Wireless (Select Models Only) User Guide
© Copyright 2008 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Windows is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by 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.
Product notice This user guide describes features that are common to most models. Some features may not be available on your computer.
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Table of contents 1 Using wireless devices (select models only) Identifying wireless and network status icons ...................................................................................... 2 Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................................... 3 Using the wireless button .....................................................................................................................
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1 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: ● Wireless local area network (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.
Identifying wireless and network status icons Icon 2 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.
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) ● Operating system controls Using the wireless controls 3
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.
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 the Setup Utility, it must be reenabled by the Setup Utility 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.
Using operating system controls Some operating systems also offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless connection. For example, Windows provides the Network and Sharing Center that allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair connections. To access the Network and Sharing Center, click Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center. For more information, click Start > Help and Support.
2 Using a WLAN With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
3 Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) HP Mobile Broadband enables your computer to access the Internet from more places and over larger areas than are possible with 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.
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.
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. 7.
4 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 d
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.
5 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.
Cannot connect to a WLAN If you have a problem connecting to a WLAN, confirm that the integrated WLAN device is properly installed on your computer: NOTE: Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer. You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support for more information. 1. Select Start > Computer > System properties. 2.
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 Diagnose and repair from the menu. NOTE: To display the network status icon, click the Show Hidden Icons icon (< or <<) in the notification area. Windows resets your network device and attempts to reconnect to one of the preferred networks.
Network status icon is not displayed If the network status 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. Get the latest version of the WLAN device software and drivers for your computer from the HP Web site at http://www.hp.com.
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.
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 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.
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.
Index B Bluetooth device 1, 15 C connecting to a WLAN 10 corporate WLAN connection E encryption F firewall 9 H HP Mobile Broadband 12 HP Mobile Broadband, disabled 13 I icons network status 2, 20 wireless 2 interference, minimizing 22 Internet connection setup 8 22 N network key 21 network security codes network key 21 SSID 21 network status icon 2, 20 P public WLAN connection S security, wireless 9 24 Index 5 T troubleshooting 17 9 M minimizing interference 10 setup of WLAN 8 SIM inserting 13
