HP OmniBook 5500 PC User manual

1
HP OmniBook 5500
User’s Guide
(Windows for Workgroups)
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................5
Using This Online Manual ....................................................................................................5
Finding More Information ....................................................................................................5
Notice.....................................................................................................................................5
1. GETTING COMFORTABLE..................................................................7
Identifying Parts of the OmniBook.......................................................................................7
Adjusting the Display ............................................................................................................9
To locate the display controls...............................................................................................9
To adjust the display............................................................................................................9
Using the Pointing Device....................................................................................................10
To use the pointing device .................................................................................................10
To clean the pointing device ..............................................................................................10
To customize the pointing device.......................................................................................11
Using Sound.........................................................................................................................12
To adjust the speaker volume.............................................................................................12
To connect a microphone, speakers, or headphones............................................................13
To record sound.................................................................................................................14
To play sound....................................................................................................................14
Using the OmniBook Keyboard..........................................................................................15
To use special features of the OmniBook keyboard.............................................................15
Learning About Windows....................................................................................................16
To learn about Windows....................................................................................................16
2. OPERATING THE OMNIBOOK ..........................................................18
Checking the Status of the OmniBook................................................................................18
To check keyboard status ...................................................................................................18
To check data storage status...............................................................................................18
To check power status........................................................................................................19
Turning the OmniBook On and Off....................................................................................19
To turn off the OmniBook (Instant On mode) ....................................................................19
To turn off the OmniBook (Save-To-Disk mode)................................................................20

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To shut down the OmniBook .............................................................................................20
Restarting the OmniBook....................................................................................................20
To reboot from drive C ......................................................................................................21
To reboot from a floppy disk..............................................................................................21
To reset the OmniBook......................................................................................................21
Using Storage Devices..........................................................................................................22
To install the floppy drive..................................................................................................23
To remove the CD-ROM or floppy drive............................................................................23
To insert and eject a floppy disk.........................................................................................24
To install the CD-ROM drive.............................................................................................24
To insert and remove a CD................................................................................................25
To insert a PC card............................................................................................................25
To remove a PC card .........................................................................................................26
Upgrading the OmniBook...................................................................................................27
To find the system software version and memory size ........................................................27
To add memory to the OmniBook......................................................................................27
To remove the hard drive...................................................................................................29
To install the hard drive.....................................................................................................30
Restoring Files.....................................................................................................................30
To recover Windows 95.....................................................................................................30
To set up a PCMCIA or parallel port CD-ROM drive.........................................................31
To recover Windows for Workgroups.................................................................................32
To make DOS 6.22 and Windows for Workgroups backup disks........................................33
To recover HP software programs ......................................................................................33
To read the online User’s Guide.........................................................................................34
To install device drivers for other operating systems..........................................................34
3. MANAGING BATTERY POWER.........................................................36
Recharging and Replacing Batteries ..................................................................................37
To recharge the battery or run on ac power ........................................................................37
To respond to a low-battery warning..................................................................................38
To replace the battery.........................................................................................................38
To install a second battery..................................................................................................40
Monitoring Battery Power ..................................................................................................40
To get the battery status.....................................................................................................41
To save battery power ........................................................................................................41
To adjust the battery charging order...................................................................................41
To change how power is managed......................................................................................42
4. PROTECTING YOUR OMNIBOOK..................................................... 44
Attaching a Security Cable..................................................................................................44
To attach a security cable...................................................................................................44
Setting Up Password Protection..........................................................................................44
To record your name or other PC identification..................................................................45

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To set up a user password ..................................................................................................45
To delete a password..........................................................................................................47
To set up an administrator password..................................................................................47
Protecting Your Data...........................................................................................................48
To repair and clean up a disk.............................................................................................49
To delete a set of OmniBook files.......................................................................................49
5. THE PERSONAL INFORMATION APPLICATIONS ...........................51
Managing Your Time with Appointment Book..................................................................51
To start Appointment Book................................................................................................51
To view your appointments................................................................................................51
To add a new appointment.................................................................................................52
To add a new event............................................................................................................53
To delete an appointment or event .....................................................................................54
To exit Appointment Book.................................................................................................54
Finding People with the Phone Book...................................................................................54
To start Phone Book ..........................................................................................................54
To add a name to the Phone Book......................................................................................55
To search for a name .........................................................................................................56
To exit Phone Book ...........................................................................................................56
Getting Answers from HP Financial Calculator.................................................................56
To start HP Calculator .......................................................................................................56
To perform a math function on one number.......................................................................56
To do simple arithmetic.....................................................................................................57
6. MAKING CONNECTIONS...................................................................59
Connecting a Printer...........................................................................................................59
To install a printer.............................................................................................................59
To change the printer’s settings.........................................................................................60
Connecting an External Display..........................................................................................61
To connect an external monitor..........................................................................................61
To change the display type.................................................................................................62
To switch between external and built-in displays................................................................63
To connect a television or VCR..........................................................................................63
To change the television type (NTSC or PAL) ...................................................................63
To connect an SVHS device...............................................................................................64
Connect an External Mouse and Keyboard........................................................................64
To connect an external mouse or keyboard.........................................................................64
To enable external FN keys................................................................................................65
To connect an external mouse and keyboard ......................................................................65
Making Serial Connections.................................................................................................66
To connect a serial device..................................................................................................66
To view or change serial port assignments.........................................................................66
To specify serial port settings.............................................................................................67

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Making Parallel Connections..............................................................................................67
To connect a parallel device...............................................................................................68
To view or change parallel port assignments......................................................................68
Making Infrared Connections.............................................................................................68
To make an infrared connection.........................................................................................69
To print on an infrared printer...........................................................................................69
7. USING THE DOCKING SYSTEM........................................................ 70
Setting Up Your Docking System........................................................................................70
To set up the docking system .............................................................................................71
To dock the OmniBook......................................................................................................72
To undock your OmniBook................................................................................................73
To install an ISA card........................................................................................................74
To install a PCI card..........................................................................................................76
8. TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................78
Solving Problems .................................................................................................................78
Printing Problems..............................................................................................................78
Memory Problems..............................................................................................................79
Pointing Device and Mouse Problems................................................................................79
File, Drive, and PC Card Problems ....................................................................................81
Serial and Infrared Communications Problems ..................................................................81
Sound Problems.................................................................................................................83
Display Problems...............................................................................................................83
Power and Startup Problems ..............................................................................................83
Lockup Problems...............................................................................................................85
INDEX......................................................................................................85

5
Introduction
Using This Online Manual
This online User’s Guide looks similar to a printed manual—and it works like a
printed manual in many ways, too. But you can do several handy things you can’t do
with a manual. For example, you can make the type larger or smaller. You can click
pictures to enlarge them. You can add electronic bookmarks for marking key
information. And you can print all or part of the manual on your printer.
• Press F1. You’ll quickly see how to use this manual.
Finding More Information
This OmniBook User’s Guide introduces the OmniBook and shows you how to
operate and maintain your OmniBook. For more information about using your
OmniBook, look in these additional places:
• The online Help for Windows applications provides information about those
applications—use the Help menu or Help button, or just press F1.
• The OmniBook Notes icon gives late-breaking information available after the
online manuals were completed—double-click the OmniBook Notes icon in
Program Manager (in the OmniBook Library group).
• Many bookstores have books about Windows and MS-DOS for people with
different levels of experience.
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 1995–1996. 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.

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Portions of the programs that control this product may also be copyrighted by
Microsoft Corporation, Adaptec, Inc., Microcom Systems, Inc., SystemSoft Corp.,
and Chips & Technologies, Inc. See the individual programs for additional copyright
notices.
Microsoft, MS, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and Windows is a trademark
of Microsoft Corporation (U.S. patent numbers 4955066 and 4974159). Carbon Copy
is a trademark of Microcom Systems, Inc. SystemSoft is a registered trademark and
CardWizard, CardView, CardSoft, and CardID are trademarks of SystemSoft
Corporation.
For warranty information, see the Support and Service booklet.
Hewlett-Packard Company
Mobile Computing Division
1000 N.E. Circle Blvd.
Corvallis, OR 97330, U.S.A.
Edition 1 March 1996
Edition 2 July 1996

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1. Getting Comfortable
• Identifying Parts of the OmniBook.
• Adjusting the Display.
• Using the Pointing Device.
• Using Sound.
• Using the OmniBook Keyboard.
• Learning About Windows.
Congratulations! Your OmniBook sets a new standard in personal computing.
Although it’s compact and easy to carry, the OmniBook is equipped with a full-size
keyboard, and a built-in CD-ROM or floppy drive.
This chapter introduces the OmniBook and helps you get familiar with your new
computer.
Identifying Parts of the OmniBook
The illustrations below point out key parts of the OmniBook.

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Depending on the accessories you purchased with your OmniBook, the center drive
bay can hold an internal CD-ROM drive, a floppy disk drive, or a high-capacity
battery for extra battery power. Alternatively, you can connect the floppy drive to the
OmniBook externally.
Note
To connect the floppy drive to the OmniBook externally, pull out the floppy drive
cable and connect it to the parallel port.

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Adjusting the Display
• All OmniBooks are equipped with a brightness control.
• Some models also have a contrast control.
In this section you’ll learn how to
• Locate the display controls.
• Adjust the display.
To locate the display controls
Your OmniBook display controls are located either to the right of the display or under
the display. If you have two controls, the upper slider controls the brightness, and the
lower slider controls the contrast.
To adjust the display
• Slide the control up to increase the brightness or contrast, and slide the control
down to decrease it.

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If your controls appear under the screen, slide right to increase brightness or
contrast, and slide left to decrease it.
Hint
Keep in mind that a higher brightness setting gives a shorter battery operating
time—because the internal light is using more power. (The contrast setting doesn’t
affect the operating time.)
Using the Pointing Device
The pointing device is positioned in the center of the keyboard and the two click
buttons are positioned below the keyboard.
The pointing device controls the motion of the cursor on the screen by detecting
pressure. The pointing device itself does not move. The cursor speed corresponds to
the amount of pressure. The click buttons work like those on a standard mouse—
what they do depends on the software that is used.
In this section you’ll learn how to
• Use the pointing device.
• Clean the pointing device cap.
• Customize the pointing device.
To use the pointing device
1. Place your hands in the typing position.
2. With your index finger, press the pointing device in the direction you want the
pointer to move.
3. Pressing the pointing device away from you moves the cursor up the screen and
pressing it toward you moves the cursor down the screen.
4. Click the buttons with your thumb to select and drag.
To clean the pointing device

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The cap on the end of the pointing device is removable.
• To maintain a smooth pointing operation, occasionally remove the cap and clean
it with a soft moistened cloth. When the cap wears out, you can replace it with
one of the spares shipped with your OmniBook.
To customize the pointing device
The following changes apply to the built-in pointing device—or an external mouse, if
you’ve enabled one. If you connect an external PS/2 mouse, it disables the pointing
device.
1. Go to Program Manager.
2. From the Main group, double-click Control Panel.
3. Double-click the Mouse icon to open the Mouse Properties box.
The options in the Mouse Properties box let you
• Change the response speed of the pointing device.
• Change how fast you double-click.
• Swap the left and right buttons.

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4. Select the settings you want, then click OK.
Using Sound
All OmniBook 5500 models support Sound Blaster compatible sound.
In this section you’ll learn how to
• Adjust the speaker volume.
• Connect a microphone, speakers, or headphones.
• Record sound.
• Play sound.
To adjust the speaker volume
• Hold down FN and press F8 or F9 as needed to gradually increase or decrease
the maximum volume.
–or–
1. Go to Program Manager.
2. From the Main group, double-click the OmniBook Tools icon.
3. Click Sound, then Volume and Mixer.
4. Use the mouse to drag the Master Volume slider bars. The volume responds as
you drag.
5. Click OK to close the window and keep the current settings. Cancel returns to
the previous settings.

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To temporarily silence the speaker output without changing the volume setting, click
Mute in the Volume window. You can use the other controls in Volume-Mixer Control
to control the volumes of individual sound sources—see “To record sound” and “To
play sound”.
Important
When you adjust the volume using the Fn+F8 or Fn+F9 key combinations, you are
adjusting the current volume and you are also setting the maximum volume that can
be played in Windows. If the volume in Windows is too low, you may want to adjust
it with the FN keys.
To connect a microphone, speakers, or headphones
Your OmniBook has a built-in microphone above the keyboard and two stereo
speakers.
You can also plug in an external microphone, external speakers or headphones, and
a stereo input source—such as a CD player.
• Plug the microphone into the microphone jack—the built-in microphone turns off.

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• Plug the stereo speakers or headphones into the output jack—the built-in
speakers turn off.
• Plug a stereo input source into the input jack.
To record sound
The OmniBook contains a built-in microphone for recording sound. You can also
connect an external microphone in the built-in microphone jack.
1. From Program Manager, click Accessories.
2. Double-click the Sound Recorder icon.
3. Press the Record button and speak into the microphone.
4. When finished, click Stop.
To play sound
• To play back the sound you recorded, simply press the rewind button, then press
the Play button.

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If you cannot hear the recording, you can increase the volume from the Effects
menu.
• To play back an existing sound file, open the file, the press the Play button.
Using the OmniBook Keyboard
You can tilt the OmniBook keyboard to a more comfortable typing angle with the
built-in tilt feet located on the bottom of the OmniBook.
To use special features of the OmniBook keyboard
In addition to the standard typing keys, the OmniBook keyboard contains the
following special keys and features:

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Fn combination keys
Use the gold FN key in combination with other keys to execute special functions—for
example, FN+F8 decreases the speaker volume. You press and hold the FN key,
then you press the other key.
Embedded numeric keypad
Press the NUM LOCK (number lock) key to use the numeric keypad. With the
keypad active, keys change to the designations shown on their slanted faces.
ALT GR key
If your keyboard has an ALT GR key to the right of the spacebar, you hold that key
to type the characters printed at the bottom-right corners of keys. For keys that have
four characters, hold SHIFT and ALT GR to type the upper-right characters.
Learning About Windows
To learn about Windows
The OmniBook User’s Guide introduces the OmniBook and shows you how to
operate and maintain your OmniBook. For information about Windows, see the
following sources.
• While the Program Manager window is shown, press ALT, then H, then W.

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• Many bookstores have books about Windows for people with different levels of
experience.

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2. Operating the OmniBook
• Checking the Status of the OmniBook.
• Turning the OmniBook On and Off.
• Restarting the OmniBook.
• Using Storage Devices.
• Upgrading the OmniBook.
• Restoring OmniBook Files.
Your OmniBook has been specifically designed for ease-of-use on the road. It
features “instant-on” power that immediately restores your last screen. Advanced
Power Management (APM) helps to minimize the amount of power you need to run
your programs. And the OmniBook supports a wide variety of storage devices—all
infused with the quality and the attention to detail that are the hallmarks of Hewlett-
Packard.
Checking the Status of the OmniBook
The OmniBook status panel, located above the keyboard, contains indicators that
show the current status of the OmniBook. There are three groups of icons on the
status panel that indicate
• Keyboard status.
• Data storage status.
• Power status.
To check keyboard status
The icons on the right indicate Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock.
Caps Lock This icon appears when Caps Lock is
active.
Num Lock This icon appears when Num Lock is
active.
Scroll Lock This icon appears when Scroll Lock is
active.
To check data storage status
The center icons indicate data storage areas—CD-ROM activity, floppy disk activity,
hard disk activity, and PC card status.
CD-ROM This icon appears when the OmniBook
is reading from the built-in CD-ROM
drive.

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Floppy disk This icon appears when the OmniBook
is reading or writing to the floppy disk
drive.
Hard disk This icon appears when the OmniBook
is reading or writing to drive C.
PC card This icon appears when you insert PC
cards into the card slots. The two
cards identify when one or two of the
slots are occupied.
Power off This icon appears when the OmniBook
is turned off; the “bookmark” icon
reminds you that the state of the
computer has been saved.
To check power status
The left icons indicate power conditions—ac adapter use, battery status, charging
status.
ac power This icon appears when the ac adapter
is plugged in.
Battery status The shading of the battery symbol
shows the approximate charge level of
the battery relative to a full charge.
Battery
charging The lightning bolt symbol appears when the battery is charging. The
battery symbol blinks when the battery
is low.
Turning the OmniBook On and Off
The OmniBook has several On/Off modes that save power when the ac adapter isn’t
connected. The most obvious of these is automatic shutdown—when your
OmniBook has been idle for 3 minutes with no ac power, it turns itself off
automatically.
In this section you’ll learn how to:
• Turn off the OmniBook (Instant On mode).
• Turn off the OmniBook (Save-To-Disk mode).
• Shut down the OmniBook.
To turn off the OmniBook (Instant On mode)
Use Instant On to temporarily turn off the OmniBook when you’re away from it for
short periods. In this mode, the OmniBook display turns off, but the computer saves
the state of the computer in memory, exactly where you were working.
• Press the blue On/Off button.

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The bookmark icon appears in the status panel when the OmniBook is in
Instant On mode.
When you press On/Off again, the last screen displayed appears—there’s no
waiting through a lengthy reboot.
Caution
If you plan to leave the OmniBook in Instant On for a long period of time
without ac power, be sure to save your work first.
If you are connected to a local area network (LAN), be sure to connect the ac
adapter before you press the blue button. Without ac power, Instant On mode
disconnects you from the LAN.
To turn off the OmniBook (Save-To-Disk mode)
Use Save-To-Disk to turn off the OmniBook when you’re away from it for periods
longer than a week. This mode saves the state of the OmniBook to the hard disk
when you turn it off.
1. Unplug the ac adapter if it is connected and undock if docked.
2. Press FN+F12 to save to disk.
When you press On/Off to start the OmniBook again, the last screen displayed
appears—ready for you to resume working.
To shut down the OmniBook
In some situations, you may want to completely shut off the OmniBook so it reboots
when you turn it on. For example, if you are using the OmniBook on a network,
shutting down the OmniBook disconnects it from network resources.
1. Important
Save your work.
2. Exit windows.
3. Press CTRL+ALT+blue On/Off button.
When you restart the OmniBook by pressing the blue On/Off button, the
OmniBook reboots.
Restarting the OmniBook
If an application has trouble starting or seems slow, you may need to close some
documents or even exit some applications to make more memory available. If this
doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to reboot or reset the OmniBook.
In this section you’ll learn how to
• Reboot from the hard drive (drive C).
• Reboot from the floppy drive.
• Reset the OmniBook.