Asus L8400B User manual

NOTEBOOK PC
USER’S MANUAL
Product Name: Notebook PC
Manual Revision: 1.01 E549
Release Date: May 2000

2
SAFETY STATEMENTS
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruc-
tions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING! The use of a shielded-type power cord is required in order to meet FCC
emission limits and to prevent interference to the nearby radio and television recep-
tion. It is essential that only the supplied power cord be used. Use only shielded
cables to connect I/O devices to this equipment. You are cautioned that changes or
modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void your authority to operate the equipment.
Reprinted from the Code of Federal Regulations #47, part 15.193, 1993. Washington DC: Office of the
Federal Register, National Archives and RecordsAdministration, U.S. Government Printing Office.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus
set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
For use with AC Adaptor Model ADP-45GB (Pour Utiliser Avec Modele ADP-45GB)

3
Nordic Cautions (for Notebook PC with Lithium-Ion Battery)
CAUTION! Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or
equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the
manufacturer’s instructions. (English)
VORSICHT!Explosionsgetahr bei unsachgemäßenAustausch der Batterie. Ersatz nur durch denselben
oder einem vom Hersteller empfohlenem ähnlichenTyp. Entsorgung gebrauchter Batterien nachAngaben
des Herstellers. (German)
ADVARSELI! Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering. Udskiftning måkun ske med
batteri af samme fabrikat og type. Levér det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandøren. (Danish)
VARNING! Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Använd samma batterityp eller en ekvivalent typ
somrekommenderasavapparattillverkaren.Kasseraanväntbatterienligtfabrikantensinstruktion.(Swedish)
VAROITUS! Paristovoiräjähtää,josseonvirheellisestiasennettu.Vaihdaparistoainoastaanlaitevalmistajan
sousittelemaan tyyppiin. Hävitäkäytetty paristo valmistagan ohjeiden mukaisesti. (Finnish)
ATTENTION! Il y a danger d’explosion s’il y a remplacement incorrect de la batterie. Remplacer
uniquement avec une batterie du mêre type ou d’un type équivalent recommandépar le constructeur.
Mettre au rebut les batteries usagées conformément aux instructions du fabricant. (French)
ADVARSEL! Eksplosjonsfare ved feilaktig skifte av batteri. Benytt samme batteritype eller en
tilsvarende type anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten. Brukte batterier kasseres i henhold til fabrikantens
instruksjoner. (Norwegian)
Macrovision Corporation Product Notice
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain
U.S.A. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights
owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and
is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision
Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
(Japanese)

4
CTR 21 Approval (for Notebook PC with built-in Modem)
Danish
Dutch
English
Finnish
French
German
Greek

5
Italian
Portuguese
Spanish
Swedish

6
Contents
SAFETY STATEMENTS 2
Federal Communications Commission Statement.............................................. 2
Canadian Department of Communications Statement ....................................... 2
Nordic Cautions (for Notebook PC with Lithium-Ion Battery).............................. 3
Macrovision Corporation Product Notice ............................................................ 3
CTR 21 Approval (for Notebook PC with built-in Modem) .................................. 4
SECTION 1
INTRODUCING THE NOTEBOOK PC 9
About This User’s Manual...................................................................................... 10
Notes For This Manual...................................................................................... 10
Caring Information ................................................................................................. 11
Transportation Precautions.................................................................................... 12
SECTION 2
KNOWING THE PARTS 13
Top Side................................................................................................................. 14
Front Side .............................................................................................................. 16
Left Side................................................................................................................. 17
Right Side .............................................................................................................. 18
Rear Side............................................................................................................... 20
SECTION 3
GETTING STARTED 23
Inserting and Removing the Battery Pack ............................................................. 24
Using the Battery Pack .......................................................................................... 25
Before using your Notebook PC on the road .................................................... 25
Battery Care...................................................................................................... 25
Operating Systems ................................................................................................ 25
Support Software .............................................................................................. 25
Power Connection ................................................................................................. 26
Powering ON Your Notebook PC........................................................................... 27
The Power-On Self Test (POST) ...................................................................... 27
Save-to-Disk Partition ............................................................................................ 28
Restarting or Rebooting......................................................................................... 28
Powering OFF the Notebook PC ........................................................................... 28
LED Status Indicators ............................................................................................ 29
Using the Keyboard ............................................................................................... 30
Colored Hot Keys.............................................................................................. 30
Microsoft Windows™ Keys ............................................................................... 31
Keyboard as a Numeric Keypad ....................................................................... 31
Keyboard as Cursors ........................................................................................ 32

7
SECTION 4
USING THE NOTEBOOK PC 33
Floppy Disk Drive................................................................................................... 34
CD/DVD-ROM Drive .............................................................................................. 35
Laser Safety...................................................................................................... 35
CDRH Regulations ........................................................................................... 35
DVD-ROM Drive (optional) .................................................................................... 36
Overview........................................................................................................... 36
Regional Playback Information ......................................................................... 37
Region Definitions............................................................................................. 37
Using the CD-ROM Drive .................................................................................38
Listening to Audio CD ....................................................................................... 39
Pointing Device...................................................................................................... 40
Using the Touchpad .......................................................................................... 40
Caring for the Touchpad ................................................................................... 42
PS/2 Connection (optional).................................................................................... 42
External Display Connections (optional)................................................................ 43
PC Cards (PCMCIA).............................................................................................. 44
32-bit CardBus & Zoomed Video Port ..............................................................44
Inserting a PC Card (PCMCIA)......................................................................... 45
Removing a PC Card (PCMCIA) ...................................................................... 45
External Audio Connections (optional)...................................................................46
Printer Connection (optional) ................................................................................. 46
IR Wireless Communication .................................................................................. 47
Guidelines for using IR communication ............................................................ 47
Enabling Infrared .............................................................................................. 47
Universal Serial Bus .............................................................................................. 48
Driver Support................................................................................................... 48
AC Power System.................................................................................................. 48
Battery Power System ........................................................................................... 49
Charging the Battery Pack................................................................................ 49
Using Battery Power .........................................................................................50
Power Management Modes................................................................................... 51
Full Power Mode & Maximum Performance ..................................................... 51
APM and ACPI .................................................................................................. 51
Suspend Mode.................................................................................................. 51
Standby Mode................................................................................................... 52
Power State Summary...................................................................................... 52
Thermal Power Control..................................................................................... 53
System Memory Expansion ................................................................................... 53
Processor Upgrades .............................................................................................. 53
Modem and Network Connections (optional)......................................................... 54
Modem Connection........................................................................................... 54
Network Connection ......................................................................................... 54
Securing Your Notebook PC .................................................................................. 55
Other Security Products.................................................................................... 55

8
SECTION 5
CONFIGURING THE BIOS 57
Updating Your BIOS............................................................................................... 58
Creating a BIOS Update Floppy Disk ............................................................... 58
Updating BIOS Procedures .............................................................................. 59
BIOS Setup Program ............................................................................................. 60
BIOS Menu Bar................................................................................................. 61
BIOS Legend Bar.............................................................................................. 61
Main Menu ............................................................................................................. 63
IDE Primary Master ............................................................................................... 64
IDE Primary Slave ................................................................................................. 67
Advanced Menu..................................................................................................... 68
I/O Device Configuration........................................................................................70
Security Menu ........................................................................................................ 72
System Boot Entry ............................................................................................ 73
Hard Disk Unlock: ............................................................................................. 73
Password Usage Summary ................................................................................... 73
The Power Menu ................................................................................................... 74
Boot Menu ............................................................................................................. 76
Exit Menu ............................................................................................................... 77
APPENDIX 78
PortBar Accessory ................................................................................................. 80
Features............................................................................................................ 80
Usage ............................................................................................................... 80
Docking Solution ............................................................................................... 81
Vehicle/Air Power Adapter Accessory.................................................................... 82
Features............................................................................................................ 82
Usage ............................................................................................................... 82
Internal Modem Compliancy .................................................................................. 83
Protocols and Compliancy ................................................................................ 83
Glossary................................................................................................................. 85
INDEX.................................................................................................................... 88
Owner Information ................................................................................................. 90

9
SECTION 1
INTRODUCING THE NOTEBOOK PC
About This User’s Manual
Caring Information
Transportation Precautions

10 1. Introducing the Notebook PC
About This User’s Manual
You are reading the Notebook PC User’s Manual. This User’s Manual provides information on the
various components in the Notebook PC and how to use them. The following are major sections of this
User’s Manuals:
1. Introducing the Notebook PC
Introduces you to the Notebook PC and this User’s Manual.
2. Knowing the Parts
Gives you information on the Notebook PC’s components.
3. Getting Started
Gives you information on getting started with the Notebook PC.
4. Using the Notebook PC
Gives you information on using the Notebook PC’s components.
5. Configuring the BIOS
Gives you information on configuring the BIOS software.
6. Appendix
Introduces you to optional accessories and gives additional information.
Notes For This Manual
This User’s Manual was created using Macintosh versions of Adobe®PageMaker™6.52, Adobe®
Photoshop™5.0.2, and Macromedia®Freehand™8.0.1. The body text type used in this manual is
“Times”(MAC) or “Times New Roman”(Windows™) and headings are “Helvetica”(MAC) or “Arial”
(Windows™). A few notes and warnings in bold are used throughout this guide that you should be
aware of in order to complete certain tasks safely and completely.These notes have different degrees of
importance as described below:
Text enclosed in < > represents a key
on the keyboard; do not actually type
the < > and enclosed letters.
TIP: Tips and useful information for
power (advanced) computer users.
NOTE: Tips and information to aid in
completing a task.
WARNING! Information to prevent
damage to components, damage to
data, or personal injury.
IMPORTANT: Information that must be
followed in order to complete a task.

111. Introducing the Notebook PC
Caring Information
WARNING! The following safety precautions will increase the life of the Notebook PC.
Follow all precautions and instructions. Except as described in this manual, refer all
servicing to qualified personnel. Do not use damaged power cords, accessories, or
other peripherals. Do not use strong solvents such as thinners, benzene or other
chemicals on or near the surface.
Disconnect theAC power and remove the battery pack(s) before cleaning. Wipe the Notebook PC using
a clean cellulose sponge or chamois cloth dampened with a solution of nonabrasive detergent and a few
drops of warm water and remove any extra moisture with a dry cloth.
DONOT expose to liq-
uids, rain, or moisture.
Seek servicing if liquid
hasbeen spilled intothe
Notebook PC.
DO NOT expose to
dirty or dusty environ-
ments.
DO NOT expose to
strong magnetic or
electrical fields.
DO NOT expose to extreme temperatures (below
0˚C (32˚F) or above 50˚C(122˚F)) or to direct sun-
light. Do not block the fan vents!
DO NOT place on un-
even or unstable work
surfaces. Seek servic-
ing if the casing has
been damaged.
DO NOT place or drop
objects on top and do
not shove any foreign
objects into the Note-
book PC.
DONOTpressor touch
thedisplaypanel.Donot
placetogetherwithsmall
itemsthatmayscratchor
enter the Notebook PC.
NOTE: The surface glaze is easily dulled if not properly cared for. Be careful not to rub
or scrap the Notebook PC surfaces.

12 1. Introducing the Notebook PC
Transportation Precautions
To prepare the Notebook PC for transport, you should turn it OFF and disconnect all external peripher-
als to prevent damage to the connectors. The hard disk drive’s head retracts when the power is turned
OFF to prevent scratching of the hard disk surface during transport. Therefore, you should not transport
the Notebook PC while the power is still ON. Close the display panel and check that it is latched
securely in the closed position to protect the keyboard and display panel.
Remove Floppy Disks
Make sure that the 1.44MB floppy disk drive does not contain a diskette when transporting the Note-
book PC. When a diskette is inserted into the floppy disk drive, the eject button protrudes out. If you
attempt to transport the Notebook PC with a diskette in the drive, you risk damaging the eject button
and also risk scratching the surface of the diskette when the floppy disk drive is jolted.
Cover Your Notebook PC
Use a carrying case such as the one supplied with your Notebook PC to protect it from dirt, water,
shock, and scratches.
Charge Your Batteries
If you intend to use battery power, be sure to fully charge your battery pack and any optional battery
packs before going on long trips. Remember that the power adapter charges the battery pack as long as
it is plugged into the computer and an AC power source. Be aware that it takes much longer to charge
the battery pack when the Notebook PC is in use.
Travelling Precautions
Contact your airline if you want to use the Notebook PC on the airplane. Most airlines will have restric-
tions for using electronic devices. Most airlines will allow electronic use only between and not during
take-offs and landings.
IMPORTANT: There are three main types of airport security devices: X-ray machines
(used on items placed on conveyor belts), magnetic detectors (used on people walk-
ing through security checks), and magnetic wands (hand-held devices used on people
or individual items). You can send your Notebook PC and diskettes through airport X-
ray machines. However, it is recommended that you do not send your Notebook PC or
diskettes through airport magnetic detectors or expose them to magnetic wands.

13
SECTION 2
KNOWING THE PARTS
Top Side
Front Side
Left Side
Right Side
Rear Side

14 2. Knowing the Parts
Top Side
Refer to the diagram below to identify the components on the top side of the Notebook PC.
Display Panel
Touchpad
Keyboard
Touchpad
Buttons
Status LEDs
1
A
*
&
^
%
$
#
@
_
+
()
{
[]
}
"
Prt Sc
\
Tab
Back
Space
!
~
‘Sys Rq
S1 S2
Enter
TV
Microphone
Cooling Fan
and air entry
Very Light All-in-One: Including the battery pack weighs only 6.28lbs (2.85Kg).

152. Knowing the Parts
The following describes the components of the Notebook PC as viewed from the top as shown by the
illustration on the previous page.
Display Panel
The display panel functions the same as a desktop monitor. The Notebook PC uses a 1024x768 14.1”
active matrix TFT LCD, which provides excellent viewing like that of desktop monitors. Unlike desk-
top monitors, the LCD panel does not produce any radiation or flickering, so it is easier on the eyes.
NOTE: While the Notebook PC is ON, closing the display panel will turn OFF the dis-
play to conserve power and opening the display panel will turn the display back ON.
Opening the Display Panel
One spring-loaded latch on the front of the Notebook PC locks the display panel in the closed position
when the Notebook PC is not in use. To open the display panel, slide the latch to the left with your thumb
and raise the display panel with the same thumb. This design allows a single hand to unlock and open the
display panel. Slowly tilt the display panel forward or backward to a comfortable viewing angle.
WARNING! When opening, do not force the display panel down to the table or else
the hinges may break! Never lift the Notebook PC by the display panel!
Display Panel Care
The LCD screen is very delicate and requires careful handling. Pay attention to the following precautions:
•When not in use, keep the display panel closed to prevent dust accumulation.
•Do not use chemical cleaners on the screen. Wipe only with a dry cloth or tissue.
•Do not put your fingers or any objects directly on the screen.
•Do not press or lay any objects on the machine when it is closed.
•Do not carry the Notebook PC with small or sharp objects (e.g. paper clips or staples) that may enter
the Notebook PC and scratch the display panel.
Microphone
The built-in microphone provides a source for inputting mono audio for general note taking, voicemail
recording, or for use with Internet phone software. See “Rear Side”for external microphone connection.
Cooling Fan
The cooling fan turns ON when the temperature rises past a set threshold. The cooling fan is an extra
feature needed for upgrading to faster processors in the future. The top screen allows cool air to enter
the Notebook PC. Do not block the area above the keyboard!
Keyboard
The keyboard provides full-sized 19mm keys with 3mm travel and palm rest. Two Windows™function
keys are provided to help ease navigation in the Windows™operating system.
Touchpad and Buttons
The touchpad with its two buttons is a pointing device that provides the same functions as a desktop
mouse. A scrolling function for Web browsing or Microsoft®Office navigation is available using the
third-party software on the support CD.
Status LEDs
The Notebook PC has status LEDs to display capital lock, number lock, storage device access, battery
charging, and power statuses. Details are described later in this manual.

16 2. Knowing the Parts
Front Side
Refer to the diagram below to identify the components on the front side of the Notebook PC.
The following describes the front components of the Notebook PC as shown by the picture above.
Stereo Speakers
The two built-in speakers allow you to hear stereo audio without additional attachments. The multime-
dia sound system features an integrated digital audio controller that produces rich, vibrant sound in
high quality 16-bit stereo. With a pair of integrated stereo speakers, a built-in microphone, and both
input and output audio jacks for external audio devices, the Notebook PC fulfills most multimedia
computing needs. All audio features are software controlled.
Display Panel Latch
The display latch is used to lock the display panel in the closed position. Slide the latch to the left to
release the display panel.
Charge Indicator
Indicates that the battery is being charged when ON and fully charged when OFF. This LED only lights
when the power adapter is used. This LED will not light if there is no battery installed. Slow flash
means the battery power is low and require charging. Quick flashing means that the battery pack cannot
be charged and needs replacing.
Power Indicator
The green LED will light to indicate that the Notebook PC is turned ON and blink when the Notebook
PC is in Suspend-To-RAM mode. This LED will be OFF when the Notebook PC is in Suspend-To-Disk
mode.
Power Switch
The power switch allows powering ON and OFF the Notebook PC. The switch normally rests on the
left and is activated when moved to the right and released.To prevent accidental turning OFF the power,
it is designed to take longer to turn OFF than to turn ON the power. The momentary sliding switch
requires about one second to turn ON the power and about two seconds to turn OFF the power.
Display Panel Latch Power Indicator
Charge IndicatorStereo Speaker Stereo SpeakerPower Switch
310mm
Display Panel Latch
35mm

172. Knowing the Parts
The following describes the components on the left side of the Notebook PC as shown by the illustra-
tion above.
Kensington®Lock Port
The Kensington®lock port allows the Notebook PC to be secured using Kensington®compatible Note-
book PC security products.These security products usually include a metal cable and lock that prevents
the Notebook PC to be removed from a fixed object. Some security products may also include a motion
detector to sound an alarm when moved.
Air Vent
The left side fan vent allows warm air to exit the Notebook PC in order to cool the Notebook PC’s
internal components. Do not block any air vents!
DC Power Input Jack
The supplied power adapter converts AC power to DC power for use with this jack. Power supplied
through this jack will supply power to the Notebook PC as well as charge the internal battery pack.
Fast Infrared Port
The fast infrared (IrDA) communication port allows convenient wireless data communication with
infrared-equipped devices or computers up to 4Mbits/sec. This allows easy wireless synchronization
with PDAs or mobile phones and even wireless printing to printers. If your office supports IrDA net-
working, you can wirelessly connect to the network anywhere where there is a direct line of sight to an
IrDA node. Small offices can use IrDA technology to share a printer between several closely placed
Notebook PCs and even send files to each other without a network.
PC Card (PCMCIA) Sockets and Eject
Two PCMCIA2.1 compliant sockets for two Type I or Type II or one Type III PC card are available. The
lower socket includes support for 32-bit CardBus and Zoomed Video. This allows accommodation of all
Notebook PC expansion options such as memory cards, fax/modems, SCSI adapters, high-speed network
adapters, and video capture/conference cards. The two eject buttons allow easy ejection of the PC cards.
Left Side
Refer to the diagram below to identify the components on the left side of the Notebook PC.
DC IN
DC Power
Input Jack PC Card (PCMCIA) Sockets
Air Vent PC Card
(PCMCIA) Eject
Fast Infrared Port
Kensington
®
Lock Port
L
256mm

18 2. Knowing the Parts
Right Side
Refer to the diagram below to identify the components on the right side of the Notebook PC.
The following describes the components on the right side of the Notebook PC as shown by the illustra-
tion above.
Floppy Disk Drive and Floppy Eject
This is a standard 1.44MB floppy disk drive with Japanese 3-mode floppy support. Floppy disk activity
should be seen through the activity LED next to the power button. Unlike desktop PC floppy disk
drives, the eject button of the Notebook PC is on top of the opening to allow easy floppy ejection from
the top.
WARNING! The floppy disk drive’s eject button protrudes out of the Notebook PC
when a floppy disk is fully inserted and can be easily damaged if struck. Eject the
floppy disk before transporting the Notebook PC.
CD/DVD-ROM Drive
The Notebook PC comes in a 24X CD-ROM model or a 6X DVD-ROM model (the DVD-ROM is also
capable of reading CDs at 24X).
CD/DVD-ROM Activity LED
The activity LED blinks proportionally to the CD/DVD-ROM drive activity and also blinks when
electronically ejecting a CD/DVD.
CD/DVD-ROM Eject and Emergency Eject
The CD/DVD-ROM eject is an electronic eject button for opening the tray. You can also eject the CD/
DVD through the software CD/DVD player or by right clicking the CD/DVD drive in Windows™“My
Computer.”The emergency eject is used to eject a CD/DVD in case the electronic eject does not work.
Do not use this in place of the electronic eject.
Floppy EjectFloppy Disk Drive CD/DVD Eject Volume Control
CD/DVD
Activity LED CD/DVD
Emergency Eject
256mm

192. Knowing the Parts
Volume Control
The volume control wheel allows fast adjustment of the master audio output volume. For maximum
volume, the digital volume controlled through Windows™“Volume Control”on the taskbar must also
be maximized.
Hard Disk Drive
The hard disk drive is fixed internally. There is no removable hard disk drive bay.

20 2. Knowing the Parts
The following describes the components on the rear side of the Notebook PC as shown by the illustra-
tion above.
Headphone (Jack)
The stereo headphone jack is used to connect the Notebook PC’s audio out signal to amplified speakers
or headphones. Using this jack automatically disables the built-in speakers.
Audio In (Jack)
The audio in provides stereo input from audio sources.
Mic In (Microphone Jack)
The mono microphone jack can be used to connect an external microphone or output signals from audio
devices. Using this jack automatically disables the built-in microphone.
Serial Port
The 9-pin D-sub serial port supports serial devices such as a drawing tablet, mouse, or modem.
Parallel Port
The 25-pin D-sub parallel/printer port supports parallel devices such as a printer or a removable drive.
Docking Port
The docking port is an expansion bus for connection to an optional proprietary PortBar.
Modem/LAN Port (modem or LAN models only)
The dual purpose port (available on internal modem or LAN models) supports an RJ11 telephone cable
or an RJ45 Ethernet cable.The modem supports up to 56KV.90 transfers, and the LAN supports 10Base-
T or 100Base-TX standard or duplex networks. TUV certification for this Notebook PC requires that
only an internal modem or only an internal network be installed, not both.
Rear Side
Refer to the diagram below to identify the components on the rear side of the Notebook PC.
Serial Port
Parallel Port
External
Monitor Port
Modem/LAN Port
PS/2 PortDocking Port
2 USB
Ports
Mic In
Headphone TV Out
Port
Audio In
310mm
35mm