Getting Started HP Compaq Notebook PC Document Part Number: 406853-001 April 2006 This guide explains how to set up your hardware and software, and begin using the computer in Microsoft® Windows®.
© Copyright 2006 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks 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.
Contents 1 First-time setup Identify required hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1 Set up the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–3 Step 1: Insert the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–4 Step 2: Connect the computer to external power. . . . 1–5 Step 3: Turn on the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–7 Step 4: Set up the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–9 Step 5: Create recovery discs (recommended) . . .
Contents 3 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1 Quick troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2 The computer is unable to start up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2 The computer screen is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–3 Software is functioning abnormally . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–4 The computer is turned on but not responding . . . . . 3–5 The computer is unusually warm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents C Backup and recovery Safeguard your data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back up the system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back up specific files or folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back up the entire system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back up modifications made to the system . . . . . . . . Schedule backups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recover the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 First-time setup Identify required hardware To set up the computer for the first time, you will need the computer, AC adapter, power cord, and the primary battery. included with the computer may vary by region ✎ Components and by model.
First-time setup Component 1 Power cord 4 Modem cable (optional for setup) 2 HP Smart AC Adapter 5 Country-specific modem adapter (included by region as required) 3 Primary battery only the included AC adapter or one approved for this ✎ Use computer. you use dial-up networking, the modem cable is ✎ Unless optional for setup.
First-time setup Set up the computer To set up the computer, you will 1. Insert the battery into the computer. 2. Connect the computer to external power. ✎ The battery begins to charge. 3. Turn on the computer. 4. Set up the software. 5. Create recovery discs (recommended). Refer to Appendix C, “Backup and recovery,” for ✎ instructions.
First-time setup Step 1: Insert the battery To insert a primary battery: 1. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you. 2. Slide the battery 1 into the battery bay until it is seated. The battery release latch 2 automatically locks the battery into place.
First-time setup Step 2: Connect the computer to external power cords and AC outlets vary in appearance by region and ✎ Power country. 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. Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet 3.
First-time setup When the computer receives AC power, the battery begins to charge and the battery light (on the front of the computer) is turned on. When the battery is fully charged, the battery light is turned off. Leave the computer connected to external power until the battery is fully charged and the battery light is turned off.
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.
First-time setup 3. Press the power button 1. The power light next to the power button and the power light on the front of the computer 2 are turned on, and you are prompted to begin software setup.
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. Setup time varies. ■� During software setup, the computer may pause periodically for several minutes. These normal pauses are indicated by an hourglass icon.
First-time setup Step 5: Create recovery discs (recommended) After setting up the computer for the first time, you can create a set of recovery discs of your full factory image using HP Backup and Recovery Manager. The recovery discs are used to start up (boot) the computer and restore the operating system and software applications to factory settings in case of system failure or instability. Refer to Appendix C, “Backup and recovery,” for detailed instructions.
2 Next steps Install additional hardware and software Identify and install hardware To see a list of hardware installed on the computer: 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 your device configurations using Device Manager.
Next steps Locate and install software Your computer includes software that may be ■� Preinstalled on your hard drive. To see a list of the ready-to-use software preinstalled on your computer: 1. Click Start > All Programs. 2. Double-click the program you want to open. ■� Provided on a CD or DVD. To install a software program from a disc: 1. Insert the disc into your optical drive. 2. When the installation wizard opens, follow the on-screen instructions. 3. Restart the computer if prompted to do so.
Next steps Protect the computer The information in this section is designed to protect the computer from damage caused by a virus, a security breach, a power surge, or unsafe operation. Protect the computer from viruses When you use the computer for e-mail, network, or Internet access, you expose it to computer viruses that can disable the operating system, applications, or utilities or cause them to function abnormally.
Next steps Protect your privacy When you use the computer for e-mail, network, or Internet access, it is possible for unauthorized persons to obtain information about you or your computer. To optimize the privacy protection features included with the computer: ■� Keep the operating system and software updated. Many software applications contain security enhancements. ■� Use a firewall. A firewall is software that monitors incoming traffic on the computer. Some firewalls also monitor outgoing traffic.
Next steps Use the computer safely Å WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your 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 your power cord, plug the cord into a grounded (earthed) 3-pin outlet.
Next steps Å WARNING: To avoid potential discomfort or burns, do not block the air vents or use the computer on your lap for extended periods. The computer is designed to run demanding applications at full power. As a result of increased power consumption, it is normal for the computer to feel warm or hot when used continuously. The computer complies with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the International Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).
Next steps Connect to a computer network The computer may have the following networking capabilities: ■ Local area network (LAN) ■ Wireless local area network (WLAN) ■ Bluetooth® If you plan to connect the computer to a home office LAN or WLAN, you must have a router or wireless router. Refer to the documentation included with the router for additional information, or refer to the Help and Support Center for information on networking.
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. Many updates provide security enhancements.
Next steps Turn off the computer correctly Whenever possible, turn off the computer by using the standard 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. have been registered to a network domain, the button ✎ Ifyouyouclick will be called Shut Down instead of Turn Off Computer.
3 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting resources If you experience computer problems, follow the troubleshooting steps below: 1. Refer to “Quick troubleshooting,” next in this chapter. 2. Access additional information about the computer and Web site links through the Help and Support Center. Select Start > Help and Support. many checkup and repair tools require an Internet ✎ Although connection, other tools can help you fix a problem when the computer is offline. 3. Contact Customer Care for further assistance.
Troubleshooting Quick troubleshooting The computer is 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.
Troubleshooting The computer screen is blank If the computer is on 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. Try the suggestions below to resolve the issue: ■� To resume from standby or restore from hibernation, briefly press the power button. Standby and hibernation are energy-saving features that can turn off the display.
Troubleshooting Software is 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 > Restart > OK. (If you have been registered to a domain, the button you click will be called Shut Down instead of Turn Off Computer.
Troubleshooting The computer is turned on but not responding If the computer is turned on, but not responding to software or keyboard commands, turn off the computer by using the standard 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. have been registered to a network domain, the button ✎ Ifyouyouclick will be called Shut Down instead of Turn Off Computer.
Troubleshooting The computer is 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. Then be sure to keep all vents free from obstructions while you are using the computer. Ä CAUTION: To prevent overheating, do not obstruct vents. Use the computer only on a hard, flat surface.
Troubleshooting An external device is not working If an external device does not function as expected: ■� Turn on the device as instructed in the device user guide. Some devices may not be powered by the computer, and must be turned on before the computer is turned on. ■� Be sure that ❏�All device connections are secure. ❏�The device is receiving electrical power. ❏�The device, especially if it is an older one, is compatible with your operating system.
Troubleshooting The home wireless network connection is not working If a home wireless network connection is not working as expected: ■� Be sure that the wireless light on the computer is on. If the light is off, press the wireless button to turn it on. ■� Be sure that the computer wireless antennae are free from obstructions. ■� Be sure that the cable or DSL modem and its power cord are properly connected, and the lights are on.
Troubleshooting 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 ■� Information about the computer, such as model and serial number, installed software, hardware components, and specifications. ■� Answers to questions about using the computer.
Troubleshooting Customer Care If you are unable to find the help you need by using the Help and Support Center, you may need to contact Customer Care. Prepare 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 service tag label is on the bottom of the computer.
Troubleshooting Contact Customer Care by e-mail or telephone If the computer is connected to the Internet, select Start > Help and Support to get help by e-mail or to access the Customer Care telephone numbers.
A Notebook tour included with the computer may vary by region ✎ Components and model. The illustrations in this appendix identify the standard features included on most computer models.
Notebook tour Top components Component 1 Power light 8 Num lock light 2 Power button 9 Volume mute button 3 Info Center button - Volume mute light 4 Wireless button q Volume down button 5 Wireless light w Volume up button 6 Presentation button e Fingerprint reader 7 Caps lock light A–2 Getting Started
Notebook tour Keys Component 1 esc key 4 Windows applications key 2 fn key 5 Embedded numeric keypad 3 Windows logo key 6 Function keys Getting Started A–3
Notebook tour Pointing devices Component 1 Left pointing stick button (select models only) 6 Right TouchPad button 2 Center pointing stick button (select models only) 7 Center TouchPad button 3 Pointing stick (select models only) 8 Left TouchPad button 4 Right pointing stick button (select models only) 9 TouchPad 5 TouchPad scroll zone A–4 Getting Started
Notebook tour Front components Component 1 Wireless light 4 Drive light 2 Power light 5 Display release latch 3 Battery light 2 External monitor port Rear components Component 1 Power connector Getting Started A–5
Notebook tour Right-side components Component 1 Audio-out (headphone) jack 4 USB ports (2) 2 Internal microphone 5 Optical drive 3 Audio-in (microphone) jack 6 Serial port (select models only) A–6 Getting Started
Notebook tour Left-side components Component 1 Security cable slot 6 1394 port 2 RJ-45 (network) jack 7 USB port 3 RJ-11 (modem) jack 8 Digital Media Slot 4 S-Video-out jack 9 Smart card slot 5 Vent - PC Card slot Getting Started A–7
Notebook tour Bottom components Component 1 Primary battery bay 5 Docking connector 2 Primary battery release latches (2) 6 Expansion memory module compartment 3 Business card holder 7 Vent 4 Hard drive bay 8 Accessory battery connector A–8 Getting Started
B Connect to the Internet from your home 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 connection you want, such as broadband, wireless, or dial-up, and connect the hardware. hardware and software features vary depending on ✎ Internet your computer model and your location.
Connect to the Internet from your home Use 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. ■� If you do not have an Internet account and would like to select an ISP from the list provided within the wizard. ■� If you have selected an unlisted ISP and the ISP has provided you with such information as a specific IP address, POP3 and SMTP settings.
Connect to the Internet from your home Choose the type of Internet connection There are 3 basic types of Internet connection: ■� Broadband: High-speed Internet access is available through ❏ Cable modem ❏ Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) ❏ Satellite ❏ Other services For broadband access, additional hardware and/or software must be provided by your ISP. ■� Wireless: For high-speed mobile Internet access, you can use a wireless connection.
C Backup and recovery HP Backup and Recovery Manager provides several ways to back up the system and to recover optimal system functionality. installed drivers, utilities, and applications can be copied ✎ HP to a CD or to a DVD using the HP Backup and Recovery Manager. Safeguard your data Software or devices added to the computer can cause your system to become unstable. To safeguard your documents, store personal files in the My Documents folder and periodically create a backup copy of the folder.
Backup and recovery Back up specific files or folders You can back up specific files or folders to the computer 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 Manager > HP Backup and Recovery Manager. The HP Backup and Recovery Manager opens. 2. Click Next. 3. Click Back up to protect system settings and important data files, and then click Next. 4.
Backup and recovery Back up the entire system When you perform a complete system backup, you are saving the full factory image, including the Windows operating system, software applications, and all personal files and folders. of the entire hard drive image can be stored on another ✎ Ahardcopydrive, on a network drive, or on recovery discs that you create. To back up the entire system: 1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup and Recovery Manager > HP Backup and Recovery Manager.
Backup and recovery 7. Select the Protect data access with password check box, and type your password in the Password box. step is optional. If you do not want to password protect ✎ This your data access, clear the Protect data access with password check box. 8. Click Next to back up your entire hard drive. process may take over an hour, depending on your ✎ This computer speed and the amount of information being stored.
Backup and recovery To create and schedule a system recovery point: 1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup and Recovery Manager > HP Backup and Recovery Manager. The HP Backup and Recovery manager opens. 2. Click Expert Mode. 3. Click Create or manage your recovery points, and then click Next. The Recovery Point Manager opens. 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to create or manage recovery points. Schedule backups To schedule backups: 1.
Backup and recovery Recover the system HP Backup and Recovery Manager analyzes the hard drive and creates a dedicated hard drive recovery partition on the hard drive large enough to store a copy of the full factory image. You choose whether you want to store that copy on the recovery partition, on another drive, or on external recovery discs. The HP Backup and Recovery Manager allows you to ■� Create recovery discs (recommended).
Backup and recovery Create recovery discs (recommended) After setting up the computer for the first time, you can create a set of recovery discs of your full factory image using HP Backup and Recovery Manager. The recovery discs are used to start up (boot) your computer and restore the operating system and software applications to factory settings in case of system failure or instability.
Backup and recovery To create a set of recovery discs: 1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup and Recovery Manager > HP Backup and Recovery Manager. The HP Backup and Recovery Manager opens. 2. Click Next. 3. Click Create recovery CDs and DVDs to recover the system (recommended). 4. Click Next. The Recovery Media Creator Wizard opens. 5. Click Next. 6. Click Write to CD/DVD, and then click Next. 7. Click Factory image recovery discs, and then click Next.
Backup and recovery Perform a recovery Performing a recovery from the recovery discs To perform a recovery from the recovery discs: 1. Back up all personal files. 2. Insert the first recovery disc into the optical drive and restart the computer. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions. Performing a recovery from the hard drive Start the full system recovery from either the Start button or f11. 1. From the Start menu: a.
Backup and recovery From f11: a. Restart the computer. b. Press f11 while the “Press for recovery” message is displayed on the screen. c. Continue to step 2 to complete the recovery process. 2. Choose one of the following options: ❏�Recover PC to a specific point in time: Allows you to recover from a previous recovery point. ❏�Recover PC’s original factory installation and backup data: Backs up your information and then performs a full system recovery.
D Specifications The following sections provide information on the computer operating environment specifications and power specifications. 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 Metric U.S.
Specifications Rated input power The power information in this section may be helpful if you plan to travel internationally with your computer. The computer operates on DC power, which can be supplied by an AC or a DC power source. Although the computer can be powered from a standalone DC power source, it should be powered only with an AC adapter or a DC power source supplied and approved by HP for use with this HP computer. The computer is capable of accepting DC power within the following specifications.
Index 1394 port, identifying A–7 A AC adapter connecting 1–5 identifying 1–2 accessory battery connector, identifying A–8 altitude specifications D–1 antivirus software 3–4 audio-out (headphone) jack, identifying A–6 B battery charging 1–6 indentifying 1–2 inserting 1–4 battery bay, identifying A–8 battery light identifying A–5 on, off 1–6 battery release latch A–8 bays battery A–8 hard drive A–8 Bluetooth 2–7 business card holder A–8 Getting Started buttons Info Center A–2 pointing stick A–4 power 1–8,
Index rear A–5 right-side A–6 top A–2 computer turn off 2–9 turn on 1–7 computer viruses 3–4 connect the computer to external power 1–5 connecting to a computer network 2–7 connectors accessory battery A–8 docking A–8 cord, power connecting 1–5 Customer Care 3–10 environmental specifications D–1 esc key, identifying A–3 expansion memory module compartment, identifying A–8 external devices troubleshooting 3–7 external monitor port, identifying A–5 D hard drive bay, identifying A–8 Help and Support Center
Index J M jacks audio-in (microphone) A–6 audio-out (headphone) A–6 RJ-11 (modem) A–7 RJ-45 (network) A–7 S-Video-out A–7 modem setting up Internet service B–3 surge protection 2–4 monitor, external 3–3, 3–7 K network, connecting computer to 2–7 New Connection Wizard B–2 num lock light, identifying A–2 keys embedded numeric keypad A–3 esc A–3 fn A–3 function A–3 Windows applications A–3 Windows logo A–3 L labels, service tag 3–10 LAN (local area network) 2–7 latches battery release A–8 display relea
Index running the computer on battery 1–6, 1–7 turning on computer 1–8, 3–2 power button, identifying A–2 power connector 1–5 power connector, identifying A–5 power cord connecting 1–5 identifying 1–2 power lights identifying A–2 on, off 1–8, 3–2 power lights, identifying A–5 power surge 2–4 Presentation button, identifying A–2 printer 3–7 Product Id 3–10 R rated input power specifications D–2 registration number, operating system 3–10 regulatory information notices 2–6 Regulatory, Safety, and Environment
Index TouchPad scroll zone, identifying A–4 TouchPad, identifying A–4 traveling with computer environmental specifications D–2 troubleshooting display problems 3–3 external device problems 3–7 hibernation or standby problems 3–3 overheating problems 3–6 resources 3–1 software problems 3–4 virus problems 3–4 wireless network problems 3–8 turn off computer 2–9 turn on computer 3–2 turn on the computer 1–7 volume down button, identifying A–2 volume mute button, identifying A–2 volume mute light, identifying
