Getting Started Compaq Notebook Series Document Part Number: 272637-001 June 2002 This guide explains how to set up your hardware and software, begin using the notebook, troubleshoot problems, and contact Compaq if you need assistance. The last chapter introduces you to the exterior features of the notebook.
© 2002 Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P. Compaq, the Compaq logo, Evo, and Presario are trademarks of Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies. Compaq shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
Using This Guide This preface explains how to interpret the symbols, text styles, and paths in your notebook documentation. Warnings, Cautions and Notes Warnings and cautions contain important information that can protect you, your work, and your system. Always read warnings and cautions. Notes contain additional information about a topic. Some notes provide basic information for inexperienced users. Others provide technical information for advanced users.
Using This Guide Text Styles Some text in your notebook documentation is styled typographically to help you interpret the information it contains. For example, keyboard keys are styled like this: shift key. Buttons that display on the screen are styled like this: Next button. The following table identifies and explains the text styles used in your notebook documentation. Style Explanation keys Identifies a key, such as the enter key, on the notebook keyboard or on an optional external keyboard.
Using This Guide Paths and Views Following a Path Many instructions in the documentation direct you to locations within the operating system, an application, or a utility where you can select settings. The greater than symbol (>) is used to direct you from destination to destination along the path to the settings. As you follow paths, do nothing at each destination along the way except select the next destination.
Using This Guide Choosing a View Mode This documentation is based on your notebook running either Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional. These operating systems are similar and may be set to run in one of two view modes: Category view (default mode) Classic view (similar to Windows 2000 operating system view mode) As installed, Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional runs in Category view. To compare Category view with Classic view or to select either view: 1.
Contents Using This Guide 1 Setting Up the Notebook Setting Up the Hardware .................................................. Installing the Battery Pack ......................................... Connecting the Notebook to External Power............. Opening the Notebook ............................................... Turning On the Notebook .......................................... Setting Up the Software.................................................... Turning Off the Notebook .......................
Using This Guide Is the Notebook in Standby or Hibernation?.............. Is the Notebook Overheated?..................................... Is the System Unresponsive? ..................................... Is an External Device Not Working? ......................... Are You Using All Available Documentation? ......... Is Software Functioning Abnormally?....................... Contacting Compaq .......................................................... Preparing to Call Technical Support.....................
1 Setting Up the Notebook Setting Up the Hardware To set up the notebook for the first time, you will need the notebook, the AC Adapter 1, the power cord 2, and the battery pack 3. During the hardware setup, you will: install the battery pack, connect the computer to external power, open the display, and turn on the computer. Identifying the AC Adapter, the power cord, and the battery pack (AC Adapters and power cords vary by region.
Setting Up the Notebook Installing the Battery Pack To install the battery pack: 1. Place the notebook upside down on a flat surface, preferably on top of a clean cloth. 2. Slide the battery pack 1 into the battery compartment until it clicks into place. (The battery will install only one way.
Setting Up the Notebook Connecting the Notebook to External Power To connect the notebook to external power: 1. Place the notebook on a flat surface near an electrical outlet. 2. Plug the AC Adapter cable into the DC power connector 1. 3. Plug the power cord into the AC Adapter 2 and into an electrical outlet 3. When the notebook receives AC power, the AC Adapter light 4 turns on.
Setting Up the Notebook Opening the Notebook To open the notebook, briefly press the display release latch 1 as you raise the display 2.
Setting Up the Notebook Turning On the Notebook To turn on the notebook, briefly press the power button 1. When the notebook is on, the power/standby light 2 turns on, and you are prompted to begin software setup. If the notebook does not turn on, see Chapter 3, “Troubleshooting ,” in this guide.
Setting Up the Notebook Setting Up the Software A prompt to set up your software is displayed on the screen when the notebook is turned on for the first time. Before responding to the prompt and proceeding through the online instructions, read the following caution and other installation information. CAUTION: To prevent file corruption and be sure that the correct device drivers install, during software setup: Do not plug the notebook from the electrical outlet. Do not shut down the notebook.
Setting Up the Notebook Using the Notebook Safely To protect the notebook from the power surges that may be caused by an uncertain power supply or an electrical storm: Plug the notebook power cord into an optional, high-quality surge protector. Provide sure protection on the cable that connects the modem to the telephone line. During an electrical storm, run the notebook on battery power or shut down the notebook and disconnect the power cord.
Setting Up the Notebook 1-8 Getting Started
2 Beginning to Use the Notebook Selecting Regional Settings Keyboard language and other regional preferences, such as time, date, and currency format, are set in the operating system. To access regional settings Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional select Start > Control Panel > Date, Time, Language and Regional Options. For information about selecting regional settings, open the Regional Options window, then use context-sensitive Help.
Beginning to Use the Notebook To change the screen resolution setting: 1. Press and hold down the left TouchPad button as you move the slider on the Settings tab. The image on the monitor illustrated above the slide bar changes as you move the slide bar. 2. When the image on the illustrated monitor is the image you would like to use on the notebook, select the OK button, then follow the instructions on the screen.
Beginning to Use the Notebook Installing Optional Software Step-by-step instructions for installing and using many of the applications and utilities included with the notebook are provided on the Documentation Library CD included with the notebook. Instructions for using the CD are provided next in this guide.
Beginning to Use the Notebook Installing Software in Windows XP Home To install a preloaded Compaq utility in Windows XP Home: If the Setup Compaq Software icon is displayed on the Desktop, select the icon, then follow the instructions on the screen. If the Setup Compaq Software icon does not display on the Desktop, select Start > Run, then: On the command line type: c:\cpqapps\setup.exe preload programs /s The Setup Compaq Software icon is displayed in the All Programs menu.
Beginning to Use the Notebook Accessing Notebook Documentation Information about using the notebook can be found on the Documentation Library CD supplied with the notebook. To insert the Documentation Library CD: 1. Make sure that the notebook computer is on. 2. Press the media release button 1 on the drive bezel to release the media tray, then pull the tray outward until it is fully extended 2. 3. Holding the CD by the edges, position the CD in the tray with the label side up.
Beginning to Use the Notebook Opening the Documentation Library CD Displaying the Documentation Library Menu When the Documentation Library CD is inserted into a drive and if autorun is enabled on the notebook, the CD menu is displayed on the screen after a pause of up to several seconds. If autorun is disabled and the menu is not displayed, you can display the menu manually: 1. Select Start > Run. 2. In the Open field, type: explorer x: (where X is your CD drive designation). 3.
Beginning to Use the Notebook Using the Documentation Library CD This section describes how to select a guide and find a specific topic within a guide. For information about using documentation symbols, text styles, and paths, see “Using This Guide” at the front of this guide. Selecting a Guide For Information About These Topics Using the external hardware features identified in Chapter 4, “Identifying Select This Guide Hardware Guide External; Software,” of this guide.
Beginning to Use the Notebook Selecting a Guide, continued For Information About These Topics Caring for the notebook and drives. Preparing the notebook for transport. Select This Guide Maintenance, Shipping and Travel Traveling with the notebook (including air and international travel). Solving notebook problems yourself. Troubleshooting Getting help from Compaq. Governmental approvals and safety information. Regulatory and Safety Notices Protecting the notebook from static electricity.
3 Troubleshooting To solve a problem: 1. See “Quick Solutions Chcecklist,” next in this chapter. 2. See the Troubleshooting guide on the Documentation Library CD. 3. If the problem persists, see the last section in this chapter, “Contacting Compaq.
Troubleshooting Quick Solutions Checklist Is the Notebook Receiving Power? If the AC Adapter light is off and the notebook cannot be turned on, adequate power may not be available to the notebook. If the notebook is running on battery power or is connected to an external power source other than an electrical outlet, connect the notebook to an electrical outlet using the AC adapter. Make sure the power cord and AC Adapter cable connections are secure.
Troubleshooting Is the Notebook Turned On? If the power/standby 1 light is off, the notebook may not be turned on. To turn on the notebook, briefly press the power button 2. If the power/standby light is on, the notebook is turned on. Identifying the power/standby light and the power button Is the Notebook in Standby or Hibernation? Standby and Hibernation are energy-saving features that may initiate while the notebook is turned on but not in use.
Troubleshooting Is the Notebook Overheated? It is normal for the notebook to feel warm to the touch while it is in use. But if the notebook feels extremely warm, it may be overheating because a vent is blocked. Overheating can cause the notebook to become unresponsive. Vents are on the rear panel and left side of the notebook. If you suspect that overheating could be causing the problem, allow the notebook to cool to room temperature. Then: Use the notebook on a hard surface, not on a soft surface.
Troubleshooting Is an External Device Not Working? If an external device does not function as expected: Turn on the device as instructed in the device documentation. Some devices, such as external monitors, printers, and devices connected to the parallel connector, must be turned on before the notebook us turned on. Verify that: All device connections are secure. The device is receiving electrical power. The correct device drivers are installed. Install the latest available system ROM.
Troubleshooting Is Software Functioning Abnormally? If your software becomes unresponsive or seems abnormal: Restart the notebook. Run a virus scan. When you use the notebook for email, network, or Internet access, you expose the notebook to computer viruses. Computer viruses can disable the operating system, your applications, or your utilities or cause them to function abnormally. Antivirus software can detect most viruses, destroy them, and, in most cases, repair any damage they have caused.
Troubleshooting Contacting Compaq If the troubleshooting suggestions earlier in this chapter have not helped you solve the problem, you may need to contact Compaq. If the troubleshooting suggestions earlier in this chapter have not helped you solve the problem, you may need to contact Compaq. If the notebook is connected to the Internet, visit the Compaq Web site: For home, home office, and small business support, type the following in your Web browser address field: http://www.compaq.com.
Troubleshooting To display the operating system version number and registration number: In Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional, select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > System > General tab. Brand and model of an optional printer. Reports from tests that you have run in Compaq Diagnostics.
4 Identifying External Hardware Display Components Display Components 1 2 Display release latch Opens the notebook. MultiPort Inputs single-channel sound.Supports an optional USB-enabled wireless device such as a Bluetooth MultiPort, 802.11b Wireless LAN MultiPort, and future wireless technologies.
Identifying External Hardware Pointing Device Components Pointing Device Components 1 TouchPad Moves the cursor. Can be set to perform additional mouse functions such as scroll, select, and double-click.* 2 Left and right TouchPad buttons Function like the left and right buttons on an external mouse. 3 Scroll button Scrolls up, down, left, or right through most application and Internet browser windows.
Identifying External Hardware Top Components Power Lights Top Components: Power Lights 1 AC Adapter light On: AC power is being supplied through the AC Adapter. 2 Power/standby light On: Power is turned on. Blinking: Notebook is in Standby. 3 Battery light On: The battery pack is charging. Blinking: The battery pack has reached a low-battery condition.
Identifying External Hardware Keyboard and Drive Lights Top Components: Keyboard and Drive Lights 1 Num lock light On: Num lock is on or the internal keypad is on.* 2 3 Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on. IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) drive light On: The hard drive, CD, or DVD drive is being accessed.
Identifying External Hardware Power and Volume Controls Top Components: Power and Volume Controls 1 Power button* When the notebook is: Off, briefly press to turn on the notebook. On, briefly press to initiate Hibernation. In Standby, briefly press to exit Standby. In Hibernation, briefly press to exit Hibernation. If the system has stopped responding and Windows shutdown procedures cannot be used, press and hold for 4 seconds to turn off the notebook.
Identifying External Hardware Easy Access Buttons and Keyboard Keys Top Components: Easy Access Buttons and Keyboard Keys 1 Easy Access Buttons (4) Provide quick access to Internet or network destinations, or to software applications or data files on a drive. The icon on each button represents the default destination. Buttons can be programmed to different destinations. 2 3 4-6 Microsoft logo keys (2) Display Windows Start menu.
Identifying External Hardware Function and Keypad Keys Top Components: Function and Keypad Keys 1 Function keys (12) 2 Fn key 3 Keypad keys (15)* Perform system and application tasks. For example, in Windows and many applications, pressing F1 opens a Help file. When combined with the Fn key, the function keys F2 through F4 and F7 through F12 perform additional tasks as hotkeys.* Combines with other keys to perform system tasks.
Identifying External Hardware Front Panel Components Front Panel Components Stereo speakers (2) 4-8 Produce stereo sound.
Identifying External Hardware Rear Panel Components Connectors Rear Panel Components: Connectors 1 2 3 AC power connector Connects an AC Adapter. USB connectors (2) Connect optional USB devices. External monitor connector Connects an optional external monitor or overhead projector. 4 Keyboard/mouse connector Connects an optional PS/2 keyboard or mouse. 5 Parallel connector Connects an optional parallel device such as a printer.
Identifying External Hardware Vents and Jacks Rear Panel Components: Vents and Jacks 1 Microphone jack Connects an optional single-sound channel microphone. 2 Audio-out jack Connects optional headphones, a headset, or powered stereo speakers. Also connects the audio function of an audio/video device such as a television or VCR. 3 Vents for fan (2) Allows airflow to cool internal components.
Identifying External Hardware Left Side Components Left Side Components 1 Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the notebook. 2 Vent (1 of 3) Provides airflow to cool internal components. 3 PC Card eject button 4 PC Card slot 5 Diskette drive Getting Started To prevent overheating, do not obstruct the vent. Do not allow a hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a fabric, such as bedding or clothing, to block airflow.
Identifying External Hardware Right Side Components Right Side Components 1 2 Battery bay Holds the battery pack. Optical drive bay Holds CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD or DVD/CD-RW drive. 3 Infrared port Provides wireless communication between the notebook and an optional IrDA-compliant device. 4 1394 Connector Connects an optional 1394 device.
Identifying External Hardware Underside Components Memory and Mini PCI Compartments Underside Components: Memory and Mini PCI Compartments 1 Mini PCI (personal computer interface) compartment Supports an optional mini PCI board such as a modem board. (A modem board is included with some notebook models.) 2 Memory compartment Contains 2 memory slots for PC2100compliant memory boards. As shipped, the memory compartment may contain 1 or 2 memory boards.
Identifying External Hardware Labels Underside Components: Labels 1 System label* Provides regulatory information about the notebook. 2 Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label* Contains your Product Key number. You may need this information to update or troubleshoot the operating system. 3 MultiPort agency approvals Lists the countries in which the wireless label* (models that ship with a device has been approved for use.
Identifying External Hardware Additional Standard Components The components included with the notebook vary by geographical region and the notebook hardware ordered. The following illustrations and tables identify the standard external components included with most notebook models.
Identifying External Hardware Cord and Cables Additional Standard Components: Cord and Cables 1 Power cord* 2 Modem cable 3 Network cable (select models only) Connects the AC Adapter to an ACelectrical outlet. Connects the modem to an RJ11telephone jack or to a country-specific modem adapter. The modem cable has a 6-pin RJ-11 telephone connector at each end. Connects the notebook to an Ethernet network jack. The network cable has an 8-pin RJ45 network connector at each end.
Identifying External Hardware Adapters and Accessories Additional Standard Components: Adapters and Accessories 1 2 AC Adapter* 3 Japan-specific outlet adapter (Japan only) Converts AC power to DC power. Country-specific modem Adapts the modem cable to a non-RJadapter (included by region 11 telephone jack. as required) Connects the AC Adapter to a 2-prong electrical outlet. *AC Adapters vary in appearance by region.
Index A AC Adapter cable 1–3 connecting notebook to external power 1–3 connector for 4–9 identifying 4–17 light 1–3, 4–3 troubleshooting 3–2 AC power connector 4–9 Acrobat Reader installing 2–6 using 2–8 adapter for AC power cord. See AC Adapter for modem 4–17 to connect AC Adapter to electrical outlet (Japan only) 4–17 to connect notebook to AC power 1–3 application key 4–6 applications.
Index AC power 1–3, 4–9 DC power 1–3 external monitor 4–9 keyboard 4–9 mouse 4–9 overhead projector 4–9 parallel 4–9 PS/2 4–9 USB 4–9 cord, power connecting 1–3 identifying 4–16 surge protection 1–7 troubleshooting 3–2 See also cable country-specific modem adapter 4–17 currency formats, setting 2–1 customer support accessing application Help files 3–5 accessing Windows Help files 3–5 contacting Compaq 3–7 notebook documentation 2–8 troubleshooting 3–1 D date, setting 2–1 DC power connector 1–3 display, in
Index pointing device (TouchPad) 4–2 rear panel 4–9 right side 4–12 top 4–3 infrared port 4–12 J jack audio-out 4–10 microphone 4–10 RJ-45 network 4–10 S-video-out 4–10 telephone (RJ-11) jack 4–10 See also connector(s); infrared port Japan-specific outlet adapter 4–17 K key(s) function (F1, F2, etc.
Index N network cable 4–16 Modem and Networking guide 4–15 RJ-45 jack 4–10 surge protection 1–7 notebook connecting to external power 1–3 opening 1–4 turning on 1–5 num lock light 4–4 number(s) Product Key 4–14 serial 4–14 O opening the notebook 1–4 operating system Product Key number 4–14 overhead projector connector 4–9 P parallel connector 4–9 passwords 3–8 phone numbers, Compaq 3–7 port, infrared 4–12 See also connector(s); jack power button 4–5 power connector, DC 1–3 power cord connecting 1–3 ident
Index software accessing Help files in 3–5 Acrobat Reader 2–6 antivirus 2–2 installing optional 2–3 regional settings 2–1 reinstalling 3–6 screen resolution settings 2–1 setting up 1–6 Windows Product Key Number 4–14 See also Compaq utilities Software Guide 4–15 Standby described 3–3 exiting 3–3, 4–5 power/standby light 4–3 surge protection 1–7 S-video-out jack 4–10 switch, display 4–5 system label 4–14 system lockup 4–5 T technical support accessing application Help files 3–5 accessing Windows Help files
Index V W vent(s) troubleshooting 3–4 vents rear panel 4–10 viruses, computer protecting against 2–2 troubleshooting 3–6 Web site Compaq 3–7 Microsoft 3–5 Windows Help files 3–5 regional settings 2–1 screen resolution settings 2–1 shut down procedures 1–6 Windows application key 4–6 Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet 3–7 Index-6 Getting Started
