Getting Started HP Compaq Notebook PC Document Part Number: 403636-001 May 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.
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 battery. ✎ Components included with the computer may vary by region and by model. Getting Started 1–1...
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First-time setup Component Battery HP Smart AC Adapter ✎ Use only the included AC adapter or one approved for this computer. ✎ Unless you use dial-up networking, the modem cable is optional for setup. 1–2 Power cord Modem cable (optional for 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.
First-time setup Step 1: Insert the battery To insert a 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 latches 2 automatically lock the battery into place.
Step 2: Connect the computer to external power ✎ Power cords and AC outlets vary in appearance by region and country. To connect the computer to external AC power: 1. Plug the AC adapter into the power connector 1 on the computer.
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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 turn on the computer: 1. Slide the display release latch 1 to the right to release the display. 2. Raise the display 2. Getting Started 1–7...
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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. 1–8 Getting Started...
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.
(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 programs to factory settings in case of system failure or instability.
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 The computer includes software that may be ■� Preinstalled on your hard drive. To see a list of the ready-to-use software preinstalled on the computer: 1. Click Start > All Programs. 2. Double-click the program you want to open. ■�...
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 C, information.
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 the computer. To optimize the privacy protection features included with the computer: ■�...
The Safety and Comfort Guide also provides important electrical and mechanical safety information. This guide is available on the Web at http://www.hp.com/ergo the Help and Support Center, select Start > Help and Support > User Guides.
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AC adapter or battery provided by HP, or a compatible AC adapter or battery purchased as an accessory from HP should be used with the computer. For more safety and regulatory information, and for battery disposal information, refer to Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices located in the Help and Support Center.
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.
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 programs. 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 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.
The computer screen is blank If the computer is on but the screen is blank, the computer may be in standby or hibernation or may not be set to display the image on the computer screen. Try the suggestions below to resolve the issue: ■�...
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 >...
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 programs. 2.
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.
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. ■�...
■� 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, visit (English only). 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 ■�...
❏� The service tag label is on the bottom of the computer. ❏� To display the service tag information on the computer screen, select Start > Help and Support > My HP Computer. ■� Date the computer was purchased. ■�...
Notebook tour ✎ Components included with the computer may vary by region and model. The illustrations in this appendix identify the standard features included on most computer models. Getting Started A–1...
Notebook tour Top components Component Power light Power button Info Center button Wireless button Presentation button A–2 Caps lock light Num lock light Volume mute button Volume scroll zone Fingerprint reader Getting Started...
Notebook tour Wireless antennae (select models only) On select computer models, at least 2 wireless antennae send and receive wireless device signals. These antennae are not visible from the outside of the computer. For wireless regulatory notices pertaining to your region, refer to the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices located in the Help and Support Center.
Right-side components Depending on model, features may vary. Refer to one of the illustrations below. Component PC Card slot (select models only) 1394 port Audio-out (headphone) jack Audio-in (microphone) jack USB port Getting Started External monitor port Vent Docking connector Smart card reader (select models only) Notebook tour...
Notebook tour Left-side components Component Power connector RJ-11(modem) jack Powered USB port (select models only) A–8 Vent Optical drive Optical drive light Getting Started...
Bottom components Component Speaker Memory module compartment Vents (3) Battery release latches (2) Battery bay Getting Started Hard drive bay Business card holder Mini Card compartment Bluetooth® compartment Notebook tour A–9...
Connect to the Internet The 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.
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. ■�...
A wireless network set up at home requires a wireless router (purchased separately). To learn about setting up wireless access, visit http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/wireless ■� Dial-up: You can access the Internet by dialing into a service provider using a modem cable connected to the RJ-11 (modem) jack.
✎ HP installed drivers, utilities, and programs can be copied 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 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.
To back up the entire system: 1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup and Recovery Manager > HP Backup and Recovery Manager. The HP Backup and Recovery Manager opens.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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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).
Performing a recovery from the hard drive Start the full system recovery from either the Start button or 1. From the Start menu: a. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup and Recovery Manager > HP Backup and Recovery Manager.
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Backup and recovery From a. Restart the computer. b. Press 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.
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 Temperature Operating (not writing to optical disc) Operating (writing to optical disc)
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.
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Index 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 docking A–7 power A–8 cord, power connecting 1–5 identifying 1–2 Customer Care 3–9 data, safeguarding C–1 devices, external, troubleshooting 3–7 display release latch,...
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keys embedded numeric keypad A–3 A–3 A–3 function A–3 Windows applications A–3 Windows logo A–3 labels, service tag 3–10 LAN (local area network) 2–7 latches battery release A–9 display release A–6 left pointing stick button, identifying A–4 lights battery 1–6 caps lock A–2 drive A–6 num lock A–2...
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Index ports 1394 A–7 external monitor A–7 USB A–7 power running the computer on battery 1–6 turning on computer 1–8 3–2 power button, identifying A–2 power connector 1–5 identifying A–8 power cord connecting 1–5 identifying 1–2 power lights identifying A–2 on, off 1–8 power surge 2–4 Presentation button,...
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