Compaq Deskpro EC User manual

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The information in this publication is subject to change without notice.
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Printed in the USA.
The software described in this guide is furnished under a license agreement
or nondisclosure agreement. The software may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Compaq and Deskpro are registered in the United States Patent and
Trademark Office.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, Windows NT, and other names of Microsoft
products referenced herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of
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Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered
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Compaq Deskpro EC Series of Personal Computers
Getting Started
First Edition (September 1999)
Part Number 157742-001

Contents
Getting Started Guide iii
chapter 1
Introduction to the Getting Started Guide
Symbols and Conventions .......................................................................................................................1-1
Environmental Commitment ...................................................................................................................1-2
chapter 2
Introducing Your Computer
Front Panel Components .........................................................................................................................2-2
Rear Panel Components ..........................................................................................................................2-3
Drive Positions ........................................................................................................................................2-4
chapter 3
Setting up Your Software
Windows 98 Setup...................................................................................................................................3-3
Using the Welcome to Windows 98 Screen ............................................................................................3-4
Register Now .....................................................................................................................................3-5
Connect to the Internet.......................................................................................................................3-5
Discover Windows 98........................................................................................................................3-6
Maintaining Your Computer..............................................................................................................3-6
chapter 4
Keeping Your System Running
Turning Your Computer On and Off.......................................................................................................4-1
Setting Power Management Features ......................................................................................................4-1
Listing Your System Specifications ........................................................................................................4-2
Routine Computer Care...........................................................................................................................4-3
CD-ROM Drive Precautions (Select Models Only) ..........................................................................4-3
Glossary...............................................................................................................................................................G-1
Index ..................................................................................................................................................................... I-1

iv Getting Started Guide

Getting Started Guide 1–1
1
Introduction to the
Getting Started
Guide
The Getting Started Guide includes general information about your
computer and its components, the installation of your Windows 98
operating system, and the Welcome to Windows Screen. You should
use the information in the Getting Started Guide in conjunction with
your Setup Poster to set up your computer and install its operating
system. Before you begin the setup and installation process, you
should read the following section on Symbols and Conventions to
understand the formatting conventions used throughout this guide.
Symbols and
Conventions
The following format conventions distinguish elements of the text
throughout this guide:
■When keys must be pressed at the same time, the action is
represented by the key names and the plus (+) symbol.
■An arrow (→) indicates a sequence of actions. You will follow the
sequence through a series of menus or screens. During the
sequence, you may need to click or double-click on an item to
proceed.
■When you need to make a selection with a mouse, you are
directed to “select”or “click”the information.
The following words and symbols mark special messages throughout
this guide:
chapter
WARNING: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to
follow directions could result in bodily harm or loss of life.
!

1–2 Getting Started Guide
✎Text set off in this manner presents clarifying information, specific
instructions, commentary, sidelights, or other points of information.
Environmental
Commitment
Compaq is committed to making environmentally friendly products.
Your computer was produced in a chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)-free
factory. All plastics used in the product are stamped with material
composition to make recycling more efficient. Reduce, reuse, and
recycle are words to live by at Compaq.
CAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to
follow directions could result in damage to equipment or loss of
information.

Getting Started Guide 2–1
2
Introducing Your Computer
Compaq Personal Computers are built on the value, performance,
quality, and reliability that you expect from Compaq and are aimed at
delivering to businesses the latest industry standard technology at the
best value. The new Compaq Deskpro products have been optimized
for ease of ownership—from purchase to use and maintenance.
Set up your computer using the Quick Setup Poster before turning the
computer on. When you turn the computer on, you will go through a
series of screens to set up Windows 98. Be sure to register your
computer at this time. Refer to the Getting Started Guide and the
appropriate Microsoft documentation for setup and operating
instructions.
If you get error messages when you turn the computer on, check all
hardware connections. If this does not fix the error, refer to the
“Solving Common Computer Problems”chapter in the User’s Guide.
chapter

2–2 Getting Started Guide
Front Panel
Components
Front Panel Components
1. CD ROM Drive (select models only)
2. CD ROM Drive Activity Light (select models only)
3. 3.5-inch Diskette Drive
4. Diskette Drive Activity Light
5. Diskette Drive Eject Button
6. CD ROM Drive Eject Button
7. Power Button
8. Power Status Light
9. Hard Drive Activity Light

Getting Started Guide 2–3
Rear Panel
Components
Rear Panel Components and Voltage Selector Switch
1. Mouse Connector
2. Keyboard Connector
3. USB Connectors
4. Serial Port 1
5. Parallel Port
6. Serial Port 2
7. Line Out
8. Line In
9. Microphone
10. Game Port
11. AC Power Connector
12. Voltage Select Switch
13. Video Connector
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock or damage to
the equipment, do not disable the power cord grounding plug. The
grounding plug is an important safety feature. Plug the power cord
into a grounded (earthed) electrical outlet that is easily accessible
at all times. Disconnect power from the computer by unplugging
the power cord from either the electrical outlet or the computer.

2–4 Getting Started Guide
Drive Positions
✎To verify the type and
size of the storage
devices installed in
your computer, run
Compaq Computer
Setup Utilities. Refer
to the “Computer
Setup”chapter in the
User’s Guide for more
information.
Drive Positions
No. Component Function
1 Drive Bay 1 Typically used for optical devices such as
CD-ROM/ DVD drives.
2 Drive Bay 2 Half-height bays to add optional drives
such as Zip drives.
3 Drive Bay 3 One standard 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB diskette
drive (LS-120 diskette drive).
4 Drive Bay 4 One internal 3.5-inch, one-third height
bay used for a hard drive.

Getting Started Guide 3–1
3
Setting up Your Software
Your Compaq computer comes with Windows 98 already installed on
the hard drive. After you set up your computer according to the
Computer Setup poster, refer to the steps in this section to set up the
operating system. Compaq has automated most of the process.
However, you will need to provide certain information and select
several settings. By following the on-screen instructions and the
information in the following sections, you will be able to setup your
software quickly and easily and begin to work with your new
computer. The setup process will take 5 to 10 minutes for Windows
98.
Before you begin the setup process, have the following information
ready:
■Regional settings (the language you want to use during the setup
process). Your software language is determined by the product
that you ordered.
■Information about your name and company
■Product Key number from the Certificate of Authenticity
✎You will find the Product Key printed in a bar code on your
Certificate of Authenticity, which appears on the front of the
Windows 98 booklet that came with your computer. Be certain to
find the correct certificate since there may be two or more
depending on the software that you purchased with your computer.
■Your time zone, the date, and the time
chapter

3–2 Getting Started Guide
Throughout the setup process, follow these hints:
■Always use the left mouse button during the selection process.
■Do NOT install a printer, printer drivers, or any other type of
drivers until AFTER the initial setup process is complete.
Attempts to do so will disrupt the setup process.
■Prior to or during the setup process, do not attempt to install
additional software or to attach any external devices or drives
(such as printers and ZIP drives, or printer drivers on CD).
■If you get a Printer Install screen, select Cancel.
■Once the setup process begins, do not interrupt the process, turn
the power off, or bump or unplug the power cord. If the process is
abruptly stopped or interrupted, you may have to install the
system using the Quick Restore CD, which will take longer.
■If the screen goes blank or nothing appears to be happening, look
at the drive activity light or the screen for an hourglass. If lights
are blinking or you see an hourglass, the setup process is
continuing. If the computer locks up for more than one hour and
will not continue the setup process, restart the computer to
continue setup. Turn the computer off by pressing the Power
button. Do not use Ctrl+Alt+Del to turn off your computer.

Getting Started Guide 3–3
Windows 98 Setup Refer to the following table for the steps in the Windows 98 setup
process and for helpful hints during the process:
Screen Title Hint Additional Information
User information If the computer will be used by others,
you should enter generic names (such
as xxx) for your name and company.
Otherwise, enter your name and
company name. Click Next.
This information is difficult to
change; you may have to reinstall
the operating system to change
names.
License Agreement Read and accept the license
agreement. Click the bottom arrow on
the right of the screen to view more text.
Click on the white dot beside “I accept
the license agreement.” Click Next.
You must accept the license
agreement to use your computer. If
you do not accept the license
agreement, the setup process will
stop.
Product Key/Certificate of
Authenticity
Carefully enter the 25-character
Product Key from the Certificate of
Authenticity. You must enter a valid
Product Key before the Next button will
appear and you can proceed.
You will find the Product Key
printed on a bar code on your
Certificate of Authenticity. This
Certificate appears on the front of
the Windows 98 booklet that came
with your computer.
You will need to reenter the
Product Key if you make a mistake.
Start Wizard Click Finish to continue installing
Windows 98.
Enter Windows Password Enter a user name and password if
privacy is an issue (if you do this, you
will have to enter them every time you
turn on the computer). If you receive an
error message while attempting to enter
a password, press Cancel. If security is
not an issue, enter only a user name
and no password; then, this screen will
not appear every time you turn on the
computer. Click OK.
Windows begins installing the
software for your new computer.
You can set or change your
Windows password using the
Password icon in the Control
Panel.

3–4 Getting Started Guide
Using the Welcome to
Windows 98 Screen
The Welcome to Windows 98 Screen contains four options that allow
you to optimize the use of your computer and software:
■Register Now
■Connect to the Internet
■Discover Windows 98
■Maintain Your Computer
Date/Time Properties Time Zone tab: Scroll through the list at
the top of the screen and select the time
zone corresponding to where you live.
Check the box in the bottom left corner
of the screen to “Automatically Adjust
Clock for Daylight Savings Changes”if
applicable. Click Apply. Click the Time
tab in the upper-left corner of the
screen. Set the time by highlighting the
hour/minute/second and typing in the
correct time. Highlight am/pm and use
the up/down arrow keys to set. Click
Apply, then click OK.
Click Start→Settings→Control
Panel; then double-click Date/Time
to change this later.
Information About Your
Touch Pad
Depending on your computer’s
configuration, this screen may or may
not appear. If this screen does appear:
Click Tell Me More for useful information
about your Touch Pad. Click Close to
dismiss the screen.
Your Touch Pad is different from a
mouse. This overview of features
describes these differences and
the best way to use your Touch
Pad.
Welcome to Windows 98 Press the Begin button to take the
Windows tour, or dismiss the screen by
clicking on the small x in the upper right
corner of the screen.
This screen contains four options.
Double-click on any of the options
to focus specifically on that area,
or take the windows tour to cover
all options. See “Using the
Welcome to Windows 98 Screen”
for more information.
The setup process is complete. Click Start in the bottom left corner of your screen to begin work, or select an
icon from the left side of the screen. You can connect to the Internet from the Welcome to Windows 98 screen
by clicking on the Connect to the Internet option. If you have other questions related to your Windows 98
software, refer to your software documentation.
Screen Title Hint Additional Information

Getting Started Guide 3–5
When you place the cursor over one of the four options, the text to the
right of the option will briefly describe its contents. Double-click on
an option to open it and use its functions. After you open and exit an
option, you will automatically return to the Welcome to Windows 98
Screen.
The Welcome to Windows 98 screen appears automatically each time
you open Windows 98. You may close the screen by clicking on the x
in the upper right corner of the screen. If you do not want the screen
to appear each time you open Windows 98, click on the check mark in
the bottom right corner of the screen. To access the window later,
click Start→Programs→Accessories→System Tools; click Welcome
to Windows.
Register Now
Register Now allows you to register your Windows operating system
with Microsoft and access full Internet support for your system. After
you register, you will have access to Windows Update, the Web
extension of Microsoft Windows 98. You will also be able to access
easy-to-use technical support to find up-to-date answers to your
questions.
You must first be connected to the Internet to begin the registration
process.
Connect to the Internet
Connect to the Internet allows you to sign up and configure your
computer for a new Internet account or to set your new computer to
connect to your existing Internet account.
If you are setting up a new account, the Internet Connection Wizard
will retrieve a list of the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) available in
your area. The list of Internet Service Providers includes additional
CAUTION: Compaq strongly recommends that you do NOT use
Windows Update. Driver updates obtained through Windows
Update could cause a conflict with the drivers already on your
system. Instead, obtain your drivers through Compaq. For more
information, see the “Upgrading Your Computer” chapter in the
User’s Guide.

3–6 Getting Started Guide
information such as prices and options available through each
Provider.
Before you try connecting to the Internet with this option, be certain
that your telephone line is connected to a modem that has been
installed in the computer.
Discover Windows 98
Discover Windows 98 is designed to introduce first-time users to
basic Windows computing. It offers step-by-step instructions for new
Windows users and highlights the features of Windows 98.
Maintaining Your Computer
Maintaining Your Computer offers tips and instructions to schedule
regular automatic maintenance of your computer, optimize the
performance of your hard disk, and free up disk space.
Use the Express maintenance settings to choose the best settings
suggested by Compaq, or choose Custom to select each maintenance
setting yourself.

Getting Started Guide 4–1
4
Keeping Your System Running
Turning Your Computer
On and Off
To turn your computer on, press the Power button. If a power-on
password has been defined, enter the password at the prompt. If you
enter the password incorrectly, an incorrect password prompt
displays. Try again to enter the password. After three unsuccessful
attempts, you must turn the computer off and back on again before
you can continue.
To turn your computer off normally, shut down through Windows by
selecting Start→Shut Down. When you see the message “It is now
safe to turn off your computer,”press the Power button. Your
computer will automatically shut off when it is safe to do so.
Setting Power
Management Features
You can set the different conditions, or Power Schemes, under which
your computer will conserve power. You can either choose from a
default power scheme or create one of your own. These power
schemes affect:
■When the screen times out and goes blank.
■When the hard drive slows down. Note that the power
management setting for the hard drive must be less than or equal
to the setting for the computer.
chapter

4–2 Getting Started Guide
To adjust the Power Management settings, follow these steps:
1. Click Start→Settings→Control Panel.
2. Click the Power Management icon.
3. If you want to use a default power scheme, select the appropriate
one from the pull-down menu .
4. Select the Turn Off Monitor drop-down list to adjust the length of
idle time before the monitor will turn off.
5. Select the Turn Off Hard Disk drop-down list to adjust the length
of idle time before the computer hard disk slows down.
6. Click Save As and type in the name for your personal power
management settings or click Apply to activate your new setting.
Listing Your System
Specifications
Compaq Deskpro computers encompass many different models and
configurations. To determine your exact configuration:
1. Click Start→Settings→Control Panel.
2. Click the Compaq Diagnostics icon.
A progress bar displays while the application analyzes the
components. After approximately one minute, a Summary screen
displays an overview of the computer hardware and software.
3. Click on the icons at the top of the window to display information
about the components in your system.
To see additional information about the components, click the
More button at the bottom of the window.
4. You can print this information by clicking File→Print.
You will be asked to select the level of information you want to
print:
■Detailed report (all categories)
■Summary report (all categories)
■Current Category
Select the appropriate report and click OK.
5. To exit Compaq Diagnostics, click File→Exit.

Getting Started Guide 4–3
Routine Computer Care Follow these guidelines to take care of your computer and monitor:
■Operate your computer on a sturdy, level surface. Leave a 3-inch
(7.6 cm) clearance around your computer to permit the required
airflow.
■Never operate your computer with the cover or side panel
removed.
■Never restrict airflow into the computer by blocking the vents or
air intake. Do not place the keyboard directly against the front of
the computer with the keyboard feet down because this also
restricts airflow.
■Keep the computer away from excessive moisture, direct sunlight,
and extremes of heat and cold. For information about
recommended temperature and humidity ranges for your
computer, refer to the Compaq Web site at www.compaq.com.
■Keep liquids away from the computer and keyboard.
■Never cover the computer’s ventilation slots.
■Turn the computer off before you do either of the following:
■Wipe the exterior of the computer with a soft, damp cloth as
needed. Using cleaning products may discolor or damage the
finish.
■Clean the air vents. Lint and other foreign matter can block
the vents and limit airflow.
CD-ROM Drive Precautions (Select Models Only)
Observe the following guidelines while operating or cleaning your
CD-ROM drive:
■Do not move the drive during operation. This may cause it to
malfunction during reading.
■Avoid exposing the drive to sudden changes in temperature which
may cause condensation to form inside the unit. If the
temperature changes suddenly while the drive is on, wait at least
one hour before you turn the power off. If you operate the unit
immediately, it may malfunction while reading.

4–4 Getting Started Guide
■Avoid placing the drive in a location that is subject to high
humidity, extreme temperatures, mechanical vibration, or direct
sunlight.
■Clean the panel and controls with a soft, dry cloth or with a soft
cloth moistened lightly with a mild detergent solution. Never use
spray cleaning fluids directly on the unit.
■Avoid using any type of solvent, such as alcohol or benzene,
which can damage the finish.
■If any object or liquid falls into the drive, unplug the computer
immediately and have it checked by an authorized Compaq
Service Provider.