HP F2974KT - OmniBook 500 - PIII 700 MHz User manual

HP OmniBook 500
Corporate Evaluator’s Guide

2 Corporate Evaluator’s Guide
Notice
This manual and any examples contained herein are provided “as is” and are subject to
change without notice. Hewlett-Packard Company makes no warranty of any kind with
regard to this manual, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Hewlett-Packard Co. shall not be
liable for any errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the
furnishing, performance, or use of this manual or the examples herein.
Consumer transactions in Australia and the United Kingdom: The above disclaimers and
limitations shall not apply to Consumer transactions in Australia and the United Kingdom
and shall not affect the statutory rights of Consumers.
© Copyright Hewlett-Packard Company 2000. All rights reserved. Reproduction,
adaptation, or translation of this manual is prohibited without prior written permission of
Hewlett-Packard Company, except as allowed under the copyright laws.
The programs that control this product are copyrighted and all rights are reserved.
Reproduction, adaptation, or translation of those programs without prior written
permission of Hewlett-Packard Co. is also prohibited.
Portions of the programs that control this product may also be copyrighted by Microsoft
Corporation, SystemSoft Corp., Phoenix Technologies, Ltd., ATI Technologies Inc., and
Adobe Systems Incorporated. See the individual programs for additional copyright
notices.
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.
Microsoft®, MS-DOS®, and Windows® are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. Pentium® and the Intel Inside logo are U.S. registered trademarks and
Celeron™ and SpeedStep™ are U.S. trademarks of Intel Corporation. TrackPoint™ is a
U.S. trademark of International Business Machines. Adobe® and Acrobat® are
trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Hewlett-Packard Company
Mobile Computing Division
19310 Pruneridge Ave.
Cupertino, CA 95014

Corporate Evaluator’s Guide 3
HP Software Product License Agreement
Your HP Notebook PC contains factory-installed software programs. Please read the
Software License Agreement before proceeding.
Carefully read this License Agreement before proceeding to operate this equipment.
Rights in the software are offered only on the condition that the customer agrees to
all terms and conditions of the License Agreement. Proceeding to operate the
equipment indicates your acceptance of these terms and conditions. If you do not
agree with the terms of the License Agreement, you must now either remove the
software from your hard disk drive and destroy the Recovery CD, or return the
complete computer and software for a full refund.
Proceeding with configuration signifies your acceptance of the License Terms.
Unless otherwise stated below, this HP Software Product License Agreement shall
govern the use of all software that is provided to you, the customer, as part of the
HP computer product. It shall supersede any non-HP software license terms that
may be found online, or in any documentation or other materials contained in the
computer product packaging.
Note: Operating System Software by Microsoft is licensed to you under the Microsoft
End User License Agreement (EULA).
The following License Terms govern the use of the software:
Use. Customer may use the software on any one computer. Customer may not network
the software or otherwise use it on more than one computer. Customer may not reverse
assemble or decompile the software unless authorized by law.
Copies and Adaptations. Customer may make copies or adaptations of the software (a)
for archival purposes or (b) when copying or adaptation is an essential step in the use of
the software with a computer so long as the copies and adaptations are used in no other
manner.
Ownership. Customer agrees that he/she does not have any title or ownership of the
software, other than ownership of the physical media. Customer acknowledges and
agrees that the software is copyrighted and protected under the copyright laws. Customer
acknowledges and agrees that the software may have been developed by a third party
software supplier named in the copyright notices included with the software, who shall be
authorized to hold the Customer responsible for any copyright infringement or violation
of this Agreement.
Product Recovery CD-ROM. If your computer was shipped with a product Recovery
CD-ROM: (i) The product Recovery CD-ROM and/or support utility software may only
be used for restoring the hard disk of the HP computer with which the product Recovery
CD-ROM was originally provided. (ii) The use of any operating system software by
Microsoft contained in any such product Recovery CD-ROM shall be governed by the
Microsoft End User License Agreement (EULA).

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Transfer of Rights in Software. Customer may transfer rights in the software to a third
party only as part of the transfer of all rights and only if Customer obtains the prior
agreement of the third party to be bound by the terms of this License Agreement. Upon
such a transfer, Customer agrees that his/her rights in the software are terminated and that
he/she will either destroy his/her copies and adaptations or deliver them to the third party.
Sublicensing and Distribution. Customer may not lease, sublicense the software or
distribute copies or adaptations of the software to the public in physical media or by
telecommunication without the prior written consent of Hewlett-Packard.
Termination. Hewlett-Packard may terminate this software license for failure to comply
with any of these terms provided Hewlett-Packard has requested Customer to cure the
failure and Customer has failed to do so within thirty (30) days of such notice.
Updates And Upgrades. Customer agrees that the software does not include updates and
upgrades which may be available from Hewlett-Packard under a separate support
agreement.
Export Clause. Customer agrees not to export or re-export the software or any copy or
adaptation in violation of the U.S. Export Administration regulations or other applicable
regulation.
U.S. Government Restricted Rights. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S.
Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights
in Technical Data and Computer Software clause in DFARS 252.227-7013. Hewlett-
Packard Company, 3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA 94304 U.S.A. Rights for non-
DOD U.S. Government Departments and Agencies are as set forth in FAR 52.227-
19(c)(1,2).
Edition History
Edition 2........................................... February 2001
This manual is printed on recycled paper.

Corporate Evaluator’s Guide 5
Contents
Introducing the Notebook Computer ............................................................................11
Taking Inventory.........................................................................................................12
What’s in the Box? ................................................................................................12
Software bundled on your computer......................................................................13
To buy accessories.................................................................................................13
To find more information ......................................................................................14
Identifying Parts of the Computer ...............................................................................15
Front View.............................................................................................................15
Back View .............................................................................................................16
Bottom View .........................................................................................................16
Status Lights ..........................................................................................................17
Expansion Base – Front.........................................................................................19
Expansion Base – Back .........................................................................................20
Setting Up Your Computer..........................................................................................21
Step 1 – Install the battery .....................................................................................21
Step 2 – Connect AC power ..................................................................................23
Step 3 – Connect a phone line ...............................................................................24
Step 4 – Turn on the computer ..............................................................................24
Step 5 – Set up Windows.......................................................................................25
Step 6 – Register your notebook............................................................................25
To connect the floppy disk drive ...........................................................................26
To reset the computer ............................................................................................27
Using Your Computer ....................................................................................................29
Operating Your Computer...........................................................................................30
To start and stop the computer...............................................................................30
To change the boot device .....................................................................................31
To use the pointing stick........................................................................................31
To use the Fn hot keys...........................................................................................33
To use the One-Touch buttons...............................................................................34
To use the Windows and Applications keys..........................................................34
To use the embedded keypad.................................................................................35
To use the ALT GR key ........................................................................................35
To adjust the display..............................................................................................36
To adjust the volume .............................................................................................37
To change computer settings for a presentation ....................................................38
To use a multimedia expansion base .....................................................................39
Securing Your Computer ............................................................................................40
To set up password protection ...............................................................................40
To attach a security cable ......................................................................................41
To use the VirusScan utility ..................................................................................41
To set PC identification .........................................................................................42

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To lock the hard disk drive ....................................................................................42
Working in Comfort with a Notebook PC...................................................................43
Taking Care of Your Computer...................................................................................45
To protect your hard disk drive .............................................................................45
To maintain your computer ...................................................................................45
To safeguard your data ..........................................................................................46
To extend the life of the display ............................................................................46
To get the most from your batteries.......................................................................47
To clean your computer.........................................................................................47
Traveling with Your Computer .....................................................................................49
Managing Power Consumption ...................................................................................50
How the computer manages power automatically.................................................50
To manage power manually ..................................................................................52
Using Battery Power ...................................................................................................53
To check battery status ..........................................................................................53
To respond to a low-battery warning.....................................................................54
To recharge the battery..........................................................................................54
To add additional batteries ....................................................................................55
To maximize battery operating time......................................................................55
Making Connections .......................................................................................................57
Using an Expansion Base............................................................................................58
To dock the computer ............................................................................................59
To undock the computer ........................................................................................60
To use the status panel...........................................................................................61
Using Plug-In Modules ...............................................................................................63
To install hot-swap support ...................................................................................63
To replace a plug-in module..................................................................................63
To insert or remove a CD or DVD ........................................................................65
To play audio CDs.................................................................................................66
To play DVD movies.............................................................................................67
Using the Modem........................................................................................................68
To connect the modem ..........................................................................................68
To connect to the Internet......................................................................................70
To disconnect from the Internet.............................................................................71
To dial in to a network...........................................................................................71
To change your modem settings ............................................................................71
To send and receive e-mail....................................................................................73
To send and receive faxes (Windows 98)..............................................................74
To send and receive faxes (Windows 2000)..........................................................75
Connecting to a LAN ..................................................................................................76
To connect to a LAN .............................................................................................76
Connecting PC Cards ..................................................................................................77
To insert or remove a PC Card ..............................................................................77
Connecting External Devices ......................................................................................79

Corporate Evaluator’s Guide 7
To identify connectors for external devices...........................................................79
To use an external monitor ....................................................................................80
To connect a printer or other parallel device .........................................................81
To connect an external keyboard or mouse ...........................................................82
To connect a USB device ......................................................................................82
To connect a serial device .....................................................................................82
To connect an audio device ...................................................................................83
To use a TV set as a monitor .................................................................................83
Configuring and Expanding Your Computer ..............................................................85
Using the BIOS Setup Utility......................................................................................86
To run the BIOS Setup utility................................................................................86
Using TopTools...........................................................................................................91
To set up TopTools................................................................................................91
Installing Additional RAM..........................................................................................92
To install a RAM expansion module .....................................................................92
To remove a RAM expansion module...................................................................93
To replace the system RAM module .....................................................................93
Replacing the Hard Disk Drive ...................................................................................96
To replace the hard disk drive ...............................................................................96
To replace the hard disk drive holder ....................................................................96
To prepare a new hard disk drive ..........................................................................97
Using Windows 2000.......................................................................................................99
Installing Retail Windows 2000 ................................................................................100
Requirements.......................................................................................................100
To prepare for software installation.....................................................................100
To install retail Windows 2000 Professional.......................................................101
To install video support .......................................................................................102
To install audio support .......................................................................................103
To install modem support ....................................................................................103
To install 3Com 10/100 Mini PCI Ethernet adapter support ...............................105
To install pointing stick support ..........................................................................105
To install Hewlett-Packard Configuration Interface (HPCI) ...............................107
To install the Intel® SpeedStep™ Technology Applet .......................................107
To install the OneTouch utility...........................................................................108
To install USB FDD support ...............................................................................108
Windows 2000 Power Management....................................................................109
Using Windows 98.........................................................................................................111
Installing Retail Windows 98 Second Edition...........................................................112
Requirements.......................................................................................................112
To prepare for software installation.....................................................................113
To install retail Windows 98 Second Edition ......................................................114
To install video support .......................................................................................115

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To install Direct X version 7.0a...........................................................................116
To install audio support .......................................................................................116
To install integrated IDE support ........................................................................116
To install modem support ....................................................................................117
To install 3Com 10/100 Mini PCI Ethernet adapter support ...............................119
To install pointing stick support ..........................................................................119
To install the Intel® SpeedStep™ utility.............................................................120
To install the Softex BayManager utility.............................................................120
To install USB FDD support ...............................................................................121
To install software patches ..................................................................................121
Using Windows NT 4.0 .................................................................................................123
Installing Windows NT 4.0 .......................................................................................124
To install retail Windows NT 4.0 and Service Pack 6a .......................................124
Requirements.......................................................................................................125
To prepare for software installation.....................................................................125
To install retail Windows NT 4.0 ........................................................................126
To install HP mobile expansion base support......................................................128
To install video support .......................................................................................129
To install audio support .......................................................................................129
To install IDE support .........................................................................................130
To install pointing stick support ..........................................................................131
To install modem support ....................................................................................132
To install 3Com 10/100 Mini PCI Ethernet adapter support ...............................133
To install mobile enhancements ..........................................................................136
To install the 3Com Power Management TDI service.........................................138
To disable automatic CD-ROM detection ...........................................................139
To install the Intel® SpeedStep™ Technology Applet .......................................139
To install the Euro Key patch ..............................................................................140
Troubleshooting Your Computer ................................................................................141
Troubleshooting Techniques .....................................................................................142
Audio Problems ...................................................................................................142
CD-ROM and DVD Problems.............................................................................143
Display Problems.................................................................................................145
Expansion Base Problems ...................................................................................146
Hard Disk Drive Problems ..................................................................................147
Heat Problems .....................................................................................................147
Keyboard and Pointing Device Problems............................................................148
Memory Problems ...............................................................................................149
Modem Problems.................................................................................................150
Network Problems ...............................................................................................152
PC Card (PCMCIA) Problems.............................................................................153
Performance Problems.........................................................................................154
Power and Battery Problems ...............................................................................156
Printing Problems ................................................................................................158

Corporate Evaluator’s Guide 9
Serial, Parallel, and USB Problems .....................................................................159
Startup Problems .................................................................................................160
Testing the Hardware ................................................................................................162
To run the e-DiagTools diagnostic test................................................................162
Recovering and Reinstalling Software ......................................................................164
To recover the factory installation of your hard disk...........................................164
To create a Support Utility disk...........................................................................165
To create a boot disk............................................................................................166
To replace a damaged Recovery CD ...................................................................166
To update the BIOS.............................................................................................166
Support and Service......................................................................................................169
Getting Assistance for Your Computer .....................................................................170
To get help from the web.....................................................................................170
To contact the HP Customer Care Center............................................................170
To receive repair service......................................................................................173
To prepare your computer for shipment ..............................................................173
Hewlett-Packard Limited Warranty Statement..........................................................174
Specifications and Regulatory Information................................................................177
Hardware Specifications............................................................................................178
Modem Reference Information .................................................................................181
Modem Reference (3Com) ..................................................................................181
Safety Information.....................................................................................................186
Power Cords ........................................................................................................186
Ergonomics..........................................................................................................187
Battery Safety ......................................................................................................187
Laser Safety .........................................................................................................188
Regulatory Information .............................................................................................189
U.S.A. ..................................................................................................................189
Canada .................................................................................................................190
European Union...................................................................................................190
Japan....................................................................................................................191
International.........................................................................................................191
Index...............................................................................................................................195

Corporate Evaluator’s Guide 11
Introducing the Notebook Computer

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Taking Inventory
12 Corporate Evaluator’s Guide
Taking Inventory
Congratulations! Your notebook computer sets a new standard in personal computing.
Although compact and easy to carry, your computer is made with the quality and
attention to detail that are the hallmark of Hewlett-Packard.
Your computer has several features that make it convenient to use:
• Two buttons provide convenient options for starting and stopping the computer.
• Volume controls are located within easy reach on the computer’s right side, and the
audio-off button and light let you cut off all sound quickly when needed.
• All cable connectors are near the back of the computer, keeping cables away from
your working area.
This manual shows how to set up and operate your computer, as well as what to do if you
run into trouble.
What’s in the Box?
Your HP Notebook computer is shipped with these items:
• Main battery (installed).
• Floppy disk drive module.
• Floppy disk drive USB cable (models without expansion base only).
• AC adapter and power cord.
• Quick Start sheet.
• Startup Guide.
• Recovery CD, for restoring Windows and all software included with your computer.
• Microsoft Windows manual.
• Multimedia expansion base and CD-ROM drive module (certain models only).
• Phone cord (modem models only).

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Taking Inventory
Corporate Evaluator’s Guide 13
Software bundled on your computer
Your HP Notebook PC includes various preinstalled software. The specific software may
differ depending on the model.
Software Function
HP One-Touch Opens an application, a document, or a web site with a single keystroke,
even if the computer isn’t running. Programmable.
HP Presentation Ready Opens a presentation and activates appropriate video and power settings.
HP Information Center Provides links to manuals and support services, including HP Instant
Support (North America English only).
HP TopTools Allows network managers and administrators to check the hardware and
software on your computer and how well they are working.
Softex BayManager Lets you swap most modules in the plug-in bay without needing to shut
down and reboot the computer (Windows 98 only).
QuickLink Permits fax transfer to fax machines and fax software, and permits data
transfer. (Windows 98 only)
HP e-center Provides easy access to e-pages and e-services—including backup,
e-mail, and fax transfer (North America English only).
VirusScan Protects your computer from potentially harmful files.
Adobe Acrobat Reader Allows you to read documents in Acrobat format frequently used on the
Internet.
HP e-DiagTools Provides hardware diagnostic tests.
MusicMatch Jukebox Lets you download, organize, encode, and play MP3 files.
To buy accessories
You can buy accessories for your computer online. For the latest accessories and options,
visit the HP Notebook web site (www.hp.com/notebooks).
HP currently offers plug-in modules and other accessories, such as the following:
• AC adapter.
• Plug-in modules, such as floppy drive, CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, CD read/write
drive, Zip drive, LS-120 drive, and second hard disk drive.
• Main battery and secondary battery plug-in module.

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Taking Inventory
14 Corporate Evaluator’s Guide
To find more information
The following table lists other sources of information about your computer and related
products.
Source Description and Location
Startup Guide This printed manual introduces your computer. It also contains setup instructions,
basic operation guidelines, troubleshooting information, and warranty information.
Online Reference
Guide
The full Reference Guide is shipped on the computer’s hard drive, and provides a
complete source for operating and maintaining the computer. Look in the HP Library
group, or on the Recovery CD in \hp\Library.
Online HP Notes For late-breaking information available after the manuals were completed, see the
HP Notes in the online HP Library, or on the Recovery CD in \hp\Library.
Microsoft Windows
manual
This is shipped with your computer and contains information about using the version
of Microsoft Windows shipped with your computer.
HP Notebook Web
Site
www.hp.com/notebooks.
www.europe.hp.com/notebooks (European mirror).
HP Customer Care
Web Site
www.hp.com/go/support.
Corporate
Evaluator’s Guide
(This Guide)
This provides information about installing alternate operating systems, as well as
how to configure your notebook computer in a corporate, networked environment.
Located at the HP Notebook web site.

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Corporate Evaluator’s Guide 15
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Front View
1. Latch for opening the computer.
2. Left and right One-Touch buttons (programmable).
3. Sleep button. Suspends and resumes operation.
4. Keyboard status lights: Caps Lock, Num Lock,
Keypad Lock, Scroll Lock.
5. Power slide button. Turns the computer on and off.
6. Pointing stick (pointing device).
7. Scroll button.
8. Left and right click buttons.
9. Main status lights: power mode, hard disk activity,
main battery charge.
10. Hard disk drive.
11. Audio-off button and audio-off light.
12. Volume control.
13. Audio jacks: audio out (headphones), external
microphone.
14. PC Card slot.
15. PC Card eject button.
16. Built-in microphone.

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
16 Corporate Evaluator’s Guide
Back View
17. Kensington lock slot (security connector).
18. Universal serial bus ports (USB).
19. External monitor port.
20. Modem port (on certain models).
21. LAN port (on certain models).
22. AC adapter jack.
23. Kensington lock slot (security connector).
24. System-off switch.
Bottom View
25. Hard disk drive retaining screw.
26. Built-in speaker.
27. RAM cover.
28. Docking port.
29. Main battery.
30. Main battery latch.

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Corporate Evaluator’s Guide 17
Status Lights
The main status lights report power and battery status and drive activity.
1. Power mode.
• Green: the computer is on (even if the display is off).
• Amber: the computer is in Standby mode.
• No light: the computer is off or in Hibernate mode.
2. Hard disk drive activity.
• Blue: the computer is accessing the hard disk drive.
3. Main battery charge status.
• Green: the AC adapter is connected and the battery is fully charged.
• Amber: the AC adapter is connected and the battery is charging.
• Red: the AC adapter is connected and the battery is missing or has a fault.
• Off: the AC adapter is not connected.
The keyboard status lights, located above the keyboard, indicate the states of the
keyboard locks.
1. Caps Lock. Caps Lock is active.

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
18 Corporate Evaluator’s Guide
2. Num Lock. Num Lock is active (Fn+F9). (The Keypad Lock must also be on to use
the embedded keypad.)
3. Keypad Lock. The embedded keypad is active (Fn+F8). Num Lock must also be on
for the numeric keys—otherwise, cursor control is active.
4. Scroll Lock. Scroll Lock is active (Fn+F10).

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Corporate Evaluator’s Guide 19
Expansion Base – Front
1. Docking connector.
2. Status panel.
3. Status panel button.
4. Speaker (one on each side).
5. Left plug-in module bay. Can contain a CD-ROM
or DVD drive, floppy disk drive, secondary battery,
or other plug-in module.
6. CD status light.
7. CD player power button.
8. CD player controls: previous track, play/pause,
stop, next track, volume.
9. Right plug-in module bay. Used with CD player
controls.
10. Module eject latch.
11. Undock switch.
12. Audio jacks: audio out (headphones), external
microphone, audio in.
13. Kensington lock slot (security connector).
14. Emergency undock latch.

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
20 Corporate Evaluator’s Guide
Expansion Base – Back
15. Universal serial bus ports (USB).
16. S-video (TV out) port.
17. Serial port (COM1).
18. Parallel port (LPT1). Use this port for a parallel
printer or other parallel device.
19. External monitor port.
20. PS/2 mouse port.
21. PS/2 keyboard port.
22. LAN port.
23. AC adapter jack.