Mercury MN4000IM User Manual
User’s Manual
(July 2005)
TRADEMARKS
All brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
NOTE
The information in this manual is subject to change without notice.
Table of Contents
Preface ................................................................................ v
Chapter 1 Getting Started...................................................1-1
Getting the Computer Running.............................................1-2
Unpacking.........................................................................1-2
Connecting to AC Power ..................................................1-2
Opening the Cover............................................................1-3
Turning On and Off the Computer ...................................1-4
Taking a Look at the Computer ............................................1-6
Right-Side Components....................................................1-6
Left-Side Components ......................................................1-7
Rear Components..............................................................1-8
Front Components ............................................................1-9
Bottom Components .......................................................1-10
Top-open Components....................................................1-11
Where to Go from Here ......................................................1-13
Chapter 2 Operating Your Computer.................................2-1
Starting and Stopping the Computer..................................... 2-2
Starting the Computer.......................................................2-2
Stopping the Computer ..................................................... 2-2
Using the Keyboard .............................................................. 2-4
Hot Keys ...........................................................................2-5
Euro Symbol .....................................................................2-6
Windows Keys..................................................................2-7
Using the Touchpad ..............................................................2-8
i
Configuring the Touchpad ..............................................2-10
Using the DVD Drive .........................................................2-11
Inserting and Removing a Disc.......................................2-12
Using the Video Features....................................................2-13
Configuring the Display Modes......................................2-14
Using the Audio Features....................................................2-15
Connecting Audio Devices .............................................2-16
Using the Communication Features....................................2-17
Using the Modem............................................................2-17
Using the LAN................................................................2-18
Using the Wireless LAN.................................................2-18
Chapter 3 Managing Power ................................................ 3-1
AC Adapter ...........................................................................3-2
Battery Pack ..........................................................................3-3
Charging the Battery Pack ................................................3-3
Initializing the Battery Pack..............................................3-4
Checking the Battery Level ..............................................3-4
Replacing the Battery Pack...............................................3-5
Battery Low Signals and Actions .....................................3-6
Power Management...............................................................3-7
Hibernation .......................................................................3-8
Power-Saving Tips................................................................3-9
Chapter 4 Expanding Your Computer ............................... 4-1
Connecting an External Monitor...........................................4-2
Connecting a TV ...................................................................4-3
Connecting a USB Device ....................................................4-4
Connecting an IEEE 1394a Device.......................................4-5
Using PC Cards.....................................................................4-6
PC Card Type....................................................................4-6
CardBus Support...............................................................4-6
Inserting and Removing a PC Card...................................4-6
Internal Components Upgrade ..............................................4-8
Chapter 5 Using BIOS Setup..............................................5-1
ii
When and How to Use BIOS Setup......................................5-2
When to Use .....................................................................5-2
Starting BIOS Setup .........................................................5-2
Moving Around and Making Selections...........................5-3
Main Menu............................................................................5-4
Advanced Menu....................................................................5-5
Security Menu.......................................................................5-6
Boot Menu ............................................................................5-7
Exit Menu .............................................................................5-8
Chapter 6 Installing Software Drivers ...............................6-1
How to Use the Driver CD....................................................6-2
Chapter 7 Caring for the Computer ...................................7-1
Protecting the Computer .......................................................7-2
Using the Password...........................................................7-2
Using the Cable Lock .......................................................7-2
Using an Anti-Virus Strategy ...........................................7-3
Taking Care of the Computer ...............................................7-4
Location Guidelines..........................................................7-4
General Guidelines ...........................................................7-4
Cleaning Guidelines..........................................................7-5
Battery Pack Guidelines ...................................................7-5
When Traveling ....................................................................7-6
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting ................................................8-1
Preliminary Checklist ...........................................................8-2
Solving Common Problems ..................................................8-3
Battery Problems ..............................................................8-4
DVD Drive Problems........................................................8-4
Display Problems..............................................................8-5
Hardware Device Problems .............................................. 8-6
Hard Disk Drive Problems................................................8-7
Keyboard, Mouse, and Touchpad Problems.....................8-7
LAN Problems ..................................................................8-8
WLAN Problems ..............................................................8-8
iii
Modem Problems............................................................8-10
PC Card Problems...........................................................8-10
Power Management Problems ........................................8-10
Software Problems ..........................................................8-11
Sound Problems ..............................................................8-11
Startup Problems.............................................................8-12
Other Problems ...............................................................8-13
Resetting the Computer.......................................................8-14
Appendix A Specifications ................................................... A-1
Appendix B Regulatory Information .................................... B-1
On the Use of the System.....................................................B-2
Class B Regulations ......................................................... B-2
Safety Notices .................................................................. B-3
On the Use of the RF Device ............................................... B-6
USA and Canada Safety Requirements and Notices........ B-6
European Union CE Marking and Compliance Notices .. B-9
Index .............................................................................I-1
iv
Preface
This manual contains information that will help you operate the
computer. It is divided into 8 chapters, 2 appendices, and an index.
Chapter 1, Getting Started, takes you through the process of setting
up the computer and identifying its external components.
Chapter 2, Operating Your Computer, tells you how to use the
computer’s components and features.
Chapter 3, Managing Power, provides information on power.
Chapter 4, Expanding Your Computer, provides information on
installing and using peripheral devices.
Chapter 5, Using BIOS Setup, describes the BIOS Setup program
that configures the computer’s BIOS settings.
Chapter 6, Installing Software Drivers, describes how to install the
drivers and utilities supplied with the computer.
Chapter 7, Caring for the Computer, gives you tips in care and
maintenance.
Chapter 8, Troubleshooting, gives solutions to common problems
you may encounter when using the computer.
Appendix A, Specifications, gives a brief specification of the
computer.
Appendix B, Regulatory Information, provides regulatory
statements and safety notices on your computer.
v
Notational Conventions
Throughout this manual, the following conventions are used to
distinguish elements of text.
NOTE: identifies additional information that requires special attention.
CAUTION: identifies important information that, if not followed, may result in loss of
data or damage to the computer.
Keyboard keys are shown in a bold typeset. For example:
Press the
Enter key to complete.
When keys are joined by a plus sign (+), press the first key, and, while
keeping the first key down, press the remaining keys, finally release all
the keys. When necessary, keys are also shown in graphics.
A title, command, setup item, or button that you can see on the screen is
shown in boldface. A value or an option that you can select for a setup
item is shown in italic. For example:
Select Power Schemes, set it to Portable/Laptop, and then click
the OK button.
vi
Chapter 1
Getting Started
Congratulations on purchasing this computer.
Your computer incorporates desktop computer capabilities into a
compact notebook-sized package. It can greatly enhance your
productivity either in the office or at home. And, of course, wherever you
need it, the computer is ready and easy “to go.”
CHAPTER
This chapter first tells you step by step on how to get the computer up and
running. You will find instructions for these procedures:
Unpacking
Connecting to AC power
Opening the cover
Turning on the computer
Turning off the computer
Then, you will find a section briefly introducing the external components
of the computer. And the last section navigates you to the information you
may need after the computer is ready for use.
Getting the Computer Running
This section guides you through the procedures for getting the computer
ready for operation.
Unpacking
After unpacking the shipping carton, you should find these standard
items:
Notebook computer
Accessories:
− AC adapter
− AC power cord
− Driver CD
− Ferrite core(s) − option
Inspect all the items. If any item is damaged or missing, notify your dealer
immediately.
Keep the shipping carton and packing materials in case you need to ship
or store the computer in the future.
Connecting to AC Power
The computer operates either on the external AC power or internal battery
power. It is suggested that you use AC power when you start up the
computer for the very first time.
CAUTION: Use only the AC adapter included with your computer. Using other AC
adapters may damage the computer.
1. Make sure that the computer is turned off.
2. Plug the DC cord of the AC adapter to the power connector on the
rear of the computer ().
3. Plug the female end of the AC power cord to the AC adapter and the
male end to an electrical outlet ().
1-2 Getting
Started
4. When the AC adapter is connected, power is being supplied from the
electrical outlet to the AC adapter and onto your computer. Now, you
are ready to turn on the computer.
CAUTION:
When you disconnect the AC adapter, disconnect from the electrical outlet first and
then from the computer. A reverse procedure may damage the AC adapter or the
computer.
When unplugging the connector, always hold the plug head. Never pull on the cord.
NOTE: When the AC adapter is connected, it also charges the battery pack. For
information on using battery power, see Chapter 3.
Opening the Cover
CAUTION: Be gentle when opening and closing the cover. Opening it vigorously or
slamming it shut could damage the computer.
Open the top cover by sliding the cover latch toward the right () and
lifting up the cover (). You can tilt the cover forward or backward for
optimal viewing clarity.
Getting Started 1-3
Turning On and Off the Computer
Turning On
1. Make sure that the computer is connected to AC power.
2. Press the power button.
3. Each time the computer is turned on, it performs a Power-On Self
Test (POST), and the operating system such as Windows should start.
1-4 Getting
Started
Turning Off
To turn off the computer power, use the “Shut Down” command of your
operating system.
NOTE: There are other ways you can stop the computer so that you will be back to
where you left off when you next turn on the computer. (See “Stopping the Computer” in
Chapter 2 for information.)
CAUTION: If you have to turn the computer on again immediately after turning it off,
wait for at least five seconds. Turning the computer off and on rapidly can damage it.
Getting Started 1-5
Taking a Look at the Computer
This section identifies the external components of the computer and
briefly describes the function of each component.
NOTE: Depending on the model you purchased, the appearance of your computer may
not be exactly the same as those shown in this manual.
Right-Side Components
Ref Component Description See Also
Combo/
DVD Dual
Drive
Accepts CD/DVD for installing or loading
software, accessing data, playing music/video,
and writing data (select models only).
P. 2-11
1-6 Getting
Started
Left-Side Components
Ref Component Description See Also
VGA Port
S-video
Connector
RJ-11
Connector
RJ-45
Connector
PC Card Slot
Connects an external CRT monitor. P. 4-2
Connects an external video device, such as a
TV, supporting S-video input.
Connects the telephone line. P. 2-17
Connects the LAN cable. P. 2-18
Accepts a PC card for additional functions. P. 4-6
P. 4-2
Getting Started 1-7
Rear Components
Ref Component Description See Also
Kensington
Lock
Power
Connector
USB Ports
Locks the computer to a stationery object for
security.
Connects the AC adapter. P. 1-2
Each of the two ports connects a USB device,
such as a USB disk, floppy disk drive, printer,
digital camera, joystick, and more.
P. 7-2
P. 4-4
1-8 Getting
Started
Front Components
Ref Component Description See Also
Top Cover
Latch
Mini IEEE
1394a Port
USB Port
Microphone
Connector
S/PDIF
Connector
S/PDIF
Locks the top cover. P. 1-3
Connects an IEEE 1394 device such as a
scanner, printer, DVCAM, VCR, and more.
Connects a USB device, such as a USB disk,
floppy disk drive, printer, digital camera,
joystick, and more.
Connects an external microphone. P. 2-15
Connects a S/PDIF device such as a digital
speaker set for digital audio output.
P. 4-5
P. 4-4
P. 2-16
Getting Started 1-9
Bottom Components
Ref Component Description See Also
Battery Pack
Hard Disk
Drive
Compartment
Components
Cover
Supplies power to your computer when external
power is not connected.
Inside is the hard disk drive of your computer.
Inside are:
Mini PCI slot for using an optional Mini PCI
card. Depending on your model, an internal
Mini PCI wireless LAN card may have been
pre-installed.
Memory slot for expanding the memory size of
your computer.
CPU of your computer.
P. 3-3
P. 2-18
P. 4-8
1-10 Getting
Started
Top-open Components
Ref Component Description See Also
LCD Screen
Battery Power
Indicator
Battery Charge
Indicator
Displays the output of the computer. P. 2-13
Glows green when the computer is using battery
power.
Blinks green when the computer, using battery
power, is in Standby mode.
Glows green when the battery is fully charged
and connected to AC power.
Glows amber when the battery is being charged.
Blinks red when the battery is almost
completely discharged.
P. 3-6
P. 3-3
Getting Started 1-11
Ref Component Description See Also
AC Power
Indicator
Stereo Speaker
Set
Keyboard
Touchpad
Device
Indicators
Glows green when the computer is turned ON.
Blinks green when the computer is in Standby
mode.
Sends out sound and voice from the computer. P. 2-15
Serves as the data input device of the computer. P. 2-4
Serves as the pointing device of the computer. It
consists of a rectangular pad as well as left and
right buttons.
Show the current status of the computer’s
devices.
DVD drive in-use indicator
Hard disk drive in-use indicator
Num Lock indicator
P. 3-2
P. 2-8
Microphone
Power Button
Caps Lock indicator
Scroll Lock indicator
Wireless LAN indicator P. 2-20
Card Reader indicator (reserved for future
model, your computer does not support this
function)
Reserved for future model, your computer does
not support this function.
Turns the computer power ON and OFF. P. 1-4
1-12 Getting
Started
Where to Go from Here
As your computer is ready for operation, you may want to do any of the
following now:
For this purpose... Do this...
To know more about the computer... Go on to the next chapter.
To install the operating system if your
dealer has not already done so...
To know more about the operating
system...
To install the drivers if your dealer has
not already done so...
To set a power-on password... See “Security Menu” in Chapter 5.
To charge the battery pack for the first
time...
See the operating system manual.
Read the operating system manual.
See Chapter 6.
See “Charging the Battery Pack” in
Chapter 3.
Getting Started 1-13
Chapter 2
CHAPTER
Operating Your Computer
This chapter provides information about the use of the computer.
If you are new to computers, reading this chapter will help you learn the
operating basics. If you are already a computer user but are new to
notebook computers, you may choose to read only the parts containing
information unique to your computer.
Described in this chapter are the operating basics of these components:
Keyboard
Touchpad
DVD drive
And these features:
Starting and stopping the computer
Video features
Audio features
Communication features
Starting and Stopping the Computer
There are a number of ways to start and stop the computer.
Starting the Computer
You always start the computer using the power button.
A computer starts up with an operating system (OS) existing on the
storage device such as the hard disk and CD disc. The computer will
automatically load the OS after you turn it on. This process is called
booting.
NOTE: An operating system is the platform for all your software application programs to
run on. The most widely used operating system today is Microsoft Windows.
Stopping the Computer
When you finish a working session, you can stop the computer by turning
off the power or leaving the computer in Standby or Hibernation mode:
To stop in
this mode...
Off Follow the shutdown procedure of your
operating system. This can prevent loss
of unsaved data or damage to your
software programs.
If the system is locked up because of
hardware or software problems, press the
power button to turn off the computer.
Standby Depending on your settings in Windows,
you can place the computer in Standby
mode by:
• Closing the display cover
• Pressing the Fn+F12 hot key
• Pressing the power button
Do this... To start up or
resume again
Press the power
button.
Press any key.
2-2
Operating Your Computer
To stop in
this mode...
Do this... To start up or
resume again
Hibernation Depending on your settings in Windows,
you can place the computer in
Press the power
button.
Hibernation mode by:
• Closing the display cover
• Pressing the Fn+F12 hot key
• Pressing the power button
If you choose to stop in Standby or Hibernation mode, you can return to
where you left off the next time you start up the computer. (See “Power
Management” in Chapter 3 for more information.)
Operating Your Computer 2-3
Using the Keyboard
The keyboard keys consist of four major categories plus an Fn key.
Keys Description
Typewriter Keys
Function Keys
Fn
Cursor-Control
Keys
Typewriter keys are similar to the keys on a typewriter. Several
keys are added, such as the Ctrl, Alt, Esc and lock keys, for
special purposes. When the lock keys are pressed, their
corresponding indicators light up.
Function keys (F1 to F12) are multi-purpose keys that perform
functions defined by individual programs.
The Fn key, at the lower left corner of the keyboard, is used with
another key to perform the alternative function of a key. The
letter “Fn” and the alternative functions are identified by the
color of blue on the keytop. To perform a desired function, first
press and hold Fn, then press the other key. (See “Hot Keys” for
more information).
Cursor-control keys are generally used for editing
purposes. They are Insert, Delete, Home, End,
Page Up, Page Down, Left, Right, Up, and Down
arrow keys.
2-4 Operating Your Computer
Keys Description
Numeric Keypad
Hot Keys
Hot keys refer to a combination of keys that can be pressed any time to
activate special functions of the computer. Most hot keys operate in a
cyclic way. Each time a hot key combination is pressed, it shifts the
corresponding function to the other or next choice.
You can easily identify the hot keys with the icons imprinted on the
keytop. The hot keys are described next.
Key Description
A 15-key numeric keypad is embedded
in the typewriter keys. When Num
Lock is on, the numeric keys are
activated, which means you can use
these keys to enter numerals.
Switches the wireless LAN radio on and off.
NOTE:
This function works only if an optional Mini PCI wireless
LAN card is installed.
The FAA (Federal Aviation Agency) has deemed it unsafe
to operate wireless devices in aircraft as this may interfere
with flight safety. Remember to turn off wireless LAN when
using your computer in the airplane.
Decreases the sound volume.
Increases the sound volume.
Operating Your Computer 2-5
Key Description
Switches the display output to one of the following when an
external device is connected.
Upon booting the system with CRT:
LCD CRT
LCD & CRT
NOTE:
When in the full screen DOS mode, or when playing DVD or
MPEG file display switching is not allowed. Also, you
cannot use “Graphics Properties” in VGA utility to switch.
This function only applies to Plug & Play display devices.
Decreases the LCD brightness.
Increases the LCD brightness.
Switches the system sound output off (mute) and on.
Euro Symbol
Windows supports the Euro dollar sign €, you can press the sign on the
US and UK keyboards.
To press the Euro sign on a United States-International keyboard,
hold down either of the
sign on it).
To press the Euro sign on a United States 101 keyboard, hold down
either of the
keyboard.
Switches LCD on and off.
Serves as the sleep button that you can define with Windows’
Power Options. (See the “Power Management” in Chapter 3.)
Alt Gr keys and press 5 (which has an Euro
Alt keys and type 0128 on the numeric keypad of your
To press the Euro sign on an UK keyboard, hold down the Alt Gr key
and press
4 (which has an Euro sign on it).
2-6
Operating Your Computer
Windows Keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions:
Windows Logo key and
Application key.
The
Windows Logo key opens the Start menu and performs
software-specific functions when used in combination with other keys.
The
Application key usually has the same effect as a right mouse
click. (See your Windows manual for more information.)
Operating Your Computer 2-7
Using the Touchpad
CAUTION: Do not use a sharp object such as a pen on the touchpad. Doing so may
damage the touchpad surface.
NOTE: For optimal performance of the touchpad, keep your fingers and the pads clean
and dry. When tapping on the pad, tap lightly. Do not use excessive force.
The touchpad is a pointing device that allows you to communicate with
the computer by controlling the location of the pointer on the screen and
making selection with the buttons.
The touchpad consists of a rectangular pad and a left and right buttons. To
use the touchpad, place your forefinger or thumb on the pad. The
rectangular pad acts like a miniature duplicate of your display. As you
slide your fingertip across the pad, the pointer (also called cursor) on the
screen moves accordingly. When your finger reaches the edge of the pad,
simply relocate yourself by lifting the finger and placing it on the other
side of the pad.
Here are some common terms that you should know when using the
touchpad:
2-8
Operating Your Computer
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