HP Pavilion dv4-5000, Pavilion dv4-5a00 User Manual
User Guide
© Copyright 2012 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its
proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard
Company under license. Intel is a
trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S.
and other countries. Microsoft and Windows
are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. SD Logo is a trademark of its
proprietor.
The information contained herein is subject
to change without notice. The only
warranties for HP products and services are
set forth in the express warranty statements
accompanying such products and services.
Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting an additional warranty. HP shall
not be liable for technical or editorial errors
or omissions contained herein.
Second Edition: April 2012
First Edition: February 2012
Document Part Number: 676766-002
Product notice
This guide describes features that are
common to most models. Some features
may not be available on your computer.
Software terms
By installing, copying, downloading, or
otherwise using any software product
preinstalled on this computer, you agree to
be bound by the terms of the HP End User
License Agreement (EULA). If you do not
accept these license terms, your sole
remedy is to return the entire unused
product (hardware and software) within 14
days for a refund subject to the refund
policy of your place of purchase.
For any further information or to request a
full refund of the computer, please contact
your local point of sale (the seller).
Safety warning notice
WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not
place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on
a hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft
surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to
come into contact with the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation.
The computer and the AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined
by the International Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).
iii
iv Safety warning notice
Table of contents
1 Starting right ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Best practices ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Fun things to do .................................................................................................................................... 2
More HP resources .............................................................................................................................. 3
2 Getting to know your computer ..................................................................................................................... 4
Finding your hardware and software information ................................................................................. 4
Front ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Right side ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Left side ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Display .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Top ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
TouchPad ............................................................................................................................ 9
Lights ................................................................................................................................. 10
Buttons and speakers ........................................................................................................ 11
Keys ................................................................................................................................... 12
Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 13
Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 14
3 Connecting to a network .............................................................................................................................. 15
Connecting to a wireless network ....................................................................................................... 16
Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 16
Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 16
Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) ........................................ 17
Using operating system controls ....................................................................... 17
Using a WLAN ................................................................................................................... 17
Using an Internet service provider .................................................................... 17
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................ 18
Configuring a wireless router ............................................................................ 18
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................... 18
Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................... 19
v
Connecting to a wired network ........................................................................................................... 20
4 Enjoying entertainment features ................................................................................................................. 21
Using the webcam .............................................................................................................................. 23
Using audio ........................................................................................................................................ 23
Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................... 23
Connecting headphones .................................................................................................... 23
Connecting a microphone .................................................................................................. 23
Using Beats Audio ............................................................................................................. 24
Accessing Beats Audio Control Panel ............................................................... 24
Enabling and Disabling Beats Audio ................................................................. 24
Checking the sound ........................................................................................................... 24
Using video ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Connecting a VGA monitor or projector ............................................................................. 25
Connecting an HDMI TV or monitor ................................................................................... 26
Configuring audio settings (with HDMI TV) ....................................................... 27
Using Intel Wireless Display and Wireless Music (select models only) ............................. 27
Managing your audio and video files .................................................................................................. 27
5 Using the keyboard and pointing devices .................................................................................................. 28
Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 29
Using ALT GR key combinations ....................................................................................... 29
Using the action keys ......................................................................................................... 29
Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 31
Turning the TouchPad off or on ......................................................................................... 31
Navigating .......................................................................................................................... 32
Selecting ............................................................................................................................ 32
Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................................. 33
Scrolling ............................................................................................................ 34
Pinching/Zooming ............................................................................................. 34
Rotating ............................................................................................................. 35
Flicking .............................................................................................................. 35
6 Managing power ............................................................................................................................................ 36
Using Sleep or Hibernation ................................................................................................................ 37
Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................................. 38
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ........................................................................................ 39
Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 39
Using the power meter ....................................................................................................................... 40
Selecting a power plan ....................................................................................................................... 40
vi
Running on battery power .................................................................................................................. 41
Removing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 41
Finding battery information ................................................................................................ 42
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 42
Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................................. 42
Storing a user-replaceable battery ..................................................................................... 43
Disposing of a user-replaceable battery ............................................................................ 43
Replacing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 43
Running on external AC power .......................................................................................................... 44
HP CoolSense .................................................................................................................................... 44
Refreshing your software content with Intel Smart Connect Technology (select models only) .......... 45
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 45
7 Managing and sharing information ............................................................................................................. 46
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 47
Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 47
Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 48
Connecting a powered USB device ................................................................................... 48
Inserting and removing a digital storage card .................................................................................... 49
Using optical drives ............................................................................................................................ 50
Inserting an optical disc ..................................................................................................... 51
Removing an optical disc ................................................................................................... 52
Sharing drives on the network ........................................................................................... 53
8 Maintaining your computer .......................................................................................................................... 54
Improving performance ...................................................................................................................... 55
Handling drives .................................................................................................................. 55
Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................... 56
Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only) .................................................................. 58
Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 59
Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 59
Adding or replacing memory modules ............................................................................... 60
Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................... 63
Cleaning your computer ..................................................................................................................... 63
Cleaning the display, sides, and cover .............................................................................. 63
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard .............................................................................. 63
Traveling with your computer ............................................................................................................. 64
9 Securing your computer and information .................................................................................................. 65
Locating your security software .......................................................................................................... 66
vii
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 66
Setting Windows passwords .............................................................................................. 67
Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords ............................................................................. 67
Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................... 68
Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................... 68
Using firewall software ....................................................................................................... 68
Installing software updates ................................................................................................................. 69
Installing Windows security updates .................................................................................. 69
Installing HP and third-party software updates .................................................................. 69
Securing your wireless network .......................................................................................................... 70
Backing up your software applications and information ..................................................................... 70
Using an optional security cable lock ................................................................................................. 70
10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics ............................................................................... 71
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................... 72
Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 72
Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 72
Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 73
Using System Diagnostics .................................................................................................................. 74
11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering ..................................................................................................... 75
Creating backups ............................................................................................................................... 76
Creating recovery media to recover the original system .................................................... 76
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 76
Creating the recovery media ............................................................ 77
Creating system restore points .......................................................................................... 77
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 77
Creating a restore point ..................................................................................... 77
Backing up system and personal information .................................................................... 78
Tips for a successful backup ............................................................................. 78
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 78
Creating a backup using Windows Backup and Restore .................................. 79
Restore and recovery ......................................................................................................................... 80
Restoring to a previous restore point ................................................................................. 80
Restoring specific files ....................................................................................................... 80
Restoring specific files using HP Recovery Manager (select models only) ...... 80
Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and Restore ............................ 80
Recovering the original system using HP Recovery Manager ........................................... 81
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 81
Creating a backup using HP Recovery partition (select models only) .............. 81
Recovering using the recovery media ............................................................... 81
viii
Changing the computer boot order ................................................... 82
12 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 83
Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 83
Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 84
13 Troubleshooting and support .................................................................................................................... 85
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 86
Disc drive problems ........................................................................................................... 86
Wireless connection problems ........................................................................................... 86
Cannot connect to a WLAN ............................................................................... 87
Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................. 87
Current network security codes are unavailable ............................................... 87
WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................... 88
Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................... 88
Network status icon is not displayed ................................................................. 88
Audio problems .................................................................................................................. 89
Power management problems ........................................................................................... 89
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 89
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 89
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available .... 90
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 90
Troubleshooting an AC adapter ........................................................................ 90
Contacting customer support ............................................................................................................. 91
14 Electrostatic Discharge .............................................................................................................................. 92
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 93
ix
x
1 Starting right
This computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. To get the most
out of your computer, read this chapter to learn best practices after setup, fun things to do with your
computer, and where to go to get more HP resources.
1
Best practices
To protect your smart investment, after you set up and register the computer, we recommend the
following steps:
●
If you haven’t already done so, connect to a wired or wireless network. See details in
Connecting
to a network on page 15.
●
Become familiar with the computer hardware and software. Go to
Getting to know your computer
on page 4 and Enjoying entertainment features on page 21 for information.
●
Update or purchase antivirus software. Learn more at
Using antivirus software on page 68.
●
Back up your hard drive by creating recovery discs or a recovery flash drive. See
Backing up,
restoring, and recovering on page 75.
Fun things to do
●
You know you can watch a YouTube video on the computer. But did you know that you can also
connect your computer to a TV and watch the video on TV? For more information, see
Connecting an HDMI TV or monitor on page 26.
●
You know you can listen to music on the computer. But did you know that you can also stream
live radio to the computer and listen to music or talk radio from all over the world? See
Using
audio on page 23.
●
You know you can create a powerful presentation with Microsoft applications. But did you know
you can also connect to a projector to share your ideas with a group? See
Connecting a VGA
monitor or projector on page 25.
2 Chapter 1 Starting right
More HP resources
You have already used Setup Instructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. For product
details, how-to information, and more, use this table.
Resource Contents
Setup Instructions
●
Overview of computer setup and features.
Help and Support
To access Help and Support, select Start > Help and
Support. For U.S. support, go to
http://www.hp.com/
go/contactHP. For worldwide support, go to http://
welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.
● A broad range of how-to information and troubleshooting tips.
Safety & Comfort Guide
To access this guide, select Start > Help and
Support > User Guides, or go to
http://www.hp.com/
ergo.
● Proper workstation setup.
●
Guidelines for posture and work habits that increase your
comfort and decrease your risk of injury.
●
Electrical and mechanical safety information.
Worldwide support
To get your country support, go to
www.hp.com/
support.
●
Chat online with an HP technician.
● Email customer support.
●
Find worldwide customer support telephone numbers.
●
Locate HP service center locations.
Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices
To access this guide, select Start > Help and
Support > User Guides.
●
Important regulatory notices, including proper battery disposal
information.
Limited Warranty*
To access the warranty, select Start > Help and
Support > User Guides or go to
http://www.hp.com/
go/orderdocuments.
●
Specific warranty information about this computer.
*You can find the expressly provided HP Limited Warranty applicable to your product located with the user guides on your
computer and/or on the CD/DVD provided in the box. In some countries/regions, HP may provide a printed HP Limited
Warranty in the box. For countries/regions where the warranty is not provided in printed format, you may request a printed
copy from
http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:
●
North America: Hewlett-Packard, MS POD, 11311 Chinden Blvd, Boise, ID 83714, USA
● Europe, Middle East, Africa: Hewlett-Packard, POD, Via G. Di Vittorio, 9, 20063, Cernusco s/Naviglio (MI), Italy
●
Asia Pacific: Hewlett-Packard, POD, P.O. Box 200, Alexandra Post Office, Singapore 911507
When you request a printed copy of your warranty, please include your product number, warranty period (found on your
service label), name, and postal address.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT return your HP product to the addresses above. For U.S. support, go to
http://www.hp.com/go/
contactHP. For worldwide support go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.
More HP resources 3
2 Getting to know your computer
Finding your hardware and software information
▲
Select Start > Computer.
A list displays all the devices installed in your computer, including optical drives, solid-state drives
(SSD), or a secondary hard drive.
To find out what software is included on your computer, select Start > All Programs.
Front
Component Description
Digital Media Slot Supports the following digital card formats:
●
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card
●
Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDxC) Memory Card
● Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Card
●
Ultra High Speed MultiMediaCard (UHS/MMC)
4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Right side
Component Description
(1) Optical drive Reads and writes (select models only) to an optical disc.
(2) Optical drive light
●
Green: The optical drive is being accessed.
● Off: The optical drive is idle.
(3) Optical drive eject button Releases the disc tray.
(4)
Power light ● White: The computer is on.
●
Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state,
which is an energy-saving mode. The computer
shuts off power to the display and other unneeded
components.
●
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
Hibernation is an energy-saving mode that uses the
least amount of power.
NOTE: For select models, the Intel® Rapid Start
Technology feature is enabled at the factory. Rapid
Start Technology allows your computer to resume
quickly from inactivity. For more information, see
Using Sleep or Hibernation on page 37.
(5)
Hard drive light
●
Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.
● Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked
the hard drive.
NOTE: For information about HP 3D DriveGuard,
see
Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only)
on page 58.
(6)
USB 2.0 port Connects an optional USB device.
NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports,
see
Using a USB device on page 47.
(7)
RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
(8)
Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
Right side 5
Component Description
(9) AC adapter light
●
White: The AC adapter is connected and the battery
is charged.
●
Amber: The AC adapter is connected and the battery
is charging.
● Off: The computer is using DC power.
(10)
Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a
deterrent, but it may not prevent the computer from being
mishandled or stolen.
6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Left side
Component Description
(1) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool
internal components and prevent overheating. It is normal
for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine
operation.
(2)
External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
(3)
HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a
high-definition television, or any compatible digital or
audio device.
(4)
USB 3.0 ports (2) Connect optional USB 3.0 devices and provide enhanced
USB power performance.
NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports,
see
Using a USB device on page 47.
(5)
Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone,
stereo array microphone, or monaural microphone.
(6)
Audio-out (headphone) jack Connect optional powered stereo speakers, headphones,
earbuds, a headset, or a television audio cable.
WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust
the volume before using headphones, earbuds, or a
headset. For additional safety information, see the
Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices.
NOTE: When a device is connected to a headphone
jack, the computer speakers are disabled.
Left side 7
Display
Component Description
(1) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.
(2) HP TrueVision HD Webcam Records video, captures still photographs, allows you to video
conference and chat online using streaming video.
To use the webcam, select Start > All Programs >
Communication and Chat > CyberLink YouCam
(3) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.
(4) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
local area networks (WLANs).
*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately
around the antennas free from obstructions. To see wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the Regulatory, Safety,
and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.
8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Top
TouchPad
Component Description
(1) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on or off.
(2) TouchPad light
●
On: The TouchPad is off.
● Off: The TouchPad is on.
(3) TouchPad zone Moves the on-screen pointer and selects or activates items
on the screen.
(4) Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
(5) Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
Top 9
Lights
Component Description
(1)
Power light ● White: The computer is on.
●
Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state,
which is an energy-saving mode. The computer shuts
off power to the display and other unneeded
components.
●
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation
is an energy-saving mode that uses the least amount
of power.
NOTE: For select models, the Intel® Rapid Start
Technology feature is enabled at the factory. Rapid
Start Technology allows your computer to resume
quickly from inactivity. For more information, see
Using
Sleep or Hibernation on page 37.
(2)
Mute light
●
Amber: Computer sound is off.
● Off: Computer sound is on.
(3)
Wireless light
●
White: An integrated wireless device, such as a
wireless local area network (WLAN) device and/or a
Bluetooth® device, is on.
●
Amber: All wireless devices are off.
(4) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on, which switches the keys to all capital
letters.
10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Buttons and speakers
Component Description
(1)
Power button
●
When the computer is off, press the button to turn on
the computer.
●
When the computer is on, press the button briefly to
initiate Sleep.
● When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the
button briefly to exit Sleep.
●
When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button
briefly to exit Hibernation.
CAUTION: Pressing and holding down the power button
will result in the loss of unsaved information.
If the computer has stopped responding and Microsoft
Windows shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and
hold the power button for at least 5 seconds to turn off the
computer.
To learn more about your power settings, select Start >
Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options,
or see
Managing power on page 36.
(2) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
Top 11
Keys
Component Description
(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination
with the fn key.
(2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed
in combination with the esc key or the b key.
(3)
Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.
(4) b key Enables or disables Beats Audio when pressed in
combination with the fn key.
Opens Beats Audio Control Panel, which allows you to
view and control all audio settings. Beats Audio is an
enhanced audio feature that provides a deep, controlled
bass while maintaining a clear sound. Beats audio is
enabled by default.
NOTE: You can also open the Beats Audio Control Panel
by selecting Start > Control Panel > Hardware and
Sound > Beats Audio Control Panel.
(5) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.
(6)
Windows applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the cursor.
12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Bottom
Component Description
(1) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(2)
Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay and opens the
service door.
(3) Integrated subwoofer Provides superior bass sound.
(4) Vents (5) Enable airflow to cool internal components.
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool
internal components and prevent overheating. It is normal
for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine
operation.
(5)
Wireless module compartment Holds the wireless local area network (WLAN) device.
CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system, replace
the wireless module only with a wireless module authorized
for use in the computer by the governmental agency that
regulates wireless devices in your country or region. If you
replace the module and then receive a warning message,
remove the module to restore computer functionality, and
then contact customer support through Help and Support.
(6)
Hard drive bay and memory module
compartment
The service door provides access to the hard drive bay and
memory module compartment.
Bottom 13
Labels
The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system
problems or travel internationally with the computer. The labels are in easily accessible locations.
●
Service label—Provides important information, including the following:
Component
(1) Product name
(2) Serial number
(3) Product part number
(4) Warranty period
(5) Model description (select models only)
Have this information available when you contact technical support. The service label is affixed
to the bottom of the computer.
●
Microsoft® Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Windows Product Key. You may need the
Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system. The Microsoft Certificate of
Authenticity is located inside the battery bay.
●
Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is
located inside the battery bay.
●
Wireless certification label or labels (select models only)—Provide information about optional
wireless devices and the approval markings of some of the countries or regions in which the
devices have been approved for use. If your computer model includes one or more wireless
devices, one or more certification labels are included with your computer. You may need this
information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are located inside the
battery bay.
14 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
3 Connecting to a network
Your computer can travel with you wherever you go. But even at home, you can explore the globe
and access information from millions of websites using your computer and a wired or wireless
network connection. This chapter will help you get connected to that world.
15
Connecting to a wireless network
Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be
equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:
●
Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless local area
networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate
offices, your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and
universities. In a WLAN, the mobile wireless device in your computer communicates with a
wireless router or a wireless access point.
●
Bluetooth device—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other Bluetoothenabled devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras. In a
PAN, each device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be relatively
close together—typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.
For more information about wireless technology, see the information and website links provided in
Help and Support.
Using the wireless controls
You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:
●
Wireless button, wireless switch, or wireless key (referred to in this chapter as the wireless
button)
●
HP Connection Manager software
●
Operating system controls
Using the wireless button
The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights,
depending on the model. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so
the wireless light is on (white) when you turn on the computer.
The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of
individual devices. If the wireless light is white, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light
is off, all wireless devices are off.
NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.
Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless button to turn on or
turn off the wireless devices simultaneously. Individual wireless devices can be controlled through HP
Connection Manager.
16 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network
Using HP Connection Manager (select models only)
HP Connection Manager provides a central location for managing your wireless devices and an
interface for sending and receiving SMS (text) messages. HP Connection Manager allows you to
manage the following devices:
●
Wireless local area network (WLAN)/Wi-Fi
●
Bluetooth
HP Connection Manager provides information and notifications on connection status, power status,
and SMS (text) messages. Status information and notifications are provided in the notification area, at
the far right of the taskbar.
To open HP Connection Manager, select Start > All Programs > HP Help and Support > HP
Connection Manager.
For more details about using HP Connection Manager, see the HP Connection Manager software
Help.
Using operating system controls
The Network and Sharing Center allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network,
manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair network problems.
To use operating system controls, select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network
and Sharing Center.
For more information, select Start > Help and Support.
Using a WLAN
With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of
other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.
NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably.
●
A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points
that can accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical
network functions.
●
A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and
wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional
pieces of hardware or software.
To use the WLAN device in your computer, you must connect to a WLAN infrastructure (provided
through a service provider or a public or corporate network).
Using an Internet service provider
When you are setting up Internet access in your home, you must establish an account with an
Internet service provider (ISP). To purchase Internet service and a modem, contact a local ISP. The
ISP will help set up the modem, install a network cable to connect your wireless computer to the
modem, and test the Internet service.
NOTE: Your ISP will give you a user ID and a password to use for Internet access. Record this
information and store it in a safe place.
Connecting to a wireless network 17
Setting up a WLAN
To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need the following equipment:
●
A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from
an Internet service provider
●
A wireless router (2) (purchased separately)
●
A wireless computer (3)
NOTE: Some modems have a built-in wireless router. Check with your ISP to determine what type
of modem you have.
The illustration below shows an example of a wireless network installation that is connected to the
Internet.
As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to
access the Internet.
For help in setting up your WLAN, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your
ISP.
Configuring a wireless router
For help in setting up a WLAN, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.
NOTE: It is recommended that you initially connect your new wireless computer to the router by
using the network cable provided with the router. When the computer successfully connects to the
Internet, disconnect the cable, and access the Internet through your wireless network.
Protecting your WLAN
When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect
your network from unauthorized access. WLANs in public areas (hotspots) like coffee shops and
airports may not provide any security. If you are concerned about the security of your computer in a
hotspot, limit your network activities to email that is not confidential and basic Internet surfing.
Wireless radio signals travel outside the network, so other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected
signals. Take the following precautions to protect your WLAN:
●
Use a firewall.
A firewall checks both data and requests for data that are sent to your network, and discards any
suspicious items. Firewalls are available in both software and hardware. Some networks use a
combination of both types.
●
Use wireless encryption.
Wireless encryption uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data that is transmitted over
the network. For more information, see Help and Support.
18 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network
Connecting to a WLAN
To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps:
1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If the device is on, the wireless light is on. If the wireless
light is off, press the wireless button.
NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.
2. Click the network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
3. Select your WLAN from the list.
4. Click Connect.
If the WLAN is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a security code. Type the
code, and then click OK to complete the connection.
NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, you may be out of range of a wireless router or access point.
NOTE: If you do not see the WLAN you want to connect to, click Open Network and Sharing
Center, and then click Set up a new connection or network. A list of options is displayed,
allowing you to manually search for and connect to a network or to create a new network
connection.
After the connection is made, place the mouse pointer over the network status icon in the notification
area, at the far right of the taskbar, to verify the name and status of the connection.
NOTE: The functional range (how far your wireless signals travel) depends on WLAN
implementation, router manufacturer, and interference from other electronic devices or structural
barriers such as walls and floors.
Connecting to a wireless network 19
Connecting to a wired network
Use a LAN connection if you want to connect the computer directly to a router in your home (instead
of working wirelessly), or if you want to connect to an existing network at your office.
Connecting to a LAN requires an 8-pin, RJ-45 network cable.
To connect the network cable, follow these steps:
1. Plug the network cable into the network jack (1) on the computer.
2. Plug the other end of the network cable into a network wall jack (2) or router.
NOTE: If the network cable contains noise suppression circuitry (3), which prevents
interference from TV and radio reception, orient the circuitry end of the cable toward the
computer.
20 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network
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