Compaq N150 Series Installation instructions

b
Hardware Guide
Compaq Evo Notebook N150 Series
Part Number: 233050-001
May 2001
This guide provides comprehensive information on setting up the
computer hardware and software, identifying computer
components, using the battery pack, connecting external devices,
and adding upgrades and accessories.

© 2001 Compaq Computer Corporation
Compaq, the Compaq logo, Armada, Deskpro Registered in U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office. Evo is a trademark of Compaq Information
Technologies Group, L.P. in the United States and other countries.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Intel, Pentium, Intel Inside, and Celeron are trademarks of Intel
Corporation in the United States and 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. The information in this document is provided “as is”
without warranty of any kind and is subject to change without notice. The
warranties for Compaq products are set forth in the express limited
warranty statements accompanying such products. Nothing herein should
be construed as constituting an additional warranty.
Hardware Guide
First Edition (May 2001)
Part Number: 233050-001

Hardware Guide iii
Contents
1 Hardware and Software Setup
Setting Up the Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1
Setting Up the Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–6
Completing Initial Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–6
Installing Optional Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–7
After Software Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–7
2 A Look at the Computer
Front Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–1
Top Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3
Right Side Component. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–7
Left Side Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–8
Rear Panel Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–10
Bottom Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–12
Additional Standard Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–14
3 Keyboard and Pointing Devices
Using the TouchPad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–1
Using Hotkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2
Hotkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–3
Using the Embedded Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–5
Enabling the Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–5
Disabling the Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–6
Converting the Numeric Keypad
Keys to Standard Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–6
Using the Easy Access Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–6

iv Hardware Guide
Contents
4 Battery Packs
Charging Battery Packs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–1
Using a New Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–2
Replacing the Primary Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–2
Installing or Removing the Optional
Media Bay Battery Pack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–4
Using the Battery Quick Charge Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–6
Calibrating the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–6
Storing a Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–8
Recycling a Used Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–8
5Drives
Caring for Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–1
Removing and Inserting the Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–2
Inserting or Removing a Media
Bay Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–3
Connecting the Optional
External Diskette Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–4
Removing and Inserting Storage Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–5
Inserting and Removing a Diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–5
Inserting a Disc into the CD or DVD Drive . . . . . . . 5–6
Viewing the CD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–7
Removing a Disc from the CD or DVD Drive . . . . . 5–7
Changing the Startup Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–8
6 Audio
Using Audio Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–1
Connecting to the Stereo Line-Out/Headphone Jack 6–2
Connecting to the Stereo Line-In Jack . . . . . . . . . . . 6–3
Adjusting Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–3
7 External Device Connections
Connecting an External Keyboard or Pointing Device . . 7–1
Connecting an External Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–2
Connecting a Serial Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–2

Contents
Hardware Guide v
Connecting a Parallel Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–3
Connecting Infrared Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–3
Infrared Connection Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–4
Infrared Configuration Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–5
Enabling the Infrared Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–5
Connecting USB Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–6
Connecting a Modem or NIC Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–6
Using the Security Slot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–8
8 Computer Upgrades and Add-Ons
Before Removing or Installing Components . . . . . . . . . . 8–1
Upgrading Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–2
Removing and Inserting a
Memory Expansion Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–3
Adding and Using PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–6
Configuring a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–6
Inserting a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–7
Removing a PC Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–8
Conserving Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–8
Installing Additional Device Drivers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–9
Adding Wireless Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–9
Media Bay Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–10
External Diskette Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–10
Battery Packs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–10
Upgrading the Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–10
9 Specifications
Regulatory Agency Series Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–1
Computer Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–2
Operating Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–2
Rated Input Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–3
Port and COM Port Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–3
Communications Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–4

vi Hardware Guide
Contents
10 Computer Utilities
Using the PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–1
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–1
Enabling Power Savings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–2
Timeout Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–2
Setting Standby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–2
Hibernation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–3
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–3
Index

Hardware Guide 1–1
1
Hardware and Software Setup
Setting Up the Hardware
1. Record the Product Key for your operating system. You will
need to enter or verify this number during software setup.
You may also need it to update or troubleshoot your operating
system. The Product Key is located on the Certificate of
Authenticity label on the bottom of the computer.
Locating the Product Key

1–2 HardwareGuide
Hardware and Software Setup
2. Locate the battery pack in the shipping box. If tape is
covering the battery contacts, remove it before installing the
battery pack.
3. Install the battery pack into the battery compartment.
a. Turn the computer bottom side up.
b. Insert the battery at a 45-degree angle into the
compartment 1, ensuring that the battery tabs are flush
with the front edge of the compartment.
c. Press down the battery pack until the release latch 2
clicks.
Installing the battery pack
4. Turn the computer top side up and place it on a flat surface
near an electrical outlet.

Hardware and Software Setup
Hardware Guide 1–3
ÅWARNING: This is a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. For more Class B information, refer to the Regulatory and
Safety Notices guide on the Compaq Notebook Products Reference
Library CD,included with the computer. To reduce the risk of personal
injury, electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment:
■Do not disable the power cord grounding plug. It is an important
safety feature.
■Plug the equipment into a grounded (earthed) electrical outlet
that is easily accessible at all times.
5. Connect the computer to external power.
Plug the AC Adapter cable into the power connector 1. Plug
the power cord into the AC Adapter 2and into an electrical
outlet 3.
✎Power cords and electrical outlets vary by country.
Connecting the AC Adapter and power cord

1–4 HardwareGuide
Hardware and Software Setup
6. Open the computer by sliding the display latch to the right 1
and raising the display 2.
Opening the computer

Hardware and Software Setup
Hardware Guide 1–5
7. Turn on the computer by pressing the power button 1.
Turning on the computer
When power is turned on:
■The power/standby light 2turns on.
■The battery pack in the battery compartment begins to charge
and the battery light 3turns on. The battery light:
❏Remains on while the battery pack is charging.
❏Turns off when the battery pack is fully charged.
■You are prompted to begin software setup.

1–6 HardwareGuide
Hardware and Software Setup
Setting Up the Software
Completing Initial Setup
You can begin initial setup as soon as the computer is connected
to external power and the initial setup prompt is displayed on the
screen.
Before responding to the initial setup prompt and proceeding
through the online instructions, read the following caution and
other initial setup information:
ÄCAUTION: To prevent file corruption and ensure that the correct drivers
install during initial setup:
■Do not unplug the computer from the electrical outlet.
■Do not shut down the computer.
■Do not remove or insert a drive.
■Once you begin initial software setup, you must complete the
entire process. Setup time varies by computer configuration.
■If you are prompted to select a language or operating system,
choose carefully.
❏The languages and operating system that you do not
choose will be deleted from the system and cannot be
restored during initial setup.
❏An operating system available during initial setup is
enhanced by Compaq. When an operating system is
deleted, the enhancements are also deleted.
■During the setup process, you must accept the End User
License Agreement to continue. The Product Key referenced
on the License Agreement screen is on the Certificate of
Authenticity label on the bottom of the computer. You may
want to verify that the Product Key displayed on the screen is
the same as the number on the label.

Hardware and Software Setup
Hardware Guide 1–7
Installing Optional Applications
You can install third-party applications or preloaded Compaq
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 Compaq utility, select the Setup
Compaq Software icon on the Desktop, then follow the
instructions on the screen.
If the icon does not display on the Desktop after initial setup
is complete, select Start > Run. On the command line, type:
C:\cpqapps\setup.exe preload /s
To view the descriptions and space requirements of preloaded
Compaq utilities without installing them, select the Setup
Compaq Software icon on the Desktop, then select Next. After
viewing the utility information, select Cancel.
After Software Setup
After the initial setup is complete, you may want to:
■Calibrate the battery pack.
Although you can use a new battery pack that has been fully
charged to run the computer, the computer cannot accurately
report the amount of charge in the battery pack until the
battery pack has been calibrated. For calibration information
and instructions, refer to the “Battery Packs” chapter in this
guide.
■Read suggestions for creating a safe and comfortable work
environment.
Ergonomic and safety information about the computer is
provided in the Safety & Comfort Guide on the Notebook
Products Reference Library CD included with the computer.

1–8 HardwareGuide
Hardware and Software Setup
ÅWARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, electric shock, fire, or
damage to the equipment:
■Disconnect power from the equipment by unplugging the power
cord from the electrical outlet.
■Do not place anything on power cords or cables. Arrange them
so that no one may accidentally step on or trip over them.
■Do not pull on a cord or cable. When unplugging from the
electrical outlet, grasp the cord by the plug.

Hardware Guide 2–1
2
A Look at the Computer
Front Components

2–2 HardwareGuide
A Look at the Computer
Front Components
Component Function
1Stereo line-out/headphone
jack Connects stereo speakers, headphones, headset, or television audio.
2Stereo line-in jack Connects a CD player, turner, or tape
deck.
3Power light On: Power is turned on.
Blinking: Computer is in Standby.
The power light also blinks if a battery
pack that is the only available power
source reaches a low-battery condition.
4Battery light On: A battery pack is charging.
Blinking: A battery pack that is the only
available power source has reached a
low-battery condition.
5Hard drive Removable primary hard drive. Two
screws secure the drive to the computer.

A Look at the Computer
Hardware Guide 2–3
Top Components
Top Components
Component Function
1Power button Turns on the computer.To turn off the
computer, use the operating system
Shut Down command.
2Microphone Inputs single-channel sound to the
computer; can be used whether the
computer is open or closed.
3Easy Access Buttons Four buttons that provide quick access
to the Internet. Refer to Chapter 3,
“Keyboard and Pointing Devices,” for
information about these buttons.
4Stereo Speakers (2) Produce Stereo Sound.

2–4 HardwareGuide
A Look at the Computer
5Windows application key Displays the shortcut menu for the item
beneath the pointer.
6TouchPad and TouchPad
buttons Moves the cursor, selects and activates. The right and left buttons function like
buttons on an external mouse.
7Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.
Top Components
Component Function

A Look at the Computer
Hardware Guide 2–5
Top Component Lights
Component Function
1Drive light indicator Turns on when the hard drive, CD, or
DVD is accessed.
2Diskette drive light Turns on when the diskette drive in the
Media Bay or the optional external
diskette drive is accessed.
3Num lock light On: Num lock is on and the embedded
numeric keypad is enabled.
4Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.

2–6 HardwareGuide
A Look at the Computer
5Scroll lock light On: Scroll is on.
6Power light On: Power is turned on.
Blinking: Computer is in Standby. The
power light also blinks if a battery pack
that is the only available power source
reaches a low-battery condition.
7Battery charge light On: A battery is charging.
Blinking: A battery pack that is the only
available power source has reached a
low-battery condition.
Top Component Lights
Component Function