Intel 622ANHU User Manual

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HP ENVY 15 User Guide

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Development Company, L.P.

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
Scrolling ............................................................................................	26
Pinching ............................................................................................	27
Rotating ............................................................................................	27
Using the action keys .........................................................................................................................	29
Using the hotkeys ...............................................................................................................................	31
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ...............................................................................................	32
5 Multimedia
Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................	34
Adjusting the volume .........................................................................................................	34
Using the media activity keys ............................................................................................	34
Multimedia software ...........................................................................................................................	36
Using HP MediaSmart software .........................................................................................	36
Using multimedia software .................................................................................................	36
Installing multimedia software from a disc .........................................................................	37
Audio ..................................................................................................................................................	38
Connecting external audio devices ....................................................................................	38
Checking your audio functions ...........................................................................................	38
Using Beats Audio .............................................................................................................	39
Identifying Beats Audio icons ............................................................................	40
Video ..................................................................................................................................................	41
Connecting an external monitor or projector .....................................................................	41
Connecting an HDMI device ..............................................................................................	42
Configuring audio for HDMI ...............................................................................	43
Webcam .............................................................................................................................................	44
Webcam tips ......................................................................................................................	44
Adjusting webcam properties .............................................................................................	44
Using the ambient light sensor ..........................................................................................................	46
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
Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................	49
Initiating and exiting Hibernation .......................................................................	49
Conserving power ..............................................................................................................	50
Using the battery meter .....................................................................................................	50
Using power plans .............................................................................................................	51
Viewing the current power plan .........................................................................	51
Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................	51
Customizing 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
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
Using the accessory battery (select models only) .............................................................	58
Identifying the accessory battery components ..................................................	59
Inserting or removing an accessory battery ......................................................	59
Battery charging and discharging sequence ....................................................	61
Calibrating a battery ...........................................................................................................	61
Storing a battery ................................................................................................................	62
Disposing of a used battery ...............................................................................................	62
Replacing the battery .........................................................................................................	62
Shutting down the computer ...............................................................................................................	63

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7 Drives and external devices
Drives .................................................................................................................................................	65
Identifying installed drives ..................................................................................................	65
Handling drives ..................................................................................................................	65
Improving hard drive performance .....................................................................................	65
Using Disk Defragmenter ..................................................................................	65
Using Disk Cleanup ...........................................................................................	66
Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection (select models only) .................................	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
Using external drives .........................................................................................................	68
Connecting optional external drives ..................................................................	68
Using the external optical drive (select models only) .........................................................	68
Removing an optical disc when the disc tray will not open ...............................	69
Sharing optical drives ........................................................................................................	69
External devices .................................................................................................................................	71
Using a USB device ...........................................................................................................	71
Connecting a USB device .................................................................................	71
Removing a USB device ...................................................................................	71
Using an eSATA device .....................................................................................................	72
Connecting an eSATA device ...........................................................................	72
Removing an eSATA device .............................................................................	72
Using Digital Media Slot cards ...........................................................................................	73
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
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
Using antivirus software .....................................................................................................................	89

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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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1Notebook 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 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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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.

Lights

Component		Description
(1)	TouchPad light	Amber: The TouchPad is disabled.
(2)	Caps lock light	White: Caps lock is on.
(3)	Power light	White: The computer is on.
		Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state.
		Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
(4)	Mute light	Amber: Computer sound is off.
(5)	Wireless light	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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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
		combination with a function key or the esc key.
(6)	calculator key	Opens the Windows calculator function.
(7)	print options key	Opens the Print Options window of the active Windows
		application.
(8)	Web key	Opens a Web browser.
		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.
(9)	Media Launch key	Opens HP MediaSmart. HP MediaSmart turns your computer into
		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.
		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.
(11)	esc key	Displays system information when pressed in combination with the
		fn key.

Front components

Component		Description
(1)	Vents (2)	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.
(2)	Digital Media Slot	Supports the following digital card formats:
			MultiMediaCard
			Micro MultiMediaCard (adapter required)
			MultiMediaCard Plus
			Secure Digital Memory Card

Micro Secure Digital Memory Card (adapter required)

Secure Digital High Capacity Memory Card

Right-side components

Component		Description
(1)	Speaker	Produces sound.
(2)	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.

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Component		Description
(3)	Audio-out (headphone) jack/Audio-in	Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo
	(microphone) jack	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.
(4)	eSATA/USB port	Connects a high-performance eSATA component, such as an
		eSATA external hard drive, or connects an optional USB
		device.
(5)	USB ports (2)	Connect optional USB devices.
(6)	HDMI port	Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a high-
		definition television, or any compatible digital or audio
		component.
(7)	RJ-45 (network) jack	Connects a network cable.
(8)	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.

Left-side components

Component		Description
(1)	Battery light	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.
(2)	Power connector	Connects an AC adapter.
(3)	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.

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Component		Description
(4)	Drive light		Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.
			Amber (select models only): HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive
			Protection has temporarily parked the hard drive.
(5)	Speaker	Produces sound.

Bottom components

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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Display components

Component		Description
(1)	Ambient light sensor	Adjusts the screen brightness levels automatically, based on
		surrounding lighting conditions.
(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
		the power is on.

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

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.

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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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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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2Using 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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3Wireless 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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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
	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.
Network (disconnected)	Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are
	installed and wireless connections are available, but no
	network devices are connected to a wired or wireless
	network.

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.

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 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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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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