HP OmniBook 6000 Owner's manual

20 Nov 2000
This file contains the most up-to-date information on the following topics:
Sources of Information about the HP notebook computer and Windows
Precautions
SXGA+ Resolution on 15-Inch Displays
Booting from a Floppy Disk or CD
Serial Mouse Problems
Using an Older Microsoft Mouse Model
Changing Smart CPU Mode
Caution: Choosing a Modem Cable
Trying to Make a Modem Connection
Using AOL 5.0 Software
Using a CD-RW Module with a Docking System
Windows Millennium
Signing Up on the Internet (Windows ME and 98)
Windows 95/98
Energy Star Feature for Display Timeout
Changing Display Settings
Playing DVDs
Installing Microsoft Internet Explorer (Windows 95 Only)
Microphone Mute
Using an LS-120 Drive (Windows 95 Only)
Using an LS-120 Drive and a Floppy Drive
Choosing Power Management Timeouts (Windows 95 Only)
Maintaining Power Management (Windows 98 Only)
Suspending while Using Infrared (Windows 95 Only)
Using Media Player (Windows 95)
Using VirusScan without a Floppy Drive
Using a Video Card in the F1477A Docking System.
Windows 2000
TopTools for Windows 2000
Software and Drivers for Windows 2000
Using the Scroll Button
Running the Tour of Windows 2000
Using VirusScan with a Network Connection
Using Dual Display Mode
Resuming from Hibernation
Creating a Boot Disk
Windows NT
Restoring Operation under Windows NT
Setting Up the Internal LAN Adapter
Standby Mode and the F1477A Docking System
Using PC Cards
Installing VirusScan and Card Executive
Installing the Service Pack for Windows NT 4.0
Matching the Keyboard and Driver
Using Media Player
Using VirusScan without a Floppy Drive
Installing Mediamatics DVD Player Software

Dr. Watson Errors during Software Installation
Best Practices for Using Your HP Notebook Computer
Physical Care
General Use
Sources of Information
* The printed Startup Guide introduces the notebook computer and shows you the basics. It also contains
troubleshooting information.
* The online Reference Guide shows how to set up the operating system, install and connect accessories,
and maintain and upgrade the computer (Start, Programs, HP Library).
* The Microsoft Windows manual, shipped with your computer, contains information about using the
standard features of your Windows operating system.
* For updates to the BIOS and other technical documentation, connect to our website at
http://www.hp.com/notebooks or http://www.europe.hp.com/notebooks (European mirror).
Precautions
This section describes certain situations that could cause serious loss of data.
Do not remove a data storage PC Card while it is actively reading or writing. This could cause its data to
become corrupted.
Certain applications, such as Intuit's Quicken, keep their working files open, and they update the files as you
make changes. For such applications, you should open only files that reside on the hard drive, not on a
removable disk. An open file on a removable disk (such as a floppy disk or PC Card) is susceptible to
corruption in certain situations.
Before suspending, docking, or undocking your computer, always save your data and close any applications
you have open, especially applications that are not power aware, audio and video applications, and
applications using PC Cards and I/O devices such as a CD-ROM drive.
SXGA+ Resolution on 15-Inch Displays
Some models with 15-inch displays have SXGA+ resolution (1400x1050) instead of XGA resolution
(1024x768).
If items on the screen seem too small for viewing comfortably, you can adjust certain display settings while
maintaining the SXGA+ resolution. In Control Panel, open Display and try the following suggested settings
on the Appearance tab.
Item Suggested Default
Active Title Bar - Size 21 18
Active Title Bar - Font Size 12 8
Active Window Border - Size 2 1
Caption Buttons - Size 21 18

Icon - Size 42 32
Icon - Font Size 12 8
Icon Spacing (Horizontal) - Size 60 43
Icon Spacing (Vertical) - Size 54 43
Inactive Title Bar - Size 21 18
Inactive Title Bar - Font Size 12 8
Inactive Windows Border - Size 2 1
Menu - Size 21 18
Menu - Font Size 12 8
Message Box - Font Size 12 8
Pallette Title - Size 21 15
Pallette Title - Font Size 12 8
Scrollbar - Size 20 16
Selected Items - Size 21 18
Selected Items - Font Size 12 8
ToolTip - Font Size 12 8
Booting from a Floppy Disk or CD
Some new models have the hard disk drive as the first boot device to minimize startup time. If you want to
boot from a floppy disk or CD, reboot the computer and press ESC when you see the HP logo and prompt,
then select the floppy drive or CD-ROM/DVD drive as the temporary boot device.
Serial Mouse Problems
If you have problems with a serial mouse that you can't resolve using the suggestions in the HP notebook
manuals, you should consider using a PS/2 mouse instead. The PS/2 bus provides better support for
pointing devices than the serial bus does, especially when docking and undocking under power
management.
Using an Older Microsoft Mouse Model
The computer cannot use Standby mode with two of Microsoft's older mouse models (parts #28898 and
#07685). The suspend and resume activity causes the computer to lock up with these mice. If you are using
one of these mice, do the following to prevent this problem:
1. Open the BIOS Setup utility (reboot, then press F2).
2. In the Power menu, disable the setting for Resume on Serial Ring.
3. Save and exit the Setup utility.
Changing Smart CPU Mode
Smart CPU Mode is initially enabled in BIOS Setup. This setting allows the computer to conserve power
when it's running on battery power. This doesn't significantly affect performance in most situations.
However, if you notice slower performance for certain applications while running on battery power, try
disabling Smart CPU Mode in BIOS Setup (press F2 during boot).
Caution: Choosing a Modem Cable

To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line cord to connect the
modem to the telephone wall jack.
Trying to Make a Modem Connection
Many countries impose a blackout period after a modem repeatedly fails to connect to a service provider.
The number of failed attempts and the period of time you must wait before trying again differ from country
to country. Check with your telephone company.
Using AOL 5.0 Software
AOL software version 5.0 automatically detects your modem and changes settings accordingly. However, if
your computer is a modem-only model (Ambit), the ESS generic modem settings may prevent the modem
from connecting at higher speeds. To change the settings, use the AOL software to open the Sign On screen,
then click Setup, Expert Setup. On the Devices tab, select the ESS modem and click Edit, then change the
modem to Hayes Compatible.
Using a CD-RW Module with a Docking System
If you use a CD-RW drive module in your notebook computer and in a docking system, you should
recalibrate the drive each time you move it, especially if you will be writing CDs. Use the CD-RW software
and a clean commercial CD for the calibration.
Windows Millennium
Signing Up on the Internet (Windows ME and 98)
If you use the Easy Internet Signup option for connecting to the Internet, but have trouble making selections
using the keyboard, try using the pointing stick or touch pad instead.
Windows 95/98
Energy Star Feature for Display Timeout
The Energy Star feature is implemented on the notebook computer. This feature automatically turns off the
display after a period of inactivity. This reduces power consumption and extends the life of the display. If
your computer is on and the display is dark, press any key or move the pointing device to turn the display
back on.
Changing Display Settings

You can change display settings using Control Panel Display or right-clicking the desktop and clicking
Properties. However, do not change the default display type for the internal display. Leave it as Default
Monitor (Windows 98) or Unknown Monitor (Windows 95). If you change the display type, certain external
monitors will not be able to use resolutions higher than the resolution of the internal display. Non-Plug-and-
Play (non-DDC) external monitors are affected by this setting.
Playing DVDs
If you're using both the internal screen and an external display while playing a DVD, the DVD image will
not appear on a "secondary" display. If you're using Windows 98 Extended Desktop (dual displays), it won't
be shown on display 2. For any operating system, if you're not using Extended Desktop and both displays
are active, the DVD image won't be shown on a display if it's set up as "secondary"--you can press Fn+F5 to
switch to one display. You can change display settings in Control Panel Display on the Display tab (in
Windows 98, you have to click Advanced on the Settings tab first).
For a computer that doesn't come with a DVD drive, if you want to play DVD movies, we recommend using
the HP F2015A DVD accessory.
If DVDs do not play smoothly on battery power, try connecting the ac adapter. If this fixes the problem,
Smart CPU mode may be affecting performance on battery power. You can turn off Smart CPU mode using
BIOS Setup (press F2 during boot), but this will decrease battery operating time somewhat.
Installing Microsoft Internet Explorer (Windows 95 Only)
Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 Service Pack 1 was installed when you started your computer for the first
time. However, only the standard Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 files have been installed, including the
Internet Explorer 4.01 browser and Outlook Express.
For a complete installation of Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 SP1 on your computer, including all applets
and tools, run the "Internet Explorer 4.0 Active Setup" located under Start Menu, Programs, Accessories,
Internet Tools. This installation will allow you to install all of the following applets and tools:
* Outlook Express
* Netmeeting
* FrontPage Express
* NetShow
* Web Publishing Wizard
* Chat
* Multimedia Enhancement including Real Player
Microphone Mute
The default setting for the Mic Mute setting under the Master Out volume controls is muted (checked) and
the Microphone boost in the Advanced controls for Mic dialog box is set to on. We recommend that you
always use these default settings. If you unmute the microphone and use the built-in microphone, the system
can develop feedback, resulting in a loud squeal.
The record control mic is unmuted. This is the record path for the microphone.
Unmuting the microphone is OK if you are using an external microphone. To access the microphone
settings:

1. Double-click the speaker icon in the Start menu task bar to open the Master Out dialog box.
2. Click Options, Properties.
3. Check Mic then click OK.
The Mic (microphone) options are now displayed in the Master Out dialog box. Click the Advanced button
to access the Microphone Boost setting.
Using an LS-120 Drive (Windows 95 Only)
If you try to format a floppy disk in an LS-120 drive, your computer may stop responding if you have Agate
hot-swap software installed. To avoid this situation, format floppies in the floppy drive module or on
another computer.
If you boot up your computer with an LS-120 drive installed, then later install a CD-ROM or DVD drive
using Agate hot-swap software, the computer may stop responding. This happens because VirusScan is
scanning the CD or DVD as drive A. To avoid this situation, disable scanning of drive A in VirusScan. To
disable this option, double-click the VirusScan icon in the taskbar, then click Properties and view the
Detection tab. Clear the Access and Shutdown options under Scan Floppies On.
Using an LS-120 Drive and a Floppy Drive
If you have Agate hot-swap software installed, and you remove an LS-120 drive and insert a floppy drive,
the floppy drive may be detected as an LS-120 drive by the computer. This situation can cause the computer
to stop responding if you try to remove the floppy drive. Shut down and restart the computer to activate the
floppy drive. However, you can avoid swapping drives by working with floppy disks in the LS-120 drive.
Choosing Power Management Timeouts (Windows 95 Only)
If you have Agate hot-swap software installed, you should use power management timeouts that correspond
to the settings for Max Power Savings in BIOS Setup. If you select longer timeouts, such as those for Max
Performance, the computer may not turn off as expected, causing the battery to run down completely.
Maintaining Power Management (Windows 98 Only)
When Windows 98 detects that your Automated Power Management (APM) system is not operating
properly, it may ask you whether you would like to disable APM. Answer No to ensure longer battery use.
If APM is disabled, the computer will not suspend, hibernate, or timeout.
In some cases, Windows 98 will automatically disable APM and remove the Standby option from the Shut
Down window. Use these steps to restore APM.
1. In Control Panel, open System.
2. On the System Manager tab, expand the System Devices item. Select Advanced Power Management and
click Remove.
3. Restart the computer.
4. In Control Panel, double-click Add New Hardware and follow the prompts to install support for APM.

5. Restart the computer.
If you have problems, visit http://search.microsoft.com/default.asp and search for Q188134 in the Support
& the Knowledge Base. When the search is complete, click on the article entitled "Standby Missing from
Windows Shutdown Dialog Box."
Suspending while Using Infrared (Windows 95 Only)
While the infrared software is running, the computer continually checks for infrared activity. This prevents
it from suspending or hibernating, either automatically by timing out or manually by clicking Start, Suspend
or by pressing Fn+F12. However, it does not prevent the computer from hibernating if battery power
becomes critically low.
To suspend or hibernate, you must first disable infrared communications. Right-click the infrared icon in the
taskbar, then unmark the Enable Infrared option.
Using Media Player (Windows 95)
If Media Player does not play certain AVI files correctly, try opening them with Mplay32.exe. Click Start,
Run, type mplay32 and click OK.
Using VirusScan without a Floppy Drive
Make sure you do not enable the VirusScan option for checking the floppy drive at shutdown. Otherwise, if
you shut down the computer without a floppy drive present, the computer may take several minutes to shut
down and may beep loudly. To disable this option, double-click the VirusScan icon in the taskbar, then
click Properties and view the Detection tab. In Windows 95/98, clear Shutdown under Scan Floppies.
Using a Video Card in the F1477A Docking System.
When using an external video adapter in the F1477A docking system, your computer may lock up if the
computer is suspended, or if you dock or undock the computer while it is turned on.
In Windows 95, to avoid this problem with an external video adapter in the F1744A docking system:
* Set the Primary Video Adapter BIOS setup option to Auto so that the BIOS uses the external video
adapter on boot.
* Shut down your system from the Start, Shutdown menu before docking or undocking.
* Avoid suspending to Standby mode while docked. To avoid suspending to Standby:
- Do not push the blue power button.
- Do not press Fn+R on the keyboard.
- Leave Time-out on AC disabled in the BIOS Setup.
In Windows 98, to avoid this problem with an external video adapter in the docking system, set the Primary
Video Adapter BIOS setup option to Internal so that the BIOS uses the internal video adapter and leaves the
external video adapter for use by Windows 98 as a second video adapter. With this setting in Windows 98,
there are no restrictions to suspending the computer, or docking or undocking the computer while it is
turned on.

Windows 2000
TopTools for Windows 2000
If HP TopTools is not available on your computer, you can download the software from the HP Customer
Care website, www.hp.com/go/support.
Software and Drivers for Windows 2000
To get the latest software and drivers for Windows 2000, check the HP Customer Care website,
www.hp.com/go/support.
Using the Scroll Button
For some applications, the scroll button above the touch pad works normally with the pointing stick to scroll
the contents of the active window. However, for other applications, this method of scrolling isn't supported.
If you want, you can use Control Panel Mouse to change the action of the scroll button so it works like a
standard middle mouse button in all applications.
Running the Tour of Windows 2000
In the Getting Started window, you can click Discover Windows for a tour of Windows 2000. When you're
prompted to insert the CD, click Cancel and type c:\tour to start the tour.
Using VirusScan with a Network Connection
If you connect to a network using a logon that's different from your Windows logon, you may get an error
message from VirusScan each time you connect. To eliminate the message, assign Windows administrator
privileges to the network logon.
Using Dual Display Mode
For Windows 2000, you can extend the desktop across two displays only if you have two display
controllers, such as the built-in controller and a display adapter installed in a docking system. An external
monitor connected directly to the notebook uses the same controller as the built-in display.
Resuming from Hibernation
If your computer has been in Hibernate mode for a day or more, it may appear to stop working after the
resume progress meter finishes. If you want to continue your previous session, you should wait several
minutes instead of rebooting the computer. In some situations, the computer can take several minutes to
resume after being in hibernation for several days.
Creating a Boot Disk

To create a Windows 2000 boot disk, run c:\i386\Bootdisk\Makeboot.exe. You will need four floppy disks.
Windows NT 4.0
Restoring Operation under Windows NT
For Windows NT, if you install new services, hardware devices, or applications, you must reinstall the
Service Pack from the Recovery CD—see the topic farther below. This ensures that the Service Pack
components and other related components work properly. It will not write over any applications, settings, or
drivers you have installed.
For example, if you install Windows network support, you should reinstall the Service Pack so that other
components work properly.
Setting Up the Internal LAN Adapter
If you have an internal LAN adapter, follow these steps to set it up properly. If you do not complete these steps, you
may lose your network connections when the computer suspends or hibernates.
1. In Control Panel, open Network and install network support. When prompted, click Select From List, then Have
Disk and enter the path c:\hp\drivers\lan. Select the 3Com ethernet adapter. You may be prompted for the location
of NT files one or two times--first try the path c:\i386, then use the path c:\hp\drivers\lan.
2. Plug in the AC adapter and reinstall the Windows NT service pack from the Recovery CD. To do this, click Start,
Run, then browse to \NT4_SPX\SpXi386.exe on the Recovery CD, where Xis the Service Pack number.
3. Click Start, Run, then type or browse to c:\hp\drivers\lan\tdiinst.exe. This installs power management capabilities.
Standby Mode and the F1477A Docking System
The computer may lock up if the computer is suspended while docked to the F1477A docking system. This
is true even if the Phoenix APM driver is loaded. To avoid suspending:
* Do not push the blue power button.
* Do not press Fn+R on the keyboard.
* Leave Time-out on AC disabled in the BIOS Setup.
Using PC Cards
Use of some point-enabled cards and possibly other cards may prevent the system from hibernating when
battery power is low. Instead, the batteries can drain to the point of a nonrecoverable shutdown (data is
lost). To prevent this from happening when using these cards, do not leave the system unattended when the
batteries may drain to this low level. Instead, either connect a charger or power the system off. If APM is
installed on the computer, the system will warn about low battery conditions. You should save any data at
this time.
Using multiple PC Cards configured with Auto configuration may cause IRQ conflicts. If this occurs,
configure the PC Cards manually when more than one is installed. When installing an ATA disk, run
winmsd.exe in \winnt\system32\ and click the Resources tab to find an unused IRQ (not displayed in the

list). In the factory configuration, IRQ 9 is usually available. Click OK to quit winmsd and then manually
configure the disk to the available IRQ.
Installing VirusScan and Card Executive
If you will be installing both McAfee VirusScan and Card Executive, install McAfee VirusScan first.
If you've already installed Card Executive, install the Windows NT Service Pack (see the next topic) before
installing VirusScan. If you don't install the Service Pack after Card Executive, you may get an error while
installing VirusScan. If you already got this error, install the Service Pack, then VirusScan.
Reinstalling the Service Pack for Windows NT 4.0
A recent Service Pack is installed by default in the original HP software. It is located on Recovery CD in
the root directory \NT4_SPX, where Xshows you the Service Pack number on your computer. Follow these
steps if you need to install it again:
1. Connect the ac adapter and turn on the computer.
2. From the Start menu, click Run.
3. From the CD-ROM drive, run \NT4_SPX\SpXi386.exe, where Xis the Service Pack number.
Matching the Keyboard and Driver
The Windows NT keyboard driver defaults to the OS language. For example, a unit with a French OS
defaults to the French keyboard driver, regardless of what keyboard is actually installed. If your computer
has a keyboard other than the standard keyboard for your OS language (for example,
French Canadian), the keyboard may not work properly.
To select the correct driver for your keyboard
1. From Control Panel, double-click Keyboard, Input Locales.
2. Select the correct keyboard input locales and layout for your keyboard.
Using Media Player
If Media Player does not play certain AVI files correctly, try opening them with Mplay32.exe. Click Start,
Run, type mplay32 and click OK.
Using VirusScan without a Floppy Drive
Make sure you do not enable the VirusScan option for checking the floppy drive at shutdown. Otherwise, if
you shut down the computer without a floppy drive present, the computer may take several minutes to shut
down and may beep loudly. To disable this option, double-click the VirusScan icon in the taskbar, then
click Properties and view the Detection tab. In Windows NT, clear Floppy During Shutdown under Scan.
Installing Mediamatics DVD Player Software

If you get an error message about the IDE driver while trying to install Mediamatics DVD software, you
should check to see if Piixide.inf is on your hard disk in the c:\hp\Drivers\Piix4 directory. If this file is not
present, download the Windows NT IDE driver from the Customer Care website (www.hp.com/go/support).
Save the downloaded driver in the c:\hp\Drivers\Piix4 directory. Then do the following:
1. In Control Panel, open SCSI Adapter and display the Drivers tab.
2. Highlight the Intel ATA driver and click Remove.
3. Click Add, Have Disk, and Browse. Then go to the c:\hp\Drivers\Piix4 directory and select Piixide.inf to
install the PIIXIDE driver.
This should allow you to install the Mediamatics DVD software.
Dr. Watson Errors during Software Installation
If you get a Dr. Watson error message during a software installation, acknowledge the message and
continue the installation. For more information about the Dr. Watson utility, see the Microsoft website at
http://www.microsoft.com.
Best Practices for Using Your HP Notebook Computer
The following are recommendations on how to maintain your notebook computer during everyday use, as
well as how to prevent potential physical damage or data loss. Hard disk drives and other internal
components are not infallible, and can be damaged by inappropriate handling and operation.
Physical Care
* Avoid bumps or jolts.
- Suspend or shut down the computer before transporting it. This turns off the hard drive. A drop of a
few inches onto a rigid surface while the hard drive is operating could cause loss of data or damage to
the drive.
- Carry the computer in a padded case to protect against bumps and jolts.
- Set down the computer gently. Take precautions against accidental bumps.
- Do not operate the computer while traveling over bumpy terrain.
* Make sure there is adequate ventilation around the computer. Suspend or shut down the computer before
putting it in a carrying case or other enclosed space.
* Do not pick up or carry the computer by the display.
* Do not use the computer outside in the rain or snow (inclement weather) or in any extremes of
temperature or humidity.
General Use
* Set the brightness of your display to the lowest comfortable level. This will help prolong your battery
charge.

* Back up your work regularly. Copy files to floppy, tape or network drives.
* Use a virus scanning program, preferably one that will run automatically, to check the integrity of your
files and operating system on a periodic basis. Check your disk using "scandisk" and "defrag" utilities.
* Before undocking, you may need to shut down the computer.
- For Windows 95 or other Plug-n-Play operating systems, you do not have to shut down before
undocking.
See your manual for details on how to start and stop your HP notebook computer.
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