HP ProBook 4326s User Manual

HP ProBook 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 or regions. Java is a U.S. trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista 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: 598087-002

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

Troubleshooting wireless connection problems ................................................................................. 26

Cannot create a WLAN connection ................................................................................... 26

Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................................. 27

Network status 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) .......................................................................................... 33

3 Pointing devices and keyboard ................................................................................................................... 34

Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 34

Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 34

Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 34

Turning the TouchPad on and off ...................................................................... 34

Navigating ......................................................................................................... 34

Selecting ........................................................................................................... 35

Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................. 36

Scrolling ............................................................................................ 36

Pinching/Zooming ............................................................................. 36

Rotating ............................................................................................ 37

Three-finger flick ............................................................................... 37

Connecting an external mouse .......................................................................................... 38

Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 38

Using hotkeys .................................................................................................................... 38

Displaying system information .......................................................................... 40

Initiating Sleep ................................................................................................... 40

Decreasing screen brightness ........................................................................... 40

Increasing screen brightness ............................................................................ 40

Switching the screen image .............................................................................. 40

Opening the default e-mail application .............................................................. 41

Opening the default Web browser ..................................................................... 41

Muting speaker sound ....................................................................................... 41

Decreasing speaker sound ............................................................................... 41

Increasing speaker sound ................................................................................. 41

Playing the previous track or section of an audio CD or a DVD ........................ 41

Playing, pausing, or resuming an audio CD or a DVD ...................................... 41

Playing the next track or section of an audio CD or a DVD .............................. 41

Using QuickLook ................................................................................................................................ 41

Using QuickWeb ................................................................................................................................. 43

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 ....................................................................... 63

A disc does not play .......................................................................................... 63

A disc does not play automatically .................................................................... 64

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 ................................................... 66

Webcam ............................................................................................................................................. 67

Webcam tips ...................................................................................................................... 67

Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................. 67

5 Power management ...................................................................................................................................... 69

Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 69

Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 69

Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 69

Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 70

Using the battery meter ..................................................................................................... 70

Using power plans ............................................................................................................. 70

Viewing the current power plan ......................................................................... 71

Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................ 71

Customizing power plans .................................................................................. 71

Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 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 .......................................................................................................... 74

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 Sleep ............................................................. 79

Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................ 79

Step 4: Fully recharge the battery ..................................................................... 81

Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Sleep .......................................................... 81

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 81

Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 81

Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 82

Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 82

Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................................... 83

Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 83

6 Drives ............................................................................................................................................................. 85

Identifying installed drives .................................................................................................................. 85

Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 85

Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................................... 87

Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 87

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 87

Using HP 3D DriveGuard ................................................................................................................... 88

Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status ................................................................................. 88

Using HP 3D DriveGuard software .................................................................................... 89

Using external drives .......................................................................................................................... 90

Using optional external devices ......................................................................................... 90

Replacing the hard drive .................................................................................................................... 91

7 External devices .......................................................................................................................................... 105

Using a USB device ......................................................................................................................... 105

Connecting a USB device ................................................................................................ 105

Stopping and removing a USB device ............................................................................. 105

Using USB legacy support ............................................................................................... 106

Using an eSATA device ................................................................................................................... 107

Connecting an eSATA device .......................................................................................... 107

Stopping and removing an eSATA device ....................................................................... 107

Using external drives ........................................................................................................................ 109

Using optional external devices ....................................................................................... 109

8 External media cards .................................................................................................................................. 110

Using Media Card Reader cards ...................................................................................................... 110

Inserting a digital card ...................................................................................................... 110

Stopping and removing a digital card .............................................................................. 111

Using ExpressCards (select models only) ........................................................................................ 11 2

Configuring an ExpressCard ............................................................................................ 112

Inserting an ExpressCard ................................................................................................ 112

Stopping and removing an ExpressCard ......................................................................... 113

9 Memory modules ........................................................................................................................................ 115

Adding or replacing memory modules .............................................................................................. 116

10 Security ...................................................................................................................................................... 127

Protecting the computer ................................................................................................................... 127

Using passwords .............................................................................................................................. 128

Setting passwords in Windows ........................................................................................ 128

Setting passwords in Computer Setup ............................................................................ 128

BIOS administrator password .......................................................................................... 129

Managing a BIOS administrator password ...................................................... 130

Entering a BIOS administrator password ........................................................ 131

Using Computer Setup DriveLock ................................................................................... 131

Setting a DriveLock password ......................................................................... 132

Entering a DriveLock password ...................................................................... 133

Changing a DriveLock password .................................................................... 134

Removing DriveLock protection ...................................................................... 135

Using Computer Setup Auto DriveLock ........................................................................... 135

Entering an Automatic DriveLock password ................................................... 135

Removing Automatic DriveLock protection ..................................................... 136

Using Computer Setup security features .......................................................................................... 137

Securing system devices ................................................................................................. 137

Viewing Computer Setup System Information ................................................................. 137

Using Computer Setup System IDs ................................................................................. 138

Using antivirus software ................................................................................................................... 139

Using firewall software ..................................................................................................................... 140

Installing critical updates .................................................................................................................. 141

Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only) ....................................................... 142

Installing a security cable ................................................................................................................. 143

11 Software updates ...................................................................................................................................... 144

Updating software ............................................................................................................................ 144

Updating the BIOS ........................................................................................................................... 146

Determining the BIOS version ......................................................................................... 146

Downloading a BIOS update ........................................................................................... 147

Updating programs and drivers ........................................................................................................ 149

Using SoftPaq Download Manager .................................................................................................. 150

12 Backup and recovery ................................................................................................................................ 151

Backing up your information ............................................................................................................. 152

Performing a recovery ...................................................................................................................... 153

Using the Windows recovery tools ................................................................................... 153

Using f11 .......................................................................................................................... 154

Using a Windows Vista operating system DVD (purchased separately) ......................... 154

13 Computer Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 155

Starting Computer Setup .................................................................................................................. 155

Using Computer Setup ..................................................................................................................... 155

Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup ................................................................... 155

Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup ................................................................. 156

Computer Setup menus ................................................................................................................... 156

File menu ......................................................................................................................... 157

Security menu .................................................................................................................. 1 5 7

System Configuration menu ............................................................................................ 158

14 MultiBoot ................................................................................................................................................... 163

About the boot device order ............................................................................................................. 163

Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup ....................................................................................... 165

Considering boot order changes ...................................................................................................... 166

Choosing MultiBoot preferences ...................................................................................................... 167

Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup ................................................................... 167

Dynamically choosing a boot device using the F9 prompt ............................................... 167

Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt ................................................................................ 168

Entering MultiBoot Express preferences ......................................................................... 168

15 Management and printing ........................................................................................................................ 169

Using Client Management Solutions ................................................................................................ 169

Configuring and deploying a software image ................................................................... 169

Managing and updating software ..................................................................................... 170

HP Client Manager for Altiris (select models only) .......................................... 170

HP Client Configuration Manager (CCM) (select models only) ....................... 172

HP System Software Manager (SSM) ............................................................. 173

Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 174

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1Features

Identifying hardware

To see a list of hardware installed in the computer, follow these steps:

1. Select Start > Computer > System properties.

2. In the left pane, click Device Manager.

You can also add hardware or modify device configurations using Device Manager.

NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer.

You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Windows Help and Support for more information.

Top components

TouchPad

Identifying hardware 1

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.

(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 > Hardware and Sound > 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 the Sleep state.

●

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 the Sleep state, press the button

●

briefly to exit Sleep.

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 > System 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.

802.11n 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.

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 (unidentified)

Network status (disconnected)

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 and one or more network devices are connected to the network, but the network is unidentified.

Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed, but no network devices are connected to the network.

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)

●

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, position the cursor over the wireless icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

If the wireless icon is not displayed in the notification area, complete the following steps to change the Wireless Assistant properties:

1. Select Start > Control Panel > Mobile PC > Windows Mobility Center.

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

Mobility Center.

3. Click Properties.

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

5. Click Apply.

For more information, refer to the Wireless Assistant software Help:

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

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 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 connections.

To access the Network and Sharing Center, click Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

For more information, refer to Windows Help and Support. Click Start > Help and Support.

18 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network

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