HP ELITEBOOK 8540P User Manual

HP EliteBook User Guide  
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. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact  
the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The computer and the  
AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the International  
Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).  
iii  
iv  
Safety warning notice  
Table of contents  
2 Wireless, modem, and local area network  
v
3 Pointing devices and keyboard  
4 Multimedia  
vi  
The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before  
vii  
5 Power management  
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is  
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is  
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit  
viii  
6 Drives  
7 External devices  
8 External media cards  
ix  
10 Security  
11 Software Updates  
12 Backup and recovery  
x
13 Computer Setup  
14 MultiBoot  
15 Management and printing  
xi  
xii  
1 Features  
Identifying hardware  
To see a list of hardware installed in the computer, follow these steps:  
1. Select Start > My Computer.  
2. In the left pane of the System Tasks window, select View system information.  
3. Select Hardware tab > Device Manager.  
You can also add hardware or modify device configurations using Device Manager.  
Top components  
Pointing devices  
Component  
Description  
(1)  
(2)  
Pointing stick*  
Center pointing stick button*  
Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.  
Functions like the center button on an external mouse.  
Identifying hardware  
1
               
Component  
Description  
(3)  
(4)  
(5)  
(6)  
(7)  
(8)  
(9)  
Right pointing stick button*  
Functions like the right button on an external mouse.  
Scrolls up or down.  
TouchPad scroll zone  
Right TouchPad button*  
Center TouchPad button*  
Left TouchPad button*  
TouchPad*  
Functions like the right button on an external mouse.  
Functions like the center button on an external mouse.  
Functions like the left button on an external mouse.  
Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.  
Functions like the left button on an external mouse.  
Left pointing stick button*  
*This table describes factory settings. To view or change pointing device preferences, select Start > Control Panel > Printers  
and Other Hardware > Mouse.  
2
Chapter 1 Features  
       
Lights  
Component  
(1)  
Description  
Wireless lights (2)†  
Blue: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local  
area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, is  
on.  
Amber: All wireless devices are off.  
On: The computer is on.  
(2)  
(3)  
Power lights (2)*  
Battery light  
Blinking: The computer is in Standby.  
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.  
Amber: A battery is charging.  
Turquoise: A battery is close to full charge capacity.  
Blinking amber: A battery that is the only available power  
source has reached a low battery level. When the battery  
reaches a critical battery level, the battery light begins blinking  
rapidly.  
Off: If the computer is plugged into an external power source,  
the light turns off when all batteries 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.  
(4)  
Drive light  
Blinking turquoise: The hard drive or optical drive is being  
accessed.  
Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the hard  
drive.  
(5)  
(6)  
QuickLook light  
On: The computer is on.  
Off: The computer is off or in the Standby or Hibernation state.  
On: The Web browser is in use.  
HP QuickWeb light  
Identifying hardware  
3
         
Component  
Description  
(7)  
TouchPad light  
Blue: TouchPad is on.  
Amber: TouchPad is off.  
(8)  
Caps lock light  
Num lock light  
On: Caps lock is on.  
On: Num lock is on.  
(9)  
(10)  
Volume mute light  
On: Computer sound is on.  
Amber: Computer sound is off.  
(11)  
(12)  
(13)  
Volume down light  
Volume up light  
Calculator light  
Blinking: The volume scroll zone is being used to decrease speaker  
volume.  
Blinking: The volume scroll zone is being used to increase speaker  
volume.  
On: The Windows® calculator function is on.  
Blinking: The Windows calculator is in use.  
*The two power lights display the same information. The light on the power button is visible only when the computer is open.  
The power light on the front of the computer is visible whether the computer is open or closed.  
The two wireless lights display the same information. The light on the wireless button is visible only when the computer is open.  
The wireless light on the front of the computer is visible whether the computer is open or closed.  
Buttons, switches, and fingerprint reader  
4
Chapter 1 Features  
             
Component  
(1) Power button  
Description  
When the computer is off, press the button to turn on  
the computer.  
When the computer is on, press the button to shut  
down the computer.  
When the computer is in Standby, press the button  
briefly to exit Standby.  
When the computer is in Hibernation, press the  
button briefly to exit Hibernation.  
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, select Start >  
Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance >  
Power Options.  
(2)  
QuickLook button  
When the computer is off, press the button to open  
HP QuickLook.  
When the computer is on, press the button to open  
Software Setup.  
NOTE: If Software Setup is not available, the  
default Web browser opens.  
(3)  
(4)  
QuickWeb button  
Wireless button  
When the computer is off, press the button to open  
HP QuickWeb.  
When the computer is on, press the button to open  
the default Web browser.  
Turns the wireless feature on or off but does not establish  
a wireless connection.  
(5)  
(6)  
(7)  
(8)  
(9)  
(10)  
TouchPad button  
Volume mute button  
Volume down button  
Volume up button  
Calculator button  
Fingerprint reader  
Enables/disables the TouchPad.  
Mutes and restores speaker sound.  
Decreases computer volume.  
Increases computer volume.  
Turns on the Windows calculator function.  
Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a  
password logon.  
Identifying hardware  
5
                 
Keys  
Component  
Description  
(1)  
(2)  
esc key  
Displays system information when pressed in combination with the  
fn key.  
fn key  
Executes frequently used system functions when pressed in  
combination with a function key or the esc key.  
(3)  
(4)  
(5)  
(6)  
Windows logo key  
Displays the Windows Start menu.  
Windows applications key  
Integrated numeric keypad keys  
Function keys  
Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the pointer.  
Can be used like the keys on an external numeric keypad.  
Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in  
combination with the fn key.  
Front components  
6
Chapter 1 Features  
               
Component  
Description  
(1)  
(2)  
(3)  
Wireless light  
Blue: An integrated wireless device, such as a WLAN device,  
the HP Mobile Broadband Module (select models only), and/  
or a Bluetooth device, is on.  
Amber: All wireless devices are off.  
On: The computer is on.  
Power light  
Battery light  
Blinking: The computer is in Standby.  
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.  
Amber: A battery is charging.  
Turquoise: A battery is close to full charge capacity.  
Blinking amber: A battery that is the only available power  
source has reached a low battery level. When the battery  
reaches a critical battery level, the battery light begins blinking  
rapidly.  
Off: If the computer is plugged into an external power source,  
the light turns off when all batteries 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.  
(4)  
Drive light  
Blinking turquoise: The hard drive or optical drive is being  
accessed.  
Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the hard  
drive.  
(5)  
(6)  
Speakers (2)  
Produce sound.  
Media Card Reader  
Supports the following optional digital card formats:  
Memory Stick  
Memory Stick Duo (adapter required)  
Memory Stick Pro (adapter required)  
MultiMediaCard  
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card  
xD-Picture Card  
xD-Picture Card Type H  
xD-Picture Card Type M  
(7)  
(8)  
Display release button  
Business card slot  
Opens the computer.  
Holds a business card in position so that the webcam can capture  
an image.  
Identifying hardware  
7
               
Right-side components  
Component  
Description  
(1)  
(2)  
(3)  
Smart card reader  
Supports optional smart cards and Java™ Cards.  
Supports an optical drive or hard drive.  
Upgrade bay  
3.0 SuperSpeed USB ports (2)  
Connect optional USB devices and transfer data at a higher speed  
than a 2.0 USB device.  
(4)  
(5)  
(6)  
RJ-45 (network) jack  
RJ-11 (modem) jack  
Security cable slot  
Connects a network cable.  
Connects a modem cable.  
Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.  
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but  
it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.  
Left-side components  
Component  
Description  
(1)  
(2)  
USB ports (3)  
Vent  
Connect optional USB devices.  
Enables airflow to cool internal components.  
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal  
components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal  
fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.  
(3)  
(4)  
(5)  
DisplayPort  
eSATA port  
1394 port  
Connects an optional digital display device, such as a high-  
performance monitor or projector.  
Connects high-performance eSATA components, such as an  
eSATA external hard drive.  
Connects an optional IEEE 1394 or 1394a device, such as a  
camcorder.  
8
Chapter 1 Features  
                       
Component  
Description  
(6)  
(7)  
Audio-in (microphone) jack  
Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo array  
microphone, or monaural microphone.  
Audio-out (headphone) jack  
ExpressCard slot  
Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo  
speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio.  
NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the  
computer speakers are disabled.  
(8)  
Supports optional ExpressCards.  
Rear components  
The vent enables airflow to cool internal components.  
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal components and prevent overheating.  
It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.  
Component  
Description  
(1)  
(2)  
External monitor port  
Power connector  
Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.  
Connects an AC adapter.  
Identifying hardware  
9
           
Bottom components  
Component  
Description  
(1)  
SIM slot  
Contains a wireless subscriber identity module (SIM) (select  
models only). The SIM slot is located inside the battery bay.  
(2)  
(3)  
(4)  
Battery bay  
Holds the battery.  
Docking connector  
Vents (6)  
Connects an optional docking device.  
Enable airflow to cool internal components.  
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal  
components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal  
fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.  
(5)  
(6)  
(7)  
(8)  
(9)  
Accessory battery connector  
Memory module compartment  
Hard drive bay  
Connects an optional accessory battery.  
Contains two expansion memory module slots.  
Holds the hard drive.  
Bluetooth compartment  
Wireless module compartment  
Contains a Bluetooth device.  
Contains an HP Mobile Broadband Module.  
NOTE: To prevent an unresponsive system, replace the wireless  
module only with a wireless module authorized for use in the  
computer by the governmental agency that regulates wireless  
devices in your country or region. If you replace the module and  
then receive a warning message, remove the module to restore  
computer functionality, and then contact technical support through  
Help and Support.  
(10)  
Battery release latch  
Releases the battery from the battery bay.  
10 Chapter 1 Features  
         
Display  
Component  
Description  
(1)  
(2)  
(3)  
(4)  
(5)  
Internal display switch  
Turns off the display if the display is closed while the power is on.  
Record sound.  
Internal microphones (2)  
Webcam light  
On: The webcam is in use.  
Webcam  
Records audio and video and captures still photographs.  
Keyboard light  
Illuminates the keyboard in low-light conditions when the keyboard  
light button is pressed.  
(6)  
(7)  
Keyboard light button  
Ambient light sensor  
Turns on the keyboard light.  
Automatically adjusts the display brightness based on the lighting  
conditions in your environment.  
Wireless antennas (select models only)  
The antennas send and receive signals from one or more wireless devices. These antennas are not  
visible from the outside of the computer.  
Identifying hardware 11  
                 
Component  
Description  
(1)  
(2)  
WWAN antennas (2)*  
Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless  
wide-area networks (WWAN).  
WLAN antennas (2)*  
Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless  
local area networks (WLAN).  
*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around  
the antennas free from obstructions.  
To see wireless regulatory notices, refer to the section of the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental  
Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.  
Additional hardware components  
12 Chapter 1 Features  
       
Component  
Description  
(1)  
(2)  
Power cord*  
Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet.  
Battery*  
Powers the computer when the computer is not plugged into an  
external power source.  
(3)  
(4)  
AC adapter  
Converts AC power to DC power.  
Modem cable (select models only)*  
Connects the internal modem to an RJ-11 telephone jack or to a  
country- or region-specific modem cable adapter.  
(5)  
Country- or region-specific modem cable adapter Adapts the modem cable to a non-RJ-11 telephone jack.  
(select models only)*  
*Modem cables, batteries, modem cable adapters, and power cords vary in appearance by country or region.  
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 important information including the following:  
Product name (1). This is the product name affixed to the front of your notebook.  
Serial number (s/n) (2). This is an alphanumeric number that is unique to each product.  
Part number/Product number (p/n) (3). This number provides specific information about the  
product's hardware components. The part number helps a service technician to determine  
what components and parts are needed.  
Model description (4). This is the number you use to locate documents, drivers, and support  
for your notebook.  
Warranty period (5). Describes the duration of the warranty period for this computer.  
Have this information available when you contact technical support. The service tag label is affixed  
to the bottom of the computer.  
Microsoft® Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Windows Product Key. You may need the  
Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system. This certificate is affixed to the bottom  
of the computer.  
Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is  
affixed to the bottom of the computer.  
Modem approval label—Provides regulatory information about the modem and lists the agency  
approval markings required by some of the countries in which the modem has been approved for  
use. You may need this information when traveling internationally. The modem approval label is  
affixed inside the memory module compartment.  
Identifying the labels 13  
                   
Wireless certification label(s) (select models only)—Provide information about optional wireless  
devices and the approval markings of some of the countries in which the devices have been  
approved for use. An optional device may be a WLAN device or a Bluetooth device. If your computer  
model includes one or more wireless devices, one or more certification labels are included with  
your computer. You may need this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification  
labels are affixed to the bottom of the computer.  
SIM (subscriber identity module) label (select models only)—Provides the ICCID (Integrated Circuit  
Card Identifier) of your SIM. This label is located inside the battery bay.  
HP Mobile Broadband Module serial number label (select models only)—Provides the serial  
number of your HP Mobile Broadband Module. This label is located inside the battery bay.  
14 Chapter 1 Features  
     
2 Wireless, modem, and local area  
network  
Using wireless devices (select models only)  
Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be  
equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:  
WLAN 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. In a WLAN, each mobile wireless  
device communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access point.  
HP Mobile Broadband Module—A wireless wide area network (WWAN) device that provides  
access to information wherever mobile network operator service is available. In a WWAN, each  
mobile device communicates to a mobile network operator’s base station. Mobile network operators  
install networks of base stations (similar to cell phone towers) throughout large geographic areas,  
effectively providing coverage across entire states, regions, or even countries.  
Bluetooth device—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled  
devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras. In a PAN, each  
device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be relatively close together—  
typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.  
Computers with WLAN devices support one or more of the following IEEE industry standards:  
802.11b, the first popular standard, supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps and operates at a  
frequency of 2.4 GHz.  
802.11g supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. An 802.11g  
WLAN device is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, so they can operate on the same  
network.  
802.11a supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 5 GHz.  
NOTE: 802.11a is not compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g.  
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 802.11n draft 2.0 supports data rates of up to 450 Mbps and may operate at 2.4  
GHz or 5 GHz, making it backward compatible with 802.11a, b, and g.  
NOTE: The specifications for the 802.11n WLAN are draft specifications and are not final. If the  
final specifications differ from the draft specifications, it may affect the ability of the computer to  
communicate with other 802.11n WLAN devices.  
For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided in  
Help and Support.  
Using wireless devices (select models only) 15  
         
Identifying wireless and network icons  
Icon  
Name  
Description  
Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless lights and the wireless buttons on  
the computer. Also identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the  
computer and indicates that one or more of the wireless devices are on.  
Wireless  
(disconnected)  
Identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the computer and  
indicates that all of the wireless devices are off.  
HP Connection  
Manager  
Opens HP Connection Manager, which enables you to create a  
connection with an HP Mobile Broadband device (select models only).  
Network status  
(connected)  
Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed and one  
or more network devices are connected to the network.  
Network status  
(disconnected)  
Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed, but no  
network devices are connected to the network.  
Using the wireless controls  
You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:  
Wireless button or wireless switch (referred to in this guide as the wireless button)  
Wireless Assistant software (select models only)  
HP Connection Manager software (select models only)  
Operating system controls  
Using the wireless button  
The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights,  
depending on the model. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the  
wireless light is on (blue) when you turn on the computer.  
The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of individual  
devices. If the wireless light is blue, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light is off, all  
wireless devices are off.  
NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.  
Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless button to turn on or  
turn off the wireless devices simultaneously. Individual wireless devices can be controlled through  
Wireless Assistant software (select models only) or through Computer Setup.  
NOTE: If the wireless devices are disabled by Computer Setup, the wireless button will not work until  
you reenable your devices.  
16 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network  
     
Using Wireless Assistant software (select models only)  
A wireless device can be turned on or off using the Wireless Assistant software. If a wireless device is  
disabled by Computer Setup, it must be reenabled by Computer Setup before it can be turned on or off  
using Wireless Assistant.  
NOTE: Enabling or turning on a wireless device does not automatically connect the computer to a  
network or a Bluetooth-enabled device.  
To view the state of the wireless devices, follow either of these steps:  
Position the mouse pointer over the wireless icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.  
– or –  
Open Wireless Assistant by double-clicking the icon in the notification area.  
For more information, refer to the Wireless Assistant software Help:  
1. Open Wireless Assistant by double-clicking the icon in the notification area.  
2. Click the Help button.  
Using HP Connection Manager (select models only)  
You can use HP Connection Manager to connect to WWANs using the HP Mobile Broadband device in  
your computer (select models only).  
To start Connection Manager, click the Connection Manager icon in the notification area, at the far  
right of the taskbar.  
– or –  
Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Connection Manager.  
For more details about using Connection Manager, refer to the Connection Manager software Help.  
Using operating system controls  
Some operating systems also offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless  
connection. For example, Windows Network Connections allows you to set up a connection, connect to  
a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair connections.  
To access Network Connections, click Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections  
> Network Connections.  
For more information, refer to Help and Support. Click Start > Help and Support.  
Using wireless devices (select models only) 17  
       
Using a WLAN  
With a WLAN device, you can access a WLAN, which is composed of other computers and accessories  
that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.  
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.  
A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and  
wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional  
pieces of hardware or software.  
To use the WLAN device in your computer, you must connect to a WLAN infrastructure (provided through  
a service provider or a public or corporate network).  
Setting up a WLAN  
To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need the following equipment:  
A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from an  
Internet service provider (ISP)  
A wireless router (purchased separately) (2)  
The wireless computer (3)  
The illustration below shows an example of a wireless network installation that is connected to the  
Internet.  
As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to  
access the Internet.  
For help in setting up your WLAN, refer to the information provided by your router manufacturer or your  
ISP.  
Protecting your WLAN  
Because the WLAN standard was designed with only limited security capabilities—basically to foil casual  
eavesdropping rather than more powerful forms of attack—it is essential to understand that WLANs are  
vulnerable to well-known and well-documented security weaknesses.  
WLANs in public areas, or “hotspots,” like coffee shops and airports, may not provide any security. New  
technologies are being developed by wireless manufacturers and hotspot service providers that make  
the public environment more secure and anonymous. If you are concerned about the security of your  
computer in a hotspot, limit your network activities to noncritical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.  
18 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network  
           
When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your  
network from unauthorized access. The common security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and  
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Because wireless radio signals travel outside the network, other WLAN  
devices can pick up unprotected signals and either connect to your network (uninvited) or capture  
information being sent across it. However, you can take precautions to protect your WLAN:  
Use a wireless transmitter with built-in security  
Many wireless base stations, gateways, and routers provide built-in security features such as  
wireless security protocols and firewalls. With the correct wireless transmitter, you can protect your  
network from the most common wireless security risks.  
Work behind a firewall  
A firewall is a barrier that checks both data and requests for data that are sent to your network and  
then discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in many varieties, both software and  
hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.  
Use wireless encryption  
A variety of sophisticated encryption protocols is available for your WLAN. Find the solution that  
works best for your network security:  
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a wireless security protocol that uses a WEP key to  
encode or encrypt all network data before it is transmitted. Usually, you can allow the network  
to assign the WEP key. Alternatively, you can set up your own key, generate a different key,  
or choose other advanced options. Without the correct key, others will not be able to use the  
WLAN.  
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), like WEP, uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data  
that is transmitted over the network. However, instead of using one static security key for  
encryptions as WEP does, WPA uses temporal key integrity protocol (TKIP) to dynamically  
generate a new key for every packet. It also generates different sets of keys for each computer  
on the network.  
Close your network  
If possible, prevent your network name (SSID) from being broadcast by the wireless transmitter.  
Most networks initially broadcast the name, telling any computer nearby that your network is  
available. By closing the network, other computers are less likely to know that your network exists.  
NOTE: If your network is closed and the SSID is not broadcast, you will need to know or remember  
the SSID to connect new devices to the network. Write down the SSID and store it in a secure  
place before closing the network.  
Using a WLAN 19  
   
Connecting to a WLAN  
To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps:  
1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If it is on, the wireless light is on (blue). If the wireless light is  
off, press the wireless button.  
NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.  
2. Select Start > Connect To.  
3. Select your WLAN from the list, and then type the network security key, if required.  
If the network is unsecured, meaning that anyone can access the network, a warning is  
displayed. Click Connect Anyway to accept the warning and complete the connection.  
If the network is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a network security key,  
which is a security code. Type the code, and then click Connect to complete the connection.  
NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, you are out of range of a wireless router or access point.  
NOTE: If you do not see the network you want to connect to, click Show all connections. A list  
of options will appear that includes creating a new network connection, as well as troubleshooting  
connection issues.  
After the connection is made, place the mouse pointer over the network status icon in the notification  
area, at the far right of the taskbar, to verify the name and status of the connection.  
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.  
More information about using a WLAN is available through the following resources:  
Information from your ISP and the manufacturer's instructions included with your wireless router  
and other WLAN equipment  
Information and Web site links provided in Help and Support  
For a list of public WLANs near you, contact your ISP or search the Web. Web sites that list public  
WLANs include Cisco Internet Mobile Office Wireless Locations, Hotspotlist, and Geektools. Check with  
each public WLAN location for cost and connection requirements.  
For additional information on connecting your computer to a corporate WLAN, contact your network  
administrator or IT department.  
Roaming to another network  
When you move your computer within range of another WLAN, Windows attempts to connect to that  
network. If the attempt is successful, your computer is automatically connected to the new network. If  
Windows does not recognize the new network, follow the same procedure you used initially to connect  
to your WLAN.  
20 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network  
     
Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only)  
HP Mobile Broadband enables your computer to use wireless wide area networks (WWANs) to access  
the Internet from more places and over larger areas than it can by using WLANs. Using HP Mobile  
Broadband requires a network service provider (called a mobile network operator), which in most cases  
is a mobile phone network operator. Coverage for HP Mobile Broadband is similar to mobile phone voice  
coverage.  
When used with mobile network operator service, HP Mobile Broadband gives you the freedom to stay  
connected to the Internet, send e-mail, or connect to your corporate network whether you are on the  
road or outside the range of Wi-Fi hotspots.  
HP supports the following technologies:  
HSPA (High Speed Packet Access), which provides access to networks based on the Global  
System for Mobile Communications (GSM) telecommunications standard.  
EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized), which provides access to networks based on the code division  
multiple access (CDMA) telecommunications standard.  
You may need the HP Mobile Broadband Module serial number to activate mobile broadband service.  
The serial number is printed on a label inside the battery bay of your computer.  
Some mobile network operators require the use of a subscriber identity module (SIM). A SIM contains  
basic information about you, such as a PIN, as well as network information. Some computers include a  
SIM that is preinstalled in the battery bay. If the SIM is not preinstalled, it may be provided in the HP  
Mobile Broadband information provided with your computer or the mobile network operator may provide  
it separately from the computer.  
For information on inserting and removing the SIM, refer to the “Inserting a SIM” and “Removing a SIM”  
sections in this chapter.  
For information on HP Mobile Broadband and how to activate service with a preferred mobile network  
operator, refer to the HP Mobile Broadband information included with your computer. For additional  
information, see the HP Web site at http://www.hp.com/go/mobilebroadband (US only).  
Inserting a SIM  
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the connectors, use minimal force when inserting a SIM.  
To insert a SIM:  
1. 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.  
2. Close the display.  
3. Disconnect all external devices connected to the computer.  
4. Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.  
5. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you.  
6. Remove the battery.  
Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) 21  
       
7. Insert the SIM into the SIM slot, and gently push the SIM into the slot until it is firmly seated.  
8. Replace the battery.  
NOTE: HP Mobile Broadband will be disabled if the battery is not replaced.  
9. Reconnect external power.  
10. Reconnect external devices.  
11. Turn on the computer.  
Removing a SIM  
To remove a SIM:  
1. 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.  
2. Close the display.  
3. Disconnect all external devices connected to the computer.  
4. Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.  
5. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you.  
6. Remove the battery.  
22 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network  
   
7. Press in on the SIM (1), and then remove it from the slot (2).  
8. Replace the battery.  
9. Reconnect external power.  
10. Reconnect external devices.  
11. Turn on the computer.  
Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) 23  
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only)  
A Bluetooth device provides short-range wireless communications that replace the physical cable  
connections that traditionally link electronic devices, such as the following:  
Computers (desktop, notebook, PDA)  
Phones (cellular, cordless, smart phone)  
Imaging devices (printer, camera)  
Audio devices (headset, speakers)  
Bluetooth devices provide peer-to-peer capability that allows you to set up a personal area network  
(PAN) of Bluetooth devices. For information on configuring and using Bluetooth devices, refer to the  
Bluetooth software Help.  
Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)  
HP does not recommend setting up one computer with Bluetooth as a host and using it as a gateway  
through which other computers may connect to the Internet. When two or more computers are connected  
using Bluetooth, and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is enabled on one of the computers, the other  
computers may not be able to connect to the Internet using the Bluetooth network.  
The strength of Bluetooth is in synchronizing information transfers between your computer and wireless  
devices including cellular phones, printers, cameras, and PDAs. The inability to consistently connect  
two or more computers to share the Internet through Bluetooth is a limitation of Bluetooth and the  
Windows operating system.  
24 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network  
   
Troubleshooting wireless connection problems  
Some possible causes for wireless connection problems include the following:  
Wireless device is not installed correctly or has been disabled.  
Wireless device or router hardware has failed.  
Network configuration (SSID or security) has been changed.  
Wireless device encountered interference from other devices.  
NOTE: Wireless networking devices are included with select computer models only. If wireless  
networking is not listed in the feature list on the side of the original computer package, you may add  
wireless networking capability to the computer by purchasing a wireless networking device.  
Before working your way through the sequence of possible solutions to your network connection  
problem, be sure that device drivers are installed for all wireless devices.  
Use the procedures in this chapter to diagnose and repair a computer that does not connect to the  
network you want to use.  
Cannot create a WLAN connection  
If you have a problem connecting to a WLAN, confirm that the integrated WLAN device is properly  
installed on your computer:  
1. Select Start > My Computer.  
2. Right-click in the My Computer window.  
3. Select Properties > Hardware > Device Manager > Network Adapters.  
4. Identify the WLAN device from the Network adapters list. The listing for a WLAN device may include  
the term wireless, wireless LAN, WLAN, or 802.11.  
If no WLAN device is listed, either your computer does not have an integrated WLAN device, or  
the driver for the WLAN device is not properly installed.  
For more information on troubleshooting WLANs, refer to the Web site links provided in Help and  
Support.  
Troubleshooting wireless connection problems 25  
   
Cannot connect to a preferred network  
Windows can automatically repair a corrupted WLAN connection:  
If there is a network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, right-click the  
icon, and then click Repair from the menu.  
Windows resets your network device and attempts to reconnect to one of the preferred networks.  
If an “x” is superimposed over the network status icon, one or more of your WLAN or LAN drivers  
are installed but the computer is not connected.  
If there is no network status icon in the notification area, follow these steps:  
1. Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections > Network Connections.  
2. Click on one of the connections.  
3. In the left pane, click Repair this connection.  
The Network connections window is displayed, and Windows resets your network device and  
attempts to reconnect to one of the preferred networks.  
Network icon is not displayed  
If the network icon is not displayed in the notification area after you configure the WLAN, the software  
driver is either missing or corrupted. A Windows “Device not Found” error message may also be  
displayed. The driver must be reinstalled.  
To get the latest version of the WLAN device software for your computer, follow these steps:  
1. Open your Internet browser and go to http://www.hp.com/support.  
2. Select your country or region.  
3. Click the option for software and driver downloads, and then type your computer model number in  
the search box.  
4. Press enter, and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
NOTE: If the WLAN device you are using was purchased separately, consult the manufacturer's Web  
site for the latest software.  
Current network security codes are unavailable  
If you are prompted for a network key or an SSID when connecting to a WLAN, the network is protected  
by security. You must have the current codes to make a connection on a secure network. The SSID and  
network key are alphanumeric codes that you enter into your computer to identify your computer to the  
network.  
For a network connected to your personal wireless router, review the router user guide for  
instructions on setting up the same codes on both the router and the WLAN device.  
For a private network, such as a network in an office or at a public Internet chat room, contact the  
network administrator to obtain the codes, and then enter the codes when prompted to do so.  
Some networks change the SSID or network keys used in their routers or access points on a regular  
basis to improve security. You must change the corresponding code in your computer accordingly.  
26 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network  
         
If you are provided with new wireless network keys and SSID for a network, and if you have previously  
connected to that network, follow the steps below to connect to the network:  
1. Select Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections > Network Connections.  
A list showing the available WLANs is displayed. If you are in a hotspot where several WLANs are  
active, several will be displayed.  
2. Right-click the network, and then click Properties.  
3. Click the Wireless Networks tab.  
4. Select the network, and then click Properties.  
NOTE: If the network you want is not listed, check with the network administrator to be sure that  
the router or access point is operating.  
5. Click the Association tab, and then enter the correct wireless encryption data into the Network  
key field.  
6. Click OK to save these settings.  
WLAN connection is very weak  
If the connection is very weak, or if your computer cannot make a connection to a WLAN, minimize  
interference from other devices, as follows:  
Move your computer closer to the wireless router or access point.  
Temporarily disconnect wireless devices such as a microwave, cordless phone, or cellular phone  
to be sure that other wireless devices are not interfering.  
If the connection does not improve, try forcing the device to reestablish all connection values:  
1. Select Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections > Network Connections.  
2. Right-click the network, and then click Properties.  
3. Click the Wireless Networks tab.  
A list showing the available WLANs is displayed. If you are in a hotspot where several WLANs are  
active, several will be displayed.  
4. Select a network, and then click Remove.  
Cannot connect to the wireless router  
If you are trying to connect to the wireless router and are unsuccessful, reset the wireless router by  
removing power from the router for 10 to 15 seconds.  
If the computer still cannot make a connection to a WLAN, restart the wireless router. For details, refer  
to the router manufacturer's instructions.  
Troubleshooting wireless connection problems 27  
     
Using the modem (select models only)  
The modem must be connected to an analog telephone line using a 6-pin, RJ-11 modem cable. 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.  
WARNING! Connecting the internal analog modem to a digital line can permanently damage the  
modem. Immediately disconnect the modem cable if you accidentally connect it to a digital line.  
If the modem cable contains noise suppression circuitry (1), which prevents interference from TV and  
radio reception, orient the circuitry end (2) of the cable toward the computer.  
Connecting a modem cable  
WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not plug a modem  
or telephone cable into the RJ-45 (network) jack.  
To connect a modem cable:  
1. Plug the modem cable into the modem jack (1) on the computer.  
2. Plug the modem cable into the RJ-11 telephone wall jack (2).  
28 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network  
       
Connecting a country-specific modem cable adapter  
Telephone jacks vary by country. To use the modem and the modem cable (included with select models  
only) outside the country in which you purchased the computer, you must obtain a country-specific  
modem cable adapter (included with select models only).  
To connect the modem to an analog telephone line that does not have an RJ-11 telephone jack, follow  
these steps:  
1. Plug the modem cable into the modem jack (1) on the computer.  
2. Plug the modem cable into the country-specific modem cable adapter (2).  
3. Plug the country-specific modem cable adapter (3) into the telephone wall jack.  
Selecting a location setting  
Viewing the current location selection  
To view the current location setting for the modem, follow these steps:  
1. Select Start > Control Panel.  
2. Click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options.  
3. Click Regional and Language Options.  
4. Your location is displayed under Location.  
Using the modem (select models only) 29  
       
Adding new locations when traveling  
By default, the only location setting available to the modem is a location setting for the country in which  
you purchased the computer. As you travel to different countries, set the internal modem to a location  
setting that meets the operating standards of the country in which you are using the modem.  
As you add new location settings, they are saved by the computer so that you can switch among settings  
at any time. You can add multiple location settings for any country.  
CAUTION: To prevent losing your home country settings, do not delete your current modem country  
settings. To enable modem use in other countries while preserving your home country configuration,  
add a new configuration for each location in which you will use the modem.  
CAUTION: To prevent configuring the modem in a way that violates the telecommunications  
regulations and laws of the country you are visiting, select the country in which the computer is located.  
The modem may not function properly if the correct country selection is not made.  
To add a location setting for the modem, follow these steps:  
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections.  
2. In the left side panel, click Phone and Modem Options.  
3. Click the Dialing Rules tab.  
4. Click New. (The New Location window is displayed.)  
5. In the Location name box, type a name (such as “home” or “work”) for the new location setting.  
6. Select a country or region from the Country/region drop-down 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 by  
default.)  
7. Click OK to save your new location setting. (The Phone and Modem Options window is displayed.)  
8. Do one of the following:  
To set your new location setting as the current location, click OK.  
To select another location setting as the current location setting, select your preference from  
the settings in the Location list, and then click OK.  
NOTE: You can use the preceding procedure to add location settings for places within your own  
country as well as in other countries. For example, you could add a setting named “Work” that  
includes dialing rules for accessing an outside line.  
30 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network  
 
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. A telephone line described as a data line, fax machine line, modem line, or  
standard telephone line is usually an analog line.  
Check for pulse or tone dialing.  
An analog telephone line supports one of two dialing modes: pulse dialing or tone dialing. These  
dialing mode options are selected in the Phone and Modem Options settings. The dialing mode  
option selected must match the dialing mode supported by the telephone line in your location.  
To determine the dialing mode supported by a telephone line, dial a few digits on the telephone,  
and then listen for clicks (pulses) or tones. Clicks indicate that the telephone line supports pulse  
dialing. Tones indicate that the telephone line supports tone dialing.  
To change the dialing mode in your current modem location setting, follow these steps:  
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections.  
2. In the left side panel, click Phone and Modem Options.  
3. Click the Dialing Rules tab.  
4. Select your modem location setting.  
5. Click Edit.  
6. Click either Tone or Pulse.  
7. Click OK twice.  
Check the telephone number you are dialing and the response of the remote modem.  
Dial a telephone number, make sure there is a response from the remote modem, and then hang  
up.  
Set the modem to ignore dial tones.  
If the modem receives a dial tone it does not recognize, it does not dial and displays a “No Dial  
Tone” error message.  
To set the modem to ignore all dial tones before dialing, follow these steps:  
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections.  
2. In the left side panel, click Phone and Modem Options.  
3. Click the Modems tab.  
4. Click the listing for the modem.  
5. Click Properties.  
6. Click Modem.  
Using the modem (select models only) 31  
 
7. Clear the check box for Wait for dial tone before dialing.  
8. Click OK twice.  
Using preinstalled communication software  
To use preinstalled modem software for terminal emulation and data transfer:  
1. Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > Communications.  
2. Click a fax or terminal emulation program or Internet connection wizard.  
32 Chapter 2 Wireless, modem, and local area network  
 
Connecting to a local area network (LAN)  
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) requires an 8-pin, RJ-45 network cable (not included). If the  
network cable contains noise suppression circuitry (1), which prevents interference from TV and radio  
reception, orient the circuitry end of the cable (2) toward the computer.  
To connect the network cable:  
1. Plug the network cable into the network jack (1) on the computer.  
2. Plug the other end of the 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 or telephone cable into the RJ-45 (network) jack.  
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) 33  
   
3 Pointing devices and keyboard  
Using pointing devices  
Setting pointing device preferences  
Use Mouse Properties in Windows to customize settings for pointing devices, such as button  
configuration, click speed, and pointer options.  
To access Mouse Properties, select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Mouse.  
Using the TouchPad  
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.  
NOTE: If you are using the TouchPad to move the pointer, you must lift your finger off the TouchPad  
before moving it to the scroll zone. Simply sliding your finger from the TouchPad to the scroll zone will  
not activate the scrolling function.  
Using the pointing stick  
Press the pointing stick in the direction you want to move the pointer on the screen. Use the left and  
right pointing stick buttons as you would the left and right buttons on an external mouse.  
Connecting an external mouse  
You can connect an external USB mouse to the computer using one of the USB ports on the computer.  
A USB mouse can also be connected to the system using the ports on an optional docking device.  
Using the keyboard  
Using hotkeys  
Hotkeys are combinations of the fn key (1) and either the esc key (2) or one of the function keys (3).  
The icons on the f3, f4, and f8 through f11 keys represent the hotkey functions. Hotkey functions and  
procedures are discussed in the following sections.  
34 Chapter 3 Pointing devices and keyboard  
                           
Function  
Hotkey  
Display system information.  
Initiate Standby.  
fn+esc  
fn+f3  
Switch the screen image.  
Display battery information.  
Decrease screen brightness.  
Increase screen brightness.  
Activate the ambient light sensor.  
fn+f4  
fn+f8  
fn+f9  
fn+f10  
fn+f11  
To use a hotkey command on the computer keyboard, follow either of these steps:  
Briefly press the fn key, and then briefly press the second key of the hotkey command.  
– or –  
Press and hold down the fn key, briefly press the second key of the hotkey command, and then  
release both keys at the same time.  
Displaying system information  
Press fn+esc to display information about system hardware components and the system BIOS version  
number.  
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.  
Using the keyboard 35  
     
Initiating Standby  
Press fn+f3 to initiate Standby.  
When Standby is initiated, your information is stored in memory, the screen is cleared, and power is  
conserved. While the computer is in Standby, the power lights blink.  
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of information loss, save your work before initiating Standby.  
The computer must be on before you can initiate Standby.  
NOTE: If a critical battery level occurs while the computer is in Standby, the computer initiates  
Hibernation and the information stored in memory is saved to the hard drive. The factory setting for  
critical battery action is Hibernate, but this setting can be changed in advanced power settings.  
To exit Standby, briefly press the power button.  
The function of the fn+f3 hotkey can be changed. For example, you can set the fn+f3 hotkey to initiate  
Hibernation instead of Standby.  
NOTE: In all Windows operating system windows, references to the sleep button apply to the fn+f3  
hotkey.  
36 Chapter 3 Pointing devices and keyboard  
   
Switching the screen image  
Press fn+f4 to switch the screen image among display devices connected to the system. For example,  
if a monitor is connected to the computer, pressing fn+f4 alternates the screen image from computer  
display to monitor display to simultaneous display on both the computer and the monitor.  
Most external monitors receive video information from the computer using the external VGA video  
standard. The fn+f4 hotkey can also alternate images among other devices receiving video information  
from the computer.  
The following video transmission types, with examples of devices that use them, are supported by the  
fn+f4 hotkey:  
LCD (computer display)  
External VGA (most external monitors)  
HDMI (televisions, camcorders, DVD players, VCRs, and video capture cards with HDMI ports)  
Composite video (televisions, camcorders, DVD players, VCRs, and video capture cards with  
composite-video-in jacks)  
NOTE: Composite video devices can be connected to the system only by using an optional  
docking device.  
Using the keyboard 37  
         
Viewing battery charge information  
Press fn+f8 to display charge information for all installed batteries. The display indicates which batteries  
are charging and reports the amount of charge remaining in each battery.  
38 Chapter 3 Pointing devices and keyboard  
   
Decreasing screen brightness  
Press fn+f9 to decrease screen brightness. Hold down the hotkey to decrease the brightness level  
incrementally.  
Increasing screen brightness  
Press fn+f10 to increase screen brightness. Hold down the hotkey to increase the brightness level  
incrementally.  
Activating the ambient light sensor  
Press fn+f11 to activate and deactivate the ambient light sensor.  
Using the keyboard 39  
           
Using HP Quick Launch Buttons  
The HP Quick Launch Buttons enable you to quickly open programs, files, or Web sites you use  
frequently. You can use the factory settings, which are described in the following table. Or you can  
reprogram the buttons by opening the Q Menu in the Quick Launch Buttons control panel.  
The Quick Launch Buttons include the QuickLook button (1), the QuickWeb button (2), and the calculator  
button (3).  
The following table describes the factory settings for the Quick Launch Buttons.  
NOTE: Button functions vary, depending on the software installed on your computer.  
Component  
Description  
(1)  
QuickLook button  
When the computer is powered off, pressing the QuickLook  
button will launch HP QuickLook.  
When the computer is powered on, pressing the QuickLook  
button will launch Software Setup. If Software Setup is not  
available, the default e-mail client will be launched.  
(2)  
(3)  
QuickWeb button  
Calculator button  
When the computer is powered off, pressing the QuickWeb  
button will launch QuickWeb.  
When the computer is powered on, pressing the QuickWeb  
button will launch the default Web browser.  
Launches the Windows calculator.  
40 Chapter 3 Pointing devices and keyboard  
       
Opening the Quick Launch Buttons control panel  
You can open the HP Quick Launch Buttons control panel in any of the following ways:  
Select Start > Control Panel > Printers and Other Hardware > Quick Launch Buttons.  
Double-click the HP Quick Launch Buttons icon in the notification area, at the far right of the  
taskbar.  
Right-click the HP Quick Launch Buttons icon in the notification area, and click Adjust HP Quick  
Launch Buttons Properties.  
NOTE: On some models, an icon is displayed on the desktop.  
Opening the Quick Launch Buttons control panel 41  
 
Using HP QuickLook  
QuickLook allows you to save calendar, contact, inbox, and task information from Microsoft Outlook to  
the hard drive of your computer. Then, when the computer is off, you can press the QuickLook button  
on the computer to view this information without waiting for the operating system to restart.  
Use QuickLook to manage contact information, calendar events, e-mail information, and tasks without  
restarting your computer.  
For more information about setting up and using QuickLook, refer to the QuickLook software Help.  
42 Chapter 3 Pointing devices and keyboard  
 
Using HP QuickWeb  
QuickWeb is an instant-on environment that is separate from your Windows operating system.  
QuickWeb allows you to rapidly access a Web browser without the need to start Windows. For  
information about setting up and using QuickWeb, refer to the QuickWeb software Help.  
Using the integrated numeric keypad  
Using an optional external numeric keypad  
Keys on most external numeric keypads function differently according to whether num lock is on or off.  
(Num lock is turned off at the factory.) For example:  
When num lock is on, most keypad keys type numbers.  
When num lock is off, most keypad keys function like the arrow, page up, or page down keys.  
When num lock on an external keypad is turned on, the num lock light on the computer is turned on.  
When num lock on an external keypad is turned off, the num lock light on the computer is turned off.  
To turn num lock on or off on an external keypad as you work:  
Press the num lk key on the external keypad, not on the computer.  
Using HP QuickWeb 43  
         
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard  
Dirt and grease on the TouchPad can cause the pointer to jump around on the screen. To avoid this,  
clean the TouchPad with a damp cloth, and wash your hands frequently when using the computer.  
WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to internal components, do not use a  
vacuum cleaner attachment to clean the keyboard. A vacuum cleaner can deposit household debris on  
the keyboard surface.  
Clean the keyboard regularly to prevent keys from sticking and to remove dust, lint, and particles that  
can become trapped beneath the keys. A can of compressed air with a straw extension can be used to  
blow air around and under the keys to loosen and remove debris.  
44 Chapter 3 Pointing devices and keyboard  
 
4 Multimedia  
Multimedia features  
Your computer includes multimedia features that allow you to listen to music, watch movies, and view  
pictures. Your computer may include the following multimedia components:  
Optical drive for playing audio and video discs  
Integrated speakers for listening to music  
Integrated microphone for recording your own audio  
Integrated webcam that allows you to capture and share video  
Preinstalled multimedia software that allows you to play and manage your music, movies, and  
pictures  
Hotkeys that provide fast access to multimedia tasks  
NOTE: Your computer may not include all of the components listed.  
The following sections explain how to identify and use the multimedia components included with your  
computer.  
Adjusting the volume  
You can adjust the volume using the following controls:  
Computer volume buttons:  
To mute or restore volume, press the mute button (1).  
To decrease volume, press and hold or tap the volume down button (2) until the desired  
volume level is reached.  
Multimedia features 45  
           
To increase volume, press and hold or tap the volume up button (3) until the desired volume  
level is reached.  
Windows volume control:  
a. Click the Volume icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.  
b. Increase or decrease the volume by moving the slider up or down. Select the Mute check box  
to mute the volume.  
– or –  
a. Double-click the Volume icon in the notification area.  
b. In the Speakers column, you can increase or decrease the volume by moving the Volume  
slider up or down. You can also adjust the balance or mute the volume.  
If the Volume icon is not displayed in the notification area, follow these steps to add it:  
a. Select Start > Control Panel > Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices > Sounds and Audio  
Devices > Volume tab.  
b. Select the Place volume icon in the taskbar check box.  
c. Click Apply.  
Program volume control:  
Volume can also be adjusted within some programs.  
Multimedia software  
The computer includes preinstalled multimedia software. Some computer models also include additional  
multimedia software on an optical disc.  
Depending on the hardware and software included with the computer, the following multimedia tasks  
may be supported:  
Playing digital media, including audio and video CDs, audio and video DVDs, and Internet radio  
Creating or copying data CDs  
46 Chapter 4 Multimedia  
 
Creating, editing, and burning audio CDs  
Creating, editing, and burning a video or movie to a DVD or video CD  
CAUTION: To prevent loss of information or damage to a disc, observe the following guidelines:  
Before writing to a disc, connect the computer to a reliable external power source. Do not write to a disc  
while the computer is running on battery power.  
Before writing to a disc, close all open programs except the disc software you are using.  
Do not copy directly from a source disc to a destination disc or from a network drive to a destination  
disc. Instead, copy from a source disc or network drive to your hard drive, and then copy from your hard  
drive to the destination disc.  
Do not use the computer keyboard or move the computer while the computer is writing to a disc. The  
write process is sensitive to vibration.  
NOTE: For information about using software included with the computer, refer to the software  
manufacturer's instructions that may be provided on disc, as online Help files, or on the software  
manufacturer's Web site.  
Accessing your preinstalled multimedia software  
To access your preinstalled multimedia software:  
Select Start > All Programs, and then open the multimedia program you want to use.  
NOTE: Some programs may be located in subfolders.  
NOTE: For details about using software included with the computer, refer to the software  
manufacturer’s instructions, which may be provided with the software, on disc, or on the manufacturer’s  
Web site.  
Installing your preloaded multimedia software  
To install preloaded software from your hard drive, select Start > All Programs > HP Software  
Setup, and then follow the instructions on the screen.  
Installing multimedia software from a disc  
1. Insert the disc into the optical drive.  
2. When the installation wizard opens, follow the on-screen instructions.  
3. Restart the computer if prompted to do so.  
Multimedia software 47  
         
Audio  
Your computer enables you to use a variety of audio features:  
Play music using your computer speakers and/or connected external speakers  
Record sound using the internal microphone or connect an external microphone  
Download music from the Internet  
Create multimedia presentations using audio and images  
Transmit sound and images with instant messaging programs  
Stream radio programs (select models only) or receive FM radio signals  
Create or “burn” audio CDs (select models only)  
Connecting external audio devices  
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.  
To connect external devices such as external speakers, headphones, or a microphone, refer to the  
information provided with the device. For best results, remember the following tips:  
Be sure that the device cable is securely connected to the correct jack on your computer. (Cable  
connectors are normally color-coded to match the corresponding jacks on the computer.)  
Be sure to install any drivers required by the external device.  
NOTE: A driver is a required program that acts like a translator between the device and the  
programs that use the device.  
Checking your audio functions  
To check the system sound on your computer, follow these steps:  
1. Right-click the Volume icon on the taskbar, and then select Sounds.  
– or –  
Select Start > Control Panel > Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices > Sounds and Audio  
Devices.  
2. When the Sounds and Audio Devices Properties window opens, click the Sounds tab. Under  
Program events, select any sound event, such as a beep or alarm, and then click the right arrow  
icon next to the listed sound.  
You should hear sound through the speakers or through connected headphones.  
To check the record functions of the computer, follow these steps:  
1. Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > Entertainment > Sound Recorder.  
2. Click Record and speak into the microphone. Save the file to your desktop.  
3. Open Windows Media Player and play back the sound.  
48 Chapter 4 Multimedia  
         
NOTE: For best results when recording, speak directly into the microphone and record sound in a  
setting free of background noise.  
To confirm or change the audio settings on your computer, right-click the Sound icon on the  
taskbar, or select Start > Control Panel > Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices > Sounds and  
Audio Devices.  
Audio 49  
Video  
Your computer enables you to use a variety of video features:  
Watch movies  
Play games over the Internet  
Edit pictures and video to create presentations  
Connect external video devices  
Connecting an external monitor or projector  
Your computer has both an external monitor port and a DisplayPort that allow you to connect external  
monitors and projectors.  
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.  
NOTE: If a properly connected external display device does not display an image, press fn+f4 to  
transfer the image to the device. Repeatedly pressing fn+f4 alternates the screen image between the  
computer display and the device.  
Using the DisplayPort  
The DisplayPort connects a digital display device such as a high-performance monitor or projector. The  
DisplayPort delivers higher performance over the VGA external monitor port and improves digital  
connectivity.  
50 Chapter 4 Multimedia  
         
To connect a digital display device, connect the device cable to the DisplayPort.  
NOTE: If a properly connected external display device does not display an image, press fn+f4 to  
transfer the image to the device. Repeatedly pressing fn+f4 alternates the screen image between  
the computer display and the device.  
To disconnect a digital display device, press the release button.  
Using the DreamColor display (select models only)  
Computer models with the HP DreamColor display include the preinstalled HP Mobile Display Assistant  
software. You can use this program to adjust display color settings such as preset color space, white  
point/color temperature, and luminance/brightness.  
To access Mobile Display Assistant, click the Mobile Display Assistant icon in the notification area,  
at the far right of the taskbar, or select Start > All Programs > HP > Mobile Display Assistant.  
For more information on using Mobile Display Assistant, refer to the software Help.  
Video 51  
 
Optical drive (select models only)  
Depending on the type of optical drive and software installed in your computer, the optical drive plays,  
copies, and creates CDs or DVDs.  
Identifying the installed optical drive  
Select Start > My Computer.  
The type of optical drive installed in the computer is displayed under Devices with Removable  
Storage.  
Using optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs)  
An optical drive, such as a DVD-ROM drive, supports optical discs (CDs and DVDs). These discs store  
information, such as music, photos, and movies. DVDs have a higher storage capacity than CDs.  
Your optical drive can read standard CD and DVD discs. If your optical drive is a Blu-ray Disc (BD) drive,  
it can also read BDs.  
NOTE: Some of the optical drives listed may not be supported by your computer. The listed drives are  
not necessarily all of the supported optical drives.  
Some optical drives can also write to optical discs as described in the following table.  
Optical drive type  
Write to CD-  
RW  
Write to DVD  
±RW/R  
Write to DVD±R DL  
Write label to  
LightScribe CD or  
DVD ±RW/R  
Write to BD R/RE  
DVD-ROM Drive  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
DVD±R SuperMulti  
DL LightScribe  
Drive*†  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Blu-ray ROM DVD±R  
SuperMulti DL Drive*  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
No  
No  
Blu-ray R/RE DVD+/-  
RW SuperMulti DL  
Drive*  
Yes  
*Double-layer discs can store more data than single-layer discs. However, double-layer discs burned with this drive may not  
be compatible with many single-layer DVD drivers and players.  
LightScribe discs must be purchased separately. LightScribe creates a grayscale image similar to black-and-white  
photography.  
CAUTION: To prevent possible audio and video degradation, loss of information, or loss of audio or  
video playback functionality, do not initiate Standby or Hibernation while reading a CD, DVD, or BD, or  
writing to a CD or DVD.  
Selecting the right disc (CDs, DVDs, and BDs)  
An optical drive supports optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs). CDs, used to store digital data, are also  
used for commercial audio recordings and are convenient for your personal storage needs. DVDs and  
52 Chapter 4 Multimedia  
                   
BDs are used primarily for movies, software, and data backup purposes. DVDs and BDs are the same  
form factor as CDs, but have a much higher storage capacity.  
NOTE: The optical drive on your computer may not support all the types of optical discs discussed in  
this section.  
CD-R discs  
Use CD-R (write-once) discs to create permanent archives and to share files with virtually anyone.  
Typical uses include the following:  
Distributing large presentations  
Sharing scanned and digital photos, video clips, and written data  
Making your own music CDs  
Keeping permanent archives of computer files and scanned home records  
Offloading files from your hard drive to free up disk space  
After data is recorded, it cannot be erased or written over.  
CD-RW discs  
Use a CD-RW disc (a rewritable version of a CD) to store large projects that must be updated frequently.  
Typical uses include the following:  
Developing and maintaining large documents and project files  
Transporting work files  
Making weekly backups of hard drive files  
Updating photos, video, audio, and data continuously  
DVD±R discs  
Use blank DVD±R discs to permanently store large amounts of information. After data is recorded, it  
cannot be erased or written over.  
DVD±RW discs  
Use DVD±RW discs if you want to be able to erase or write over data that you saved earlier. This type  
of disc is ideal for testing audio or video recordings before you burn them to a CD or DVD that cannot  
be changed.  
LightScribe DVD+R discs  
Use LightScribe DVD+R discs for sharing and storing data, home videos, and photos. These discs are  
read-compatible with most DVD-ROM drives and DVD video players. With a LightScribe-enabled drive  
and LightScribe software, you can write data to the disc and then add a designer label to the outside of  
the disc.  
Blu-ray Discs (BDs)  
BD is a high-density optical disc format for the storage of digital information, including high-definition  
video. A single-layer Blu-ray Disc can store 25 GB, over 5 times the storage capacity of a single-layer  
Optical drive (select models only) 53  
           
DVD at 4.7 GB. A dual-layer Blu-ray Disc can store 50 GB, almost 6 times the storage capacity of a  
dual-layer DVD at 8.5 GB.  
Typical uses include the following:  
Storage of large amounts of data  
High-definition video playback and storage  
Video games  
Your computer may have either a BD ROM drive or a BD R/RE drive. BD ROM is a read-only format,  
while the BD R/RE formats allow you to write to BDs.  
NOTE: As Blu-ray is a new format containing new technologies, certain disc, digital connection,  
compatibility and/or performance issues may arise, and do not constitute defects in the product. Flawless  
playback on all systems is not guaranteed.  
Playing a CD, DVD, or BD  
1. Turn on the computer.  
2. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the disc tray.  
3. Pull out the tray (2).  
4. Hold the disc by the edges to avoid touching the flat surfaces and position the disc label-side up  
over the tray spindle.  
NOTE: If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully to position it over the spindle.  
5. Gently press the disc (3) down onto the tray spindle until the disc snaps into place.  
6. Close the disc tray.  
If you have not yet configured AutoPlay, as described in the following section, an AutoPlay dialog box  
opens. It prompts you to select how you want to use the media content.  
NOTE: For best results, be sure that your AC adapter is plugged into an external power source while  
playing a BD.  
54 Chapter 4 Multimedia  
   
Configuring AutoPlay  
1. Select Start > My Computer.  
2. Right-click the device (such as CD-ROM drive), and then click Properties.  
3. Click the AutoPlay tab, and then select one of the available actions.  
4. Click OK.  
NOTE: For more information about AutoPlay, refer to Help and Support.  
Changing DVD region settings  
Most DVDs that contain copyrighted files also contain region codes. The region codes help protect  
copyrights internationally.  
You can play a DVD containing a region code only if the region code on the DVD matches the region  
setting on your DVD drive.  
CAUTION: The region settings 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 DVD drive.  
The number of region changes remaining is displayed on the DVD Region tab.  
To change settings through the operating system:  
1. Select Start > My Computer.  
2. Right-click in the window and select Properties > Hardware tab > Device Manager.  
3. Click the plus sign (+) next to DVD/CD-ROM drives, right-click the DVD drive for which you want  
to change region settings, and then click Properties.  
4. Make the desired changes on the DVD Region tab.  
5. Click OK.  
Observing the copyright warning  
It is a criminal offense, under applicable copyright laws, to make unauthorized copies of copyright-  
protected material, including computer programs, films, broadcasts, and sound recordings. Do not use  
this computer for such purposes.  
Copying a CD, DVD, or BD  
1. Select Start > All Programs > Roxio > Creator Business.  
2. In the right pane, click Copy Disc.  
3. Insert the disc you want to copy into the optical drive.  
4. Click Copy at the bottom right of the screen.  
Creator Business reads the source disc and copies the data to a temporary folder on your hard  
drive.  
5. When prompted, remove the source disc from the optical drive and insert a blank disc into the drive.  
Optical drive (select models only) 55  
             
After the information is copied, the disc you created is ejected automatically.  
Creating (burning) a CD, DVD, or BD  
CAUTION: Observe the copyright warning. It is a criminal offense, under applicable copyright laws,  
to make unauthorized copies of copyright-protected material, including computer programs, films,  
broadcasts, and sound recordings. Do not use this computer for such purposes.  
If your optical drive is a CD-RW, DVD-RW, or DVD±RW optical drive, you can use software such as  
Windows Media Player to burn data and audio files, including MP3 and WAV music files. To burn video  
files to a CD or DVD, use MyDVD.  
Observe the following guidelines when burning a CD or DVD:  
Before burning a disc, save and close any open files and close all programs.  
A CD-R or DVD-R is usually best for burning audio files because after the information is copied, it  
cannot be changed.  
Because some home and car stereos will not play CD-RWs, use CD-Rs to burn music CDs.  
A CD-RW or DVD-RW is generally best for burning data files or for testing audio or video recordings  
before you burn them to a CD or DVD that cannot be changed.  
DVD players used in home systems usually do not support all DVD formats. Refer to the user guide  
that came with your DVD player for a list of supported formats.  
An MP3 file uses less space than other music file formats, and the process for creating an MP3  
disc is the same as the process for creating a data file. MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players  
or on computers with MP3 software installed.  
To burn a CD or DVD, follow these steps:  
1. Download or copy the source files into a folder on your hard drive.  
2. Insert a blank disc into the optical drive (select models only) or an optional external optical drive.  
3. Select Start > All Programs and the name of the software you want to use.  
4. Select the kind of disc you want to create—data, audio, or video.  
5. Right-click Start, click Explore, and navigate to the folder where the source files are stored.  
6. Open the folder, and then drag the files to the drive that contains the blank optical disc.  
7. Initiate the burning process as directed by the program you have selected.  
For specific instructions, refer to the software manufacturer's instructions. These instructions may be  
provided with the software, on disc, or on the manufacturer's Web site.  
Removing an optical disc (CD, DVD, or BD)  
1. 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.  
56 Chapter 4 Multimedia  
     
2. 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.  
3. Close the disc tray and place the disc in a protective case.  
Troubleshooting  
The following sections describe several common issues and resolutions.  
The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD, DVD, or BD  
1. Insert the end of a paper clip (1) into the release access in the front bezel of the drive.  
2. Press in gently on the paper clip until the disc tray is released, and then pull out the tray (2) until it  
stops.  
Optical drive (select models only) 57  
     
3. 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.  
4. Close the disc tray and place the disc in a protective case.  
The computer does not detect the optical drive  
If Windows does not detect an attached device, the device driver software may be missing or corrupted.  
If you suspect that the DVD/CD-ROM drive is not being detected, verify that the optical drive is listed in  
the Device Manager utility.  
1. Remove any discs from the optical drive.  
2. Select Start > My Computer.  
3. Right-click in the window and select Properties > Hardware tab, and then click Device  
Manager.  
4. In the Device Manager window, click the plus sign (+) next to DVD/CD-ROM drives, unless a minus  
sign (-) is already showing. Look for an optical drive listing.  
If the drive is not listed, install (or reinstall) the device driver as instructed in the section "A device  
driver must be reinstalled."  
A disc does not play  
Save your work and close all open programs before playing a CD, DVD, or BD.  
Log off the Internet before playing a CD, DVD, or BD.  
Be sure that you insert the disc properly.  
58 Chapter 4 Multimedia  
       
Be sure that the disc is clean. If necessary, clean the disc with filtered water and a lint-free cloth.  
Wipe from the center of the disc to the outer edge.  
Check the disc for scratches. If you find scratches, treat the disc with an optical disc repair kit  
available at many electronics stores.  
Disable Standby before playing a disc.  
Do not initiate Hibernation or Standby while playing a disc. Otherwise, you may see a warning  
message asking if you want to continue. If this message is displayed, click No. After you click No,  
the computer may behave in either of the following ways:  
Playback may resume.  
– or –  
The playback window in the multimedia program may close. To return to playing the disc, click  
the Play button in your multimedia program to restart the disc. In rare cases, you may need  
to exit the program and then restart it.  
Increase system resources:  
Turn off external devices such as printers and scanners. Disconnecting these devices frees up  
valuable system resources and results in better playback performance.  
Change desktop color properties. Because the human eye cannot easily tell the difference between  
colors beyond 16 bits, you should not notice any loss of color while watching a movie if you lower system  
color properties to 16-bit color, as follows:  
1. Right-click anywhere on the desktop except on an icon, and then select Properties > Settings.  
2. Set Color quality to Medium (16 bit).  
A disc does not play automatically  
1. Click Start > My Computer.  
2. Right-click the device (such as CD-ROM drive), and then click Properties.  
3. Click the AutoPlay tab, and then select one of the available actions.  
4. Click OK.  
A CD, DVD, or BD should now start automatically when it is inserted into the optical drive.  
NOTE: For more information about AutoPlay, refer to Help and Support.  
A movie stops, skips, or plays erratically  
Check to be sure the disc is not scratched or damaged.  
Clean the disc.  
Conserve system resources by trying the following suggestions:  
Log off the Internet.  
Change the color properties of the desktop:  
1. Right-click on a blank area of the computer desktop, and select Properties > Settings.  
Optical drive (select models only) 59  
       
2. Set Color quality to Medium (16 bit), if this setting is not already selected.  
Disconnect external devices, such as a printer, scanner, camera, or handheld device.  
A movie is not visible on an external display  
1. If both the computer display and an external display are turned on, press fn+f4 one or more times  
to switch between the two displays.  
2. Configure the monitor settings to make the external display primary:  
a. Right-click on a blank area of the computer desktop, and select Properties > Settings.  
b. Specify a primary display and a secondary display.  
NOTE: When using both displays, the DVD image will not appear on any display designated as  
the secondary display.  
To get information about a multimedia question not covered in this guide, select Start > Help and  
Support.  
The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion  
Be sure that all other programs are closed.  
Turn off Standby and Hibernation.  
Be sure that you are using the right kind of disc for your drive. See your user guides for more  
information about disc types.  
Be sure that the disc is inserted properly.  
Select a slower write speed and try again.  
If you are copying a disc, save the information on the source disc to your hard drive before trying  
to burn the contents to a new disc, and then burn from your hard drive.  
Reinstall the disc-burning device driver located in the DVD/CD-ROM drives category in Device  
Manager.  
A device driver must be reinstalled  
Obtaining the latest HP device drivers  
Follow either of the following procedures to obtain HP device drivers.  
To use the HP Update Utility:  
1. Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Update.  
2. On the HP Welcome screen, click Settings, and then select a time when the utility should check  
for software updates on the Web.  
3. Click Next to immediately check for HP software updates.  
60 Chapter 4 Multimedia  
               
To use the HP Web site:  
1. Open your Internet browser, go to http://www.hp.com/support, and select your country or region.  
2. Click the option for software and driver downloads, and then type your computer model number in  
the product box.  
3. Press enter, and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
Obtaining Microsoft device drivers  
You can obtain the latest Windows device drivers by using Microsoft® Update. This Windows feature  
can be set to automatically check for and install updates for your hardware drivers, as well as for the  
Windows operating system and other Microsoft products.  
To use Microsoft Update:  
1. Open your Internet browser, go to http://www.microsoft.com, and click Security & Updates.  
2. Click Microsoft Update to get the latest updates for your computer operating system, programs,  
and hardware.  
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Microsoft Update.  
4. Click Change settings and select a time for Microsoft Update to check for updates to the Windows  
operating system and other Microsoft products.  
5. If prompted to do so, restart your computer.  
Optical drive (select models only) 61  
   
Webcam  
NOTE: This section describes features that are common to most models. Some features may not be  
available on your computer.  
Your computer includes an integrated webcam, located at the top of the display. With the preinstalled  
software, you can use the webcam to take a photo, record a video, or make an audio recording. You  
can preview the photo, video recording, or audio recording, and save it on your computer hard drive.  
To access the webcam and HP Webcam software, select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Webcam.  
The webcam software enables you to experiment with the following features:  
Video—Record and play back webcam video.  
Audio—Record and play back audio.  
Streaming video—Use with instant message software solutions that support UVC (Universal Video  
Class) cameras.  
Snapshots—Take still photos.  
HP Business Card Reader (select models only)—Use to transform business cards into a usable  
database of contact information.  
Webcam tips  
For optimum performance, observe the following guidelines while using the webcam:  
Be sure that you have the latest version of an instant message program before starting a video  
conversation.  
The webcam may not work properly across some network firewalls.  
NOTE: If you are having trouble viewing or sending multimedia files to someone on another LAN  
or outside your network firewall, temporarily disable the firewall, perform the task you want to  
perform, and then reenable the firewall. To permanently resolve the problem, reconfigure the  
firewall as necessary, and adjust the policies and settings of other intrusion detection systems. For  
additional information, contact your network administrator or IT department.  
Whenever possible, place bright light sources behind the webcam and out of the picture area.  
NOTE: For details about using your webcam, click the Help menu in the webcam software Help.  
Adjusting webcam properties  
You can adjust the following webcam properties:  
Brightness—Controls the amount of light that is incorporated into the image. A higher brightness  
setting creates a brighter image; a lower brightness setting creates a darker image.  
Contrast—Controls the difference between lighter and darker areas on the image. A higher  
contrast setting intensifies the image; a lower contrast setting maintains more of the original  
information’s dynamic range, but leads to a flatter image.  
Hue—Controls the aspect of color that distinguishes it from another color (what makes a color red,  
green, or blue). Hue is distinct from saturation, which measures the intensity of the hue.  
62 Chapter 4 Multimedia  
         
Saturation—Controls the strength of color in the final image. A higher saturation setting creates a  
bolder image; a lower saturation setting creates a more subtle image.  
Sharpness—Controls the definition of edges in an image. A higher sharpness setting creates a  
more defined image; a lower sharpness setting creates a softer image.  
Gamma—Controls the contrast affecting the mid-level grays or midtones of an image. Adjusting  
the gamma of an image allows you to change the brightness values of the middle range of gray  
tones without dramatically altering the shadows and highlights. A lower gamma setting makes  
grays look black, and makes dark colors even darker.  
Backlight Compensation—Compensates in cases where a subject with a large amount of  
background light would otherwise be obscured by blooming or silhouetting.  
NightMode—Compensates for low-light conditions.  
Zoom (select models only)—Adjusts the zoom percentage for taking photos or recording videos.  
Horizontal or vertical—Rotates the image horizontally or vertically.  
50Hz or 60Hz—Adjusts the shutter speed to achieve a video recording that does not flicker.  
Customizable preset profiles for multiple lighting conditions compensate for the following lighting  
conditions: incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, sunny, cloudy, night.  
Capturing business card images  
You can use the webcam with the HP Business Card Reader program to capture business card images  
and export the text to many types of address book software, such as Microsoft® Outlook Contacts.  
To capture a business card image:  
1. Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Business Card Reader.  
2. To capture one business card, select Single Scan.  
– or –  
To capture multiple business cards, select Multi Scan.  
The Preview window opens.  
Webcam 63  
   
3. Insert a business card into the business card slot on the front of the computer (1) and slide the card  
to the right (2) to center it under the webcam.  
NOTE: If any text is obscured by the slot, rotate the card 180 degrees, with the text facing the  
webcam.  
4. Slowly lower the display (1) until the webcam light (2) blinks and you hear a sound, which indicates  
that the webcam is now in focus.  
The webcam turns on, and the scanning process starts immediately. You will hear a camera shutter  
sound when the image is captured, and the information from the card is filled in the fields  
automatically.  
64 Chapter 4 Multimedia  
5. If you are capturing multiple business card images, remove the business card and insert another  
one. The webcam light turns on when the card is in focus. The webcam then captures the business  
card image and the webcam light turns off.  
Repeat this step for additional business cards.  
NOTE: Do not move or raise the display until you have finished capturing all of the business  
cards.  
6. When you have finished capturing one or more business card images, remove the business card  
from the slot and raise the display.  
7. Review the data captured by Business Card Reader to be sure that it is complete.  
For more information on using the Business Card Reader, refer to the software Help.  
Webcam 65  
5 Power management  
Setting power options  
Using power-saving states  
The computer has two power-saving states enabled at the factory: Standby and Hibernation.  
When Standby is initiated, the power lights blink and the screen clears. Your work is saved to memory.  
Exiting Standby is faster than exiting Hibernation. If the computer is in Standby for an extended period  
or if the battery reaches a critical battery level while in Standby, the computer initiates Hibernation.  
When Hibernation is initiated, your work is saved to a hibernation file on the hard drive and the computer  
turns off.  
CAUTION: To prevent possible audio and video degradation, loss of audio or video playback  
functionality, or loss of information, do not initiate Standby or Hibernation while reading from or writing  
to a disc or an external media card.  
NOTE: You cannot initiate any type of networking connection or perform any computer functions while  
the computer is in Standby or in Hibernation.  
NOTE: When HP 3D DriveGuard has parked a drive, the computer will not initiate Standby or  
Hibernation, and the display will be turned off.  
Initiating and exiting Standby  
The system is set at the factory to initiate Standby after 10 minutes of inactivity when running on battery  
power and 25 minutes of inactivity when running on external power.  
Power settings and timeouts can be changed using Power Options in Windows Control Panel.  
With the computer on, you can initiate Standby in any of the following ways:  
Press fn+f3.  
Click Start > Turn Off Computer > Stand By.  
If Stand by is not displayed, follow these steps:  
a. Click the down arrow.  
b. Select Stand by from the list.  
c. Click OK.  
66 Chapter 5 Power management  
           
To exit Standby:  
Briefly press the power button..  
When the computer exits Standby, the power lights turn on and your work returns to the screen  
where you stopped working.  
NOTE: If you have set a password to be required when the computer exits Standby, you must enter  
your Windows password before your work will return to the screen.  
Initiating and exiting Hibernation  
The system is set at the factory to initiate Hibernation after 30 minutes of inactivity when running on  
battery power or when the battery reaches a critical battery level.  
NOTE: The system will not initiate Hibernation when running on external power.  
Power settings and timeouts can be changed using Power Options in Windows Control Panel.  
To initiate Hibernation:  
1. Select Start > Turn Off Computer.  
2. Hold down the shift key and select Hibernate.  
If Hibernate is not displayed, follow these steps:  
a. Click the down arrow.  
b. Select Hibernate from the list.  
c. Click OK.  
To exit Hibernation:  
Briefly press the power button.  
The power lights turn on and your work returns to the screen where you stopped working.  
NOTE: If you have set a password to be required when the computer exits Hibernation, you must enter  
your Windows password before your work will return to the screen.  
Using the Power Meter  
The Power Meter is located in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. The Power Meter  
allows you to quickly access power settings and view the remaining battery charge.  
To access Power Options, right-click the Power Meter icon and select Adjust Power  
Properties.  
To display the percentage of remaining battery charge, double-click the Power Meter icon.  
Different battery meter icons indicate whether the computer is running on battery or external power.  
To remove the Power Meter icon from the notification area, follow these steps:  
1. Right-click the Power Meter icon in the notification area, and then click Adjust Power  
Properties.  
2. Click the Advanced tab.  
Setting power options 67  
     
3. Clear the Always show icon on the taskbar check box.  
4. Click Apply, and then click OK.  
To show the Power Meter icon in the notification area, follow these steps:  
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options.  
2. Click the Advanced tab.  
3. Select the Always show icon on the taskbar check box.  
4. Click Apply, and then click OK.  
NOTE: If you cannot see an icon you have placed in the notification area, click the Show Hidden  
Icons icon (< or <<) in the notification area.  
Using power schemes  
A power scheme is a collection of system settings that manages how the computer uses power. Power  
schemes can help you conserve power and maximize computer performance.  
The following power schemes are available:  
Portable/Laptop (recommended)  
Home/Office Desk  
Presentation  
Always On  
Minimal Power Management  
Max Battery  
You can change the settings of these power plans through Power Options.  
Viewing the current scheme  
Click the Power Meter icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.  
– or –  
Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options.  
Selecting a different power scheme  
Click the Power Meter icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, and then select  
a power scheme from the list.  
– or –  
a. Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options.  
b. Select a power scheme from the Power schemes list.  
c. Click OK.  
68 Chapter 5 Power management  
     
Customizing power schemes  
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options.  
2. Select a power scheme from the Power schemes list.  
3. Modify the Plugged in and Running on batteries settings as needed.  
4. Click OK.  
Setting password protection upon exiting Standby  
To set the computer to prompt for a password when the computer exits Standby, follow these steps:  
1. Right-click the Power Meter icon in the notification area, and then click Adjust Power  
Properties.  
2. Click the Advanced tab.  
3. Select the Prompt for password when computer resumes from standby check box.  
4. Click Apply.  
Setting power options 69  
   
Using external AC power  
External AC power is supplied through one of the following devices:  
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.  
Approved AC adapter  
Optional docking device  
Connect the computer to external AC power under any of the following conditions:  
WARNING! Do not charge the computer battery while you are onboard aircraft.  
When you are charging or calibrating a battery  
When you are installing or modifying system software  
When you are writing information to a CD or DVD  
When you connect the computer to external AC power, the following events occur:  
The battery begins to charge.  
If the computer is turned on, the power meter icon in the notification area changes appearance.  
When you disconnect external AC power, the following events occur:  
The computer switches to battery power.  
The display brightness is automatically decreased to save battery life. To increase display  
brightness, press the fn+f10 hotkey or reconnect the AC adapter.  
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).  
If provided with a 3-pin attachment plug on the power cord, plug the cord into a grounded (earthed) 3-  
pin outlet. Do not disable the power cord grounding pin, for example, by attaching a 2-pin adapter. The  
grounding pin is an important safety feature.  
To connect the computer to external AC power:  
1. Plug the AC adapter into the power connector (1) on the computer.  
2. Plug the power cord into the AC adapter (2).  
70 Chapter 5 Power management  
     
3. Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (3).  
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.  
NOTE: The display brightness is decreased to save battery life when you disconnect AC power. To  
increase display brightness, use the fn+f10 hotkey or reconnect the AC adapter.  
You can keep a battery in the computer or in storage, depending on how you work. Keeping the battery  
in the computer whenever the computer is plugged into AC power charges the battery and also protects  
your work in case of a power outage. However, a battery in the computer slowly discharges when the  
computer is off and unplugged from external 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.  
Computer battery life varies, depending on power management settings, programs running on the  
computer, display brightness, external devices connected to the computer, and other factors.  
Finding battery information in Help and Support  
To locate battery information for your computer, select Start > Help and Support > Learn More About  
Your PC.  
Using Battery Check  
Battery Check provides information on the status of the battery installed in the computer.  
Using battery power 71  
       
To run Battery Check:  
1. Connect the AC adapter to the computer.  
NOTE: The computer must be connected to external power for Battery Check to function properly.  
2. Select Start > Help and Support > Troubleshoot > Power, Thermal and Mechanical, and then  
click the Power tab.  
Battery Check examines the battery and its cells to see if they are functioning properly, and then reports  
the results of the examination.  
Displaying the remaining battery charge  
Double-click the Power Meter icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.  
– or –  
Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options > Power  
Meter tab.  
Most charge indicators report battery status as both a percentage and as the number of minutes of  
charge remaining:  
The percentage indicates the approximate amount of charge remaining in the battery.  
The time indicates the approximate running time remaining on the battery if the battery continues  
to provide power at the current level. For example, the time remaining will decrease when a DVD  
is playing and will increase when a DVD stops playing.  
When a battery is charging, a lightning bolt icon may be superimposed over the battery icon on the  
Power Meter screen.  
Inserting or removing the battery  
CAUTION: Removing a battery that is the sole power source can cause loss of information. To prevent  
loss of information, save your work, and initiate Hibernation or shut down the computer through Windows  
before removing the battery.  
To insert the battery:  
1. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you.  
72 Chapter 5 Power management  
     
2. Insert the battery into the battery bay (1) until it is seated.  
The battery release latch (2) automatically locks the battery into place.  
To remove the battery:  
1. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you.  
2. Slide the battery release latch (1) to release the battery.  
3. Remove the battery (2).  
Charging a battery  
WARNING! Do not charge the computer battery while you are onboard aircraft.  
The battery charges whenever the computer is plugged into external power through an AC adapter, an  
optional power adapter, an optional expansion product, or an optional docking device.  
Using battery power 73  
   
The battery charges whether the computer is off or in use, but it charges faster when the computer is  
off.  
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:  
If you are charging a new battery, charge it fully before turning on the computer.  
Charge the battery until the battery light turns off.  
NOTE: If the computer is on while the battery is charging, the battery meter in the notification  
area may show 100 percent charge before the battery is fully charged.  
Allow the battery to discharge below 5 percent of a full charge through normal use before charging  
it.  
If the battery has been unused for one month or more, calibrate the battery instead of simply  
charging it.  
The battery light displays charge status:  
On: The battery is charging.  
Blinking: The battery has reached a low battery level or critical battery level and is not charging.  
Off: The battery is fully charged, in use, or not installed.  
Maximizing battery discharge time  
Battery discharge time varies, depending on the features you use while on battery power. Maximum  
discharge time gradually shortens as the battery storage capacity naturally degrades.  
Tips for maximizing battery discharge time:  
Lower the brightness on the display.  
Remove the battery from the computer when it is not being used or charged.  
Store the battery in a cool, dry location.  
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 battery level, the battery  
light blinks.  
If a low battery level is not resolved, the computer enters a critical battery level, and the battery light  
blinks rapidly.  
74 Chapter 5 Power management  
           
The computer takes the following actions for a critical battery level:  
If Hibernation is enabled and the computer is on or in Standby, the computer initiates Hibernation.  
If Hibernation is disabled and the computer is on or in Standby, the computer remains briefly in  
Standby, and then shuts down and loses any unsaved information.  
Using battery power 75  
 
Resolving a low battery level  
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of losing information when the computer reaches a critical battery level  
and has initiated Hibernation, 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:  
AC adapter  
Optional expansion product or docking device  
Optional power adapter  
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is available  
1. Turn off the computer or initiate Hibernation.  
2. Remove the discharged battery, and then insert a charged battery.  
3. Turn on the computer.  
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available  
Initiate Hibernation.  
– or –  
Save your work and shut down the computer.  
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation  
When the computer lacks sufficient power to exit Hibernation, follow these steps:  
1. Insert a charged battery or plug the computer into external power.  
2. Exit Hibernation by briefly pressing the power button.  
Calibrating a battery  
Calibrate a battery under the following conditions:  
When battery charge displays seem inaccurate  
When you observe a significant change in battery run time  
Even if a battery is heavily used, it should not need to be calibrated more than once a month. It is also  
not necessary to calibrate a new battery.  
Step 1: Fully charge the battery  
WARNING! Do not charge the computer battery while you are onboard aircraft.  
NOTE: The battery charges whether the computer is off or in use, but it charges faster when the  
computer is off.  
76 Chapter 5 Power management  
                 
To fully charge the battery:  
1. Insert the battery into the computer.  
2. Connect the computer to an AC adapter, optional power adapter, optional expansion product, or  
optional docking device, and then plug the adapter or device into external power.  
The battery light on the computer turns on.  
3. Leave the computer plugged into external power until the battery is fully charged.  
The battery light on the computer turns off.  
Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Standby  
1. Right-click the Power Meter icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, and then  
click Adjust Power Properties.  
– or –  
Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options.  
2. Record the 4 settings listed in the Running on batteries and Plugged in columns so that you can  
reset them after the calibration.  
3. Set the 4 options to Never.  
4. Click OK.  
Step 3: Discharge the battery  
The computer must remain on while the battery is being discharged. The battery can discharge whether  
or not you are using the computer, but the battery will discharge faster while you are using it.  
If you plan to leave the computer unattended during the discharge, save your information before  
beginning the discharge procedure.  
If you use the computer occasionally during the discharge procedure and have set energy-saving  
timeouts, expect the following performance from the system during the discharge process:  
The monitor will not turn off automatically.  
Hard drive speed will not decrease automatically when the computer is idle.  
System-initiated Hibernation will not occur.  
To discharge a battery:  
1. Unplug the computer from its external power source, but do not turn off the computer.  
2. Run the computer on battery power until the battery is discharged. The battery light begins to blink  
when the battery has discharged to a low battery level. When the battery is discharged, the battery  
light turns off and the computer shuts down.  
Using battery power 77  
   
Step 4: Fully recharge the battery  
To recharge the battery:  
1. Plug the computer into external power and maintain external power until the battery is fully  
recharged. When the battery is recharged, the battery light on the computer turns off.  
You can use the computer while the battery is recharging, but the battery will charge faster if the  
computer is off.  
2. If the computer is off, turn it on when the battery is fully charged and the battery light has turned  
off.  
Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Standby  
CAUTION: Failure to reenable Hibernation after calibration may result in a full battery discharge and  
information loss if the computer reaches a critical battery level.  
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options.  
2. Reenter the settings that you recorded for the items in the Plugged in column and the Running  
on batteries column.  
3. Click OK.  
Conserving battery power  
Select low power-use settings through Power Options in Windows Control Panel.  
Turn off wireless and local area network (LAN) connections and exit modem applications when you  
are not using them.  
Disconnect external devices that are not plugged into an external power source, when you are not  
using them.  
Stop, disable, or remove any external media cards that you are not using.  
Use the fn+f9 and fn+f10 hotkeys to adjust screen brightness as needed.  
If you leave your work, initiate Standby or Hibernation, or shut down the computer.  
Storing a battery  
CAUTION: To prevent damage to a battery, do not expose it to high temperatures for extended periods  
of time.  
If a computer will be unused and unplugged from external power for more than two weeks, remove the  
battery and store it separately.  
To prolong the charge of a stored battery, place it in a cool, dry place.  
NOTE: A stored battery should be checked every six months. If the capacity is less than 50 percent,  
recharge the battery before returning it to storage.  
Calibrate a battery before using it if it has been stored for one month or more.  
78 Chapter 5 Power management  
             
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). Replace the battery only with a battery approved for this computer.  
Refer to the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices for battery disposal information.  
Replacing the battery  
Computer battery life varies, depending on the power management settings, programs running on the  
computer, display brightness, external devices connected to the computer, and other factors.  
Battery Check notifies you to replace the battery when an internal cell is not charging properly, or when  
the battery storage capacity has reached a “weak” condition. A message refers you to the HP Web site  
for more information about ordering a replacement battery. If the battery is possibly covered by an HP  
warranty, instructions include a warranty ID.  
NOTE: To ensure that you always have battery power when you need it, HP recommends purchasing  
a new battery when the storage capacity indicator turns green-yellow.  
Using battery power 79  
     
Testing an AC adapter  
Test the AC adapter if the computer exhibits any of the following symptoms:  
The computer will not turn on when connected to the AC adapter.  
The display does not turn on when the computer is connected to the AC adapter and external  
power.  
The power light is off when the computer is connected to the AC adapter.  
To test the AC adapter:  
1. Remove the battery from the computer.  
2. Connect the AC adapter to the computer and to an AC outlet.  
3. Turn on the computer.  
If the power light turns on, the AC adapter is functioning properly.  
If the power light remains off, the AC adapter is not functioning and should be replaced.  
Contact technical support for information on obtaining a replacement AC power adapter. Select  
Start > Help and Support > Contact support.  
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:  
When you need to replace the battery or access components inside the computer  
When you are connecting an external hardware device that does not connect to a USB port  
When the computer will be unused and disconnected from external power for an extended period  
To shut down the computer, follow these steps:  
NOTE: If the computer is in Standby or in Hibernation, you must first exit Standby or Hibernation before  
shutdown is possible.  
1. Save your work and close all open programs.  
2. Select Start > Turn Off Computer > Turn Off.  
NOTE: If you have been registered to a network domain, the button you click will be called Shut  
Down instead of Turn Off Computer.  
80 Chapter 5 Power management  
     
If the computer is unresponsive and you are unable to use the preceding shutdown procedures, try the  
following emergency procedures in the sequence provided:  
Press ctrl+alt+delete. Then, click Shut Down > Turn Off.  
Press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds.  
Disconnect the computer from external power and remove the battery.  
Shutting down the computer 81  
6 Drives  
Identifying installed drives  
Your computer includes a hard drive (with a rotating disc) or a solid-state drive (SSD) with solid-state  
memory. Because it has no moving parts, an SSD does not generate as much heat as a hard drive.  
To view the drives installed on the computer, select Start > My Computer.  
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.  
82 Chapter 6 Drives  
       
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the computer, damage to a drive, or loss of information,  
observe these precautions:  
Before you move a computer or external hard drive from one location, initiate Standby, and allow the  
screen to clear.  
Before handling a drive, discharge static electricity by touching the unpainted metal surface of the drive.  
Do not touch the connector pins on a removable drive or on the computer.  
Handle a drive carefully; do not drop a drive or place items on it.  
Before removing or inserting a drive, shut down the computer. If you are unsure whether the computer  
is off or in Hibernation, turn the computer on and then shut it down through the operating system.  
Do not use excessive force when inserting a drive into a drive bay.  
Do not type on the keyboard or move the computer while the optical drive is writing to a disc. The write  
process is sensitive to vibration.  
When the battery is the only source of power, be sure that the battery is sufficiently charged before  
writing to media.  
Avoid exposing a drive to temperature or humidity extremes.  
Avoid exposing a drive to liquids. Do not spray the drive with cleaning products.  
Remove media from a drive before removing the drive from the drive bay, or traveling with, shipping, or  
storing a drive.  
If a drive must be mailed, place the drive in a bubble-pack mailer or other suitable protective packaging  
and label the package “FRAGILE.”  
Avoid exposing a drive to magnetic fields. Security devices with magnetic fields include airport walk-  
through devices and security wands. The airport security devices that check carry-on luggage, such as  
conveyor belts, use x-rays instead of magnetism and will not damage a drive.  
Handling drives 83  
 
Improving hard drive performance  
Using Disk Defragmenter  
As you use the computer, files on the hard drive become fragmented. Disk Defragmenter consolidates  
the fragmented files and folders on the hard drive so that the system can run more efficiently.  
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 another time when you do not need access to your computer.  
HP recommends defragmenting your hard drive at least once a month. You may set Disk Defragmenter  
to run on a monthly schedule, but you can defragment your computer manually at any time.  
To run Disk Defragmenter:  
1. Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.  
2. Under Volume, click the listing for the hard drive, usually listed as (C:), and then click  
Defragment.  
For additional information, access the Disk Defragmenter software Help.  
Using Disk Cleanup  
Disk Cleanup searches the hard drive for unnecessary files that you can safely delete to free up disk  
space and help the computer to run more efficiently.  
To run Disk Cleanup:  
1. Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup.  
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.  
84 Chapter 6 Drives  
         
Using HP 3D DriveGuard  
HP 3D DriveGuard protects the hard drive by parking the drive and halting I/O requests under either of  
the following conditions:  
You drop the computer.  
You move the computer with the display closed while the computer is running on battery power.  
A short time after the end of one of these events, HP 3D DriveGuard returns the hard drive to normal  
operation.  
NOTE: Hard drives that are in an optional docking device or are connected to a USB port are not  
protected by HP 3D DriveGuard.  
For more information, refer to the HP 3D DriveGuard online Help.  
Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status  
The drive light on the computer changes to an amber color to show that the drive 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:  
If the software is enabled, a green check mark is superimposed over the hard drive icon.  
If the software is disabled, a red X is superimposed over the hard drive icon.  
If the drives are parked, a yellow moon is superimposed over the hard drive icon.  
If HP 3D DriveGuard has parked the drive, the computer will behave in the following ways:  
The computer will not shut down.  
The computer will not initiate Standby or Hibernation, except as described in the following Note.  
NOTE: If the computer is running on battery power and reaches a critical battery level, HP 3D  
DriveGuard allows the computer to initiate Hibernation.  
The computer will not activate battery alarms set on the Alarms tab in Power Options Properties.  
Before you move the computer, HP recommends that you either shut it down or initiate Standby or  
Hibernation.  
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 not be able to enable or disable HP 3D  
DriveGuard.  
Determine whether a drive in the system is supported.  
Hide or show the icon in the notification area.  
Using HP 3D DriveGuard 85  
         
To open the software and change settings, follow these steps:  
1. Double-click the icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.  
– or –  
Right-click the icon in the notification area, and then select Settings.  
2. Click the appropriate button to change settings.  
3. Click OK.  
86 Chapter 6 Drives  
Replacing the hard drive in the hard drive bay  
CAUTION: To prevent information loss or an unresponsive system:  
Shut down the computer before removing the hard drive from the hard drive bay. Do not remove the  
hard drive while the computer is on, in Standby, or in Hibernation.  
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.  
To remove a hard drive:  
1. Save your work.  
2. Shut down the computer and close the display.  
3. Disconnect all external hardware devices connected to the computer.  
4. Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.  
5. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the hard drive bay toward you.  
6. Remove the battery from the computer.  
7. Loosen the hard drive cover screws (1).  
8. Remove the hard drive cover (2).  
9. Loosen the hard drive screw (1).  
10. Pull the hard drive tab to the right (2) to disconnect the hard drive.  
Replacing the hard drive in the hard drive bay 87  
 
11. Lift the hard drive (3) out of the hard drive bay.  
To install a hard drive:  
1. Insert the hard drive into the hard drive bay (1).  
2. Pull the hard drive tab (2) to the left to connect the hard drive.  
3. Tighten the hard drive screw (3).  
4. Align the tabs (1) on the hard drive cover with the notches on the computer.  
5. Replace the cover (2).  
88 Chapter 6 Drives  
 
6. Tighten the hard drive cover screws (3).  
7. Replace the battery.  
8. Turn the computer right-side up, and then reconnect external power and external devices.  
9. Turn on the computer.  
Replacing the hard drive in the hard drive bay 89  
Replacing a drive in the upgrade bay  
The upgrade bay can hold either a hard drive or an optical drive.  
Replacing a hard drive  
CAUTION: To prevent information loss or an unresponsive system:  
Shut down the computer before removing the hard drive from the upgrade bay. Do not remove the hard  
drive while the computer is on, in Standby, or in Hibernation.  
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.  
To remove a hard drive from the upgrade bay:  
1. Save your work.  
2. Shut down the computer and close the display.  
3. Disconnect all external hardware devices connected to the computer.  
4. Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.  
5. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the upgrade bay toward you.  
6. Remove the battery from the computer.  
7. Remove the protective screw caps (1), and then remove the hard drive screws (2) from the upgrade  
bay.  
8. Loosen the upgrade bay screw (1).  
90 Chapter 6 Drives  
     
9. Using a flat-bladed screwdriver, gently push the tab to release the hard drive (2).  
10. Remove the hard drive from the upgrade bay.  
Replacing a drive in the upgrade bay 91  
To install a hard drive in the upgrade bay:  
1. Insert the hard drive into the upgrade bay.  
2. Tighten the upgrade bay screw.  
92 Chapter 6 Drives  
3. Replace the hard drive screws (1), and then replace the protective screw caps (2).  
4. Replace the battery.  
5. Turn the computer right-side up, and then reconnect external power and external devices.  
6. Turn on the computer.  
Replacing an optical drive  
CAUTION: To prevent information loss or an unresponsive system:  
Shut down the computer before removing the optical drive from the upgrade bay. Do not remove the  
optical drive while the computer is on, in Standby, or in Hibernation.  
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.  
To remove an optical drive from the upgrade bay:  
1. Save your work.  
2. Shut down the computer and close the display.  
3. Disconnect all external hardware devices connected to the computer.  
4. Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.  
5. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the upgrade bay toward you.  
6. Remove the battery from the computer.  
7. Loosen the upgrade bay screw (1).  
Replacing a drive in the upgrade bay 93  
   
8. Using a flat-bladed screwdriver, gently push the tab to release the optical drive (2).  
9. Remove the optical drive from the upgrade bay.  
94 Chapter 6 Drives  
To install an optical drive in the upgrade bay:  
1. Insert the optical drive into the upgrade bay.  
2. Tighten the upgrade bay screw.  
3. Replace the battery.  
4. Turn the computer right-side up, and then reconnect external power and external devices.  
5. Turn on the computer.  
Replacing a drive in the upgrade bay 95  
7 External devices  
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.  
Some USB devices may require additional support software, which is usually included with the device.  
For more information about device-specific software, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.  
Your computer model has 5 USB ports, which support USB 1.0, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0 devices.  
A USB hub provides additional USB ports that can be used with the computer.  
Connecting a USB device  
CAUTION: To prevent damage to a USB connector, use minimal force to connect a USB device.  
To connect a USB device to the computer, 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 is displayed in the notification area to let  
you know the device is recognized by the computer.  
Stopping and removing a USB device  
CAUTION: To prevent loss of information or an unresponsive system, stop a USB device before  
removing it.  
96 Chapter 7 External devices  
               
CAUTION: To prevent damage to a USB connector, do not pull on the cable to remove the USB device.  
To stop and remove a USB device:  
1. Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the notification area, at the far right of the  
taskbar.  
NOTE: To display the Safely Remove Hardware icon, click the Show Hidden Icons icon (< or  
<<) in the notification area.  
2. Click the name of the device in the list.  
NOTE: If the USB device is not listed, you do not have to stop the device before you remove it.  
3. Click Stop, and then click OK.  
4. Remove the device.  
Using USB legacy support  
USB legacy support (enabled at the factory) permits the following actions:  
Using a USB keyboard, mouse, or hub connected to a USB port on the computer during startup or  
in an MS-DOS-based program or utility  
Starting or restarting from an optional external MultiBay or an optional USB bootable device  
To disable or reenable USB legacy support in Computer Setup, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter the BIOS Setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select System Configuration, and then select Device  
Configurations.  
4. To disable USB legacy support, click Disabled next to USB legacy support. To reenable USB  
legacy support, click Enabled next to USB legacy support.  
5. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click Save in the lower-left corner of the screen,  
and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Save changes and exit, and then follow the on-screen  
instructions.  
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.  
Using a USB device 97  
   
Using a 1394 device  
IEEE 1394 is a hardware interface that connects a high-speed multimedia or data storage device to the  
computer. Scanners, digital cameras, and digital camcorders often require a 1394 connection.  
Some 1394 devices may require additional support software, which is usually included with the device.  
For more information about device-specific software, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.  
The 1394 port also supports IEEE 1394a devices.  
Connecting a 1394 device  
CAUTION: To prevent damage to a 1394 port connector, use minimal force when connecting a 1394  
device.  
To connect a 1394 device to the computer, connect the 1394 cable for the device to the 1394  
port.  
You will hear a sound when the device has been detected.  
Stopping and removing a 1394 device  
CAUTION: To prevent loss of information or an unresponsive system, stop the 1394 device before  
removing it.  
CAUTION: To prevent damage to a 1394 connector, do not pull on the cable to remove the 1394  
device.  
1. Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the notification area, at the far right of the  
taskbar.  
NOTE: To display the Safely Remove Hardware icon, click the Show Hidden Icons icon (< or  
<<) in the notification area.  
2. Click the name of the device in the list.  
NOTE: If the device is not listed, you do not have to stop the device before you remove it.  
3. Click Stop, and then click OK.  
4. Remove the device.  
98 Chapter 7 External devices  
             
Using an eSATA device  
An eSATA port connects an optional high-performance eSATA component, such as an eSATA external  
hard drive.  
Some eSATA devices may require additional support software, which is usually included with the device.  
For more information about device-specific software, refer to the software manufacturer’s instructions.  
These instructions may be provided with the software, on disc, or on the manufacturer’s Web site.  
Connecting an eSATA device  
CAUTION: To prevent damage to an eSATA port connector, use minimal force to connect an eSATA  
device.  
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.  
Stopping and removing an eSATA device  
CAUTION: To prevent loss of information or an unresponsive system, stop the eSATA device before  
removing it.  
CAUTION: To prevent damage to an eSATA connector, do not pull on the cable to remove the eSATA  
device.  
1. Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the notification area, at the far right of the  
taskbar.  
NOTE: To display the Safely Remove Hardware icon, click the Show Hidden Icons icon  
(< or <<) in the notification area.  
2. Click the name of the device in the list.  
NOTE: If the device is not displayed, you do not have to stop the device before you remove it.  
3. Click Stop, and then click OK.  
4. Remove the device.  
Using an eSATA device 99  
           
Using external drives  
Removable external drives expand your options for storing and accessing information. A USB drive can  
be added by connecting the drive to a USB port on the computer.  
USB drives include the following types:  
1.44-megabyte diskette drive  
Hard drive module (a hard drive with an adapter attached)  
DVD-ROM Drive  
DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive  
DVD±RW/CD-RW Combo Drive  
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.  
1. Connect the device to the computer.  
2. If you are connecting a powered device, plug the device power cord into a grounded AC outlet.  
3. Turn on the device.  
To disconnect an unpowered external device, turn off the device, and then disconnect it from the  
computer. To disconnect a powered external device, turn off the device, disconnect it from the computer,  
and then unplug the AC power cord.  
100 Chapter 7 External devices  
         
Using the docking connector  
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.  
Using the docking connector 101  
 
8 External media cards  
Using Media Card Reader cards  
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.  
The Digital Media Slot supports the following digital card formats:  
Memory Stick (MS)  
Memory Stick Pro (MSP)  
MultiMediaCard (MMC)  
Secure Digital Input/Output (SD I/O)  
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card  
xD-Picture Card (XD)  
xD-Picture Card (XD) Type H  
xD-Picture Card (XD) Type M  
Inserting a digital card  
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the digital card or the computer, do not insert any type of adapter into  
the SD Card Reader.  
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the digital card connectors, use minimal force to insert a digital card.  
1. Hold the digital card label-side up, with the connectors facing the computer.  
102 Chapter 8 External media cards  
       
2. Insert the card into the Media Card Reader, and then push in on the card until it is firmly seated.  
You will hear a sound when the device has been detected, and a menu of available options may  
be displayed.  
Stopping and removing a digital card  
CAUTION: To prevent loss of data or an unresponsive system, stop a digital card before removing it.  
1. Save your information and close all programs associated with the digital card.  
NOTE: To stop a data transfer, click Cancel in the operating system Copying window.  
2. Stop the digital card:  
a. Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the notification area, at the far right of the  
taskbar.  
NOTE: To display the Safely Remove Hardware icon, click the Show Hidden Icons icon  
(< or <<) in the notification area.  
b. Click the name of the digital card in the list.  
c. Click Stop, and then click OK.  
3. Press in on the digital card (1), and then remove the card from the slot (2).  
Using Media Card Reader cards 103  
     
Using ExpressCards (select models only)  
An ExpressCard is a high-performance PC Card that is inserted into the ExpressCard slot.  
Like standard PC Cards, ExpressCards are designed to conform to the standard specifications of the  
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA).  
Configuring an ExpressCard  
Install only the software required for your device. If you are instructed by the ExpressCard manufacturer  
to install device drivers:  
Install only the device drivers for your operating system.  
Do not install other software, such as card services, socket services, or enablers, supplied by the  
ExpressCard manufacturer.  
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 prevent damage to the connectors:  
Use minimal force when inserting an ExpressCard.  
Do not move or transport the computer when an ExpressCard is in use.  
The ExpressCard slot may contain a protective insert. To remove the insert:  
1. Press in on the insert (1) to unlock it.  
2. Pull the insert out of the slot (2).  
To insert an ExpressCard:  
1. Hold the card label-side up, with the connectors facing the computer.  
104 Chapter 8 External media cards  
           
2. Insert the card into the ExpressCard slot, and then push in on the card until it is firmly seated.  
You will hear a sound when the device has been detected, and a menu of options may be displayed.  
NOTE: The first time you insert an ExpressCard, a message is displayed in the notification area  
to let you know the device is recognized by the computer.  
NOTE: An inserted ExpressCard uses power even when idle. To conserve power, stop or remove an  
ExpressCard when it is not in use.  
Stopping and removing an ExpressCard  
CAUTION: To prevent loss of data or an unresponsive system, stop an ExpressCard before removing  
it.  
1. Save your information and close all programs associated with the ExpressCard.  
NOTE: To stop a data transfer, click Cancel in the operating system Copying window.  
2. Stop the ExpressCard:  
a. Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the notification area, at the far right of the  
taskbar.  
NOTE: To display the Safely Remove Hardware icon, click the Show Hidden Icons icon  
(< or <<) in the notification area.  
b. Click the name of the ExpressCard in the list.  
c. Click Stop, and then click OK.  
3. Release and remove the ExpressCard:  
a. Gently press in on the ExpressCard (1) to unlock it.  
b. Pull the ExpressCard out of the slot (2).  
Using ExpressCards (select models only) 105  
   
Using Smart Cards (select models only)  
NOTE: The term smart card is used throughout this chapter to refer to both smart cards and Java™  
Cards.  
A smart card is a credit card–sized accessory that carries a microchip containing memory and a  
microprocessor. Like personal computers, smart cards have an operating system to manage input and  
output, and they include security features to protect against tampering. Industry-standard smart cards  
are used with the smart card reader (select models only).  
A PIN is needed to gain access to the contents of the microchip. For more information about smart card  
security features, refer to Help and Support.  
NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustrations in this chapter.  
Inserting a smart card  
To insert a smart card:  
1. Holding the smart card label-side up, gently slide the card into the smart card reader until the card  
is seated.  
2. Follow the on-screen instructions for logging on to the computer using the smart card PIN.  
Removing a smart card  
To remove a smart card:  
106 Chapter 8 External media cards  
           
Grasp the edge of the smart card, and pull it out of the smart card reader.  
Using Smart Cards (select models only) 107  
9 Memory modules  
The computer has two memory module compartments. The primary memory module compartment is  
located under the keyboard. The expansion memory module compartment is located on the bottom of  
the computer.  
The memory capacity of the computer can be upgraded by adding a memory module to the vacant  
expansion memory module slot or by upgrading the existing memory module in the primary memory  
module slot.  
WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock and damage to the equipment, unplug the power cord  
and remove all batteries before installing a memory module.  
CAUTION: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage electronic components. Before beginning any  
procedure, touch a grounded metal object to be sure that you are discharged of static electricity.  
108 Chapter 9 Memory modules  
   
Adding or replacing a memory module in the expansion  
memory module slot  
To add or replace a memory module in the expansion memory module slot, follow these steps:  
1. Save your work.  
2. Shut down the computer and close the display.  
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.  
3. Disconnect all external devices connected to the computer.  
4. Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.  
5. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface.  
6. Remove all batteries from the computer.  
7. Loosen the memory module compartment cover screws (1).  
8. Lift the memory module compartment cover (2) away from the computer.  
9. Remove the memory module:  
Adding or replacing a memory module in the expansion memory module slot 109  
         
NOTE: If the expansion memory module slot is not populated, bypass step 9 and proceed to step  
10.  
a. Pull away the retention clips (1) on each side of the memory module.  
The memory module tilts up.  
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the  
edges only. Do not touch the components on the memory module.  
b. Grasp the edge of the memory module (2), and gently pull the module out of the memory  
module slot.  
To protect a memory module after removal, place it in an electrostatic-safe container.  
NOTE: Depending on the memory configuration of your computer, the left DIMM connector  
may not be populated.  
10. Insert a memory module:  
a. Align the notched edge (1) of the memory module with the tab in the memory module slot.  
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the  
edges only. Do not touch the components on the memory module and do not bend the memory  
module.  
b. With the memory module at a 45-degree angle from the surface of the memory module  
compartment, press the module (2) into the memory module slot until it is seated.  
110 Chapter 9 Memory modules  
 
c. Gently press the memory module (3) down, applying pressure to both the left and right edges  
of the memory module, until the retention clips snap into place.  
NOTE: Depending on the memory configuration of your computer, the left DIMM connector  
may not be populated.  
11. Align the tabs (1) on the memory module compartment cover with the notches on the computer.  
12. Close the cover (2).  
13. Tighten the memory module compartment cover screws (3).  
14. Replace the battery.  
15. Turn the computer right-side up, and then reconnect external power and external devices.  
16. Turn on the computer.  
Adding or replacing a memory module in the expansion memory module slot 111  
 
Upgrading a memory module in the primary memory  
module slot  
To upgrade a memory module in the primary memory module slot, follow these steps:  
1. Save your work.  
2. 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.  
3. Disconnect all external devices connected to the computer.  
4. Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.  
5. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface.  
6. Remove all batteries from the computer.  
7. Loosen the 3 keyboard access screws.  
8. Turn the computer over and open it.  
9. Slide the 4 keyboard release latches (1) to release the keyboard.  
112 Chapter 9 Memory modules  
       
10. Gently lift the top edge of the keyboard (2) and tilt the keyboard over until it rests on the palm rest  
of the computer.  
11. Remove the memory module:  
a. Pull away the retention clips (1) on each side of the memory module.  
The memory module tilts up.  
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the  
edges only. Do not touch the components on the memory module.  
b. Grasp the edge of the memory module (2), and gently pull the module out of the memory  
module slot.  
To protect a memory module after removal, place it in an electrostatic-safe container.  
NOTE: Depending on the memory configuration of your computer, the bottom DIMM  
connector may not be populated.  
Upgrading a memory module in the primary memory module slot 113  
 
12. Insert a memory module:  
a. Align the notched edge (1) of the memory module with the tab in the memory module slot.  
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the  
edges only. Do not touch the components on the memory module and do not bend the memory  
module.  
b. With the memory module at a 45-degree angle from the surface of the memory module  
compartment, press the module (2) into the memory module slot until it is seated.  
c. Gently press the memory module (3) down, applying pressure to both the left and right edges  
of the memory module, until the retention clips snap into place.  
NOTE: Depending on the memory configuration of your computer, the bottom DIMM  
connector may not be populated.  
13. Replace the keyboard (1).  
14. Slide the 4 keyboard release latches (2) to lock the keyboard.  
15. Close the cover.  
16. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface.  
114 Chapter 9 Memory modules  
 
17. Tighten the 3 keyboard access screws.  
18. Replace the battery.  
19. Turn the computer right-side up, and then reconnect external power and external devices.  
20. Turn on the computer.  
Upgrading a memory module in the primary memory module slot 115  
 
Increasing hard drive space for the Hibernation file  
When Hibernation is initiated, the operating system stores your information to a Hibernation file on the  
hard drive and then turns off the computer. The operating system reserves space on the hard drive to  
store the Hibernation file based on the amount of system memory. When you increase the memory, the  
operating system increases the hard drive space reserved for the Hibernation file.  
If you experience problems with Hibernation after increasing memory, be sure that the amount of free  
space on the hard drive is larger than the space required by the Hibernation file.  
To display the amount of free space on the primary hard drive:  
1. Select Start > My Computer.  
2. Right-click the primary hard drive listing, and then click Properties.  
To display the amount of hard drive space required by the Hibernation file, select Start > Control  
Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options > Hibernate tab.  
If the free space on the hard drive is less than the space required by the Hibernation file, increase  
the amount of free space on the hard drive:  
Select Start > Help and Support > Performance and Maintenance > Freeing up disk  
space and follow the on-screen instructions.  
116 Chapter 9 Memory modules  
     
10 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.  
NOTE: Your computer supports CompuTrace, which is an online security-based tracking and recovery  
service available in select regions. If the computer is stolen, CompuTrace can track the computer if the  
unauthorized user accesses the Internet. You must purchase the software and subscribe to the service  
in order to use CompuTrace. For information about ordering the CompuTrace software, go to the HP  
Security features provided with your computer can protect the computer, personal information, and data  
from a variety of risks. The way you use your computer will determine which security features you need  
to use.  
The Windows operating system offers certain security features. Additional security features are listed  
in the following table. Most of these additional security features can be configured in the Computer Setup  
utility (referred to hereafter as Computer Setup).  
To protect against  
Use this security feature  
Unauthorized use of the computer  
HP ProtectTools Security Manager, in combination with a  
password, smart card, and/or fingerprint reader  
Unauthorized access to Computer Setup (f10)  
BIOS administrator password in Computer Setup*  
DriveLock password in Computer Setup*  
Boot options feature in Computer Setup*  
Unauthorized access to the contents of a hard drive  
Unauthorized startup from an optical drive, diskette drive, or  
internal network adapter  
Unauthorized access to a Windows user account  
Unauthorized access to data  
HP ProtectTools Security Manager  
Firewall software  
Windows updates  
Drive encryption for HP ProtectTools  
Unauthorized access to Computer Setup settings and other  
system identification information  
BIOS administrator password in Computer Setup*  
Unauthorized removal of the computer  
Security cable slot (used with an optional security cable)  
*Computer Setup is a preinstalled, ROM-based utility that can be used even when the operating system is not working or will  
not load. You can use either a pointing device (TouchPad, pointing stick, or USB mouse) or the keyboard to navigate and make  
selections in Computer Setup.  
Protecting the computer 117  
   
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 DriveLock passwords are set in Computer Setup and are managed by the system BIOS.  
The embedded security password, which is an HP ProtectTools Security Manager password, can  
be enabled in Computer Setup to provide BIOS password protection in addition to their normal HP  
ProtectTools functions. The embedded security password is used with the optional embedded  
security chip.  
Windows passwords are set only in the Windows operating system.  
If you forget the BIOS administrator password set in Computer Setup, you can use HP SpareKey  
to access the utility.  
If you forget both the DriveLock user password and the DriveLock master password set in Computer  
Setup, the hard drive that is protected by the passwords is permanently locked and can no longer  
be used.  
You can use the same password for a Computer Setup feature and for a Windows security feature. You  
can also use the same password for more than one Computer Setup feature.  
Use the following tips for creating and saving passwords:  
When creating passwords, follow requirements set by the program.  
Write down your passwords and store them in a secure place away from the computer.  
Do not store passwords in a file on the computer.  
The following tables list commonly used Windows and BIOS administrator passwords and describe their  
functions.  
Setting passwords in Windows  
Windows passwords  
Function  
Administrator password*  
User password*  
Protects access to a Windows administrator-level account.  
Protects access to a Windows user account.  
*For information about setting a Windows administrator password or a Windows user password, select Start > Help and  
Support.  
Setting passwords in Computer Setup  
BIOS administrator passwords  
Function  
BIOS administrator password  
DriveLock master password  
Protects access to Computer Setup.  
Protects access to the internal hard drive that is protected by  
DriveLock. It is also used to remove DriveLock protection. This  
password is set under DriveLock Passwords during the enable  
process.  
118 Chapter 10 Security  
         
BIOS administrator passwords  
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.  
This password requires the optional embedded security chip  
to support this security feature.  
BIOS administrator password  
The Computer Setup BIOS administrator password protects the configuration settings and system  
identification information in Computer Setup. After this password is set, it must be entered to access  
Computer Setup and to make changes using Computer Setup.  
Note the following characteristics of the BIOS administrator password:  
It is not interchangeable with a Windows administrator password, although both passwords can be  
identical.  
It is not displayed as it is set, entered, changed, or deleted.  
It must be set and entered with the same keys. For example, a BIOS administrator password set  
with keyboard number keys will not be recognized if you enter it thereafter with embedded numeric  
keypad number keys.  
It can include any combination of up to 32 letters and numbers and is not case sensitive unless  
mandated by the administrator.  
Using passwords 119  
 
Managing a BIOS administrator password  
A BIOS administrator password is set, changed, and deleted in Computer Setup.  
To set or change this password in Computer Setup, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Security > Change Password, and then press  
enter.  
4. When prompted, type your current password.  
5. When prompted, type your new password.  
6. When prompted, type your new password again to confirm.  
7. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click Save in the lower-left corner of the screen,  
and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Save changes and exit, and then press enter.  
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.  
To delete this password in Computer Setup, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Security > Change Password, and then press  
enter.  
4. When prompted, type your current password.  
5. When prompted for the new password, leave the field empty, and then press enter.  
6. Read the warning. To continue, select YES.  
7. When prompted to type your new password again, leave the field empty, and then press enter.  
8. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click Save in the lower-left corner of the screen,  
and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Save changes and exit, and then press enter.  
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.  
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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 three unsuccessful attempts to enter the BIOS  
administrator password, you must restart the computer and try again.  
Using Computer Setup DriveLock  
CAUTION: To prevent the DriveLock-protected hard drive from becoming permanently unusable,  
record the DriveLock user password and the DriveLock master password in a safe place away from your  
computer. If you forget both DriveLock passwords, the hard drive will be permanently locked and can  
no longer be used.  
DriveLock protection prevents unauthorized access to the contents of a hard drive. DriveLock can be  
applied only to the internal hard drive(s) of the computer. After DriveLock protection is applied to a drive,  
a password must be entered to access the drive. The drive must be inserted into the computer or an  
advanced port replicator in order for it to be accessed by the DriveLock passwords.  
To apply DriveLock protection to an internal hard drive, a user password and a master password must  
be set in Computer Setup. Note the following considerations about using DriveLock protection:  
After DriveLock protection is applied to a hard drive, the hard drive can be accessed only by entering  
either the user password or the master password.  
The owner of the user password should be the day-to-day user of the protected hard drive. The  
owner of the master password may be either a system administrator or the day-to-day user.  
The user password and the master password can be identical.  
You can delete a user password or master password only by removing DriveLock protection from  
the drive. DriveLock protection can be removed from the drive only with the master password.  
Using passwords 121  
     
Setting a DriveLock password  
To set a DriveLock password in Computer Setup, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message  
is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Security > DriveLock passwords, and then  
press enter.  
4. Use a pointing device to click the hard drive you want to protect.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select the hard drive you want to protect, and then press enter.  
5. Read the warning. To continue, select YES.  
6. Type your master password in the New password and Verify new password fields, and then  
press enter.  
7. Type your user password in the New password and Verify new password fields, and then press  
enter.  
8. To confirm DriveLock protection on the drive you have selected, type DriveLock in the  
confirmation field, and then press enter.  
NOTE: The DriveLock confirmation is case sensitive.  
9. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click Save in the lower-left corner of the screen,  
and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Save changes and exit, and then press enter.  
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.  
122 Chapter 10 Security  
 
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.  
After two incorrect attempts to enter the password, you must shut down the computer and try again.  
Using passwords 123  
 
Changing a DriveLock password  
To change a DriveLock password in Computer Setup, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message  
is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Security > DriveLock passwords, and then  
press enter.  
4. Use a pointing device to select an internal hard drive.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select an internal hard drive, and then press enter.  
5. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select the password you want to change.  
6. Type your current password in the Old password field, type a new password in the New  
password and Verify new password fields, and then press enter.  
7. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click Save in the lower-left corner of the screen,  
and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Save changes and exit, and then press enter.  
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.  
124 Chapter 10 Security  
 
Removing DriveLock protection  
To remove DriveLock protection in Computer Setup, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message  
is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Security > DriveLock password, and then press  
enter.  
4. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select an internal hard drive, and then press enter.  
5. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Disable protection.  
6. Type your master password, and then press enter.  
7. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click Save in the lower-left corner of the screen,  
and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Save changes and exit, and then press enter.  
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.  
Using Computer Setup Auto DriveLock  
In a multiple-user environment, you can set an Automatic DriveLock password. When the Automatic  
DriveLock password is enabled, a random user password and a DriveLock master password will be  
created for you. When any user passes the password credential, the same random user and DriveLock  
master password will be used to unlock the drive.  
NOTE: You must have a BIOS administrator password before you can access the Automatic  
DriveLock features.  
Entering an Automatic DriveLock password  
To enable an Automatic DriveLock password in Computer Setup, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Security > Automatic DriveLock, and then press  
enter.  
4. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select an internal hard drive, and then press enter.  
5. Read the warning. To continue, select YES.  
6. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click Save in the lower-left corner of the screen,  
and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Save changes and exit, and then press enter.  
Using passwords 125  
       
Removing Automatic DriveLock protection  
To remove DriveLock protection in Computer Setup, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Security > Automatic DriveLock, and then press  
enter.  
4. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select an internal hard drive, and then press enter.  
5. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Disable protection.  
6. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click Save in the lower-left corner of the screen,  
and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Save changes and exit, and then press enter.  
126 Chapter 10 Security  
 
Using Computer Setup security features  
Securing system devices  
You can disable or enable system devices from the following menus in Computer Setup:  
Boot Options  
Device Configurations  
Built-In Device Options  
Port Options  
To disable or reenable system devices in Computer Setup, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select System Configuration > Boot Options, or  
System Configuration > Device Configurations, or System Configuration > Built-In Device  
Options, or System Configuration > Port Options.  
4. Press enter.  
5. To disable an option, use a pointing device to click Disabled next to the option.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select Disabled next to the option, and then press enter.  
6. To reenable an option, use a pointing device to click Enabled next to the option.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select Enabled next to the option, and then press enter.  
7. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click Save in the lower-left corner of the screen,  
and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Save changes and exit, and then press enter.  
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.  
Viewing Computer Setup System Information  
The System Information feature in Computer Setup provides two types of system information:  
Identification information about the computer model and the batteries  
Specification information about the processor, cache, memory, ROM, video revision, and keyboard  
controller revision  
Using Computer Setup security features 127  
       
To view this general system information in Computer Setup, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select File > System Information, and then press  
enter.  
NOTE: To prevent unauthorized access to this information, you must create a BIOS administrator  
password in Computer Setup.  
Using Computer Setup System IDs  
The System IDs feature in Computer Setup allows you to display or enter the computer asset tag and  
ownership tag.  
NOTE: To prevent unauthorized access to this information, you must create a BIOS administrator  
password in Computer Setup.  
To manage this feature in Computer Setup, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Security > System IDs, and then press enter.  
4. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Notebook Asset Tag or Notebook Ownership  
Tag, and then enter the information.  
5. Press enter when finished.  
6. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click Save in the lower-left corner of the screen,  
and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Save changes and exit, and then press enter.  
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.  
128 Chapter 10 Security  
 
Using antivirus software  
When you use the computer to access e-mail, a network, or the Internet, you expose the computer to  
computer viruses. Computer viruses can disable the operating system, programs, or utilities, or cause  
them to function abnormally.  
Antivirus software can detect most viruses, destroy them, and in most cases, repair any damage they  
have caused. To provide ongoing protection against newly discovered viruses, antivirus software must  
be kept up to date.  
McAfee Total Protection antivirus software is either preinstalled or preloaded on the computer.  
If the antivirus software is preinstalled, select Start > All Programs > McAfee > Managed  
Services > Total Protection.  
If the software is preloaded, select Start > All Programs > HP Software Setup, and then follow the  
instructions on the screen to load the McAfee Total Protection software.  
For more information about computer viruses, type viruses in the Search box in Help and Support.  
Using antivirus software 129  
   
Using firewall software  
When you use the computer to access e-mail, a network, or the Internet, unauthorized persons may be  
able to gain access to the computer, your personal files, and information about you. Use the firewall  
software preinstalled on the computer to protect your privacy. McAfee Total Protection antivirus software  
is preinstalled on the computer. To access your software, select Start > All Programs > McAfee >  
Managing Services > Total Protection.  
Firewall features include logging and reporting of network activity, and automatic monitoring of all  
incoming and outgoing traffic. For more information, refer to the software manufacturer’s instructions.  
These instructions may be provided with the software, on disc, or on the manufacturer’s Web site.  
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 as necessary, and adjust the policies and  
settings of other intrusion detection systems. For additional information, contact your network  
administrator or IT department.  
130 Chapter 10 Security  
   
Installing critical updates  
CAUTION: Microsoft sends alerts regarding critical updates. To protect the computer from security  
breaches and computer viruses, install all critical updates from Microsoft as soon as you receive an  
alert.  
Updates to the operating system and other software may have become available after the computer  
was shipped. To be sure that all available updates are installed on the computer, observe these  
guidelines:  
Run Windows Update monthly to install the latest software from Microsoft.  
Obtain updates, as they are released, from the Microsoft Web site and through the updates link in  
Help and Support.  
Installing critical updates 131  
 
Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models  
only)  
HP ProtectTools Security Manager software is preinstalled on select computer models. This software  
can be accessed through Windows Control Panel. It provides security features that help protect against  
unauthorized access to the computer, networks, and critical data. For more information, refer to the HP  
ProtectTools online Help.  
132 Chapter 10 Security  
 
Installing a security cable  
NOTE: A security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but it may not prevent the computer from  
being mishandled or stolen.  
1. Loop the security cable around a secured object.  
2. Insert the key (1) into the cable lock (2).  
3. Insert the cable lock into the security cable slot on the computer (3), and then lock the cable lock  
with the key.  
NOTE: The location of the security cable slot varies by computer model.  
Installing a security cable 133  
 
11 Software Updates  
Updating software  
Updated versions of the software provided with your computer are available either through the HP  
Software Update utility or on the HP Web site.  
The Software Update utility automatically checks for software updates from HP. The utility runs every  
30 days and provides a list of support alerts, such as security enhancements, and optional software and  
driver updates.  
You can manually check for updates at any time by selecting Start > Help and Support > Update  
Software & Drivers, and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
Most software on the HP Web site is packaged in compressed files called SoftPaqs. Some BIOS updates  
may be packaged in compressed files called ROMPaqs.  
Some download packages contain a file named Readme.txt, which contains information regarding  
installing and troubleshooting the file. (Readme.txt files included with ROMPaqs are provided in English  
only.)  
You can also access software updates by obtaining the Support Software disc (purchased separately).  
This disc includes device drivers, BIOS updates, and utilities.  
1. Open your Internet browser, and go to http://www.hp.com/support.  
2. Select your country or region.  
3. Click the option for software and driver downloads, and then type your computer model number in  
the product box.  
4. Press enter.  
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.  
To update the software using a Support Software disc, follow these steps:  
1. Insert the Support Software disc into the optical drive.  
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.  
134 Chapter 11 Software Updates  
   
To update the software using the HP Web site, follow these steps:  
1. Identify your computer model, product category, and series or family. Prepare for a system BIOS  
update by identifying the BIOS version currently installed on the computer. For details, refer to the  
"Determining the BIOS version" section.  
If your computer is connected to a network, consult the network administrator before installing any  
software updates, especially system BIOS updates.  
NOTE: The computer system BIOS is stored on the system ROM. The BIOS initializes the  
operating system, determines how the computer will interact with the hardware devices, and  
provides for data transfer among hardware devices, including the time and date.  
2. Open your Internet browser, and go to http://www.hp.com/support.  
3. Select your country or region.  
4. Click the option for software and driver downloads, and then type your computer model number in  
the product box.  
5. Press enter.  
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.  
Updating software 135  
Updating the BIOS  
To update the BIOS, first determine what BIOS version you currently have, and then download and  
install the new BIOS.  
Determining the BIOS version  
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.  
To use Computer Setup for displaying BIOS information, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select File > System Information.  
4. Press esc to return to the File menu.  
5. Click Exit in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Ignore change and exit, and then press enter.  
136 Chapter 11 Software Updates  
     
Downloading a BIOS update  
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the computer or an unsuccessful installation, download and install  
a BIOS update only when the computer is connected to reliable external power using the AC adapter.  
Do not download or install a BIOS update while the computer is running on battery power, docked in an  
optional docking device, or connected to an optional power source. During the download and installation,  
follow these guidelines:  
Do not disconnect power from the computer by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet.  
Do not shut down the computer or initiate Standby or Hibernation.  
Do not insert, remove, connect, or disconnect any device, cable, or cord.  
To download a BIOS update:  
NOTE: BIOS updates are posted as needed. A newer BIOS update may not be available for your  
computer. It is recommended that you check the HP Web site periodically for BIOS updates.  
1. Open your Internet browser, go to http://www.hp.com/support, and then select your country or  
region.  
2. Click the option for software and driver downloads, type your computer model number in the product  
box, and then press enter.  
3. Click your specific product from the models listed.  
4. Click your operating system.  
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to access the BIOS update you want to download. Make a note  
of the download date, name, or other identifier. You may need this information to locate the update  
later, after it has been downloaded to your hard drive.  
6. At the download area, perform these steps:  
a. Identify the BIOS update that is newer than the BIOS version currently installed on your  
computer.  
b. Follow the instructions on the screen to download your selection to the hard drive.  
Make a note of the path to the location on your hard drive where the BIOS update will be  
downloaded. You will need to access this path when you are ready to install the update.  
NOTE: If you connect your computer to a network, consult the network administrator before installing  
any software updates, especially system BIOS updates.  
BIOS installation procedures vary. Follow any instructions that are displayed on the screen after the  
download is complete. If no instructions are displayed, follow these steps:  
1. Open Windows Explorer by selecting Start > My Computer.  
2. Double-click your hard drive designation. The hard drive designation is typically Local Disk (C:).  
3. Using the hard drive path you recorded earlier, open the folder on your hard drive that contains the  
update.  
4. Double-click the file that has an .exe extension (for example, filename.exe).  
Updating the BIOS 137  
   
The BIOS installation begins.  
5. Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.  
NOTE: After a message on the screen reports a successful installation, you may delete the  
downloaded file from your hard drive.  
Updating programs and drivers  
1. Open your Internet browser, go to http://www.hp.com/support, and then select your country or  
region.  
2. Click the option for software and driver downloads, type your computer model number in the product  
box, and then press enter.  
– or –  
If you want a specific SoftPaq, type the SoftPaq number in the Search box, at the top-right corner  
of the screen. Then press enter, and follow the instructions provided. Proceed to step 6.  
3. Click your specific product from the models listed.  
4. Click your operating system.  
5. When the list of updates is displayed, click an update to open a window containing additional  
information.  
6. Click Download.  
7. Click Run to install the updated driver without downloading the file.  
– or –  
Click Save to save the file to your computer. When prompted, select a storage location on your  
hard drive.  
After the file is downloaded, navigate to the folder where the file was stored, and then double-click  
the file to install the update.  
8. If prompted to do so, restart your computer after the installation is complete.  
138 Chapter 11 Software Updates  
   
Using SoftPaq Download Manager  
HP SoftPaq Download Manager (SDM) is a tool that provides quick access to SoftPaq information for  
HP business computers without requiring the SoftPaq number. Using this tool, you can easily search  
for SoftPaqs and then download and unpack them.  
SoftPaq Download Manager works by reading and downloading, from the HP FTP site, a published  
database file containing computer model and SoftPaq information. SoftPaq Download Manager allows  
you to specify one or more computer models to determine which SoftPaqs are available for download.  
SoftPaq Download Manager checks the HP FTP site for updates to the database and software. If  
updates are found, they are downloaded and applied automatically.  
NOTE: SoftPaq Download Manager is preinstalled on select computer models only. To download  
SoftPaq Download Manager or obtain more information about using it, see the HP Web site at  
To download SoftPaqs:  
1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Software Setup > HP SoftPaq Download Manager.  
2. When the SoftPaq Download Manager opens for the first time, a window is displayed asking if you  
want to show only software for the computer you are using or to show the software for all supported  
models. Select Show software for all supported models. If you have used HP SoftPaq Download  
Manager previously, go to step 3.  
a. Select your operating system and language filters in the Configuration Options window. The  
filters limit the number of options that are listed in the Product Catalog pane. For example, if  
only Windows XP Professional is selected in the operating system filter, the only operating  
system that is displayed in the Product Catalog is Windows XP Professional.  
b. To add other operating systems, change the filter settings in the Configuration Options  
window. Refer to the HP SoftPaq Download Manager software Help for more information.  
3. In the left pane, click the plus sign (+) to expand the model list, and then select the model or models  
of the products you want to update.  
4. Click Find Available SoftPaqs to download a list of available SoftPaqs for the selected computer.  
5. Select from the list of available SoftPaqs, and then click Download Only if you have many SoftPaqs  
to download, because the SoftPaq selection and Internet connection speed determine how long  
the download process will take.  
If you want to download only one or two SoftPaqs and have a high-speed Internet connection, click  
Download & Unpack.  
6. Right-click Install SoftPaq in the SoftPaq Download Manager software to install the selected  
SoftPaqs on the computer.  
Using SoftPaq Download Manager 139  
 
12 Backup and recovery  
To protect your information, use the Windows Backup utility (select models only) to back up files and  
folders or create recovery points. In case of system failure, you can use the backup files to restore your  
computer.  
Windows provides the following options:  
Backing up individual files and folders  
Backing up all files and folders  
Scheduling automatic backups  
Creating recovery points  
Recovering information  
NOTE: For detailed instructions, perform a search for these topics in Help and Support.  
NOTE: In case of system instability, HP recommends that you print the recovery procedures and save  
them for later use.  
140 Chapter 12 Backup and recovery  
   
Backing up your information  
Recovery after a system failure is as complete as your most current backup. You should create your  
initial backup immediately after software setup. As you add new software and data files, you should  
continue to back up your system on a regular basis to maintain a reasonably current backup.  
You can back up individual files or folders to an optional external hard drive or to a network drive.  
Note the following when backing up:  
Store personal files in the My Documents folder, and back it up periodically.  
Back up templates stored in their associated programs.  
Save customized settings that appear in a window, toolbar, or menu bar by taking a screen shot  
of your settings. The screen shot can be a time saver if you have to reset your preferences.  
To copy the screen and paste it into a word-processing document:  
a. Display the screen you want to save.  
b. Copy the screen image:  
To copy only the active window, press alt+fn+prt sc.  
To copy the entire screen, press fn+prt sc.  
c. Open a word-processing document, click Edit > Paste.  
The screen image is added to the document.  
d. Save the document.  
To create a backup using the Windows Backup utility (select models only), follow these steps:  
NOTE: Be sure that the computer is connected to AC power before you start the backup process.  
NOTE: The backup process may take over an hour, depending on file size and the speed of the  
computer.  
1. Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Backup.  
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.  
Backing up your information 141  
   
Performing a recovery  
In case of system failure or instability, the computer provides the following tools to recover your files:  
Windows recovery tools (select models only): You can use the Windows Backup utility to recover  
information you have previously backed up.  
Operating System and Driver Recovery discs (included with your computer): You can use the discs  
to recover your operating system and programs installed at the factory.  
Recovering your information  
To recover information you previously backed up, follow these steps:  
1. If possible, back up all personal files.  
2. Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Backup.  
The Backup or Restore Wizard opens.  
3. Click Restore files and settings, and then click Next.  
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.  
NOTE: For additional information on initiating a recovery in Windows, perform a search for this topic  
in Help and Support.  
Recovering the operating system and programs  
CAUTION: The recovery process reformats and completely erases the hard drive. All files you have  
created and any software installed on the computer are permanently removed. The recovery process  
reinstalls the original operating system, software, and drivers. Software, drivers, and updates not  
installed by HP must be manually reinstalled.  
To recover your operating system and programs, follow these steps:  
1. If possible, back up all personal files.  
2. Insert the Operating System disc into the optical drive.  
3. Shut down the computer.  
4. Turn on the computer.  
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the operating system.  
6. After the operating system is installed, remove the Operating System disc and insert the Driver  
Recovery disc.  
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers and programs.  
142 Chapter 12 Backup and recovery  
           
13 Computer Setup  
Starting 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.  
NOTE: Some of the Computer Setup menu items listed in this guide may not be supported by your  
computer.  
NOTE: An external keyboard or mouse connected to a USB port can be used with Computer Setup  
only if USB legacy support is enabled.  
To start Computer Setup, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
Using Computer Setup  
Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup  
The information and settings in Computer Setup are accessed from the File, Security, Diagnostics, and  
System Configuration menus.  
To navigate and select in Computer Setup, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
To select a menu or a menu item, use the tab key and the keyboard arrow keys, and then  
press enter, or use a pointing device to click the item.  
To scroll up and down, click the up arrow or the down arrow in the upper-right corner of the  
screen, or use the up arrow key or the down arrow key.  
To close open dialog boxes and return to the main Computer Setup screen, press esc, and  
then follow the on-screen instructions.  
NOTE: You can use either a pointing device (TouchPad, pointing stick, or USB mouse) or the  
keyboard to navigate and make selections in Computer Setup.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. Select the File, Security, Diagnostics, or System Configuration menu.  
Starting Computer Setup 143  
           
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 > Ignore changes and exit, and then press  
enter.  
– or –  
To save your changes and exit Computer Setup menus, click the Save 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 > Save changes and exit, and then press  
enter.  
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.  
Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup  
NOTE: Restoring defaults will not change the hard drive mode.  
To return all settings in Computer Setup to the values that were set at the factory, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select File > Restore defaults.  
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.  
5. To save your changes and exit, click the Save icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then  
follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Save changes and exit, and then press enter.  
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.  
NOTE: Your password settings and security settings are not changed when you restore the factory  
settings.  
Computer Setup menus  
The menu tables in this section provide an overview of Computer Setup options.  
NOTE: Some of the Computer Setup menu items listed in this chapter may not be supported by your  
computer.  
144 Chapter 13 Computer Setup  
     
File menu  
Select  
To do this  
System Information  
View identification information for the computer and the  
batteries in the system.  
View specification information for the processor, cache  
and memory size, system ROM, video revision, and  
keyboard controller version.  
Set System Date and Time  
System Diagnostics  
Set or change the date and time on the computer.  
Displays the following information:  
System Information  
Identification information for the computer and the  
batteries in the system  
Specification information for the processor, cache  
and memory size, system ROM, video revision, and  
keyboard controller version  
Start-up Test—Verifies the system components needed  
for starting the computer.  
Run-In Test—Runs a comprehensive check on system  
memory.  
Hard Disk Test—Runs a comprehensive self-test on any  
hard drive in the system.  
Memory Test—Runs a comprehensive test on any  
memory installed in the computer.  
Battery Test—Runs a comprehensive test on any  
batteries installed in the computer.  
Error Log—Displays a log file if any errors have occurred.  
Restore defaults  
Replace the configuration settings in Computer Setup with the  
original factory settings. (Hard drive mode, password settings,  
and security settings are not changed when you restore the  
factory settings.)  
Reset BIOS security to factory default  
Ignore changes and exit  
Restore the BIOS security settings to the factory default.  
Cancel any changes entered during the current session. Then  
exit and restart the computer.  
Save changes and exit  
Save any changes entered during the current session. Then  
exit and restart the computer. Your changes go into effect  
when the computer restarts.  
Security menu  
NOTE: Some of the menu items listed in this section may not be supported by your computer.  
Select  
To do this  
Administrator Tools  
Computer Setup menus 145  
           
Select  
To do this  
Setup BIOS Administrator Password  
Set up a BIOS administrator password.  
User Management (requires a BIOS administrator password)  
Create New BIOS User Account  
Select from a list of BIOS users.  
Select from a list of ProtectTools users.  
Password Policy (requires a BIOS administrator password)  
HP SpareKey  
Revise password policy criteria.  
Enable/disable HP SpareKey (enabled by default).  
Enable/disable HP SpareKey enrollment (enabled by default).  
Always Prompt for HP SpareKey Enrollment  
Fingerprint Reset on Reboot (if present)  
Reset/clear the fingerprint reader ownership (select models  
only; disabled by default).  
User Tools  
Change Password  
HP SpareKey Enrollment  
Enter, change, or delete a BIOS administrator password.  
Enroll or reset HP SpareKey, which is a set of security  
questions and answers used if you forget your password.  
Anti Theft  
AT-p  
Enable/disable Anti-Theft Protection.  
DriveLock Passwords  
Enable/disable DriveLock on any computer hard drive  
(enabled by default).  
Change a DriveLock user password or master password.  
NOTE: DriveLock settings are accessible only when you  
enter Computer Setup by turning on (not restarting) the  
computer.  
Automatic DriveLock  
Enable/disable Automatic DriveLock support.  
TPM Embedded Security  
Enable/disable support for Trusted Platform Module (TPM)  
Embedded Security, which protects the computer from  
unauthorized access to owner functions available in  
Embedded Security for ProtectTools. For more information,  
refer to the ProtectTools software Help.  
NOTE: You must have a setup password to change this  
setting.  
Disk Sanitizer  
System IDs  
Run Disk Sanitizer to destroy all existing data on the primary  
hard drive or the drive in the upgrade bay.  
CAUTION: If you run Disk Sanitizer, the data on the selected  
drive is destroyed permanently.  
Enter a user-defined computer asset tracking number and  
ownership tag.  
System Configuration menu  
NOTE: Some of the listed System Configuration options may not be supported by your computer.  
146 Chapter 13 Computer Setup  
                             
Select  
To do this  
Language  
Change the Computer Setup language.  
Boot Options  
Set a Startup Menu delay (in seconds).  
Set the Multiboot Express Boot Popup delay in seconds.  
Enable/disable Custom Logo (disabled by default).  
Enable/disable Display Diagnostic URL (enabled by  
default).  
Enable/disable CD-ROM boot (disabled by default).  
Enable/disable SD Card boot (enabled by default).  
Enable/disable floppy boot (enabled by default).  
Enable/disable PXE Internal NIC boot (enabled by  
default).  
Enable/Disable Unified Extensible Firmware Interface  
(UEFI) Boot Mode (disabled by default).  
Set the Legacy Boot Order.  
Device Configurations  
Enable/disable USB legacy support (enabled by default).  
When enabled, USB legacy support allows the  
following:  
Use of a USB keyboard in Computer Setup even  
when a Windows operating system is not running.  
Startup from bootable USB devices, including a hard  
drive, diskette drive, or optical drive connected by a  
USB port to the computer.  
Select a parallel port mode: ECP (Enhanced Capabilities  
Port), standard, bidirectional, or EPP (Enhanced Parallel  
Port).  
Enable/disable fan always on while connected to an AC  
outlet (disabled by default).  
Enable/disable Data Execution Prevention (select models  
only). When enabled, the processor can disable some  
virus code execution, which helps to improve computer  
security (disabled by default).  
SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) device  
mode. The following options are available:  
AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface)  
IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)  
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)  
(select models only)  
Computer Setup menus 147  
                   
Select  
To do this  
NOTE: Availability of the options above varies by  
computer model.  
Enable/disable secondary battery fast charge (enabled by  
default).  
Enable/disable HP QuickLook (enabled by default).  
Enable/disable Preboot Authentication on HP QuickLook  
Boot (disabled by default).  
Enable/disable HP QuickWeb (enabled by default).  
Enable/disable HP : Write Protect (disabled by default).  
Enable/disable Virtualization Technology (select models  
only; disabled by default).  
Enable/disable TXT (Intel Trusted Execution Technology)  
(select models only; disabled by default).  
Multi Core CPU (enabled by default).  
Intel HT Technology (enabled by default).  
Enable/disable Wake on USB (enabled by default).  
Enable/disable Num lock state at boot (disabled by  
default).  
148 Chapter 13 Computer Setup  
           
Select  
To do this  
Built-In Device Options  
Enable/disable the wireless button state (enabled by  
default).  
Enable/disable embedded WLAN device radio (select  
models only; enabled by default).  
Enable/disable the embedded Bluetooth device radio  
(enabled by default).  
Enable/disable the Network Interface Controller (LAN)  
(enabled by default).  
Enable/disable LAN/WLAN switching (disabled by  
default).  
Set the wake on LAN state. Options include the  
following:  
Disabled  
Boot to Network  
Follow Boot Order  
Enable/disable the Ambient Light Sensor.  
Enable/disable the Notebook Upgrade Bay device  
(enabled by default).  
Enable/disable the fingerprint device (enabled by  
default).  
Enable/disable the integrated camera (enabled by  
default).  
Enable/disable the Power Monitor Circuit (enabled by  
default).  
Enable/disable the audio device (enabled by default).  
Enable/disable a modem device (enabled by default).  
Enable/disable the microphone (enabled by default).  
Enable/disable the internal speakers (enabled by  
default).  
Computer Setup menus 149  
                               
Select  
To do this  
Port Options  
NOTE: All port options are enabled by default.  
Enable/disable the serial port.  
Enable/disable the parallel port.  
Enable/disable the flash media reader.  
Enable/disable the USB port.  
CAUTION: Disabling the USB port also disables  
MultiBay devices and ExpressCard devices on the  
advanced port replicator.  
Enable/disable the 1394 port.  
Enable/disable the ExpressCard slot.  
Enable/disable the Smart Card slot.  
Enable/disable the eSATA port.  
AMT Options  
Enable/disable Firmware Verbosity.  
Enable/disable AMT Setup Prompt (Ctrl-P).  
Enable/disable USB Key Provisioning Support.  
Enable/disable Unconfigure AMT on next boot.  
Select Terminal Emulation Mode.  
ANSI  
VT100  
Enable/disable Firmware Progress Event Support.  
Enable/disable Initiate Intel CIRA.  
Set Security Level  
Change, view, or hide security levels for all BIOS menu items.  
Restore the default security settings.  
Restore Security Defaults  
150 Chapter 13 Computer Setup  
                                 
14 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.  
Boot devices contain bootable media or files that the computer needs to start and operate properly.  
NOTE: Some boot devices must be enabled in Computer Setup before they can be included in the  
boot order.  
The factory setting is for the computer to select the boot device by searching enabled boot devices and  
drive bay locations in the following order:  
NOTE: Some of the boot devices and drive bay locations listed may not be supported on your  
computer.  
Notebook MultiBay  
Internal hard drive  
USB diskette drive  
USB CD-ROM  
USB hard drive  
Notebook Ethernet  
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card  
Docking station MultiBay  
External SATA drive  
You can change the order in which the computer searches for a boot device by changing the boot order  
in Computer Setup. You can also press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message  
is displayed at the bottom of the screen, and then press f9. Pressing f9 displays a menu that shows the  
current boot devices and allows you to select a boot device. Or, you can use MultiBoot Express to set  
the computer to prompt you for a boot location each time the computer turns on or restarts.  
If MultiBoot is disabled, the computer uses a fixed boot order that consists of first searching for a drive  
A boot device. If none is found, the computer looks for a drive C boot device. Drive A boot devices  
include optical drives and diskette drives. Drive C boot devices include optical drives and hard drives.  
The NIC does not have an assigned drive letter.  
About the boot device order 151  
       
NOTE: An optical drive (such as a CD-ROM drive) can boot either as drive A or drive C, depending  
on the format of the boot CD.  
The following list describes the factory setting for boot order in which drive letters A and C are assigned  
when MultiBoot is disabled. (The actual order varies by configuration.)  
Boot order for drive A boot devices:  
1. Optical drive in an optional docking device or in an optional external MultiBay that contains a  
disc formatted as drive A  
2. Optical drive in the internal MultiBay (select models only) that contains a disc formatted as  
drive A  
3. Diskette drive in an optional docking device or in an optional external MultiBay  
Boot order for drive C boot devices:  
1. Optical drive in an optional docking device or in an optional external MultiBay that contains a  
disc formatted as drive C  
2. Optical drive in the internal MultiBay (select models only) that contains a disc formatted as  
drive C  
3. Hard drive in the computer hard drive bay  
4. Hard drive in an optional docking device or in an optional external MultiBay  
NOTE: Because no drive letter is associated with the NIC, changing the boot order of a NIC does not  
affect the drive letters of the other devices.  
152 Chapter 14 MultiBoot  
Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup  
The computer will boot to a USB device or a NIC device only if the device has first been enabled in  
Computer Setup.  
To start Computer Setup and enable a USB device or a NIC device as a boot device, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. 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 that Enabled is selected next to USB legacy support.  
NOTE: The USB Port option must be enabled in order to use USB legacy support. It is enabled  
at the factory. If the port becomes disabled, reenable it by selecting System Configuration > Port  
Options, and then clicking Enabled next to USB Port.  
– or –  
To enable a NIC device, select System Configuration > Boot Options, and then click Enabled  
next to PXE Internal NIC boot.  
4. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click Save in the lower-left corner of the screen,  
and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Save changes and exit, and then press enter.  
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.  
NOTE: To connect a NIC to a Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE) or Remote Program Load (RPL)  
server without using MultiBoot, press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is  
displayed at the bottom of the screen, and then quickly press f12.  
Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup 153  
     
Considering boot order changes  
Before changing the boot order, note the following considerations:  
When the computer restarts after the boot order has been changed, the computer attempts to start  
using the new boot order.  
If there is more than one type of boot device, the computer attempts to boot using the first of each  
type of boot device (except for optical devices). For example, if the computer is connected to an  
optional docking device (select models only) that contains a hard drive, this hard drive will be shown  
in the boot order as a USB hard drive. If the system attempts to boot from this USB hard drive and  
fails, it will not attempt to boot to the hard drive in the hard drive bay. Instead, it will try to boot to  
the next type of device in the boot order. However, if there are two optical devices, and the first  
optical device does not boot (either because it does not contain media or the media is not a boot  
disc), the system will try to boot to the second optical device.  
Changing the boot order also changes the logical drive designations. For example, if you start up  
from a CD-ROM drive with a disc formatted as drive C, that CD-ROM drive becomes drive C and  
the hard drive in the hard drive bay becomes drive D.  
The computer will boot from a NIC device only if the device has been enabled in the Built-In Device  
Options menu of Computer Setup and if booting from the device has been enabled in the Boot  
Options menu of Computer Setup. Booting from a NIC does not affect logical drive designations  
because no drive letter is associated with the NIC.  
Drives in an optional docking device (select models only) are treated like external USB devices in  
the boot order.  
154 Chapter 14 MultiBoot  
   
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 esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup  
Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen, and then pressing f9 to enter the Boot  
Device Options menu.  
To use MultiBoot Express to set variable boot orders. This feature prompts you for a boot device  
each time the computer is turned on or restarted.  
Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup  
To start Computer Setup and set a boot device order that the computer uses each time it is turned on  
or restarted, follow these steps:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select System Configuration > Boot Options > Boot  
Order. Confirm that Enabled is selected next to MultiBoot.  
NOTE: MultiBoot is not enabled at the factory.  
4. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select a device in the list.  
5. To move the device up in the boot order, use a pointing device to click the plus sign (+) or press  
the + key.  
– or –  
To move the device down in the boot order, click the minus sign (-) or press the - key.  
6. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click Save in the lower-left corner of the screen,  
and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Save changes and exit, and then press enter.  
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.  
Dynamically choosing a boot device using the F9 prompt  
To dynamically choose a boot device for the current startup sequence, follow these steps:  
1. Open the Select Boot Device menu by turning on or restarting the computer, and then pressing  
esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the  
screen.  
2. Press f9.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select a boot device, and then press enter.  
Choosing MultiBoot preferences 155  
       
Your changes go into effect immediately.  
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:  
1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”  
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.  
3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select System Configuration > Boot Options, and  
then press enter.  
4. In the Express Boot Popup Delay (Sec) field, enter the length of time in seconds that you want  
the computer to display the startup location menu before it defaults to the current MultiBoot setting.  
(When 0 is selected, the Express Boot startup location menu is not displayed).  
5. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click Save in the lower-left corner of the screen,  
and then follow the on-screen instructions.  
– or –  
Use the arrow keys to select File > Save changes and exit, and then press enter.  
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.  
Entering MultiBoot Express preferences  
When the Express Boot menu displays during startup, you have the following choices:  
To specify a boot device from the Express Boot menu, select your preference within the allotted  
time, and then press enter.  
To prevent the computer from defaulting to the current MultiBoot setting, press any key before the  
allotted time expires. The computer will not start until you select a boot device and press enter.  
To allow the computer to start according to the current MultiBoot settings, wait for the allotted time  
to expire.  
156 Chapter 14 MultiBoot  
     
15 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  
Remote system software installation  
Software management and updates  
ROM updates  
Tracking and security of computer assets (the hardware and software installed on the computer)  
Fault notification and recovery of certain system software and hardware components  
NOTE: Support for specific features described in this section may vary, depending on computer model  
and/or version of management software installed on the computer.  
Configuring and deploying a software image  
The computer is shipped with a preinstalled system software image. The initial software image is  
configured during the first-time setup of the computer. After a brief software "unbundling" occurs, the  
computer is ready to be used.  
A customized software image can be deployed (distributed) in one of the following ways:  
Installing additional software applications after unbundling the preinstalled software image  
Using software deployment tools, such as Altiris Deployment Solutions, to replace the preinstalled  
software with a customized software image  
Using a disk-cloning process to copy the contents from one hard drive to another  
The deployment method you use depends on your organization's technology environment and  
processes.  
NOTE: The Computer Setup utility and other system features provide further assistance with  
configuration management and troubleshooting, power management, and the recovery of system  
software.  
Using Client Management Solutions 157  
           
Managing and updating software  
HP provides several tools for managing and updating software on client computers:  
HP Client Manager for Altiris (select models only)  
NOTE: To download HP Client Manager for Altiris or to obtain more information about HP Client  
Manager for Altiris, see the HP Web site at http://www.hp.com.  
HP CCM (Client Configuration Manager) (select models only)  
HP SSM (System Software Manager)  
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  
System Checkup monitoring and diagnostics  
Web-accessible reporting of business-critical details such as thermal warnings and memory alerts  
Remote updating of system software such as device drivers and the system BIOS  
NOTE: Additional functionality can be added when HP Client Manager for Altiris is used with optional  
Altiris Solutions software (purchased separately).  
When HP Client Manager for Altiris (installed on a client computer) is used with Altiris Solutions software  
(installed on an administrator computer), HP Client Manager for Altiris provides increased management  
functionality and centralized hardware management of client devices for the following IT life-cycle areas:  
Inventory and asset management  
Software license compliance  
Computer tracking and reporting  
Computer lease contract information and fixed asset tracking  
System software deployment and migration  
Windows migration  
System deployment  
Personality (personal user settings) migration  
158 Chapter 15 Management and printing  
         
Help desk and problem resolution  
Management of help desk tickets  
Remote troubleshooting  
Remote problem resolution  
Client disaster recovery  
Software and operations management  
Ongoing client management  
HP system software deployment  
Application self-healing (the ability to identify and repair certain application problems)  
Altiris Solutions software provides easy-to-use software distribution capabilities. HP Client Manager for  
Altiris enables communication with the Altiris Solutions software, which can be used to complete new  
hardware deployment or personality migration to a new operating system using easy-to-follow wizards.  
HP Client Manager for Altiris is available for download from the HP Web site.  
When Altiris Solutions software is used in conjunction with HP System Software Manager or HP Client  
Manager for Altiris, administrators can also update the system BIOS and device driver software from a  
central console.  
Using Client Management Solutions 159  
HP CCM (Client Configuration Manager) (select models only)  
HP CCM (Client Configuration Manager) 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.  
CCM enables you to perform the following tasks:  
Collect hardware and software inventory across multiple platforms  
Prepare a software package and conduct impact analysis prior to distribution  
Target individual computers, workgroups, or entire populations of computers for deployment and  
maintenance of software and content according to policies  
Provision and manage operating systems, applications, and content on distributed computers from  
any location  
Integrate CCM with help desks and other system management tools for seamless operations  
Leverage a common infrastructure for management of software and content on standard computing  
devices across any network for all enterprise users  
Scale to meet enterprise needs  
160 Chapter 15 Management and printing  
 
HP SSM (System Software Manager)  
HP SSM (System Software Manager) 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. To download the SSM utility or to obtain more information  
on SSM, see the HP Web site at http://www.hp.com/go/ssm (English only).  
Using Client Management Solutions 161  
   
Using Intel Active Management Technology (select models  
only)  
Intel® Active Management Technology (iAMT) allows discovery, repair, and protection of networked  
computing assets. With iAMT, computers can be managed whether they are on or off. The iAMT solution  
is available on computers with Intel Centrino® with vPro mobile technology.  
Features of iAMT include:  
Hardware inventory information  
Event notification  
Power management  
Remote diagnosis and repair  
Hardware-based isolation and recovery—limit or cut off computer network access if virus-like  
activity is detected  
Enabling the iAMT solution  
To configure iAMT settings:  
NOTE: The ctrl+p prompt is visible only if the AMT Setup Prompt option is enabled in Computer Setup.  
1. Turn on or restart the computer.  
2. Before Windows starts up, press ctrl+p.  
NOTE: If you do not press ctrl+p at the appropriate time, you must repeat steps 1 and 2 to access  
the MEBx setup utility.  
3. Enter the ME password. The factory setting for the password is admin.  
The MEBx setup utility opens. Use the arrow keys to navigate.  
4. Choose to configure Intel ME, configure iAMT, or change the Intel ME password.  
5. When you have made your selections, select Exit to close the MEBx setup utility.  
Using the MEBx setup utility menus  
NOTE: For more information on iAMT, go to the Intel Web site at http://www.intel.com, and then search  
for iAMT.  
Intel ME Configuration  
Select  
To do this  
Intel ME State Control  
Intel ME Firmware Local Update  
LAN Controller  
Disable/enable the management engine.  
Disable/enable local management of firmware updates.  
Disable/enable the integrated network controller.  
Enable AMT or none.  
Intel ME Features Control  
Intel ME Power Control  
Configure the management engine power policies.  
162 Chapter 15 Management and printing  
         
iAMT Configuration  
Select  
To do this  
Host Name  
TCP/IP  
Assign a host name to the computer.  
Disable/enable network interface or DHCP (assigns an IP  
address if DHCP has been disabled) or change the domain  
name.  
Provision Model  
Setup and Configuration  
Un-Provision  
Assign Enterprise or Small Business iAMT model.  
Set options to control remote configuration of AMT.  
Reset the AMT configuration to factory defaults.  
SOL/IDE-R  
Enable remote boot control to IDE diskette or CD-ROM and  
assign a user name and password.  
Password Policy  
Set options to control requirements for the network password  
and the MEBx password.  
Secure Firmware Update  
Set PRTC  
Enable or disable updating firmware remotely.  
Set the real-time clock.  
Idle Timeout  
Set a time-out value.  
Change Intel ME Password  
Select  
To do this  
Change ME Password  
Change the password.  
NOTE: The default password is admin.  
Using Intel Active Management Technology (select models only) 163  
Using the HP Universal Print Driver (select models only)  
The HP Universal Print Driver Series for Windows is a single intelligent driver that replaces individual  
drivers for HP networked printers.  
NOTE: The HP Universal Print Driver is preinstalled on select computer models only. To download  
the HP Universal Print Driver or obtain more information about using it, see the HP Web site at  
To print using the HP Universal Print Driver:  
1. Select File > Print from any application.  
2. Select HP Universal Printing PS from the list of printers.  
3. Click Print.  
4. 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.  
5. Select the Make a permanent instance of this printer in my Printers folder check box.  
6. Click Print.  
164 Chapter 15 Management and printing  
   
Index  
Symbols/Numerics  
1394 cable, connecting 98  
1394 devices  
connecting 98  
stopping 98  
1394 port  
audio-in (microphone) jack,  
identifying  
audio-out (headphone) jack,  
identifying  
Automatic DriveLock password  
entering 125  
BIOS update  
downloading 137  
installing 137  
Blu-ray Disc (BD) 52  
Blu-ray R/RE DVD+/-RW  
SuperMulti DL Drive 52  
Blu-ray ROM DVD±R SuperMulti  
DL Drive 52  
identifying  
removing 126  
AutoPlay 55  
A
Bluetooth  
AC adapter  
B
device 15  
connecting 70  
identifying 13  
Active Management Technology,  
Intel 162  
administrator password 118  
airport security devices 83  
Altiris Deployment Solutions 157  
ambient light sensor  
hotkey 39  
battery  
label 14  
boot devices, enabling 153  
boot options 147  
boot order 147  
built-in device  
calibrating 76  
charging 73, 76  
conserving power 78  
disposing 79  
inserting 72  
Ambient Light Sensor 149  
audio device 149  
low battery levels 74  
recharging 78  
removing 72  
replacing 79  
storing 78  
Bluetooth device radio 149  
fingerprint reader 149  
integrated camera 149  
internal speakers 149  
LAN/WLAN switching 149  
microphone 149  
modem 149  
Network Interface Controller  
(LAN) 149  
identifying 11  
AMT options  
AMT Setup Prompt (Ctrl-  
Firmware Progress Event  
Support 150  
Firmware Verbosity 150  
Initiate Intel CIRA 150  
Terminal Emulation Mode 150  
Unconfigure AMT on next  
boot 150  
battery bay 10, 13  
battery charge information 38  
battery charge, maximizing 74  
battery light 7, 73, 74  
battery power 71  
battery release latch 10, 72  
battery temperature 78  
battery, identifying 13  
bays  
Notebook Upgrade Bay 149  
Power Monitor Circuit 149  
Wake on LAN 149  
wireless button 149  
WLAN device radio 149  
built-in device options 149  
business card reader software 63  
USB Key Provisioning  
Support 150  
battery 13  
hard drive 10  
antennas  
BD  
WLAN 12  
WWAN 12  
copying 55  
playing 54  
business card slot, identifying  
buttons  
Anti Theft 146  
removing 56  
BIOS administrator  
password 146  
display release  
keyboard light 11  
mute  
pointing stick 1, 2  
applications key, Windows  
audio devices, connecting  
external 48  
audio functions, checking 48  
Index 165  
 
power  
restoring factory settings 144  
Security menu 145  
setting boot order 155  
setting MultiBoot Express  
prompt 156  
drive light 7, 85  
drive media 66  
DriveLock password  
changing 124  
Quick Launch 40  
QuickLook 5, 40  
QuickWeb 5, 40  
TouchPad 2, 5  
volume  
volume mute 45  
Wireless  
description 121  
entering 123  
removing 125  
System Configuration  
menu 146  
Computer Setup utility 157  
configuring ExpressCards 104  
connecting to a LAN 33  
connecting to a WLAN 20  
Connection Manager icon 16  
connection, external power 70  
setting 122  
DriveLock, automatic 146  
Driver Recovery disc 142  
drives  
C
cable  
LAN 33  
modem 28  
cables  
Blu-ray R/RE DVD+/-RW  
SuperMulti DL Drive 52  
Blu-ray ROM DVD±R  
SuperMulti DL Drive 52  
caring for 82  
connector, power  
1394 98  
eSATA 99  
conservation, power 78  
copyright warning 55  
USB 96  
cord, power 13  
diskette 100  
calibrating battery 76  
caps lock light, identifying  
CD  
copying 55  
playing 54  
protecting 47  
removing 56  
writing to 47  
CD drive 100  
corporate WLAN connection 20  
country- or region-specific modem  
cable adapter, identifying 13  
country-specific modem cable  
adapter 29  
DVD-ROM 52  
DVD±R SuperMulti DL  
LightScribe Drive 52  
external 100  
optical 100  
critical battery level 75  
See also hard drive; optical drive  
drives, boot order 147, 151  
DVD  
D
deployment, software 157  
Certificate of Authenticity label 13 device configurations 147  
changing region setting 55  
copying 55  
playing 54  
protecting 47  
removing 56  
changing boot order 155  
charging batteries 73, 76  
checking audio functions 48  
components  
device drivers  
HP drivers 60  
Microsoft drivers 61  
reinstalling 60  
additional hardware 12  
bottom 10  
device security 127  
digital card  
writing to 47  
DVD drive 100  
display 11  
inserting 102  
DVD region settings 55  
front  
left-side  
rear  
right-side  
top  
removing 103  
stopping 103  
discs  
Driver Recovery 142  
Operating System 142  
Disk Cleanup software 84  
Disk Defragmenter software 84  
disk sanitizer 146  
diskette drive 100  
display  
E
encryption 19  
eSATA cable, connecting 99  
eSATA devices  
connecting 99  
description 99  
removing 99  
stopping 99  
composite video 37  
computer information 136  
Computer Setup  
BIOS administrator  
password 119  
eSata port, identifying  
device security 127  
DriveLock password 121  
enabling bootable  
image, switching 37  
screen brightness hotkeys 39  
display release button,  
esc key, identifying  
Execution Disable 147  
expansion memory module  
inserting 110  
devices 153  
identifying  
File menu 145  
navigating and selecting 143  
DisplayPort, identifying  
docking connector 101  
removing 109  
replacing 109  
166 Index  
ExpressCard  
description 34  
displaying system  
RJ-11 (modem)  
RJ-45 (network  
configuring 104  
inserting 104  
information 35  
Java Card  
removing 105  
removing insert 104  
stopping 105  
increasing screen  
brightness 39  
initiating Standby 36  
switching screen image 37  
using 35  
defined 106  
inserting 106  
removing 106  
ExpressCard slot, identifying  
external audio devices,  
connecting 48  
external drive 100  
external monitor port 50  
external monitor port,  
K
keyboard hotkeys, identifying 34  
keyboard light button,  
identifying 11  
keyboard light, identifying 11  
keyboard screws  
HP 3D DriveGuard 85  
HP Client Configuration  
Manager 158, 160  
HP Client Manager for  
Altiris 158  
identifying  
removing 112  
replacing 115  
HP Connection Manager  
software 17  
F
File menu 145  
fingerprint reader, identifying  
firewall 19  
keypad keys, identifying  
keypad, external  
num lock 43  
using 43  
HP Mobile Broadband Module 21  
HP QuickLook 148  
HP SpareKey enrollment 146  
HP System Software  
Manager 158, 161  
HP Universal Print Driver,  
using 164  
fn key  
identifying  
function keys  
identifying  
keys  
esc  
fn  
function  
keypad  
hubs 96  
H
hard disk drive  
I
Windows applications  
Windows logo  
HP 3D DriveGuard 85  
installing 88  
replacing 87  
icons  
Connection Manager 16  
network 26  
network status 16  
wireless 16  
IEEE 1394 port  
L
hard disk drive space 116  
hard drive  
labels  
Bluetooth 14  
external 100  
HP 3D DriveGuard 85  
installing 88  
HP Mobile Broadband  
Module 14  
Microsoft Certificate of  
Authenticity 13  
modem approval 13  
regulatory 13  
identifying  
image, computer 157  
inserting a memory module  
expansion 110  
replacing 87  
hard drive bay 10  
hard drive space 116  
primary 114  
hardware, identifying  
HDMI 37  
service tag 13  
SIM 14  
Intel Centrino Pro  
technology 162  
headphone (audio-out) jack  
Hibernation  
wireless certification 14  
WLAN 14  
LAN, connecting 33  
language, changing in Computer  
Setup 147  
latch, battery release 10  
legacy support, USB 143, 147  
light, drive 85  
Intel HT Technology 148  
interference, minimizing 27  
internal display switch,  
identifying 11  
internal microphone,  
identifying 11  
exiting 67  
initiated during critical battery  
level 75  
initiating 67  
Hibernation file 116  
hotkeys  
Internet connection setup 18  
ambient light sensor 39  
battery charge information 38  
decreasing screen  
brightness 39  
J
lights  
jacks  
battery  
caps lock  
drive  
audio-in (microphone)  
audio-out (headphone)  
Index 167  
keyboard 11  
local area network (LAN)  
mouse, external  
pointing devices  
setting preferences 34  
using 34  
connecting 34  
mute  
setting preferences 34  
Multi Core CPU 148  
MultiBoot Express 151, 156  
multimedia software  
accessing 47  
num lock  
pointing stick  
power 3, 7  
QuickLook  
identifying  
using 34  
QuickWeb  
TouchPad  
pointing stick buttons,  
identifying 1, 2  
port options  
mute button  
volume down  
volume mute  
identifying  
mute light, identifying  
1394 port 150  
eSATA port 150  
ExpressCard slot 150  
flash media reader 150  
parallel port 150  
serial port 150  
Smart Card slot 150  
USB port 150  
volume up  
N
webcam 11  
wireless 3, 7  
network cable  
connecting 33  
noise suppression circuitry 33  
network icon 26  
network key 26  
network security codes  
network key 26  
local area network (LAN)  
cable required 33  
connecting cable 33  
logical drive designations 154  
low battery level 74  
ports  
M
SSID 26  
DisplayPort  
maintenance  
Network Service Boot 153  
network status icon 16  
NIC boot device 151, 153  
noise suppression circuitry  
modem cable 28  
eSATA 8, 99  
external monitor 9, 50  
USB 8, 96  
Disk Cleanup 84  
Disk Defragmenter 84  
McAfee Total Protection 129,  
Media Card Reader, identifying  
memory  
power  
connecting 70  
conserving 78  
power button, identifying  
network cable 33  
num lock light, identifying  
increasing 116  
memory module compartment  
cover  
num lock, external keypad 43  
power connector, identifying  
power cord, identifying 13  
power lights, identifying 3, 7  
primary memory module  
inserting 114  
O
operating system  
Microsoft Certificate of  
Authenticity label 13  
Product Key 13  
Operating System disc 142  
optical disc  
removing 109  
replacing 111  
microphone (audio-in) jack  
removing 113  
replacing 112  
upgrading 112  
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity  
label 13  
minimizing interference 27  
modem approval label 13  
modem cable  
Product Key 13  
product name and number,  
computer 13  
removing 56  
using 52  
writing to 47  
optical drive  
connecting 28  
country-specific cable  
adapter 29  
projector, connecting 50  
public WLAN connection 20  
PXE server 153  
protecting 47  
identifying 13  
P
noise suppression circuitry 28  
modem cable adapter,  
identifying 13  
Q
parallel port mode 147  
passwords  
Quick Launch Buttons  
control panel 40  
QuickLook button  
administrator 118  
BIOS administrator 119  
DriveLock 121  
user 118  
modem software  
setting/adding location 29  
travel connection problems 31  
monitor port, external  
identifying  
QuickLook light, identifying  
QuickWeb button  
monitor, connecting 50  
identifying  
168 Index  
QuickWeb light, identifying  
serial number, computer 13  
service tag 13  
set security level 150  
setup of WLAN 18  
setup utility  
system IDs 146  
system information 145  
system information hotkey 35  
R
readable media 66  
region codes, DVD 55  
regulatory information  
modem approval label 13  
regulatory label 13  
wireless certification labels 14  
release latch, battery 10, 72  
replacing  
T
temperature 78  
tips, webcam 62  
TouchPad  
File menu 145  
navigating and selecting 143  
restoring factory settings 144  
Security menu 145  
System Configuration  
menu 146  
identifying  
using 34  
TouchPad button, identifying  
TouchPad buttons,  
a primary memory  
setup, computer  
module 112  
an expansion memory  
module 109  
identifying  
TouchPad light, identifying  
TouchPad scroll zone,  
shutting down 80  
SIM  
inserting 21  
removing 22  
slots  
restore security defaults 150  
restore the factory settings 145  
RJ-11 (modem) jack,  
identifying  
TPM Embedded Security 146  
traveling with the computer  
modem approval label 13  
troubleshooting  
business card  
identifying  
RJ-45 (network) jack,  
identifying  
ExpressCard  
memory 108  
security cable  
AutoPlay 59  
device drivers 60  
disc burning 60  
smart card reader  
smart card  
S
SATA (Serial Advanced  
Technology Attachment) devices  
AHCI (Advanced Host Controller  
Interface) 147  
disc play 58  
defined 106  
inserting 106  
removing 106  
external display 60  
HP device drivers 60  
Microsoft device drivers 61  
modem 31  
smart card reader, identifying  
SoftPaqs, downloading 138, 139  
software  
IDE (Integrated Drive  
Electronics) 147  
movie play 59  
screen brightness hotkeys 39  
screen image, switching 37  
optical disc tray 57  
optical drive detection 58  
troubleshooting wireless network  
problems 25  
turning off the computer 80  
TXT (Intel Trusted Execution  
Technology) 148  
BIOS update 137  
business card reader 63  
deployment 157  
scroll zone, TouchPad  
Secondary Battery Fast  
Charge 148  
Disk Cleanup 84  
Disk Defragmenter 84  
HP Connection Manager 17  
recovery 157  
security cable slot, identifying  
Security menu  
always prompt for HP SpareKey  
enrollment 146  
Automatic DriveLock 146  
change password 146  
Disk Sanitizer 146  
updates 158  
updating programs and  
drivers 138  
U
Unified Extensible Firmware  
Interface (UEFI) mode 147  
Universal Print Driver, using 164  
unresponsive system 80  
updates, software 158  
upgrade bay  
Wireless Assistant 17  
speaker, identifying  
Standby  
DriveLock 146  
fingerprint reader reset 146  
HP Sparekey 146  
exiting 66  
initiating 66  
HP Sparekey enrollment 146  
password policy 146  
set up BIOS administrator  
password 146  
identifying  
Standby hotkey 36  
storing battery 78  
System Configuration menu 146  
system date and time 145  
system diagnostics 145  
system fan 147  
replacing a hard drive 90  
replacing an optical drive 93  
USB cable, connecting 96  
USB devices  
System IDs 146  
security, wireless 18  
connecting 96  
Index 169  
description 96  
removing 96  
wireless button  
identifying  
stopping 96  
USB hubs 96  
wireless certification label 14  
wireless controls  
USB legacy support 97, 143,  
USB ports, identifying 8, 96  
User management 146  
user password 118  
using the webcam 62  
button 16  
operating system 16  
Wireless Assistant  
software 16  
wireless devices, types 15  
wireless icon 16  
wireless light  
V
identifying 3, 7  
vents, identifying 8, 10  
video transmission types 37  
Virtualization Technology 148  
volume buttons 45  
volume down button,  
wireless network (WLAN)  
connecting 20  
corporate WLAN  
connection 20  
described 15  
identifying  
volume down light, identifying  
volume mute button  
equipment needed 18  
functional range 20  
public WLAN connection 20  
security 18  
identifying  
volume mute light, identifying  
volume up button, identifying  
using 18  
wireless network problems,  
troubleshooting 25  
WLAN antennas, identifying 12  
WLAN device 14, 15, 18  
WLAN label 14  
volume up light, identifying  
volume, adjusting 45  
W
Web sites  
writable media 66  
WWAN antennas, identifying 12  
WWAN device 15, 21  
HP System Software  
Manager 161  
HP Universal Print Driver 164  
Intel Centrino Pro 162  
Intel Pro technology for  
AMT 162  
webcam  
adjusting properties 62  
capturing business cards 63  
identifying 11  
tips 62  
using 62  
webcam light, identifying 11  
Windows applications key,  
identifying  
Windows Backup utility 140,  
Windows logo key, identifying  
Windows recovery 142  
wireless antennas 11  
Wireless Assistant software 16,  
170 Index  

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