Presario 500 Series
Presario 500 Series Features
Compaq Multimedia (MediaPilot)
Printed and Online References
Compaq Control Center
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Compaq's Commitment To You


Monitor
Microprocessor
Fax/Modem/Answering Machine
Memory
Storage Drives
Expansion Slots
Interfaces
Keyboard/Mouse
Features
Overview

Printed Documentation
Online References

Quick Setup card
The Quick Setup card is a reference for initial unpacking and connecting all components to your computer.  It also identifies the documentation shipped with your computer and getting started suggestions.

Hardware Reference guide
The Hardware Reference guide covers information on using and upgrading your computer.  For example, it contains information on upgrading the memory and microprocessor of your computer.

Software Reference guide
The Software Reference guide has information about MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, TabWorks, and other software utilities preloaded on your computer.  For example, you can find information on using diskettes and protecting your software.

Troubleshooting guide
The Troubleshooting guide covers information needed to help you solve most problems you may encounter.  Probably the most important section of the Troubleshooting guide is the diagnostics section.  It helps you to identify what might be wrong with your computer.  The worldwide telephone numbers of Compaq Customer Support are also listed in the Troubleshooting guide.  Before calling for support, write down the computer serial number and a description of the problem. 

Using Your Printer guide
The Using Your Printer guide explains how to connect your printer to your computer and how to load the necessary Microsoft Windows driver for your printer. 

Fax/Modem/Telephone guides
Set of guides that provide information about your fax, modem, and telephone answering capabilities.  Using Your Built-in Fax Machine guide tells you about sending and receiving fax messages on your computer.  Using Your Built-in Modem guide tells you how to connect to online services and send files to other computers. Using your Built-in Telephone Answering Machine guide tells you about how to set up your computer to answer your telephone and take messages.

Exploring Your Computer
The Exploring Your Compaq Personal Computer is a printed chart  that shows where to find needed information.  When you have a question, the Exploring Your Computer map is helpful in directing you to the right place to find your answers.




About Your Computer
The About Your Computer is the online user's guide which is a slightly condensed version of all the Printed References.  Access to About Your Computer is from the Welcome Center or Learning Center.

Compaq Dictionary
The Compaq Dictionary contains general computer definitions.  Once in the dictionary, you can search for a term and its general meaning.  For example, the meaning of "device driver" is "software that controls and communicates with system hardware."  You can access the Dictionary from the Learning Center.

Tutorials
Compaq installed some tutorials to help you quickly learn to use your computer.  Access to them is normally through the Learning Center.  You also will find other tutorials on the computer like TabWorks and Microsoft Windows tutorial.

Software Help
Most software has help available while you are using the application.  To access, click on Help on the menu bar of the application.
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Topics
Hardware
Software
Communication
Labels
What do I do if my printer is not set up in Windows?
Answer: Adding a printer or changing printer settings is done in the Print Manager.  Step by step information is given in the Using Your Printer guide that came with your system.
My computer has an error message on the screen, is there something that explains the error messages?
Answer: In the Hardware Reference guide there is a table in the appendix that lists the error code and gives actions to try to solve the identified problem.  For example, an Error Code that reads "201-Memory Error" means that your computer has "RAM failure."  The corrective action is to "Contact a qualified service technician."  If the error occurs when you are using an application, the software guide that came with the software will have a troubleshooting section on correcting the problem.
How do I change my monitor resolution in Windows?
Answer: Your monitor came preconfigured for all preloaded software on the computer, but if you want information on video drivers supported or not sure which display mode, drivers to use, or have problems, check the Hardware Reference guide or Troubleshooting guide for help.
What Options are available for my computer?
Answer: A list of options for your computer can be found in the Hardware Reference guide that came with your computer.  Some options available are memory kits, microprocessor upgrades and hard drives.  You also may call our Customer Support Center for the most current information on your product.

What was happening when I first turned on my system, the computer ran for a while before I could use it?
Answer:  Since Compaq sends out computers worldwide, we put a packed version of different languages on all machines.  Unlike other computer manufacturers, Compaq is dedicated to making sure you can be comfortable with your machine wherever you may live.  When you first setup your system,  the software is unpacked with the language you choose and all others are deleted.
Why didn't I receive diskettes of all the software on my computer?
Answer: Compaq has an agreement with the software vendors to pre-load software on these computers.  We are able to most efficiently provide the very latest software versions for you, rather than have to wait for the diskettes from the vendor.  If you need diskettes, you can back up the software on to diskettes by using the Compaq backup utility or diskettes sets can be purchased from Customer Support Center for a nominal fee.  Compaq Customer Support Center phone numbers can be found in the Troubleshooting guide.
What is the warranty of this computer?
Answer: You have a three year warranty on the system, including the monitor.  A warranty packet including a warranty information card and registration diskette is packed with the system.
How do I install software that did not come preinstalled on this system?
Answer: If the software is a Microsoft Windows program you should be able to install it in Microsoft Windows or TabWorks.  Always refer first to the software install instructions that came with the program.  Most non-Windows software programs can also be installed on your system if it is MS-DOS compatible.  Follow the instructions included with the software.

How can I tell if I have a modem installed in my computer?
Answer: Look on the back of your computer.  If you see telephone connector(s), you have a modem installed.  Running the Inspect utility will also tell you if you have a modem installed and display the current modem settings.  Your Hardware Reference guide has more information on using the Inspect utility. 
How do I use my modem?
Answer: If your computer came with a modem installed, there will also be software preinstalled on the hard drive.  From the Program Manager or TabWorks, locate a group/tab for MediaPilot and double click on the icon for the software.  Then follow the instructions to access the modem system represented by the icon.  The printed documentation accompanying the software presents step-by-step instructions about how to access the system.  These instructions are very helpful.
How do I fax something from my computer?
Answer: If your computer came with a Fax/Modem installed, there will also be software preinstalled on the hard drive.  From the Program Manager or TabWorks, locate a group/tab MediaPilot and double click on the icon for the software.  Then follow the instructions to access the fax system represented by the icon.  The printed documentation accompanying the software presents step-by-step instructions about how to access the system.  These instructions are very helpful.
How can I send a FAX of a paper copy on my computer?
Answer: The information on the paper copy must be entered into a file on your computer.  This may be accomplished by typing the information into a file, having someone fax the information to your computer, or using a scanner to input the paper copy information into a computer file.  Then the file can be faxed to the desired recipient.
Phone
Line
Connectors
Security
CD-ROM & Sound (Multimedia)
Mouse/Keyboard Connectors
The mouse and keyboard connectors are marked individually and are interchangeable.
Serial Port (COM1)
The serial port (COM1) is used to connect external devices such as modems and bar-code readers.
Parallel Port (LPT1)
The parallel port (LPT1) is a standard port for connecting most printers. It can be used to connect to external network connectors and digital scanning devices.
MIDI/Game Port
The MIDI/Game port is used to connect joysticks (game controllers) or musical instruments like electronic piano keyboards or digital synthesizers that support standard MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)
Speaker/Microphone Connectors
These connectors are for connecting additional external speakers or headphones and outside input devices like a microphone.
Telephone line Connectors
The telephone connectors are used to connect your computer to your phone line for the Fax/Modem.  Some models may have only one connector.


Number of programs running
Amount of memory required






14" High-Resolution Color Monitor
486 Microprocessor
4 MB of Memory
CD-ROM Drive
Stereo Speakers & Microphone
Built-in Fax/Modem
Two ISA Expansion Slots


Use the mouse to point to your selection, then click the left mouse button.
Computer Checkup
Computer Setup
Exit Control Center
Security Management
Power Management
Control Center
CONTROL CENTER
Power-On Password



Where is the serial number label located?
Answer:  On the side of the computer behind the monitor.
Where is the configuration label located?
Answer:  On the bottom of the tray.
When I register my software it asks me for a serial number. Where is that serial number?
Answer: Software companies place serial numbers on the manuals or documentation for that software.  Sometimes it is on the first diskette of the software.  If you need a serial number for pre-loaded software and the company did not provide you one, use the serial number on your computer.
Question 4
Answer 4


Section Summary
Congratulations!  You are at the end of the features section.  This section taught you benefits and places to find more information for features you have.

Congratulations!  You are at the end of the Compaq Multimedia section.  This section taught you about the Media Pilot applications focusing on the CD Sound System, to help you get the most out of your multimedia system.

Congratulations!  You are at the end of the Printed and Online References section.  This section taught you about the various printed documents and online references to help you efficiently get needed information.

Congratulations!  You are at the end of the Compaq Control Center section.  This section taught you about the Control Center programs that help you efficiently control your computer.

Congratulations!  You are at the end of the Most Frequently Asked Questions section.  This section taught you answers to most frequently asked questions about your computer.

Congratulations!  You are at the end of the Presario 500 Series Guidebook.  If you have not played the "Adventures of Dr. Tekno: The Search for the Brigands of the South Seas,"  give it a try - Its Fun!.  It will give you the opportunity to test your knowledge of the information contained in all the guidebooks.  More importantly, you will be asked questions about the things you have learned about your computer.



Compaq CD Sound System
CD Sound System


Now your computer would restart and you would press the F10 key to go into setup.  You should always save your work and exit any programs your using before restarting the computer.

< Click to Continue. >

Exit the Control Center takes you back from where you started the Control Center.

Video
Compaq/CL5428,640x480x256
Storage
3.5" 1.44-MB diskette drive
420-MB hard drive
Input Devices
Keyboard
Mouse
Processor & Memory
66MHz 80486 DX2
8192KByte Memory
System-ROM-Date: 4/15/94
Communications
Serial port (COM1:)
Parallel port (LPT1:)
Monitor (min)
Energy Saver
Energy Save Timeout:
Hard Drive (min)
OK
Cancel
About
Help
For Timeout values to be made active, your computer needs to be restarted.
Would you like to restart your computer now?
Exploring Your Computer
The "Exploring Your Compaq Personal Computer" is one of the references that came with your computer---it's like an information map.  Its purpose is to chart the locations of on-line references that are available to you.
Congratulations!  You have completed the References topic.
Printed and On-Line References
User Features
Power-on password
Enter password at power-on
Enter password after startup
Enable QuickLock of the keyboard
Set...
Close
Advanced...
QuickBlank the screen when locked
Enter new password:
Re-enter new password:
REFERENCES
The computer comes with special diagnostic software to help identify hardware problems.  To run the program now, select "OK."  When the computer restarts, press F10 when the cursor moves to the upper right hand corner of the screen.  If you do not wish to run it now, select "Cancel."
On
Off
Keyboard
Mouse
Compaq Mouse
Num Lock State at Poweron
Input Devices
Enhanced 101 or 102 Key US and Non US keyboards


Blink LED during Energy Save
NOTE:  Now that the power-on password has been set, it cannot be changed or deleted using this program.  Press F1 for more information.
New password successfully set.  The new password will not take effect until you restart your computer.
