Compaq Deskpro EC Series Quick start guide

Brand: Compaq

Model: Deskpro EC Series

Type: Quick start guide

This manual is also suitable for

Deskpro EC

Compaq Deskpro EC Series

The Compaq Deskpro EC Series of personal computers delivers industry-leading technology for business and home users in an affordable, easy-to-use package. With a range of models to choose from, there's a Deskpro EC Series computer that's perfect for your needs.

All Deskpro EC Series computers come equipped with the latest Intel processors, providing plenty of power for running your favorite applications and multitasking with ease. They also feature ample memory and storage space, so you can store all of your important files and programs without worry.

One of the standout features of the Deskpro EC Series is its exceptional graphics capabilities. With integrated Intel HD Graphics, you can enjoy stunning visuals and smooth performance for gaming, video editing, and other graphics-intensive tasks.

Compaq Deskpro EC Series

Notice

The information in this publication is subject to change without notice.

COMPAQ COMPUTER CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR

TECHNICAL OR EDITORIAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED

HEREIN, NOR FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES

RESULTING FROM THE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE, OR USE OF

THIS MATERIAL. THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND

COMPAQ COMPUTER CORPORATION DISCLAIMS ANY

WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY AND

EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF

MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, GOOD

TITLE AND AGAINST INFRINGEMENT.

This publication contains information protected by copyright. No part of this

publication may be photocopied or reproduced in any form without prior

written consent from Compaq Computer Corporation.

Printed in the USA.

The software described in this guide is furnished under a license agreement

or nondisclosure agreement. The software may be used or copied only in

accordance with the terms of the agreement.

Compaq and Deskpro are registered in the United States Patent and

Trademark Office.

Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, Windows NT, and other names of Microsoft

products referenced herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of

Microsoft Corporation.

Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Celeron

and MMX are trademarks of Intel Corporation.

Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered

trademarks of their respective companies.

Compaq Deskpro EC Series of Personal Computers

Getting Started

First Edition (September 1999)

Part Number 157742-001

Contents

Getting Started Guide iii

chapter 1

Introduction to the Getting Started Guide

Symbols and Conventions .......................................................................................................................1-1

Environmental Commitment ...................................................................................................................1-2

chapter 2

Introducing Your Computer

Front Panel Components .........................................................................................................................2-2

Rear Panel Components ..........................................................................................................................2-3

Drive Positions ........................................................................................................................................2-4

chapter 3

Setting up Your Software

Windows 98 Setup...................................................................................................................................3-3

Using the Welcome to Windows 98 Screen ............................................................................................3-4

Register Now .....................................................................................................................................3-5

Connect to the Internet.......................................................................................................................3-5

Discover Windows 98........................................................................................................................3-6

Maintaining Your Computer..............................................................................................................3-6

chapter 4

Keeping Your System Running

Turning Your Computer On and Off.......................................................................................................4-1

Setting Power Management Features ......................................................................................................4-1

Listing Your System Specifications ........................................................................................................4-2

Routine Computer Care...........................................................................................................................4-3

CD-ROM Drive Precautions (Select Models Only) ..........................................................................4-3

Glossary...............................................................................................................................................................G-1

Index ..................................................................................................................................................................... I-1

iv Getting Started Guide

Getting Started Guide 1–1

Introduction to the

Getting Started

Guide

The Getting Started Guide includes general information about your

computer and its components, the installation of your Windows 98

operating system, and the Welcome to Windows Screen. You should

use the information in the Getting Started Guide in conjunction with

your Setup Poster to set up your computer and install its operating

system. Before you begin the setup and installation process, you

should read the following section on Symbols and Conventions to

understand the formatting conventions used throughout this guide.

Symbols and

Conventions

The following format conventions distinguish elements of the text

throughout this guide:

■ When keys must be pressed at the same time, the action is

represented by the key names and the plus (+) symbol.

■ An arrow (→) indicates a sequence of actions. You will follow the

sequence through a series of menus or screens. During the

sequence, you may need to click or double-click on an item to

proceed.

■ When you need to make a selection with a mouse, you are

directed to “select” or “click” the information.

The following words and symbols mark special messages throughout

this guide:

chapter

WARNING: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to

follow directions could result in bodily harm or loss of life.

1–2 Getting Started Guide

✎ Text set off in this manner presents clarifying information, specific

instructions, commentary, sidelights, or other points of information.

Environmental

Commitment

Compaq is committed to making environmentally friendly products.

Your computer was produced in a chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)-free

factory. All plastics used in the product are stamped with material

composition to make recycling more efficient. Reduce, reuse, and

recycle are words to live by at Compaq.

CAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to

follow directions could result in damage to equipment or loss of

information.

Getting Started Guide 2–1

Introducing Your Computer

Compaq Personal Computers are built on the value, performance,

quality, and reliability that you expect from Compaq and are aimed at

delivering to businesses the latest industry standard technology at the

best value. The new Compaq Deskpro products have been optimized

for ease of ownership—from purchase to use and maintenance.

Set up your computer using the Quick Setup Poster before turning the

computer on. When you turn the computer on, you will go through a

series of screens to set up Windows 98. Be sure to register your

computer at this time. Refer to the Getting Started Guide and the

appropriate Microsoft documentation for setup and operating

instructions.

If you get error messages when you turn the computer on, check all

hardware connections. If this does not fix the error, refer to the

“Solving Common Computer Problems” chapter in the User’s Guide.

chapter

2–2 Getting Started Guide

Front Panel

Components

Front Panel Components

1. CD ROM Drive (select models only)

2. CD ROM Drive Activity Light (select models only)

3. 3.5-inch Diskette Drive

4. Diskette Drive Activity Light

5. Diskette Drive Eject Button

6. CD ROM Drive Eject Button

7. Power Button

8. Power Status Light

9. Hard Drive Activity Light

Getting Started Guide 2–3

Rear Panel

Components

Rear Panel Components and Voltage Selector Switch

1. Mouse Connector

2. Keyboard Connector

3. USB Connectors

4. Serial Port 1

5. Parallel Port

6. Serial Port 2

7. Line Out

8. Line In

9. Microphone

10. Game Port

11. AC Power Connector

12. Voltage Select Switch

13. Video Connector

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock or damage to

the equipment, do not disable the power cord grounding plug. The

grounding plug is an important safety feature. Plug the power cord

into a grounded (earthed) electrical outlet that is easily accessible

at all times. Disconnect power from the computer by unplugging

the power cord from either the electrical outlet or the computer.

2–4 Getting Started Guide

Drive Positions

✎

To verify the type and

size of the storage

devices installed in

your computer, run

Compaq Computer

Setup Utilities. Refer

to the “Computer

Setup” chapter in the

User’s Guide for more

information.

Drive Positions

No. Component Function

1 Drive Bay 1 Typically used for optical devices such as

CD-ROM/ DVD drives.

2 Drive Bay 2 Half-height bays to add optional drives

such as Zip drives.

3 Drive Bay 3 One standard 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB diskette

drive (LS-120 diskette drive).

4 Drive Bay 4 One internal 3.5-inch, one-third height

bay used for a hard drive.

Getting Started Guide 3–1

Setting up Your Software

Your Compaq computer comes with Windows 98 already installed on

the hard drive. After you set up your computer according to the

Computer Setup poster, refer to the steps in this section to set up the

operating system. Compaq has automated most of the process.

However, you will need to provide certain information and select

several settings. By following the on-screen instructions and the

information in the following sections, you will be able to setup your

software quickly and easily and begin to work with your new

computer. The setup process will take 5 to 10 minutes for Windows

98.

Before you begin the setup process, have the following information

ready:

■ Regional settings (the language you want to use during the setup

process). Your software language is determined by the product

that you ordered.

■ Information about your name and company

■ Product Key number from the Certificate of Authenticity

✎ You will find the Product Key printed in a bar code on your

Certificate of Authenticity, which appears on the front of the

Windows 98 booklet that came with your computer. Be certain to

find the correct certificate since there may be two or more

depending on the software that you purchased with your computer.

■

Your time zone, the date, and the time

chapter

3–2 Getting Started Guide

Throughout the setup process, follow these hints:

■ Always use the left mouse button during the selection process.

■ Do NOT install a printer, printer drivers, or any other type of

drivers until AFTER the initial setup process is complete.

Attempts to do so will disrupt the setup process.

■ Prior to or during the setup process, do not attempt to install

additional software or to attach any external devices or drives

(such as printers and ZIP drives, or printer drivers on CD).

■ If you get a Printer Install screen, select Cancel.

■ Once the setup process begins, do not interrupt the process, turn

the power off, or bump or unplug the power cord. If the process is

abruptly stopped or interrupted, you may have to install the

system using the Quick Restore CD, which will take longer.

■ If the screen goes blank or nothing appears to be happening, look

at the drive activity light or the screen for an hourglass. If lights

are blinking or you see an hourglass, the setup process is

continuing. If the computer locks up for more than one hour and

will not continue the setup process, restart the computer to

continue setup. Turn the computer off by pressing the Power

button. Do not use Ctrl+Alt+Del to turn off your computer.

Getting Started Guide 3–3

Windows 98 Setup

Refer to the following table for the steps in the Windows 98 setup

process and for helpful hints during the process:

Screen Title Hint Additional Information

User information If the computer will be used by others,

you should enter generic names (such

as xxx) for your name and company.

Otherwise, enter your name and

company name. Click Next.

This information is difficult to

change; you may have to reinstall

the operating system to change

names.

License Agreement Read and accept the license

agreement. Click the bottom arrow on

the right of the screen to view more text.

Click on the white dot beside “I accept

the license agreement.” Click Next.

You must accept the license

agreement to use your computer. If

you do not accept the license

agreement, the setup process will

stop.

Product Key/Certificate of

Authenticity

Carefully enter the 25-character

Product Key from the Certificate of

Authenticity. You must enter a valid

Product Key before the Next button will

appear and you can proceed.

You will find the Product Key

printed on a bar code on your

Certificate of Authenticity. This

Certificate appears on the front of

the Windows 98 booklet that came

with your computer.

You will need to reenter the

Product Key if you make a mistake.

Start Wizard Click Finish to continue installing

Windows 98.

Enter Windows Password Enter a user name and password if

privacy is an issue (if you do this, you

will have to enter them every time you

turn on the computer). If you receive an

error message while attempting to enter

a password, press Cancel. If security is

not an issue, enter only a user name

and no password; then, this screen will

not appear every time you turn on the

computer. Click OK.

Windows begins installing the

software for your new computer.

You can set or change your

Windows password using the

Password icon in the Control

Panel.

3–4 Getting Started Guide

Using the Welcome to

Windows 98 Screen

The Welcome to Windows 98 Screen contains four options that allow

you to optimize the use of your computer and software:

■ Register Now

■ Connect to the Internet

■ Discover Windows 98

■ Maintain Your Computer

Date/Time Properties Time Zone tab: Scroll through the list at

the top of the screen and select the time

zone corresponding to where you live.

Check the box in the bottom left corner

of the screen to “Automatically Adjust

Clock for Daylight Savings Changes” if

applicable. Click Apply. Click the Time

tab in the upper-left corner of the

screen. Set the time by highlighting the

hour/minute/second and typing in the

correct time. Highlight am/pm and use

the up/down arrow keys to set. Click

Apply, then click OK.

Click Start→Settings→Control

Panel; then double-click Date/Time

to change this later.

Information About Your

Touch Pad

Depending on your computer’s

configuration, this screen may or may

not appear. If this screen does appear:

Click Tell Me More for useful information

about your Touch Pad. Click Close to

dismiss the screen.

Your Touch Pad is different from a

mouse. This overview of features

describes these differences and

the best way to use your Touch

Pad.

Welcome to Windows 98 Press the Begin button to take the

Windows tour, or dismiss the screen by

clicking on the small x in the upper right

corner of the screen.

This screen contains four options.

Double-click on any of the options

to focus specifically on that area,

or take the windows tour to cover

all options. See “Using the

Welcome to Windows 98 Screen”

for more information.

The setup process is complete. Click Start in the bottom left corner of your screen to begin work, or select an

icon from the left side of the screen. You can connect to the Internet from the Welcome to Windows 98 screen

by clicking on the Connect to the Internet option. If you have other questions related to your Windows 98

software, refer to your software documentation.

Screen Title Hint Additional Information

Getting Started Guide 3–5

When you place the cursor over one of the four options, the text to the

right of the option will briefly describe its contents. Double-click on

an option to open it and use its functions. After you open and exit an

option, you will automatically return to the Welcome to Windows 98

Screen.

The Welcome to Windows 98 screen appears automatically each time

you open Windows 98. You may close the screen by clicking on the x

in the upper right corner of the screen. If you do not want the screen

to appear each time you open Windows 98, click on the check mark in

the bottom right corner of the screen. To access the window later,

click Start

→Programs→Accessories→System Tools; click Welcome

to Windows.

with Microsoft and access full Internet support for your system. After

you register, you will have access to Windows Update, the Web

extension of Microsoft Windows 98. You will also be able to access

easy-to-use technical support to find up-to-date answers to your

questions.

You must first be connected to the Internet to begin the registration

process.

Connect to the Internet

Connect to the Internet allows you to sign up and configure your

computer for a new Internet account or to set your new computer to

connect to your existing Internet account.

If you are setting up a new account, the Internet Connection Wizard

will retrieve a list of the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) available in

your area. The list of Internet Service Providers includes additional

CAUTION: Compaq strongly recommends that you do NOT use

Windows Update. Driver updates obtained through Windows

Update could cause a conflict with the drivers already on your

system. Instead, obtain your drivers through Compaq. For more

information, see the “Upgrading Your Computer” chapter in the

User’s Guide.

3–6 Getting Started Guide

information such as prices and options available through each

Provider.

Before you try connecting to the Internet with this option, be certain

that your telephone line is connected to a modem that has been

installed in the computer.

Discover Windows 98

Discover Windows 98 is designed to introduce first-time users to

basic Windows computing. It offers step-by-step instructions for new

Windows users and highlights the features of Windows 98.

Maintaining Your Computer

Maintaining Your Computer offers tips and instructions to schedule

regular automatic maintenance of your computer, optimize the

performance of your hard disk, and free up disk space.

Use the Express maintenance settings to choose the best settings

suggested by Compaq, or choose Custom to select each maintenance

setting yourself.

Getting Started Guide 4–1

Keeping Your System Running

Turning Your Computer

On and Off

To turn your computer on, press the Power button. If a power-on

password has been defined, enter the password at the prompt. If you

enter the password incorrectly, an incorrect password prompt

displays. Try again to enter the password. After three unsuccessful

attempts, you must turn the computer off and back on again before

you can continue.

To turn your computer off normally, shut down through Windows by

selecting Start

→Shut Down. When you see the message “It is now

safe to turn off your computer,” press the Power button. Your

computer will automatically shut off when it is safe to do so.

Setting Power

Management Features

You can set the different conditions, or Power Schemes, under which

your computer will conserve power. You can either choose from a

default power scheme or create one of your own. These power

schemes affect:

■ When the screen times out and goes blank.

■ When the hard drive slows down. Note that the power

management setting for the hard drive must be less than or equal

to the setting for the computer.

chapter

4–2 Getting Started Guide

To adjust the Power Management settings, follow these steps:

1. Click Start

→Settings→Control Panel.

2. Click the Power Management icon.

3. If you want to use a default power scheme, select the appropriate

one from the pull-down menu .

4. Select the Turn Off Monitor drop-down list to adjust the length of

idle time before the monitor will turn off.

5. Select the Turn Off Hard Disk drop-down list to adjust the length

of idle time before the computer hard disk slows down.

6. Click Save As and type in the name for your personal power

management settings or click Apply to activate your new setting.

Listing Your System

Specifications

Compaq Deskpro computers encompass many different models and

configurations. To determine your exact configuration:

1. Click Start

→Settings→Control Panel.

2. Click the Compaq Diagnostics icon.

A progress bar displays while the application analyzes the

components. After approximately one minute, a Summary screen

displays an overview of the computer hardware and software.

3. Click on the icons at the top of the window to display information

about the components in your system.

To see additional information about the components, click the

More button at the bottom of the window.

4. You can print this information by clicking File

→Print.

You will be asked to select the level of information you want to

print:

■ Detailed report (all categories)

■ Summary report (all categories)

■ Current Category

Select the appropriate report and click OK.

5. To exit Compaq Diagnostics, click File

→Exit.

Getting Started Guide 4–3

Routine Computer Care

Follow these guidelines to take care of your computer and monitor:

■ Operate your computer on a sturdy, level surface. Leave a 3-inch

(7.6 cm) clearance around your computer to permit the required

airflow.

■ Never operate your computer with the cover or side panel

removed.

■ Never restrict airflow into the computer by blocking the vents or

air intake. Do not place the keyboard directly against the front of

the computer with the keyboard feet down because this also

restricts airflow.

■ Keep the computer away from excessive moisture, direct sunlight,

and extremes of heat and cold. For information about

recommended temperature and humidity ranges for your

computer, refer to the Compaq Web site at www.compaq.com.

■ Keep liquids away from the computer and keyboard.

■ Never cover the computer’s ventilation slots.

■ Turn the computer off before you do either of the following:

■ Wipe the exterior of the computer with a soft, damp cloth as

needed. Using cleaning products may discolor or damage the

finish.

■ Clean the air vents. Lint and other foreign matter can block

the vents and limit airflow.

CD-ROM Drive Precautions (Select Models Only)

Observe the following guidelines while operating or cleaning your

CD-ROM drive:

■ Do not move the drive during operation. This may cause it to

malfunction during reading.

■ Avoid exposing the drive to sudden changes in temperature which

may cause condensation to form inside the unit. If the

temperature changes suddenly while the drive is on, wait at least

one hour before you turn the power off. If you operate the unit

immediately, it may malfunction while reading.

4–4 Getting Started Guide

■

Avoid placing the drive in a location that is subject to high

humidity, extreme temperatures, mechanical vibration, or direct

sunlight.

■ Clean the panel and controls with a soft, dry cloth or with a soft

cloth moistened lightly with a mild detergent solution. Never use

spray cleaning fluids directly on the unit.

■ Avoid using any type of solvent, such as alcohol or benzene,

which can damage the finish.

■ If any object or liquid falls into the drive, unplug the computer

immediately and have it checked by an authorized Compaq

Service Provider.

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Compaq Deskpro EC Series Quick start guide

Brand: Compaq

Model: Deskpro EC Series

Type: Quick start guide

This manual is also suitable for

Deskpro EC

Compaq Deskpro EC Series

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Compaq Deskpro EC Series Quick start guide

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Compaq Deskpro EC Series Quick start guide

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