HP Pavilion dv7-4297cl User Manual

Notebook PC User Guide

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.

First Edition: April 2010

Document Part Number: 597857-001

Product notice

This user guide describes features that are common to most models. Some features might not be available on the computer.

Safety warning notice

WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not

place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on a hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The computer and the AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the International Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).

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iv Safety warning notice

Table of contents

1 Features ........................................................................................................................................................... 1

Identifying hardware ............................................................................................................................. 1

Components ......................................................................................................................................... 2

Top components .................................................................................................................. 2

TouchPad ............................................................................................................ 2

TouchPad buttons ............................................................................................... 3

Lights ................................................................................................................... 4

Buttons and Fingerprint Reader (select models only) ......................................... 5

Keys .................................................................................................................... 6

Front components ................................................................................................................ 6

Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 7

Left-side components .......................................................................................................... 7

Bottom components ............................................................................................................. 8

Display components ............................................................................................................ 9

Wireless antennas (select models only) ............................................................................ 10

Additional hardware components ...................................................................................... 10

Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 12

2 Wireless, local area network, and modem .................................................................................................. 13

Using wireless devices ....................................................................................................................... 13

Identifying wireless and network status icons .................................................................... 13

Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 14

Using the wireless key ....................................................................................................... 14

Using HP Wireless Assistant ............................................................................................. 15

Using operating system controls ........................................................................................ 15

Using a WLAN .................................................................................................................................... 15

Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................................ 16

Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 16

Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................................... 17

Roaming to another network .............................................................................................. 18

Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................... 19

Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................. 19

Connecting to a local area network .................................................................................................... 20

3 Pointing devices and keyboard ................................................................................................................... 21

Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 21

Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 21

Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 21

Turning the TouchPad on and off ...................................................................... 22

Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................. 22

Scrolling ............................................................................................................ 22

Pinching ............................................................................................................ 23

Rotating ............................................................................................................. 23

Connecting an external mouse .......................................................................................... 24

Using the action keys ......................................................................................................................... 25

Using the hotkeys ............................................................................................................................... 26

Using the keypads .............................................................................................................................. 27

Using an integrated numeric keypad ................................................................................. 27

Using an optional external numeric keypad ....................................................................... 27

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................................... 28

4 Multimedia ..................................................................................................................................................... 29

Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 29

Identifying your multimedia components ........................................................................... 30

Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 31

Using the media activity keys ............................................................................................ 31

Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 33

Using HP MediaSmart software ......................................................................................... 33

Using other preinstalled multimedia software .................................................................... 33

Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 33

Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 34

Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 34

Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 34

Video .................................................................................................................................................. 35

Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................... 35

Connecting an HDMI device .............................................................................................. 35

Configuring audio for HDMI (select models only) .............................................. 36

Webcam ............................................................................................................................................. 37

5 Power management ...................................................................................................................................... 38

Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 38

Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 38

Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 38

Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 39

Using the battery meter ..................................................................................................... 39

Using power plans ............................................................................................................. 39

Viewing the current power plan ......................................................................... 40

Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................ 40

Customizing power plans .................................................................................. 40

Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 40

Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 41

Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................... 41

Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 43

Finding battery information in Help and Support ............................................................... 43

Using Battery Check .......................................................................................................... 43

Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 44

Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 44

Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 45

Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 45

Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 46

Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 46

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 46

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 46

Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is

available ........................................................................................... 46

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is

available ........................................................................................... 46

Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit

Hibernation ....................................................................................... 46

Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................... 47

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 48

Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 49

Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 49

Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 49

Switching between graphics modes (select models only) .................................................................. 50

Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 51

6 Drives ............................................................................................................................................................. 52

Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 52

Optical drive ....................................................................................................................................... 53

Identifying the installed optical drive .................................................................................. 53

Using optical discs ............................................................................................................. 53

Selecting the right disc (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) ................................................................. 54

CD-R discs ........................................................................................................ 54

CD-RW discs ..................................................................................................... 54

DVD±R discs ..................................................................................................... 54

DVD±RW discs ................................................................................................. 54

LightScribe DVD+R discs .................................................................................. 54

Blu-ray discs (BD) ............................................................................................. 54

Playing a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................................. 55

Configuring AutoPlay ......................................................................................................... 56

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Changing DVD region settings .......................................................................................... 56

Observing the copyright warning ....................................................................................... 56

Copying a CD or DVD ........................................................................................................ 57

Creating (burning) a CD or DVD ........................................................................................ 57

Removing a CD, DVD, or BD ............................................................................................. 58

Using external drives .......................................................................................................................... 60

Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................................... 61

Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 61

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 61

Replacing a drive in the primary hard drive bay ................................................................................. 62

Replacing a drive in the secondary hard drive bay ............................................................................ 65

7 External devices ............................................................................................................................................ 68

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 68

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 68

Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 68

Using an eSATA device ..................................................................................................................... 69

Connecting an eSATA device ............................................................................................ 69

Removing an eSATA device .............................................................................................. 69

8 External media cards .................................................................................................................................... 71

Using Digital Media Slot cards ........................................................................................................... 71

Inserting a digital card ........................................................................................................ 71

Removing a digital card ..................................................................................................... 72

9 Memory modules .......................................................................................................................................... 73

10 Security ........................................................................................................................................................ 77

Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 77

Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 78

Setting passwords in Windows .......................................................................................... 78

Setting passwords in Setup Utility ..................................................................................... 79

Administrator password ..................................................................................... 79

Managing an administrator password ............................................... 79

Entering an administrator password ................................................. 80

Power-on password .......................................................................................... 80

Managing a power-on password ...................................................... 80

Entering a power-on password ......................................................... 80

Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................................... 81

Using firewall software ....................................................................................................................... 81

Installing critical security updates ....................................................................................................... 82

Installing an optional security cable .................................................................................................... 82

Using the Fingerprint Reader (select models only) ............................................................................ 83

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Locating the Fingerprint Reader ........................................................................................ 83

Registering fingerprints ...................................................................................................... 83

Using your registered fingerprint to log on to Windows ..................................................... 84

11 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................................... 85

Cannot connect to a WLAN ................................................................................................................ 85

Cannot connect to a preferred network .............................................................................................. 86

Network icon is not displayed ............................................................................................................. 86

Current network security codes are unavailable ................................................................................ 86

WLAN connection is very weak .......................................................................................................... 87

Cannot connect to the wireless router ................................................................................................ 87

The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD, a DVD, or a BD ......................................... 88

The computer does not detect the CD, DVD, or BD drive .................................................................. 88

A CD, DVD, or BD does not play ........................................................................................................ 89

A CD, DVD, or BD does not play automatically .................................................................................. 90

A DVD or BD movie stops, skips, or plays erratically ......................................................................... 90

A DVD or BD movie is not visible on an external display ................................................................... 90

The process of burning a CD or DVD does not begin, or it stops before completion ......................... 91

A DVD or BD playing in Windows Media Player produces no sound or display ................................ 91

A device driver must be reinstalled .................................................................................................... 91

Obtaining the latest HP device drivers ............................................................................... 92

Obtaining the latest Windows device drivers ..................................................................... 92

Appendix A Setup Utility (BIOS) ..................................................................................................................... 93

Starting Setup Utility ........................................................................................................................... 93

Using Setup Utility .............................................................................................................................. 94

Changing the language of Setup Utility ............................................................................. 94

Navigating and selecting in Setup Utility ............................................................................ 94

Displaying system information ........................................................................................... 94

Restoring default settings in Setup Utility .......................................................................... 95

Exiting Setup Utility ............................................................................................................ 95

Setup Utility menus ............................................................................................................................ 96

Main menu ......................................................................................................................... 96

Security menu .................................................................................................................... 96

System Configuration menu .............................................................................................. 96

Diagnostics menu .............................................................................................................. 97

Appendix B Software updates ........................................................................................................................ 98

Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 99

Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 99

Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 99

Updating programs and drivers ........................................................................................................ 100

Appendix C Backup and recovery ................................................................................................................ 101

Creating recovery discs .................................................................................................................... 102

Backing up your information ............................................................................................................. 103

Using Windows Backup and Restore .............................................................................. 103

Using system restore points ............................................................................................ 104

When to create restore points ......................................................................... 104

Create a system restore point ......................................................................... 104

Restore to a previous date and time ............................................................... 104

Performing a recovery ...................................................................................................................... 105

Recovering from the recovery discs ................................................................................ 105

Recovering from the dedicated recovery partition (select models only) .......................... 105

Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 107

1Features

Identifying hardware

To see a list of hardware installed on the computer:

1. Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security.

2. In the System area, click Device Manager.

Use Device Manager to add hardware or modify device configurations.

NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feature that improves the security of the

computer. You might be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing applications, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. For more information, see Help and Support.

Identifying hardware 1

Components

Top components

TouchPad

Component Function

TouchPad Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.

To view or change the pointing device preferences:

1. Select Start > Devices and Printers.

2. Right-click the device representing the computer.

3. Select Mouse settings.

2 Chapter 1 Features

TouchPad buttons

Item Description Function

1 TouchPad On/Off button Turns the TouchPad on and off. Press and hold

2 Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an external

3 Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external

the button for two seconds to turn the TouchPad on and off.

mouse.

To view or change pointing device preferences:

1. Select Start > Devices and Printers.

2. Right-click the device representing your computer.

3. Select Mouse settings.

Components 3

Lights

Item Description Function

1 Caps Lock light On—The Caps Lock is on.

2 Power light

3 Volume Mute light Amber—The computer sound is off.

4 Wireless light

5 TouchPad light Amber—The TouchPad is disabled.

6 Fingerprint Reader light

On—The computer is on.

●

Flashing—The computer is in Sleep.

●

Off—The computer is off or in Hibernation.

●

White—An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless

●

local area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, is detected.

Amber—No wireless devices are detected.

●

White—The fingerprint was read.

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Amber—The fingerprint was not read.

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4 Chapter 1 Features

Buttons and Fingerprint Reader (select models only)

Item Description Function

1 Power button Press the Power button to:

Turn on the computer.

●

Initiate Sleep.

●

Exit Sleep.

●

Exit Hibernation.

●

If the computer has stopped responding and Windows shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the Power button for at least 5 seconds to shut down the computer.

For more information about the power settings, select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.

2 Fingerprint Reader (select models only) Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a password

logon.

This table describes the factory settings. For information about changing the factory settings, see Help and Support.

Components 5

Keys

Item Description Function

1 esc key Press the esc and fn keys at the same time to display system

2 fn key Press the fn key at the same time as a function key or the esc key

3 Windows Logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.

4 Windows Applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the cursor.

5 Integrated numeric keypad Functions like the keys on an external numeric keypad.

6 Function keys Press a function key and the fn key at the same time to execute

Front components

Description Function

Speakers Produce sound.

information.

to execute frequently used system functions.

frequently used system functions.

6 Chapter 1 Features

Right-side components

Item Description Function

1 Power light

2 Hard Disk Drive light

3 USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.

4 Optical Drive light Flashing—Accessing the optical drive.

5 Optical drive Reads optical discs and, on select models, writes to optical discs.

6 AC Adapter light

7 Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

8 Security Cable slot Connects an optional security cable. The security cable is designed

Left-side components

On—The computer is on.

●

Flashing—The computer is in Sleep.

●

Off—The computer is off or in Hibernation.

●

White—The hard disk drive is active.

●

Amber—The hard disk drive is parked.

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On—The computer is connected to external power.

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Off—The computer is not connected to external power.

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to act as a deterrent, but might not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.

Components 7

Item Description Function

1 Vents (2) 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.

2 External Monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

3 RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.

4 HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a high-

5 eSATA/USB port (select models only) Connects an optional high-performance eSATA component, such

6 USB port Connects an optional USB device.

7 Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo array

8 Audio-out (headphone) jack Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo

9 SD card reader Reads SD cards that are inserted into the reader.

Bottom components

definition television, or any compatible digital or audio component.

as an eSATA external hard drive, or connects an optional USB device.

NOTE: Depending on the computer model, the computer might

include only a USB port.

microphone, monarural microphone.

speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio.

8 Chapter 1 Features

Item Description Function

1 Battery bay Holds the battery.

2 Battery Release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.

3 Vents (7) 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.

4 Primary Hard Drive bay Holds the primary hard drive, the memory module slots, and the

5 Integrated subwoofer Provides superior bass sound.

Display components

WLAN module (select models only).

CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system, replace the

wireless module with a wireless module authorized for use 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 technical support through Help and Support.

Item Description Function

1 Internal microphones (2) Record sound.

2 Webcam light On—The webcam is in use.

3 Webcam Records video, and captures still photographs.

Components 9

Wireless antennas (select models only)

On select computer models, at least two antennas (1, 2) send and receive signals from one or more wireless devices. These antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer.

NOTE: For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from

obstructions.

To review wireless regulatory notices, see the country-specific section of the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices chapter in Help and Support.

Additional hardware components

10 Chapter 1 Features

Item Description Function

1 Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet.

2 AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power.

3 Battery* Provides power when the computer is not connected to an external

power source.

* Batteries and power cords vary in appearance by region and country.

Components 11

Labels

The labels affixed to the computer provide information needed when troubleshooting system problems or traveling internationally with the computer.

●

Service tag—Provides important information including:

The service tag label is affixed to the bottom of the computer. When contacting technical support, have this information available.

Item Description Function

1 Serial number (s/n) An alphanumeric identifier that is

2 Product name The name affixed to the front of the

3 Warranty period The duration (in years) of the warranty

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Windows Product Key. You might need the

●

unique to each product.

computer.

period for this computer.

Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system. This certificate is affixed to the bottom of the computer.

Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is

●

affixed inside the battery bay.

Modem approval label—Provides regulatory information about the modem and lists the agency

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approval markings required by some countries or regions where the modem has been approved for use. You might need this information when traveling internationally. The modem approval label is affixed inside the hard drive bay.

Wireless certification label(s) (select models only)—Provides information about optional wireless

●

devices and the approval markings of some of the countries or regions where the devices have been approved for use. An optional device might be a wireless local area network (WLAN) device or an optional Bluetooth device. If the computer model includes one or more wireless devices, one or more certification labels are included with the computer. You might need this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are affixed inside the Mini Card compartment.

SIM (subscriber identity module) label (select models only)—Provides the ICCID (Integrated Circuit

●

Card Identifier) of the SIM. This label is located inside the battery bay.

HP Mobile Broadband Module serial number label (select models only)—Provides the serial

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number of the HP Mobile Broadband Module. This label is located inside the battery bay.

12 Chapter 1 Features

2 Wireless, local area network, and

modem

Using wireless devices

Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. The computer might 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, each mobile wireless device communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access point.

Bluetooth device (select models only)—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other

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Bluetooth-enabled 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.

Computers with WLAN devices support one or more of the following IEEE industry standards:

802.11b, the first popular standard, supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps and operates at a

●

frequency of 2.4 GHz.

802.11g supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. An 802.11g

●

WLAN device is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, so that they can operate on the same network.

802.11a supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 5 GHz.

●

NOTE: 802.11a is not compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g.

802.11n supports data rates of up to 450 Mbps and might operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, making it

●

backward compatible with 802.11a, b, and g.

For more information on wireless technology, see the information and website links provided in Help and Support.

Identifying wireless and network status icons

Icon Name Description

Using wireless devices 13

Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless light and the wireless key on

the computer. Also identifies the HP Wireless Assistant software on the computer and indicates that one or more of the wireless devices are on.

Wireless (disconnected) Identifies the HP Wireless Assistant software on the computer and

indicates that all of the wireless devices are off.

Wired network (connected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, and one or

Wired network (disabled/ disconnected)

Network (connected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, and one or

Network (disconnected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed and wireless

Network (disabled/ disconnected)

Using the wireless controls

Control the wireless devices on the computer using:

Wireless action key or hotkey (fn+f12)

●

more network devices are connected to a wired network.

Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, but no network devices are connected (or all network devices are disabled in Windows Control Panel).

more network devices are connected to a wireless network.

connections are available, but no network devices are connected to a wireless network.

Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, but no wireless connections are available (or all wireless network devices are disabled by the wireless key or HP Wireless Assistant).

HP Wireless Assistant software

●

HP Connection Manager software (select models only)

●

Operating system controls

●

Using the wireless key

The computer has a wireless key, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights, depending on the model. All of the wireless devices on the computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless light illuminates 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 illuminates white, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light illuminates amber, all wireless devices are off.

Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, use the wireless key to turn on or turn off the wireless devices simultaneously. Individual wireless devices are controlled through HP Wireless Assistant.

14 Chapter 2 Wireless, local area network, and modem

Using HP Wireless Assistant

A wireless device is turned on or off using HP Wireless Assistant. If a wireless device is disabled by Setup Utility, it must be re-enabled by Setup Utility before it can be turned on or off using Wireless Assistant.

NOTE: Enabling or turning on a wireless device does not automatically connect the computer to a

network or a Bluetooth-enabled device.

To view the state of the wireless devices, click the Show hidden icons icon, the arrow at the left of the notification area, and position the mouse pointer over the wireless icon.

If the wireless icon is not displayed in the notification area:

1. Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Windows Mobility Center.

2. Click the Wireless icon in the Wireless Assistant tile, which is located in the bottom row of Windows

Mobility Center. Wireless Assistant appears.

3. Click Properties.

4. Select the check box next to HP Wireless Assistant icon in notification area.

5. Click Apply.

6. Click Close.

For more information, see the Wireless Assistant software Help. To access Help:

1. Open Wireless Assistant by clicking the Wireless icon in Windows Mobility Center.

2. Click the Help button.

Using operating system controls

Some operating systems offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless connection. For example, Windows provides the Network and Sharing Center that allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair network problems.

To access the Network and Sharing Center, 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.

Using a WLAN 15

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 accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network functions.

A home or small office WLAN 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 the computer, connect to a WLAN infrastructure (provided through a service provider or a public or corporate network).

Setting up a WLAN

To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need:

A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from an

●

Internet service provider (ISP)

A wireless router (purchased separately) (2)

●

The wireless computer (3)

●

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.

Protecting your WLAN

Because the WLAN standard was designed with only limited security capabilities—basically to foil casual eavesdropping rather than more powerful forms of attack—it is essential to understand that WLANs are vulnerable to well-known and well-documented security weaknesses.

WLANs in public areas, or “hotspots,” like coffee shops and airports might not provide any security. New technologies are being developed by wireless manufacturers and hotspot service providers that make the public environment more secure and anonymous. If you are concerned about the security of the computer in a hotspot, limit your network activities to noncritical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.

When setting up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your network from unauthorized access. The common security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)Personal and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Because wireless radio signals travel outside the

16 Chapter 2 Wireless, local area network, and modem

network, other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected signals and either connect to your network (uninvited) or capture information being sent across it. To protect the WLAN:

Use a wireless transmitter with built-in security

●

Many wireless base stations, gateways, or routers provide built-in security features such as wireless security protocols and firewalls. With the correct wireless transmitter, you can protect your network from the most common wireless security risks.

Work behind a firewall

●

A firewall is a barrier that checks both data and requests that are sent to the network, and discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in many varieties, both software and hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.

Use wireless encryption

●

A variety of sophisticated encryption protocols is available for your WLAN. Find the solution that works best for your network security:

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a wireless security protocol that encodes or encrypts all

◦

network data before it is transmitted using a WEP key. The network assigns the WEP key, but you can set up your own key, generate a different key, or choose other advanced options. Without the correct key, others cannot access the WLAN.

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), like WEP, uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data

◦

that is transmitted over the network. However, instead of using one static security key for encryptions as WEP does, WPA uses “temporal key integrity protocol” (TKIP) to dynamically generate a new key for every packet. It also generates different sets of keys for each computer on the network.

Connecting to a WLAN

To connect to the WLAN:

1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If it is on, the wireless light is illuminated white. If the wireless

light is off, press the wireless key.

NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.

2. Click the Network icon in the notification area at the far right of the taskbar.

3. Select your WLAN from the list.

4. Click Connect.

NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, you are out of range of a wireless router or access point.

If the network is a security-enabled WLAN, enter a network security key at the prompt, which

●

is a security code, and then click OK to complete the connection.

If you do not see the network 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 appears. 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 icon in the notification area to verify the name and status of the connection.

Using a WLAN 17

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.

More information about using a WLAN is available through:

Your ISP and the user guides included with the wireless router and other WLAN equipment

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Help and Support information and website links

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For a list of public WLANs near you, contact your ISP or search the Web. Websites that list public WLANs include Cisco Internet Mobile Office Wireless Locations, Hotspotlist, and Geektools. Check with each public WLAN location for cost and connection requirements.

Roaming to another network

When you move the computer within range of another WLAN, Windows attempts to connect to that network. If the attempt is successful, the computer is automatically connected to the new network. If Windows does not recognize the new network, follow the instructions in “Connecting to a WLAN.”

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Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only)

A Bluetooth device provides short-range wireless communications that replace the physical cable connections that traditionally link electronic devices such as:

Computers (desktop, notebook, PDA)

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Phones (cellular, cordless, smart phone)

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Imaging devices (printer, camera)

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Audio devices (headset, speakers)

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Bluetooth devices provide peer-to-peer capability that allows you to set up a personal area network (PAN) of Bluetooth devices. For information on configuring and using Bluetooth devices, see the Bluetooth software Help.

Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

HP does not recommend setting up a host, Bluetooth computer and using it as a gateway through which other computers connect to the Internet. When two or more computers are connected using Bluetooth, and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is enabled on one of the computers, the other computers cannot connect to the Internet using the Bluetooth network.

The strength of Bluetooth is in synchronizing information transfers between the computer and wireless devices including cellular phones, printers, cameras, and PDAs. The inability to consistently connect two or more computers to share the Internet through Bluetooth is a limitation of Bluetooth and the Windows operating system.

Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) 19

Connecting to a local area network

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) requires an 8-pin, RJ-45 network cable (purchased separately). If the network cable contains noise suppression circuitry (1), which prevents interference from TV and radio reception, orient the circuitry end of the cable (2) toward the computer.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not connect a

modem or telephone cable to the RJ-45 (network) jack.

To connect the network cable:

1. Connect the network cable to the network jack (1) on the computer.

2. Connect the other end of the cable to a network wall jack (2).

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