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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 Notebook tour Identifying the hardware ........................1 Top components ........................1 Pointing devices ....................1 Lights ........................2 Buttons and switches ..................3 Keys ........................4 Front components ........................ 4 Right-side components ......................5 Left-side components ......................5 Rear components ........................
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Shutting down the computer ....................... 17 Setting power options ......................... 18 Using power-saving states ....................18 Initiating and exiting Standby ................18 Using the battery meter ..................... 19 Using battery power ........................... 20 Displaying the remaining battery charge ................20 Inserting or removing the battery ..................
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Using a modem ..........................35 Connecting a modem cable ....................35 Connecting a country-specific modem cable adapter ............36 Selecting a location setting ....................37 Viewing the current location selection ............... 37 Solving travel connection problems ..............38 Connecting to a local area network ....................39 8 Security Protecting the computer ........................
Notebook tour Identifying the hardware Components included with the computer may vary by region and model. The illustrations in this chapter identify the standard features on most computer models. Top components Pointing devices Component Description TouchPad* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.
Lights Component Description ● Power lights* (2) On: The computer is on. ● Blinking: The computer is in Standby. ● Off: The computer is off. ● Blue: An integrated wireless device, such as a Wireless lights † wireless local area network (WLAN) device, is on. ●...
Component Description in the computer are fully charged. If the computer is not plugged into an external power source, the light stays off until the battery reaches a low battery level. Drive light Blinking: The flash drive or optional optical drive is being accessed.
Component Description Volume mute button Mutes and restores computer sound. Volume down button Decreases speaker sound. Volume up button Increases speaker sound. Keys Component Description Displays system information when pressed in combination with the key. Executes frequently used system functions when pressed in combination with a function key or the key.
Component Description Display release latch Opens the computer. Right-side components Component Description Audio-out (headphone) jack Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio. Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo array microphone, or monaural microphone.
Component Description USB port Connects an optional USB device. PC Card slot Supports optional Type I and Type II 32-bit (CardBus) or 16-bit PC Cards. Rear components Components Description Power connector Connects an AC adapter. External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector. Bottom components Component Description...
Component Description Memory module compartment Contains the memory module slot. Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components. Accessory battery connector Connects an optional accessory battery. Wireless antennae Wireless antennae send and receive signals from one or more wireless devices. These antennae are not visible from the outside of the computer.
Identifying the labels The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system problems or travel internationally with the computer: ● Service tag—Provides the product brand and series name, serial number (s/n), and product number (p/n) of your computer. Have this information available when you contact technical support. The service tag label is affixed to the bottom of the computer.
Enhanced Write Filter Using the Enhanced Write Filter The Enhanced Write Filter (EWF) provides a secure environment for your computer by protecting it from undesired flash memory writes. In order to save changes to your system configuration settings, you must commit your changes in the EWF. Otherwise, the new settings will be lost when the computer is shut down or restarted.
Pointing devices Using pointing devices To move the pointer, slide your finger across the TouchPad surface in the direction you want the pointer to go. Use the TouchPad buttons like the corresponding buttons on an external mouse. To scroll up and down using the TouchPad vertical scroll zone, slide your finger up or down over the lines.
Using the keyboard Using hotkeys Hotkeys are combinations of the key (1) and either the key (2) or one of the function keys (3). The icons on the f3, f4, and through keys represent the hotkey functions. Hotkey functions and procedures are discussed in the following sections.
In the Windows fn+esc display, the version of the system BIOS (basic input-output system) is displayed as the BIOS date. On some computer models, the BIOS date is displayed in decimal format. The BIOS date is sometimes called the system ROM version number. Initiating Standby (fn+f3) Press fn+f3...
Decreasing screen brightness (fn+f9) Press fn+f9 to decrease screen brightness. Hold down the hotkey to decrease the brightness level incrementally. Increasing screen brightness (fn+f10) Press fn+f10 to increase screen brightness. Hold down the hotkey to increase the brightness level incrementally. Using the keypads The computer has an embedded numeric keypad and also supports an optional external numeric keypad or an optional external keyboard that includes a numeric keypad.
Enabling and disabling the embedded numeric keypad Press fn+num lk to enable the embedded numeric keypad. Press fn+num lk again to return the keys to their standard keyboard functions. NOTE: The embedded numeric keypad will not function while an external keyboard or numeric keypad is connected to the computer or an optional docking station.
Power Power control and light locations The following illustration and table identify and describe the power control and light locations. Component Description Internal display switch Turns off the display if the display is closed while the computer is ● Power lights* (2) On: The computer is on.
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Component Description If the computer has stopped responding and Windows shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds to turn off the computer. To learn more about your power settings, right-click the Power Meter icon in the notification area, and then click Adjust Power Properties.
Shutting down the computer CAUTION: Unsaved information will be lost when the computer is shut down. The Shut Down command closes all open programs, including the operating system, and then turns off the display and computer. Shut down the computer under any of the following conditions: ●...
Setting power options Using power-saving states The computer has one power-saving state enabled at the factory: Standby. When Standby is initiated, the power lights blink and the screen clears. Your computer is disconnected from the network. CAUTION: To prevent possible audio and video degradation, loss of audio or video playback functionality, or loss of information, do not initiate Standby while reading from a disc or an external media card.
Using the battery meter The battery meter is located in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. The battery meter allows you to quickly access power settings, view remaining battery charge, and select a different power plan: ●...
Using battery power When a charged battery is in the computer and the computer is not plugged into external power, the computer runs on battery power. When the computer is plugged into external AC power, the computer runs on AC power. If the computer contains a charged battery and is running on external AC power supplied through the AC adapter, the computer switches to battery power if the AC adapter is disconnected from the computer.
Insert the battery into the battery bay (1) until it is seated. The battery release latches (2) automatically lock the battery into place. To remove the battery: Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you. Slide the battery release latches (1) to release the battery.
Charging may take longer if a battery is new, has been unused for 2 weeks or more, or is much warmer or cooler than room temperature. To prolong battery life and optimize the accuracy of battery charge displays, follow these recommendations: ●...
Resolving a low battery level CAUTION: To reduce the risk of losing information when the computer reaches a critical battery level, do not restore power until the power lights turn off. Resolving a low battery level when external power is available Connect one of the following devices: ▲...
Disposing of a used battery WARNING! To reduce the risk of fire or burns, do not disassemble, crush, or puncture a battery; short the external contacts on a battery; or dispose of a battery in fire or water. Do not expose a battery to temperatures above 60˚C (140˚F).
Connecting the AC adapter WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to the 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).
Multimedia Using multimedia hardware Using the audio features The following illustration and table describe the audio features of the computer. Component Description Speakers (2) Produce sound. Volume mute button Mutes and restores computer sound. Volume down button Decreases computer sound. Volume up button Increases computer sound.
Using the audio-in (microphone) jack The computer is equipped with a stereo (dual-channel) microphone jack that supports an optional stereo array or monaural microphone. Using sound recording software with external microphones allows for stereo recordings. When connecting a microphone to the microphone jack, use a microphone with a 3.5-mm plug. Using the audio-out (headphone) jack WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume before putting on headphones,...
Adjusting the volume You can adjust the volume using the following controls: ● Computer volume buttons: ◦ Volume mute button ◦ Volume down button ◦ Volume up button ● Windows volume control: Click the Volume icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. Increase or decrease the volume by moving the slider up or down.
Using the video features Using the external monitor port The external monitor port connects an external display device, such as an external monitor or a projector, to the computer. To connect a display device, connect the device cable to the external monitor port. ▲...
Using multimedia software The computer includes preinstalled multimedia software. Depending on the hardware and software included with the computer, you can play digital media, including audio and video CDs, audio and video DVDs, and Internet radio. NOTE: For information about using software included with the computer, refer to the software manufacturer's instructions, which may be provided on disc, in the software Help, or on the software manufacturer's Web site.
Preventing playback disruptions To reduce the possibility of playback disruption: ● Save your work and close all open programs before playing a CD or a DVD. ● Do not connect or disconnect hardware while playing a disc. Do not initiate Standby while playing a disc. Otherwise, you may see a warning message asking if you want to continue.
Wireless About integrated wireless devices Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be equipped with a wireless local area network (WLAN) device. This device connects the computer to wireless local area networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate offices, your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and universities.
NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably. ● A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points that can accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network functions.
Connecting to a WLAN To connect to a WLAN, follow these steps: Verify that the WLAN device is turned on. If it is on, the wireless light is on. If the wireless light is off, press the wireless button. Open Connect to a Network by selecting Start > Network Connections. Double-click your wireless network in the list.
Modem and LAN Using a modem The modem must be connected to an analog telephone line using a 6-pin, RJ-11 modem cable (purchased separately). In some countries, a country-specific modem cable adapter is also required. Jacks for digital PBX systems may resemble analog telephone jacks, but they are not compatible with the modem.
Plug the modem cable into the RJ-11 telephone wall jack (2). Connecting a country-specific modem cable adapter Telephone jacks vary by country. To use the modem and the modem cable outside the country in which you purchased the computer, you must obtain a country-specific modem cable adapter. To connect the modem to an analog telephone line that does not have an RJ-11 telephone jack, follow these steps: Plug the modem cable into the modem jack (1) on the computer.
Selecting a location setting Viewing the current location selection To view the current location setting for the modem, follow these steps: Select Start > Control Panel. Click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options. Click Regional and Language Options. Your location is displayed under Location. NOTE: You must commit these changes in order for them to be saved.
Solving travel connection problems If you experience modem connection problems when using the computer outside of the country in which you purchased it, try the following suggestions. ● Check the telephone line type. The modem requires an analog, not a digital, telephone line. A line described as a PBX line is usually a digital line.
Click Modem. Clear the check box for Wait for dial tone before dialing. Click OK twice. NOTE: You must commit these changes in order for them to be saved. See your network administrator for additional information. Connecting to a local area network Connecting to a local area network (LAN) requires an 8-pin, RJ-45 network cable (purchased separately).
Security Protecting the computer NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents. These deterrents may not prevent a product from being mishandled or stolen. Your computer is designed for security. All information is saved to the network and no user information can be stored on the computer.
Using passwords Most security features use passwords. Whenever you set a password, write down the password and store it in a secure location away from the computer. Note the following password considerations: ● Setup and power-on passwords are set in Computer Setup and are managed by the system BIOS. ●...
To set, change, or delete this password, follow these steps: Open Computer Setup by turning on or restarting the computer, and then pressing while the “F10 = ROM Based Setup” message is displayed in the lower-left corner of the screen. Use the arrow keys to select Security >...
Installing a security cable NOTE: The security cable (purchased separately) is designed to act as a deterrent, but it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen. Loop the security cable around a secured object. Insert the key (1) into the cable lock (2). Insert the cable lock into the security cable slot on the computer (3), and then lock the cable lock with the key.
Connecting hardware Using a USB device Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a hardware interface that can be used to connect an optional external device, such as a USB keyboard, mouse, drive, printer, scanner, or hub. Devices can be connected to the computer or an optional docking device.
Removing a USB device CAUTION: To prevent damage to a USB connector, do not pull on the cable to remove the USB device. To remove a USB device, safely remove the device from the USB port. Using the docking connector The docking connector connects the computer to an optional docking device.
Using PC Cards NOTE: The software that allows you to use PC Cards is disabled at the factory. See your network administrator for additional information. Inserting and removing a PC Card CAUTION: To prevent damage to the computer and external media cards, do not insert an ExpressCard into a PC Card slot.
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Insert the card into the PC Card slot, and then push in on the card until it is firmly seated. NOTE: An inserted PC Card uses power even when idle. To conserve power, stop or remove a PC Card when it is not in use. To remove a PC Card, follow these steps: Close all programs and complete all activities that are associated with the PC Card.
10 Hardware upgrades Identifying installed drives To view the drives installed on the computer, select Start > HP System Information. NOTE: Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer. You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as running utilities or changing Windows settings.
Using optical drives (select models only) An optical drive, such as a DVD-ROM drive, supports optical discs (CDs and DVDs). These discs store or transport information and play music and movies. DVDs have a higher storage capacity than CDs. All optical drives can read from optical discs, as described in the following table. Optical drive type Read from CD and Write to CD-RW discs Write to DVD±RW...
Gently press the disc (3) down onto the tray spindle until the disc snaps into place. Close the disc tray. NOTE: After you insert a disc, a short pause is normal before playback begins. Removing an optical disc (CD or DVD) There are 2 ways to remove a disc, depending on whether the disc tray opens normally or not.
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.
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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.
Routine care Cleaning the display CAUTION: To prevent permanent damage to the computer, never spray water, cleaning fluids, or chemicals on the display. To remove smudges and lint, frequently clean the display with a soft, damp, lint-free cloth. If the screen requires additional cleaning, use premoistened antistatic wipes or an antistatic screen cleaner.
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CAUTION: Avoid exposing a drive to magnetic fields. Security devices with magnetic fields include airport walk-through devices and security wands. Security devices that use x-rays to check luggage moving on conveyor belts will not damage drives. ● If you plan to use the computer during a flight, check with the airline in advance. In-flight computer use is at the discretion of the airline.