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Software Guide Compaq Evo Notebook N620c Series Document Part Number: 306104-001 January 2003 This guide includes details on power and security settings, information about optical drives, and instructions for updating software. In addition, this guide explains how to use the MultiBoot, Intelligent Manageability, Compaq Diagnostics, and Computer Setup utilities to set preferences and resolve problems.
Initial Software Setup The initial setup prompt is displayed on the screen as soon as the notebook is connected to external power. Before responding to the initial setup prompt and proceeding through the online instructions, read the following setup information: Ä...
Software Setup Setting Up the Wireless MultiPort ✎ If you ordered your notebook with wireless MultiPort, your notebook was shipped with the wireless MultiPort module preinstalled. Preinstalled Wireless MultiPort Module The wireless MultiPort is disabled by default. To setup the wireless MultiPort: 1.
For instructions on using the wireless MultiPort, refer to the wireless user documentation included on the Documentation Library CD shipped with your notebook: ■ For a Bluetooth wireless device, refer to: ❏ Software Reference Guide (Bluetooth for Windows) or ❏ Software Reference Guide (Bluetooth for XP).
Software Setup After Software Setup ■ Refer to the Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet included with your notebook to contact an authorized dealer, reseller, or service provider or visit ❏ Download the latest software and drivers for your notebook. ❏ Open an online service event with a Compaq support specialist.
Confirming the Hibernation Setting ✎ Hibernation is an energy-saving feature enabled at the factory that can be initiated by you or by the system. This feature protects your notebook by saving all information in RAM (random access memory) to a hibernation file on the hard drive and shutting down the notebook.
Selecting a Power Source The notebook can run on internal power or on external power. The following table describes the best power sources for common tasks. Task Work in most software applications. Charge or calibrate a battery pack in the notebook. Install or modify system software.
Power Understanding Standby and Hibernation Standby and Hibernation are energy-saving features that conserve power and reduce startup time. They can be initiated by you or by the system. Refer to “Choosing Standby, Hibernation, or Shutdown” later in this chapter for details about when to use each setting.
Hibernation Hibernation saves your work to a hibernation file on the hard drive, then shuts down the notebook. When you resume from Hibernation, your work returns to the screen where you left off. If a power-on password has been set, the password must be entered to resume from Hibernation.
Power Confirming Hibernation Settings Hibernation is enabled at the factory. To verify that Hibernation is enabled: ■ In Windows 2000 Professional, select Start > Settings > Control Panel > Power Options icon > Hibernate tab. Make sure that the Enable Hibernate Support check box is selected. ■...
When the Power Supply Is Uncertain Make sure that Hibernation remains enabled, especially if you are operating the notebook on battery power and do not have access to an external power supply. If the battery pack fails, Hibernation saves your work to a hibernation file and shuts down the notebook.
Power Turning the Notebook On or Off Task Turn on the notebook. Shut down the notebook.* Turn off the display if the notebook is closed while power is on. *If the system is unresponsive and you are unable to shut down the notebook with these procedures, refer to “Using Emergency Shutdown Procedures,”...
Initiating or Resuming from Hibernation Task User-initiated Hibernation. System-initiated Hibernation (with Hibernation enabled). Resume from user-initiated or system-initiated Hibernation. Software Guide Procedure With the notebook on, slide the power switch. ■ In Windows 2000 Professional, select Start > Shut Down > Hibernate, then select the OK button.
Power Initiating or Resuming from Standby Task User-initiated Standby. System-initiated Standby. Resume from user-initiated or system-initiated Standby. 2–8 Procedure With the notebook on, press the Standby button. ■ In Windows 2000 Professional, select Start > Shut Down > Standby, then select the OK button.
Using Emergency Shutdown Procedures If the notebook is unresponsive and you are unable to use normal Windows shutdown procedures, try the following emergency procedures: ■ Press ctrl+alt+delete. ■ Slide and hold the power switch for at least 5 seconds. ■ If you are unable to shut down the notebook with the power switch, disconnect the notebook from external power and remove the battery pack.
Power Setting Power Management Options Many of the default power settings, such as timeouts, alarms, and power button settings, can be changed in the Power Options window. For example, you can set an audio alert to warn you when the battery reaches a low-power condition. Or you can change the default settings for the power switch or standby button.
3. Select or clear the Always Show Icon on the Task Bar check box. 4. Select the OK button. ✎ If you cannot see an icon you have placed on the taskbar, the icon may be hidden. Select the arrow or vertical bar on the taskbar and expand to view icons.
Power Managing Low-Battery Conditions Identifying a Low-Battery Condition When a battery pack, which is the only power source available to the notebook, reaches a low-battery condition, a warning message appears on the screen. ✎ To set audible low-battery alerts and other low-battery preferences, access the Power Options window and select the Alarms tab.
Resolving Low-Battery Conditions When External Power Is Available Select one of the following options: ■ Connect the notebook to an electrical outlet. ■ Dock the notebook in a Port Replicator that is connected to external power. ■ Plug an optional Automobile Power Adapter/Charger into the notebook and into a vehicle cigarette lighter receptacle.
Power When Notebook Cannot Resume from Hibernation If the notebook does not have enough power to restore your work after resuming from Hibernation: 1. Press ctrl+alt+delete 2. Insert a charged battery pack or connect the notebook to external power. 3. Resume from Hibernation. Ä...
Charging a Battery Pack To charge a battery pack in the notebook, connect the notebook to external power through: ■ An AC Adapter. ■ An optional Port Replicator. ■ An optional Automobile Power Adapter/Charger. While the battery pack is charging, the battery light on the notebook turns on.
Power Displaying Charge Information on a Battery Pack Some battery packs have a quick check feature that allows you to monitor the battery charge when the battery pack is not inside the system. To display the percent of full charge remaining in a battery pack, press the button on the battery pack.
Displaying Charge Information on the Screen Battery Pack Location You can also monitor the charge in any battery pack by accessing the battery charge display on the notebook screen. Press double-click the Power Meter icon on the taskbar to view battery charge information.
Power Understanding Battery Calibration Calibration increases the accuracy of all battery charge displays. It should not be necessary to calibrate any battery pack frequently, even if it is heavily used. It is not necessary to calibrate a new battery pack before first use. Calibrate an in-use primary MultiBay battery pack if: ■...
Calibrating a Battery Pack To calibrate a battery pack: 1. Connect the notebook to an AC electrical outlet. 2. Insert the battery pack into the notebook battery bay, MultiBay, or external battery bay. 3. To open Computer Setup, turn on or restart the notebook, then press message is displayed in the lower left of the screen.
Power Processor Performance Controls (Select Models Only) Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP provide different software that allows the user to control processor performance. The CPU (central processing unit) speed can be set for optimal performance or for optimal power conservation. For example, the software can be set to trigger an automatic change in processor speed when the power source changes between AC power and battery power, or when notebook use...
When you choose a Power Scheme, you are setting the AC power and battery power modes shown in the following table. No other user intervention is required to control the performance of your notebook processor. Power Scheme Home/Office Desk Portable/Laptop Presentation Always On Minimal Power Management Max Battery...
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Power Installing Intel SpeedStep To install Intel SpeedStep technology, select Start > Software Setup. A setup wizard loads and you will see a list of available applications. Select Intel SpeedStep and follow the instructions on the screen. You will be prompted to reboot. After you install SpeedStep, a tab is added to the Power Options window, an icon is added to the taskbar, and the feature is automatically enabled on mobile processors.
Choosing a Performance Mode The SpeedStep technology offers 3 preset performance modes: ■ In Maximum Performance mode, the processor runs at full speed to provide maximum performance. ■ In Automatic mode, the processor speed increases while the notebook is being used and decreases when the notebook is idle.
Power Using the SpeedStep Window To open the SpeedStep window select Start > Settings > Control Panel > Power Management icon > Intel SpeedStep Technology tab. Then set your preferences according to the following table. Preference Assign a performance mode that applies when the notebook is running on battery power.
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Enabling SpeedStep in Computer Setup Computer Setup, a non-Windows utility, includes settings to enable or disable SpeedStep. For more information about Computer Setup, refer to the “Setup and Diagnostic Utilities” chapter. To access the SpeedStep settings in Computer Setup: 1. Turn on or restart the notebook. Press F10 = ROM Based Setup message is displayed in the lower left of the screen.
Security Features Quick Reference The notebook provides the following security features that are not available in the operating system. To Protect Against This Risk Unauthorized use of the notebook Unauthorized access to the Computer Setup utility Unauthorized access to the contents of a hard drive Unauthorized use of a drive, a port, or a wireless device in...
Security Setting Preferences in Computer Setup Most security preferences are set in Computer Setup. Because Computer Setup is a non-Windows utility, it does not support the pointing devices on your notebook. When using Computer Setup, make selections and navigate with the keys on your notebook keyboard instead of a pointing device.
Using Compaq and Windows Passwords Compaq security features and Windows operating system security features work independently from each other. For example, a device disabled in Computer Setup cannot be enabled in Windows. Also, you must use a Compaq password at a Compaq password prompt and a Windows password at a Windows password prompt.
Security Understanding Power-On Passwords A power-on password prevents unauthorized use of the notebook. Once set, a power-on password must be entered each time the notebook is turned on, restarted, or resumes from Hibernation or Standby. A power-on password: ■ Does not display as it is set, entered, changed, or deleted. ■...
3. To save your preferences, use the arrow keys to select File > Save Changes and Exit, then follow the instructions on the screen. Your preferences are set as you exit Computer Setup and are in effect when the notebook restarts. Entering Power-On Passwords At the power-on password prompt, type your password (using the same type of keys you used to set the password), then press...
Security Setting Compaq Administrator Passwords A Compaq Administrator password is set, changed, or deleted in Computer Setup. 1. To open Computer Setup, turn on or restart the notebook. Press displayed in the lower left of the screen. ❏ To change the language, press ❏...
Understanding DriveLock Ä CAUTION: If you forget both the DriveLock user password and master password, the hard drive is permanently unusable. DriveLock prevents unauthorized access to the contents of a hard drive. After DriveLock protection is applied to a drive, a password must be entered to access the drive and the drive can be accessed only when it is inserted into the notebook.
Security Setting DriveLock Passwords Ä CAUTION: If you forget both the DriveLock user password and the DriveLock master password, the protected hard drive is permanently unusable. Ä CAUTION: To prevent damage to the notebook and the hard drive and loss of work, shut down the notebook before inserting or removing a primary hard drive.
8. Type your user password in the New Password and Verify New Password fields, then press 9. Type your master password in the New Password and Verify New Password fields, then press 10. To confirm DriveLock protection on the drive you have selected, type press F10.
Security Changing DriveLock Settings Ä CAUTION: To prevent damage to the notebook and the hard drive and loss of work, shut down the notebook before inserting or removing a primary hard drive. (The primary hard drive is any hard drive used in the hard drive bay.) To access the DriveLock settings in Computer Setup, you must shut down, then turn on the notebook.
6. Use the arrow keys to select the field for the password you want to change, type your current password in the Old Password field, type the new password in the New Password and Verify New Password fields, then press 7.
Security 7. Type your master password in the Old Password field, then press 8. To save your preference, use arrow keys to select File > Save Changes and Exit, then follow the instructions on the screen. Your preference is set as you exit Computer Setup and is in effect when the notebook restarts.
Protecting System Information Using Information Management System Information Options allow you to: ■ Display or enter the notebook serial number, asset tag, and ownership tag. ■ Display a battery pack serial number. ✎ To deny access to this system information by another user, create a Compaq administrator password.
Security Setting System Information Options 1. To open Computer Setup, turn on or restart the notebook. Press displayed in the lower left of the screen. ❏ To change the language, press ❏ For navigation instructions, press 2. Access or set your preference(s) by following these directions: ❏...
Connecting an Optional Cable Lock Loop the cable around a secure object, then insert the cable lock 1 into the security cable slot on the notebook 2 and lock it with the cable lock key 3. Connecting an optional cable lock Software Guide Security 3–15...
Using CDs and DVDs This chapter provides guidelines for playing CDs and DVDs using preinstalled optical drive software, including Windows Media Player and WinDVD. ✎ To create and copy CDs or DVDs, you will need additional software, such as Easy CD Creator 5 Basic, included with some notebook models.
CD and DVD Software Ä CAUTION: To prevent possible video and audio degradation and loss of audio or video playback functionality, do not initiate Standby or Hibernation while using drive media. Ä CAUTION: Do not insert or remove a device while running multimedia applications, because the application may pause or stop playing.
3. Select the Play button to play the CD and the Stop button to stop the CD. Accessing Windows Media Player Help The Windows Media Player application is a program included with the operating system. To open Windows Media Player Help: 1.
CD and DVD Software Playing Video CDs and DVDs with WinDVD InterVideo WinDVD is an application that enables you to play DVD movies or Video CDs. WinDVD is preloaded, but not preinstalled, on the notebook. Installing WinDVD Compaq recommends that you install WinDVD from the Software Setup utility before inserting a DVD.
Understanding DVDs In addition to the instructions in the WinDVD Player Help file, the following tips may be helpful: ■ If your system includes an optional Port Replicator, dock or undock the notebook before starting a DVD (not while playing a DVD). ■...
CD and DVD Software Ä CAUTION: The region setting on your DVD drive can be changed only 5 times. ■ The region setting you select the fifth time becomes the permanent region setting on the drive. ■ The number of allowable region changes remaining on the drive is displayed in the Remaining Times Until Permanent field in the WinDVD window.
Understanding Intelligent Manageability Intelligent Manageability comprises software tools that can help you and your Network Administrator track, troubleshoot, protect, and maintain the hardware and software in your network. The Intelligent Manageability application is preloaded, but not preinstalled. To install Intelligent Manageability, select Start > Software Setup Utility.
Intelligent Manageability For information about using Diagnostics, refer to the “Setup and Diagnostic Utilities” chapter. Information about other Intelligent Manageability features used primarily by network administrators is available on the Compaq Web site at: www.compaq.com\easydeploy Installing Management Agent Management Agent is preloaded on your notebook and is installed as a part of Intelligent Manageability through Application Installer.
Using Fault Management Alerts Identifying Fault Management Alerts The notebook is preset to monitor several hardware components. If problems are found, the following types of alerts may display: ■ The hard drive alert warns up to 72 hours in advance of impending hard drive problems and can be set to initiate a software backup.
MultiBoot (Advanced Users Only) A bootable medium or network interface card (NIC) contains files needed by the notebook to start up and operate properly. The MultiBoot utility, disabled by default, allows you to identify the devices, and control the sequence in which the system will attempt to boot those devices, to start up your notebook.
MultiBoot (Advanced Users Only) ✎ An optical drive device (CD-ROM) can boot either as drive A or drive C, depending on the format of the CD. Most bootable CDs boot as drive A. If you have a CD that boots as the C drive, the system will boot the diskette drive before the CD.
Sequence for devices that boot as drive C: 1. Optical drive in a Port Replicator MultiBay or connected by USB that contains a disc that boots as drive C. 2. Optical drive in the notebook MultiBay. 3. Hard drive in the notebook hard drive bay. 4.
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MultiBoot (Advanced Users Only) 2. Use the arrow keys to locate the menu option for the device you wish to enable. ❏ To enable bootable media in USB drives or in drives inserted into a Port Replicator, use the arrow keys to select the Advanced menu >...
Understanding MultiBoot Results Before changing the startup sequence, consider the following: ■ When the notebook restarts after changing the boot order, it considers only the first device of each drive type when searching for a startup device. For example, the notebook includes two diskette drives, such as a USB diskette and a notebook diskette drive.
MultiBoot (Advanced Users Only) Setting a New Default Boot Sequence To set a startup sequence that the notebook will use each time it is started or restarted: 1. Restart the notebook, then press Based Setup message is displayed in the lower left of the screen.
Setting a MultiBoot Express Prompt To set the notebook to display the MultiBoot startup location menu each time the notebook is started or restarted: 1. Restart the notebook, then press Based Setup message is displayed in the lower left of the screen.
MultiBoot (Advanced Users Only) Entering MultiBoot Express Preferences When the Express Boot Menu is displayed during startup: ■ To specify a startup location from the Express Boot menu, select your preference within the timeout, then press ■ To prevent the notebook from defaulting to the current MultiBoot setting, press any key within the timeout.
Setup and Diagnostic Utilities Using Computer Setup or Diagnostics The notebook features two system management utilities: ■ Computer Setup is a system information and customization utility that can be used even when the operating system is not working or will not load. This utility includes settings that are not available in Windows.
Setup and Diagnostic Utilities Using Computer Setup Computer Setup is a preinstalled, ROM-based utility that can be used even when the operating system is not working or will not load. If the operating system is working, the notebook will restart the operating system after you exit Computer Setup.
2. Select the File, Security, Tools, or Advanced menu. 3. To exit Computer Setup: ❏ To exit without saving any of the settings you may have entered, use the arrow keys to select File > Ignore Changes and Exit, then follow the instructions on the screen.
Setup and Diagnostic Utilities Selecting from the File Menu Select System information Save to floppy Restore from floppy Restore defaults Ignore changes and exit Save changes and exit 7–4 To Do This ■ View identification information about the notebook, a Port Replicator, and any battery packs in the system.
Selecting from the Security Menu Select Administrator password Power-on password DriveLock passwords Device security System IDs *Not applicable to SuperDisk or Zip drives. † Settings for a DVD-ROM or CD-RW can be entered in the CD-ROM field. Software Guide Setup and Diagnostic Utilities To Do This Enter, change, or delete an administrator password.
Setup and Diagnostic Utilities Selecting from the Tools Menu Select Battery Calibration HDD Self Test Options 7–6 To Do This Checks the calibration of a battery pack in the computer and allows you to select a battery pack in the computer to calibrate. ✎...
Selecting from the Advanced Menu Select Language (or press Boot Options Device Options Software Guide To Do This Change the Computer Setup language. Enable/disable: ■ QuickBoot, which starts the notebook more quickly by eliminating some startup tests. (If you suspect a memory failure and want to test memory automatically during startup, disable QuickBoot.)
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Setup and Diagnostic Utilities Selecting from the Advanced Menu, continued Select Device Options (continued) 7–8 To Do This ■ Enable/disable USB legacy support for a USB keyboard, mouse, and hubs. When USB legacy support is enabled: ❑ A USB keyboard, mouse, and hubs work even when a Windows operating system is not loaded.
Using Diagnostics for Windows The Diagnostics utility includes 2 system scans: ■ Configuration Record compares the notebook configuration at the time Diagnostics was installed to interim or current configurations. ■ Diagnostics provides more complete information about your current configuration as well as options for testing components.
Setup and Diagnostic Utilities Using Configuration Record Scan The Configuration Record scan compares the notebook configuration at the time the Diagnostics utility was installed to interim or current configurations. 1. To run the Configuration Record scan: ❏ In Windows 2000 Professional, select Start > Settings > Control Panel >...
Using Diagnostics Scan When you run the Diagnostics scan, all system components are scanned before the Diagnostics window opens. You can display more or less information from anywhere within Diagnostics by selecting Level on the menu bar. Obtaining Configuration Information 1.
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Setup and Diagnostic Utilities 4. Select a test type: ❏ Quick Test runs a quick, general test on each device in a selected category. ❏ Complete Test performs maximum testing on each device in a selected category. ❏ Custom Test performs maximum testing on a selected device.
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8. To save a test report: ❏ Select the Log tab Save button to save a Log tab report. ❏ Select the Error tab Save button to save an Error tab report. 9. To print a test report: ❏ If the report is on the Log tab, select File > Save As, then print the file from your folder.
Preparing to Update Software For optimal notebook performance and to make sure your notebook remains compatible with changing technologies, Compaq recommends that you install the latest versions of Compaq software as they become available. To update Compaq software: 1. Prepare for any update by identifying your notebook type, series or family, and model.
Software Updates and Restorations Obtaining the Support Software CD The Support Software CD provides the latest Compaq software and instructions for installing and using it. The CD includes device drivers, ROM updates, and utilities. To purchase the current Support Software CD or a subscription that provides both the current version and future versions of the CD, refer to the Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet, included with the notebook, to contact a Compaq authorized dealer,...
Displaying ROM Information in Computer Setup Computer Setup is a non-Windows utility. For general information about using Computer Setup, refer to the “Setup and Diagnostic Utilities” chapter. To display ROM information in Computer Setup: 1. To open Computer Setup, turn on or restart the notebook. Press displayed in the lower left of the screen.
Software Updates and Restorations Downloading System ROM Ä CAUTION: To prevent an unsuccessful installation, download and install the system ROM only while the notebook is connected to reliable external power using the AC adapter. Do not download or install a system ROM while the notebook is running on battery power, docked in an optional Port Replicator, or connected to an optional power source.
6. In the Compaq folder, select the name or number of the software package containing the system ROM update. The system ROM installation begins. 7. To complete the installation, follow the instructions on the screen. ✎ After a message on the screen reports a successful installation, you can delete the download package from the Compaq folder.
Software Updates and Restorations Restoring Software The notebook provides two ways to install or restore software. To restore or install individual applications provided with the notebook, select Start > Software Setup. A setup wizard loads, and a list of applications is displayed. To restore or install an individual application, select Application Recovery Utility and follow the instructions on the screen.
Installing a Retail Version of an Operating System A Windows operating system provided on the notebook or on a QuickRestore System Recovery CD is enhanced by Compaq. The Compaq enhancements add power and security features and provide supplementary support for external devices such as drives and PC Cards.
AC Adapter 2–1 administrator password, Compaq. See Compaq administrator password administrator password, Windows 3–3 Aircraft Adapter (optional) 2–1 Automobile Power Adapter/Charger (optional) 2–1 battery Battery Quick Check, defined 2–16 charging 2–14 monitoring the charge 2–16 battery charge level displays defined 2–16 increasing accuracy 2–15 interpreting 2–17 on-screen access 2–17...
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Index Compaq Configuration Record described 7–9 procedures 7–10 See also Compaq Diagnostics Compaq Diagnostics described 7–9 displaying configuration information with 7–10 scans described 7–9 when to use 7–1 See also Compaq Configuration Record Compaq Help and Support 1–4 Compaq Support Software CD 8–2 Compaq telephone numbers Worldwide Telephone Num-...
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device enabling/disabling 3–12 diagnostics utility. See Compaq Diagnostics disk, diskette disabling drive for 3–12 display, turning off 2–6 drive designations changing 6–5 displaying 4–2 DriveLock accessing a DriveLock-protected hard drive 3–9 features 3–7 passwords, changing 3–10 passwords, combining with other passwords 3–3 passwords, entering 3–10 passwords, forgetting 3–2 passwords, master and user...
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Index enabling 1–5 initiating 2–7 resuming from 2–14 setting preferences 2–10 when to use 2–3 hotkeys disabling MultiPort 3–12 infrared disabling 3–12 Intelligent Manageability fault management alerts 5–3 features 5–1 InterVideo WinDVD. See WinDVD keyboard, external (optional) 7–2 label Certificate of Authenticity 1–1 language, changing in Computer Setup 3–12...
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operating system choosing, during initial setup 1–1 enhanced by Compaq 1–1 installing retail version of 8–7 reinstalling 8–6 optical disc. See CD; DVD passwords combining 3–3 forgetting 3–2 using Compaq and Windows passwords 2–11 See also Compaq administrator password; DriveLock; power-on password PCFriendly 4–4 Port Replicator (optional)
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Index ROMPaq defined 8–3 downloading and installing 8–4 RPL (Remote Program Load) protocol 6–4 scans, system 7–9 security cable slot 3–15 security features cable lock (optional) 3–15 Compaq administrator password 3–5 device disabling 3–12 DriveLock 3–8 passwords, combining Compaq and Windows passwords 3–3 passwords, forgetting 3–2 power-on password 3–4...
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support accessing Compaq Help and Support 1–4 system lock-up 2–9 reinstalling software 8–6 system ROM (Read Only Memory) defined 8–1 determining current version of 8–2 downloading and installing 8–4 telephone numbers Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet 3–2 turning off the notebook 2–6 2–9 turning on the notebook 2–6 Software Guide...
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