Devices.......................................................................24

To use the built-in pointing devices.......................................................................25

To activate full touch pad capabilities....................................................................26

To activate full pointing stick capabilities ............................................................. 27

To configure pointing devices................................................................................28

Using the OmniBook Display......................................................................................29

To adjust the display brightness .............................................................................29

To extend the life of the display.............................................................................29

To suspend the OmniBook when closing the display............................................30

Adjusting the Audio System ........................................................................................31

To adjust the volume ..............................................................................................31

Using the OmniBook Keyboard...................................................................................32

To use the Fn hot keys............................................................................................32

To use the Windows keys.......................................................................................33

To use the embedded keypad .................................................................................33

To use the ALT GR key ......................................................................................... 34

Working in Comfort.....................................................................................................35

About Repetitive Strain Injury ...............................................................................35

Preparing Your Work Environment .......................................................................37

Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment..........................................................39

Comfort and Safety Checklist ................................................................................ 44

Your HP OmniBook Computer..............................................................................46

Taking Care of Your OmniBook..................................................................................48

Reference Guide 5

Managing Battery Power.................................................................................................49

How Power is Managed ...............................................................................................50

Monitoring Battery Power............................................................................................ 51

To install APM for Windows NT 4.0.....................................................................51

To check the battery status .....................................................................................52

To respond to a low-battery warning .....................................................................52

To recharge a battery..............................................................................................53

To replace the battery .............................................................................................54

To install a second battery......................................................................................55

Conserving Battery Power............................................................................................56

To save battery power.............................................................................................56

To set power time-outs...........................................................................................57

To control the processor speed...............................................................................58

To get the most from your battery..........................................................................59

Expanding the OmniBook...............................................................................................61

Using Plug-In Modules ................................................................................................ 62

To install hot-swap support....................................................................................62

To replace a plug-in module................................................................................... 63

To connect the floppy disk drive to the parallel port .............................................65

To insert or remove a CD.......................................................................................65

To play DVD movies..............................................................................................66

Connecting External Devices....................................................................................... 67

To identify connectors for external devices...........................................................67

To connect an external monitor..............................................................................68

To enable the built-in and external displays...........................................................68

To change display settings in the BIOS Setup utility ............................................68

To use an external monitor..................................................................................... 69

To connect an external keyboard or PS/2 mouse...................................................70

To connect a printer................................................................................................70

To connect a serial device ...................................................................................... 70

To connect a serial mouse ......................................................................................71

To connect USB devices.........................................................................................71

To connect audio devices .......................................................................................72

To make an infrared connection.............................................................................72

Using PC Cards ............................................................................................................74

To insert and remove a PC Card.............................................................................74

To find tested PC Cards.......................................................................................... 75

To install Card Executive for Windows NT 4.0.....................................................75

Using Docking Products...............................................................................................76

To install a docking tray.........................................................................................76

To dock the OmniBook ..........................................................................................77

To undock the OmniBook......................................................................................78

Installing a Hard Disk Drive ........................................................................................ 79

To replace the hard disk drive ................................................................................79

To replace the hard disk drive holder.....................................................................80

Installing a RAM Expansion Module ..........................................................................82

6 Reference Guide

To install a RAM expansion module......................................................................82

To remove a RAM expansion module ...................................................................83

Configuring the OmniBook.............................................................................................85

Using BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................86

To run the BIOS Setup utility.................................................................................86

Using TopTools............................................................................................................92

To install TopTools ................................................................................................ 92

To run TopTools.....................................................................................................92

To get more information about TopTools.............................................................. 92

Configuring Security Options ......................................................................................93

To set or change an OmniBook password.............................................................. 93

To delete an OmniBook password ......................................................................... 94

To install the VirusScan utility...............................................................................94

To attach a security cable .......................................................................................95

To set PC identification..........................................................................................95

To enable hard disk drive lock ...............................................................................96

Troubleshooting................................................................................................................97

Solving Problems..........................................................................................................98

Accessory Problems ...............................................................................................98

Audio Problems......................................................................................................99

Display Problems..................................................................................................100

Hard Disk Drive Problems ...................................................................................102

Keyboard and Pointing Device Problems ............................................................102

Infrared Problems .................................................................................................104

Memory Problems ................................................................................................ 105

PC Card (PCMCIA) Problems .............................................................................105

Performance Problems..........................................................................................106

Power and Battery Problems ................................................................................107

Printing Problems .................................................................................................110

Serial, Parallel, and USB Problems......................................................................111

Startup Problems...................................................................................................112

Testing the Operation.................................................................................................113

To run the diagnostic test .....................................................................................113

To create a diagnostic floppy disk........................................................................114

Recovering Software..................................................................................................115

To recover the factory installation of Windows...................................................116

To update the OmniBook BIOS...........................................................................117

To replace a damaged Recovery CD ....................................................................117

Support and Service.......................................................................................................119

Getting HP OmniBook Assistance.............................................................................120

Support Assistance ............................................................................................... 120

Electronic Support Services .................................................................................120

Reference Guide 7

Repair Assistance .................................................................................................121

Customer Support Centers....................................................................................121

Hewlett-Packard Limited Warranty Statement..........................................................123

Specifications and Regulatory Information.................................................................125

Hardware Specifications.............................................................................................126

Software System Resources .......................................................................................129

Safety Information...................................................................................................... 132

Power Cords..........................................................................................................132

Ergonomics...........................................................................................................133

Battery Safety .......................................................................................................133

Laser Safety ..........................................................................................................133

LED Safety ...........................................................................................................134

Regulatory Information..............................................................................................135

U.S.A. ...................................................................................................................135

Canada ..................................................................................................................136

Japan .....................................................................................................................136

International..........................................................................................................137

Index................................................................................................................................139

8 Reference Guide

Introducing the OmniBook

Reference Guide 9

Introducing the OmniBook

Getting More Information

Getting More Information

Congratulations! Your OmniBook sets a new standard in personal computing. Although

it’s compact and easy to carry, the OmniBook is infused with the quality and attention to
detail that are the hallmark of Hewlett-Packard.

The OmniBook Quick Start sheet shows how to get your OmniBook up and running
quickly. This manual shows how to set up and operate the OmniBook, and it also shows
what to do if you run into trouble.

This table lists other sources of supplementary information about OmniBook products.

Source Description and Location

User’s Handbook This printed manual introduces the OmniBook and shows you the OmniBook basics.

It also contains setup instructions, basic operation, troubleshooting, and warranty
information.

Online Reference
Guide

Online OmniBook
Notes

Microsoft Windows
manual

OmniBook website http://www.hp.com/omnibook.

HP Customer Care
website

Corporate
Evaluator’s Guide

The full
provides a complete source for operating and maintaining the OmniBook. Look in
the OmniBook Library group.

For late-breaking information available after the manuals were completed, see
OmniBook Notes in the online OmniBook Library.

This is shipped with your OmniBook and contains information about using the
standard features of the version of Microsoft Windows shipped with your computer.

http://www.europe.hp.com/omnibook (European mirror).
http://www.hp.com/cposupport/eschome.html.

This provides information about installing alternate operating systems, as well as
how to configure the OmniBook in a corporate, networked environment. Located at
the OmniBook website.

Reference Guide

is shipped on the OmniBook hard drive. This manual

10 Reference Guide

Taking Inventory

The HP OmniBook 4150 represents a category of HP notebook computers featuring the
latest mobile technologies available. It uses high-speed Intel processors, large TFT
displays, and high-capacity hard drives.

Included in the OmniBook box

• HP OmniBook 4150.

• Floppy disk drive.

• CD-ROM or DVD drive.

• AC adapter and power cord.

• Lithium-ion battery.

Introducing the OmniBook

Taking Inventory

• The OmniBook User’s Handbook.

• Quick Start sheet.

• OmniBook Recovery CD. Includes Windows recovery and operating system drivers.

• Microsoft Windows manual.

Reference Guide 11

Introducing the OmniBook

Taking Inventory

To buy OmniBook accessories

Buy OmniBook accessories online! For the latest accessories and options, visit us at
http://www.hp.com/omnibook As new accessories become available, you’ll find them

listed here.
At the time of this printing, HP offers a variety of docking solutions, plug-in modules,

and other accessories, including the following:

• Docking system and monitor stand.

• Mini dock.

• Port replicator.

• Floppy disk drive.

• External floppy disk drive cable.

• CD-ROM drive.

• LS-120 drive.

• DVD drive.

• Replacement hard disk drive.

• Second hard disk drive.

• Lithium-ion battery.

• External battery charger.

• PC Cards.

• Smart Card security system.

• Auto / airline adapter.

• AC adapter.

12 Reference Guide

OmniBook Features

OmniBook—Front View

Introducing the OmniBook

OmniBook Features

1. Keyboard status lights (left to right: caps lock,
keypad lock, num lock).

2. Built-in microphone.

3. Blue power button. Turns the OmniBook on and
off.

4. Pointing stick (pointing device).

5. Touch pad (pointing device).

6. Built-in speakers

7. Click buttons (two above and two below touch
pad).

8. Main battery release latch.

9. Mute button.

10. AC adapter jack.

11. Audio jacks (left to right): audio line-in, external
microphone, audio line-out.

12. PC Card eject buttons (upper and lower PC Card
slots).

13. PC Card and CardB us slots (upper and lower).
Accepts two Type-II cards or one Type-III card.

14. Main status lights (left to right): power state, hard
disk activity, charging status.

15. Latch to open and close the OmniBook.

Reference Guide 13

Introducing the OmniBook

OmniBook Features

OmniBook—Side View

16. PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse port (supports Y
adapter).

17. Universal serial bus port (USB). Windows NT 4.0
does not support USB.

18. System-off button (to shut down the OmniBook).

19. Built-in speakers.

20. Module release latch.

21. Plug-in module b ay. Can contain a CD-ROM drive,
floppy disk drive, LS-120 drive, DVD drive, second
hard disk drive, or a second battery.

22. Battery bay.

14 Reference Guide

OmniBook—Back View

Introducing the OmniBook

OmniBook Features

23. Infrared port. Windows NT 4.0 does not support
infrared communication.

24. Kensington lock slot (security connector)

25. Parallel port (LP T1). Use this port for a parallel
printer, other parallel device, or to connect the
floppy disk drive externally.

26. Serial port (COM1). Use this port for a serial
mouse, a modem, a serial printer, or other serial
device.

27. External monitor port.

28. Docking port.

Reference Guide 15

Introducing the OmniBook

Setting Up for the First Time

Setting Up for the First Time

When you set up the OmniBook for the first time, you’ll need to install and charge the
battery, connect the ac adapter, turn on the OmniBook, and go through the Windows
setup program.

To set up the OmniBook and Windows

CAUTION

Use only the HP adapter model F1454A (or other approved adapter) with this
product. Using any other ac adapter could damage the OmniBook and may void
your warranty. Refer to the warranty statement for your product.

1. If present, remove the “weight-saving” module by sliding the release latch forward,

then pushing it back as far as it will go. With the latch open, insert the OmniBook’s
main battery.

2. Plug in the ac adapter.

3. Connect the ac adapter to the OmniBook’s right side, as shown. The OmniBook

battery starts charging.
Let the battery charge a full 24 hours to completely charge the internal clock battery.

Otherwise, the OmniBook may not keep the correct date and time.

4. Press the blue power button.

16 Reference Guide

Windows NT 4.0

Introducing the OmniBook

Setting Up for the First Time

5. The Windows Setup program starts automatically. Follow the instructions as they

appear on the screen.

6. During setup, you may be prompted to enter the Product Key or Product ID (printed

on the Certificate of Authenticity on the Microsoft Windows manual or attached to
the bottom of the computer).

7. If you are prompted to set up a user account and password, you can either set up the

account or press ESC to skip this step.

For Windows NT, Card Executive provides support for PC Cards, and Advanced Power
Management provides power management. If a PC Card icon and a Power icon are
displayed in the taskbar, these utilities are already installed. If these icons are not

present, see “To install Card Executive for Windows NT 4.0” on page 75 and “To install
APM for Windows NT 4.0” on page 51. You should install Card Executive before you
install networking support.

For Windows NT, the NT administrator password is initially blank. For system security,
you should change the NT administrator password in the Windows NT User Manager.

For Windows NT, the keyboard locale is initially set to match the Windows NT
language. For example, French Windows NT uses a French keyboard. If your
OmniBook has a different keyboard, such as French-Canadian, you should use
Keyboard Control Panel to change the locale and layout under Input Locales.

Year 2000

Hewlett-Packard makes no representation or warranty about the Year 2000 readiness of
non-HP products including pre-installed operating systems or application software.
Customer should contact the software manufacturer directly to determine if any
additional actions by Customer are necessary to ensure compliance.

ATTENTION: MICROSOFT HAS INDICATED MANY OF ITS OPERATING
SYSTEM SOFTWARE PRODUCTS AND APPLICATIONS REQUIRE CUSTOMER
INSTALLATION OF SOFTWARE PATCHES FOR YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
AND MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL PATCHES IN THE FUTURE. THE NEED
FOR SUCH PATCHES MOST LIKELY APPLIES TO THE OPERATING SYSTEM
SOFTWARE AND ANY MICROSOFT APPLICATIONS SHIPPED WITH THIS
PRODUCT. CUSTOMER IS URGED TO CONTACT MICROSOFT AT
http://www.microsoft.com/y2k, AT 1-888-MSFTY2K (U.S. AND CANADA ONLY),
OR AT THEIR LOCAL MICROSOFT OFFICE.

Reference Guide 17

Operating the OmniBook

Reference Guide 19

Operating the OmniBook

Starting and Stopping the OmniBook

Starting and Stopping the OmniBook

You can easily start and stop your OmniBook using the blue power button. However, at
certain times, you may want to use other methods for starting and stopping your

OmniBook—depending on power considerations, types of active connections, and start­up time.

To start and stop the OmniBook

When you The OmniBook enters To turn on again

Press Fn+S.*

–or–
allow time-out.

Press blue power
button
–or–
click Start,
Suspend.**
–or–
allow time-out.

Press Fn+F12
–or–
allow time-out.

Click Start,
Shut Down
(recommended)
–or–
Press and hold the
blue power button
until the display
shuts down.

* Windows NT and Windows 95 only. In Windows 98, press Fn+S to suspend. Not supported in Windows 2000.
** Windows 95 only. In Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click Start, Shutdown, Standby to suspend.
*** A plug-and-play operating system, such as Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows 2000, can restore network

connections when you turn on the OmniBook. For Windows NT 4.0 or a different operating system, you may
have to reset the OmniBook or restart the operating system to restore them.

Standby Mode

Saves minimal power.
Turns off the display only.
Restarts quickly.
Maintains network connections.

Suspend Mode

Saves significant power.
Turns off the display.
Saves current session to RAM.
Restarts quickly.
May restore network connections.***

Hibernate Mode

Saves maximum power.
Saves current session to disk, shuts down.
May restore network connections.***

Off Mode

Saves maximum power.
Turns off without saving current session.
At startup, resets everything, starts a new session, and
restores network connections.

Press any key or move a
pointing device to display
your current session
(“Instant-On”).

Press the blue power
button to display your
current session (“Instant­On”).

Press the blue power
button to restart and
restore your previous
session.

Press the blue power
button to restart with a
new session.

20 Reference Guide

Operating the OmniBook

Starting and Stopping the OmniBook

To reset the OmniBook

If Windows or the OmniBook stops responding, you can reset the OmniBook and restart
Windows.

1. If possible, shut down Windows.

2. Press and hold the blue power button until the display shuts down.

–or, if this fails–
Insert a pen or straightened paper clip into the recess on the left side of the

OmniBook, as shown.

3. After the computer shuts down, press the blue power button to turn it on.

Hint

To boot from a CD-ROM or DVD drive in the module bay, press ESC two times during
reboot when you see the HP logo. Then select the CD-ROM/DVD drive as the
temporary boot device.

Reference Guide 21

Operating the OmniBook

Checking the Status of the OmniBook

Checking the Status of the OmniBook

To check power status and drive activity

The OmniBook has status lights that report power status and drive activity. When the
floppy disk drive is installed in the module bay, the following lights are present on the
front of the OmniBook and the module bay.

1. Floppy disk drive light.

• Green light. The OmniBook is accessing the floppy disk drive.

2. Power status light.

• Green light. OmniBook is on.

• Amber light. OmniBook is in Standby or Suspend mode.

• No light. OmniBook is in Off or Hibernate mode.

• Green and amber light. OmniBook failed when resuming. Reset the OmniBook.

3. Drive activity light.

• Green light. OmniBook is accessing the hard disk drive or a drive in the module

bay.

4. Charging status light.

• Green light. The ac adapter is connected and battery is full or has stopped

charging.

• Blinking green light. The ac adapter is connected and battery is charging.

• No light. The ac adapter is not connected or the battery is not installed.

22 Reference Guide

Operating the OmniBook

Checking the Status of the OmniBook

To check the keyboard status

The keyboard status lights, located above the keyboard, indicate the states of the
keyboard locks.

1. Caps Lock. Caps Lock is active.

2. Keypad Lock . The embedded keypad is active (Fn+F8). Num Lock must also be on

for the numeric keys—otherwise, cursor control is active.

3. Num Lock. Num Lock is active. (The Keypad Lock must also be on to use the

embedded keypad.)

Reference Guide 23

Operating the OmniBook

Using the OmniBook Pointing Devices

Using the OmniBook Pointing Devices

Two pointing devices (pointing stick and touch pad) are built into your OmniBook.

1. Pointing stick (pressure-sensitive pointing device).

2. Touch pad (touch-sensitive pointing device).

3. Click buttons (two above and two below the touch pad).

Both pointing devices use these click buttons, which work like the left and right
buttons on a standard mouse. What the buttons do depends on the software being
used.

24 Reference Guide

Operating the OmniBook

Using the OmniBook Pointing Devices

To use the built-in pointing devices

1. Place your hands in the typing position.

2. Pointing stick. With your index finger, press the pointing stick in the direction you

want the pointer to move. Pressing away from you moves the pointer up the screen;
pressing toward you moves the pointer down the screen.

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, then press the left button

twice rapidly.

• To make menu selections, move the pointer to the item and press the left button

once.

Windows 2000

• 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. Press and hold the left button

while you move the pointer to the new location. Release the button.

The default pointing device driver (PS/2 TrackPoint) supports the enhanced features of
the pointing stick and the basic features of the touch pad.

You can customize the OmniBook to support enhanced touch pad features (see the next
topic). If you do this, keep in mind that you are selecting enhanced features for the touch
pad only. You cannot activate enhanced features for both simultaneously.

Under Windows 2000, enhanced features for the pointing stick and touch pad are not
available at this time. Check the Customer Care website
(http://www.hp.com/cposupport/eschome.html) for PS/2 TrackPoint and touch pad
device drivers for Windows 2000. The default pointing device driver is the standard

PS/2 Compatible Mouse driver. To disable either pointing device, see “To run the BIOS
Setup utility” on page 86.

Reference Guide 25

Operating the OmniBook

Using the OmniBook Pointing Devices

To activate full touch pad capabilities

Windows 2000

Under Windows 2000, full touch pad capabilities are not available at this time.

The built-in pointing stick driver supports only basic touch pad features. To activate full
touch pad capabilities, you have to

• Remove the pointing stick driver and select a new mouse driver.

• Disable the pointing stick.

• Install touch pad support.

Remove the pointing stick driver and select a new mouse driver

1. From the Start menu, click Settings, Control Panel.

2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs and remove IBM TrackPoint Support.

3. From Control Panel, open Mouse, General and click Change.

–or–
In Windows 98, from Control Panel, open System, Device Manager, Mouse, IBM

PS/2 TrackPoint, Driver, click Update Driver, and select the option to display a list of
drivers.

4. Select Show All to see a complete list of devices.

5. Under Manufacturers, click Standard Mouse Types.

6. Under Models, change the mouse type to Standard PS/2 Port Mouse, then continue.

7. Click Yes to any questions.

Disable the pointing stick

1. From the Start menu, shut down, then restart the OmniBook.

2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility.

3. Select the System Devices menu.

4. Highlight Internal Pointing Devices and select Touch Pad.

5. Press F10 to save and exit.

Install touch pad support

• Run C:\Omnibook\Drivers\Touchpad\Setup.exe or Install.exe.

26 Reference Guide

Using the OmniBook Pointing Devices

To activate full pointing stick capabilities

Operating the OmniBook

Windows 2000

Under Windows 2000, full pointing stick capabilities are not available at this time.

If you have activated full touch pad capabilities, you can use this procedure to switch
back to full pointing stick capabilities.

Remove the touch pad driver

• From Control Panel, click Add/Remove Program and remove touch pad.

Enable the pointing stick

1. From the Start menu, shut down, then restart the OmniBook.

2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility.

3. Select the System Devices menu.

4. Highlight Internal Pointing Devices and select Pointing Stick. (Choose Both if you

want basic touch pad features available.)

5. Press F10 to save and exit.

Install pointing stick support

• From Control Panel, open Mouse, General and click Change. Click Have Disk, point

to the directory listed below, and select IBM PS/2 TrackPoint.

–or–
In Windows 98, from Control Panel, open System, Device Manager, Mouse, Standard

PS/2 Port Mouse, Driver, click Update Driver, and select the option to display a list of
drivers. Click Have Disk, point to the directory listed below, and select IBM PS/2
TrackPoint.

c:\Omnibook\Drivers\Trackpnt

Reference Guide 27

Operating the OmniBook

Using the OmniBook Pointing Devices

To configure pointing devices

• To customize the operation of all pointing devices (pointing stick, touch pad, and

external PS/2 or serial mouse), in Control Panel open Mouse. You can change left and
right button actions, double-click speed, pointer speed and tail, and more.

• To customize special pointing stick features, click the pointing stick icon on the

taskbar or open TrackPoint in Control Panel. This is not yet available under
Windows 2000.

28 Reference Guide

Using the OmniBook Display

To adjust the display brightness

The OmniBook uses special key combinations, called hot keys, to control brightness.

• Press Fn+F1 to decrease the brightness.

• Press Fn+F2 to increase the brightness.

Hint

To maximize your battery operating time, set the brightness to the lowest comfortable
setting, so that the internal light uses less power.

To extend the life of the display

Operating the OmniBook

Using the OmniBook Display

Observe the following guidelines to maximize the life of the backlight in the OmniBook
display.

• Set the brightness to the lowest comfortable setting (Fn+F1). If you are using an

external keyboard, Fn = left CTRL + left ALT.

• When working at your desk, connect an external monitor and turn off the internal

display (Fn+F5).

• Avoid using a screen saver or other software that prevents the OmniBook from

changing to Suspend or Standby mode after a time-out period. If you use a screen
saver in Windows 95, 98, or 2000, enable the option to shut off the display after a
time delay.

• Do not disable Suspend or Standby time-outs.

• If you are using ac power and have no external monitor attached, change to suspend

or standby when not in use.

Reference Guide 29

Windows 2000

Operating the OmniBook

Using the OmniBook Display

To suspend the OmniBook when closing the display

By default, the OmniBook display turns off when you close the display lid. You can
change this setting to suspend the OmniBook when you close the display lid.

Under Windows 2000, to set the action for closing the display, open Control Panel, open
Power Options, and on the Advanced tab, select an option for closing the lid. None
means that the display will turn off when you close the lid.

1. Close all applications, then shut down Windows and restart the OmniBook.

2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility.

3. From the Power menu, choose Lid Switch Mode.

4. Choose one of the following options:

Turn off LCD. Closing the lid turns off the display (default). Open the lid to turn on
the display again.

Suspend. Closing the lid suspends the OmniBook. Press the blue power button to
resume again.

5. Press F10 to save and exit the BIOS Setup utility.

30 Reference Guide

Adjusting the Audio System

The OmniBook supports Sound Blaster Pro-compatible sound and the Microsoft
Windows Sound System.

To adjust the volume

On the Keyboard

• To increase the volume, press Fn+UP-ARROW.

• To decrease the volume, press Fn+DOWN-ARROW.

• To temporarily silence the speaker without changing the volume setting, press the

mute button on the right side of the OmniBook.

In Windows

Operating the OmniBook

Adjusting the Audio System

• Click the speaker symbol in the taskbar.

• Drag the volume control bar up or down to adjust the volume.

• To temporarily silence the speaker without changing the volume setting, click Mute.

Reference Guide 31

Operating the OmniBook

Using the OmniBook Keyboard

Using the OmniBook Keyboard

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 OmniBook Library, or visit our ergonomics website,
http://www.hp.com/ergo.
If you are using your portable 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
OmniBook Library.

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. The OmniBook keyboard shows the Fn hot keys
labeled in gray. If you are using an external keyboard, the Fn key = left CTRL +
left ALT.

These keys Do this

Fn + F1 Decreases the display’s brightness.
Fn + F2 Increases the display’s brightness.
Fn + F5 Switches among the built-in display, an external display, and simultaneous displays.
Fn + 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 + S Enters Standby mode in Windows 95 and Windows NT. Enters Suspend mode in

Windows 98. Not supported in Windows 2000.
Fn + R Enters Suspend mode. Not supported in Window s 2000.
Fn + ScrLk Toggles Scroll Lock on and off.
Fn + UP ARROW Increases the volume.
Fn + DOWN

ARROW

Decrease the volume.

32 Reference Guide

Num Lock on

Num Lock off

Operating the OmniBook

Using the OmniBook Keyboard

To use the Windows keys

There are two Windows keys on the keyboard.

The one next to the Fn key brings up the Windows Start menu.

The one at the top center of the keyboard brings up the shortcut menu for the
current application. This is the same menu that appears when you click the right
mouse button while pointing at the application.

To use the embedded keypad

When the embedded keypad on the OmniBook’s built-in keyboard is active, two options
are possible.

Keys change to the numeric or arithmetic designations printed in light gray on the
keyboard.

Keys change to cursor control keys.

1. Press NmLk to turn Num Lock on or off.

2. Press Fn+F8 to turn on the embedded keypad.

–or–
To temporarily turn on the embedded keypad, hold Fn while typing a key.

Reference Guide 33

Operating the OmniBook

Using the OmniBook Keyboard

To use the ALT GR key

Non-U.S. keyboards have an ALT GR key to the right of the spacebar. This is a shift key
providing access to certain keyboard characters.

• For a character in the lower-right corner of a key, press and hold ALT GR to type the

character.

1. Shift.

2. Unshifted.

3. ALT GR.

For example, to type the euro currency symbol, hold ALT GR and press the marked

key—or you can turn on Num Lock and the embedded keypad, then hold ALT and type
0128 on the embedded keypad.

34 Reference Guide

Working in Comfort

Operating the OmniBook

Working in Comfort

WARNING

Improper use of keyboards and other input devices has been associated with
ergonomic injury. For more information about reducing your risk, visit our
ergonomics website at www.hp.com/ergo.

Thank you for selecting HP computing equipment. To optimize your comfort and
productivity, it is important that you set up your work area correctly and use your HP
equipment properly. With that in mind, we have developed some set-up and use
recommendations for you to follow based on established ergonomic principles.

Improper and prolonged use of keyboards and input devices are among those tasks that
have been associated with repetitive strain injury (RSI) to soft tissues in the hands and
arms. If you experience discomfort or pain while using any computing equipment,
discontinue use immediately and consult your physician as soon as possible.

In addition to the information on RSI given in this chapter, you may also consult the
online version of Working in Comfort preloaded on the hard disk of the your HP

OmniBook, or visit HP’s Working in Comfort website.

About Repetitive Strain Injury

Because your comfort and safety are our primary concern, we strongly recommend that
you use HP computing equipment in accordance with established ergonomic principles
and recommendations.

Scientific literature suggests that there may be a relationship between injury to soft
tissues—especially in the hands and arms—and prolonged, improper use of keyboards or
other equipment requiring repeated motions of the hands and forearms.

This literature also suggests that there are many other risk factors that may increase the
chance of such injury, commonly called Repetitive Strain Injury.

What is RSI?

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI—also known as cumulative trauma disorder or repetitive
motion injury) is a type of injury where soft tissues in the body, such as muscles, nerves,
or tendons, become irritated or inflamed.

Reference Guide 35

Operating the OmniBook

Working in Comfort

RSI has been a reported problem for those who perform repetitive tasks such as assembly
line work, meatpacking, sewing, playing musical instruments, and computer work.

RSI also has been observed in those who frequently engage in activities such as
carpentry, knitting, housework, gardening, tennis, windsurfing and lifting children.

What causes RSI?

The specific causes of RSI have not been established. Nevertheless, the incidence of RSI
has been associated with a variety of risk factors, including:

• Too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or motion.

• Performing an activity in an awkward or unnatural posture.

• Maintaining static posture for prolonged periods.

• Failing to take frequent short breaks.

• Other environmental and psychosocial factors.

In addition, there have been reports associating the occurrence of RSI with the use of
computer keyboards, mice, and other input devices. Also, certain medical conditions,
such as rheumatoid arthritis, obesity and diabetes, may predispose some people to this
type of injury.

What can I do to avoid RSI?

Some people who use computers may experience physical discomfort during their use.
This discomfort may be a symptom of a repetitive strain injury.

Properly setting up and using computing equipment can help to minimize your chances of
experiencing this discomfort. Well-designed and properly adjusted equipment alone may
not be sufficient to eliminate all potential problems.

Maintaining good posture and positioning when working on computers also has a
significant bearing on your comfort.

What if I experience discomfort?

If you are experiencing any discomfort, seek professional medical advice immediately.
Typically, the earlier a problem is diagnosed and treated, the easier it is to resolve.

36 Reference Guide

Operating the OmniBook

Working in Comfort

Preparing Your Work Environment

When using HP computing equipment, it is important that your work environment
contribute to your comfort and productivity.

Your Chair

It’s very important that your chair provides a comfortable sitting position and offers the
following features:

• A stable base, such as five legs with casters. Make sure the casters are designed for

the type of floor you have in your workspace, whether it is bare or carpeted.

• A height- and tilt-adjustment feature. It should be easy to adjust your chair height

from 40 cm to 52 cm (15.5 inches to 20.5 inches) as measured from the top of the seat
pan to the floor. If you are much taller or shorter than average, you may need a chair
that can be adjusted beyond this range. Adjust your chair so that the work surface or
keyboard tray is at elbow height and your feet are flat on the floor with your knees
slightly bent below your hips. Ideally, the seat pan should be able to tilt both forward
(minimum of 5 degrees) and backward (minimum of 10 degrees). If the chair has an
adjustable seat pan, inclining the seat slightly forward will transfer some of the
pressure from the spine to the thighs and feet. This will relieve pressure on your back.

Reference Guide 37

Operating the OmniBook

Working in Comfort

• A curved seat edge. The front of the seat should be curved and finished in a

“waterfall” edge.

• An adjustable back support in both height and forward and backward tilt. It is

important that the backrest correctly supports the lower part, or lumbar curve, of the
back.

• A freely rotating swivel so you can move easily from side-to-side.

• Fully adjustable and padded armrests. The chair arms should not interfere with

adjusting the chair or moving it close to your work surface.

Your Work Surface

Ideally, you should be able to adjust the height of your work surface.
A simple way to ensure your work surface is at the correct height is to first adjust the

height of the seat-pan of your chair. With your chair properly adjusted and your feet
firmly on the floor, adjust the work surface height until your forearms are parallel to the
floor when you have your fingers on the keyboard or other input device.

Your Work Posture

Sitting in one position for long periods can be uncomfortable. To minimize the potential
for physical discomfort or injury, it’s important that you maintain proper posture.

• Back: While sitting at your work surface, make sure your back is supported by the

chair’s backrest in an erect position or angled slightly backwards.

• Arms: Your arms should be relaxed and loose, elbows close to your sides, with

forearms and hands approximately parallel to the floor.

38 Reference Guide

Operating the OmniBook

Working in Comfort

• Wrists: Your wrists should be as straight as possible while using the keyboard,

mouse or trackball. They should not be bent sideways, or more than 10 degrees up or
down.

• Legs: Your thighs should be horizontal or angled slightly downward. Your lower legs

should be near a right angle to your thighs. Your feet should rest flat on the floor. If
necessary, use a footrest, but double check that you have your seat height adjusted
correctly before getting a footrest.

• Head: Your head should be upright or tilted slightly forward. Avoid working with

your head or trunk twisted.

• Overall: Change your position frequently and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.

Setting Up Your HP Computing Equipment

Make sure that all the elements of your HP computer system—monitor, document holder,
keyboard, mice and other input devices, and headphones and speakers—are optimally
arranged and adjusted to meet your personal requirements. The recommendations that
follow will help you achieve this.

Your HP Monitor

It is important that your monitor screen be clean and positioned correctly to improve
readability and help you work comfortably. Glare, high contrast, reflections, dirt and dust
will interfere with what you see on the screen. The recommendations that follow can help
you achieve a comfortable arrangement.

Reference Guide 39

Operating the OmniBook

Working in Comfort

• The top of your monitor screen should be at or slightly below eye level. Most HP

monitors come with a tilt-and-swivel feature that makes it easy to adjust the screen
position.

• To avoid obscuring your view, the screen should be positioned perpendicular to your

line of sight; that is, straight on.

• To avoid glare or reflection, try to position the monitor so the screen is at a right angle

to your window rather than in front of it. If reflection or glare persists, tilting the
screen forward may help.

• Maintain a comfortable viewing distance to the screen. Most people prefer a viewing

distance of approximately 46 to 76 cm (18 to 30 inches), depending on monitor size.
Character size and the amount of space available on the work surface can affect this
distance.

• Text should be easy to read. To help ease eyestrain, adjust text attributes such as

character size, spacing, and color. In addition, you will need to use the controls
provided with your monitor to adjust the visual settings so that contrast and brightness
levels are comfortable for you. High contrast and low brightness is usually the
preferable combination.

• The monitor should be free from flicker. If the image on your screen is not stable, the

monitor may require repair or adjustment.

• When possible, use a program that has a simple user interface, such as easily

identifiable icons and pull-down menus. Also, screen information should be displayed
in a structured and well-organized way.

40 Reference Guide

Operating the OmniBook

Working in Comfort

Monitor Use Specifications

• When viewing your monitor, your head should not be tilted more than 15 degrees

forward.

• You should not have to look up more than 5 degrees above horizontal or down more

than 30 degrees below horizontal for normal work tasks, such as typing or reading.

Document Holders

When keying in data from a hard-copy document, placing it in a document holder rather
than on a flat surface will make it easier to read. The following recommendations should
be observed when using a document holder:

• The document holder should be at approximately the same height and distance from

your eyes as the screen, and as close to the monitor as possible to prevent neck
twisting. Some users prefer a document holder mounted to the monitor while others
prefer the document holder positioned between the screen and keyboard.

• If the primary task is to view documents rather than using the monitor, the document

holder may be placed directly in front of the keyboard with the monitor slightly to the
side.

• To help reduce stress on your neck and prevent eye fatigue, try to minimize the

movement of your head and eyes while using a document holder.

Your HP Keyboard

The proper positioning and use of your HP keyboard is important when using HP
computing equipment. Be sure to observe the following recommendations to optimize
your comfort and safety:

Reference Guide 41

Operating the OmniBook

Working in Comfort

• We recommend you place your keyboard in front of the screen or document holder,

whichever is viewed the most. Your HP keyboard has long cables so you can place it
in the position that is most comfortable for you while you are using your system.

• Because HP keyboards vary in depth, you’ll want to be sure that your work surface or

keyboard tray has sufficient room to accommodate your model. The keyboard tray
should be wide enough to hold both the keyboard and mouse or trackball: 66 to 71 cm
(26 to 28 inches).

• Your HP keyboard may have a kickstand that can be opened or closed to raise or

lower the keyboard angle. If you are in the correct sitting position with your elbows at
about the same level as the work surface, you may not need to use it. However, if
your elbows are below the work surface, you may wish to use the kickstand to raise
the back of the keyboard.

• An adjustable keyboard tray may be useful if you cannot adjust your chair or work

surface to the proper height for typing. It should adjust in height from 64 to 76 cm (25
to 30 inches) above the floor and tilt forward and backward to help you find the most
comfortable position. Note that research has shown that there may be less muscle
tension in shoulders and forearms with the keyboard tilted away from you.

• When using your HP keyboard, remember it takes very little pressure or force from

your fingers to activate the keys. Improper typing style—the use of too much force—
can place unnecessary stress on the tendons and muscles in your hands, wrists, and
forearms.

• Make sure that your hands are in a neutral position when you use your keyboard. This

means that your forearms, wrists, and hands should be in a straight line.

• The keyboard has a low profile to help prevent excessive bending of your wrists while

typing. Literature suggests that you should not bend your wrists sideways or more
than 10 degrees up or down. Keep your wrists straight by moving your entire hand
and forearm over to use the function keys or numeric keypad.

• You may use a palm rest to help keep your hands and wrists in a comfortable and

neutral position when you are not typing. Some HP keyboards come with an
integrated palm rest. If you use a palm rest, see that it is rounded and padded, and
flush in height with the front edge of the keyboard. Note that your palms—not your
wrists—should rest on the palm rest. If you don’t have a palm rest, try not to rest your
wrists on a sharp edge, such as a work surface edge.

Mice and Other Input Devices

Various aspects of using mice and other input devices may increase your risk of
discomfort or injury. If you connect an external mouse to your OmniBook, observing the
following recommendations may reduce that risk.

42 Reference Guide

Operating the OmniBook

Working in Comfort

• As with the keyboard, try to keep your hand, wrist, and forearm in a neutral position

while using your mouse or other input device.

• When using a stylus or light pen with a graphics tablet, don’t grip the stylus tightly.

Keep your hand and fingers relaxed and try to maintain a neutral posture in your
hand, wrist and forearm.

• If you use your thumb to rotate the ball on a trackball or spaceball, keep it in a

relaxed, natural shape, and maintain a neutral posture in your hand, wrist, and
forearm.

• Hold the mouse gently by draping your fingers over it. Keep your hand relaxed and

fingers loose. Do not grip the mouse tightly.

• It takes very little pressure or force from your fingers to activate the buttons or scroll

wheel on your mouse, scrolling mouse, trackball, or other input device. Using too
much force can place unnecessary stress on the tendons and muscles in your hands,
wrists, and forearms.

• If you are using a scrolling mouse, be sure to keep your fingers and hand in a relaxed,

neutral position when activating the scroll wheel. Also, this type of mouse features
software that can minimize the number of mouse movements or button clicks.

• When using a mouse, trackball, stylus and graphics tablet, or other input device,

position it as close to the keyboard as possible, and keep it at the same level so you do
not have to stretch while using it.

• Use a good quality mouse pad to enable the mouse to work most effectively and

reduce unnecessary hand and wrist movements.

• Be sure to keep your mouse and trackball clean. Regular removal of accumulated dust

and dirt helps ensure proper tracking and reduces unnecessary hand and wrist
motions.

Reference Guide 43

Operating the OmniBook

Working in Comfort

Headphones and Speakers

Listening to loud sounds for prolonged periods may permanently damage your hearing.
To avoid discomfort from unexpected noise, always turn down the volume before
connecting headphones or speakers to your HP equipment.

When you put on the headphones, slowly increase the volume until you find a
comfortable listening level, then leave the volume control in that position.

Comfort and Safety Checklist

These recommendations are drawn from the latest available international ergonomic
standards and recommendations, including ISO 9241 and ANSI/HFS 100-1988.

General

• Work Surface Height: Adjust either your seat height, work surface, or both, to

position the work surface at approximately elbow height.

• Work Surface Arrangement: Make sure frequently used equipment is within easy

reach. For example, if you are primarily using the keyboard, place it directly in front
of you, not to the side. If you are primarily using the mouse, place it in front of your
hand or arm. If you are using both a mouse and keyboard, place them both at the same
work surface height and close together. If a palm rest is used, the height should be
flush with the front edge of the keyboard. Other items, such as your telephone or
notepad, also should be considered.

• Monitor: Place your monitor so that the top of the screen is at, or slightly below, eye

level (up to 15 degrees).

44 Reference Guide

Operating the OmniBook

Working in Comfort

• Head: Do not tilt your head forward by more than 15 degrees, and try not to turn your

head toward the side.

• Back: While sitting at your work surface, make sure your back is supported by the

chair’s backrest in an erect position or angled slightly backwards.

• Arms: Make sure your arms and elbows are relaxed and loose, with your upper arm

perpendicular to the floor or slightly forward. Keep your forearms and hands
approximately parallel with the floor with elbows bent between 70 and 115 degrees.
Keep your elbows close to your sides (less than 20 degrees away from your body).

• Legs: Your thighs should be horizontal or angled slightly downward. Your lower legs

should be near a right angle to your thighs. Make sure there is sufficient room under
the work surface for your legs.

• Feet: If after adjusting your chair you cannot rest your feet comfortably on the floor,

use a footrest, preferably one that can be adjusted in height and angle.

Overall

• Look away from the screen from time-to-time to help reduce eyestrain. Focus on

distant objects briefly, and blink periodically to lubricate your eyes. You also should
have your eyes checked on a regular basis and ensure your eyeglass prescription is
suitable for working on a monitor screen.

• Remember to occasionally shift position and move your body. Keeping your body in

one position for long periods is unnatural and stressful. When prolonged work is
required, take frequent short breaks. As a rule of thumb, a five- or ten-minute break
every hour is a good idea. Short, frequent breaks are more beneficial than longer less
frequent breaks. Data show that people who work for long periods of time without a
break may be more prone to injury.

• Changing tasks frequently will help prevent muscle stiffness. Examples: alternating

between keyboarding, reading, writing, filing, and moving around in your work
environment, helps you maintain a relaxed posture. Occasionally stretch the muscles
in your hands, arms, shoulders, neck, and back. You should stretch at least as often as
you take brief task breaks—at least once every hour.

• Discomfort may be alleviated by using alternative ergonomic designs and accessories

such as ergonomically personalized chairs, palm rests, keyboard trays, alternative
input devices, prescription eyeglasses, anti-glare screens, and more. Seek additional
information from the sources available to you, including your employer, doctor, local
office supply store, and the information sources listed in the online version of
Working in Comfort, which is preloaded on the hard disk of your HP computing
equipment.

Reference Guide 45

Operating the OmniBook

Working in Comfort

Your HP OmniBook Computer

You can use your HP OmniBook computer virtually anywhere, anytime. The following
recommendations should help you work more comfortably.

Note that if you are using your portable computer as your primary computer, or using it
for extended periods, you should use it with a full-size keyboard, monitor and mouse.
This will give your portable computer the adjustability and comfort features of a desktop
unit. HP port replicators offer quick, easy connections to these devices. More information
on how to prepare your workspace environment and set up your HP equipment is
available in other sections of Working in Comfort, which is preloaded on the hard disk of
your HP computing equipment.

Preparing Your Mobile Work Environment

• Use a chair that provides good support for your lower back. If an adjustable chair is

not available, you can use a pillow or rolled-up towel to provide lower back support.

• Try to keep your thighs parallel to the floor and your feet flat on the floor. In a mobile

environment, you can do this by using a phone book or briefcase to support your feet.

• Adjust the height of either your work surface or chair to keep your arms in a neutral

position. Your arms should be relaxed and loose, elbows at your sides, with the
forearms and hands parallel with the floor.

• Position your notebook computer display to minimize glare and reflection. For

example, on an airplane, lower the window shade, or in a hotel room, draw the
curtains. You also should maintain a comfortable viewing distance, approximately 40
to 60 cm (16 to 24 inches). Adjust the angle of your display to help keep your head
angled slightly downward in a comfortable position.

Using Your Mobile Computer

• Position the computer so your wrists and hands are in a neutral position. Your wrists

should be as straight as possible and should not have to bend sideways or more than
10 degrees up or down. If your notebook computer does not have a built-in palm rest,
you can use a rolled-up towel.

• Try to type as lightly as possible. The notebook keyboard requires little force to

activate.

46 Reference Guide

Operating the OmniBook

Working in Comfort

• Take frequent, short rest breaks. This is especially important in a mobile computing

environment.

• Portable computers weigh between approximately 1.4 and 3.7 kilos (3 and 8 pounds).

When traveling, be sure to carry your computer properly to minimize strain on your
body. Shift the bag containing your notebook equipment frequently between your left
and right hands and shoulders.

Reference Guide 47

Operating the OmniBook

Taking Care of Your OmniBook

Taking Care of Your OmniBook

Protect your OmniBook from damage

• Observe the temperature limits and other specifications listed in “Hardware

Specifications” on page 126. Do not use the OmniBook outside in the rain or snow
(inclement weather).

• Make sure there is adequate ventilation around the OmniBook. Suspend or shut down

the OmniBook before putting it in a carrying case or other enclosed space.

• Do not pick up or carry the OmniBook by the display.

• You can clean the OmniBook with a soft cloth dampened either in clean water or in

water containing a mild detergent. Do not use an excessively wet cloth nor allow
water inside the case. Do not use any abrasive cleaners, especially on the display. Do
not apply any cleaner directly to the display. Instead, apply the cleaner to a soft cloth
and then gently wipe the display. You can clean the keyboard with a vacuum cleaner
to remove accumulated dust.

Protect your hard disk drive from damage

• Avoid bumps or jolts.

• Suspend or shut down the OmniBook before transporting it. This turns off the hard

drive. A drop of a few inches onto a rigid surface while the hard drive is operating
could cause loss of data or damage to the drive.

• Carry the OmniBook in a padded case to protect against bumps and jolts.

• Set down the OmniBook gently. Take precautions against accidental bumps.

• Do not operate the OmniBook while traveling over bumpy terrain.

Protect your work

• Back up your work regularly. Copy files to floppy, tape, or network drives.

• Use a virus scanning program, preferably one that will run automatically, to check the

integrity of your files and operating system on a periodic basis. See “To install the
VirusScan utility” on page 94.

• Periodically check your hard disk using standard Windows disk-maintenance utilities.

48 Reference Guide

Managing Battery Power

Reference Guide 49

Managing Battery Power

How Power is Managed

How Power is Managed

The OmniBook conserves power by using software that controls battery charging and
power drain.

If you’re using Windows 95 or Windows 98, Advanced Power Management (APM) is
preinstalled on the OmniBook.

If you’re using Windows NT 4.0, look for a Power icon in the taskbar. If the icon is

present, APM is installed. If not, see “To install APM for Windows NT 4.0” on page 51.

If you’re using Windows 2000, power management is built into Windows.

The OmniBook provides several safeguards so you won’t be surprised by a dead-battery
condition, including the following:

• The status lights on the battery show the remaining battery charge.

• Built-in warnings are displayed for low-battery conditions.

• The OmniBook automatically turns off when the battery charge gets too low—your

session continues when you start recharging the battery or insert a fresh battery.

Data on any of the drives is not affected by a low battery—unless the battery runs down
completely while writing data to the drive, or if the battery in a PC RAM card is also low.

50 Reference Guide

Monitoring Battery Power

The primary source of power for the OmniBook is its rechargeable battery pack. You can

use the ac adapter to recharge the battery—or to run on ac power to preserve the battery.

Managing Battery Power

Monitoring Battery Power

Important

Running external connections is a power-intensive operation that significantly shortens
the length of a battery session. Whenever possible, connect the ac adapter when using
external connections.

In addition to the replaceable battery, there is a permanent, internal backup battery, which
recharges whenever the OmniBook is on or connected to ac. It maintains certain internal
settings, such as the clock.

To install APM for Windows NT 4.0

If a Power icon (battery or power plug) is present in the taskbar, APM is installed. If the
icon is not present, you can install APM using the steps below.

The Advanced Power Management (APM) driver for Windows NT 4.0 is located on the
OmniBook’s hard disk drive. You set up APM from the Windows Start menu. (The APM
driver is also located on the Recovery CD in \OmniBook\Drivers\NT4 or Apm.)

Phoenix APM adds the following capabilities to the OmniBook:

• Improved battery life under Windows NT 4.0.

• PC Card power management.

• Convenient user control and monitoring of power settings and status.

1. To install APM, click Start, Programs, OmniBook, Phoenix Advanced Power

Management, Setup.

2. Follow the setup instructions on the screen.
You can download the Phoenix APM documentation from the following website:

http://www.phoenix.com.

Reference Guide 51

Managing Battery Power

Monitoring Battery Power

To check the battery status

From the Windows Taskbar

• Move the pointer onto the power icon at the right end of the taskbar. If you are using

Windows NT 4.0, you’ll need to install Advanced Power Management to display the
power icon (see “To install APM for Windows NT 4.0” on page 51). The approximate
battery charge is displayed as a percentage or in hours.

• Double-click the power icon on the taskbar to open the Battery Meter window.

From Windows Control Panel

• Click My Computer, Control Panel, Power. This provides access to all options

associated with reporting of power information by Windows.

On the Battery

1. Remove the battery from the OmniBook (see “To replace the battery” on page 54).

2. Press the pad on the back of the battery.

The number of lights that turn on indicates the charge—each light represents 20% of a
full charge.

To respond to a low-battery warning

When battery power is critically low, you are alerted by one or more of the following:

• The computer emits a warning beep. This reminds you to save your work.

• If the OmniBook has been off, you will not be able to turn it on.

The OmniBook automatically hibernates to preserve your current session. However,
unsaved data could be affected if the battery runs down completely while writing data to
the drive. You won’t be able to restart until you restore power by one of the following
actions:

• Plug in the ac adapter.

–or–
Replace the main battery with one that is charged.
–or–
Install a charged second battery in the plug-in module bay.

52 Reference Guide

To recharge a battery

Managing Battery Power

Monitoring Battery Power

CAUTION

The ac adapter is normally warm to the touch whenever it’s plugged into an ac
outlet. The OmniBook is normally warm while it’s charging. Don’t charge it in a
briefcase or other confined space as this may cause the battery to overheat.

1. Connect the power cord to the ac adapter, then plug the cord into an ac outlet. The

indicator light on the ac adapter shines when the adapter is on. If the ac adapter does
not light, make sure that cord is not damaged.

2. Connect the ac adapter to the OmniBook’s right side, as shown.

Charging time

Charging the battery takes about 2 hours to fully charge.

Battery life

When the computer is in use, typical battery life can last up to 3-4 hours or more,
depending on your level of use, your power management settings, and your computer
model.

Optimum Charging

To get the longest battery operating time, wait to recharge until the battery is below 50%
charged, then continue charging until the battery is fully charged. The battery charging
light stops blinking only when the battery is actually full. You can continue working
while the battery is charging.

Reference Guide 53

Managing Battery Power

Monitoring Battery Power

To replace the battery

CAUTION

If you have any unsaved data, it (and your current work session) will be lost when
you remove the battery unless the computer is connected to ac power. Also, you
should wait at least 3 seconds after inserting the battery before you unplug the ac
adapter.

1. Important. Save your work.

2. Plug in the ac adapter.

–or–

From the Start menu, shut down the OmniBook.

3. Slide the battery bay release latch forward as far as it will go.

4. Gently pull the release latch back until the battery pops out.

5. Grasp the underside of the battery firmly and pull out.

54 Reference Guide

WARNING

Managing Battery Power

Monitoring Battery Power

6. With the latch in the open position, slide the charged battery into the OmniBook until

it is flush with the unit.

7. Close the battery bay release latch.

Do not mutilate, puncture, or dispose of batteries in fire. A battery can burst or
explode, releasing hazardous chemicals. A rechargeable battery must be recycled

or disposed of properly. For more information about battery safety, see “Battery
Safety” on page 133.

To install a second battery

The OmniBook’s plug-in module bay accepts a second battery. See “Using Plug-In
Modules” on page 62 for information about installing plug-in modules.

Reference Guide 55

Managing Battery Power

Conserving Battery Power

Conserving Battery Power

The OmniBook uses to conserve battery power. You can manage this software to

optimize your battery operating time. If you’re using Windows 95 or Windows 98,
Advanced Power Management (APM) is preinstalled on the OmniBook. If you’re using
Windows NT 4.0, make sure APM is installed (see “To install APM for Windows NT

4.0” on page 51). If you’re using Windows 2000, power management is built into
Windows.

To save battery power

Follow these suggestions to conserve battery power.

• Plug in the ac adapter, especially while using the floppy disk drive, the CD-ROM

drive, or any external connections.

• Put the OmniBook in Suspend mode whenever you are not using it for a short while:

press the blue power button for approximately 1 second or click Start, Suspend
(Windows 95) or Start, Shut Down, Standby (Windows 98 and 2000).

• Put the OmniBook in Hibernate mode whenever you want to save your current

session, but will not be using the computer for several hours or more (Fn+F12).

• Shut down the OmniBook whenever you will not be using it for several hours or

more. Click Start, Shut Down. The current session is not saved.

• Press Fn+F1 to turn the brightness of the display down to the lowest comfortable

level. This reduces the backlight power and extends the life of your OmniBook
display.

• Set the automatic time-out settings to emphasize saving power (see “To set power

time-outs” on page 57). For a model with a dual-speed processor, use the lower speed
on battery power (see “To control the processor speed” on page 58). The default
settings conserve battery power.

• If you work with an application that uses the serial port or a PC Card, exit the

application when you are done using it.

• If you have an I/O PC Card—that is, a PC Card having an external connection, such

as a modem or network card—remove it when you are not using it. Some I/O cards
use significant power, even while they’re inactive.

56 Reference Guide

Note

Managing Battery Power

Conserving Battery Power

To set power time-outs

Windows 95, 98, and NT

The BIOS Setup utility includes settings for automatic time-outs at specified periods of
inactivity. There are four different time-outs for different levels of power and
conservation.

For Windows 98, power options you set in Power Management Control Panel override
corresponding settings in BIOS Setup.

1. From the Start menu, shut down then restart the OmniBook.

2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility. Active keys are

described along the bottom of the screen. (The pointing devices are not active in the
BIOS Setup utility.) Help information for the highlighted item appears in the right­hand sidebar in the display.

3. Select the Power menu.

4. Select Power Management Mode. (Press the spacebar, F5, or F6 to pick an option

other than Disabled.)
Maximum Power Savings: The time-out settings are defined for best power savings

(relatively short time-outs).
Maximum Performance: The time-out settings are set for fast performance with

some power conservation (relatively long time-outs).
Customized: You determine each setting for Smart CPU Mode, Standby Time-out,

Suspend Time-out, Hibernate Time-out, and Hard Disk Time-out. For definitions of

these power modes, see “To start and stop the OmniBook” on page 20.

5. Optional. Choose a setting for Time-Out On AC. If you want the time-outs to occur

even when the OmniBook is connected to ac power, choose Enabled. To prevent
time-outs while the OmniBook is plugged in, choose Disabled (default setting).

6. Press F10 to save and exit the BIOS Setup utility.

Windows 2000

Power Options Properties includes settings for automatic time-outs at specified periods of
inactivity. Time-outs set in BIOS setup are ignored.

1. From the Control Panel, open Power Options.

2. Follow the instructions on the Power Schemes tab. We recommend that you avoid

setting the Hibernate time-outs to Never.

Reference Guide 57

Managing Battery Power

Conserving Battery Power

To control the processor speed

If your OmniBook contains a high-speed Pentium III processor with Intel SpeedStep
Technology, you can change settings that control the processor speed. If the taskbar
contains an Intel SpeedStep Technology icon, your computer has this feature.

With the default settings, the processor speed changes automatically according to the
power source (ac adapter or battery). The lower speed uses power more efficiently and is
normally used when the computer is running on battery power.

Automatic Speed Changes

• If you reboot the computer with the ac adapter plugged in, the processor starts at high

speed. If the computer is on battery power, the processor starts at low speed.

• If you unplug the ac adapter while the computer is running or suspended, the

processor changes to low speed.

• If you plug in the ac adapter while the computer is running or suspended, the

processor changes to high speed.

Changing Speed Settings

• To set the speed used by the processor at boot, or to disable the dual-speed feature,

change the Intel SpeedStep Technology setting in BIOS Setup in the Power menu—
see “Power Menu” on page 90.

• To set the speed used by the processor while Windows is running, double-click the

Intel SpeedStep Technology icon in the taskbar or use the Control Panel Power icon.

58 Reference Guide

Managing Battery Power

Conserving Battery Power

To get the most from your battery

The following are some further suggestions for the best management of your OmniBook
batteries.

• Do not leave batteries unused for long periods of time. If you have more than one,

rotate them.

• If you normally use ac power, make a practice of at least once a week using the

battery as your power source.

• Unplug the ac adapter when the computer is not in use.

• To preserve the life of your battery, be sure to charge the battery regularly.

• For long-term storage, the battery must be charged at 20-50% to save capacity loss by

self-discharge and to avoid deterioration of battery performance. Storage in a 100%
charged condition can cause higher self-discharge and deterioration of discharge

capacity—even after recharging—compared to storage in a 20-50% charged
condition.

Reference Guide 59

Expanding the OmniBook

Reference Guide 61

Expanding the OmniBook

Using Plug-In Modules

Using Plug-In Modules

You can use any compatible plug-in module with the OmniBook module bay, such as
those listed below.

• DVD drive module.

• LS-120 SuperDisk drive module.

• Floppy drive module.

You can also attach the floppy disk drive to the parallel port with the optional floppy
drive cable. You can then use the module bay for a different plug-in module.

• 24X CD-ROM drive module.

• Second battery.

CAUTION

Do not remove a plug-in module without first notifying Windows. If you do not
take proper action, you could lose data.

To install hot-swap support

For Windows 95 or Windows 98, if a plug-in module icon is present in the taskbar, Agaté
Tioman “hot-swap” software is installed. If the icon is not present, you can install it using
the steps below.

The Agaté Tioman hot-swap software lets you disconnect most modules in the plug-in
bay without shutting down the computer and rebooting. (This software does not support
Windows NT.)

• Click Start, Programs, Agaté Tioman for HP, Setup, then follow the onscreen

instructions.

62 Reference Guide

CAUTION

Expanding the OmniBook

Using Plug-In Modules

To replace a plug-in module

For Windows 95 or Windows 98, if Agaté Tioman hot-swap software is installed, a plug­in module icon appears at the right end of the taskbar. This software lets you disconnect
most plug-in modules without shutting down the computer. For a hard drive module, you
must shut down the computer.

Windows 2000 displays the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon at the right end of the taskbar
when a drive module is present.

If you are connecting or disconnecting a CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, or any other

type of drive, you must use the icon in the taskbar or shut down the computer—
otherwise, you could lose data.

Do not touch the metallic pins in OmniBook connectors, module connectors, or
cable connectors. Static electricity can damage internal components.

1. Close all files that are open from the plug-in module.

Note

2. For Windows 95 or 98, if the plug-in module icon is present in the taskbar, right-click

the icon, then click Remove Device. When prompted to remove the module, click
OK. (You do not have to do this if the bay is empty or contains a battery.)

–or–
For Windows 2000, left-click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon on the taskbar, and
select the module you want to remove. When prompted to remove the module, click
OK. (You do not have to do this if the bay is empty or contains a battery.)
–or–
For any version of Windows, including Windows NT, click Start, Shut Down to shut
down the computer. (You must do this if you are removing or inserting a hard disk
drive in the module bay.)

If you’re removing or inserting a battery, you do not have to do step 2.

Reference Guide 63

Expanding the OmniBook

Using Plug-In Modules

3. Slide the module release latch forward as far as it will go.

4. Gently move the release latch back until the module pops out.

5. Grasp the underside of the module firmly, and pull out.

6. With the latch in the open position, slide the new plug-in module into the OmniBook

until flush with the unit.

7. Close the module release latch.

64 Reference Guide

Expanding the OmniBook

Using Plug-In Modules

To connect the floppy disk drive to the parallel port

If you have a CD-ROM drive or other module in the module bay, you can connect the
floppy disk drive to the parallel port.

1. Buy a floppy drive cable, HP accessory F1473A.

2. Connect the cable directly to the floppy drive and to the OmniBook parallel port.

CAUTION

Before disconnecting the floppy disk drive, use the icon in the taskbar to stop the drive,

or shutdown the computer—see “To replace a plug-in module” on page 63.

To insert or remove a CD

Do not insert or remove a CD while the OmniBook is actively reading data.
Otherwise, the OmniBook could stop responding and you could lose data.

1. Press the button on the face of the CD-ROM or DVD drive. If you are using this drive

for the first time, be sure to remove the cardboard packing insert.

2. Place the CD into the drive (label facing up) and gently press down to seat the CD on

the spindle.
–or–
Remove the CD.

Reference Guide 65

Note

Expanding the OmniBook

Using Plug-In Modules

3. Slide the CD-ROM tray back into the module to close it.

If you lose power to the OmniBook, or if you have removed the CD-ROM or DVD
module from the OmniBook, you can manually open the drive to remove a CD.

• Insert a straightened paper clip into the recessed hole on the front of the drive, as

shown above.

For Windows 95, 98, and NT, your OmniBook has been configured at the factory to
disable CD Auto Insert notification. This allows your system to suspend on time-out.
However, you may notice that Windows 95 or Windows 98 may not automatically
detect the insertion of a CD. For Windows 2000, your OmniBook has been configured
to enable CD Auto Insert notification. This does not affect time-outs.

To play DVD movies

If your OmniBook came with a DVD drive, you can install DVD player software that lets
you play DVD movies. Do the following to install the play software.

• Run Setup on the software CD.

66 Reference Guide

Connecting External Devices

You can expand the OmniBook’s capabilities by connecting other devices.

Expanding the OmniBook

Connecting External Devices

Note

Before you connect any device, check the documentation that came with the equipment
to see if you need to make any settings or adjustments to the equipment before using it.
This might include setting switches to configure the equipment so that it will operate
properly with the OmniBook and the software you plan to use.

To identify connectors for external devices

The following picture describes the available connectors for external devices. Refer to it,
if necessary, when following the procedures in this section.

1. Infrared port. Use this port for wireless data transmission between the OmniBook and

another computer or a printer with an infrared port. In Windows 95, you must install
infrared drivers.

2. Kensington lock slot (security connector).

3. Parallel port (LPT1). Use this port for a parallel printer, other parallel device, or to

connect the floppy disk drive externally.

4. Serial port (COM1). Use this port for a serial mouse, a modem, a serial printer, or

other serial device.

5. External monitor port.

6. Docking port (for the port replicator or docking system).
These additional connectors are available on the left side of the computer:

• Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

• PS/2 port. Use this to connect a keyboard or an external PS/2 mouse.

Reference Guide 67

Expanding the OmniBook

Connecting External Devices

To connect an external monitor

You can connect a VGA, SVGA, XGA, or SXGA monitor to your OmniBook—or
UXGA for a computer with “4150 B” after the serial number. The OmniBook’s internal
display supports standard XGA mode (1024 by 768 pixels).

1. Press the blue power button for one second to suspend the OmniBook.

2. Connect the monitor cable to the monitor, then to the monitor port on the back of the

OmniBook.

3. Connect the monitor to a power source and turn it on.

4. Press the blue power button to turn on the OmniBook.

5. If the external monitor has a different resolution from the internal display, adjust the

display properties (My Computer, Control Panel, Display, Settings).

To enable the built-in and external displays

• For a temporary change, press Fn+F5 to cycle through the display options (Internal,

External, Both).

• For a permanent change in which display is active, change the Video Display Device

setting in the BIOS Setup utility (see below).

• For a display connected to a video adapter in a docking system, the docking display is

automatically selected when it is detected. To change this behavior, change the
Primary Video Adapter setting in the BIOS Setup utility (see below).

To change BIOS display settings, see the next topic.

To change display settings in the BIOS Setup utility

1. From the Start menu, shut down, then restart the OmniBook.

2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility.

3. From the Main menu, use the down arrow to highlight Video Display Device.

4. Press ENTER to view choices.

68 Reference Guide

Expanding the OmniBook

Connecting External Devices

5. Select Auto (to automatically detect and select the external display) or Both (to select

both displays).

6. Similarly, highlight Primary Video Adapter. Select Auto (to automatically switch to

an external video adapter in a docking system) or Internal (to reserve the external
display for special use, such as multiple displays in Windows 98).

7. Press F10 to save settings and exit Setup.

To use an external monitor

• If you attach an external monitor to the OmniBook, you can press Fn+F5 to switch

between the internal OmniBook display and the external monitor. The internal display

supports settings up to 1024 × 768 resolution and 16M colors (24- or 32-bit). You can
change display settings using Control Panel Display or right-clicking the desktop and
clicking Properties.

• If you need to use both displays at the same time, you can press Fn+F5 again to show

the same image on both displays. However, by default, the image is limited by the
internal display to 1024 × 768 pixels, so at a higher resolution you see only part of the
desktop on both displays. This doesn’t happen if you use only the external monitor. If
you need to increase the refresh rate on the external monitor, you can switch to only
the external monitor or you can make the internal or external display a “secondary”
display—you make this setting on the Display tab (in Windows 98 or 2000, you have
to click Advanced on the Settings tab first).

• In Windows 98, you can enable the Extended Desktop (dual displays), which spreads

the desktop across two displays. To do this, right-click display 2 on the Settings tab
and select Enable. You can set different resolutions and numbers of colors for each
display. However, using the Extended Desktop requires video memory to be shared.
For this reason, higher resolutions and higher numbers of colors may cause
unexpected behavior on the displays. We recommend starting with 1024 × 768
resolution on the external display and 64K colors (16-bit) on both displays. You can
try higher settings to see whether they work for your applications. In addition, certain
operations such as playing DVDs and running 3D graphics require extra video
memory, so you may have to use lower display settings.

See OmniBook Notes in the online OmniBook Library for any last-minute information
about display operation.

Reference Guide 69

Hint

Expanding the OmniBook

Connecting External Devices

To connect an external keyboard or PS/2 mouse

The 6-pin PS/2 port allows you to attach an external keyboard or a PS/2-compatible
mouse to the OmniBook. While an external PS/2 mouse is connected, the built-in
pointing devices are normally disabled.

• Plug the mouse or keyboard PS/2 cable into the PS/2 port on the OmniBook.

• To connect both a mouse and keyboard, use the HP F1469A Y adapter.

• To connect a device that has a PC-type jack, first connect its cable to an adapter cable

with a PS/2 jack.

To use hot keys from an external keyboard, substitute left CTRL + left ALT for the
OmniBook Fn key. For example, to access Fn+F2, press left CTRL + left ALT + F2. If
this does not work, check that the setting for External Fn Key is enabled in the System

Devices menu of the BIOS Setup utility. See “To run the BIOS Setup utility” on page

86.

The built-in pointing device must be disabled for special mouse features to work. In the
BIOS Setup utility, check that the PS/2 Pointing Devices option is set to Auto in the
System Devices menu.

To connect a printer

The parallel port uses a standard 25-pin connector, most commonly used for connecting a
printer. These include dot-matrix, ink-jet, and laser printers. The parallel port supports
both EPP and ECP capabilities (if selected in BIOS Setup).

The OmniBook has one parallel port. Its address and properties can be set in the BIOS
Setup utility.

• Connect the parallel printer cable or other parallel cable to the parallel port.

To connect a serial device

The OmniBook’s serial port uses a standard 9-pin serial port. Serial connections typically
are to external modems and fax modems. The OmniBook has one serial port. Its address
can be set in the BIOS Setup utility.

• Connect the serial cable to the serial port.

70 Reference Guide

Expanding the OmniBook

Connecting External Devices

To connect a serial mouse

For Windows 95, 98, and NT

1. Connect the serial cable to the serial port.

2. From the Start menu, click Settings, Control Panel.

3. Double-click Mouse, then click General.

4. Click Change and then select Show All Devices.

5. Under Manufacturers, click Standard Mouse Types.

6. Under Models, change the mouse type to Standard Serial Mouse, then click OK.

For Windows 2000

1. Connect the serial cable to the serial port.

2. Press the blue power button to suspend the OmniBook, then press it again to turn the

OmniBook back on. Wait several seconds for Windows to find the new device.

Note

Note

To connect USB devices

Windows NT 4.0 does not support universal serial bus (USB) devices.

Universal serial bus (USB) provides a bidirectional serial interface for adding peripheral
devices such as game controllers, serial and parallel ports, and scanners on a single bus.
The OmniBook provides one USB port; the OmniBook docking products provide two
USB ports.

• Attach the USB cable to the USB port. Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows

2000 automatically recognize the USB device. Some USB devices can be connected

to the OmniBook in series with other USB devices—this is called a “daisy-chain”
connection.

If you have problems making this connection, contact the vendor of the peripheral
device, as well as the OmniBook website, for the latest versions of the USB drivers. The
USB technology is dynamic and continues to develop.

If the device is not recognized, you may need to install a driver. Contact your device
vendor.

Reference Guide 71

Expanding the OmniBook

Connecting External Devices

To connect audio devices

There is a built-in microphone located at the bottom of the OmniBook display. You can
use it to record voice, sound, and music. You can also plug in a stereo input source, (such
as a CD player), an external microphone, and external speakers or headphones.

CAUTION

WARNING

Note

The audio jacks are three-terminal stereo jacks. They are not compatible with two­terminal mono plugs. Connecting a mono plug into the speaker-out jack may
damage the OmniBook.

• Attach the audio cable to the corresponding audio port.

• When you plug a device into the microphone-in port, the built-in microphone

automatically turns off.

• When you plug a device into the speaker-out port, the built-in speaker automatically

turns off.

Do not leave your headphones plugged in when rebooting the OmniBook as the PC
speaker can be loud.

To make an infrared connection

Windows NT 4.0 does not support infrared communication.

By default, the infrared port is not enabled.
For Windows 95. Enable the infrared port in the BIOS Setup utility and then install the

infrared driver. When you enable the infrared port in BIOS setup, disable ECP for the
parallel port because they use the same resources. For more information, refer to the
Readme file located in \OmniBook\Drivers\Irda.

For Windows 98 and Windows 2000. Enable the infrared port in the BIOS Setup utility.
When you enable the infrared port in BIOS setup, disable ECP for the parallel port
because they use the same resources. Reboot the OmniBook. The infrared drivers install

72 Reference Guide

Expanding the OmniBook

Connecting External Devices

automatically on Windows 98 and 2000 during reboot. For more information, refer to the
Readme file located in \OmniBook\Drivers.

The OmniBook has an infrared port—located on the back of the OmniBook—which
provides wireless, serial communication between the OmniBook and other infrared
devices such as printers or other OmniBooks.

• Line up the OmniBook’s infrared port and the other infrared port in as straight a line

as possible. The two ports should be no more than 1 meter apart, with no obstructions
in between. Noise from nearby equipment can cause transmission errors.

• To check the status of communications, go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, Infrared

Monitor (or Wireless Link in Windows 2000).

• Disable infrared communications when you aren’t using it, especially before

suspending or docking. To do this, close applications that are using infrared, close
folders on an infrared link, then disable infrared in Infrared Monitor (or Wireless Link
in Windows 2000).

Printing to an Infrared Printer

• Install your printer and assign it to the OmniBook’s infrared port. You can then print

from your applications as you would to any other printer. Be sure the OmniBook and
printer infrared ports are properly aligned.

Transferring Files with an Infrared Connection

To transfer files in Windows 95 or Windows 98, use the built-in Direct Cable Connection
software. You need to install it first.

1. From Control Panel, click Add/Remove Programs.

2. Click Windows Setup, Communications, and select Direct Cable Connection.
See the Windows online help for instructions about how to use Direct Cable Connection

(Windows 95 or 98) or Wireless Link (Windows 2000).

Reference Guide 73

Expanding the OmniBook

Using PC Cards

Using PC Cards

To insert and remove a PC Card

Note

Windows NT 4.0 does not support zoomed video. If you are using Windows NT 4.0,

make sure Card Executive is installed (see “To install Card Executive for Windows
NT” on page 75).

The OmniBook PC Card slots are available for storing data and expanding the
communication capabilities of the OmniBook. The OmniBook supports standard Type I,
II, and III PC Cards (PCMCIA and CardBus). You can use two Type I or II cards or one
Type III card. The lower slot supports Zoomed Video, which allows high-quality
multimedia presentations.

1. Hold the card with its face up and its connector holes toward the card slot.

2. Slide the PC Card into the slot until it is flush with the OmniBook.

3. Before removing the card, click the PC Card or Eject Hardware icon in the taskbar,

then click Stop (for Windows 95, 98, and 2000 only). This protects your data and
avoids unexpected problems. You can restart the card by removing it, then
reinserting.

4. To remove the card, flip out the hinged eject button next to the PC Card. Push the

button to pop out the card, then fold the button closed.

74 Reference Guide

Expanding the OmniBook

Using PC Cards

To find tested PC Cards

For the latest information about compatible cards, visit our website at
http://www.hp.com/omnibook and check the Accessories section. Or contact Hewlett-

Packard as described in “Support Assistance” on page 120.

To install Card Executive for Windows NT 4.0

If a PC Card icon is present in the taskbar, Card Executive is installed. If the icon is not
present, you can install Card Executive using the steps below.

To take advantage of Card Executive’s plug-and-play for PC network cards, you must
install Card Executive before installing Windows NT networking. Card Executive is
located on the OmniBook’s hard disk drive.

You set up Card Executive from the Windows Start menu. (The driver is also located on
the Recovery CD in OmniBook\Drivers\NT4 or Pccard.)

Card Executive adds the following capabilities to your OmniBook:

• Plug and Play for PC Cards using standard Windows NT drivers.

• Plug and Play for supported network PC Cards.

• Automatic configuration of PC Cards using advanced “Wizard” technology to

allocate system resources.

• Suspend/Resume functions and simplified administration of PC Cards when

integrated with Phoenix Card Executive.

1. Click Start, Programs, OmniBook, Phoenix Card Executive, Setup.

2. Follow the setup instructions on the screen.
You can download the Phoenix Card Executive documentation from the following

website: http://www.phoenix.com.

Reference Guide 75

Expanding the OmniBook

Using Docking Products

Using Docking Products

A docking product provides external connections for the OmniBook that you can leave in
place whenever you remove the OmniBook from your desk. Instead of disconnecting and
reconnecting peripheral devices, simply undock and dock the OmniBook.

For more information about using docking products, see the User’s Guide that shipped
with your dock.

To install a docking tray

Your dock requires a tray that accommodates your specific OmniBook model. Install this
tray prior to connecting the OmniBook to the dock.

1. Select the tray labeled for the OmniBook 4100 series.

2. Slide the rear of the tray into the dock as shown on the dock label.

3. Push down firmly on both sides of the tray until it snaps into place.

To remove a tray from the dock, pull the latch (at the center front of the dock) towards
you until the tray pops free.

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Expanding the OmniBook

Using Docking Products

To dock the OmniBook

1. From the Start menu, shut down the OmniBook.

If you have a plug-and-play operating system, such as Windows 95, Windows 98, or
Windows 2000, you do not need to turn off the OmniBook before inserting into the
dock.

2. Connect power to the dock—the type of connection depends on the dock. See the

manual that came with the dock.

3. Place the OmniBook on the dock platform, with the rear of the computer facing the

dock’s docking connector. Make sure the OmniBook’s lower PC Card eject button is

in.

4. Position your fingers on the platform grips as shown below. Use your thumbs to push

the computer into the dock until the computer slides into place.

Reference Guide 77

Expanding the OmniBook

Using Docking Products

To undock the OmniBook

1. If you’re using Windows NT, click Start, Shut Down.

2. Press the undock button on the front of the dock and wait for the undock light to

blink. Then position your thumb as shown and pull the release lever forward.

3. Remove the OmniBook from the dock.

78 Reference Guide

Installing a Hard Disk Drive

To replace the hard disk drive

You’ll need a small Phillips screwdriver for this procedure.

1. Unplug the ac adapter, if present, and remove the battery.

2. Turn the unit bottom side up and remove the hard drive screw.

3. Pull out the hard drive by its plastic tab.

Expanding the OmniBook

Installing a Hard Disk Drive

Important

If you are installing a new hard disk drive, you should create a Hibernate partition on the
drive before loading any software. See “To recover the factory installation of Windows”
on page 116.

Reference Guide 79

Expanding the OmniBook

Installing a Hard Disk Drive

To replace the hard disk drive holder

If you are installing a new hard drive that does not have a cover, you can remove the

cover parts from the old hard drive. You’ll need a small Phillips screwdriver for this
procedure.

1. Remove the screw from the case, then pry open the flap. If necessary, use a flat-blade

screwdriver.

2. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry open the snaps at the ends of the case, then open

the connector-side of the case.

3. Pry out the corner next to the connector, then lift out the connector and hard drive

together.

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Expanding the OmniBook

Installing a Hard Disk Drive

4. Carefully pry the connector off the end of the hard disk drive. Work alternately at

each end so that the connector slides off evenly.

CAUTION

If a rubber spacer is present inside the case, be sure to install it if the new hard
disk drive is the same thickness as the old one.

Reference Guide 81

Expanding the OmniBook

Installing a RAM Expansion Module

Installing a RAM Expansion Module

The OmniBook has no memory (RAM) built in but has two slots for installing RAM
modules. One slot contains a RAM module installed at the factory. You can use both
slots to expand your RAM.

To install a RAM expansion module

You’ll need a small Phillips screwdriver for these steps.

CAUTION

Your OmniBook’s computer chips are extremely static-sensitive. Static electricity
can permanently damage computer chips. Handle the RAM module only by its
edges. Before installing the memory module, discharge your body’s static
electricity by touching the metal shielding around the connectors on the rear of the
OmniBook.

For a model with “4150 B” after the serial number, you must use only PC-100 type
RAM modules—other RAM modules will not function.

1. From the Start menu, shut down the OmniBook.

2. Important. Unplug the ac adapter, if present, and remove the battery. (Remove a

second battery if one is installed.)

3. Turn the unit bottom side up, then remove the two screws from the RAM cover and

remove the cover.

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CAUTION

Expanding the OmniBook

Installing a RAM Expansion Module

4. Insert the RAM board into the connector at about a 30° angle until it is fully inserted.

Then press down at both sides until both latches snap closed.

5. Replace the door.

6. Insert the battery.

To remove a RAM expansion module

You may want to remove a RAM module so you can install a larger one. You’ll need a
small Phillips screwdriver for these steps.

Your OmniBook’s computer chips are extremely static-sensitive. Static electricity
can permanently damage computer chips. Handle the RAM module only by its
edges. Before installing the memory module, discharge your body’s static
electricity by touching the metal shielding around the connectors on the rear of the
OmniBook.

1. From the Start menu, shut down the OmniBook.

2. Important. Unplug the ac adapter, if present, and remove the battery. (Remove a

second battery if one is installed.)

3. Turn the unit bottom side up, then remove the two screws from the RAM cover and

remove the cover.

Reference Guide 83

Expanding the OmniBook

Installing a RAM Expansion Module

4. Release the two latches at the sides of the RAM board, so the free edge of the board

pops up.

5. Pull the board out of the connector.

6. Replace the door.

7. Insert the battery.

84 Reference Guide

Configuring the OmniBook

Reference Guide 85

Configuring the OmniBook

Using BIOS Setup

Using BIOS Setup

The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup utility is a menu-driven utility that
enables you to make changes to the system configuration and tailor the operation of your
OmniBook to your individual work needs.

The settings made in the BIOS Setup utility generally control the hardware and
consequently have a fundamental effect on how the OmniBook operates.

This section describes the BIOS Setup utility menus and options in detail.

To run the BIOS Setup utility

1. Close all applications, then shut down Windows and restart the OmniBook.

2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility.

3. The pointing devices are not active in the BIOS Setup utility. Press the RIGHT and

LEFT arrow keys to move among menus. Press the DOWN and UP arrow keys to
move among parameters in a menu. Press F5 or F6 to move through values for the
current parameter or press ENTER to change a setting. See the tables below for more
information.

4. After you select the options you want, press F10 or use the Exit menu to exit the

BIOS Setup utility.

5. If the settings cause a conflict between devices during reboot, the system prompts you

to run BIOS Setup, and the conflicting settings are marked.

The following tables describe BIOS settings for BIOS version 3.05. If your BIOS is a
different version, some settings may differ from those shown.

86 Reference Guide

Configuring the OmniBook

Using BIOS Setup

Main Menu

Setting Description Default

Language Sets the language for this utility and for BIOS messages. English
BIOS Revision Shows the current BIOS version. Detected

automatically.

System Time Sets the time using 24-hour format. Values set take effect

immediately.

System Date Sets the date using dd/mm/yy format (except English, which

is mm/dd/yy format).

Floppy Drive Sets the floppy drive type. Floppy disk

drive type
detected and
set
automatically.

Internal Hard Disk Sets the hard disk drive type and various parameters. Hard disk drive

detected and
set
automatically.

Quiet Boot When enabled, hides summary of power-on self-test and

messages during boot.

Video Display Device Sets whether the built-in display automatically switches to an

external display, if one is detected.

Video Expansion When enabled, the video image covers the entire display in

lower resolution modes (VGA). When disabled, the video
image is centered in the display.

Primary Video Adapter Sets whether the internal (built-in) video adapter

automatically switches to an external video adapter

connected to the docking system, if one is detected.
System Memory Shows the system memory size. 640KB
Extended Memory Shows the extended memory size. Detected

CPU Serial Number For a processor with a serial number, makes the processor

serial number available to software.

Enabled

Auto

Disabled

Auto

automatically.
Disabled

Reference Guide 87

Configuring the OmniBook

Using BIOS Setup

System Devices Menu

Setting Description Default

PS/2 Pointing Devices Disables the internal pointing devices when an external PS/2

mouse is connected. This is required for the scroll wheel on a
PS/2 mouse to function.

Internal Pointing
Devices

External Fn Key Sets whether left CTRL + left ALT on an external keyboard is

Enables one or both built-in PS/2 devices. Both

interpreted as the Fn key.

Auto

Enabled

IDE Controller Enables the primary (hard drive) and secondary (optional

CD-ROM drive) controllers.
FDD Controller Enables the floppy drive. Enabled
Serial Port Sets how the serial port is configured by the BIOS (specified

or automatic).
Base I/O address Sets the I/O address and interrupt. 3F8h, IRQ4
Infrared Port Sets how the infrared port is configured by the BIOS

(specified or automatic).
Mode Sets the hardware to support SIR (Standard IR), ASK IR

(amplitude shift keyed IR), or FIR (Fast IR) infrared

communications. (Driver installation required for

Windows 95.)
Base I/O address Sets the I/O address and interrupt. 2F8h, IRQ3
DMA channel For Fast Ir mode, sets the DMA channel. DMA3
Parallel Port Sets how parallel port is configured by the BIOS (specified or

automatic).
Mode Sets the port to normal, bidirectional, EPP, or ECP. ECP
Base I/O address Sets the I/O address. 378h
Interrupt Sets the interrupt. IRQ7
DMA channel For ECP mode, sets the DMA channel. DMA3

Both

Enabled

Disabled

SIR

Enabled

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Configuring the OmniBook

Using BIOS Setup

Security Menu

Setting Description Default

User Password Is Shows if a user password is set. Clear
Administrator Password

Is
Set User Password Press ENTER to set, change, or clear user password.

Set Administrator
Password

Boot Sets whether a user password is required when the

Resume* Sets whether a user password is required when resuming

Undock* Sets whether a user password is required when undocking

Internal Hard Disk Drive
Lock*

Removable Device Boot Sets whether the floppy drive or other removable device is a

* Resume, Undock, and Internal Hard Disk Drive Lock options are available only if Boot option is enabled.

Shows if an administrator password is set. Clear

Password length can be no longer than 8 characters, 0-9, A­Z, and cannot include special or accented characters.

Press ENTER to set, change, or clear administrator
password. This password protects BIOS Setup settings.
Password length can be no longer than 8 characters, 0-9, A­Z, and cannot include special or accented characters.

Enabled

computer boots.

Enabled
from a suspended state. This setting is ignored under
Windows 2000.

Disabled
the OmniBook. This setting is ignored under Windows 2000.

Encodes the current user password (or administrator
password if that is the only password set) on the hard disk
drive.

boot device.

Disabled

Enabled

Reference Guide 89

Configuring the OmniBook

Using BIOS Setup

Power Menu

If you’re using Windows 98 in its standard power mode, power options you set in Power
Management Control Panel override corresponding settings in the Power menu.

If you’re using Windows 2000, only the settings marked with * are used, and other
settings in the Power menu are ignored.

Setting Description Default

Intel SpeedStep
Technology*

Power Management
Mode

Smart CPU Mode

Standby Time-out Sets the period of inactivity after which the computer goes

Suspend Time-out Sets the period of inactivity after which the computer goes

Hibernate Time-out Sets whether the computer goes from Suspend to Hibernate

Hard Disk Time-out Sets the period of hard disk inactivity after which the hard

Time-out on AC

Power Button Mode Sets the action of the blue power button when pressed for

Lid Switch Mode Sets the action when the OmniBook lid closes. Turn off LCD
Resume on Serial Ring Sets whether the system resumes from Suspend if a ring

For a dual-speed processor, sets the speed used by the
processor at boot, depending on the power source at boot.
A separate Control Panel power setting controls speed
changes after boot.

Disables time-outs, selects a combination of time-outs, or
allows customized time-outs.

Enables automatic CPU power savings when running on
battery power. Absence of keyboard, mouse, and hard disk
activity could cause slower CPU response. For a model

without “4150 B” after the serial number, this should
normally be Off to avoid interfering with time sensitive
operations—and this setting applies to both battery and ac
power.

from On to Standby power mode.

from Standby to Suspend power mode. (Skips Standby
mode if that time-out is disabled.)

power mode after the indicated period of inactivity. (Skips
Suspend mode if that time-out is disabled.)

disk stops spinning. Also affects a hard disk drive in the
plug-in module bay.

Sets whether power management time-outs occur while the
ac adapter is connected.

less than 4 seconds.

signal is received.

Auto

Max Power

Savings

On (“4150 B”)

Off (non

“4150 B”)

2 minutes

4 minutes

4 hours

2 minutes

Disabled

Suspend

Enabled

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Configuring the OmniBook

Using BIOS Setup

Resume on Time of Day Sets whether the system resumes from Suspend at a

defined time of day.

Resume Time Sets the 24-hour time when the system resumes from

Suspend if enabled.

Auto Suspend on
Undock*

Auto Turn-on on Dock* Sets whether the OmniBook turns on after docking. Enabled
* For Windows 2000, only these settings are used. Other settings in this menu are ignored.

Sets whether the OmniBook suspends after undocking. When Lid

Disabled

Closed

Boot Menu

Setting Description Default

+Removable Device
+Hard Disk
CD-ROM/DVD Drive

Shows the order of boot devices. Move the
entries to change the order. If the computer has

more than one device in one of the “+”
categories, you can select the one that’s
scanned.

1. Removable
Device

2. Hard Disk

3. CD-ROM/DVD
drive

Exit Menu

Setting Description Default

Save Changes and Exit Saves Setup changes, exits, and reboots.
Discard Changes and Exit Discards Setup changes since last save, exits,

and reboots. Does not affect Security, date, or
time changes.

Get Default Values Restores default settings, stays in Setup. Does

not affect Security, date, or time changes.

Load Previous Values Discards Setup changes since last save, stays in

Setup. Does not affect Security, date, or time
changes.

Save Changes Saves Setup changes, and stays in Setup.

Security settings are saved when changed.

Reference Guide 91

Configuring the OmniBook

Using TopTools

Using TopTools

HP TopTools is for network managers and administrators with responsibilities for
computer system management. It offers configuration and security options that allow you
to check what hardware and software components are installed on your computer and
how well they are working.

Windows 2000

TopTools is not available at this time under Windows 2000. Check the Customer Care
website (http://www.hp.com/cposupport/eschome.html) for HP TopTools for Windows

2000.

To install TopTools

The TopTools package is included with the OmniBook, but you must install it before you
can use it. On Windows NT systems, you will need administrator privileges to install
TopTools software. TopTools is not available at this time for Windows 2000.

1. Start Windows, if it is not already running.

2. Click Start, Programs, HP TopTools for Notebooks (or HP DMI), Setup.

To run TopTools

TopTools may be run locally on a PC or remotely by a network administrator. TopTools
is not available at this time for Windows 2000.

• To run TopTools locally, click Start, Programs, HP TopTools for Notebooks (or HP

DMI), HP TopTools.

To get more information about TopTools

For information on manageable HP PCs, HP TopTools, and how they lower PC operating
costs, see the HP website at http://www.hp.com/toptools.

92 Reference Guide

Configuring Security Options

To set or change an OmniBook password

The OmniBook provides two levels of password protection—user password protection
and administrator password protection. You cannot set the user password until you set an

administrator password.

If password protection is set, then you will be prompted to enter a password whenever
you reset or turn on the computer (depending on your setting). You cannot use the
computer until you enter the correct password.

To set, change, or delete password protection for this OmniBook, use the BIOS Setup
utility.

1. From the Start menu, shut down, then restart the OmniBook.

2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility.

Configuring the OmniBook

Configuring Security Options

Windows 2000

3. Select the Security menu.

4. Select Set Administrator Password, then press ENTER.

5. Type the new password, then press ENTER. Password length can be no longer than 8

characters, 0-9, A-Z, and cannot include special or accented characters. Passwords are
not case-sensitive.

6. Type the password again to confirm, then press ENTER.

7. Under Password Required To, choose when the password will be required.

Boot. Requires a password when booting the OmniBook. This option enables the next
two options.

Resume. Requires a password when resuming from Suspend.
Undock. Requires a password when undocking the OmniBook.

Windows 2000 controls resume and undock security, so both the Resume and Undock
options are normally ignored. The Undock option is used, though, when the OmniBook
is turned off.

8. If desired, repeat this procedure for Set User Password.

Reference Guide 93

Note

Configuring the OmniBook

Configuring Security Options

9. Press F10 to Save and Exit the BIOS Setup utility.

If you forget a password, call Customer Support at the number listed in “Support
Assistance” on page 120 to determine the proper removal procedure.

To delete an OmniBook password

If you delete an administrator password, the OmniBook automatically deletes the user
password as well.

1. From the Start menu, shut down, then restart the OmniBook.

2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility.

3. Select the Security menu.

4. Select Set Administrator Password, then press ENTER.

5. Type the current password, then press ENTER.

6. Press ENTER at the Enter New Password prompt.

7. Press ENTER at the Confirm New Password prompt.

8. Press Continue.

9. Press F10 to Save and Exit the BIOS Setup utility.

To install the VirusScan utility

The OmniBook comes equipped with VirusScan. Before you can use VirusScan, you
need to install it.

1. From the Start menu, click Programs, VirusScan, Setup.

2. Follow the instructions as they appear on the screen.
Once installed, you can get detailed online instructions under VirusScan Help. (Click

Start, VirusScan, VirusScan Help.)

94 Reference Guide

Configuring the OmniBook

Configuring Security Options

To attach a security cable

Your OmniBook has two built-in connectors that allow you to secure the OmniBook with
a cable. The Kensington MicroSaver lock system works with these connectors and is
available at many computer stores.

1. Wrap the cable around a stationary object, such as a table leg.

2. Loop the cable to create a slip knot around the stationary object—make sure it can’t

slip off.

3. Insert the lock into one of the OmniBook security connectors and release the key.

Store the key in a safe place away from the OmniBook.

Windows 2000

To set PC identification

You cannot set PC identification under Windows 2000 because TopTools is not
available at this time.

You must have administrator password authority to set a PC identification number.

1. If you have not already installed HP TopTools, do so now (see “To install TopTools”

on page 92).

2. Click Start, Programs, HP TopTools for Notebooks (or HP DMI), HP TopTools.

3. Click Security.

4. Type your administrator password, then press ENTER.

5. Click Settings and Actions.

Reference Guide 95

Configuring the OmniBook

Configuring Security Options

6. In the “Tattooing String” box, type the unique set of characters which will identify

your PC. You can type up to 80 characters including spaces and special characters.
Do not press ENTER when typing. The string wraps automatically.

To enable hard disk drive lock

Hard disk drive lock helps you keep your information secure. Hard disk drive lock does
not protect a second hard disk drive installed in the module bay.

CAUTION

When you enable hard disk drive lock, the current user password (or
administrator password if that is the only password set) is encoded on the hard
disk drive.

If you move the hard disk drive to another OmniBook, you can’t access the drive until
you set the user (or administrator) password to match the drive’s password. After you

match the drive’s password, you can change the OmniBook (and drive) password.
If you forget the password, you cannot recover your data.

1. From the Start menu, shut down, then restart the OmniBook.

2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility.

3. From the Security menu, enable Password Required To Boot.

4. From the Security menu, enable Hard Disk Drive Lock.

5. Press F10 to save and exit the BIOS Setup utility.

96 Reference Guide

Troubleshooting

Reference Guide 97

Troubleshooting

Solving Problems

Solving Problems

If your OmniBook has a problem, find the symptom below that matches your situation.
Try the suggestions one at a time.

Here are some other sources of information:

• Click Start, Help and use the Windows Troubleshooters.

• See the Microsoft Windows manual shipped with the OmniBook.

• For information about system addresses, interrupts, or memory, see “Software System

Resources” on page 129.

• Find technical tips and software updates for the OmniBook at the HP Customer Care

website (http://www.hp.com/cposupport/eschome.html).

• Test your OmniBook by running the DiagTools test program. See “To run the

diagnostic test” on page 113.

• Contact your dealer or Hewlett-Packard—see “Support Assistance” on page 120.

Please have your OmniBook with you.

Note

For Windows NT, if you install new services, hardware devices, or applications, you
must reinstall the Service Pack from the Recovery CD—see OmniBook Notes in the
online OmniBook Library. This ensures that the Service Pack components work
properly. It will not write over any applications, settings, or drivers you have installed.

Accessory Problems

If a port on a dock isn’t working

• Check that ac power is connected to the dock.

• Try using the corresponding OmniBook port, while undocked.

• Make sure the OmniBook is fully inserted in the dock.

• See the manual for the dock.

If you can’t boot from a CD in a CD-ROM drive

• Make sure the CD is a bootable CD, such as the OmniBook Recovery CD.

98 Reference Guide

Troubleshooting

Solving Problems

• Make sure you are using a plug-in OmniBook CD-ROM or DVD drive in the module

bay. You cannot boot from an external CD-ROM drive, which you can connect to the
OmniBook via a PC Card SCSI connection.

• Press ESC twice during bootup to see if the CD-ROM drive is the first boot device.

• Make sure the CD-ROM drive is seated correctly—remove and reinsert.

• If you always want to boot from a CD, check the boot order in BIOS Setup.

1. From the Start menu, shut down, then restart the OmniBook.

2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility.

3. Open the Boot menu. The default boot order is

Removable Device
Hard Disk
CD-ROM/DVD Drive

4. If CD-ROM/DVD drive is not option 1, use the arrow keys to select it.

5. Press F6 to move up (or F5 to move down) in the list.

6. Press F10 to Save and Exit the BIOS Setup utility.

If a DVD drive locks up the computer in Windows 98

If you’re using Windows 98, you may not be able to use a DVD drive with the Agaté
Tioman hot-swap software.

• Check the HP Customer Care website (http://www.hp.com/cposupport/eschome.html)

for updated hot-swap software for Windows 98.

• Try uninstalling the Agaté Tioman software. You’ll have to shut down the computer

every time you swap modules or the module bay.

Audio Problems

If sound is not audible

• Double-click the speaker icon on the taskbar to ensure that Mute is not checked, or

press the Mute button on the right side of the computer to mute or un-mute sound.

• Press Fn+UP-ARROW to increase the volume.

Reference Guide 99

Troubleshooting

Solving Problems

• For a model without “4150” after the serial number, check settings in BIOS Setup.

1. From the Start menu, shut down, then restart the OmniBook.

2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility.

3. From the System Devices menu, check that Audio is enabled.

If you hear a loud high-pitched whine (feedback) from the speakers

• Try reducing the Master volume (Start, Programs, Accessories, Multimedia or

Entertainment, Volume Control).

• Avoid using both the built-in microphone and the built-in speaker at the same time.

For example, use an external microphone or external headphones.

If sound doesn’t record

• For a model without “4150” after the serial number, check settings in BIOS Setup.

1. From the Start menu, shut down, then restart the OmniBook.

2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility.

3. From the System Devices menu, check that Audio is enabled.

• Check software controls for recording sound (Start, Programs, Accessories,

Multimedia or Entertainment, Sound Recorder).

If sound doesn’t play from a CD-ROM drive in a docking system

• Enable the Aux B channel in Volume Control. To do this, double-click the speaker

icon in the taskbar, then click Options, Properties. Display the controls for Aux B,
then clear the Mute setting.

Display Problems

If the OmniBook is on, but the screen is blank

• Press the space bar or move the pointer to see if the computer is in Standby mode.

• Press Fn+F1 or Fn+F2 to adjust the display brightness. If you are using an external

keyboard, Fn=left CTRL + left ALT.

• Press Fn+F5 in case the internal display was disabled. (Do this three times to return to

the state you started from.)

100 Reference Guide