HP XT905UT User Manual

HP EliteBook User Guide

© Copyright 2010 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its
proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard
Company under license. Intel is a trademark
of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other
countries or regions. Java is a U.S.
trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. SD
Logo is a trademark of its proprietor.

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

First Edition: January 2010

Document Part Number: 590179-001

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

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

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

Pointing devices .................................................................................................. 1

Lights ................................................................................................................... 3

Buttons, switches, and fingerprint reader ............................................................ 4

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

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

Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 8

Left-side components .......................................................................................................... 8

Rear components ................................................................................................................ 9

Bottom components ........................................................................................................... 10

Display ............................................................................................................................... 11

Wireless antennas (select models only) ............................................................................ 11

Additional hardware components ...................................................................................... 12

Identifying the labels ........................................................................................................................... 13

2 Wireless, modem, and local area network

Using wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................................... 15

Identifying wireless and network icons .............................................................................. 16

Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 16

Using the wireless button ................................................................................................... 16

Using Wireless Assistant software (select models only) .................................................... 17

Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) ........................................................ 17

Using operating system controls ........................................................................................ 17

Using a WLAN .................................................................................................................................... 18

Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................................ 18

Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 18

Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................................... 20

Roaming to another network .............................................................................................. 20

Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) ............................................................................. 21

Inserting a SIM ................................................................................................................... 21

Removing a SIM ................................................................................................................ 22

Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................... 24

v

Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................. 24

Troubleshooting wireless connection problems ................................................................................. 25

Cannot create a WLAN connection ................................................................................... 25

Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................................. 26

Network icon is not displayed ............................................................................................ 26

Current network security codes are unavailable ................................................................ 26

WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................................... 27

Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................................... 27

Using the modem (select models only) .............................................................................................. 28

Connecting a modem cable ............................................................................................... 28

Connecting a country-specific modem cable adapter ........................................................ 29

Selecting a location setting ................................................................................................ 29

Viewing the current location selection ............................................................... 29

Adding new locations when traveling ................................................................ 30

Solving travel connection problems .................................................................. 31

Using preinstalled communication software ...................................................... 32

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) .......................................................................................... 33

3 Pointing devices and keyboard

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

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

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

Using the pointing stick ...................................................................................................... 34

Connecting an external mouse .......................................................................................... 34

Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 34

Using hotkeys .................................................................................................................... 34

Displaying system information .......................................................................... 35

Initiating Standby ............................................................................................... 36

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

Viewing battery charge information ................................................................... 38

Decreasing screen brightness ........................................................................... 39

Increasing screen brightness ............................................................................ 39

Activating the ambient light sensor .................................................................. 39

Using HP Quick Launch Buttons ........................................................................................................ 40

Opening the Quick Launch Buttons control panel .............................................................................. 41

Using HP QuickLook .......................................................................................................................... 42

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

Using the integrated numeric keypad ................................................................................................. 43

Using an optional external numeric keypad ....................................................................... 43

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................................... 44

4 Multimedia

Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 45

vi

Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 45

Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 46

Accessing your preinstalled multimedia software .............................................................. 47

Installing your preloaded multimedia software ................................................................... 47

Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 47

Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 48

Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 48

Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 48

Video .................................................................................................................................................. 50

Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................... 50

Using the external monitor port ......................................................................... 50

Using the DisplayPort ........................................................................................ 50

Using the DreamColor display (select models only) ......................................... 51

Optical drive (select models only) ...................................................................................................... 52

Identifying the installed optical drive .................................................................................. 52

Using optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) ....................................................................... 52

Selecting the right disc (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) ................................................................. 52

CD-R discs ........................................................................................................ 53

CD-RW discs ..................................................................................................... 53

DVD±R discs ..................................................................................................... 53

DVD±RW discs ................................................................................................. 53

LightScribe DVD+R discs .................................................................................. 53

Blu-ray Discs (BDs) ........................................................................................... 53

Playing a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................................. 54

Configuring AutoPlay ......................................................................................................... 55

Changing DVD region settings .......................................................................................... 55

Observing the copyright warning ....................................................................................... 55

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

Creating (burning) a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................ 56

Removing an optical disc (CD, DVD, or BD) ..................................................................... 56

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 57

The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD, DVD, or BD ............. 57

The computer does not detect the optical drive ................................................ 58

A disc does not play .......................................................................................... 58

A disc does not play automatically .................................................................... 59

A movie stops, skips, or plays erratically .......................................................... 59

A movie is not visible on an external display ..................................................... 60

The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before

completion ......................................................................................................... 60

A device driver must be reinstalled ................................................................... 60

Obtaining the latest HP device drivers ............................................. 60

Obtaining Microsoft device drivers ................................................... 61

Webcam ............................................................................................................................................. 62

Webcam tips ...................................................................................................................... 62

vii

Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................. 62

Capturing business card images ....................................................................................... 63

5 Power management

Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 66

Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 66

Initiating and exiting Standby ............................................................................ 66

Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 67

Using the Power Meter ...................................................................................................... 67

Using power schemes ....................................................................................................... 68

Viewing the current scheme .............................................................................. 68

Selecting a different power scheme .................................................................. 68

Customizing power schemes ............................................................................ 69

Setting password protection upon exiting Standby ............................................................ 69

Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 70

Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................... 70

Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 71

Finding battery information in Help and Support ............................................................... 71

Using Battery Check .......................................................................................................... 71

Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 72

Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 72

Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 73

Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 74

Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 74

Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 74

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 76

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 76

Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is

available ........................................................................................... 76

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is

available ........................................................................................... 76

Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit

Hibernation ....................................................................................... 76

Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................... 76

Step 1: Fully charge the battery ........................................................................ 76

Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Standby ......................................................... 77

Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................ 77

Step 4: Fully recharge the battery ..................................................................... 78

Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Standby ...................................................... 78

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 78

Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 78

Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 79

Replacing the battery ........................................................................................................ 79

Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................................... 80

viii

Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 80

6 Drives

Identifying installed drives .................................................................................................................. 82

Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 82

Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................................... 84

Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 84

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 84

Using HP 3D DriveGuard ................................................................................................................... 85

Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status ................................................................................. 85

Using HP 3D DriveGuard software .................................................................................... 85

Replacing the hard drive in the hard drive bay ................................................................................... 87

Replacing a drive in the upgrade bay ................................................................................................. 90

Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................... 90

Replacing an optical drive .................................................................................................. 93

7 External devices

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 96

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 96

Stopping and removing a USB device ............................................................................... 96

Using USB legacy support ................................................................................................. 97

Using a 1394 device ........................................................................................................................... 98

Connecting a 1394 device ................................................................................................. 98

Stopping and removing a 1394 device .............................................................................. 98

Using an eSATA device ..................................................................................................................... 99

Connecting an eSATA device ............................................................................................ 99

Stopping and removing an eSATA device ......................................................................... 99

Using external drives ........................................................................................................................ 100

Using optional external devices ....................................................................................... 100

Using the docking connector ........................................................................................................... 101

8 External media cards

Using Media Card Reader cards ...................................................................................................... 102

Inserting a digital card ...................................................................................................... 102

Stopping and removing a digital card .............................................................................. 103

Using ExpressCards (select models only) ........................................................................................ 104

Configuring an ExpressCard ............................................................................................ 104

Inserting an ExpressCard ................................................................................................ 104

Stopping and removing an ExpressCard ......................................................................... 105

Using Smart Cards (select models only) .......................................................................................... 106

Inserting a smart card ...................................................................................................... 106

Removing a smart card .................................................................................................... 106

ix

9 Memory modules

Adding or replacing a memory module in the expansion memory module slot ................................ 109

Upgrading a memory module in the primary memory module slot ................................................... 112

Increasing hard drive space for the Hibernation file ......................................................................... 116

10 Security

Protecting the computer ................................................................................................................... 117

Using passwords .............................................................................................................................. 118

Setting passwords in Windows ........................................................................................ 118

Setting passwords in Computer Setup ............................................................................ 118

BIOS administrator password .......................................................................................... 119

Managing a BIOS administrator password ...................................................... 120

Entering a BIOS administrator password ........................................................ 121

Using Computer Setup DriveLock ................................................................................... 121

Setting a DriveLock password ......................................................................... 122

Entering a DriveLock password ...................................................................... 123

Changing a DriveLock password .................................................................... 124

Removing DriveLock protection ...................................................................... 125

Using Computer Setup Auto DriveLock ........................................................................... 125

Entering an Automatic DriveLock password ................................................... 125

Removing Automatic DriveLock protection ..................................................... 126

Using Computer Setup security features .......................................................................................... 127

Securing system devices ................................................................................................. 127

Viewing Computer Setup System Information ................................................................. 127

Using Computer Setup System IDs ................................................................................. 128

Using antivirus software ................................................................................................................... 129

Using firewall software ..................................................................................................................... 130

Installing critical updates .................................................................................................................. 131

Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only) ....................................................... 132

Installing a security cable ................................................................................................................. 133

11 Software Updates

Updating software ............................................................................................................................ 134

Updating the BIOS ........................................................................................................................... 136

Determining the BIOS version ......................................................................................... 136

Downloading a BIOS update ........................................................................................... 137

Updating programs and drivers ........................................................................................................ 138

Using SoftPaq Download Manager .................................................................................................. 139

12 Backup and recovery

Backing up your information ............................................................................................................. 141

Performing a recovery ...................................................................................................................... 142

Recovering your information ............................................................................................ 142

x

Recovering the operating system and programs ............................................................. 142

13 Computer Setup

Starting Computer Setup .................................................................................................................. 143

Using Computer Setup ..................................................................................................................... 143

Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup ................................................................... 143

Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup ................................................................. 144

Computer Setup menus ................................................................................................................... 144

File menu ......................................................................................................................... 145

Security menu .................................................................................................................. 145

System Configuration menu ............................................................................................ 146

14 MultiBoot

About the boot device order ............................................................................................................. 151

Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup ....................................................................................... 153

Considering boot order changes ...................................................................................................... 154

Choosing MultiBoot preferences ...................................................................................................... 155

Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup ................................................................... 155

Dynamically choosing a boot device using the F9 prompt ............................................... 155

Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt ................................................................................ 156

Entering MultiBoot Express preferences ......................................................................... 156

15 Management and printing

Using Client Management Solutions ................................................................................................ 157

Configuring and deploying a software image ................................................................... 157

Managing and updating software ..................................................................................... 158

HP Client Manager for Altiris (select models only) .......................................... 158

HP CCM (Client Configuration Manager) (select models only) ....................... 160

HP SSM (System Software Manager) ............................................................. 161

Using Intel Active Management Technology (select models only) ................................................... 162

Enabling the iAMT solution .............................................................................................. 162

Using the MEBx setup utility menus ................................................................................ 162

Using the HP Universal Print Driver (select models only) ................................................................ 164

Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 165

xi

xii

1 Features

Identifying hardware

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

1. Select Start > My Computer.

2. In the left pane of the System Tasks window, select View system information.

3. Select Hardware tab > Device Manager.

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

Top components

Pointing devices

Component Description

(1) Pointing stick* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.

(2) Center pointing stick button* Functions like the center button on an external mouse.

Identifying hardware 1

Component Description

(3) Right pointing stick button* Functions like the right button on an external mouse.

(4) TouchPad scroll zone Scrolls up or down.

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

(6) Center TouchPad button* Functions like the center button on an external mouse.

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

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

(9) Left pointing stick button* Functions like the left button on an external mouse.

*This table describes factory settings. To view or change pointing device preferences, select Start > Control Panel > Printers
and Other Hardware > Mouse.

2 Chapter 1 Features

Lights

Component Description

(1)

Wireless lights (2)

†

●

Blue: 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.

(2) Power lights (2)*

●

On: The computer is on.

●

Blinking: The computer is in Standby.

●

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

(3) Battery light

●

Amber: A battery is charging.

●

Turquoise: A battery is close to full charge capacity.

●

Blinking amber: A battery that is the only available power
source has reached a low battery level. When the battery
reaches a critical battery level, the battery light begins blinking
rapidly.

●

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.

(4) Drive light

●

Blinking turquoise: The hard drive or optical drive is being
accessed.

●

Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the hard
drive.

(5) QuickLook light

●

On: The computer is on.

●

Off: The computer is off or in the Standby or Hibernation state.

(6) HP QuickWeb light

●

On: The Web browser is in use.

Identifying hardware 3

Component Description

(7) TouchPad light

●

Blue: TouchPad is on.

●

Amber: TouchPad is off.

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

(9) Num lock light On: Num lock is on.

(10) Volume mute light

●

On: Computer sound is on.

●

Amber: Computer sound is off.

(11) Volume down light Blinking: The volume scroll zone is being used to decrease speaker

volume.

(12) Volume up light Blinking: The volume scroll zone is being used to increase speaker

volume.

(13) Calculator light

●

On: The Windows® calculator function is on.

●

Blinking: The Windows calculator is in use.

*The two power lights display the same information. The light on the power button is visible only when the computer is open.
The power light on the front of the computer is visible whether the computer is open or closed.

†

The two wireless lights display the same information. The light on the wireless button is visible only when the computer is open.

The wireless light on the front of the computer is visible whether the computer is open or closed.

Buttons, switches, and fingerprint reader

4 Chapter 1 Features

Component Description

(1) Power button

●

When the computer is off, press the button to turn on
the computer.

●

When the computer is on, press the button to shut
down the computer.

●

When the computer is in Standby, press the button
briefly to exit Standby.

●

When the computer is in Hibernation, press the
button briefly to exit Hibernation.

If the computer has stopped responding and Windows
shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the
power button for at least 5 seconds to turn off the
computer.

To learn more about your power settings, select Start >

Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance >
Power Options.

(2) QuickLook button

●

When the computer is off, press the button to open
HP QuickLook.

●

When the computer is on, press the button to open
Software Setup.

NOTE: If Software Setup is not available, the

default Web browser opens.

(3) QuickWeb button

●

When the computer is off, press the button to open
HP QuickWeb.

●

When the computer is on, press the button to open
the default Web browser.

(4) Wireless button Turns the wireless feature on or off but does not establish

a wireless connection.

(5) TouchPad button Enables/disables the TouchPad.

(6) Volume mute button Mutes and restores speaker sound.

(7) Volume down button Decreases computer volume.

(8) Volume up button Increases computer volume.

(9) Calculator button Turns on the Windows calculator function.

(10) Fingerprint reader Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a

password logon.

Identifying hardware 5

Keys

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

combination with a function key or the esc key.

(3) Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.

(4) Windows applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the 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

combination with the fn key.

Front components

6 Chapter 1 Features

Component Description

(1) Wireless light

●

Blue: An integrated wireless device, such as a WLAN device,
the HP Mobile Broadband Module (select models only), and/
or a Bluetooth device, is on.

●

Amber: All wireless devices are off.

(2) Power light

●

On: The computer is on.

●

Blinking: The computer is in Standby.

●

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

(3) Battery light

●

Amber: A battery is charging.

●

Turquoise: A battery is close to full charge capacity.

●

Blinking amber: A battery that is the only available power
source has reached a low battery level. When the battery
reaches a critical battery level, the battery light begins blinking
rapidly.

●

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.

(4) Drive light

●

Blinking turquoise: The hard drive or optical drive is being
accessed.

●

Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the hard
drive.

(5) Speakers (2) Produce sound.

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

●

Memory Stick

●

Memory Stick Duo (adapter required)

●

Memory Stick Pro (adapter required)

●

MultiMediaCard

●

Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card

●

xD-Picture Card

●

xD-Picture Card Type H

●

xD-Picture Card Type M

(7) Display release button Opens the computer.

(8) Business card slot Holds a business card in position so that the webcam can capture

an image.

Identifying hardware 7

Right-side components

Component Description

(1) Smart card reader Supports optional smart cards and Java™ Cards.

(2) Upgrade bay Supports an optical drive or hard drive.

(3) 3.0 SuperSpeed USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices and transfer data at a higher speed

than a 2.0 USB device.

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

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

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

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

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

Left-side components

Component Description

(1) USB ports (3) Connect optional USB devices.

(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) DisplayPort Connects an optional digital display device, such as a high-

performance monitor or projector.

(4) eSATA port Connects high-performance eSATA components, such as an

eSATA external hard drive.

(5) 1394 port Connects an optional IEEE 1394 or 1394a device, such as a

camcorder.

8 Chapter 1 Features

Component Description

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

microphone, or monaural microphone.

(7) 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.

(8) ExpressCard slot Supports optional ExpressCards.

Rear components

The 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.

Component Description

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

(2) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

Identifying hardware 9

Bottom components

Component Description

(1) SIM slot Contains a wireless subscriber identity module (SIM) (select

models only). The SIM slot is located inside the battery bay.

(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.

(3) Docking connector Connects an optional docking device.

(4) Vents (6) 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) Accessory battery connector Connects an optional accessory battery.

(6) Memory module compartment Contains two expansion memory module slots.

(7) Hard drive bay Holds the hard drive.

(8) Bluetooth compartment Contains a Bluetooth device.

(9) Wireless module compartment Contains an HP Mobile Broadband Module.

NOTE: To prevent an unresponsive system, replace the wireless

module only with a wireless module authorized for use in the
computer by the governmental agency that regulates wireless
devices in your country or region. If you replace the module and
then receive a warning message, remove the module to restore
computer functionality, and then contact technical support through
Help and Support.

(10) Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.

10 Chapter 1 Features

Display

Component Description

(1) Internal display switch Turns off the display if the display is closed while the power is on.

(2) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.

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

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

(5) Keyboard light Illuminates the keyboard in low-light conditions when the keyboard

light button is pressed.

(6) Keyboard light button Turns on the keyboard light.

(7) Ambient light sensor Automatically adjusts the display brightness based on the lighting

conditions in your environment.

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.

Identifying hardware 11

Component Description

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

wide-area networks (WWAN).

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

local area networks (WLAN).

*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around
the antennas free from obstructions.

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.

Additional hardware components

12 Chapter 1 Features

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

external power source.

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

(4) Modem cable (select models only)* Connects the internal modem to an RJ-11 telephone jack or to a

country- or region-specific modem cable adapter.

(5) Country- or region-specific modem cable adapter

(select models only)*

Adapts the modem cable to a non-RJ-11 telephone jack.

*Modem cables, batteries, modem cable adapters, 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.

◦

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 inside the memory module compartment.

Identifying the labels 13

●

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 located inside the battery bay.

14 Chapter 1 Features

2 Wireless, modem, and local area

network

Using wireless devices (select models only)

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

●

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

●

HP Mobile Broadband Module—A wireless wide area network (WWAN) device that provides
access to information wherever mobile network operator service is available. In a WWAN, each
mobile device communicates to a mobile network operator’s base station. Mobile network operators
install networks of base stations (similar to cell phone towers) throughout large geographic areas,
effectively providing coverage across entire states, regions, or even countries.

●

Bluetooth device—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled
devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras. In a PAN, each
device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be relatively close together—
typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.

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

●

802.11b, the first popular standard, supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps and operates at a
frequency of 2.4 GHz.

●

802.11g supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. An 802.11g
WLAN device is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, so they can operate on the same
network.

●

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

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

●

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 802.11n draft 2.0 supports data rates of up to 450 Mbps and may operate at 2.4
GHz or 5 GHz, making it backward compatible with 802.11a, b, and g.

NOTE: The specifications for the 802.11n WLAN are draft specifications and are not final. If the

final specifications differ from the draft specifications, it may affect the ability of the computer to
communicate with other 802.11n WLAN devices.

For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided in
Help and Support.

Using wireless devices (select models only) 15

Identifying wireless and network icons

Icon Name Description

Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless lights and the wireless buttons on

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

Wireless
(disconnected)

Identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the computer and
indicates that all of the wireless devices are off.

HP Connection
Manager

Opens HP Connection Manager, which enables you to create a
connection with an HP Mobile Broadband device (select models only).

Network status
(connected)

Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed and one
or more network devices are connected to the network.

Network status
(disconnected)

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 (blue) 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 blue, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light is off, all
wireless devices are off.

NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when 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.

16 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network

Using Wireless Assistant software (select models only)

A wireless device can be turned on or off using the Wireless Assistant software. If a wireless device is
disabled by Computer Setup, it must be reenabled by Computer Setup before it can be turned on or off
using Wireless Assistant.

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

network or a Bluetooth-enabled device.

To view the state of the wireless devices, follow either of these steps:

Position the mouse pointer over the wireless icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

– or –

Open Wireless Assistant by double-clicking the icon in the notification area.

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

1. Open Wireless Assistant by double-clicking the icon in the notification area.

2. Click the Help button.

Using HP Connection Manager (select models only)

You can use HP Connection Manager to connect to WWANs using the HP Mobile Broadband device in
your computer (select models only).

To start Connection Manager, click the Connection Manager icon in the notification area, at the far
right of the taskbar.

– or –

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

For more details about using Connection Manager, refer to the Connection Manager software Help.

Using operating system controls

Some operating systems also offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless
connection. For example, Windows Network Connections allows you to set up a connection, connect to
a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair connections.

To access Network Connections, click Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections
> Network Connections.

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

Using wireless devices (select models only) 17

Using a WLAN

With a WLAN device, you can access a 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.

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.

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.

18 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network