HP VLi8 User Manual

Corporate PCs

User’s Guide

See Chapter 1 for Quick Setup

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport

Notice

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

Hewlett-Packard makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the prior written consent of Hewlett-Packard Company.

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Microsoft registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

is a registered trademark of Matrox Electronic Systems Ltd.

and AcrobatTM are trademarks of Adobe Systems

, MS®, MS-DOS®, Windows®, and Windows NT® are U.S.

Hewlett-Packard France Commercial Computing Division Outbound Marketing Communications 38053 Grenoble Cedex 9 France

 1999 Hewlett-Packard Company

User’s Guide

This manual is for anyone who wants to:

• Set up the PC for the first time

• Troubleshoot problems on the PC

• Replace system components

• Find out where to get more information and support.

It is strongly recommended that you read the ergonomic information before using your PC. Refer to “Working in Comfort” on page 51 for more information.

Important Safety Information

WARNING

For your safety, never remove the PC's cover without first removing the power cord and any connection to a telecommunication network. Always replace the cover before switching the PC on again.

There is a danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly installed. For your safety, never attempt to recharge, disassemble, or burn the old battery. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. The battery in this PC is a lithium battery that does not contain heavy metals. Nevertheless, in order to protect the environment, do not dispose of batteries in household waste. Please return used batteries to the shop from which you bought them, to the dealer from whom you purchased your PC, or to HP so they can either be recycled or disposed of in a sound way. Returned used batteries will be accepted free of charge.

If you have a modem:

Do not attempt to connect this product to the phone line during a lightning storm. Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface. Never touch uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface. Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines. Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an lightning storm. There may be a risk from lightning. Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak. Never touch or remove the Communications board without first removing the connection to the telephone network.

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Contents

1 Setting Up and Using Your PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2 Basic Problem Solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3 Replacing Hardware Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

4 Working in Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Regulatory Information and Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Keyboard Lock Status Light

Hard Disk Activity Light

Floppy Drive

Power On/Off Button

Power on Status Light (Flashes in Sleep Mode)

Floppy Drive

Hard Disk

Activity Light

Keyboard Lock

Status Light

Power on Status Light (Flashes in Sleep Mode)

Power On/Off Button

Setting Up and Using Your PC

This chapter provides information about setting up and using your PC.

1 Setting Up and Using Your PC

Unpacking Your PC

WARNING

How to lift and

carry the

Minitower PC

If you have any doubt that you can lift the PC or monitor safely, do not try to move it without help.

Desktop PC

Keyboard

Minitower PC

Typical Monitor

Mouse

Typical Monitor

Keyboard

Mouse

Place the PC on a sturdy desk near to easily accessible power outlets, with enough space for the keyboard, mouse, and any other accessories. You can place the minitower either on the desk or on the floor.

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1 Setting Up and Using Your PC

Connecting the Mouse, Keyboard, Monitor and Printer

Connect the mouse, keyboard, monitor and printer to the back of the computer. The connectors are shaped to go in one way only.

For more information on connecting the printer to your PC, refer to the manual the came with the printer.

Desktop PC

The connectors are color-coded for easy matching. Match the colors.

25-pin Parallel Connector

Mouse

Keyboard

(To connect an HP multimedia

keyboard, refer to page 6.)

USB

1. USB is supported by: a) the latest version of Windows 95 (preloaded on some models); b) Windows 98.

Two 9-pin Serial Connectors

Monitor

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1 Setting Up and Using Your PC

Connecting the Mouse, Keyboard, Monitor and Printer

Minitower PC

The connectors are color-coded for easy matching. Match the colors.

USB

Two 9-pin Serial

Connectors

Monitor

25-pin Parallel Connector

Keyboard

(To connect an HP multimedia keyboard, refer to page 6.)

Mouse

1. USB is supported by: a) the latest version of Windows 95 (preloaded on some models); b) Windows 98.

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1 Setting Up and Using Your PC

Connecting to a Network (Some Models Only)

Let your Network Administrator know you are connecting your PC to the network.

Connect the network cable to the RJ-45 UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) LAN connector.

10/100BT Connector

If you install a non-HP network adapter card, refer to the installation and configuration information provided on HP’s Support web site. Go to the

LAN Card Ready section at www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport.

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1 Setting Up and Using Your PC

Connecting Multimedia Accessories (Some Models Only)

WARNING

Speaker/headphones socket (lime)

Always turn the volume down before connecting headphones or speakers, to avoid discomfort from unexpected noise or static. Listening to loud sounds for prolonged periods of time may permanently damage your hearing. Before putting on headphones, place them around your neck and turn the volume down. When you put on the headphones, slowly increase the volume until you find a comfortable listening level. When you can hear comfortably and clearly, without distortion, leave the volume control in that position.

1 Connect the HP multimedia keyboard to the PC. The connectors are

color-coded for easy matching.

Standard keyboard connector

Microphone socket (pink)

Pink (or red) jack

Lime (or black) jack

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1 Setting Up and Using Your PC

Connecting Multimedia Accessories (Some Models Only)

2 Connect the microphone and headphones (or amplified speakers) to

the keyboard.

Keyboard microphone socket

Keyboard headphones/speaker socket

3 At the rear of the PC, you can connect another audio accessory, such

as a CD player, into the remaining audio (light blue input) connector.

NOTE Some models have a DVD drive with a headphones socket and a volume

control. However, you should connect the keyboard sockets as shown above to ensure that you can use all your PC’s multimedia features.

If you install a sound board, you will need to disable your PC’s integrated

audio function in the Advanced ➪ Integrated Audio section of the

Setup program. Refer to the Troubleshooting and Upgrade Guide available from HP’s Support web site.

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1 Setting Up and Using Your PC

Connecting the Power Cords

WARNING

For your safety, always connect the equipment to a grounded wall outlet. Always use a power cable with a properly grounded plug such as the one provided with this equipment or in compliance with your national regulations. This PC is disconnected from the power by removing the power cord from the power outlet. This means the PC must be located close to a power outlet that is easily accessible.

Voltage Selection Switch

1 Remove the warning label covering the PC’s power connector, and

ensure that the voltage setting is correct for your country. (The voltage is set during manufacture and should be already correct.)

2 Connect the power cords to the monitor and the computer. (The

connectors are shaped to go in one way only.)

3 Connect the monitor’s power cord and the computer’s power cord to

a grounded outlet.

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1 Setting Up and Using Your PC

Starting Your PC for the First Time

If your PC has preinstalled software, it is initialized the first time you start the PC. This process sets up the software in your language and sets up your software to use the hardware installed in your computer (you can change the settings after the software has been initialized).

Initializing Your Software

NOTE Do NOT switch OFF the PC while the software is being initialized—this

could cause unexpected results.

1 Turn on the monitor first, and then the PC.

When the PC is switched on, the Vectra Logo is displayed. The PC performs a Power-On-Self-Test (POST). Press if you want to view the POST details in the HP Summary Screen.

If an error is detected during the Power-On-Self-Test, the PC will automatically display the error. You may be prompted to press to start the Setup program to correct the error.

2 The software initialization routine starts.

3 After the initialization routine has finished, click on OK and the PC

will restart.

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1 Setting Up and Using Your PC

Starting Your PC for the First Time

After Your PC Has Restarted

❒ Set the keyboard to a comfortable position. ❒ Adjust the monitor’s brightness and contrast to suit your needs. If

the picture does not fill the screen or is not centered, adjust it using the controls on the monitor. Refer to the monitor’s manual for details.

❒ Arrange your work environment for comfort (refer to

HP Info ➪ Working Comfortably for more details).

Programs

➪

❒ Install your application software. ❒ If you want to connect to the Internet, you must first ensure that

your Internet connection is correctly configured (contact your company’s technical support or network administrator). You can then use a web browser to connect to the Internet.

Changing the Operating System

If you change the operating system used by your PC, ensure that the

PnP Operating System field in the Main menu of the Setup program

is correctly set. (To enter the PC’s Setup program, restart your PC and press during start-up.)

For Plug and Play operating system, such as Windows 95 or

•

Windows 98, set the

For non-Plug and Play operating systems, such as Windows NT 4.0,

•

set this field to

To check if your operating system is Plug and Play, refer to your operating system’s documentation.

PnP Operating System field to Yes.

No.

Stopping Your PC

To stop the PC, first make sure that you have exited all applications and then use your operating system’s shutdown command in the menu.

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Start

1 Setting Up and Using Your PC

Using Power Management

Power management enables you to reduce the PC’s overall power consumption by slowing down the PC’s activity when it is idle.

HP Setup Program

Operating System Power Management

EPA and Energy Star® Compliancy

You can configure power management in the HP Setup program. Refer to “Power Menu Items" in the HP Setup program. (To enter the PC’s Setup program, restart your PC and press during start-up.)

Operating systems such as Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 95 differ in their power management capabilities. Refer to your operating system documentation for more information.

As an Energy Star® partner, HP has determined that this product meets the Energy Star® guidelines for energy efficiency.

Manageability

Your PC is highly manageable. It comes preloaded with HP TopTools, a hardware management tool. For more information about TopTools, connect to HP’s web site at:

www.hp.com/toptools.

Software and Drivers

In the “Software and Drivers” section of the HP support site (

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport), you can download the latest

drivers and BIOS for your PC.

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1 Setting Up and Using Your PC

Additional Information and Help

Information On Your PC’s Hard Disk Drive

Additional information about your PC is preloaded on your PC’s hard disk drive. This information includes:

Getting Information —where to get information about your PC,

•

including links to useful HP web site pages.

For Windows users, you can access this page by clicking the

Start

button and then clicking Programs ➪ HP Info ➪ HP Vectra VL.

Working in Comfort —guidance on ergonomic issues.

•

For Windows users, you can access this page by clicking the

Start

button and then clicking Programs ➪ HP Info ➪ Working

Comfortably

Information On HP’s Support Web Site

The HP web site contains a wide range of information, including downloadable documentation, service and support options, and the latest versions of drivers and utilities.

Manuals for Your PC

In the "Manuals" section of the HP Vectra Support site (

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport), you can download a wide range of

documentation for your PC. Documents provided are in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.

The available documents include:

Using Sound —describes how to get the most out of your sound

•

system, including configuration and troubleshooting information.

Troubleshooting and Upgrade Guide—describes in detail how to

•

troubleshoot your PC and install accessories. It also contains information on the technical and security features of your PC. This manual is described in detail in the next section.

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1 Setting Up and Using Your PC

Additional Information and Help

Service Handbook Chapters—information on upgrade and

•

replacement parts, including HP part numbers.

• Technical Reference Manual—technical information on system

components, such as system board, chipset and BIOS.

You can check this web site regularly to download any new documents as they become available for your PC.

The Troubleshooting and Upgrade Guide

This guide is a downloadable document in Acrobat (PDF) format. It contains detailed information about:

Troubleshooting your PC.

•

Installing accessories, including:

•

Installing memory

•

Installing mass storage devices

•

Installing accessory boards

•

Installing a security cable

•

Changing the battery

•

Fitting a security bracket.

•

Security and Manageability Features

•

Technical information about your PC, including:

•

System board switches

•

IRQs, DMAs, and I/O addresses used by your PC.

•

The troubleshooting information in the Troubleshooting and Upgrade Guide is more detailed than the information provided in this manual.

NOTE To view and print the Troubleshooting and Upgrade Guide you must

have Adobe’s Acrobat Reader on your PC. If Acrobat Reader is not already installed on your system, you can download it free of charge from Adobe’s web site (

www.adobe.com

Downloading The Troubleshooting and Upgrade Guide

To download the Troubleshooting and Upgrade Guide, connect to the HP Vectra Support site at

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport

in the "Manuals" section, and then select your PC.

, look

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1 Setting Up and Using Your PC

Additional Information and Help

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Basic Problem Solving

This chapter provides help solving problems with your PC. It includes information on:

Dealing with common PC and hardware problems

•

Using HP’s hardware diagnostics program, DiagTools

•

Frequently Asked Questions

•

What to do if you need more help

•

Hewlett-Packard’s Support and Information Services

•

For more detailed information, refer to the Troubleshooting and Upgrade Guide, available on HP’s Web site at

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport.

2 Basic Problem Solving

If Your PC Does Not Start Properly

The PC Doesn’t Power On

Have you checked that... How

The PC’s power cord is correctly connected. Connect the power cord to a working grounded power outlet and the PC.

The Power-On Self Test Results In an Error

An on-screen error message or a beep code when the PC starts up means there is a configuration problem with your PC.

Have you checked... How

The part of your configuration for which the Power-On Self Test has detected an error.

Refer to the Troubleshooting and Upgrade Guide available from HP’s Web site at:

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport

If Your PC Has a Hardware Problem

The Monitor Doesn’t Work...

The PC’s power indicator light works but the monitor remains blank.

Have you checked that... How

The monitor is switched ON (LED is on). Refer to the monitor manual for an explanation of the LED signals (green, orange, or

The monitor’s power cord is correctly connected. Connect the power cord – ensure it is plugged into a working grounded power outlet and into

The monitor’s brightness and contrast settings are correctly set. Check the settings using the monitor’s OSD (on-screen display) or using controls on the front

You see an image during boot but then the screen goes blank

Have you checked that... How

The monitor settings in your PC are compatible with your monitor.

blinking).

the monitor.

of the monitor.

Windows NT: Enter VGA mode when prompted during start-up.

•

Windows 95: Restart the PC. The Vectra screen is displayed. When you hear a beep,

•

and then start the PC in safe mode. Double-click on the

press

PC’s

Control Panel

the resolution.

then click on the

Settings

Display icon in your

button. Use the sliding control to reset

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2 Basic Problem Solving

If Your PC Has a Hardware Problem

The Keyboard Doesn’t Work...

Have you checked that... How

The keyboard cable is correctly connected. Plug the cable into the correct connector on the back of the PC. Color coding is used

The keyboard is clean and no keys are stuck down. Check all keys are at the same height, and none are stuck. The keyboard itself is not defective. Either replace the keyboard by a known working unit or try the keyboard with

You are using the correct driver. If you are using HP’s multimedia keyboard, ensure that the correct driver is installed. This driver is provided with all Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 95 preloaded systems.

If the PC starts but you still have a problem...

for easy matching.

another PC. Download the latest driver from HP’s Web at:

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport

Run DiagTools. See page 18

The Mouse Doesn’t Work...

Have you checked that... How

The mouse cable is correctly connected.

You are using the correct driver. If you are using HP’s enhanced mouse, ensure that the correct driver is installed. This driver is provided with all Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 95 preloaded systems. The mouse is clean. Clean the mouse ball as shown below.

Switch off the PC.

Plug the cable into the correct connector on the back of the

PC. Color coding is used for easy matching. Download the latest driver from HP’s Web at:

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport

The mouse itself is not defective. Replace the mouse by a known working unit or try the

If the PC starts but you still have a problem...

mouse with another PC. Run DiagTools. See page 18

The Power-On Self Test Displays an Error

Have you checked... How

Your Setup program settings.

Your PC’s Summary Screen

1. For more information on the Setup program, refer to the Troubleshooting and Upgrade Guide, available on the HP Web at

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport

Turn on or restart your PC.

When the message F2 Setup appears, press the

Turn on or restart your PC. When the message Pause to keep the Summary Screen displayed. Press any key to continue.

key.

F2 Setup appears, press

Esc

Then, press

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2 Basic Problem Solving

HP DiagTools Hardware Diagnostics Utility

DiagTools, the Vectra Hardware Diagnostics utility, helps you diagnose hardware-related problems on HP Vectra PCs and PC Workstations. It is a series of tools designed to help you:

Check the configuration of your system and verify that it is

•

functioning correctly.

Diagnose hardware-related problems.

•

Provide precise information to HP-dedicated Support Agents so that

•

they can solve any problems quickly and effectively.

For more information about this utility, refer to the Vectra Hardware Diagnostics User's Guide, available on the HP web site in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format.

Where Can I Get DiagTools?

Starting DiagTools

DiagTools is on the Recovery CD-ROM that came with your PC. You can also download the latest version of this utility from HP’s Web Site at

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport

To start DiagTools:

1 Insert the PC’s Recovery CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. (The

Recovery CD-ROM is delivered with your PC.)

2 Restart the PC.

3 The PC will start (boot) from the CD-ROM and display a menu.

Select the option to run DiagTools.

4 Follow the instructions on-screen to carry out the diagnostic tests.

This utility will automatically detect the complete hardware configuration of your system before any tests can be performed.

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2 Basic Problem Solving

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I get help with installing LAN cards in my PC?

A: Refer to the LAN Card Ready section accessible from the support Web

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport. This provides information on

site at: commonly installed LAN cards and installation information for LAN card drivers.

Q: Where can I get more information on installing accessories in my PC?

A: The Troubleshooting and Upgrade Guide has detailed information on installing accessories and is available on HP’s support Web site at:

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport.

Q: How can I reinstall my PC’s operating system?

A: Use the software Recovery CD-ROM provided with your PC.

Q: How can I be sure that the software/hardware I want to install in my PC is compatible?

A: Refer to the Tested Product List at:

Q: Why is my PC running slowly/producing strange messages?

A: Your PC may have been infected by a virus. Run the antivirus utility preloaded on your PC. If the problem continues, update your PC’s BIOS. You can download the BIOS and updating instructions from

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport.

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport

Q: I’ve been experiencing problems with my PC ever since I installed some new software. What can I do?

A: Uninstall the software to see whether this solves the problem. If the problem continues, contact the software manufacturer for help or information on known compatibility problems.

Q: How do I disable the integrated sound features on my PC if I install an accessory sound card?

during startup, then

A: Enter the PC’s Setup program by pressing disable the

Integrated Audio Interface

in the

Advanced

menu.

Q: Can I use USB hardware devices with all the operating systems preloaded on my PC?

A: USB is supported by Windows 95 release 2.x (preloaded), as well as Windows 98.

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2 Basic Problem Solving

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is my PC year 2000-compliant?

A: All new Vectra PCs are designed to handle the transition to year 2000. For more information, refer to HP’s Year 2000 Web site:

www.hp.com/year2000

Q: How can I find out what hardware and BIOS version are used in my PC?

ESC

A: Restart the PC and press

during the power on self test. The BIOS

version will be displayed at the top of the screen.

Q: How can I hear sound from my application?

A: Make sure your multimedia accessories are correctly installed (refer to chapter 1). If you have a multimedia keyboard, use the keyboard’s volume buttons to adjust the volume. Make sure your application is correctly configured.

Start ➪ Programs ➪ Accessories ➪ Multimedia ➪ Volume Control. Make sure

Select mute is not selected. Adjust the volume until you hear sound.

Q: Where can I get information about the latest HP drivers?

www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport

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+ 54 hidden pages

HP VLi8 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual