Compaq Armada 1700 Reference Manual page 58

Hibernation is a safeguard feature that saves your information
when the computer reaches a low battery condition while it is left
unattended. When your computer hibernates, all the information in
system memory is saved to the hard disk and the power to the
computer is turned off. When you turn on the computer, your
information returns to the screen at the point where Hibernation
initiated. Hibernation behaves like a bookmark, and none of your
information is lost.
When Hibernation is initiated, it creates a file on the hard drive at
least equal in size to the amount of total random access memory
(RAM). If there is not enough space on the hard disk to store the
information, an insufficient disk space message is displayed.
Hibernation will automatically initiate as long as it is not disabled
(turned off) through the software. If you disable Hibernation and
the computer reaches a low battery condition, your unsaved
information will be lost.
If you have disabled Hibernation, you can enable it again through
the Hibernation tab in Power Properties (click Start Æ Control
Panel Æ double-click Power Æ Power Properties). When you
enable Hibernation this way, the system uses a certain amount of
hard disk space necessary for Hibernation to take place.
Hibernation can be initiated by you or by the system.
When Hibernation occurs, the system:
clears the screen.
saves all current information in memory to the hard disk.
turns off the computer.