Getting Started HP Compaq Notebook PC Document Part Number: 430288-001 January 2007 This guide explains how to set up your hardware and software, and begin using the computer in Windows ® Enhanced for Accessibility...
1 First-time setup Identify required hardware To set up the computer for the first time, you will need the computer, AC adapter, power cord, and the primary battery. ✎ Components included with the computer may vary by region and by model. Getting Started 1–1...
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First-time setup Component Power cord Country-specific modem adapter (select models only) HP Smart AC Adapter Modem cable (optional for setup) Primary battery ✎ Use only the included AC adapter or one approved for this computer. ✎ Unless you use dial-up networking, the modem cable is optional for setup.
First-time setup Set up the computer To set up the computer, you will 1. Insert the battery into the computer. 2. Connect the computer to external power. ✎ The battery begins to charge. 3. Turn on the computer. 4. Set up the software. 5.
First-time setup Step 1: Insert the battery To insert a primary battery: 1. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you. 2. Slide the battery 1 into the battery bay until it is seated. The battery release latch 2 automatically locks the battery into place.
First-time setup Step 2: Connect the computer to external power ✎ Power cords and AC outlets vary in appearance by region and country. To connect the computer to external AC power: 1. Plug the AC adapter into the power connector 1 on the computer.
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First-time setup When the computer receives AC power, the battery begins to charge and the battery light (on the front of the computer) is turned on. When the battery is fully charged, the battery light is turned off. Leave the computer connected to external power until the battery is fully charged and the battery light is turned off.
First-time setup Step 3: Turn on the computer To open the computer: 1. Slide the display release latch 1 to the right to release the display. 2. Raise the display 2. Getting Started 1–7...
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First-time setup 3. Press the power button 1. The power light next to the power button 2 and the power light on the front of the computer 3 are turned on, and you are prompted to begin software setup. 1–8 Getting Started...
First-time setup Step 4: Set up the software After the computer is turned on, it will go through a brief software setup. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the software. Note the following: After you respond to the setup prompt, you must complete ■...
First-time setup Step 5: Create recovery discs (recommended) After setting up the computer for the first time, you can create a set of recovery discs of your full factory image using HP Backup and Recovery Manager. The recovery discs are used to start up (boot) the computer and restore the operating system and software applications to factory settings in case of system failure or instability.
2 Next steps Install additional hardware and software Identify and install hardware To see a list of hardware installed on the computer: 1. Select Start > Computer > System properties. 2. In the left pane, click Device Manager. ✎ Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer.
Next steps Locate and install software The computer includes software that may be Preinstalled on your hard drive. To see a list of the ■ ready-to-use software preinstalled on the computer: 1. Select Start > All Programs. 2. Double-click the program you want to open. Provided on a CD or DVD.
Next steps Protect the computer The information in this section is designed to protect the computer from damage caused by a virus, a security breach, a power surge, or unsafe operation. Protect the computer from viruses When you use the computer for e-mail, network, or Internet access, you expose it to computer viruses that can disable the operating system, applications, or utilities or cause them to function abnormally.
Next steps Protect your privacy When you use the computer for e-mail, network, or Internet access, it is possible for unauthorized persons to obtain information about you or the computer. To optimize the privacy protection features included with the computer: Keep the operating system and software updated.
Next steps Use the computer safely WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to Å your equipment: ■ Plug the power cord into an AC outlet that is easily accessible at all times. ■ Disconnect power from the computer by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet (not by unplugging the power cord from the computer).
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Next steps WARNING: To avoid potential discomfort or burns, do not Å block the air vents or place the computer on your lap for extended periods. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact the skin for extended periods during operation. The computer is designed to run demanding applications at full power.
Next steps Connect to a computer network The computer may have the following networking capabilities: ■ Local area network (LAN) Wireless local area network (WLAN) ■ Wireless wide area network (WWAN) ■ Bluetooth® ■ If you plan to connect the computer to a home office LAN or WLAN, refer to Help and Support for information on networking.
Next steps Update your software Most software, including the operating system, is updated frequently by the manufacturer or provider. Important updates to the software included with the computer may have been released since the computer left the factory. Some updates may affect the way the computer responds to optional software or external devices.
Next steps Turn off the computer correctly Whenever possible, turn off the computer by using the standard shutdown procedure: 1. Save your work and close all open applications. 2. Shut down the computer through the operating system by selecting Start, clicking the arrow next to the Lock button, and then clicking Shut Down.
3 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting resources If you experience computer problems, follow the troubleshooting steps below: 1. Refer to “Quick troubleshooting,” next in this chapter. 2. Access additional information about the computer and Web site links through Help and Support. Select Start > Help and Support.
Troubleshooting Quick troubleshooting The computer is unable to start up To turn on the computer, press the power button. When the computer is turned on, the power light is turned on. If the computer and the power light are not turned on when you press the power button, adequate power may not be available to the computer.
Troubleshooting The computer screen is blank If the computer is on but the screen is blank, the computer may be in the Sleep state or in Hibernation, may not be set to display the image on the computer screen, or the display switch may not be functioning properly.
Troubleshooting Software is functioning abnormally If the software becomes unresponsive or responds abnormally, restart the computer by clicking Start, clicking the arrow next to the Lock button, and then clicking Restart. If you cannot restart the computer using this procedure, refer to the next section, “The computer is turned on but not responding.”...
Troubleshooting The computer is unusually warm It is normal for the computer to feel warm to the touch while it is in use. But if the computer feels unusually warm, it may be overheating because a vent is blocked. If you suspect that the computer is overheating, allow the computer to cool to room temperature.
Troubleshooting The home wireless network connection is not working If a home wireless network connection is not working as expected: Be sure that the wireless light on the computer is on. If the ■ light is off, press the wireless button to turn it on. Be sure that the computer wireless antennae are free from ■...
Troubleshooting Help and Support If the preceding questions and solutions did not address your problem, access Help and Support by selecting Start > Help and Support. In addition to providing information about your operating system, Help and Support provides Information about the computer, such as model and serial ■...
Troubleshooting Prepare to contact Customer Care For the fastest possible resolution of your problem, have the computer and the following information available when you call or e-mail: Product name located on the display or keyboard. ■ Serial number (s/n) listed on the service tag. ■...
A Notebook tour ✎ Components included with the computer may vary by region and model. The illustrations in this appendix identify the standard features included on most computer models. Getting Started A–1...
Notebook tour Top components Component Power light Num lock light Power button Volume mute button Info Center button Volume down button Wireless button Volume up button Presentation button Fingerprint reader Caps lock light A–2 Getting Started...
Notebook tour Pointing devices Component Pointing stick Left TouchPad button Left pointing stick button Right TouchPad button TouchPad Right pointing stick button A–4 Getting Started...
Notebook tour Front components Component Display release latch Drive light Wireless light Speakers Power light Infrared Port Battery light Digital Media Slot Getting Started A–5...
Notebook tour Rear components Component Security cable slot S-Video-out jack Power connector External monitor port Right-side components Component Smart card reader RJ-45 (network) jack Optical drive RJ-11 (modem) jack USB port A–6 Getting Started...
Notebook tour Left-side components Component Vent Audio-out (headphone) jack USB ports (2) PC Card Slot Audio-in (microphone) jack Getting Started A–7...
B Connect to the Internet from your home The computer includes hardware and software that allows you to connect to the Internet. Before you can access the Internet, you must Choose an Internet service provider (ISP). ■ Choose the type of Internet connection you want, such as ■...
Connect to the Internet from your home Use the New Connection Wizard You can use the New Connection Wizard to connect to the Internet If you already have an account with an ISP. ■ If you have a disc from an ISP. ■...
Connect to the Internet from your home Choose the type of Internet connection There are 3 basic types of Internet connection: Broadband: High-speed Internet access is available through ■ Cable modem ❏ Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) ❏ Satellite ❏ Other services ❏...
Backup and recovery HP Backup and Recovery Manager provides several ways to back up the system and to recover optimal system functionality. ✎ HP installed drivers, utilities, and programs can be copied to a CD or to a DVD using the HP Backup and Recovery Manager. ✎...
Backup and recovery Back up the system Using HP Backup and Recovery Manager, you can Back up specific files and folders. ■ Back up the entire hard drive. ■ Back up modifications since your last backup, using HP ■ system recovery points. Schedule backups.
Backup and recovery 5. Click Next. 6. Click Back up selected files from most common locations (Recommended). – or – Click Advanced Backup (Experienced users) to access advanced filtering techniques. 7. Click Next. 8. Follow the on-screen instructions. Back up the entire hard drive When you perform a complete backup of the hard drive, you are saving the full factory image, including the Windows operating system, software applications, and all personal files and folders.
Backup and recovery 6. Select the location for the backup files, and then click Next. 7. Select the Protect data access with password check box, and then type your password in the Password and Confirm boxes. ✎ This step is optional. If you do not want to password-protect your data access, clear the Protect data access with password check box.
Backup and recovery To create and schedule a system recovery point: 1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup & Recovery > HP Backup and Recovery Manager. 2. Click Next. 3. Click Back up to protect system settings and important data files, and then click Next.
Backup and recovery Recover the system HP Backup and Recovery Manager analyzes the hard drive and creates a dedicated hard drive recovery partition on the hard drive large enough to store a copy of the full factory image. You choose whether you want to store that copy on the recovery partition, on another drive, or on external recovery discs.
Backup and recovery Create recovery discs (highly recommended) After setting up the computer for the first time, you can create a set of recovery discs of the full factory image, using Recovery Media Creator in the HP Backup and Recovery Manager. The recovery discs are used to start up (boot) the computer and recover the operating system and software to factory settings in case of system failure or instability.
Backup and recovery To create a set of recovery discs: 1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup & Recovery > HP Backup and Recovery Manager. 2. Click Next. 3. Click Create factory software recovery CDs or DVDs to recover the system (highly recommended), and then click Next.
Backup and recovery Performing a recovery from the hard drive There are 2 ways to initiate a recovery from the hard drive: From within Windows. ■ From the recovery partition. ■ Initiating a recovery in Windows To initiate a recovery in Windows: 1.
Backup and recovery Initiating a recovery from the hard drive recovery partition To initiate a recovery from the hard drive recovery partition: 1. Back up all personal files. 2. Restart the computer, and then press before the Windows operating system loads. 3.
D Specifications The following sections provide information on the computer operating environment specifications and power specifications. Operating environment The operating environment information in the following table may be helpful if you plan to use or transport the computer in extreme environments. Factor Metric U.S.
Specifications Rated input power The power information in this section may be helpful if you plan to travel internationally with the computer. The computer operates on DC power, which can be supplied by an AC or a DC power source. Although the computer can be powered from a standalone DC power source, it should be powered only with an AC adapter or a DC power source supplied and approved by HP for use with this HP computer.
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Index buttons Info Center A–2 AC adapter pointing stick A–4 connecting 1–5 power 1–8 A–2 identifying 1–2 presentation A–2 altitude specifications D–1 volume down A–2 antennae volume up A–2 WLAN A–9 WWAN A–9 antivirus software 3–4 cables and cords, power 3–2 audio-out (headphone) jack, caps lock light, identifying identifying A–7...
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Index computer viruses 3–4 external devices, connect the computer to troubleshooting 3–5 external power 1–5 external monitor port, connecting to a computer identifying A–6 network 2–7 connectors, docking A–8 fingerprint reader A–2 cord power, connecting 1–5 firewalls 2–4 Customer Care 3–7 key, identifying A–3 function keys, identifying A–3 data, safeguarding C–1...
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Index keys network, connecting computer embedded numeric keypad to 2–7 A–3 New Connection Wizard B–2 A–3 num lock light, identifying A–3 A–2 function A–3 Windows applications A–3 operating environment Windows logo A–3 specifications D–1 operating system, displaying labels, service tag 3–8 version number 3–8 LAN (local area network) 2–7 optical drive, identifying A–6...
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Index power lights service tag 3–8 identifying A–2 set up the software 1–9 on, off 1–8 3–2 Sleep 3–3 power lights, identifying A–5 slots power surge 2–4 Digital Media A–5 Presentation button, security cable A–6 identifying A–2 Smart card A–6 printer 3–5 Smart card slot, identifying Product Id 3–8...
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Index Sleep or Hibernation wireless light, identifying problems 3–3 A–2 A–5 software problems 3–4 WLAN (wireless local area virus problems 3–4 network) 2–7 wireless network problems WLAN antennae, identifying 3–6 A–9 turn off computer 2–9 WWAN (wireless wide area turn on computer 1–7 3–2 network) 2–7 WWAN antennae, identifying...