HP Compaq Presario User manual

Getting Started
Guide

The information in this document is subject to change without
notice.
Hewlett-Packard®Company makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this
material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose.
HP shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential
damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
THE WARRANTY TERMS CONTAINED IN THIS STATEMENT, EXCEPT TO THE
EXTENT LAWFULLY PERMITTED, DO NOT EXCLUDE, RESTRICT OR MODIFY AND
ARE IN ADDITION TO ANY MANDATORY STATUTORY RIGHTS APPLICABLE TO
THE SALE OF THIS PRODUCT OR SERVICE TO YOU.
HP assumes no responsibility for the use or reliability of its software on equipment
that is not furnished by HP.
This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All
rights are reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced,
or translated to another language without the prior written consent of HP.
Hewlett-Packard Company
P.O. Box 4010
Cupertino, CA 95015-4010
USA
© 2000, 2003, 2004 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
All rights reserved.
Hewlett-Packard is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company in the
United States of America and other countries/regions.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by
method claims of certain U.S. 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. Apparatus Claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,631,603, 4,577,216,
4,819,098, and 4,907,093 licensed for limited viewing uses only.
Other brand or product names are trademarks of their respective holders.
HP supports lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use
of our products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law.

Table of Contents iii
Finding Answers to Commonly Asked Questions ............................ 1
Setting Up Your PC ......................................................................... 3
Putting Your PC Together................................................................................3
Safety and Comfort...................................................................................3
Connecting to the PC ................................................................................4
Turning on Your PC for the First Time...............................................................5
Setting Up and Connecting to Your Internet Account .........................................5
Upgrading Your 56k Modem .....................................................................6
Installing Software and Hardware Devices.......................................................6
Transferring Your Old PC Information and Files to Your New PC.....................7
Making Recovery Discs .............................................................................7
Using Desktop Icons......................................................................................7
Using Compaq Organize Software.............................................................8
Using PC Help & Tools ..............................................................................8
Using the Keyboard ....................................................................... 9
Internet Keyboards....................................................................................9
Standard Keyboard ................................................................................11
Wireless Keyboard Set............................................................................11
Special Keyboard Buttons ........................................................................12
Customizing the Buttons...........................................................................16
Getting Help................................................................................. 17
Recovering from Software Problems ..............................................................17
Using the Onscreen Help and Support Center................................................17
Using Instant Support ..................................................................................18
Using Compaq Connections ........................................................................18
Getting Messages...................................................................................18
Turning Off Messages .............................................................................19
Re-enabling Messages.............................................................................19
Table of Contents

iv Getting Started Guide
Finding Online Guides ................................................................................ 19
Finding Web Sites about your PC ................................................................. 20
Finding More Help .....................................................................................20
Working with Sound, Pictures, and Video .................................... 21
Using Speakers ..........................................................................................21
Connecting a Multi-Channel Speaker System to Your PC .............................22
Using the Microphone with Multi-Channel Audio........................................23
Working with Digital Images........................................................................ 23
About the Memory Card Reader ..............................................................24
Using a TV as a Monitor .............................................................................26
Cables You May Need............................................................................26
Connecting to a TV Set............................................................................26
Viewing the PC Image on Your TV Screen..................................................27
Disabling the TV Option ..........................................................................29
Disconnecting the TV...............................................................................30
Playing CDs and DVDs.................................................................. 31
Playing Music CDs with iTunes .....................................................................31
Playing CDs and DVDs with Windows Media Player ......................................32
Playing DVD Movies with InterVideo WinDVD ............................................... 32
Using Country/Region Codes ..................................................................34
Playing Video CDs (VCD) with InterVideo WinDVD ........................................35
Playing Video CDs (VCD) with Windows Media Player 9................................35
Creating (Burning) CDs ................................................................. 37
Creating (Burning) Music CDs with iTunes .....................................................38
Creating (Burning) Music CDs with Windows Media Player ............................38
Creating (Burning) Data CDs Using Windows XP ...........................................38
Creating (Burning) CDs with RecordNow! .....................................................39
Creating Music CDs with RecordNow!..........................................................39
Creating CDs to Play in Your Car or Home CD Players with RecordNow!..........40
Creating CDs to Play on Your PC.................................................................. 40
About Creating a Music CD.........................................................................41
Storing Files on a DVD or CD ......................................................................42
About Storing Data Files on Disc ..................................................................43
Copying a DVD or CD ................................................................................43
Erasing a DVD or CD.................................................................................. 44
About Removing Files in RecordNow! ...........................................................44
Removing Files from a Recorded Data Disc....................................................44
Archiving Files on a DVD or CD ...................................................................45
About Image Files.......................................................................................45
Saving an Image ........................................................................................ 46
Burning an Image.......................................................................................46

Table of Contents v
About Recording Video Files ........................................................................46
Disc Labels.................................................................................................46
Creating Recovery CD/DVDs for the PC........................................................46
Setting Automatic Recording Options ............................................................47
Compatibility Information ............................................................................48
Compatible File Formats ..............................................................................49
Disc Quick Reference ..................................................................................49
Double Layer DVD+R Discs ......................................................................49
DVD+R Discs..........................................................................................49
DVD+RW Discs ......................................................................................50
CD-R Discs .............................................................................................50
CD-RW Discs..........................................................................................50
Software Quick Reference ...........................................................................52
Creating DVD Movies ................................................................... 55
Getting Started...........................................................................................56
Preview Window ........................................................................................56
Media Library ............................................................................................57
Storyboard ................................................................................................57
Requirements for Capturing Video ................................................................57
Capturing Digital Camcorder Video..............................................................58
Capturing Web Camera Video.....................................................................58
Capturing Video with a Capture Card...........................................................59
Capturing a Still Image ...............................................................................59
Editing Video Files in WinDVD Creator .........................................................59
Adding Images...........................................................................................60
Adding Audio Effects ..................................................................................61
Adding Transition Effects .............................................................................61
Adding Title Effects .....................................................................................61
Adding Video Filters ...................................................................................61
Authoring Your DVD....................................................................................62
Make Movie ..............................................................................................63
Recording VHS Video Files Direct to DVD ......................................................64
Converting Recorded TV to MPEG-2 Format (Europe only) ...............................64
Troubleshooting ........................................................................... 65
Index ........................................................................................... 77

vi Getting Started Guide

Finding Answers to Commonly Asked Questions 1
In this Getting Started Guide, you can find answers to questions about the
following topics:
• Turning on the PC, page 5
• Transferring information to your new PC, page 7
• Using desktop icons, page 7
• Customizing special buttons on the keyboard, page 16
• Connecting to the Internet, page 5
• Connecting to a TV, page 26
• Getting digital pictures onto your PC, page 23
• Playing a music CD, page 31
• Watching a DVD movie, page 32
• Creating a CD, page 37
• Creating a DVD, page 55
• Finding help if something doesn’t work, page 65
NOTE: This guide contains details on options that may not be included with your
PC. Your PC may look different from the illustrations in this guide. The monitor and
the speakers may be sold separately. Speakers may be included with the monitor
(select models only).
Finding Answers to Commonly Asked
Questions

2Getting Started Guide

Setting Up Your PC 3
WARNING: Please read “Safety Information” in the Warranty and
Support Guide before installing and connecting your PC to the
electrical power system.
Putting Your PC Together
Follow the steps on the quick setup poster to set up your PC.
Look in the PC box for printed details or updates regarding your model PC.
When placing your PC, consider an ergonomic arrangement of the PC and your
work area to maintain your comfort and productivity. Refer to “Safety and
Comfort” on page 3.
WARNING: The power supply is pre-set for the country/region in
which you purchased your PC. If you move, please check the
voltage requirements before plugging your PC into an AC power
outlet.
Safety and Comfort
After assembling your PC, but before you begin using it, arrange the PC and your
work area to maintain your comfort and productivity. Refer to the Safety &
Comfort Guide for important ergonomic information.
WARNING: 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. It also provides
important electrical and mechanical safety information.
Setting Up Your PC

4Getting Started Guide
To view the Safety & Comfort Guide:
• Click Start, choose All Programs, choose PC Help & Tools, and then click
Safety & Comfort Guide.
Or
• Type
http://www.compaq.com/ergo/
into your Web browser address box, and then press Enter on the keyboard.
Connecting to the PC
Connect your main hardware devices like the monitor, keyboard, and mouse at
the back of the PC. Other peripheral devices like a printer, scanner, camera, or
other equipment also plug into connectors on the back of your computer. Some PC
models also have connectors on the front of the PC.
Connector
symbol Description
Mouse (PS/2)
Keyboard (PS/2)
Universal Serial Bus (USB) for mouse, keyboard, digital cameras, or
other devices with USB connectors
Printer (parallel)
Monitor
serial Serial port for some digital cameras or other serial devices
OUT
Audio Line Out (powered speakers)
IN
Audio Line In
Headphones
Microphone
FireWire®(IEEE 1394) for video cameras or other devices with very fast
transfer rates
Your PC features and
connector positions
may vary.

Setting Up Your PC 5
Turning on Your PC for the First Time
After you have completed the steps on the quick setup poster, you are ready to
turn on your PC.
1 Press the Power button on the monitor.
2 Press the On button on the front of the PC.
3 Press the Power button on the speakers, if they are present.
4 Click an option to select your language (if applicable for your model). Click
OK and then confirm your selection by clicking Yes.Wait until the PC makes
preparations. (It may take up to 30 minutes to set up the language on the PC.)
5 Set up Microsoft®Windows®by following the onscreen instructions.
6 Double-click the large Internet Access icon on your desktop, if it is present.
Wait until the PC displays the Easy Internet Sign-up window, and then follow
the onscreen instructions.
Setting Up and Connecting to Your
Internet Account
Before you can connect to the Internet, you must sign up with an Internet
Service Provider (ISP). Compaq has made arrangements with leading ISPs to
help you sign up for Internet service using Easy Internet Sign-up (available on
select models only).
NOTE: However, you may choose any other ISP of your choice, or transfer your
existing ISP account to this PC.
Use Easy Internet Sign-up to sign up for a new or an existing ISP account. The
software programs for available ISPs are part of your PC. If you decide to
subscribe to high-speed broadband (cable or DSL), contact your ISP for any
specific software and hardware you may need.
1 Connect the modem or other Internet connection.
NOTE: Easy Internet Sign-up finds and obtains updated information about
services by connecting to the Internet. The PC uses either the PC modem
connected to an active telephone service line, or uses an active broadband
(cable or DSL) connection.
2 Choose an ISP using Easy Internet Sign-up. To open Easy Internet Sign-up:
a Double-click the Easy Internet Sign-up icon on the desktop.
Or
Click Start on the taskbar, choose All Programs, choose
Online Services, and then click Easy Internet Sign-up.
b Follow the onscreen instructions.

6Getting Started Guide
NOTE: The folder called Online Services includes icons for accessing various
online services, but they may not be present in all countries/regions.
3 Connect to your ISP and the Internet.
Use one of these methods:
• Double-click the ISP-provided icon on the desktop.
Or
• Press the Connect (or Internet) button on the keyboard (select models
only).
Or
• If your PC is always connected to your ISP, open your browser program,
such as Internet Explorer: Click Start, choose All Programs, choose
Online Services, and click Internet Explorer.
NOTE: If you are using MSN or AOL and have questions, contact the ISP
directly.
Upgrading Your 56k Modem
Your modem driver can be upgraded to enable certain V.92 features. For
information, go to the Support Web site listed in the Warranty and Support
Guide, click the support link, type v.92 into the search box, and then click the
arrow to the right of the box. Follow the instructions provided.
NOTE: Your ISP must support the V.92 standard to use any of the V.92 features.
Installing Software and Hardware Devices
After you turn on the PC the first time, you can install any software programs that
came on CDs or DVDs included in the PC box (select models only).
You may wish to install additional software programs or hardware devices on
your PC. Restart the PC after installation.
Choose software that is compatible with your PC — check the operating system,
memory, and other requirements listed for the new software for compatibility with
your PC.
NOTE: Only use original licensed software. Installing copied software may be
illegal or may infect your PC with a virus.
Install the new software according to the directions provided by the software
manufacturer. Check the manufacturer’s documentation or customer service
information for help if you need it.

Setting Up Your PC 7
Transferring Your Old PC Information and Files
to Your New PC
See the built-in Microsoft Windows Help and Support Center; search for transfer
wizard, and select the overview article, Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
overview. This information describes a Microsoft solution for moving your files
onto your new PC.
Or, as an alternative, double-click the PC Tune Up & Repair icon (select
models only) on your desktop and review the products and services offered under
Backup Data.
Making Recovery Discs
Now is a good time to make your recovery discs. Refer to the Warranty and
Support Guide for instructions and more information.
Using Desktop Icons
The desktop has shortcut icons that make it easy to find the things you need.
Icon Opens Use it to
Help and Support (select
models only)
View onscreen Help information
about your PC.
Easy Internet Sign-up Set up a new or an existing Internet
account.
Software Repair Wizard
(select models only)
Repair software problems with
programs, printers, or peripherals
that stop working, or resolve erratic
PC behavior; repair options include
using Application or System
Recovery.

8Getting Started Guide
Using Compaq Organize Software
Compaq Organize software (select models only) is a desktop tool you use to
organize both your PC shortcuts and your favorite Internet destination links. You
use it to organize the important things you do on the PC and the Internet, and to
arrange it the way you want. Compaq Organize makes all your information
available with just a few mouse clicks.
Compaq Organize looks like a window with multiple category frames. Each
category has links to Internet destinations or shortcuts to software programs or files
on your PC. Use the player area for viewing pictures, for listening to your MP3
music files stored on your computer, or for watching video clips. For searching,
there is a search bar at the top of Compaq Organize where you can select the
search engine you want to use.
To open Compaq Organize:
1 Click Start on the taskbar.
2 Choose All Programs.
3 Choose PC Help & Tools.
4 Click Compaq Organize.
Using PC Help & Tools
The PC Help & Tools folder (select models only) in the All Programs menu contains
special utilities for PC owners. This folder also contains any onscreen guides
included with your PC.
To see the items in the PC Help & Tools folder:
1 Click Start on the taskbar.
2 Choose All Programs.
3 Choose PC Help & Tools.
4 Click an item to view it or use it.
NOTE: If there are no guide titles listed in PC Help & Tools, your PC has no
onscreen guides.

Using the Keyboard 9
Your keyboard has an arrangement of standard keys, indicator lights, and special
buttons (select models only). Locate your keyboard among the following
illustrations, and read the feature list for it. Your keyboard may vary from the
illustrations.
Internet Keyboards
Internet keyboards may connect directly to your PC or may be wireless. (See
“Wireless Keyboard Set” on page 11 for a description of the wireless set.)
Some keyboards do not have the Internet buttons shown here at the top of the
keyboard, and some use a different layout on the top right.
Find your keyboard among the following illustrations to read about its features.
Internet Keyboard 1
This keyboard enables you to:
• Adjust speaker volume.
• Connect to the Internet (if you have an established Internet account).
• Search for information on the Internet.
• Place the PC into standby mode to save power.
• Start; pause; and stop playing a CD or DVD; skip to the previous or next track;
record; and eject the disc tray (for two drives).
• Mute speaker sound.
• Customize the buttons to open programs and connect to Internet Web sites.
• Get support information.
• Find a file or program on the hard disk drive.
Using the Keyboard

10 Getting Started Guide
Internet Keyboard 2
This keyboard enables you to:
• Connect to the Internet (if you have an established Internet account).
• Search for information on the Internet.
• Customize the buttons to open programs and connect to Internet Web sites.
• Get support information.
Internet Keyboard 3
e-mail
search
connect club
This keyboard enables you to:
• Adjust speaker volume.
• Customize the buttons to open programs and connect to Internet Web sites.
• Search for information on the Internet.
• Find a file or program on the hard disk drive.
• Open a calculator.
• Place the PC into standby mode to save power.
• Connect to the Internet (if you have an established Internet account).
• Mute speaker sound.
• Get support information.

Using the Keyboard 11
Standard Keyboard
AB
C
This keyboard enables you to:
• Adjust speaker volume.
• Place the PC into standby mode to save power.
Wireless Keyboard Set
A wireless keyboard (B) uses a receiver/transmitter unit (A), instead of a
connector cable, to communicate with your PC. The wireless keyboard, mouse (C),
and receiver set is available with select models only.
A
B
C
A light (D) on the receiver indicates receiver activity.
ACB D
LEDs, light emitting
diodes, are lights used
to indicate status.
AThe lights (LEDs) turn
on to indicate (left to
right) the number lock
on, the capitals lock
on, and the scroll
lock on.
BThe plus (+) and
minus (–) buttons
adjust the speaker
volume.
CThe moon icon button
places the PC into
standby mode or
wakes the PC from
standby mode.
AWireless receiver
BWireless keyboard
CWireless mouse
ANumber lock on
BCaps lock on
CScroll lock on
DReceiver activity

12 Getting Started Guide
Special Keyboard Buttons
There are special buttons (select models only) at the top of the keyboard. (Some models have some of these
special buttons on the left side of the main keys.) These buttons operate a CD or DVD player, connect you to the
Internet, or provide quick access to specific functions.
NOTE: The number, location, and labeling of buttons vary by keyboard model.
Figure
key Icon Feature Description
A Standby Puts PC into power-saving mode (screen is blank but PC is still on). To
make screen reappear, press the Esc key, or press standby again. May
take 10–30 seconds before screen reappears.
B User Switches between the PC users.
C Compaq Compaq Links to Compaq Web site.
D Help Opens the Help and Support Center.
E My Pictures Opens an imaging software program. Can be reconfigured.
F Music Starts iTunes or Windows Media Player. Can be reconfigured.
G Video Opens video software program. Can be reconfigured.
EHPS
R
MN
K
B
AC
Compaq
TVW
D
FG

Using the Keyboard 13
Figure
key Icon Feature Description
H Shopping
K Sports
M Finance
N Connect
P Search
R Chat
S E-Mail
Goes to popular Web sites. Can be reconfigured to open any site or
software program.
T See figure
following table
Media Controls
(CD/DVD/MP3)
Operates CD or DVD player.
V Volume control
(Volume knob or
Volume Up and
Volume Down
buttons)
Volume knob: Increases speaker volume when turned clockwise and
decreases volume when turned counterclockwise. It can be turned
indefinitely, even after maximum sound has been reached.
Volume Up and Down buttons: Press the Volume Up button to
increase volume and the Volume Down button to decrease volume.
W Mute Turns speaker sound on and off.
Media Control Keys
b
c
d
a
aef
NOTE: The number, location, and labeling of buttons vary by keyboard model.
aOpen and close disc
tray(s)
bRecord
cPlay or pause
dStop
eSkip to the previous
track
fSkip to the next track

14 Getting Started Guide
Figure
Key Icon Feature Description
A Internet Connects you to a customizable Web page filled with local weather, news, sports,
and financial information. Can be reconfigured to open any site or software
program.
B Help Takes you to the Help and Support Center.
C Search Opens a Web site that helps you locate information on the Internet. Can be
reconfigured to open any site or software program.
D E-Mail Starts your e-mail program. Can be reconfigured to open any site or software
program.
E Offers Launches an online community experience with chat, discussion boards, clubs, and
more. Can be reconfigured to open any site or software program.
F Entertainment Connects you to the world of entertainment, featuring music downloads, streaming
video, Webcasts, entertainment news, and reviews.
G My Presario Takes you to the My Presario Club Web site, featuring a variety of discounts,
promotions, and how-to information.
H Shopping Provides an instant connection to your PC store. Can be reconfigured to open any site
or software program.
ABCD E F G H