HP ProBook 4320s User Manual
HP ProBook Notebook PC
User Guide
© Copyright 2010 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 or regions. Java is a U.S.
trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
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: March 2010
Document Part Number: 598088-002
Product notice
This user guide describes features that are
common to most models. Some features
may not be available on your computer.
Due to the fast-moving product development
cycle, some hardware and software content
in the user guides found on the hard drive or
CD may have been updated over time. Go to
http://www.hp.com/support, select your
country or region, and then follow the onscreen instructions to navigate to your
product for up-to-date user guides.
Safety warning notice
WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not
place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on a
hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft
surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact
the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The computer and the
AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the International
Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).
iii
iv Safety warning notice
Table of contents
1 Features ........................................................................................................................................................... 1
Identifying hardware ............................................................................................................................. 1
Top components .................................................................................................................. 1
TouchPad ............................................................................................................ 1
Lights ................................................................................................................... 3
Buttons, speakers, switches, and fingerprint reader (select models only) .......... 4
Keys .................................................................................................................... 6
Front components ................................................................................................................ 7
Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 8
Left-side components .......................................................................................................... 9
Bottom components ........................................................................................................... 11
Display ............................................................................................................................... 11
Wireless antennas (select models only) ............................................................................ 12
Additional hardware components ...................................................................................... 14
Identifying the labels ........................................................................................................................... 14
2 Wireless, modem, and local area network .................................................................................................. 16
Using wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................................... 16
Identifying wireless and network icons .............................................................................. 17
Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 17
Using the wireless button ................................................................................................... 17
Using Wireless Assistant software (select models only) .................................................... 18
Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) ........................................................ 18
Using operating system controls ........................................................................................ 18
Using a WLAN .................................................................................................................................... 19
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................................ 19
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 19
Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................................... 21
Roaming to another network .............................................................................................. 21
Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) ............................................................................. 22
Inserting a SIM ................................................................................................................... 22
Removing a SIM ................................................................................................................ 23
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................... 25
Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................. 25
v
Troubleshooting wireless connection problems ................................................................................. 26
Cannot create a WLAN connection ................................................................................... 26
Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................................. 27
Network icon is not displayed ............................................................................................ 27
Current network security codes are unavailable ................................................................ 27
WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................................... 28
Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................................... 28
Using the modem (select models only) .............................................................................................. 29
Connecting a modem cable ............................................................................................... 29
Connecting a country-specific modem cable adapter ........................................................ 30
Selecting a location setting ................................................................................................ 30
Viewing the current location selection ............................................................... 30
Adding new locations when traveling ................................................................ 31
Solving travel connection problems .................................................................. 32
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) .......................................................................................... 34
3 Pointing devices and keyboard ................................................................................................................... 35
Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 35
Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 35
Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 35
Turning the TouchPad on and off ...................................................................... 35
Navigating ......................................................................................................... 35
Selecting ........................................................................................................... 36
Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................. 37
Scrolling ............................................................................................ 37
Pinching/Zooming ............................................................................. 37
Rotating ............................................................................................ 38
Three-finger flick ............................................................................... 38
Connecting an external mouse .......................................................................................... 39
Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 39
Using hotkeys .................................................................................................................... 39
Displaying system information .......................................................................... 41
Initiating Sleep ................................................................................................... 41
Decreasing screen brightness ........................................................................... 41
Increasing screen brightness ............................................................................ 41
Switching the screen image .............................................................................. 41
Opening the default e-mail application .............................................................. 42
Opening the default Web browser ..................................................................... 42
Muting speaker sound ....................................................................................... 42
Decreasing speaker sound ............................................................................... 42
Increasing speaker sound ................................................................................. 42
Playing the previous track or section of an audio CD or a DVD ........................ 42
Playing, pausing, or resuming an audio CD or a DVD ...................................... 42
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Playing the next track or section of an audio CD or a DVD .............................. 42
Using QuickLook ................................................................................................................................ 43
Using QuickWeb ................................................................................................................................. 44
Using the embedded numeric keypad ................................................................................................ 44
Enabling and disabling the embedded numeric keypad .................................................... 44
Switching key functions on the embedded numeric keypad .............................................. 44
Using an optional external numeric keypad ....................................................................................... 45
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................................... 46
4 Multimedia ..................................................................................................................................................... 47
Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 47
Identifying your multimedia components ........................................................................... 47
Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 48
Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 49
Opening preinstalled multimedia software ......................................................................... 50
Using multimedia software ................................................................................................. 50
Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 51
Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 52
Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 52
Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 52
Video .................................................................................................................................................. 54
Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................... 54
Using the external monitor port ......................................................................... 54
Using the HDMI port .......................................................................................................... 54
Configuring audio for HDMI ............................................................................................... 55
Optical drive (select models only) ...................................................................................................... 56
Identifying the installed optical drive .................................................................................. 56
Using optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) ....................................................................... 56
Selecting the right disc (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) ................................................................. 56
CD-R discs ........................................................................................................ 57
CD-RW discs ..................................................................................................... 57
DVD±R discs ..................................................................................................... 57
DVD±RW discs ................................................................................................. 57
LightScribe DVD+R discs .................................................................................. 57
Blu-ray Discs (BDs) ........................................................................................... 57
Playing a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................................. 58
Configuring AutoPlay ......................................................................................................... 58
Changing DVD region settings .......................................................................................... 59
Observing the copyright warning ....................................................................................... 59
Copying a CD or DVD ........................................................................................................ 59
Creating (burning) a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................ 60
Removing an optical disc (CD, DVD, or BD) ..................................................................... 60
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 61
vii
The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD, DVD, or BD ............. 61
The computer does not detect the optical drive ................................................ 62
Preventing playback disruptions ....................................................................... 62
A disc does not play .......................................................................................... 63
A disc does not play automatically .................................................................... 63
A movie stops, skips, or plays erratically .......................................................... 64
A movie is not visible on an external display ..................................................... 64
The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before
completion ......................................................................................................... 64
A device driver must be reinstalled ................................................................... 65
Obtaining the latest HP device drivers ............................................. 65
Obtaining Microsoft device drivers ................................................... 65
Webcam ............................................................................................................................................. 66
Webcam tips ...................................................................................................................... 66
Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................. 66
5 Power management ...................................................................................................................................... 68
Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 68
Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 68
Initiating and exiting Standby ............................................................................ 68
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 69
Using the Power Meter ...................................................................................................... 69
Using power schemes ....................................................................................................... 70
Viewing the current scheme .............................................................................. 70
Selecting a different power scheme .................................................................. 70
Customizing power schemes ............................................................................ 70
Setting password protection upon exiting Standby ............................................................ 71
Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 72
Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................... 72
Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 73
Finding battery information in Help and Support ............................................................... 73
Using Battery Check .......................................................................................................... 73
Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 74
Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 74
Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 75
Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 76
Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 76
Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 76
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 78
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 78
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is
available ........................................................................................... 78
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is
available ........................................................................................... 78
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Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 78
Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................... 78
Step 1: Fully charge the battery ........................................................................ 78
Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Standby ......................................................... 79
Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................ 79
Step 4: Fully recharge the battery ..................................................................... 80
Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Standby ...................................................... 80
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 80
Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 80
Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 81
Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 81
Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................................... 82
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 82
6 Drives ............................................................................................................................................................. 84
Identifying installed drives .................................................................................................................. 84
Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 84
Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................................... 85
Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 85
Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 85
Using HP 3D DriveGuard ................................................................................................................... 86
Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status ................................................................................. 86
Using HP 3D DriveGuard software .................................................................................... 86
Using external drives .......................................................................................................................... 88
Using optional external devices ......................................................................................... 88
Replacing the hard drive .................................................................................................................... 89
7 External devices .......................................................................................................................................... 103
Using a USB device ......................................................................................................................... 103
Connecting a USB device ................................................................................................ 103
Stopping and removing a USB device ............................................................................. 103
Using USB legacy support ............................................................................................... 104
Using an eSATA device ................................................................................................................... 105
Connecting an eSATA device .......................................................................................... 105
Stopping and removing an eSATA device ....................................................................... 105
Using external drives ........................................................................................................................ 107
Using optional external devices ....................................................................................... 107
8 External media cards .................................................................................................................................. 108
Using Media Card Reader cards ...................................................................................................... 108
Inserting a digital card ...................................................................................................... 108
Stopping and removing a digital card .............................................................................. 109
ix
Using ExpressCards (select models only) ........................................................................................ 1 1 0
Configuring an ExpressCard ............................................................................................ 110
Inserting an ExpressCard ................................................................................................ 110
Stopping and removing an ExpressCard ......................................................................... 111
9 Memory modules ........................................................................................................................................ 113
Adding or replacing memory modules .............................................................................................. 114
Increasing hard drive space for the Hibernation file ......................................................................... 125
10 Security ...................................................................................................................................................... 126
Protecting the computer ................................................................................................................... 126
Using passwords .............................................................................................................................. 127
Setting passwords in Windows ........................................................................................ 127
Setting passwords in Computer Setup ............................................................................ 127
BIOS administrator password .......................................................................................... 128
Managing a BIOS administrator password ...................................................... 129
Entering a BIOS administrator password ........................................................ 130
Using Computer Setup DriveLock ................................................................................... 130
Setting a DriveLock password ......................................................................... 131
Entering a DriveLock password ...................................................................... 132
Changing a DriveLock password .................................................................... 133
Removing DriveLock protection ...................................................................... 134
Using Computer Setup Auto DriveLock ........................................................................... 134
Entering an Automatic DriveLock password ................................................... 134
Removing Automatic DriveLock protection ..................................................... 135
Using Computer Setup security features .......................................................................................... 136
Securing system devices ................................................................................................. 136
Viewing Computer Setup System Information ................................................................. 136
Using Computer Setup System IDs ................................................................................. 137
Using antivirus software ................................................................................................................... 138
Using firewall software ..................................................................................................................... 139
Installing critical updates .................................................................................................................. 140
Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only) ....................................................... 141
Installing a security cable ................................................................................................................. 142
11 Software updates ...................................................................................................................................... 143
Updating software ............................................................................................................................ 143
Updating the BIOS ........................................................................................................................... 145
Determining the BIOS version ......................................................................................... 145
Downloading a BIOS update ........................................................................................... 146
Updating programs and drivers ........................................................................................................ 148
Using SoftPaq Download Manager .................................................................................................. 149
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12 Backup and recovery ................................................................................................................................ 150
Backing up your information ............................................................................................................. 151
Performing a recovery ...................................................................................................................... 152
Recovering your information ............................................................................................ 152
Recovering the operating system and programs ............................................................. 152
13 Computer Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 153
Starting Computer Setup .................................................................................................................. 153
Using Computer Setup ..................................................................................................................... 153
Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup ................................................................... 153
Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup ................................................................. 154
Computer Setup menus ................................................................................................................... 154
File menu ......................................................................................................................... 155
Security menu .................................................................................................................. 1 5 5
System Configuration menu ............................................................................................ 156
14 MultiBoot ................................................................................................................................................... 161
About the boot device order ............................................................................................................. 161
Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup ....................................................................................... 163
Considering boot order changes ...................................................................................................... 164
Choosing MultiBoot preferences ...................................................................................................... 165
Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup ................................................................... 165
Dynamically choosing a boot device using the F9 prompt ............................................... 165
Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt ................................................................................ 166
Entering MultiBoot Express preferences ......................................................................... 166
15 Management and printing ........................................................................................................................ 167
Using Client Management Solutions ................................................................................................ 167
Configuring and deploying a software image ................................................................... 167
Managing and updating software ..................................................................................... 168
HP Client Manager for Altiris (select models only) .......................................... 168
HP Client Configuration Manager (CCM) (select models only) ....................... 170
HP System Software Manager (SSM) ............................................................. 171
Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 172
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xii
1Features
Identifying hardware
To see a list of hardware installed in the computer, follow these steps:
1. Select Start > My Computer.
2. In the left pane of the System Tasks window, select View system information.
3. Select Hardware tab > Device Manager.
You can also add hardware or modify device configurations using Device Manager.
Top components
TouchPad
Component Description
(1) TouchPad off indicator To turn the TouchPad zone on and off, quickly double-tap the
TouchPad off indicator.
NOTE: When the TouchPad zone is active, the light is off.
Identifying hardware 1
Component Description
(2) TouchPad zone* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.
(3) Left TouchPad button* Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
(4) Right TouchPad button* Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
*This table describes factory settings. To view or change pointing device preferences, select Start > Control Panel > Printers
and Other Hardware > Mouse.
2 Chapter 1 Features
Lights
NOTE: Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer.
Component Description
(1) TouchPad off indicator
(2) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.
(3) HP QuickLook light Blinking: QuickLook is being opened or closed.
(4) HP QuickWeb light Blinking: The Web browser is being opened or closed.
Amber: The TouchPad is off.
●
Off: The TouchPad is on.
●
Identifying hardware 3
Component Description
(5) Power light
(6) Wireless light
On: The computer is on.
●
Blinking: The computer is in Standby.
●
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
on.
Amber: All wireless devices are off.
●
Buttons, speakers, switches, and fingerprint reader (select models only)
NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.
Component Description
(1) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
(2) Internal display switch Turns off the display if the display is closed while the power is on.
4 Chapter 1 Features
Component Description
(3) Power button
(4) Fingerprint reader (select models only) Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a password logon.
When the computer is off, press the button to turn on the
●
computer.
When the computer is on, press the button to shut down the
●
computer.
When the computer is in Standby, press the button briefly to
●
exit Standby.
When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button briefly
●
to exit Hibernation.
If the computer has stopped responding and Windows® shutdown
procedures are ineffective, press and hold the power button for at
least 5 seconds to turn off the computer.
To learn more about your power settings and how to change them,
select Start > Control Panel > Performance and
Maintenance > Power Options.
Identifying hardware 5
Keys
NOTE: Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer.
Component Description
(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the
(2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed in
(3) Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.
(4) Windows applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the cursor.
(5) Embedded numeric keypad keys Can be used like the keys on an external numeric keypad when
(6) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in
fn key.
combination with a function key or the esc key.
pressed in combination with the fn and num lk keys.
combination with the fn key.
6 Chapter 1 Features
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
(3) Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.
(4) Windows applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the pointer.
(5) Integrated numeric keypad keys Can be used like the keys on an external numeric keypad.
(6) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in
Front components
Component Description
(1) Drive light
combination with a function key or the esc key.
combination with the fn key.
Blinking white: The hard drive or optical drive is being
●
accessed.
Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the hard
●
drive.
Identifying hardware 7
Component Description
(2) Media Card Reader Supports the following optional digital card formats:
Memory Stick
●
Memory Stick Duo (adapter required)
●
Memory Stick Pro (adapter required)
●
MultiMediaCard (MMC)
●
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card
●
xD-Picture Card (XD)
●
xD-Picture Card (XD) Type H
●
xD-Picture Card (XD) Type M
●
(3) Audio-out (headphone) jack Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo
speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio.
NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the
computer speakers are disabled.
(4) Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo array
microphone, or monaural microphone.
Right-side components
NOTE: Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer.
Component Description
(1) USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.
(2) RJ-11 (modem) jack (select models only) Connects a modem cable.
(3) Optical drive light (select models only) Blinking: The optical drive is being accessed.
(4) Optical drive (select models only) Reads optical discs and, on select models, also writes to optical
discs.
8 Chapter 1 Features
Component Description
(1) USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.
(2) RJ-11 (modem) jack (select models only) Connects a modem cable.
(3) Optical drive (select models only) Reads optical discs and, on select models, also writes to optical
discs.
(4) Optical drive light (select models only) Blinking: The optical drive is being accessed.
(5) AC adapter light
(6) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
Left-side components
NOTE: Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer.
Component Description
(1) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
On: The computer is connected to external power and the
●
battery is charging.
Off: The computer is not connected to external power.
●
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but
it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.
(2) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
(3) AC adapter light
(4) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
On: The computer is connected to external power and the
●
battery is charging.
Off: The computer is not connected to external power.
●
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal
components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal
fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.
Identifying hardware 9
Component Description
(5) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
(6) RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
(7) HDMI port Connects an optional HDMI device.
(8) Combo eSATA/USB port Connects an optional USB device or high-performance eSATA
(9) USB port Connects optional USB device.
(10) ExpressCard slot Supports optional ExpressCards.
Component Description
(1) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
(2) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
components, such as an eSATA external hard drive.
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but
it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.
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.
(3) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
(4) RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
(5) HDMI port Connects an optional HDMI device.
(6) Combo eSATA/USB port Connects an optional USB device or high-performance eSATA
(7) USB port Connects optional USB device.
(8) ExpressCard slot Supports optional ExpressCards.
10 Chapter 1 Features
components, such as an eSATA external hard drive.
Bottom components
Component Description
(1) Battery release latches (2) Release the battery from the battery bay.
Display
(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(3) SIM slot (select models only) Contains a wireless subscriber identity module (SIM). The SIM slot
is located inside the battery bay.
NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.
Identifying hardware 11
Component Description
(1) Internal display switch Turns off the display if the display is closed while the power is on.
(2) Internal microphone Records sound.
(3) Webcam light (select models only) On: The webcam is in use.
(4) Webcam (select models only) Records video and captures still photographs.
Wireless antennas (select models only)
The antennas send and receive signals from one or more wireless devices. These antennas are not
visible from the outside of the computer.
12 Chapter 1 Features
Component Description
(1) WWAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
(2) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around
the antennas free from obstructions.
wide area networks (WWANs).
local area networks (WLANs).
To see wireless regulatory notices, refer to the section of the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental
Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.
Identifying hardware 13
Additional hardware components
Component Description
(1) Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet.
(2) Battery* Powers the computer when the computer is not plugged into an
(3) AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power.
*Batteries and power cords vary in appearance by country or region.
Identifying the labels
The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system
problems or travel internationally with the computer:
Service tag—Provides important information, including the following:
●
Product name (1). This is the product name affixed to the front of your notebook.
◦
Serial number (s/n) (2). This is an alphanumeric number that is unique to each product.
◦
Part number/Product number (p/n) (3). This number provides specific information about the
◦
product's hardware components. The part number helps a service technician to determine
what components and parts are needed.
external power source.
14 Chapter 1 Features
Model description (4). This is the number you use to locate documents, drivers, and support
◦
for your notebook.
Warranty period (5). Describes the duration of the warranty period for this computer.
◦
Have this information available when you contact technical support. The service tag label is affixed
to the bottom of the computer.
Microsoft® Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Windows Product Key. You may need the
●
Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system. This certificate is affixed to the bottom
of the computer.
Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is
●
affixed to the bottom of the computer.
Modem approval label—Provides regulatory information about the modem and lists the agency
●
approval markings required by some of the countries in which the modem has been approved for
use. You may need this information when traveling internationally. The modem approval label is
affixed to the bottom of the computer.
Wireless certification label(s) (select models only)—Provide information about optional wireless
●
devices and the approval markings of some of the countries in which the devices have been
approved for use. An optional device may be a WLAN device or a Bluetooth device. If your computer
model includes one or more wireless devices, one or more certification labels are included with
your computer. You may need this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification
labels are affixed to the bottom of the computer.
SIM (subscriber identity module) label (select models only)—Provides the ICCID (Integrated Circuit
●
Card Identifier) of your SIM. This label is located inside the battery bay.
HP Mobile Broadband Module serial number label (select models only)—Provides the serial
●
number of your HP Mobile Broadband Module. This label is affixed to the bottom of the
computer.
Identifying the labels 15
2 Wireless, modem, and local area
network
Using wireless devices (select models only)
Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be
equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:
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.
HP Mobile Broadband Module—A wireless wide area network (WWAN) device that provides
●
access to information wherever mobile network operator service is available. In a WWAN, each
mobile device communicates to a mobile network operator’s base station. Mobile network operators
install networks of base stations (similar to cell phone towers) throughout large geographic areas,
effectively providing coverage across entire states, regions, or even countries.
Bluetooth device—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other 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 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.
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 802.11n draft 2.0 supports data rates of up to 450 Mbps and may operate at 2.4
●
GHz or 5 GHz, making it backward compatible with 802.11a, b, and g.
NOTE: The specifications for the 802.11n WLAN are draft specifications and are not final. If the
final specifications differ from the draft specifications, it may affect the ability of the computer to
communicate with other 802.11n WLAN devices.
For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided in
Help and Support.
16 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network
Identifying wireless and network icons
Icon Name Description
Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless lights and the wireless buttons on
Wireless
(disconnected)
HP Connection
Manager
Network status
(connected)
Network status
(disconnected)
Using the wireless controls
You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:
Wireless button or wireless switch (referred to in this guide as the wireless button)
●
the computer. Also identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the
computer and indicates that one or more of the wireless devices are on.
Identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the computer and
indicates that all of the wireless devices are off.
Opens HP Connection Manager, which enables you to create a
connection with an HP Mobile Broadband device (select models only).
Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed and one
or more network devices are connected to the network.
Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed, but no
network devices are connected to the network.
Wireless Assistant software (select models only)
●
HP Connection Manager software (select models only)
●
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.
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
Wireless Assistant software (select models only) or through Computer Setup.
NOTE: If the wireless devices are disabled by Computer Setup, the wireless button will not work until
you reenable your devices.
Using wireless devices (select models only) 17
Using Wireless Assistant software (select models only)
A wireless device can be turned on or off using the Wireless Assistant software. If a wireless device is
disabled by Computer Setup, it must be reenabled by Computer Setup 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, follow either of these steps:
Position the mouse pointer over the wireless icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
– or –
Open Wireless Assistant by double-clicking the icon in the notification area.
For more information, refer to the Wireless Assistant software Help:
1. Open Wireless Assistant by double-clicking the icon in the notification area.
2. Click the Help button.
Using HP Connection Manager (select models only)
You can use HP Connection Manager to connect to WWANs using the HP Mobile Broadband device in
your computer (select models only).
To start Connection Manager, click the Connection Manager icon in the notification area, at the far
right of the taskbar.
– or –
Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Connection Manager.
For more details about using Connection Manager, refer to the Connection Manager software Help.
Using operating system controls
Some operating systems also offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless
connection. For example, Windows Network Connections allows you to set up a connection, connect to
a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair connections.
To access Network Connections, start Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet
Connections > Network Connections.
For more information, refer to Help and Support. Start Start > Help and Support.
18 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network
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