Getting Started HP Compaq Notebook PC Document Part Number: 409814-001 March 2006 This guide explains how to set up your hardware and software, and begin using the computer in Microsoft Windows ® ® Enhanced for Accessibility...
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Hewlett-Packard Company under license. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
Components included with the computer may vary by region and by model. The illustrations in this chapter identify the standard external features included in most computer models. Computer hardware Component HP Smart AC Adapter Power cord ✎ Older AC adapters do not work with this computer. Getting Started...
First-time setup Top components ✎ Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer. Component Power light Power button Display switch Info Center button Wireless button Wireless light Presentation button Caps lock light 1–2 Num lock light Volume mute button Volume mute light Volume down button Volume up button...
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Component Power light Power button Display switch Wireless button Getting Started Wireless light Caps lock light Num lock light First-time setup 1–3...
First-time setup Keys ✎ Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. Component esc key fn key Windows logo key 1–4 Windows applications key Embedded numeric keypad keys Function keys Getting Started...
Front components ✎ Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer. Component Wireless light Power light Battery light Drive light Getting Started Display release latch Speakers (2) Digital Media Slot Digital Media Slot light First-time setup 1–7...
Rear components ✎ Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer. Component Security cable slot Power connector Component Security cable slot Getting Started Parallel port S-Video-out jack Power connector First-time setup 1–9...
First-time setup Right-side components ✎ Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer. Component USB ports (2) 1394 port RJ-11 (modem) jack Component 1394 port RJ-11 (modem) jack 1–10 Optical drive Optical drive button Serial port Optical drive Optical drive button Getting Started...
Left-side components ✎ Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. Component ExpressCard slot (select models only) ExpressCard slot eject button RJ-45 (network) jack External monitor port Vent Getting Started USB ports (2) Audio-out (headphone) jack Audio-in (microphone) jack PC Card slot PC Card slot eject button...
First-time setup Bottom components ✎ Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer. Component Hard drive bay Expansion memory module and Mini Card compartment Accessory battery connector Docking connector 1–12 Primary battery pack release latches (2) Battery bay Vents (4) Getting Started...
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Component Hard drive bay Expansion memory module and Mini Card compartment Accessory battery connector Getting Started Primary battery pack release latches (2) Battery bay Vents (4) First-time setup 1–13...
First-time setup Set up the computer Ä CAUTION: To prevent file corruption and to ensure that the correct drivers are installed: ■� Do not set up the computer for the first time while the computer is docked in an optional docking device. ■�...
Step 1: Insert the battery pack To insert a primary battery pack: 1. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you. 2. Slide the battery pack 1 into the battery bay until it is seated. The battery pack release latches 2 automatically lock the battery into place.
First-time setup Step 2: Connect the computer to external power 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. 3.
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First-time setup It is recommended that you leave the computer connected to external power until the battery pack is fully charged and the battery light is turned off. (A partially charged new battery pack can run the computer after software setup is complete, but battery charge displays will not be accurate until the new battery pack has been fully charged.) ✎...
First-time setup Step 3: Turn on the computer To open the computer: 1. Slide the display release latch 1 to the right to release the display. 2. Raise the display 2. 1–18 Getting Started...
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First-time setup 3. Press the power button 1. The power light next to the power button 2 and the power light on the front of the computer 3 are turned on, and you are prompted to begin software setup. Getting Started 1–19...
First-time setup Step 4: Set up the software After the computer is turned on, it will go through a brief software setup. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the software. Note the following: ■� After you respond to the setup prompt, you must complete the entire setup process without interruption.
However, doing this is not recommended. HP Recovery CD/DVD Creator allows you to create a set of recovery discs for the computer. The recovery discs are used to boot up your computer and recover the operating system and software applications to factory settings in case of system failure or instability.
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First-time setup To create a set of recovery discs: 1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup & Recovery > HP Backup and Recovery Manager. 2. Click Next. 3. Click Create factory software recovery CDs or DVDs to recover the system (highly recommended).
Install additional hardware and software To install additional hardware, such as an optional printer, follow the instructions provided by the hardware manufacturer to install any drivers required by the device. Install new software by inserting the software disc into the optical drive, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
For more information about computer viruses, type Search field in the Help and Support Center. Protect your system files The HP Backup and Recovery Manager provides several ways to back up the system and to recover optimal system functionality. Refer to Appendix B, information.
Protect the computer from power surges To protect the computer from the power surges that may be caused by an uncertain power supply or an electrical storm: ■� Plug the computer power cord into an optional, high-quality surge protector. Surge protectors are available from most computer or electronics retailers.
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WARNING: To reduce potential safety issues, only the AC adapter or battery pack provided with the computer, a replacement AC adapter or battery pack provided by HP, or a compatible AC adapter or battery pack purchased as an accessory from HP should be used with the computer.
If you plan to connect the computer to a home office LAN or WLAN, refer to the Help and Support Center for information on networking. For information on connecting to a WWAN, refer to the HP Broadband Wireless Getting Started guide that came with the computer.
Next steps Update your software Most software, including the operating system, is updated frequently by the manufacturer or provider. Important updates to the software included with the computer may have been released since the computer left the factory. Some updates may affect the way the computer responds to optional software or external devices.
Turn off the computer correctly Whenever possible, turn off the computer by using the standard Windows shutdown procedure: 1. Save your work and close all open applications. 2. Shut down the computer through the operating system by selecting Start > Turn Off Computer > Turn Off. ✎...
Troubleshooting resources If you experience computer problems, follow the troubleshooting steps below: 1. Refer to 2. Access additional information about the computer and Web site links through the Help and Support Center. Select Start > Help and Support. ✎ Although many checkup and repair tools require an Internet connection, other tools can help you fix a problem when the computer is offline.
Troubleshooting Quick troubleshooting Is the computer unable to start up? To turn on the computer, press the power button. When the computer is turned on, the power light is turned on. If the computer and the power light are not turned on when you press the power button, adequate power may not be available to the computer.
Is the computer screen blank? If you have not turned off the computer but the screen is blank, the computer may be in standby or hibernation, may not be set to display the image on the computer screen, or the display switch may not be functioning properly.
Troubleshooting Is software functioning abnormally? If the software becomes unresponsive or responds abnormally: ■� Restart the computer: ❏� In Windows XP Home, select Start > Turn Off Computer > Restart. ❏� In Windows XP Professional, select Start > Turn Off Computer >...
Is the computer turned on, but is not responding? If the computer is turned on, but is not responding to software applications or keyboard commands, try first to shut down the computer through the operating system by selecting Start > Turn Off Computer >...
Troubleshooting Is the computer unusually warm? It is normal for the computer to feel warm to the touch while it is in use. But if the computer feels unusually warm, it may be overheating because a vent is blocked. If you suspect that the computer is overheating, allow the computer to cool to room temperature.
Is an external device not working? If an external device does not function as expected: ■� Turn on the device as instructed in the device user guide. Some devices, such as monitors and printers, may not be powered by the computer, and must be turned on before the computer is turned on.
■� Disconnect and then reconnect all cables, and turn the power off and then back on. ✎ For information on setting up a home wireless network connection, refer to 3–8 http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/wireless Getting Started...
Help and Support Center If the preceding questions and solutions did not address your problem, access the Help and Support Center by selecting Start > Help and Support. In addition to providing information about your operating system, the Help and Support Center provides ■�...
Troubleshooting Preparing to contact Customer Care For the fastest possible resolution of your problem, have the computer and the following information available when you call or e-mail: ■� Product name located on the display or keyboard. ■� Serial number (s/n) listed on the service tag. ❏�...
The following sections provide information on the operating environment specifications and power specifications of the computer. Operating environment The operating environment information in the following table may be helpful if you plan to use or transport the computer in extreme environments. Factor Temperature Operating (not writing to optical disc)
DC power source, it should be powered only with an AC adapter or a DC power cord supplied by or approved for an HP computer. The computer is capable of accepting DC power within the following specifications.
“Recovering your ✎ HP installed drivers, utilities, and applications can be copied to a CD or to a DVD using the HP Backup and Recovery Manager. ✎ DVD±RW/R and double layer DVD±RW discs are not compatible with the HP Backup and Recovery Manager software.
You can back up specific files or folders to the hard drive, to an optional external hard drive, or to discs. To back up specific files or folders: 1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup and Recovery > HP Backup and Recovery Manager. 2. Click Next.
“Creating recovery discs.” To back up your entire system: 1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup & Recovery > HP Backup and Recovery Manager. 2. Click Next. 3. Click Back up to protect user system settings and important data files, and then click Next.
Subsequent recovery points make a copy of changes made after that time. HP recommends that you create recovery points ■ Before you add or extensively modify software or hardware.
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To create and schedule a system recovery point: 1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup & Recovery > HP Backup and Recovery Manager. 2. Click Next. 3. Click Back up to protect user system settings and important data files, and then click Next.
For more information, refer to Creating recovery discs HP recommends that you create recovery discs of your full factory image after you set up the computer for the first time. ✎...
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To create a set of recovery discs: 1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup & Recovery > HP Backup and Recovery Manager. 2. Click Next. 3. Click Create factory software recovery CDs or DVDs to recover the system (highly recommended).
1. Back up all personal files before performing a recovery. For more information, refer to folders.” 2. If the computer is on, select Start > All Programs > HP Backup & Recovery > HP Backup and Recovery Manager. 3. Click Next.
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5. Select a recovery option, and then click Next. ✎ If you select to recover the system, the computer restarts and recovery will begin. 6. Follow the on-screen instructions to perform a recovery in Windows. Performing a recovery from the recovery partition To perform a recovery from the recovery partition: 1.
Connect to the Internet Your computer includes hardware and software that allows you to connect to the Internet. Before you can access the Internet, you must ■� Choose an Internet service provider (ISP). ■� Choose the type of Internet access you want, and connect the hardware.
Connect to the Internet from your home Using the New Connection Wizard You can use the New Connection Wizard to connect to the Internet ■� If you already have an account with an ISP. ■� If you have a disc from an ISP. ■�...
A wireless network set up at home requires a wireless router, purchased separately. To learn about setting up wireless access, select http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/wireless ■� Dial-up: You can access the Internet by dialing in to a service provider, using a modem cable connected to an RJ-11 (modem) jack.
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Index components bottom 1–12 front 1–7 keys 1–4 left-side 1–11 pointing devices 1–5 rear 1–9 right-side 1–10 top 1–2 computer turn off 2–7 turn on 1–18 computer viruses 3–4 connect the computer to external power 1–16 connecting to a computer network 2–5 connectors accessory battery 1–12...
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1–12 1–13 headphone (audio-out) jack, identifying 1–11 Help and Support Center 3–9 hibernation 3–3 HP Smart AC Adapter, identifying 1–1 humidity specifications A–1 IEC 60950 compliance 2–4 IEEE 1394 port, identifying 1–10 image, switching among display devices 3–3 Info Center button, identifying 1–2...
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Index modem setting up Internet service C–3 surge protection 2–3 modem cable 1–1 monitor port, external 1–11 monitor, external 3–3 network (RJ-45) jack 1–11 network cable 1–11 network, connecting computer to 2–5 New Connection Wizard C–2 num lock light, identifying 1–2 1–3 operating environment...
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regulatory information notices 2–4 Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices 2–4 release latches, battery pack 1–12, 1–13 reset (emergency shutdown) 3–5 RJ-11 (modem) jack, identifying 1–10 RJ-45 (network) jack, identifying 1–10 Safety and Comfort Guide 2–4 security cable slot, identifying 1–9 serial number, computer 3–10 serial port, identifying 1–10 service tag 3–10...
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Index vents, identifying 1–11 1–13 vents, keeping free from obstructions 3–6 viruses, antivirus software 2–1 volume down button, identifying 1–2 volume mute button, identifying 1–2 volume up button, identifying 1–2 Windows applications key, identifying 1–4 Windows logo key, identifying 1–4 wireless button, identifying 1–2 1–3...
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