HP Pavilion N6xxx User manual

HP Notebook PC
Reference Guide

2 Reference 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.
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

Reference 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).

4 Reference Guide
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 3.......................................... December 2000
This manual is printed on recycled paper.

Reference Guide 5
Contents
Introducing the Notebook Computer .............................................................................. 9
Taking Inventory.......................................................................................................... 10
What’s in the Box?................................................................................................. 10
Software bundled on your computer...................................................................... 11
To buy accessories ................................................................................................. 11
To find more information....................................................................................... 12
Identifying Parts of the Computer ............................................................................... 13
Front View ............................................................................................................. 13
Bottom View .......................................................................................................... 14
Back View.............................................................................................................. 15
Status Lights........................................................................................................... 16
Setting Up Your Computer.......................................................................................... 18
Step 1 – Install the battery...................................................................................... 18
Step 2 – Connect ac power..................................................................................... 20
Step 3 – Turn on the computer............................................................................... 21
Step 4 – Set up Windows ....................................................................................... 22
Using Your Computer ..................................................................................................... 23
Operating Your Computer ........................................................................................... 24
To start and stop the computer............................................................................... 24
To reset the computer............................................................................................. 25
To use the pointing devices.................................................................................... 26
To configure the pointing devices.......................................................................... 27
To disable one pointing device .............................................................................. 27
To use the Fn hot keys ........................................................................................... 28
To use the Windows and Applications keys.......................................................... 29
To use the embedded keypad................................................................................. 29
To use the ALT GR key......................................................................................... 30
To adjust the display .............................................................................................. 30
To adjust the volume.............................................................................................. 31
Working in Comfort with a Notebook PC................................................................... 32
Taking Care of Your Computer................................................................................... 34
To protect your hard disk drive.............................................................................. 34
To take care of your computer ............................................................................... 34
To safeguard your data........................................................................................... 35
To extend the life of the display............................................................................. 35
To get the most from your batteries....................................................................... 36
To clean your computer ......................................................................................... 36
Securing Your Computer............................................................................................. 37
To set up password protection ............................................................................... 37
To attach a security cable....................................................................................... 38
To use the VirusScan utility................................................................................... 39

6 Reference Guide
To set PC identification.......................................................................................... 39
To lock the hard disk drive .................................................................................... 40
Traveling with Your Computer...................................................................................... 41
Managing Power Consumption ................................................................................... 42
How the computer manages power automatically................................................. 42
To manage power manually................................................................................... 45
To suspend the computer when closing the display .............................................. 46
Using Battery Power.................................................................................................... 47
To check battery status........................................................................................... 47
To respond to a low-battery warning ..................................................................... 48
To install a secondary battery ................................................................................ 48
To maximize battery operating time ...................................................................... 48
Making Connections........................................................................................................ 51
Using Plug-In Modules................................................................................................ 52
To install hot-swap support.................................................................................... 52
To replace a plug-in module .................................................................................. 53
To connect the floppy disk drive to the parallel port............................................. 55
To insert or remove a CD or DVD......................................................................... 55
To play DVD movies ............................................................................................. 56
Using the Modem......................................................................................................... 57
To connect the modem........................................................................................... 57
To connect to the Internet ...................................................................................... 59
To disconnect from the Internet............................................................................. 59
To dial in to a network ........................................................................................... 59
To change your modem settings ............................................................................ 60
To send and receive e-mail .................................................................................... 61
To send and receive faxes (Windows 95).............................................................. 62
To send and receive faxes (Windows ME or 98)................................................... 63
To send and receive faxes (Windows 2000).......................................................... 64
Connecting to a LAN................................................................................................... 65
To connect to a LAN.............................................................................................. 65
Connecting PC Cards................................................................................................... 66
To insert or remove a PC Card............................................................................... 66
Connecting External Devices....................................................................................... 68
To identify connectors for external devices........................................................... 68
To use an external monitor..................................................................................... 69
To connect a printer or other parallel device ......................................................... 70
To connect an external keyboard or PS/2 mouse................................................... 71
To connect a USB device....................................................................................... 71
To connect a serial device...................................................................................... 71
To connect an audio device.................................................................................... 72
To make an infrared connection............................................................................. 72
To connect to a docking product............................................................................ 74

Reference Guide 7
Configuring and Expanding Your Computer............................................................... 77
Using the BIOS Setup Utility ...................................................................................... 78
To run the BIOS Setup utility ................................................................................ 78
Using TopTools ........................................................................................................... 84
To set up TopTools ................................................................................................ 84
Installing a RAM Expansion Module.......................................................................... 85
To install a RAM expansion module ..................................................................... 85
To remove a RAM expansion module ................................................................... 86
Replacing a Hard Disk Drive....................................................................................... 88
To replace the hard disk drive................................................................................ 88
To replace the hard disk drive holder .................................................................... 88
To prepare a new hard disk drive........................................................................... 89
Troubleshooting Your Computer .................................................................................. 91
Troubleshooting Techniques........................................................................................ 92
Audio Problems...................................................................................................... 92
CD-ROM and DVD Problems ............................................................................... 93
Display Problems ................................................................................................... 94
Docking Problems.................................................................................................. 95
Hard Disk Drive Problems..................................................................................... 96
Heat Problems ........................................................................................................ 97
Infrared Problems................................................................................................... 97
Keyboard and Pointing Device Problems.............................................................. 98
Memory Problems................................................................................................ 100
Modem Problems ................................................................................................. 100
Network Problems................................................................................................ 103
PC Card (PCMCIA) Problems............................................................................. 104
Performance Problems ......................................................................................... 105
Power and Battery Problems................................................................................ 106
Printing Problems................................................................................................. 108
Serial, Parallel, and USB Problems ..................................................................... 109
Startup Problems .................................................................................................. 111
Testing the Hardware................................................................................................. 113
To run the DiagTools diagnostic test ................................................................... 113
Recovering and Reinstalling Software ...................................................................... 115
To recover the factory installation of your hard disk........................................... 115
To replace a damaged Recovery CD ................................................................... 116
To update the computer BIOS ............................................................................. 116
Support and Service ...................................................................................................... 117
Getting Assistance for Your Computer ..................................................................... 118
To get help from the web ..................................................................................... 118
To contact the HP Customer Care Center............................................................ 119
To receive repair service...................................................................................... 120
To prepare your computer for shipment .............................................................. 121
Hewlett-Packard Limited Warranty Statement.......................................................... 122

8 Reference Guide
Specifications and Regulatory Information ................................................................ 125
Hardware Specifications............................................................................................ 126
Modem Reference Information.................................................................................. 129
Modem Reference (3Com)................................................................................... 129
Modem Reference (Ambit) .................................................................................. 134
Safety Information ..................................................................................................... 141
Power Cords......................................................................................................... 141
Ergonomics .......................................................................................................... 142
Battery Safety....................................................................................................... 142
Laser Safety.......................................................................................................... 143
LED Safety........................................................................................................... 143
Regulatory Information.............................................................................................. 144
U.S.A.................................................................................................................... 144
Canada.................................................................................................................. 145
European Union ................................................................................................... 145
Japan..................................................................................................................... 146
International ......................................................................................................... 146
Index................................................................................................................................ 149

Reference Guide 9
Introducing the Notebook Computer

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Taking Inventory
10 Reference 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:
• The display is brighter than those on previous HP notebook computers.
• 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?
• HP notebook PC.
• Main battery (installed).
• CD-ROM or DVD drive module (installed).
• Floppy disk drive module.
• External floppy disk drive cable.
• 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.
• Mediamatics CD (for models with a DVD drive).

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Taking Inventory
Reference Guide 11
Software bundled on your computer
Your computer includes the following software.
Software Function
Softex Bay Manager Lets you swap most modules in the plug-in bay without needing to shut
down and reboot the computer (Windows ME only).
Agaté Tioman Hot-Swap Lets you swap most modules in the plug-in bay without needing to shut
down and reboot the computer (Windows 95 and 98 only).
QuickLink Permits fax transfer to fax machines and fax software, and permits data
transfer (Windows ME and 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.
MusicMatch Jukebox Lets you download, organize, encode, and play MP3 files (Windows ME
and 98 only).
Microsoft Works Provides word processor, spreadsheet, calendar, and more (Windows ME
only).
Microsoft Encarta Provides an online encyclopedia (Windows ME only).
Microsoft Money Helps manage personal finances (Windows ME only).
HP DiagTools Provides hardware diagnostic tests.
DVD Express Controls DVD play (for models with a DVD drive).
HP TopTools Allows network managers and administrators to check the hardware and
software on your computer and how well they are working (not on Pavilion
models).
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 docking solutions, plug-in modules, and other accessories, such as the
following:
• ac adapter.
• Floppy disk drive module.

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Taking Inventory
12 Reference Guide
• External floppy disk drive cable.
• Plug-in modules, such as CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, CD read/write drive, Zip drive,
LS-120 drive, second hard disk drive.
• Replacement hard disk drive module.
• Main battery.
• Secondary battery.
• Weight-saving module, for module bay to reduce travel weight.
• External battery charger.
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. For Windows ME, click Start, Help,
Your HP Notebook, HP Reference Guide.
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. For
Windows ME, click Start, Help, Your HP Notebook, HP Notes.
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 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
Reference Guide 13
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Front View
1. Sleep button. Suspends and resumes operation.
2. Keyboard status lights (left to right: Caps Lock,
Num Lock, Keypad Lock, Scroll Lock).
3. Power slide button. Turns the computer on and off.
4. Pointing stick (pointing device).
5. Click buttons and scroll button.
6. Touch pad (pointing device).
7. Click buttons.
8. Main status lights (left to right): power mode, hard
disk activity, charging status for main battery, and
charging status for secondary battery.
9. Module eject latch.
10. System-off switch.
11. Audio-off button and audio-off light.
12. Infrared port (below the volume control).
13. Volume control.
14. Audio jacks (left to right): audio out (headphones),
external microphone, audio in.
15. Kensington lock slot (security connector).
16. Built-in speakers (one on each side).
17. Built-in microphone.
18. Latch for opening the computer.

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
14 Reference Guide
Bottom View
19. Modem port (on certain models).
20. LAN port (on certain models).
21. PC Card and CardBus slots (upper and lower).
22. Hard disk drive.
23. Main battery latch.
24. Main battery.
25. Plug-in module bay. Can contain a CD-ROM or
DVD drive, floppy disk drive, secondary battery, or
other plug-in module.
26. Mini-PCI cover (no user parts inside).
27. RAM cover.

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Reference Guide 15
Back View
28. Universal serial bus port (USB).
29. Parallel port (LPT1). Use this port for a parallel
printer or other parallel device, or to connect the
floppy disk drive externally.
30. Docking port.
31. PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse port (supports Y
adapter).
32. Serial port (COM1). Use this port for a serial
mouse, modem, printer, or other serial device.
33. External monitor port.
34. ac adapter jack.

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
16 Reference Guide
Status Lights
The computer includes a number of status lights that report power and battery status,
drive activity, and keyboard functions such as caps lock and num lock.
The following diagram shows the status lights on the front of the computer.
1. Power mode.
• Green: computer is on or in Display-off mode (Windows ME, 98 or 2000).
• Amber: computer is in Standby mode or Display-off mode (Windows 95).
• No light: computer is off or in Hibernate mode.
• Red light: computer failed when resuming, and must be reset.
2. Hard disk drive activity.
• Green: computer is accessing the hard disk drive.
3. Main battery 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.
4. Secondary battery 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 battery has a fault.
• Off: The ac adapter is not connected, a secondary battery is not installed, or the
battery is not charging.

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Identifying Parts of the Computer
Reference Guide 17
The keyboard status lights, located above the keyboard, indicate the states of the
keyboard locks.
1. Caps Lock. Caps Lock is active.
2. Num Lock. Num Lock is active. (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.

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Setting Up Your Computer
18 Reference Guide
Setting Up Your Computer
WARNING Improper use of keyboards and other input devices has been associated with
ergonomic injury. For information about reducing your risk, see Working in
Comfort in the online HP Library (for Windows ME, click Start, Help, Your HP
Notebook), or visit our ergonomics Web site, www.hp.com/ergo. For a summary
about working with a notebook computer, see “Working in Comfort with a
Notebook PC” on page 32.
If you are using your notebook computer as your primary computer, or using it for
extended periods, you should use it with a full-size keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
This can reduce the risk of ergonomic injury. See Working in Comfort in the online
HP Library (for Windows ME, click Start, Help, Your HP Notebook).
When you set up your computer for the first time, you’ll need to install and charge the
battery, connect the ac adapter, turn on the computer, and run the Windows setup
program.
Step 1 – Install the battery
WARNING Do not mutilate or puncture batteries. Do not dispose of batteries in fire, or they
can burst or explode, releasing hazardous chemicals. Rechargeable batteries must
be recycled or disposed of properly.
Your computer is shipped with the battery installed. If the battery has been removed, you
should install it:
1. Turn the computer upside down.
2. Insert the front (rounded) end of the battery into the battery compartment on the
bottom of the computer, and lower the back end in until it clicks into place.

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Setting Up Your Computer
Reference Guide 19
To remove the battery
• Slide the battery’s release latch, then lift the battery out of its compartment.

Introducing the Notebook Computer
Setting Up Your Computer
20 Reference Guide
Step 2 – Connect ac power
CAUTION Use only the HP ac adapter included with your computer (or other approved
adapter). Using any other ac adapter could damage the computer and may void
your warranty (see the warranty statement in this manual).
• Plug in the ac adapter, and connect it to the ac adapter jack on the back of the
computer. The computer’s battery then starts charging.
While the battery is charging, you can continue with step 3.