Compaq Compaq Notebook Series User guide

b
Startup Guide
Compaq Notebook Series
Document Part Number: 335401-001
September 2003
This guide explains how to set up your hardware and software,
find and install the latest versions of HP software, and find
additional information and support. This guide introduces you to
exterior features of the notebook.

© 2003 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
U.S. and/or other countries. SD Logo is a trademark.
The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The
only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express
warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing
herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall
not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
Startup Guide
Compaq Notebook Series
Reference Number: R3000
First Edition September 2003
Document Part Number: 335401-001

Startup Guide iii
Contents
1 Hardware and Software Setup
Setting Up the Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1
Setting Up the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5
Installing Optional Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–6
Selecting Regional Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–6
Selecting Screen Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–6
Protecting the Notebook from Power Surges . . . . . . 1–7
Protecting the Notebook Against Viruses . . . . . . . . . 1–7
Turning Off the Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–8
Using the Notebook Safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–8
2 Additional Information, Help and Updates
Using the Documentation Library CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–1
Using the Help and Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2
Contacting Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–4
Obtaining Support Telephone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . 2–4
Preparing to Call Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–4
Installing a Retail Version of an Operating System. . . . . 2–5
3 Notebook Features
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1
TouchPad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2
Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–3
Power Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–3
Keyboard and Drive Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–4

iv Startup Guide
Contents
Power and Volume Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–5
Wireless On-Off Button and Application Keys. . . . . 3–6
Function and Keypad Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–7
Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–8
Rear View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–9
Left Side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–10
Right Side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–12
Bottom Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–14
Index

Startup Guide 1–1
1
Hardware and Software Setup
Setting Up the Hardware
CAUTION: To ensure that the correct drivers load and to prevent file
corruption or damage to the components during initial setup:
■Do not set up the notebook while it is docked in an optional
HP Notebook Expansion base.
■Run the notebook on external AC power, not on battery power,
throughout initial setup.

1–2 Startup Guide
Hardware and Software Setup
To set up the notebook hardware:
1. Insert the battery pack:
a. Place the notebook upside down and align the battery
pack with the notebook battery bay.
b. Slide the battery pack into the battery bay until it is
seated. (For more information regarding battery packs,
refer on the Documentation Library CD to the Hardware
Guide, “Battery Packs” chapter.)
Inserting the battery pack

Hardware and Software Setup
Startup Guide 1–3
2. Connect the notebook to AC power:
a. Place the notebook on a flat surface near an electrical
outlet.
b. Connect the AC adapter cable to the power connector on
the notebook 1.
c. Connect the power cord to the AC adapter 2. (Power
cords and AC adapters vary by region and country.)
d. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet 3.
(Electrical outlets vary by region and country.)
Connecting the notebook to AC power

1–4 Startup Guide
Hardware and Software Setup
3. Open the notebook by pressing the display release latch 1
and lifting the display 2.
Opening the notebook
4. Turn on the notebook by pressing the power button 1. The
power/standby light turns on 2.
Turning on the notebook

Hardware and Software Setup
Startup Guide 1–5
After the notebook power is on:
■The software setup prompt appears on the screen.
■The battery light remains on while the battery pack is
charging and turns off after the battery pack is fully charged.
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.
ÄCAUTION: To prevent file corruption and to be sure that the correct device
drivers install during software setup:
■Do not unplug the notebook from the electrical outlet.
■Do not shut down the notebook.
■Do not remove or insert a drive.
■After you begin the software setup, you must complete the
entire process without interruption. Setup time varies.
■If you are prompted to select a language, choose carefully.
The languages that you do not choose are deleted from the
system and cannot be restored during the installation.
■When you are prompted to accept the End User License
Agreement, you must choose Accept to continue the
software setup.

1–6 Startup Guide
Hardware and Software Setup
Installing Optional Software
You can install third-party software or preloaded utilities at any
time after initial setup is complete.
■To install a third-party application, refer to the documentation
included with the application.
■To install a preloaded application, select Start >
All Programs > Software Setup. A setup wizard loads, and a
list of applications is displayed. Select the application you
want to install, and follow the instructions on the screen.
✎To view the descriptions and space requirements of preloaded
utilities without installing them, select Start > All Programs >
Software Setup, and, after viewing the utility information, select
Cancel.
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, select Start > Control Panel > Date,
Time, Language, and Regional Options icon.
For information about selecting regional settings, open the
Regional Options window, then use context-sensitive Help.
To use context-sensitive Help, select the question mark button
in the upper-right corner of the window, then select an item.
A definition, explanation, or procedure is displayed.
Selecting Screen Settings
If you would like to see more items on your screen or to change
the size of items displayed on the screen, you can change the
screen resolution setting in your operating system. To access
the screen resolution settings, select Start > Control Panel >
Appearance and Themes icon > Change The Screen Resolution
task > Settings tab.

Hardware and Software Setup
Startup Guide 1–7
Protecting the Notebook from Power Surges
To protect the notebook from the power surges that may be
caused by an unreliable power supply or an electrical storm:
■Plug the notebook power cord into an optional, high-quality
surge protector.
■Provide surge protection for the cable that connects the
modem to the telephone jack.
■During an electrical storm, run the notebook on battery power
or shut down the notebook and disconnect the power cord.
Surge protectors are available from most computer or electronics
retailers.
Protecting the Notebook Against Viruses
When you use the notebook for e-mail, 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.
Your notebook may come preinstalled with Norton AntiVirus
software. For more information about using this software:
■Refer to the online Help file within the Norton AntiVirus
software.
■Refer to the notebook’s online Help and Support Center by
selecting Start > Help and Support.
To provide protection against newly discovered viruses, antivirus
software must be updated frequently. For more information about
virus updates for the Norton AntiVirus software, refer to the Web
site at http://www.symantec.com.

1–8 Startup Guide
Hardware and Software Setup
Turning Off the Notebook
Whenever possible, shut down the notebook by following the
appropriate Windows shutdown procedure:
To shut down the notebook:
»Select Start > Shut Down > Shut down.
For information about conserving power, setting power
preferences, and using Standby and Hibernation, refer to the
“Power” chapter in the Software Guide on the Documentation
Library CD.
Using the Notebook Safely
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. For more safety and regulatory information, as well
as instructions for protecting the notebook against electrostatic
discharge, refer on the Documentation Library CD to the
Regulatory and Safety Notices. This CD is included with your
notebook.
ÅWARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your
equipment:
■Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet that is easily accessible
at all times.
■Disconnect power from the product by unplugging the power cord
from the electrical outlet.
■If provided with a three-conductor power cord having a three-pin
attachment plug, plug the cord into a grounded (earthed) outlet.
Do not disable the power cord grounding pin. The grounding pin
is an important safety feature.

Hardware and Software Setup
Startup Guide 1–9
ÅWARNING: To reduce the risk of serious injury, read the Safety &
Comfort Guide. It describes proper workstation setup, posture, and
health and work habits for computer users, and provides important
electrical and mechanical safety information. This guide is located on
the Web at http://www.compaq.com/ergo, on the hard drive, or on the
Documentation Library CD that is included with the product.
ÅWARNING: This notebook is designed to run demanding applications
at full power. As a result of increased power consumption, it is normal
for the notebook to feel warm or hot when used continuously. To avoid
potential discomfort or burns, do not block the air vents or use the
notebook on your lap for extended periods. The notebook complies
with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the
international Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment
(IEC 60950).

1–10 Startup Guide
Hardware and Software Setup

Startup Guide 2–1
2
Additional Information, Help
and Updates
Using the Documentation Library CD
For supplementary information about the notebook, refer to the
Documentation Library CD. The Documentation Library CD
included with all models includes the guides described in
the following list. Additional guides—for example, instruction
manuals for using an optional wireless device—are included
with select models.
■Hardware Guide—contains information specific to your
notebook. The guide includes an illustrated reference to all
exterior components and steps for replacing battery packs,
using keyboard features and drives, connecting external
equipment, and upgrading the notebook.
■Software Guide—describes software, including details about
power and security features.
■Modem and Networking guide—provides details about
modem connections and equipment.
■Maintenance, Shipping and Travel guide—describes steps for
notebook maintenance and guidelines for using the notebook
internationally.
■Troubleshooting guide—includes solutions for common
problems encountered by users.

2–2 Startup Guide
Additional Information, Help and Updates
■Regulatory and Safety Notices—includes governmental
agency information.
■Safety & Comfort Guide—describes the best ways to set up
a safe and comfortable work environment, including
ergonomic and safety information.
To view a guide:
1. Insert the Documentation Library CD into a CD drive.
2. Select the guide you want to read from the reference
library menu.
3. If prompted, accept the Adobe Acrobat Reader license
agreement or install Acrobat Reader by following the
instructions on the screen.
Using the Help and Support Center
Installed on your notebook desktop is the Help and Support
Center that provides a comprehensive online resource tool for
contacting an Compaq support specialist, for downloading
the latest software driver updates and product information, and
for learning more about using and maintaining your notebook.
For example, in Help and Support, you can:
■Learn how to use the software tools for working with your
favorite music, video, games, and photos (select models).
■Get information about Windows XP for customizing your
notebook.
■Set up your notebook for networking and for communicating
on the Web.
■Use administration tools to manage areas such as passwords,
file backups, system restore, and user accounts.
■Learn how to print, fax, run performance and maintenance
tools, and install and configure new hardware.
■Fix and troubleshoot common notebook problems.

Additional Information, Help and Updates
Startup Guide 2–3
■Protect your notebook files by using Norton AntiVirus
software.
■Undo changes to your notebook with System Restore.
■Improve performance of your hard drive and battery.
■Contact an Compaq support specialist or use Remote
Assistance to get additional help.
■Download the latest drivers, utilities, software updates, and
product documentation for your notebook.
■Use Tools to view notebook information and diagnose
problems.
■Keep your notebook up-to-date with Windows Update.
■Find compatible hardware and software.
To access the online Help and Support Center:
1. Press the fn+f1 hotkey or select Start > Help and Support.
2. Follow the on-screen directions to select the online Help and
Support Center feature that you need.

2–4 Startup Guide
Additional Information, Help and Updates
Contacting Technical Support
Obtaining Support Telephone Numbers
If you cannot solve a notebook problem by using the online Help
and Support Center installed on your notebook or the
documentation included with the notebook, you may need to
contact Compaq. To obtain a list of worldwide customer support
telephone numbers or to locate the Compaq office near you, use
one of the following methods:
■Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and
Maintenance > System icon. Then, near the lower edge
of the System Properties window, select the Support
Information button.
■Refer to the Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet (English
only) included with your notebook to contact a Compaq
authorized dealer, reseller, or service provider.
■Visit the Compaq Web site at:
http://www.compaq.com/consumersupport
Preparing to Call Technical Support
To provide the fastest possible resolution of your problem, have
the notebook and the following information available when
you call:
■ Product name, serial number, and product number are provided
on Service ID tag affixed to the bottom of the notebook.
■Purchase date on the invoice.
■Conditions under which the problem occurred.
■Error messages that have been displayed.
■Operating system version number and registration number.
■To display the operating system version number and
registration number, select Start > System icon > General tab.
■Brand and model of an optional printer.

Additional Information, Help and Updates
Startup Guide 2–5
Installing a Retail Version of an
Operating System
A Windows operating system provided on the notebook or
on a CD is optimized by Compaq to improve overall system
performance. Compaq recommends that you not install a
retail version in place of this operating system.
ÄCAUTION: Installing a retail version of the operating system will void
your notebook warranty.

2–6 Startup Guide
Additional Information, Help and Updates