HP OmniBook 800 - Notebook PC User manual

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HP OmniBook 800
User’s Guide
(Windows for Workgroups)
HP OMNIBOOK 800 USER’S GUIDE .......................................................4
Using This Online Manual ....................................................................................................4
Finding More Information ....................................................................................................4
Notice.....................................................................................................................................4
1. GETTING COMFORTABLE..................................................................6
Identifying Parts of the OmniBook.......................................................................................6
Adjusting the Display ............................................................................................................8
To adjust the display............................................................................................................8
Using the Mouse.....................................................................................................................9
To use the mouse.................................................................................................................9
To replace the mouse.........................................................................................................10
Using Sound.........................................................................................................................11
To adjust the speaker volume.............................................................................................11
To connect a microphone, speakers, or headphones............................................................11
To record and play sound...................................................................................................12
Using the OmniBook Keyboard..........................................................................................13
To use special features of the OmniBook keyboard.............................................................13
To start an application with a hot key ................................................................................14
Learning About Windows....................................................................................................17
To learn about Windows....................................................................................................17
2. OPERATING THE OMNIBOOK ..........................................................18
Checking the Status of the OmniBook................................................................................18
To view or hide the Status Panel........................................................................................18
To move the Status Panel...................................................................................................19
To configure the Status Panel.............................................................................................19
Starting and Stopping the OmniBook.................................................................................20
To start the OmniBook ......................................................................................................20
To stop the OmniBook.......................................................................................................20
To reset and restart the OmniBook.....................................................................................21
Using Storage Devices..........................................................................................................23
To connect the floppy drive................................................................................................23

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To insert a PC card............................................................................................................24
To remove a PC card .........................................................................................................26
3. MANAGING BATTERY POWER.........................................................27
Monitoring Battery Power ..................................................................................................27
To get the battery status.....................................................................................................27
Recharging and Replacing Batteries ..................................................................................28
To recharge the battery or run on ac power ........................................................................28
To replace the battery.........................................................................................................29
Controlling Battery Power..................................................................................................31
To respond to a low-battery warning..................................................................................31
To save battery power ........................................................................................................31
To change how power is managed......................................................................................32
4. PROTECTING YOUR OMNIBOOK..................................................... 33
Attaching a Security Cable..................................................................................................33
To attach a security cable...................................................................................................33
Setting Up Password Protection..........................................................................................34
To record your name or other PC identification..................................................................34
To set up password security................................................................................................34
To delete a password..........................................................................................................36
Protecting Your Data...........................................................................................................37
To repair and clean up a disk.............................................................................................37
5. USING THE PERSONAL INFORMATION APPLICATIONS............... 38
Managing Your Time with Appointment Book..................................................................39
To start Appointment Book................................................................................................39
To view your appointments................................................................................................39
To change to a different day, month, or year......................................................................40
To add a new appointment.................................................................................................40
To add a new event............................................................................................................41
To delete an appointment or event .....................................................................................41
To run a program automatically.........................................................................................42
Listing People in Phone Book..............................................................................................43
To start Phone Book ..........................................................................................................43
To add a person to the list..................................................................................................43
To search for a person........................................................................................................44
Getting Answers from HP Financial Calculator.................................................................45
To start HP Calculator .......................................................................................................45
To perform a math function on one number.......................................................................45
To do simple arithmetic.....................................................................................................46

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6. CHANGING THE CONFIGURATION.................................................. 48
Using OmniBook Tools........................................................................................................50
To run OmniBook Tools....................................................................................................50
Using the System Configuration Utility ..............................................................................52
To run the SCU .................................................................................................................52
System Resources.................................................................................................................55
7. TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................57
Solving Problems .................................................................................................................57
Printing Problems..............................................................................................................57
Memory Problems..............................................................................................................58
Mouse Problems ................................................................................................................58
File, Drive, and PC Card Problems ....................................................................................59
Communications Problems ................................................................................................60
Sound Problems.................................................................................................................61
Display Problems...............................................................................................................61
Power Problems.................................................................................................................61
Lockup Problems...............................................................................................................63

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HP OmniBook 800 User’s Guide
This manual describes how to use the OmniBook with the Microsoft® Windows® for
Workgroups operating system. It focuses on the special Hewlett-Packard hardware
and software, not the Windows operating system itself. For questions about the
operating system, refer to the online Windows manual (see the OmniBook Library
group in Program Manager).
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.
Hint
Hold FN and press ESC (FN+ESC) to hide the Status Panel while the manual is
open—so it doesn’t get in the way of the manual. Press FN+ESC again to show the
Status Panel.
Finding More Information
This OmniBook User’s Guide introduces the OmniBook and shows you how to
operate your OmniBook. For more information about using your OmniBook, look in
these additional places:
• The OmniBook Installation and Setup Guide shows how to set up the operating
system, install and connect accessories, and maintain and upgrade the
OmniBook. It also includes troubleshooting information.
• 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 manual was completed. Double-click the OmniBook Notes icon in the
OmniBook Library.
• Many bookstores have books about Windows and MS-DOS for people with
different levels of experience.
• For updates and technical information, connect to our Web site on the internet at
http://www.hp.com/go/omnibook. You can also find information about setting up
operating systems and accessories such as network cards, get answers to
common questions, and download electronic copies of documents.
Notice

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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 1997. 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., and NeoMagic, Inc. See the individual
programs for additional copyright notices.
Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation (U.S. patent numbers 4955066 and 4974159). Pentium is a U.S.
registered trademark of Intel 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 1997

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1. Getting Comfortable
• Identifying Parts of the OmniBook.
• Adjusting the Display.
• Using the Mouse.
• 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, its own built-in mouse, and Microsoft Windows.
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. Most of these parts are
discussed in this manual.
1. Latch 5. Card slots 9. Mouse-eject button
2. Security connector 6. Card-eject lever 10. Charging light
3. Fn-key icon strip 7. On/Off key 11. Display adjustments
4. Sound jacks 8. Mouse
11
1
10
6
7
8
9
5
4
3
2
12. Docking/SCSI port 16. Floppy-drive port 20. Memory-expansion slot
13. Parallel port connector 17. VGA output connector 21. Identification pocket

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14. Infrared port (IrDA) 18. AC adapter socket 22. Battery
15. Serial port connector 19. Reset button
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21
20
19
22
18 17 16 15 14 13
The floppy drive connects to the OmniBook externally—see "To connect the floppy
drive."

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Adjusting the Display
Your OmniBook display controls are located above the keyboard next to the mouse
button.
To adjust the display
• Press the ∧and ∨buttons above the keyboard to adjust the brightness.
Hint
Brightness affects battery time. Keep in mind that a higher brightness setting
gives a shorter battery operating time—because the internal light is using more
power.
Use these buttons to make the display dimmer or brighter. Press and hold a button
for fast changes, or press several times for greater control. You also can adjust the
angle of the display for best visibility under the current light conditions.
When you turn on your OmniBook, the display can take 1 minute or more to reach
its normal brightness. Cold temperatures delay full brightness.

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Using the Mouse
The OmniBook mouse is PS/2-compatible.
The mouse is extremely sturdy. Its flexibility allows it to withstand bending and
accidental bumps without breaking.
You use the OmniBook’s two-button mouse just as you do the mouse on your
desktop PC: Move the pointer to the icon or menu you want, and click with the left
mouse button for most operations. Or double-click—click twice rather quickly with
the left mouse button—for certain operations. However, the mouse doesn’t need a
surface to slide on—so you can use it anywhere.
In this section you’ll learn how to
• Use the mouse.
• Replace the mouse.
To use the mouse
To pop out the mouse
1. Press the round mouse-eject button in the upper-right corner of the keyboard.
2. Firmly pull the mouse out past the first resistance to its full extended position—
about 3 inches (8 centimeters).
3. Lift the end of the mouse nearest you—it pops up for a more comfortable shape.
4. Although the arm limits the physical extension of the mouse, it does not limit the
travel of the pointer, as you will see. Just by pushing or pulling on the mouse,
the pointer will continue to travel.
Mouse-ejectbutton
Mouse
Once you’ve popped it out, you can use the mouse with the top popped up or
collapsed. The popped up position is usually more comfortable, especially if you
drape your hand over it as shown. But the collapsed position may be better if you’re
in a cramped environment, or you have to work with the OmniBook on your lap.

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You can customize the operation of the mouse using Windows Control Panel Mouse.
To calibrate the mouse
Each time you turn on the OmniBook, you might notice that the mouse needs to re-
calibrate itself—that is, it needs to redefine its margins.
• Push or pull the mouse against one vertical and one horizontal limit until the
pointer on the screen travels to the edge of the screen.
To store the mouse
1. If the mouse is popped up, press inward on the support arm and press the raised
end of the mouse downward to collapse it.
–or–
Tap down sharply on the raised end of the mouse.
2. Gently push the mouse into the case opening until it latches.
To replace the mouse
1. Tug sharply on the mouse to remove it and its arm from the computer.
2. Slip the arm of the new mouse into the slot inside the mousehole on the
computer. Push the arm in and force it past the first resistance.

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Using Sound
The OmniBook supports Sound Blaster compatible sound.
In this section you’ll learn how to
• Adjust the speaker volume.
• Connect a microphone, speakers, or headphones.
• Record and play sound.
To adjust the speaker volume
• Hold down FN and press UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW as needed to
gradually increase or decrease the volume. (The FN key is at the front-left
corner of the OmniBook keyboard.) This setting is temporary—it applies only to
the current sound file.
–or–
1. In Program Manager, double-click the OmniBook Tools icon (Main group).
2. Click Sound Applications, then Volume and Mixer.
3. Use the mouse to drag the slider bars. The volume responds as you drag.
You can press FN+LEFT ARROW or FN+RIGHT ARROW to change the volume of
just the beeper channel (sometimes called “PC speaker”).
To temporarily silence the speaker output without changing the volume setting:
• Press FN + SPACEBAR. Press it again to cancel. This is a temporary setting.
–or–
• Click Mute in the Volume window.
To connect a microphone, speakers, or headphones
Your OmniBook has a built-in microphone above the keyboard and two speakers.
Although the OmniBook has stereo sound, both built-in speakers play a mix of the
right and left channels.

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Microphone
Headphoneoutput
Lineinput
Microphoneinput
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.
• 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 and play sound
• Use the Windows Sound Recorder application. You can record sounds, and you
can open an existing sound file and play it.
In Program Manager, double-click the Sound Recorder icon (in the Accessories
group).

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Using the OmniBook Keyboard
In the section you’ll learn how to
• Use the special features of the keyboard.
• Start an application using a hot key.
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:
FN combination keys
The orange FN key is located at the front-left corner of the keyboard. Use the FN
key in combination with other keys to execute special functions and to start
applications assigned to the function keys F1, F2, and so on. For example,
FN+DOWN ARROW decreases the speaker volume. You press and hold the FN
key, then you press the other key.
FN Combination Action
FN+ESC Displays or hides the Status Panel.
FN+HOME, END, PgUp, PgDn Moves the Status Panel to another corner.
FN+UP ARROW,
FN+DOWN ARROW Increases and decreases the master volume temporarily.
FN+SPACE Switches the master volume off (mute) or on.
FN+LEFT ARROW,
FN+RIGHT ARROW Adjusts the beeper mix/volume temporarily.
FN+TAB Moves a VGA-sized image to the center or to
the upper left of thedisplay, or expands it to
full size.
FN+PrtSc Selects an external display, both displays
simultaneously, or the OmniBook display.
FN+EQUAL (plus),
FN+HYPHEN (minus) Increases the bus speed to normal or decreases the bus speed to half-speed.
(Some parallel devices require the slower bus
speed.)
FN+On/Off If turn-on password protection is active,
suspends (turns off) the OmniBook so the
password is required at turn-on.
FN+F1 ... F12 Starts the assigned application, which you
can change.
Numeric keypad

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Press the NUM LOCK (number lock) key to use the numeric keypad. With the
keypad active, keys change to the designations shown on their front, slanted faces.
ALT GR key
If your keyboard has an ALT GR key to the right of the spacebar, 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.
¬
‘ALTGR
Unshifted
SHIFT
To start an application with a hot key
If an application has been assigned to keys F1 through F12, then it has a hot-key
assignment. A hot key sequence is a shortcut to start a function or program.
• Press and hold FN, and simultaneously press the function key (F1 to F12) for the
assigned application.
Of course, you can always start an application by selecting it in Windows. The usual
Windows methods work for all applications, whether they have hot key assignments
or not.
To use a FN key
FN is the “key” to hot-key assignments. You can easily set up a hot function key (F1
through F12) for any application present on your OmniBook—then press FN together
with that key to start the application from Windows. The function keys, labeled F1
through F12, are on the top row of the keyboard.
You can use the FN+function-key combination to start an application or switch to a
running application at any time, even if you’re working in another application.
Certain FN+function key combinations are predefined (but redefinable). They are
labeled with symbols above the F1 through F5 keys. Their FN functions are shown
below. Your OmniBook comes with an icon-label strip for Windows for Workgroups
that you can swap for the Windows 95 icon-label strip. You can also print and insert
a new FN-key label that shows other applications that you assign to the function
keys.
Fn+F1 Fn+F2 Fn+F3 Fn+F4 Fn+F5
Program
Manager File Manager OmniBook Tools Status Panel OmniBook User's Guide
To set up a shortcut key sequence (FN key)
1. In the Program Manager window, set Auto Arrange in the Options menu. Arrange
the groups so you can see the group containing the application icon—and the
F1–F12 group icon.

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2. Hold down the CTRL key, then move the mouse pointer to the application icon,
press and hold the left mouse button while you drag a copy of the icon onto the
F1–F12 group icon, then release the mouse button and CTRL key. (See the
illustration below.)
This puts a copy of the icon at the end of the F1–F12 group and assigns the
application to the next available function key. The icons in this group
automatically define the FN keys in left-to-right order—you can see the icons if
you double-click the F1–F12 group icon.
3. Press ALT+F4 at the same time to exit Program Manager (and Windows).
4. At the MS-DOS prompt, type win to restart Windows and activate your new FN
key.
Example: Setting Up a FN Key
1. In Program Manager, hold CTRL while you use the mouse to drag a copy of the
Write icon from the Accessories group onto the F1–F12 group icon.
2. Exit Program Manager, then type win.
3. To start Write, press FN and F6 at the same time (assuming only F1 through F5
were already assigned).
To quit any Windows application, you can press the ALT and F4 keys together.
To make a new FN-key icon strip
1. Make sure you’ve installed a printer in Windows.
2. In Program Manager, open the OmniBook group and double-click the Icon Print
icon.
3. Choose Print. This prints a label that corresponds to the icons in the F1–F12
group.

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4. After the label prints, cut it to size as marked.
5. Use your fingernail or a paper clip to pull out the plastic tray from the pocket
above the keyboard. Use a small piece of tape to attach the right end of the strip
to the right end of the tray. Then reinsert the tray.
To access a FN key combination from a keyboard without an FN key
If you are using a docking system with an external keyboard, you can set up
CTRL+ALT as a substitute for FN.
• Enable the external FN key: In OmniBook Tools, mark the Enable External FN
Key option on the Input Devices tab.
• Substitute the keystrokes CTRL+ALT for FN.

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Learning About Windows
To learn about Windows
This OmniBook User’s Guide does not discuss the Windows operating system.
Rather, it introduces the OmniBook and shows you how to operate it. For information
about Windows, see the following sources:
• Start the Windows tutorial. In the Program Manager window, press ALT, then H,
then W.
• In the Program Manager window, double-click the Windows book icon in the
OmniBook Library group.
• 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.
• Starting and Stopping the OmniBook.
• Using Storage Devices.
Your OmniBook has been specifically designed for ease-of-use on the road. It
features “instant-on” power that immediately restores your last screen. The Status
Panel provides convenient status information. And the OmniBook supports a variety
of storage devices.
Checking the Status of the OmniBook
The Status Panel contains indicators that show the current status of the OmniBook
for the C drive, the three keyboard locks, and the battery power level. You can turn
the Status Panel on and off by pressing FN+ESC.
1. Drive C The disk symbol shows whether the hard drive (drive C) is active (that
is, reading or writing).
2. Keyboard The A, 1, and arrow labels appear if Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll
Lock are active. (Certain applications such as Word also show
keyboard status in the application window.)
3. Power The shading of the battery symbol shows the approximate charge
level of the battery relative to a full charge.
A plug symbol is displayed while the ac adapter is connected and
supplying power.
The electrical bolt symbol means that the battery is being quick-
charged (less than 90% charged).
Indicators other than Power automatically appear only when relevant, such as while
a keyboard lock is active or while a drive is active. For other options, see "To
configure the Status Panel."
In this section you’ll learn how to
• View or hide the Status Panel.
• Move the Status Panel.
• Configure the Status Panel.
To view or hide the Status Panel

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At any time, you can hide or display the Status Panel.
• Press FN+ESC—the panel becomes hidden or visible.
You can’t display the Status Panel if you’ve disabled it. See "To configure the Status
Panel."
To move the Status Panel
• Press FN+HOME, FN+END, FN+PAGE UP, or FN+PAGE DOWN to move the
Status Panel around the corners of the display. This allows you to view what the
Status Panel might be obscuring.
To configure the Status Panel
You can enable or disable the Status Panel and specify its location and contents:
power status, keyboard status, and drive C status.
• Open OmniBook Tools (Main group in Program Manager). On the Personalize
tab, click Status Panel.
–or–
• Run the System Configuration Utility and use the System menu Status Panel
Settings command.

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Starting and Stopping the OmniBook
You can easily start and stop your OmniBook using the blue On/Off key. But at
certain times, you may want to use other methods for starting and stopping your
OmniBook, depending on power considerations, types of active connections, and
startup time.
In this section you’ll learn how to:
• Start the OmniBook.
• Stop the OmniBook in different ways.
• Reset and restart the OmniBook.
To start the OmniBook
• Press the blue On/Off key. Either your previous session resumes or the
computer reboots, depending on how you stopped the computer. See the next
topic.
To stop the OmniBook
You can stop or “turn off” the OmniBook several ways, including “Instant-On” so you
can quickly continue your work where you left off. That’s unlike a desktop PC that
starts from scratch every time you turn it on. Often, the way you stop your OmniBook
depends on how you intend to use it the next time.
•
To stop with “Instant-On” with ac
power, press the blue On/Off key. Display Off: Ready to continue immediately and
maintains external connections. (Most
convenient method for Windows 95 and
Windows for Workgroups if ac power is
available.)
•
To stop with “Instant-On” on battery
power, press the blue On/Off key. Suspend: Ready to resume immediately. You
intend to continue within a week or so. (Most
convenient method for Windows 95 and
Windows for Workgroups if ac power is not
available.)
•
To shut down without saving your
session, shut down Windows, then
hold CTRL and ALT and press the
On/Off key. (For Windows 95, the
OmniBook automatically turns off
when you shut down Windows.)
Off: Starts a new session next time. Reboots at
turn-on. (Standard method for Windows NT and
OS/2.)
Hint