HP ProBook 5220m 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 registered trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. SD Logo is a trademark of its proprietor.

The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

First Edition: May 2010

Document Part Number: 600138-001

Product notice

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

Safety warning notice

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

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

iii

iv Safety warning notice

Table of contents

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

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

Top components .................................................................................................................. 1

TouchPad ............................................................................................................ 1

Lights ................................................................................................................... 2

Power button and fingerprint reader .................................................................... 3

Keys .................................................................................................................... 4

Front components ................................................................................................................ 5

Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 6

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

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

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

Wireless antennas ............................................................................................................... 9

Additional hardware components ...................................................................................... 11

Identifying the labels ........................................................................................................................... 11

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

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

Identifying wireless and network icons .............................................................................. 14

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

Using the wireless hotkey .................................................................................................. 15

Using HP Wireless Assistant software (select models only) .............................................. 15

Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) ........................................................ 15

Using operating system controls ........................................................................................................ 16

Using a WLAN device ........................................................................................................................ 16

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

Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 17

Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................................... 18

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

Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) ............................................................................. 18

Inserting a SIM ................................................................................................................... 19

Removing a SIM ................................................................................................................ 20

Using a Bluetooth wireless device ...................................................................................................... 22

Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................. 22

Troubleshooting wireless connection problems ................................................................................. 22

Cannot create a WLAN connection ................................................................................... 22

Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................................. 23

Network icon is not displayed ............................................................................................ 23

Current network security codes are unavailable ................................................................ 23

WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................................... 24

Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................................... 24

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) .......................................................................................... 25

Using the modem ............................................................................................................................... 25

Connecting a modem cable ............................................................................................... 26

Connecting a country- or region-specific modem cable adapter ....................................... 26

Selecting a location setting ................................................................................................ 27

Viewing the current location selection ............................................................... 27

Adding new locations when traveling ................................................................ 27

Solving travel connection problems .................................................................. 28

3 Pointing devices and keyboard ................................................................................................................... 30

Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 30

Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 30

Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 31

Turning the TouchPad on and off ...................................................................... 31

Navigating ......................................................................................................... 31

Selecting ........................................................................................................... 32

Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................. 32

Scrolling ............................................................................................ 33

Pinching/Zooming ............................................................................. 33

Rotating ............................................................................................ 34

Three-finger flick ............................................................................... 34

Connecting an external mouse .......................................................................................... 35

Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 35

Using hotkeys .................................................................................................................... 35

Displaying system information .......................................................................... 36

Initiating Sleep ................................................................................................... 36

Opening the Print Options window .................................................................... 37

Displaying battery status ................................................................................... 37

Switching the screen image .............................................................................. 37

Opening FastLook or Outlook ........................................................................... 37

Opening QuickWeb ........................................................................................... 37

Decreasing screen brightness ........................................................................... 38

Increasing screen brightness ............................................................................ 38

Turning wireless features on and off ................................................................. 38

Muting and restoring speaker sound ................................................................. 38

Decreasing speaker volume .............................................................................. 38

Increasing speaker volume ............................................................................... 38

Using HP FastLook ............................................................................................................................ 39

Using keypads .................................................................................................................................... 39

Using the embedded numeric keypad ............................................................................... 39

Enabling and disabling the embedded numeric keypad .................................... 39

Switching key functions on the embedded numeric keypad ............................. 40

Using an optional external numeric keypad ....................................................................... 40

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................................... 41

4 Multimedia ..................................................................................................................................................... 42

Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 42

Identifying your multimedia components ........................................................................... 42

Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 43

Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 44

Accessing your preinstalled multimedia software .............................................................. 45

Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 45

Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 45

Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 45

Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 46

Connecting an HDMI device ............................................................................................................... 46

Configuring audio for HDMI ............................................................................................... 47

Video .................................................................................................................................................. 47

Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................... 48

External optical drive (purchased separately) .................................................................................... 48

Identifying an external optical drive ................................................................................... 48

Playing music ..................................................................................................................... 48

Watching a movie .............................................................................................................. 49

Changing DVD region settings .......................................................................................... 50

Creating (burning) a CD or DVD ........................................................................................ 51

Removing an optical disc (CD or DVD) ............................................................................. 51

Webcam (select models only) ............................................................................................................ 52

Webcam tips ...................................................................................................................... 53

Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................. 53

5 Power management ...................................................................................................................................... 54

Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 54

Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 54

Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 54

Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 55

Using battery meter ........................................................................................................... 55

Using power plans ............................................................................................................. 55

Viewing the current power plan ......................................................................... 56

Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................ 56

vii

Customizing power plans .................................................................................. 56

Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 56

Using HP Power Assistant ................................................................................................................. 57

Starting HP Power Assistant .............................................................................................. 57

Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 58

Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................... 58

Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 59

Finding battery information in Help and Support ............................................................... 59

Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 60

Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 60

Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 61

Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 62

Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 62

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 62

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 62

Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is

available ........................................................................................... 62

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is

available ........................................................................................... 62

Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit

Hibernation ....................................................................................... 63

Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................... 63

Step 1: Fully charge the battery ........................................................................ 63

Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Sleep ............................................................. 63

Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................ 64

Step 4: Fully recharge the battery ..................................................................... 64

Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Sleep .......................................................... 64

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 65

Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 65

Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 65

Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................................... 66

Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 66

6 Drives ............................................................................................................................................................. 68

Identifying installed drives .................................................................................................................. 68

Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 68

Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................................... 70

Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 70

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 70

Using HP 3D DriveGuard ................................................................................................................... 71

Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status ................................................................................. 71

Using HP 3D DriveGuard software .................................................................................... 72

Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................................... 73

viii

7 External devices ............................................................................................................................................ 76

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 76

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 76

Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 77

Using USB legacy support ................................................................................................. 77

Using an eSATA device ..................................................................................................................... 78

Connecting an eSATA device ............................................................................................ 78

Removing an eSATA device .............................................................................................. 79

Using optional external drives ............................................................................................................ 80

Using an optional external optical drive ............................................................................. 80

Inserting an optical disc (CD or DVD) ............................................................... 80

Removing an optical disc (CD or DVD) ............................................................. 81

When the disc tray opens ................................................................. 81

When the disc tray does not open .................................................... 82

8 External media cards .................................................................................................................................... 84

Using Media Card Reader cards ........................................................................................................ 84

Inserting a digital card ........................................................................................................ 84

Removing a digital card ..................................................................................................... 85

9 Memory modules .......................................................................................................................................... 86

10 Security ........................................................................................................................................................ 90

Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 90

Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 91

Setting passwords in Windows .......................................................................................... 91

Setting passwords in Computer Setup .............................................................................. 91

BIOS administrator password ............................................................................................ 92

Managing a BIOS administrator password ........................................................ 92

Entering a BIOS administrator password .......................................................... 93

Using Computer Setup DriveLock ..................................................................................... 94

Setting a DriveLock password ........................................................................... 94

Entering a DriveLock password ........................................................................ 95

Changing a DriveLock password ...................................................................... 95

Removing DriveLock protection ........................................................................ 96

Using Computer Setup Auto DriveLock ............................................................................. 96

Entering an Automatic DriveLock password ..................................................... 96

Removing Automatic DriveLock protection ....................................................... 97

Using Computer Setup security features ............................................................................................ 98

Securing system devices ................................................................................................... 98

Viewing Computer Setup System Information ................................................................... 99

Using Computer Setup System IDs ................................................................................... 99

Using antivirus software ................................................................................................................... 100

Using firewall software ..................................................................................................................... 100

Installing critical security updates ..................................................................................................... 100

Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only) ....................................................... 101

Installing a security cable ................................................................................................................. 101

Using the fingerprint reader .............................................................................................................. 102

Locating the fingerprint reader ......................................................................................... 102

Enrolling your fingerprints ................................................................................................ 103

Using your registered fingerprint to log on to Windows ................................................... 103

11 Software Updates ...................................................................................................................................... 104

Updating software ............................................................................................................................ 104

Updating the BIOS ........................................................................................................... 105

Determining the BIOS version ......................................................................... 105

Downloading a BIOS update ........................................................................... 106

Updating programs and drivers ....................................................................................... 107

Using SoftPaq Download Manager .................................................................................. 107

12 Backup and recovery ................................................................................................................................ 109

Backing up your information ............................................................................................................. 110

Performing a recovery ...................................................................................................................... 112

Using the Windows recovery tools ................................................................................... 112

Using f11 .......................................................................................................................... 113

Using a Windows 7 operating system DVD (purchased separately) ............................... 113

13 Computer Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 115

Starting Computer Setup .................................................................................................................. 115

Using Computer Setup ..................................................................................................................... 115

Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup ................................................................... 115

Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup ................................................................. 116

Computer Setup menus ................................................................................................................... 116

File menu ......................................................................................................................... 117

Security menu .................................................................................................................. 117

System Configuration menu ............................................................................................ 118

14 MultiBoot ................................................................................................................................................... 123

About the boot device order ............................................................................................................. 123

Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup ....................................................................................... 124

Considering boot order changes ...................................................................................................... 125

Choosing MultiBoot preferences ...................................................................................................... 126

Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup ................................................................... 126

Dynamically choosing a boot device using the F9 prompt ............................................... 126

Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt ................................................................................ 127

Entering MultiBoot Express preferences ......................................................................... 127

15 Management and Printing ........................................................................................................................ 128

Using Client Management Solutions ................................................................................................ 128

Configuring and deploying a software image ................................................................... 128

Managing and updating software ..................................................................................... 129

HP SSM (System Software Manager) ............................................................. 129

Using the HP Universal Print Driver (select models only) ................................................................ 129

Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 130

xii

1 Features

Identifying hardware

Components included with the computer may vary by region and model. The illustrations in this chapter identify the standard features on most computer models.

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

Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System.> 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 Help and Support for more information.

Top components

TouchPad

Component Description

(1) TouchPad off indicator To turn the TouchPad on and off, quickly double-tap the TouchPad

off indicator.

NOTE: When the TouchPad is active, the light is off.

Identifying hardware 1

Lights

Component Description

(2) TouchPad* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.

(3) Left TouchPad control* Functions like the left button on an external mouse.

(4) Right TouchPad control* Functions like the right button on an external mouse.

*This table describes factory settings. To view or change pointing device preferences, select Start > Devices and Printers. Then, right-click the device representing your computer, and select > Mouse settings.

Component Description

(1) TouchPad off indicator

(2) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.

(3) FastLook light

(4) QuickWeb light

(5) Power light

2 Chapter 1 Features

Off: the TouchPad is on.

●

Amber: the TouchPad is off.

●

To switch between active and inactive, quickly double-tap the TouchPad off indicator.

On: FastLook is on.

●

Off: FastLook is off.

●

On: QuickWeb is on.

●

Off: QuickWeb is off.

●

On: The computer is on.

●

Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state.

●

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

●

Component Description

(6) Wireless light

(7) Sound mute light

Power button and fingerprint reader

White: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local

●

area network (WLAN) device, HP Mobile Broadband Module (select models only), and/or a Bluetooth® device (select models only), is on.

Amber: All wireless devices are off.

●

On: The speaker sound is muted.

●

Off: The speaker sound is not muted.

●

Identifying hardware 3

Component Description

(1) Power button

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

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.

NOTE: Although you can shut down the computer

with the power button, the recommended procedure is to use the Windows Shut Down command.

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, select Start >

Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.

password logon.

Keys

Component Description

(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the

4 Chapter 1 Features

fn key.

Component Description

(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) Embedded numeric keypad keys When the keypad has been enabled, it can be used like the keys

(6) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in

Front components

combination with a function key or the esc key.

NOTE: This feature does not exist if you are using the Linux

operating system.

NOTE: This feature does not exist if you are using the Linux

operating system.

on an external numeric keypad.

combination with the fn key.

Component Description

(1) Drive light

(2) Speakers (2) Produce sound.

(3) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.

White: The hard drive is being accessed.

●

Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the hard

●

drive.

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 5

Right-side components

Component Description

(1) Battery light

(2) Media Card Reader Supports the following optional digital card formats:

Amber: A battery is charging.

●

White: A battery is close to full charge capacity.

●

Off: If the computer is plugged into an external power source,

●

the light turns off when all batteries in the computer are fully charged. If the computer is not plugged into an external power source, the light stays off until the battery reaches a low battery level.

Memory Stick (MS)

●

Memory Stick Pro (MSP)

●

Memory Stick Duo (adapter required)

●

Memory Stick Duo Pro (adapter required)

●

MultiMediaCard (MMC)

●

MultiMediaCard Plus

●

Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card

●

SD High Capacity (HC) Memory Card

●

microSD Memory Card (adapter required)

●

xD-Picture Card (XD)

●

(3) Powered USB port Provides power to a USB device, such as an optional external

(4) USB port Connects optional USB devices.

6 Chapter 1 Features

MultiBay or an optional external optical drive, if used with a powered USB cable.

Component Description

(5) Audio-out (headphone)/Audio-in (microphone)

jack

(6) RJ-11 (modem) jack Connects a modem cable.

(7) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

(8) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.

Left-side components

Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio. Also connects an optional headset microphone.

NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the

computer speakers are disabled.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the

volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety information, refer to the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices.

NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but

it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.

Component Description

(1) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

(2) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.

NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal

components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.

(3) Network activity light Amber: Data is being transmitted over the network.

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

(5) Network connection light Green: The computer is connected to the network.

(6) USB/eSATA port Connects a high-performance eSATA component, such as an

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

(7) HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a high

definition television, or any compatible digital or audio component.

Identifying hardware 7

Bottom components

Component Description

(1) Battery release latches (2) Release the battery from the battery bay.

(2) Battery bay Holds the battery and the subscriber identity module (SIM).

(3) Service access door release latches (2). Release the service access door.

(4) Vents (3) Enable airflow to cool internal components.

NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal

components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.

(5) Service access bay Provides access to the hard drive, 2 memory module slots, the

wireless local area network (WLAN) module, and the HP Mobile Broadband Module (not supported by the Linux operating system).

8 Chapter 1 Features

Display components

Component Description

(1) Internal display switch Turns off the display and initiates Sleep if the display is closed while

(2) Internal microphone Records sound.

(3) Webcam light (select models only) On: The webcam is in use.

(4) Webcam (select models only) Records audio and video and captures still photographs.

Wireless antennas

Your computer has at least two antennas that send and receive signals from one or more wireless devices.

the power is on.

Identifying hardware 9

Component Description

(1) WWAN antennas (2)* (select models only) Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with

(2) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with

* For optimal transmission, keep the area immediately around the antennas free from obstructions.

wireless wide-area networks (WWANs).

wireless 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.

10 Chapter 1 Features

Additional hardware components

Component Description

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

(2) AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power.

(3) Battery Powers the computer when the computer is not plugged into

*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 the computer.

◦

external power.

Serial number (s/n) (2). This is an alphanumeric identifier that is unique to each product.

◦

Identifying the labels 11

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.

Warranty period (4). This number describes the duration of the warranty period for the

◦

computer.

Have this information available when you contact technical support. The service tag label is affixed inside the battery bay.

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 inside the battery bay.

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

●

affixed inside the battery bay.

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

●

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 under the service access door.

Wireless certification label(s)—Provide information about optional wireless devices and the

●

approval markings of some of the countries or regions in which the devices have been approved for use. An optional device may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) device, the HP Mobile Broadband Module (select models only), or an optional Bluetooth® device (select models only). 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 inside the battery bay.

SIM label (select models only)—Provides the ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) of your SIM.

●

This label is affixed under the service access door.

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

●

number of your HP Mobile Broadband Module. This label is affixed under the service access door.

12 Chapter 1 Features

2 Wireless, local area network, and

modem

Using wireless devices

Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer is equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:

Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless local area

●

networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate offices, your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and universities. In a WLAN, each mobile wireless device communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access point.

HP Broadband Wireless 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.

Using wireless devices 13

Identifying wireless and network icons

Icon Name Description

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

the computer. Also indicates that one or more of the wireless devices are on. This icon appears in the system tray when a device is enabled or on.

Wireless (disconnected)

HP Connection Manager

Wired network (connected)

Wired network (disabled/ disconnected)

Wireless network (disabled)

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

Network (disconnected)

Indicates that all of the wireless devices are off. This icon appears when HP Wireless Assistant shows that all devices are disabled or off.

Opens HP Connection Manager, which enables you to create a connection with an HP Mobile Broadband device.

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, all network devices or all wireless devices are disabled in Windows Control Panel, and no network devices are connected to a wired network.

Indicates connectivity to the WLAN but no connection to the Internet.

more network devices are connected to a wireless network, and one or more network devices may be connected to a wired network.

Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed and wireless connections are available, but no network devices are connected to a wired or wireless network.

Network (disabled/ disconnected)

Using the wireless controls

You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:

Wireless hotkey

●

HP Wireless Assistant software (select models only)

●

HP Connection Manager software (select models only)

●

Operating system controls

●

14 Chapter 2 Wireless, local area network, and modem

Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed, no wireless connections are available or all wireless network devices are disabled by the wireless hotkey or HP Wireless Assistant, and no network devices are connected to a wired network.

Using the wireless hotkey

The computer has a wireless hotkey (fn+f9), 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 amber, all wireless devices are off.

Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless hotkey (fn+f9) to turn on or turn off the wireless devices simultaneously. Individual wireless devices can be controlled through Computer Setup.

NOTE: If the wireless devices are disabled by Computer Setup, the wireless hotkey will not work until

you reenable your devices.

Using HP Wireless Assistant software (select models only)

A wireless device can be turned on or off using the HP 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 HP Wireless Assistant.

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

network or a Bluetooth-enabled device.

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

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

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

2. Click the wireless icon in the HP 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.

6. Click Close.

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

1. Open HP 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 HP Connection Manager, click the HP Connection Manager icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

Using wireless devices 15

– or –

Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Connection Manager.

For more details about using HP Connection Manager, refer to the HP 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 network problems.

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.

Using a WLAN device

With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.

NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably.

A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points

●

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

A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and

●

wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional pieces of hardware or software.

NOTE: To use the WLAN device in your computer, you must connect to a WLAN infrastructure

(provided through a service provider or a public or corporate network).

Setting up a WLAN

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

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

●

Internet service provider (ISP)

A wireless router (purchased separately) (2)

●

The wireless computer (3)

●

The illustration below shows an example of a wireless network installation that is connected to the Internet.

16 Chapter 2 Wireless, local area network, and modem

As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to access the Internet.

For help in setting up your WLAN, refer to the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.

Protecting your WLAN

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

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

When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your network from unauthorized access. The common security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Because wireless radio signals travel outside the network, other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected signals and either connect to your network (uninvited) or capture information being sent across it. However, you can take precautions to protect your WLAN:

Use a wireless transmitter with built-in security

●

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

Work behind a firewall

●

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

Use wireless encryption

●

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

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a wireless security protocol that uses a WEP key to

◦

encode or encrypt all network data before it is transmitted. Usually, you can allow the network to assign the WEP key. Alternatively, you can set up your own key, generate a different key, or choose other advanced options. Without the correct key, others will not be able to use the WLAN.

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

◦

that is transmitted over the network. However, instead of using one static security key for encryptions as WEP does, WPA uses temporal key integrity protocol (TKIP) to dynamically

Using a WLAN device 17

generate a new key for every packet. It also generates different sets of keys for each computer on the network.

Connecting to a WLAN

To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps:

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

amber, press the wireless hotkey.

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

3. Select your WLAN from the list.

4. Click Connect.

If the network is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a network security key, which is a security code. Type the code, and then click OK to complete the connection.

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

NOTE: If you do not see the network you want to connect to, click Open Network and Sharing

Center, and then click Set up a new connection or network. A list of options is displayed. You

can choose to manually search for and connect to a network or to create a new network connection.

After the connection is made, place the mouse pointer over the network icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, to verify the name and status of the connection.

NOTE: The functional range (how far your wireless signals travel) depends on WLAN implementation,

router manufacturer, and interference from other electronic devices or structural barriers such as walls and floors.

More information about using a WLAN is available through the following resources:

Information from your ISP and the manufacturer's instructions included with your wireless router

●

and other WLAN equipment

Information and Web site links provided in Help and Support

●

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

For additional information on connecting your computer to a corporate WLAN, contact your network administrator or IT department.

Roaming to another network

When you move your computer within range of another WLAN, Windows attempts to connect to that network. If the attempt is successful, your computer is automatically connected to the new network. If Windows does not recognize the new network, follow the same procedure you used initially to connect to your WLAN.

Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only)

HP Mobile Broadband enables your computer to use wireless wide area networks (WWANs) to access the Internet from more places and over larger areas than it can by using WLANs. Using HP Mobile

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