HP Vectra VE6 8 Manual

Familiarization Guide
HP Vectra VE
6/xxx Series 8 PC
HP Vectra VE MT PC
HP Vectra VE PC
This guide is for experienced technicians who have
already completed the HP Vectra PC family training
course. It is a self-paced training guide designed to train
you to repair the PC. It contains information specific only
to the repair of these PCs. For information on the
installation of accessories, see the User’s Guide (supplied
with the PC) and the Upgrade and Maintenance Guide
(available from HP’s Support Web site at
http://www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport).

Notice
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Hewlett-Packard 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.
Hewlett-Packard 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.
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 Hewlett-Packard Company.
Windows® is a U.S. registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
Pentium® is a U.S. registered trademark of the Intel Corporation.
Hewlett-Packard France
Corporate Desktop Computing Division
38053 Grenoble Cedex 9
France
1998 Hewlett-Packard Company

Contents
iii
Electrostatic Discharge Warning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Care of Hard Disk Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Vectra Product Hardware Comparison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Where to find information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Desktop Models Package. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Minitower Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
System Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
System Board Switches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Removing and Replacing the Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Desktop Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Minitower Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Removing the Hard Disk and Floppy Disk Tray(s). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Desktop Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Minitower Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Removing the Front Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Desktop Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Minitower Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Removing and Replacing the Airflow Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Desktop Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Minitower Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Removing the Power Supply Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Desktop Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Minitower Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Removing and Replacing the System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
New Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Contents
iv
Support Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Flashing the Latest Version of the System BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Accessing the HP Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Complete the Questionnaire to Check Your Understanding . . . . . . 25
Answers and Explanations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

1
Electrostatic Discharge Warning
Electrostatic Discharge Warning
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can damage processors, memory, disks,
accessory boards and other components.
When installing or replacing a component:
1Do not take the new component out of its ESD package before connecting
your wrist strap and ESD mat to a suitably earthed (grounded) point.
2Do not forget to use the ESD package provided with the new part to
return the old part. The ESD package is conductive and is easy to
recognize from its label.
ESD Label

2
Care of Hard Disk Drives
Care of Hard Disk Drives
HP hard disk drives are delicate and are very sensitive to shocks or
vibration. When installing a hard disk accessory, be careful not to drop or
knock the drive. Any shock may damage the drive and prevent it from
functioning correctly.
Hard disk drives already installed in HP Vectra PCs are also sensitive to
shocks. If the PC’s system unit is knocked or dropped accidentally, this may
cause damage to installed hard disk drives.
Avoid striking the
PC
Don’t move the PC
when powered on
Don’t knock the
hard disk during
installation

3
Vectra Product Hardware Comparison
Vectra Product Hardware Comparison
The main feature differences between the two products are shown in bold.
Component HP Vectra VE 7/xxx PC HP Vectra VE 8/xxx PC
Microprocessor Intel Celeron for Slot 1, 266 or
300 MHz, 32 KB of level-1 cache
memory, 0 KB of level-2 cache memory
(based on the same P6 microarchitecture
as Pentium II processors)
Intel Pentium II for Slot 1, 266, 333,
350, or 400 MHz, 32 KB of level-1 cache
memory, 512 KB of level-2 cache
memory.
Chipset Intel 440EX AGPset, 66 MHz bus
speed (based on Intel 440LX chipset but
for the Celeron processor).
● AGP-enabled (Accelerated Graphics
Port) for enhanced graphics performance
in Intel Celeron-based systems
● ACPI (Advanced Configuration and
Power Interface) support
● Ultra ATA (on Primary and Secondary
IDE channels)
● SDRAM memory allows real-time data
transfer from the processor, eliminating
bottlenecks and improving overall
system performance
Intel 440BX AGPset, 66 or 100 MHz
bus speed (based on Intel 440LX
chipset).
● AGP-enabled (Accelerated Graphics
Port) for enhanced graphics performance
in Intel Pentium II-based systems
● ACPI (Advanced Configuration and
Power Interface) support
● Ultra ATA (on Primary and Secondary
IDE channels)
● SDRAM memory allows real-time data
transfer from the processor, eliminating
bottlenecks and improving overall
system performance
Super I/O NS309
Memory 32 MB (standard) non-ECC,
256 MB (maximum), 60 ns SDRAM,
two DIMM sockets
32 or 64 MB (standard) non-ECC,
384 MB (maximum), 60 ns SDRAM,
three DIMM sockets
Hard Disks 2.5 or 3.2 GB Ultra ATA SMART II 3.2, 4.3, or 6.4 GB Ultra ATA SMART II
Flexible disk
drive
Standard version with bezel (desktop and minitower)
CD-ROM
(selected
models)
32XMAX IDE (without audio jack and volume control switch)

4
Vectra Product Hardware Comparison
Sound Card
(selected
models)
SoundBlaster Pro-compatible (Aztech)
LAN board
(selected
models)
3Com 905B-TX (bundled models) or Intel 10/100Base-T (CAP models) LAN board
with WOL (Wake On LAN) capability, including Remote Power On/Remote Wake Up
Graphics 64-bit ATI Rage IIc AGP card,
2 MB EDO (not upgradeable) on AGP
bus
Matrox Productiva M100 AGP
card, 4 MB EDO (not upgradeable) on
AGP bus
Operating
Systems
Windows NT (Service Pack 3) or Windows 95 (SR 2.5)
Connectors 2 Serial, 1 Parallel, Keyboard, Mouse, 2 stacked USB, 15-pin VGA
Expandability
(desktop)
Shelves: 5, including Floppy Disk Drive (3
front-accessible)
Accessory Slots: 3 PCI, 2 ISA
Shelves: 5, including Floppy Disk Drive (3
front-accessible)
Accessory Slots: 4 PCI, 1 ISA,
1 ISA/PCI combination
Expandability
(minitower)
Shelves: 6 including Floppy Disk Drive
(4 front-accessible)
Accessory Slots: 3 PCI, 2 ISA
Shelves: 6 including Floppy Disk Drive
(4 front-accessible)
Accessory Slots: 4 PCI, 1 ISA,
1 ISA/PCI combination
BIOS AMI standard BIOS
Power Supply Manually switched 115/230 VAC, 145 W continuous output
Power Savings Normal, standby, suspend (sleep)
Input/Output
Cables
Primary IDE cable: Ultra ATA
Secondary IDE (CD-ROM) cable: Standard IDE (only on models supplied with a
CD-ROM drive)
Floppy Disk Drive cable
Note: both IDE channels are Ultra ATA
Compliancy DMI 2.0 / SMBIOS 1.x
PC97 Phase 1
EPA Energy Star
Component HP Vectra VE 7/xxx PC HP Vectra VE 8/xxx PC

5
Vectra Product Hardware Comparison
Where to find information
For more information, refer to the Hewlett-Packard MIS Kit for this product,
available at the HP World Wide Web site:
http://www.hp.com/go/vectrasupport/
The MIS kit for this PC includes:
•User’s Guide — Setting up information for the PC.
•Upgrade and Maintenance Guide — describes in detail how to open the
package and install accessories. It also has detailed troubleshooting
information.
•Network Administrator’s Guide — network driver installation
information for network administrators.
•Service Handbook Chapters — information on upgrade and replacement
parts, including HP part numbers. Beep codes are explained in an
Appendix of the HP Vectra Service Handbook (13th Edition).
System
Management
HP TopTools 3.0, HP DiagTools 2.0
Features:
● Inventory database (DMI 2.0). Detailed asset information can be gathered from
anywhere on the network and stored in a database.
● Hardware diagnostics (HP DiagTools 2.0). Comprehensive set of hardware
diagnostics tools.
● Actions on alerts. HP TopTools 3.0 hardware diagnostics program can generate
alerts and DMTF-standard support tickets.
● Remote power on/off. The HP Vectra VE can be remotely powered on/off.
Component HP Vectra VE 7/xxx PC HP Vectra VE 8/xxx PC

6
Desktop Models Package
Desktop Models Package
Front view
Power on/off button
Power on status light
Hard disk
activity light
CD-ROM drive
Flexible disk drive
(some models)
System board switches
Pentium II Processor
Front view with
cover removed AGP slot
Four PCI slots
One ISA slot
Three SDRAM memory module slots
Refer to page 8 for more
information about the
system board
One ISA/PCI combination slot
Airflow guide
Rear view
Keyboard
(bottom connector)
Mouse (top connector)
Parallel Connector
2 USB Connectors
2 Serial Connectors
Voltage
Selection
Switch

7
Minitower Package
Minitower Package
Frontviewwith
cover removed
Same system board as
desktop models
Rear view
Keyboard
(left connector)
Mouse (right
connector)
Parallel
Connector
2 USB
Connectors
2 Serial
Connectors
Voltage
Selection
Switch

8
System Board
System Board
All desktop and minitower models are supplied with a Matrox Productiva
M100 AGP graphics card, and do not have an integrated graphics controller
installed on the system board.
PCI slot # 2
PCI slot # 3
PCI slot # 1
ISA slot # 2
ISA slot # 1
Intel 440BX
AGP slot
Intel Pentium II processor
Secondary IDE connector
Floppy disk connector
SDRAM DIMM slot
SDRAM DIMM slot
Switch
Block
Keyboard and
mouse
USB (2X)
Parallel Connector
2 Serial connectors
(beneath parallel
connector)
Battery
Wake On LAN
connector
BIOS
EEPROM
Power Connector
Buzzer
Front Panel
Connector
Primary IDE connector
PCI slot # 4
PCI slot # 5
ISA/PCI
combination slot
PIIX4e
(82371 EB)
SDRAM DIMM slot
NS309
Super I/O

9
System Board
System Board Switches
Switch Switch function
1 - 4 Processor speed, see next table
5 CMOS:
Off = normal (default)
On = clear CMOS and reload default values in Setup
6 Password:
Off = enabled (default)
On = disabled / clear User and Administrator passwords
Processor Frequency
Switch 1 Switch 2 Switch 3 Switch 4
100MHz Local
Bus Speed
66 MHz Local
Bus Speed
350 233 On Off On Off
400 266 On On Off On
450 300 On On Off Off
500 333 On Off Off On
On
Off
Switch 1

10
Removing and Replacing the Cover
Removing and Replacing the Cover
WARNING: For your safety, never remove the PC’s cover without first removing the
power cord from the power outlet, and any connection to a
telecommunications network. Always replace the cover before switching on
the PC again.
Desktop Models
Removing the Cover 1Switch off the display and the PC.
2Disconnect all power cords and any telecommunications cables.
3Unscrew the three thumb screws at the back of the PC. If it is the first time
you are removing the cover, you will probably need to use a screwdriver
to loosen the screws.
4While standing at the back of the PC, slide the cover towards you by about
20 mm (about 1 inch) and then lift it off the PC chassis.
Replacing the Cover 1Make sure that all internal cables are properly connected and safely
routed.
2Standing at the back of the PC, lower the cover onto the PC chassis
(aligning the rails on the inside edges of the cover with the sides of the PC
chassis), and firmly slide the cover forwards into position.
Step 3
Step 4

11
Removing and Replacing the Cover
3Tighten the three thumb screws at the back of the PC.
4Reconnect all cables and power cords.
Minitower Models
Removing the Cover 1Switch off the display and PC.
2Disconnect all power cords and any telecommunications cables.
3Unscrew the three thumb screws at the back of the PC. If it is the first time
you are removing the cover, you will probably need to use a screwdriver
to loosen the screws.
4While standing at the back of the PC, slide the cover towards you by about
15 mm (1/2 - 3/4 inch) and then lift it off the PC chassis.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 3
Step 4

12
Removing and Replacing the Cover
Replacing the Cover 1Make sure that all internal cables are properly connected and safely
routed.
2Lower the cover onto the PC chassis and slide it into position. Make sure
that the two guides at the bottom of the cover slide into the two rails at
the base of the chassis, and that the guides at the front of the cover slide
into the rails at the front of the chassis.
3Tighten the three thumb screws at the rear of the cover.
4Reconnect all cables and power cords.
Step 2 Step 3

13
Removing the Hard Disk and Floppy Disk Tray(s)
Removing the Hard Disk and Floppy Disk Tray(s)
Desktop Models
Removing the Hard Disk
and Floppy Disk Tray
1Remove the computer’s cover.
2Disconnect the power and data cables from the rear of the floppy disk
drive and the hard disk drive(s).
3Remove the two retaining screws from the floppy disk/hard disk drive
tray, and then carefully lift the tray from the PC.
4Place the tray on a table/desk top.
Minitower Models
Removing the Hard Disk
Tray
1Remove the computer’s cover.
2Remove the data and power cables from the rear of the hard disk drive(s).
3Push the retaining clip down.
4Slide the hard disk drive tray backwards away from the front of the PC.
Hard disk and
floppy disk drive
tray

14
Removing the Hard Disk and Floppy Disk Tray(s)
5Place the tray on a table/desk top.
Removing the Floppy
Disk Tray
1Remove the computer’s cover.
2Remove the hard disk tray (see above).
3Remove the data and power cables from the rear of the floppy disk drive.
4Push the retaining clip upwards.
5Slide the floppy disk drive tray backwards away from the front of the PC.
6Place the tray on a table/desk top.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 4
Step 5

15
Removing the Front Bezel
Removing the Front Bezel
Desktop Models
1Remove the computer’s cover.
2Disconnect the power and data cables from the rear of the floppy disk
drive and hard disk drive(s).
3Remove the two retaining screws from the floppy disk/hard disk drive
tray, and then carefully lift the tray from the PC. Place the tray on a table/
desk top.
4Unclip the front bezel and gently remove it from the chassis.
Minitower Models
1Remove the computer’s cover.
2Squeeze the retaining clips together and then, standing in front of the PC,
carefully lever the bezel away from the chassis.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Retaining clips
Squeeze each retaining
clip in turn with one
hand, while gently
pulling the front bezel
forward with the other

16
Removing and Replacing the Airflow Guide
Removing and Replacing the Airflow Guide
Desktop Models
Removing the Airflow
Guide
1Remove the screw that connects the airflow guide to the video card.
2Slide the airflow guide away from the power supply unit and, at the same
time, lift the airflow guide clear of the video card.
3Place the airflow guide on a desk/table top.
Replacing the Airflow
Guide
1Slide the airflow guide towards the power supply unit, making sure that
the guide passes below the key lock.
2Insert the two tabs on the airflow guide into the power supply unit.
3Using the screw that you removed earlier, secure the airflow guide to the
video card.
Minitower Models
The airflow guide is attached to the underneath of the power supply unit.
When you remove the power supply unit, you also remove the airflow guide.
Refer to page 18 for information about removing the power supply unit.
Step 1
Step 2
Slide the airflow guide under
the key lock (if one is fitted)