Tips for Using the OmniBook XE and XE2 Configuring and Testing Your OmniBook • Configuring the OmniBook with the BIOS Setup Utility • Updating the OmniBook BIOS • Testing the OmniBook with HP Diag Tools • Using Power Management in Windows 95 • Using Enhanced Video and Dual Monitors (Windows 95 and Windows 98) • Expanding the Hibernate Partition When Adding RAM Recovering and Reinstalling Software • Recovering Software • Reinstalling the Online User’s Guide on an OmniBook XE • Reinstalling S
Specifications • OmniBook XE Hardware Specifications • OmniBook XE2 Hardware Specifications • Software System Resources 2
Configuring the OmniBook with the BIOS Setup Utility The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup utility is a menu-driven utility that enables you to make changes to the system configuration and tailor the operation of your OmniBook to your individual work needs. The settings made in the BIOS Setup utility control the hardware and therefore have a fundamental effect on how the OmniBook operates. This page describes the BIOS Setup utility menus and options in detail. To run the BIOS Setup utility 1.
Quiet Boot When enabled, hides summary of power-on self-test and messages during boot. Enabled System Memory Shows the system memory size. 640KB Extended Memory Shows the extended memory size. Detected automatically. Sets how the serial port is configured by the BIOS (specified or automatic). Enabled Sets the I/O address and interrupt. 3F8 IRQ4 Sets how the infrared port is configured by the BIOS (specified or automatic).
either always or when on battery power only. Only or Only When Battery Exists Power Savings Sets the combination of power management features for your usage. (Choose Customize if you want to set any of the Timeout options.) Maximum Battery Life Standby Timeout Sets the period of inactivity after which the computer goes from On to Standby power mode. 2 minutes Suspend Timeout Sets the period of inactivity after which the computer goes from Standby to Suspend power mode.
changes. Save Changes Saves Setup changes to CMOS and stays in Setup. Security settings are saved when changed.
Updating the OmniBook BIOS Hewlett-Packard may provide updates to the BIOS to enhance the capabilities of the OmniBook. Updates will be available from HP Customer Care. Visit the Support website at http://www.hp.com/omnibook. Download the BIOS update to a floppy disk. CAUTION: Because a BIOS update replaces the previous version, it is important you follow these instructions exactly. Otherwise, the OmniBook may be damaged.
Testing the OmniBook with HP Diag Tools The OmniBook HP Diag Tools provide two levels of system hardware testing: • Automated testing using the basic hardware test. • Advanced testing using the individual hardware tests. The tests are designed to run after the system reboots. This ensures that the computer will be in a predictable state, so the diagnostic program can properly test the hardware components. The tests are non-destructive and are designed to preserve the state of the computer.
5. Wait until the test has finished. 6. If you intend to exit without running advanced tests, press F4 twice to save system and test information in the Support Ticket log file, HPSUPPT.TXT. Then remove the diagnostic disk (if you used one) and press F3 twice to exit. 7. Optional: Run the advanced tests. Press F2 twice to open the advanced test screen. 8. Select and run the appropriate tests. Tests are not listed if no such hardware is detected.
Using Power Management in Windows 95 Several power management features are built directly into the Windows 95 operating system. For example, there is a battery meter, you can put the IDE disk drive into low power mode, and you can manually suspend the system from the taskbar. You set these features using the Power applet in the Windows 95 control panel. In addition to these Windows 95 features, the OmniBook BIOS provides additional capabilities.
Using Enhanced Video and Dual Monitors (Windows 95 and Windows 98) Standard video drivers are installed on your OmniBook for various settings of screen area and colors, as well as for screen zoom capabilities. If you wish to use additional video features such as Stretch and Rotate, you can install a supplemental video driver. You also need to install this video driver in order to use your OmniBook with dual monitors in Windows 95. To install the supplemental video driver 1.
4. Position the second monitor to the right or left of your OmniBook display to match your monitor location. 5. Select each monitor and set the colors and screen area to the desired values. The following settings support dual display mode: • Set a 12.1-inch display to 256 colors or High Color (16 Bit) with an 800×600 screen area. (If you have upgraded your video memory to 4MB, your settings should be the same as for 2MB.) • Set a 13.3-inch display to 256 colors with a 1024×768 screen area.
Expanding the Hibernate Partition When Adding RAM The OmniBook comes with either 32 or 64 megabytes (MB) of random access memory (RAM) installed, and the size of the Hibernate partition is set appropriately. You can add up to 128 MB of additional RAM without changing the size of the Hibernate partition. However, if you add more than 128 MB of additional RAM, so that your total RAM is greater than 192 MB, you must change the size of the Hibernate partition.
Expanding the Hibernate Partition on an OmniBook XE You can create the Hibernate partition by booting from the Recovery CD. The partitioning and recovery process takes approximately 20 minutes—do not interrupt the process or unplug the AC adapter until the process is completed. CAUTION: This procedure will format the hard disk drive and erase all data on the disk. Be sure to back up all data from your hard disk before you begin this procedure.
Expanding the Hibernate Partition on an OmniBook XE2 You can create the Hibernate partition by booting from the Recovery CD. The partitioning and recovery process takes approximately 20 minutes—do not interrupt the process or unplug the AC adapter until the process is completed. CAUTION: This procedure will format the hard disk drive and erase all data on the disk. Be sure to back up all data from your hard disk before you begin this procedure.
Recovering Software If you’ve deleted or lost files on the OmniBook, causing the system to work improperly, you may need to recover the original Windows operating system. You can use the Recovery CD(s) to • Recover the factory installation of Windows 98 on an OmniBook XE. • Recover the factory installation of Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT 4.0 on an OmniBook XE2. • Reinstall the online User’s Guide on an OmniBook XE.
Recovering Software on the OmniBook XE The OmniBook XE Recovery CD includes the following Directory Contains README.TXT text file Instructions for using the Recovery CD. RECOVER\ BOOTDISK A utility for creating your own copy of a boot disk. OMNIBOOK\ HPUTILS A utility for installing the online User’s Guide and the OmniBook Notes and Support files to the \OmniBook directory on your hard drive. DRIVERS Device drivers you can install individually.
4. Reboot and, when you see the HP logo, press ESC twice. 5. Select the CD-ROM drive as the boot device, and press ENTER. 6. Select your keyboard layout, and press ENTER. 7. Choose option 2: Recover Windows 98 from OmniBook Recovery CD-ROM. 8. Choose Y to continue. If you see a message that there is no operating system available, repeat steps 4 and 5 and continue. 9. When prompted, select Create Hibernate Partition. Accept the recommended hibernate partition size.
Recovering Software on the OmniBook XE2 The Recovery CD(s) provide the OmniBook-specific device drivers to configure your custom system. The drivers are located on the CD(s) in Omnibook\Drivers\ ( represents your operating system; W95 for Windows 95, W98 for Windows 98, or Nt4 for Windows NT 4.0). The README file in OmniBook\Drivers\ contains complete installation instructions. The drivers are also located in these places: • On the OmniBook hard drive under C:\Omnibook\Drivers.
Reinstalling the Online User’s Guide on an OmniBook XE You can reinstall the OmniBook XE online User’s Guide from the Recovery CD. This process also reinstalls OmniBook Notes and Support files to your hard drive. NOTE: The OmniBook XE2 User’s Guide is not located on the Recovery CD; it is available on the website (http://www.hp.com/omnibook). To reinstall the online User’s Guide 1. Connect the AC adapter to the OmniBook. 2. Insert the Recovery CD in the drive. 3.
Reinstalling Service Pack 4a (Windows NT 4.0) Service Pack 4a for Windows NT 4.0 has already been installed on your OmniBook. (The Service Pack contains updated system files and bug fixes for Windows NT 4.0.) Because it’s possible that some applications may overwrite the Service Pack files, the Recovery CD includes a utility to reinstall Service Pack 4a. To reinstall Service Pack 4a 1. Connect the AC adapter to the OmniBook. 2. Insert the Recovery CD in the CD-ROM drive. 3.
Modem Dialing in France, Belgium, and Spain (OmniBook XE) If you purchased your OmniBook XE in France or Belgium, the Loop Disconnect feature (pulse dialing) may be disabled for your modem. To enable pulse dialing capability, download and run the pulen.exe utility available on the OmniBook website (http://www.hp.com/omnibook). If you purchased your OmniBook XE in Spain, your modem will not be able to use pulse dialing.
Modem Dialing in Spain (OmniBook XE2) If you purchased your XE2 in Spain, the pulse dialing feature is disabled. Because Loop Disconnect is not certified for your modem in Spain, you should use tone dialing connections only.
Modem Specifications The internal modem that comes with your OmniBook supports the following international and de facto standards: Modulation: v.21, v.22, v.22bis, v.32, v.32bis, v.34, v.90, X2, Bell 103 Compression: v.42, v.42bis, MNP5 Fax: v.17, v.27ter, v.29 For standards that are not listed, please contact your service provider for information about alternative methods of accessing or using its service.
Audio Problems If sound is not audible • Press Fn+Up Arrow several times. • Click the speaker icon on the taskbar to ensure that Mute is not checked. • When you are operating your OmniBook XE or XE2 in MS-DOS mode (for example, when running MS-DOS games), you may find that the sound does not operate properly. Use Windows applications for full use of sound capabilities.
CD-ROM Drive Problems If you can’t boot from a CD in the CD-ROM drive • Make sure the CD is a bootable CD, such as the OmniBook Recovery CD. • Press ESC twice during bootup to see if the CD-ROM drive is the first boot device. • If you always want to boot from a CD when one is present, check the boot order in BIOS Setup. 1. From the Start menu, shut down, then restart the OmniBook. 2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility. 3. Open the Boot menu.
Display Problems If the OmniBook is on, but the screen is blank • Try pressing Fn+F1 to increase the contrast or Fn+F2 to decrease the contrast. (On some types of displays, contrast control is not necessary and therefore is not available.) • Press Fn+F12 in case the internal display was disabled. (Do this three times to return to the state you started from.) • If the OmniBook is cold, allow it to warm up.
Hard Disk Drive Problems If the OmniBook’s hard drive doesn’t spin • Make sure the OmniBook has power. If necessary, connect the AC adapter, making sure it is plugged into a power source and into the rear of the OmniBook. If the hard disk makes a buzzing or whining noise • Back up the drive immediately. • Check for alternate noise sources, such as the fan or a PC Card drive. If files are corrupted • Run the VirusScan program.
Heat Problems If the OmniBook gets hot • Make sure the air vents are clear. • Note that it is normal for the computer to get warm. DOS games and other programs that drive CPU usage toward 100% can contribute to a temperature increase.
Keyboard, Touch Pad, and Mouse Problems If the touch pad is difficult to control • Customize the touch pad by using the Mouse applet in Control Panel (Start, Settings, Control Panel). If the pointing devices don’t work • Don’t touch the touch pad while booting or resuming. • Make sure the pointing devices are enabled in the BIOS Setup utility. 1. From the Start menu, shut down, then restart the OmniBook. 2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility. 3.
Infrared Problems If you have problems with infrared communications • Not all operating systems support infrared (IR) communications; Windows 95 and Windows 98 do have IR support but Windows NT 4.0 does not. Windows 95, however, does not support FIR (Fast IR). • Make sure the infrared light path is not blocked. • Line up the OmniBook’s infrared port and the other infrared port in as straight a line as possible. The two ports should be no more than 1 meter apart, with no obstructions in between.
• Check that only one application is using the infrared port. • Remove any PC Cards. An infrared IRQ conflict is possible if two PC Cards are plugged in at the same time. • Reboot the OmniBook. You may also want to test infrared communications with diagnostics. See Testing the OmniBook with Diag Tools.
Memory Problems If a message says you are out of memory • In Windows Help, search for Memory Troubleshooter. • If you are having memory problems running MS-DOS programs, in Windows Help search for MS-DOS Troubleshooter. You may also want to test memory with the diagnostics. See Testing the OmniBook with Diag Tools.
Modem Problems If the modem will not connect at 56K speed • The host modem may not support a 56K (V.90) connection speed. • The speed at which you connect depends on several factors, such as the current condition of the telephone line. If you try connecting at another time, it’s possible you may be able to connect at 56K. If the modem will not connect at any speed • Make sure the telephone line goes from the modem phone jack on the right side of the computer to the telephone jack on the wall.
PC Card (PCMCIA) Problems If the OmniBook doesn’t recognize a PC Card • In Windows NT 4.0, you must install Card Executive before you can use PC Cards. To install Card Executive, click Start, Programs, OmniBook, Phoenix Card Executive, Setup. Then follow the instructions on the screen. • Remove and reinsert the PC card. • If the card requires an IRQ, check that there is one available. Look in Device Manager, Properties, Interrupt Request (IRQ).
Performance Problems If the OmniBook pauses or runs sluggishly • Press CTRL+ALT+DEL to see if an application is not responding. • Reboot the OmniBook. • Delete temporary and unneeded files. • Certain background operations (such as VirusScan) can affect performance while they’re running. • Check the BIOS Setup settings. 1. From the Start menu, shut down, then restart the OmniBook. 2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility. 3.
Port Replicator Problems If a port on a port replicator isn’t working • Check that AC power is connected. • Try using the corresponding OmniBook port, while undocked. • See the manual for the port replicator.
Power and Battery Problems If the OmniBook turns off immediately after it turns on • Battery power is probably extremely low. Plug in the AC adapter or insert a newly charged battery. If the OmniBook keeps beeping • The OmniBook beeps for 15 seconds when the battery is low. Save your work, shut down Windows immediately, and insert a charged battery or plug in the AC adapter. If the OmniBook has a short operating time • Try conserving power by setting power timeouts to shorter periods.
If the OmniBook stops responding • Press CTRL+ALT+DEL to end the application that is not responding. • Press the blue power button for at least 4 seconds to turn off the OmniBook. Then press the blue button again to turn the OmniBook back on. • If nothing happens, insert a paper clip into the system-off button on the bottom of the OmniBook. Then press the blue button to turn the OmniBook on.
Printing Problems For most printing problems, use the Print Troubleshooter in Windows Help. If a serial or parallel printer doesn’t print • Check that you are using a proper cable or cable adapter, and that the printer is on. • Check for paper in the printer or other printer errors. • Make sure the printer cable is secure at both ends. If an infrared printer doesn’t print • Windows NT 4.0 doesn’t support infrared. • Make sure the infrared light path is not blocked.
Serial, Parallel, and USB Problems If a serial mouse doesn’t work • First, make certain you completely followed the manufacturer’s installation instructions to install the mouse properly. • Check the port connection to see if it’s loose. • Check settings in BIOS Setup. 1. From the Start menu, shut down, then restart the OmniBook. 2. When you see the HP logo, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility. 3. From the Advanced menu, check that Serial is enabled.
Startup Problems If the OmniBook doesn’t respond at turn-on • Connect the AC adapter. • Press the blue power button to try turning on the unit. • Use the system-off button to reset the OmniBook. • If you get no response, remove the battery and AC adapter, remove any PC cards, and undock the computer—then plug in the AC adapter and try resetting. • If you still get no response, call HP for assistance.
OmniBook XE Hardware Specifications Physical Attributes Processor and Bus Architecture Graphics Power Storage RAM Audio System Keyboard and Pointing Device Modem Input/Output Expandability Size: 311mm×249mm×42mm (12.24”×9.80”×1.64”) closed. Weight: 3.0 kg (6.6 lb.). 266-MHz OR 300-MHz OR 333-MHz Intel Pentium II OR Celeron processor. MMX technology. 2.5-V low-power processor. 128-KB OR 256-KB built-in L2 cache. 32-bit PCI bus. 12.1-inch HPA display (800×600×24M colors). OR 12.
Software Security Features Environmental Limits Major ICs Microsoft Windows 98. Windows 98-compatible Plug-and-Play. Power management. VirusScan. Adobe Acrobat Reader. My Yahoo! HP diagnostic tests. Online documentation. Electronic registration. OmniBook Recovery CD included. Centralized worldwide BIOS and driver update service. User and supervisor passwords. Kensington Microsaver lock slot. Operating temperature: 5 to 35 ºC (41 to 95 ºF). Operating humidity: 20 to 80 percent RH.
OmniBook XE2 Hardware Specifications Physical Attributes Processor and Bus Architecture Graphics Power Storage RAM Audio System Keyboard and Pointing Device Modem Input/Output Expandability Size: 311mm×249mm×42mm (12.24”×9.80”×1.64”) closed. Weight: 3.0 kg (6.6 lb.). 300-MHz OR 333-MHz Intel Pentium II OR Celeron processor. MMX technology. 2.5-V low-power processor. 128-KB OR 256-KB built-in L2 cache. 32-bit PCI bus. 12.1-inch HPA display (800×600×64K colors). OR 12.
Software Security Features Environmental Limits Major ICs Microsoft Windows 95 OR Microsoft Windows 98 OR Microsoft Windows NT 4.0. Windows-compatible Plug-and-Play. Power management. VirusScan. Adobe Acrobat Reader. My Yahoo! HP diagnostic tests. Online documentation. Electronic registration. OmniBook Recovery CD(s) included. Phoenix Card Executive (Windows NT 4.0 only) Centralized worldwide BIOS and driver update service. User and supervisor passwords. Kensington Microsaver lock slot.
Software System Resources The tables on this page show typical resource usage as set up by the OmniBook BIOS. Plug-and-play operating systems, drivers, and BIOS setup settings may change some of the entries. To see other, nondefault possibilities, refer to the BIOS Setup utility, which lists port and audio device configurations in the Advanced menu.
3 4 5 6 7 Fast IR (if enabled) Cascade from secondary PMA controller Free Free Free 48
