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Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Bluetooth is may not be available on your computer. a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Java is a U.S.
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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.
Table of contents 1 Introduction ..............................1 Finding more information about your new computer ................1 2 Networking (select models only) ........................2 Creating a wireless connection ......................2 Identifying wireless and network status icons ..............2 Turning wireless devices on or off ..................4 Using the wireless button ..................
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Using SkyRoom (select models only) ................18 Video ..............................18 VGA ........................... 19 DisplayPort ........................19 HDMI ..........................20 Configuring audio for HDMI ................20 4 Power management ............................21 Shutting down the computer ....................... 21 Setting power options ......................... 22 Using power-saving states ....................
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Testing an AC adapter ....................... 31 Switching between graphics modes (select models only) ..............31 5 External cards and devices .......................... 32 Using Digital Media Slot cards (select models only) ................32 Inserting a digital card ......................32 Removing a digital card ..................... 32 Using PC Cards (select models only) ....................
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Using optical drives (select models only) ................... 48 Identifying the installed optical drive .................. 48 Inserting an optical disc ..................... 49 Tray load ......................49 Slot load ......................49 Removing an optical disc ....................50 Tray load ......................50 When the disc tray opens normally ..........50 When the disc tray fails to open normally .........
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Downloading a BIOS update ..................... 67 9 MultiBoot ............................... 69 About the boot device order ....................... 69 Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup ..................69 Considering boot order changes ......................70 Choosing MultiBoot preferences ......................71 Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup ..............71 Dynamically choosing a boot device using the F9 prompt ..........
Introduction This guide contains general information about HP and Compaq notebook computers. NOTE: Some of the features described in this guide may not be available on your computer. Finding more information about your new computer The following user guides and reference material are provided with your computer, either in print, on the computer hard drive, or on an optical disc or SD Card: ●...
Networking (select models only) Your computer supports 2 types of Internet access: ● Wireless—Refer to Creating a wireless connection on page ● Wired—Refer to Connecting to a wired network on page NOTE: You must set up Internet service before you can connect to the Internet. Creating a wireless connection Your computer may be equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices: ●...
Network (disconnected) Indicates that network devices are not connected to a network. Network (disabled/ Indicates that no wireless connections are available. disconnected) Windows Vista® Icon Name Description Wireless (connected) Indicates that one or more wireless devices are on. Wireless (disconnected) Indicates that all wireless devices are off.
Wireless network connection (disconnected) Indicates that one or more WLAN devices are not connected to a network. Network status (connected) Connected to the wired network. Network status (disconnected) Not connected to the wired network. Turning wireless devices on or off Using the wireless button NOTE: A computer may have a wireless button, a wireless switch, or a wireless key on the keyboard.
For more information, refer to the Wireless Assistant software Help: Open Wireless Assistant by clicking the wireless icon in Windows Mobility Center. Click the Help button. Windows Vista Select Start > Control Panel > Mobile PC > Windows Mobility Center. Click the wireless icon in the Wireless Assistant tile, which is located in the bottom row of Windows Mobility Center.
Windows Vista Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center. ▲ For more information, select Start > Help and Support. Windows XP Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections > Network Connections. ▲...
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. Windows XP Be sure that the WLAN device is on. (Refer to Turning wireless devices on or off on page Select Start >...
For help in setting up your WLAN, refer to the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP. Protecting your WLAN When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your network from unauthorized access.
Inserting a SIM NOTE: To identify the SIM slot location, refer to the Getting Started guide. Shut down the computer. If you are not sure whether the computer is off or in Hibernation, turn the computer on by pressing the power button. Then shut down the computer through the operating system.
Using Bluetooth wireless devices A Bluetooth device provides short-range wireless communications that replace the physical cable connections that traditionally link electronic devices such as the following: ● Computers ● Phones ● Imaging devices (cameras and printers) ● Audio devices Bluetooth devices provide peer-to-peer capability that allows you to set up a personal area network (PAN) of Bluetooth devices.
Plug the modem cable into the RJ-11 telephone wall jack (2). Connecting a country- or region-specific modem cable adapter Telephone jacks vary by country or region. To use the modem and the modem cable outside the country or region in which you purchased the computer, you must obtain a country- or region-specific modem cable adapter.
Selecting a location setting Viewing the current location selection Windows 7 Select Start > Control Panel. Click Clock, Language, and Region. Click Region and Language. Click the Location tab to display your location. Windows Vista Select Start > Control Panel. Click Clock, Language, and Region.
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Click the Dialing Rules tab. Click New. The New Location window opens. In the Location name box, type a name (such as home or work) for the new location setting. Select a country or region from the Country/region list. (If you select a country or region that is not supported by the modem, the country/region selection for USA or UK is displayed.) Enter the area code, a carrier code (if necessary), and the number for an outside line (if necessary).
Click Phone and Modem Options. Click the Dialing Rules tab. Click New. The New Location window opens. In the Location name box, type a name (such as home or work) for the new location setting. Select a country or region from the Country/region list. (If you select a country or region that is not supported by the modem, the country/region selection for USA or UK is displayed.) Enter the area code, a carrier code (if necessary), and the number for an outside line (if necessary).
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Plug the other end of the network cable into a network wall jack (2). WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not plug a modem cable or telephone cable into an RJ-45 (network) jack. Connecting to a wired network...
Multimedia Your computer may include the following: ● Integrated speaker(s) ● Integrated microphone(s) ● Integrated webcam ● Preinstalled multimedia software ● Multimedia buttons or keys Using the media activity controls Depending on your computer model, you may have the following media activity controls that allow you to play, pause, fast forward, or rewind a media file: ●...
WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety information, refer to the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices. NOTE: Volume can also be controlled through the operating system and some programs. NOTE: Refer to the Getting Started guide for information on what type of volume controls your computer has.
To check the audio functions on your computer, follow these steps: Select Start > Control Panel > Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices > Sounds and Audio Devices. When the Sound and Audio Device Properties window opens, click the Sounds tab. Under Program events, select any sound event, such as a beep or alarm, and click the arrow button to check the sound.
The external monitor port, or VGA port, is an analog display interface that connects an external VGA display device such as an external VGA monitor or a VGA projector to the computer. To connect a VGA display device, connect the device cable to the external monitor port. ▲...
HDMI The HDMI port connects the computer to an optional video or audio device, such as a high-definition television, or to any compatible digital or audio component. NOTE: To transmit video signals through the HDMI port, you need an HDMI cable (purchased separately).
Power management NOTE: A computer may have a power button or a power switch. The term power button is used throughout this guide to refer to both types of power controls. NOTE: Windows 7 uses Sleep, Windows Vista uses Sleep, and Windows XP uses Standby. The term Sleep is used throughout this guide to refer to both.
Setting power options Using power-saving states The computer has two power-saving states that are enabled at the factory: Sleep and Hibernation. When Sleep is initiated, the power lights blink and the screen clears. Your work is saved to memory, letting you exit Sleep faster than exiting Hibernation. If the computer is in the Sleep state for an extended period or if the battery reaches a critical battery level while in the Sleep state, the computer initiates Hibernation.
To initiate Hibernation: Windows 7—Select Start, click the arrow next to the Shut down button, and then click ▲ Hibernate. Windows Vista—Select Start, click the arrow next to the Lock button, and then click Hibernate. Windows XP—Select Start > Turn Off Computer, and then hold down the shift key and click Hibernate.
Windows XP—Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options, and then select an item from the list. Customizing power plans Windows 7 Click the power meter icon in the notification area, and then click More power options. –...
NOTE: If you need to create a user account password or change your current user account password, click Create or change your user account password, and then follow the on-screen instructions. If you do not need to create or change a user account password, go to step 5. Click Save changes.
Using battery power WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the battery provided with the computer, a replacement battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased from HP. The computer runs on battery power whenever it is not plugged into external AC power. Computer battery life varies, depending on power management settings, running programs, display brightness, external devices connected to the computer, and other factors.
To run Battery Check: Connect the AC adapter to the computer. NOTE: The computer must be connected to external power for Battery Check to work properly. Select Start > Help and Support > Troubleshoot > Power, Thermal and Mechanical. Click the Power tab, and then click Battery Check. Battery Check examines the battery and its cells to see if they are functioning properly, and then reports the results of the examination.
Managing low battery levels The information in this section describes the alerts and system responses set at the factory. Some low- battery alerts and system responses can be changed using Power Options in Windows Control Panel. Preferences set using Power Options do not affect lights. Identifying low battery levels When a battery that is the sole power source for the computer reaches a low or critical battery level, the following behavior occurs:...
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation When the computer lacks sufficient power to exit Hibernation, follow these steps: Replace the discharged battery with a charged battery, or connect the AC adapter to the computer and to external power. Exit Hibernation by pressing the power button.
Using external AC power NOTE: For information on connecting to AC power, refer to the Quick Setup poster provided in the computer box. External AC power is supplied through an approved AC adapter or an optional docking or expansion device. WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the AC adapter provided with the computer, a replacement AC adapter provided by HP, or a compatible AC adapter purchased from HP.
Testing an AC adapter Test the AC adapter if the computer exhibits any of the following symptoms when it is connected to AC power: ● The computer does not turn on. ● The display does not turn on. ● The power lights are off. To test the AC adapter: Shut down the computer.
External cards and devices Using Digital Media Slot cards (select models only) Optional digital cards provide secure data storage and convenient data sharing. These cards are often used with digital media–equipped cameras and PDAs as well as with other computers. To determine the digital card formats that are supported on your computer, refer to the Getting Started guide.
Either press in on the card (1), and then remove it from the slot (2). – or – Pull the card out of the slot. Using PC Cards (select models only) A PC Card is a credit card–sized accessory designed to conform to the standard specifications of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA).
Inserting a PC Card CAUTION: To prevent damage to the computer and external media cards, do not insert an ExpressCard into a PC Card slot. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the connectors: Use minimal force when inserting a PC Card. Do not move or transport the computer when a PC Card is in use.
Removing a PC Card CAUTION: To reduce the risk of loss of data or an unresponsive system, stop a PC Card before removing it. Save your information and close all programs associated with the PC Card. Click the remove hardware icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Inserting an ExpressCard CAUTION: To prevent damage to the computer and external media cards, do not insert a PC Card into an ExpressCard slot. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the connectors: Use minimal force when inserting an ExpressCard. Do not move or transport the computer when an ExpressCard is in use.
Removing an ExpressCard CAUTION: To reduce the risk of loss of data or an unresponsive system, use the following procedure to safely remove the ExpressCard. Save your information and close all programs associated with the ExpressCard. Click the remove hardware icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Inserting a smart card Hold the card label-side up, and gently slide the card into the smart card reader until the card is seated. Follow the on-screen instructions for logging on to the computer using the smart card PIN. Removing a smart card Grasp the edge of the smart card, and then pull it out of the smart card reader.
Connecting a USB device CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to a USB connector, use minimal force to connect the device. Connect the USB cable for the device to the USB port. ▲ You will hear a sound when the device has been detected. NOTE: The first time you connect a USB device, a message in the notification area lets you know that the device is recognized by the computer.
Connecting a 1394 device CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to a 1394 port connector, use minimal force to connect the device. To connect a 1394 device to the computer, connect the 1394 cable for the device to the 1394 port. ▲...
To connect an eSATA device to the computer, connect the eSATA cable for the device to the ▲ eSATA port. You will hear a sound when the device has been detected. Removing an eSATA device CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to an eSATA connector, do not pull on the cable to remove the eSATA device.
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To connect a serial device, connect the device cable to the serial port on the computer. ▲ Chapter 5 External cards and devices...
Using optional external devices NOTE: For more information about required software and drivers, or to learn which computer port to use, refer to the manufacturer's instructions. To connect an external device to the computer: CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the equipment when connecting a powered device, be sure that the device is turned off and the AC power cord is unplugged.
Using the docking connector (select models only) The docking connector connects the computer to an optional docking device. An optional docking device provides additional ports and connectors that can be used with the computer. NOTE: The following image may look slightly different than your computer or docking device. Chapter 5 External cards and devices...
Drives Handling drives Drives are fragile computer components that must be handled with care. Refer to the following cautions before handling drives. Additional cautions are included with the procedures to which they apply. Observe these precautions: ● Before you move a computer that is connected to an external hard drive, initiate Sleep and allow the screen to clear, or properly disconnect the external hard drive.
After you start Disk Defragmenter, it works without supervision. Depending on the size of your hard drive and the number of fragmented files, Disk Defragmenter may take more than an hour to complete. You may want to set it to run during the night or at another time when you do not need access to your computer.
For more information, refer to the HP 3D DriveGuard software Help. Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status The drive light on the computer changes color to show that a drive in the primary hard drive bay or a drive in the secondary hard drive bay (select models only) is parked. To determine whether drives are currently protected or whether a drive is parked, use the icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar: ●...
Using HP 3D DriveGuard software The HP 3D DriveGuard software enables you to perform the following tasks: ● Enable and disable HP 3D DriveGuard. NOTE: Depending on your user privileges, you may be unable to enable or disable HP 3D DriveGuard.
Inserting an optical disc Tray load Turn on the computer. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the disc tray. Pull out the tray (2). Hold the disc by the edges to avoid touching the flat surfaces and position the disc label-side up over the tray spindle.
Gently slide the disc into the slot load optical drive. Removing an optical disc Tray load There are 2 ways to remove a disc, depending on whether the disc tray opens normally or not. When the disc tray opens normally Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the disc tray, and then gently pull out the tray (2) until it stops.
Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer edges of the disc. Hold the disc by the edges and avoid touching the flat surfaces. NOTE: If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully as you remove it. Close the disc tray and place the disc in a protective case.
Sharing optical drives Although your computer may not have an integrated optical drive, you can access software and data, and install applications, by sharing an optical drive connected to another computer in your network. Sharing drives is a feature of the Windows operating system that allows a drive on one computer to be accessible to other computers on the same network.
Security Protecting the computer Standard security features provided by the Windows operating system and the non-Windows Computer Setup can protect your personal settings and data from a variety of risks. NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents. These deterrents may not prevent a product from being mishandled or stolen.
Using passwords A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information. Several types of passwords can be set, depending on how you want to control access to your information. Passwords can be set in Windows or in non-Windows Computer Setup that is preinstalled on the computer. ●...
Password Function DriveLock user password* Protects access to the internal hard drive that is protected by DriveLock, and is set under DriveLock Passwords during the enable process. TPM embedded security password When enabled as a BIOS administrator password, protects access to the computer contents when the computer turns on, restarts, or exits Hibernation.
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Deleting a BIOS administrator password Turn on or restart the computer, and then press while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Press to enter Computer Setup. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Security > Change Password, and then press enter.
Entering a BIOS administrator password At the BIOS administrator password prompt, type your password (using the same kind of keys you used to set the password), and then press enter. After 3 unsuccessful attempts to enter the BIOS administrator password, you must restart the computer and try again. Managing a Computer Setup DriveLock password CAUTION: To prevent the DriveLock-protected hard drive from becoming permanently unusable,...
Setting a DriveLock password To set a DriveLock password in Computer Setup, follow these steps: Turn on the computer, and then press while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Press to enter Computer Setup.
Entering a DriveLock password Be sure that the hard drive is inserted into the computer (not into an optional docking device or external MultiBay). At the DriveLock Password prompt, type your user or master password (using the same kind of keys you used to set the password), and then press enter.
Changing a DriveLock password To change a DriveLock password in Computer Setup, follow these steps: Turn on the computer, and then press while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Press to enter Computer Setup.
Removing DriveLock protection To remove DriveLock protection in Computer Setup, follow these steps: Turn on the computer, and then press while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Press to enter Computer Setup. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Security >...
Removing Automatic DriveLock protection To remove DriveLock protection in Computer Setup, follow these steps: Turn on or restart the computer, and then press while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Press to enter Computer Setup.
NOTE: Under some circumstances a firewall can block access to Internet games, interfere with printer or file sharing on a network, or block authorized e-mail attachments. To temporarily resolve the problem, disable the firewall, perform the task that you want to perform, and then reenable the firewall. To permanently resolve the problem, reconfigure the firewall.
Using the fingerprint reader (select models only) Integrated fingerprint readers are available on select computer models. In order to use the fingerprint reader, you must set up a user account with a password on the computer. This account allows you to log on to your computer with a swipe of a designated finger.
Computer Setup Computer Setup, or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), controls communication between all the input and output devices on the system (such as disk drives, display, keyboard, mouse, and printer). Computer Setup includes settings for the types of peripherals installed, the startup sequence of the computer, and the amount of system and extended memory.
To exit Computer Setup menus, choose one of the following methods: ● To exit Computer Setup menus without saving your changes, click the Exit icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions. – or – Use the tab key and the arrow keys to select File >...
BIOS version information (also known as ROM date and System BIOS) can be displayed by pressing fn+esc (if you are already in Windows) or by using Computer Setup. Start Computer Setup. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select File > System Information. To exit Computer Setup without saving your changes, click the Exit icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
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Using the hard drive path you recorded earlier, open the folder on your hard drive that contains the update. Double-click the file that has an .exe extension (for example, filename.exe). The BIOS installation begins. Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions. NOTE: After a message on the screen reports a successful installation, you can delete the downloaded file from your hard drive.
MultiBoot About the boot device order As the computer starts, the system attempts to boot from enabled boot devices. The MultiBoot utility, which is enabled at the factory, controls the order in which the system selects a boot device. Boot devices can include optical drives, diskette drives, a network interface card (NIC), hard drives, and USB devices.
To enable bootable media in USB drives or in drives inserted into an optional docking device (select models only), use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select System Configuration > Device Configurations. Confirm USB legacy support is selected. NOTE: The USB Port option must be enabled in order to use USB legacy support.
Choosing MultiBoot preferences You can use MultiBoot in the following ways: ● To set a new boot order that the computer uses each time it is turned on, by changing the boot order in Computer Setup. ● To dynamically choose the boot device, by pressing while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”...
Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt To start Computer Setup and set the computer to display the MultiBoot startup location menu each time the computer is started or restarted, follow these steps: Turn on or restart the computer, and then press while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”...
10 Management and Printing Using Client Management Solutions Client Management Solutions software provides standards-based solutions for managing client (user) desktop, workstation, notebook, and tablet computers in a networked environment. Client management includes the following key capabilities and features: ● Initial software image deployment ●...
HP Client Manager for Altiris (select models only) HP Client Manager for Altiris integrates Intelligent Manageability technology into Altiris software. HP Client Manager for Altiris provides superior hardware management capabilities for HP devices: ● Detailed views of hardware inventory for asset management ●...
HP CCM (Client Configuration Manager) (select models only) HP CCM automates the management of software such as operating systems, programs, software updates, and content and configuration settings to ensure that each computer is maintained in the correct configuration. With these automated management solutions, you can manage software throughout the life cycle of the computer.
HP SSM (System Software Manager) HP SSM lets you remotely update system-level software on multiple systems simultaneously. When executed on a client computer, SSM detects versions of both hardware and software, and then updates designated software from a central repository, known as a file store. Driver versions that are supported by SSM are denoted with a special icon on the HP driver download Web site and on the Support Software CD.
Select To do this Intel ME Firmware Local Update Disable/enable local management of firmware updates. LAN Controller Disable/enable the integrated network controller. Intel ME Features Control Disable/enable AMT or none. Intel ME Power Control Configure the management engine power policies. iAMT Configuration Select To do this...
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To print using the HP Universal Print Driver: Select File > Print from any application. Select HP Universal Printing PS from the list of printers. Click Print. Enter the printer's IP address or network path. NOTE: If you cannot identify the printer's IP address or network path, contact your IT administrator for help.
Traveling with the computer For best results, follow these traveling and shipping tips: ● Prepare the computer for traveling or shipping: ◦ Back up your information. ◦ Remove all discs and all external media cards, such as digital cards. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the computer, damage to a drive, or loss of information, remove the media from a drive before removing the drive from a drive bay and before shipping, storing, or traveling with a drive.
Troubleshooting resources ● Access Web site links and additional information about the computer through Help and Support. Select Start > Help and Support. NOTE: Some checkup and repair tools require an Internet connection. HP also provides additional tools that do not require an Internet connection. ●...
Electrostatic Discharge Electrostatic discharge is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact—for example, the shock you receive when you walk across the carpet and touch a metal door knob. A discharge of static electricity from fingers or other electrostatic conductors may damage electronic components.
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