Intel 112BNHU User Manual

HP ENVY 15 User Guide

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Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. 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.

Second Edition: December 2009

First Edition: September 2009

Document Part Number: 572050-002

Product notice

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

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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).

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Table of contents

1 Notebook tour

Identifying hardware ............................................................................................................................. 2

Components ......................................................................................................................................... 3

Top components .................................................................................................................. 3

TouchPad ............................................................................................................ 3

TouchPad buttons ............................................................................................... 3

Lights ................................................................................................................... 4

Button ................................................................................................................. 5

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

Front components ................................................................................................................ 7

Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 7

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

Bottom components ............................................................................................................. 9

Display components .......................................................................................................... 10

Wireless antennas ............................................................................................................. 10

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

Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 12

2 Using HP QuickWeb software (select models only)

3 Wireless and local area network

Using wireless devices ....................................................................................................................... 15

Identifying wireless and network status icons .................................................................... 15

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

Using the wireless key ....................................................................................................... 16

Using Wireless Assistant software ..................................................................................... 17

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

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

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

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

Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................................... 19

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

Using Bluetooth wireless devices ....................................................................................................... 21

Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................. 21

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

Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................................. 22

Network icon for WLAN is not displayed ............................................................................ 22

Current WLAN network security codes are unavailable .................................................... 22

WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................................... 23

Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................................... 23

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) .......................................................................................... 24

4 Pointing devices and keyboard

Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 26

Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 26

Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 26

Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................. 26

Using the action keys ......................................................................................................................... 29

Using the hotkeys ............................................................................................................................... 31

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................................... 32

Scrolling ............................................................................................ 26

Pinching ............................................................................................ 27

Rotating ............................................................................................ 27

5 Multimedia

Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 34

Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 36

Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 38

Video .................................................................................................................................................. 41

Webcam ............................................................................................................................................. 44

Using the ambient light sensor .......................................................................................................... 46

Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 34

Using the media activity keys ............................................................................................ 34

Using HP MediaSmart software ......................................................................................... 36

Using multimedia software ................................................................................................. 36

Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 37

Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 38

Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 38

Using Beats Audio ............................................................................................................. 39

Identifying Beats Audio icons ............................................................................ 40

Connecting an external monitor or projector ..................................................................... 41

Connecting an HDMI device .............................................................................................. 42

Configuring audio for HDMI ............................................................................... 43

Webcam tips ...................................................................................................................... 44

Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................. 44

Using adaptive brightness ................................................................................................. 46

Using the webcam IR light ................................................................................................. 46

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6 Power management

Setting power devices ........................................................................................................................ 49

Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 49

Conserving power .............................................................................................................. 50

Using the battery meter ..................................................................................................... 50

Using power plans ............................................................................................................. 51

Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 51

Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 52

Connecting AC power ........................................................................................................ 52

Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................... 53

Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 54

Identifying batteries ............................................................................................................ 54

Finding battery information in Help and Support ............................................................... 54

Using Battery Check .......................................................................................................... 54

Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 55

Removing or inserting the primary battery ......................................................................... 55

Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 56

Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 57

Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 57

Using the accessory battery (select models only) ............................................................. 58

Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................... 61

Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 62

Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 62

Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 62

Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 63

Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 49

Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 49

Viewing the current power plan ......................................................................... 51

Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................ 51

Customizing power plans .................................................................................. 51

Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 57

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 58

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 58

Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is

available ........................................................................................... 58

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is

available ........................................................................................... 58

Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit

Hibernation ....................................................................................... 58

Identifying the accessory battery components .................................................. 59

Inserting or removing an accessory battery ...................................................... 59

Battery charging and discharging sequence .................................................... 61

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7 Drives and external devices

Drives ................................................................................................................................................. 65

Identifying installed drives .................................................................................................. 65

Handling drives .................................................................................................................. 65

Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................... 65

Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection (select models only) ................................. 66

Using external drives ......................................................................................................... 68

Using the external optical drive (select models only) ......................................................... 68

Sharing optical drives ........................................................................................................ 69

External devices ................................................................................................................................. 71

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................... 71

Using an eSATA device ..................................................................................................... 72

Using Digital Media Slot cards ........................................................................................... 73

Using Disk Defragmenter .................................................................................. 65

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................... 66

Identifying HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection status ................................ 66

Managing power with a parked hard drive ........................................................ 67

Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection software ................................... 67

Connecting optional external drives .................................................................. 68

Removing an optical disc when the disc tray will not open ............................... 69

Connecting a USB device ................................................................................. 71

Removing a USB device ................................................................................... 71

Connecting an eSATA device ........................................................................... 72

Removing an eSATA device ............................................................................. 72

Inserting a digital card ....................................................................................... 73

Removing a digital card ..................................................................................... 74

8 Memory modules

Adding or replacing a memory module in single-slot models ............................................................. 76

Adding or replacing a memory module in double-slot models ............................................................ 79

9 Security

Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 84

Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 85

Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................................... 89

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Setting passwords in Windows .......................................................................................... 85

Setting passwords in Setup Utility ..................................................................................... 86

Administrator password ..................................................................................... 86

Managing an administrator password ............................................... 87

Entering an administrator password ................................................. 87

Power-on password .......................................................................................... 87

Managing a power-on password ...................................................... 88

Entering a power-on password ......................................................... 88

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Using firewall software ....................................................................................................................... 90

Installing critical security updates ....................................................................................................... 91

Installing an optional security cable .................................................................................................... 92

Appendix A Setup Utility (BIOS)

Starting Setup Utility ........................................................................................................................... 94

Using Setup Utility .............................................................................................................................. 95

Changing the language of Setup Utility ............................................................................. 95

Navigating and selecting in Setup Utility ............................................................................ 95

Displaying system information ........................................................................................... 96

Restoring default settings in Setup Utility .......................................................................... 96

Exiting Setup Utility ............................................................................................................ 96

Setup Utility menus ............................................................................................................................ 98

Main menu ......................................................................................................................... 98

Security menu .................................................................................................................... 98

System Configuration menu .............................................................................................. 98

Diagnostics menu .............................................................................................................. 99

Updating the BIOS ........................................................................................................................... 100

Updating the BIOS ........................................................................................................... 100

Determining the BIOS version ......................................................................... 100

Downloading a BIOS update ........................................................................... 100

Appendix B Backup and recovery

Creating recovery discs .................................................................................................................... 103

Backing up your information ............................................................................................................. 104

Using Windows Backup and Restore .............................................................................. 104

Using system restore points ............................................................................................ 105

When to create restore points ......................................................................... 105

Create a system restore point ......................................................................... 105

Restore to a previous date and time ............................................................... 105

Performing a recovery ...................................................................................................................... 106

Recovering using the recovery discs ............................................................................... 106

Recovering using the dedicated recovery partition (select models only) ......................... 106

Appendix C RAID 0 (select models only)

Disabling RAID 0 .............................................................................................................................. 108

Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 109

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1 Notebook tour

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Identifying hardware

To see a list of hardware installed in the computer:

Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security. Then in the System area, click Device

䦱

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 applications, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support for more information.

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Components

Top components

TouchPad

Component Description

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

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

TouchPad buttons

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Components 3

Lights

Component Description

(1) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on and off. Lightly press the button and hold

for several seconds to turn the TouchPad on and off.

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

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

Component Description

(1) TouchPad light Amber: The TouchPad is disabled.

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

(3) Power light

(4) Mute light Amber: Computer sound is off.

(5) Wireless light

White: The computer is on.

Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state.

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

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

area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, is on.

NOTE: Wireless devices are enabled at the factory.

Amber: All wireless devices are off.

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Button

Component Description

Power button

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

computer.

When the computer is on, press the button briefly to initiate

Sleep.

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.

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Components 5

Keys

Component Description

(1) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.

(2) wireless key Turns the wireless feature on or off.

NOTE: This key does not establish a wireless connection. To

establish a wireless connection, a wireless network must also be set up.

(3) Windows application key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the cursor.

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

(5) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed in

(6) calculator key Opens the Windows calculator function.

(7) print options key Opens the Print Options window of the active Windows

(8) Web key Opens a Web browser.

(9) Media Launch key Opens HP MediaSmart. HP MediaSmart turns your computer into

combination with a function key or the esc key.

application.

NOTE: Until you have set up your Internet or network services,

the Web key opens the Windows Internet Connection Wizard. After you have set up your Internet or network services and your Web browser home page, you can press the Web key to quickly access your home page and the Internet.

a mobile entertainment center. You can enjoy music and movies and manage and edit your photo collections.

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Component Description

(10) mail key Opens your default e-mail program.

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

Front components

Component Description

(1) Vents (2) Enables airflow to cool internal components.

NOTE: The first time you press the mail key, you may be

prompted to set up your e-mail account. After you have set up your e-mail, you can press the mail key to quickly access your e-mail.

fn key.

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.

(2) Digital Media Slot Supports the following digital card formats:

Right-side components

Component Description

(1) Speaker Produces sound.

MultiMediaCard

Micro MultiMediaCard (adapter required)

MultiMediaCard Plus

Secure Digital Memory Card

Micro Secure Digital Memory Card (adapter required)

Secure Digital High Capacity Memory Card

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

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

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

Components 7

Component Description

(3) Audio-out (headphone) jack/Audio-in

(microphone) jack

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

(5) USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.

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

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

(8) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.

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

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

speakers are disabled.

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

definition television, or any compatible digital or audio component.

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.

Left-side components

Component Description

(1) Battery light

(2) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

(3) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.

Off: The computer is running on battery power.

Blinking amber: The battery has reached a low battery level,

a critical battery level, or there is a battery error.

Amber: A battery is charging.

White: The computer is connected to external power and the

battery is fully charged.

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.

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Component Description

(4) Drive light

(5) Speaker Produces sound.

Bottom components

Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.

Amber (select models only): HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive

Protection has temporarily parked the hard drive.

Component Description

(1) Vents (4) 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.

(2) Battery bay Holds the primary battery.

NOTE: The primary battery is preinstalled in the battery bay

at the factory.

(3) Battery lock Locks the primary battery inside the battery bay.

(4) Memory module compartment Holds the memory modules.

(5) Accessory battery connector Connects an optional accessory battery.

(6) Battery release latch Releases the primary battery from the battery bay.

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Components 9

Display components

Component Description

(1) Ambient light sensor Adjusts the screen brightness levels automatically, based on

(2) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.

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

(4) Webcam infrared (IR) light Improves the webcam picture quality in low-light conditions.

(5) Webcam Records video and captures still photographs.

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

Wireless antennas

The computer has 2 antennas that send and receive signals from one or more wireless devices. These antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer.

surrounding lighting conditions.

the power is on.

NOTE: The internal display switch is not visible from the outside

of the computer.

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NOTE: 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

Component Description

(1) Power cord* Connects the AC adapter.

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

*Power cords vary in appearance by region and country.

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Components 11

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:

The service tag is located inside the battery bay.

Serial number (s/n) (1). This is an alphanumeric identifier that is unique to each product.

Product name (2). This is the product name affixed to the front of your notebook.

Model description (3). This is the alphanumeric identifier you use to locate documents, drivers,

and support for your notebook.

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

this computer.

Part number/Product number (p/n) (5). 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.

Have this information available when you contact technical support.

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 inside the battery bay.

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 or an optional 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 inside the battery bay.

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2 Using HP QuickWeb software (select

models only)

HP QuickWeb software is an optional, instant-on environment that is separate from the Windows operating system. This allows you to rapidly access certain applications without the need to start the operating system. You will enjoy this feature if you browse the Internet, view and send e-mail, view digital photos, listen to music, or keep in touch through instant messages or Skype. QuickWeb is ready to go within seconds of pressing the power button.

NOTE: On computers with two solid-state drives (SSDs), QuickWeb is supported on select models

only.

QuickWeb includes the following features:

Web browser—Search and browse the Internet and create links to your favorite Web sites.

Music player—Listen to your favorite music and create playlists.

Photo viewer—Browse through photos, create albums, and view slide shows.

Skype—Skype is a voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) that lets you communicate free of charge

with other Skype users. With Skype, you can have a conference call or a video chat with one or more people at a time. You can also make long-distance phone calls to land lines.

Chat—Chat with friends on multiple Instant Messaging programs, such as AOL Instant Messenger,

Google Talk, MSN, Windows Live! Messenger, or Yahoo Messenger.

Web calendar—Display, edit, and organize your schedule.

Web mail—View and send e-mail.

NOTE: For information on using QuickWeb, refer to the HP ENVY 15 User Manual. This guide is

located on the Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card that came with your computer.

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3 Wireless and local area network

14 Chapter 3 Wireless and local area network

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Using wireless devices

Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be 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.

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.

Identifying wireless and network status icons

Icon Name Description

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

key 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.

Wired network (connected) Indicates that one or more network drivers on your computer

are installed and one or more network devices are connected to the network.

Wired network (disabled/disconnected) 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.

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Using wireless devices 15

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

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

Network (disabled/disconnected) Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are

Network (disconnected) Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are

Using the wireless controls

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

wireless key

Wireless Assistant software

Operating system controls

Using the wireless key

The computer has a wireless key (1), one or more wireless devices, and one wireless light (2). All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory.

installed, no wireless connections are available or all wireless network devices are disabled by the wireless button or Wireless Assistant, and no network devices are connected to a wired network.

installed and wireless connections are available, but no network devices are connected to a wired or wireless network.

If the wireless light is amber, all wireless devices are off. If the wireless light is off, all wireless devices are on.

The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of individual devices. Press the wireless key to turn the wireless devices off or on.

Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless key to turn on or turn off the wireless devices simultaneously. Individual wireless devices can be controlled through Wireless Assistant software.

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Using Wireless Assistant software

A wireless device can be turned on or off using the Wireless Assistant software. If a wireless device is disabled in Setup Utility, it must be reenabled in Setup Utility 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, click the Show hidden icons icon, the arrow at the left of the notification area, and position the mouse pointer over the wireless icon.

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

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

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

Mobility Center.

3. Click Properties.

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

5. Click Apply.

6. Click Close.

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

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

2. Click the Help button.

Using 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, select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

For more information, select Start > Help and Support.

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Using wireless devices 17

Using a WLAN

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.

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

NOTE: When setting up a wireless connection, be sure that your computer and wireless router are

synchronized. To synchronize your computer and wireless router, turn your computer and wireless router off and then back on.

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

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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)Personal 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, or 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 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 encodes or encrypts all

network data before it is transmitted using a WEP key. 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 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 (wireless light is off). If the wireless light is amber, press the

wireless key.

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 Connect to complete the connection.

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

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Using a WLAN 19

NOTE: If you do not see the network you want to connect to, 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 user guides 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.

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