HP N6xxx - Manual

Reference Guide 5 Contents Introducing the Notebook Computer .............................................................................. 9 Taking Inventory.......................................................................................................... 10 What’s in the Box?.................

Reference Guide 9 Introducing the Notebook Computer

Introducing the Notebook Computer Taking Inventory 10 Reference Guide Taking Inventory Congratulations! Your notebook computer sets a new standard in personal computing. Although compact and easy to carry, your computer is made with the quality and attention to detail that are the hallmark of Hewlet...

Introducing the Notebook Computer Taking Inventory Reference Guide 11 Software bundled on your computer Your computer includes the following software. Software Function Softex Bay Manager Lets you swap most modules in the plug-in bay without needing to shut down and reboot the computer (Windows ME o...

Introducing the Notebook Computer Taking Inventory 12 Reference Guide • External floppy disk drive cable. • Plug-in modules, such as CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, CD read/write drive, Zip drive, LS-120 drive, second hard disk drive. • Replacement hard disk drive module. • Main battery. • Secondary batter...

Introducing the Notebook Computer Identifying Parts of the Computer Reference Guide 13 Identifying Parts of the Computer Front View 1. Sleep button. Suspends and resumes operation. 2. Keyboard status lights (left to right: Caps Lock, Num Lock, Keypad Lock, Scroll Lock). 3. Power slide button. Turns ...

Introducing the Notebook Computer Identifying Parts of the Computer 14 Reference Guide Bottom View 19. Modem port (on certain models). 20. LAN port (on certain models). 21. PC Card and CardBus slots (upper and lower). 22. Hard disk drive. 23. Main battery latch. 24. Main battery. 25. Plug-in module ...

Introducing the Notebook Computer Identifying Parts of the Computer Reference Guide 15 Back View 28. Universal serial bus port (USB). 29. Parallel port (LPT1). Use this port for a parallel printer or other parallel device, or to connect the floppy disk drive externally. 30. Docking port. 31. PS/2 ke...

Introducing the Notebook Computer Identifying Parts of the Computer 16 Reference Guide Status Lights The computer includes a number of status lights that report power and battery status, drive activity, and keyboard functions such as caps lock and num lock. The following diagram shows the status lig...

Introducing the Notebook Computer Setting Up Your Computer 18 Reference Guide Setting Up Your Computer WARNING Improper use of keyboards and other input devices has been associated with ergonomic injury. For information about reducing your risk, see Working in Comfort in the online HP Library (for W...

Introducing the Notebook Computer Setting Up Your Computer 20 Reference Guide Step 2 – Connect ac power CAUTION Use only the HP ac adapter included with your computer (or other approved adapter). Using any other ac adapter could damage the computer and may void your warranty (see the warranty statem...

Introducing the Notebook Computer Setting Up Your Computer Reference Guide 21 Step 3 – Turn on the computer • Press the blue sleep button above the keyboard. The computer then boots up, and Windows starts automatically. Hint If your computer does not turn on when operating on battery power, the batt...

Introducing the Notebook Computer Setting Up Your Computer 22 Reference Guide Step 4 – Set up Windows Your notebook computer has Microsoft Windows ME, 95, 98, or 2000 preinstalled on its hard disk drive. The first time you turn on your computer, the Windows Setup program runs automatically so you ca...

Using Your Computer Operating Your Computer 24 Reference Guide Operating Your Computer You can start and stop your computer using its blue sleep button. However, at certain times you may want to use other methods to start or stop the computer—depending on power considerations, types of active connec...

Using Your Computer Operating Your Computer Reference Guide 25 Hint To boot from a floppy drive or CD-ROM or DVD drive, press ESC during reboot when the HP logo and prompt appear. Then select the removable floppy drive or CD-ROM/DVD drive as the temporary boot device. To reset the computer Occasiona...

Using Your Computer Operating Your Computer 26 Reference Guide To use the pointing devices Your computer includes two built-in pointing devices: the pointing stick and touch pad. 1. Pointing stick (pressure-sensitive pointing device). 2. Click buttons and scroll button. The click buttons work like t...

Using Your Computer Operating Your Computer Reference Guide 27 Scrolling with the scroll button • Hold down the scroll button and move the pointer using the pointing stick. The contents of the window scroll in the direction you move the pointer. To configure the pointing devices You can customize th...

Using Your Computer Operating Your Computer 28 Reference Guide To use the Fn hot keys The combination of the Fn key plus another key creates a hot key —a shortcut key sequence—for various system controls. To use a hot key, press and hold Fn, press the appropriate second key, then release both keys. ...

Using Your Computer Operating Your Computer Reference Guide 29 To use the Windows and Applications keys The Windows key brings up the Windows Start menu. This is the same as clicking the Start button on the taskbar. The Applications key brings up the shortcut menu for the current application. This i...

Using Your Computer Operating Your Computer 30 Reference Guide To use the ALT GR key Non-U.S. keyboards have an ALT GR key to the right of the spacebar. This is a shift key that provides access to certain special keyboard characters. • For a character in the lower-right corner of a key, press and ho...

Using Your Computer Operating Your Computer Reference Guide 31 To adjust the volume From the keyboard • To increase the volume, press the rear half of the volume control on the right side of the computer. –or– Press Fn+UP ARROW. • To decrease the volume, press the front half of the volume control. –...

Using Your Computer Working in Comfort with a Notebook PC 32 Reference Guide Working in Comfort with a Notebook PC WARNING Improper use of keyboards and other input devices has been associated with ergonomic injury. For more information about reducing your risk, visit our ergonomics Web site at www....

Using Your Computer Taking Care of Your Computer 34 Reference Guide Taking Care of Your Computer Use the following recommendations to maintain your computer during everyday use and prevent potential physical damage or data loss. To protect your hard disk drive Hard disk drives, as well as other inte...

Using Your Computer Taking Care of Your Computer Reference Guide 35 To safeguard your data • Do not use a pointing device or activate any other device that interrupts operation while the system is starting or stopping. • Back up your work regularly. Copy files to floppy, tape, or network drives. • U...

Using Your Computer Taking Care of Your Computer 36 Reference Guide To get the most from your batteries • Do not leave batteries unused for long periods. If you have more than one, rotate them. • If you normally use ac power, make a practice of using the battery as your power source at least once a ...

Using Your Computer Securing Your Computer Reference Guide 37 Securing Your Computer To set up password protection You can protect your computer from access by another user when you set up password protection, which is available through Windows ME, 98 or 2000 and through the BIOS Setup utility. For ...

Using Your Computer Securing Your Computer 38 Reference Guide 3. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, then double-click Power Options. 4. On the Advanced tab, select the option to prompt for a password when the computer leaves Standby mode. To attach a security cable Your computer includes a built-...

Using Your Computer Securing Your Computer Reference Guide 39 To use the VirusScan utility Virus-protection software can help protect the integrity of your data. This is especially important if you use the Web. Your computer comes equipped with VirusScan. Before you can use VirusScan, you need to in...

Using Your Computer Securing Your Computer 40 Reference Guide To lock the hard disk drive The computer enables you to lock its internal hard disk drive to help keep your information secure. Hard disk drive lock does not protect a second hard disk drive installed in the module bay . CAUTION When you ...

Traveling with Your Computer Managing Power Consumption 42 Reference Guide Managing Power Consumption When you’re running your computer on battery power, you will want to maximize operating time without compromising performance. Your computer is designed to help you reduce power consumption and exte...

Traveling with Your Computer Managing Power Consumption Reference Guide 45 To manage power manually In addition to allowing the computer to enter its power-saving modes automatically, you can also put it into any of the following three modes whenever you need to. Power mode Does this… Use when… To e...

Traveling with Your Computer Managing Power Consumption 46 Reference Guide To suspend the computer when closing the display By default, the computer display turns off when you close the display lid. If you prefer, you can instead set the computer so that closing the lid suspends the computer to Stan...

Traveling with Your Computer Using Battery Power Reference Guide 47 Using Battery Power To check battery status From the battery status lights Your computer has two battery status lights, one for the main battery and one for the optional secondary battery in the module bay—see “Status Lights” on pag...

Traveling with Your Computer Using Battery Power 48 Reference Guide To respond to a low-battery warning The computer automatically alerts you when the battery power drops to a critically low level. The computer first emits a high-pitched beep. Then, if you do not restore power within a short time, t...

Making Connections Using Plug-In Modules 52 Reference Guide Using Plug-In Modules You can use any compatible plug-in module with your computer’s module bay, such as: • CD-ROM or DVD drive. • LS-120 or Zip drive. • CD read/write drive. • Second hard drive. • Floppy disk drive. You can also attach the...

Making Connections Using Plug-In Modules Reference Guide 53 To replace a plug-in module Windows ME, 95 or 98 uses hot-swap software to let you swap most plug-in modules without shutting down the computer. Before replacing a hard drive module, however, you must first shut down the computer. Windows 2...

Making Connections Using Plug-In Modules Reference Guide 55 To connect the floppy disk drive to the parallel port If you prefer, you can connect the floppy disk drive to your computer’s parallel port using the external floppy drive cable. • Connect the cable directly to the floppy drive and to the c...

Making Connections Using Plug-In Modules 56 Reference Guide 3. Slide the tray back into the module to close it. If your computer loses power, or if you have removed the CD-ROM or DVD module from the computer, you can manually open the drive to remove a CD. • Insert a straightened paper clip into the...

Making Connections Using the Modem Reference Guide 57 Using the Modem If your computer has a modem port, you can connect your modem to a telephone line and communicate with other computers throughout the world. You can explore the Internet, send and receive e-mail messages, and use your PC to send a...

Making Connections Using the Modem Reference Guide 59 To connect to the Internet Signing up with an Internet Service Provider Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to set up an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). For some countries and models, Hewlett-Packard provides easy In...

Making Connections Using the Modem 60 Reference Guide To change your modem settings The modem is already set up to be compatible with telephone systems and modems in most areas. However, in some situations, you may have to change modem settings to match local conditions. If you have questions about ...

Making Connections Using the Modem Reference Guide 61 To send and receive e-mail Sending and receiving e-mail requires an e-mail account with an Internet Service Provider or with your company’s communications system. If you are using AOL, e-mail services are part of your AOL service. For another ISP...

Making Connections Using the Modem Reference Guide 63 To send and receive faxes (Windows ME or 98) Sending and receiving faxes requires just a telephone connection—you don’t need an Internet connection. You can use the modem and fax software to send and receive faxes on your computer. QuickLink fax ...

Making Connections Using the Modem 64 Reference Guide To send and receive faxes (Windows 2000) Sending and receiving faxes requires just a telephone connection—you don’t need an Internet connection. You can use the modem and fax software to send and receive faxes on your computer. Fax software is bu...

Making Connections Connecting to a LAN Reference Guide 65 Connecting to a LAN If your computer model has a LAN port, you can use it to connect to a local area network (LAN). This gives you access to network resources, such as printers and file servers on your corporate network, and possibly to the I...

Making Connections Connecting PC Cards 66 Reference Guide Connecting PC Cards The computer’s PC Card slots are available for storing data and expanding the communication capabilities of the computer. The computer supports standard Type I, II, and III PC Cards (PCMCIA and CardBus), and can hold two T...

Making Connections Connecting External Devices 68 Reference Guide Connecting External Devices To identify connectors for external devices The diagram below shows your computer’s connectors for external devices. 1. PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse port (supports Y adapter). 2. Universal serial bus (USB) p...

Making Connections Connecting External Devices Reference Guide 69 Note Before you connect any device, check its documentation to see if you need to make any settings or adjustments to the equipment before using it. This might include setting switches to configure the equipment so that it will operat...

Making Connections Connecting External Devices 70 Reference Guide Using dual display mode (Windows ME or 98) You can extend your desktop by connecting an external monitor to your computer. 1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel. 2. Double-click Display and click the Settings tab. 3. Right-click dis...

Making Connections Connecting External Devices Reference Guide 71 To connect an external keyboard or PS/2 mouse Your computer’s 6-pin PS/2 port allows you to attach an external keyboard or a PS/2–compatible mouse to the computer. The pointing stick and touch pad are normally disabled while an extern...

Making Connections Connecting External Devices 72 Reference Guide To connect an audio device Your computer includes a built-in microphone (just in front of the blue sleep button) that you can use to record voice, sound, and music. You can also plug in a stereo input source (such as a CD player), an ...

Making Connections Connecting External Devices 74 Reference Guide To connect to a docking product Pavilion models Docking is not supported on Pavilion models. A docking product provides your computer with external connections that you can leave in place whenever you remove the computer from your des...

Reference Guide 77 Configuring and Expanding Your Computer

Configuring and Expanding Your Computer Using the BIOS Setup Utility 78 Reference Guide Using the BIOS Setup Utility The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup utility enables you to make changes to the computer’s system configuration, and to tailor the operation of your computer to your individ...

Configuring and Expanding Your Computer Using TopTools 84 Reference Guide Using TopTools HP TopTools is for network managers and administrators who are responsible for managing computer systems. It offers configuration and security options that allow you to check which hardware and software componen...

Configuring and Expanding Your Computer Installing a RAM Expansion Module Reference Guide 85 Installing a RAM Expansion Module The computer has no memory (RAM) built in but has two slots that hold two RAM modules. One slot contains a RAM module installed at the factory. You can use both slots to exp...

Configuring and Expanding Your Computer Installing a RAM Expansion Module 86 Reference Guide 4. Insert the RAM board into the connector at about a 30° angle until it is fully inserted. Then press down at both sides until both latches snap closed. 5. Replace the cover. 6. Insert the battery. To remov...

Configuring and Expanding Your Computer Replacing a Hard Disk Drive 88 Reference Guide Replacing a Hard Disk Drive To replace the hard disk drive You’ll need a small Phillips screwdriver for this procedure. 1. Unplug the ac adapter if you’re using one, and remove the battery. 2. Turn the unit bottom...

Configuring and Expanding Your Computer Replacing a Hard Disk Drive Reference Guide 89 1. Remove all six screws from the holder and drive case, then lift the drive out of the holder. 2. Notice that the hard drive has a pin connector attachment at one end. Carefully remove this connector from the end...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Troubleshooting Techniques 92 Reference Guide Troubleshooting Techniques This section contains solutions to a many types of problems you might have with your computer. Try the solutions one at a time, in the order in which they are presented. Here are some other sources...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Troubleshooting Techniques Reference Guide 93 If sound does not record • Check the software controls for recording sound: click Start, Programs, Accessories, Multimedia (or Entertainment), Sound Recorder. • Test the audio with the DiagTools diagnostics. See “Testing the...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Troubleshooting Techniques 94 Reference Guide If a DVD movie stops playing in the middle • The DVD may be double-sided. Open the DVD tray, and read the text near the center hole of the disc. If it says Side A, flip the disc over, close the tray, and press the Play butto...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Troubleshooting Techniques Reference Guide 95 • Press Fn+F5 in case the internal display was disabled. (Do this three times to return to the state you started from.) • If the computer is cold, allow it to warm up. If the screen is difficult to read • Try setting the dis...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Troubleshooting Techniques 96 Reference Guide If the drive A icon is missing for the floppy drive when docked • For Windows 98, if you insert the floppy drive after docking, the drive A icon may not be available. To be recognized, the drive must be present when the comp...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Troubleshooting Techniques Reference Guide 97 • Run the VirusScan program. See “To use the VirusScan utility” on page 39. • Test the hard disk drive with the DiagTools diagnostics. See “Testing the Hardware” on page 113. • If necessary, you can format the hard disk and ...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Troubleshooting Techniques 98 Reference Guide • To use infrared communications with Windows 95, you must first install an infrared driver that matches the mode selected in the BIOS Setup utility. For details, refer to the driver’s Readme file located in C:\hp\Drivers. •...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Troubleshooting Techniques 100 Reference Guide Memory Problems If a message says you are out of memory • If you’re using Windows 95 or 98, use the Memory Troubleshooter in Windows Help: click Start, Help. • If you are having memory problems while running MS-DOS programs...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Troubleshooting Techniques Reference Guide 103 Network Problems If the built-in network adapter doesn’t connect to the LAN • Check all cables and connections. Try connecting at a different network station, if available. • If the green light next to the LAN port does not...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Troubleshooting Techniques Reference Guide 105 If a PC card modem is not working • Disable the internal modem: 1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, then double-click System. 2. Open the hardware Device Manager. 3. Double-click Modem to list the current modem devices...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Troubleshooting Techniques 106 Reference Guide 2. When the HP logo appears, press F2 to enter BIOS Setup. 3. From the Power menu, set the Power Management Mode to Max. Performance. 4. Press F10 to save and exit BIOS Setup. If the computer stops responding • Press CTRL+A...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Troubleshooting Techniques 108 Reference Guide • For Windows 95, if a CD-ROM drive is present, make sure auto insert notification is disabled (the default factory setting). This is not required for Windows ME, 98 or 2000. In Windows ME, 95 or 98, view the CD-ROM drive p...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Troubleshooting Techniques Reference Guide 111 Startup Problems If the computer doesn’t respond when you turn it on • Connect the ac adapter. • Press the blue sleep button to try turning on the unit. • Reset the computer by inserting a straightened paper clip into the s...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Testing the Hardware Reference Guide 113 Testing the Hardware The DiagTools hardware diagnostic program included with your computer provides two levels of testing: • Automated testing using its basic hardware test. • Advanced testing using individual hardware tests. The...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Recovering and Reinstalling Software Reference Guide 115 Recovering and Reinstalling Software You can use the Recovery CD to recover the original software build for your computer. The Recovery CD also provides Windows drivers specific to your computer to configure a cus...

Troubleshooting Your Computer Recovering and Reinstalling Software 116 Reference Guide 7. When the Recovery CD dialog box appears, follow the displayed instructions. If prompted, accept the recommended partition size. If you install the factory software, the recovery process can take up to 10 minute...

Support and Service Getting Assistance for Your Computer 118 Reference Guide Getting Assistance for Your Computer To get help from the web HP has several Web sites on the Internet dedicated to providing information to HP notebook computer users. The following sites are especially useful for helping ...

Support and Service Getting Assistance for Your Computer Reference Guide 119 To contact the HP Customer Care Center HP Customer Care Centers will assist you free of charge during the term of the warranty (you are responsible for the telephone charges). During the free assistance period, HP will assi...

Support and Service Getting Assistance for Your Computer 120 Reference Guide North America United States: (970) 635-1000 Canada: (905)-206-4663 Mexico: Mexico City 52-58-9922, outside Mexico City 01-800-472-6684, Guadalejara 669-9500, Monterrey 378-4240 South America Argentina: 5411-4778-8380 or 081...

Support and Service Getting Assistance for Your Computer Reference Guide 121 date, and will provide you with repair processes. Warranty service may include the cost of shipping, handling, duties, taxes, freight, or fees to or from the service location. If your computer is no longer under warranty. C...

Support and Service Hewlett-Packard Limited Warranty Statement 122 Reference Guide Hewlett-Packard Limited Warranty Statement 1. HP warrants to you, the end-user customer, that HP hardware, accessories and supplies will be free from defects in materials and workmanship after the date of purchase, fo...

Reference Guide 125 Specifications and Regulatory Information

Specifications and Regulatory Information Hardware Specifications 126 Reference Guide Hardware Specifications Because we are constantly improving our products, the specifications shown below are subject to change. For the latest specifications, see the HP Notebook Web site (www.hp.com/notebooks). Ph...

Specifications and Regulatory Information Modem Reference Information Reference Guide 129 Modem Reference Information If your computer has a modem port, you can customize the operation of the modem using AT commands and S-registers. You can do this from Modem (Windows ME, 95 or 98) or Phone And Mode...

Specifications and Regulatory Information Safety Information Reference Guide 141 Safety Information Power Cords The power cord supplied with the computer’s ac adapter should match the plug and voltage requirements for your local area. Regulatory approval for the ac adapter has been obtained using th...

Specifications and Regulatory Information Safety Information 142 Reference Guide Ergonomics WARNING Improper use of keyboards and other input devices has been associated with ergonomic injury. For information about reducing your risk, see Working in Comfort in the online HP Library (for Windows ME, ...

Specifications and Regulatory Information Safety Information Reference Guide 143 Laser Safety The CD-ROM and DVD drives used with the computer are certified as a Class 1 laser devices according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Radiation Performance Standard and Internationa...

Specifications and Regulatory Information Regulatory Information 144 Reference Guide Regulatory Information This section presents information that shows how your computer complies with regulations in certain regions. Any modifications to your computer not expressly approved by Hewlett-Packard could ...

Specifications and Regulatory Information Regulatory Information Reference Guide 145 Declaration of Conformity Responsible Party: Hewlett-Packard Company Manager of Corporate Product Regulations 3000 Hanover Street Palo Alto, CA 94304 (415) 857-1501 declares that the product(s) Trade name: Hewlett-P...

Specifications and Regulatory Information Regulatory Information 146 Reference Guide This equipment has been designed to work in all of the countries of the European Economic Area (Public Switched Telephone Networks). Network compatibility is dependent on internal software settings. Contact your equ...

Reference Guide 149 Index A ac (time-out), 82 ac adapter, 11 connecting, 20 jack, 13 accessories buying, 11 docking products, 74 plug-in modules, 53 adding RAM, 85 adjusting brightness, 28, 30 display colors, 30 screen area, 30 Agaté Tioman hot-swap installing, 52 using, 53 ALT GR key, 30 antistatic...