HP Compaq Presario User manual

Getting Started Guide

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Table of Contents iii
Finding Answers to Commonly Asked Questions ............................ 1
Setting Up Your PC ......................................................................... 3
Putting Your PC Together................................................................................3
Setting up for 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
Installing Software and Hardware Devices.......................................................6
Transferring your old PC information and files to your new PC .......................7
Making recovery discs ..............................................................................7
Registering Your PC ......................................................................................7
Using Desktop Icons......................................................................................8
Using Compaq Organize software .............................................................8
Using PC Help & Tools ..............................................................................9
Using the Keyboard ..................................................................... 11
Using the Internet Keyboards .......................................................................11
Using the Standard Keyboard ......................................................................13
Using the Wireless Keyboard Set..................................................................14
Identifying Special Keyboard Buttons ............................................................15
Customizing the keyboard buttons ............................................................19
Table of Contents

iv Getting Started Guide
Getting Help................................................................................. 21
Recovering from Software Problems ..............................................................21
Using the Onscreen Help and Support Center................................................21
Using Instant Support ..................................................................................22
Using Compaq Connections ........................................................................22
Getting messages ................................................................................... 22
Turning off messages...............................................................................23
Re-enabling messages .............................................................................23
Finding Online Guides ................................................................................23
Finding Web Sites about your PC ................................................................. 24
Finding More Help .....................................................................................24
Using the HP Personal Media Drive .............................................. 25
Connecting the Drive ..................................................................................26
Inserting the Drive....................................................................................... 27
Locating the Drive and Assigning a Drive Letter.............................................. 28
Using the Drive .......................................................................................... 28
Disconnecting the Drive...............................................................................30
Working with Sound, Pictures, and Video .................................... 31
Using Speakers ..........................................................................................31
Setting up 3-connector sound ...................................................................32
Configuring multichannel audio output for the DVD player...........................33
Setting up 6-connector sound ...................................................................34
Using the Sound Effect Manager (6-connector) ...........................................37
Working with Digital Images........................................................................39
Introducing the memory card reader ......................................................... 39
Using a TV as a Monitor .............................................................................41
Identifying cables you may need ..............................................................41
Connecting to a TV set ............................................................................41
Viewing the PC image on your TV screen ..................................................42
Disabling the TV option ...........................................................................44
Disconnecting the TV...............................................................................46
Playing CDs and DVDs.................................................................. 47
Playing Music CDs with iTunes .....................................................................47
Playing CDs and DVDs with Windows Media Player ......................................48
Playing DVD Movies with InterVideo WinDVD ............................................... 48
Using country/region codes ....................................................................49
Playing Video CDs (VCD) with InterVideo WinDVD ........................................50
Playing Video CDs (VCD) with Windows Media Player 9................................50

Table of Contents v
Creating (Burning) CDs and DVDs ................................................. 51
Creating (Burning) Music CDs with iTunes......................................................52
Creating (Burning) Music CDs with Windows Media Player.............................52
Creating (Burning) Data CDs Using Windows XP ...........................................53
Creating (Burning) CDs with RecordNow! .....................................................53
Creating Music CDs with RecordNow! ..........................................................54
Creating CDs to Play in Your Car or Home CD Players with RecordNow!..........54
Creating CDs to Play on Your PC..................................................................55
Creating a Music CD ..................................................................................56
Storing Files on a DVD or CD.......................................................................56
Storing Data Files on Disc............................................................................58
Copying a DVD or CD ................................................................................58
Erasing a DVD or CD..................................................................................59
Removing Files in RecordNow!.....................................................................59
Removing Files from a Recorded Data Disc ....................................................59
Archiving Files on a DVD or CD ...................................................................60
Creating an Image File................................................................................60
Saving an Image ........................................................................................60
Burning an Image .......................................................................................61
Recording Video Files .................................................................................61
Using Disc Labels........................................................................................61
Creating Recovery CDs/DVDs for the PC.......................................................61
Setting Automatic Recording Options ............................................................62
Using Compatibility Information ...................................................................63
Identifying Compatible File Formats ..............................................................64
Using the Disc Quick Reference Tables ..........................................................64
Using double-layer DVD+R discs...............................................................64
Using DVD+R discs .................................................................................64
Using DVD+RW discs..............................................................................64
Using CD-R discs ....................................................................................65
Using CD-RW discs.................................................................................65
Using the Software Quick Reference Table.....................................................68

vi Getting Started Guide
Creating DVD Movies.................................................................... 71
Getting Started...........................................................................................71
Using the Preview Window..........................................................................72
Using the Media Library..............................................................................72
Using the Storyboard ..................................................................................72
Identifying Requirements for Capturing Video ................................................72
Capturing Digital Camcorder Video..............................................................73
Capturing Web Camera Video ....................................................................73
Capturing Analog Video .............................................................................74
Capturing a Still Image ...............................................................................74
Editing Video Files in WinDVD Creator .........................................................74
Adding Images .......................................................................................... 75
Adding Audio Effects ..................................................................................76
Adding Transition Effects .............................................................................76
Adding Title Effects ..................................................................................... 76
Adding Video Filters ...................................................................................76
Adding a Menu.......................................................................................... 77
Making a Movie.........................................................................................77
Recording VHS Video Files Direct to DVD......................................................78
Converting Recorded TV to MPEG-2 Format (Europe only)...............................78
Troubleshooting............................................................................ 79
Index ........................................................................................... 91

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
• Registering your PC, page 7
• Transferring information to your new PC, page 7
• Using desktop icons, page 8
• Customizing special buttons on the keyboard, page 19
• Connecting to the Internet, page 5
• Connecting to a TV, page 41
• Getting digital pictures onto your PC, page 39
• Playing a music CD, page 47
• Watching a DVD movie, page 48
• Creating a CD, page 51
• Creating a DVD, page 71
• Finding help if something doesn’t work, page 79
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 ”Setting up for
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.
Setting up for 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
Audio Line Out (powered speakers)
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 Turn 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.
7 Register your PC; see ”Registering Your PC” on page 7.
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 Make sure the modem or other Internet access cable is connected.
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 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.
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. Before installation, make a restore point using the Microsoft System
Restore program; refer to ”Recovering from Software Problems” in the Warranty
and Support Guide. 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) in the Help and Support Center 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.
Registering Your PC
Registration is quick and easy, and it offers you access to subscriptions and
notifications such as:
• E-mail updates containing notifications about product enhancements, the most
recent support alerts, and driver updates specific to the products you own.
• The HP newsgram, our monthly online magazine packed full of product news,
support tips, project ideas, and much more. Visit
http://subscription.support.hp.com
NOTE: You can view your PC product number, model number, and serial number,
by pressing the Ctrl, Alt, and S keys on the keyboard at the same time.
To register your PC:
• Click the Register with Compaq icon on the desktop. When you
use the desktop icon, the PC automatically fills in the PC product
number, model number, and serial number for you.
Or
• Go to http://register.hp.com

8Getting Started Guide
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.
Register with Compaq Register both your Compaq PC and
all your HP products.
Compaq Organize (select
models only)
Organize your PC shortcuts and your
favorite Internet destination links.
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 them 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:
Double-click the desktop icon.
Or
1 Click Start on the taskbar.
2 Choose All Programs.
3 Click Compaq Organize.

Setting Up Your PC 9
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.

10 Getting Started Guide

Using the Keyboard 11
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.
Using the Internet Keyboards
Internet keyboards may connect directly to your PC or may be wireless.
(See ”Using the Wireless Keyboard Set” on page 14 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.
Using the Keyboard

12 Getting Started Guide
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.
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.

Using the Keyboard 13
Internet keyboard 3
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 Standard Keyboard
This keyboard enables you to:
• Adjust speaker volume.
• Place the PC into standby mode to save power.
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.

14 Getting Started Guide
Using the 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 light (D) on the receiver indicates receiver activity.
AWireless receiver
BWireless keyboard
CWireless mouse
ANumber lock on
BCapitals lock on
CScroll lock on
DReceiver activity