HP Advanced Docking Station

User Guide
© Copyright 2012 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.

Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered

trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

The information contained herein is subject

to change without notice. The only
warranties for HP products and services are
set forth in the express warranty statements
accompanying such products and services.
Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting an additional warranty. HP shall
not be liable for technical or editorial errors
or omissions contained herein.

First Edition: April 2012

Document Part Number: 682351-001

Table of contents

1 Components ..................................................................................................................... 1
Top components ...................................................................................................................... 1
Front components ..................................................................................................................... 2
Left-side components ................................................................................................................. 2
Right-side components .............................................................................................................. 3
Rear components ..................................................................................................................... 4
Bottom component ................................................................................................................... 6
Getting more information .......................................................................................................... 7

2 Docking and undocking .................................................................................................... 8

Connecting to AC power .......................................................................................................... 8
Docking the computer ............................................................................................................... 9
Undocking the computer ......................................................................................................... 12

3 Using the docking station ............................................................................................... 13

Turning the computer on and off .............................................................................................. 13
Using the SATA swappable bay ............................................................................................... 13
Inserting and removing drives ................................................................................... 13
Inserting a drive ....................................................................................... 13
Removing a drive ..................................................................................... 15
Backing up your information ...................................................................... 15
Using an optical drive ............................................................................................. 16
Inserting an optical disc ............................................................................ 16
Removing an optical disc .......................................................................... 16
Removing an optical disc manually ............................................................. 17
Installing the HP Docking Station Lock ....................................................................................... 18

Appendix A Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 22

Solving common problems ...................................................................................................... 22
Docking and undocking problems and solutions .......................................................... 22
External device problems and solutions ...................................................................... 23
Optical drive problems and solutions ......................................................................... 23
SATA swappable bay problems and solutions ............................................................ 24

Index ................................................................................................................................. 25

iii
iv
1 Components

Top components

Component Description

(1) Computer power light ● On: The docked computer is on.

● Blinking: The docked computer is in the Sleep or Standby

state.

● Off: The docked computer is off or in Hibernation.

(2) Power button Turns on power to the docked computer.

(3) Visual alignment indicator Helps you correctly align the computer when connecting it to
the docking station.

(4) Docking connector Connects the computer to the docking station.

(5) Docking posts (2) Align and secure the computer for proper connection to the
docking station.

(6) Computer eject mechanisms (4) Disconnect the computer from the docking station when you
press the eject button.

(7) Computer eject button Ejects the computer from the docking station.

(8) Docking light ● On: The computer is docked properly and the docking
station is connected to AC power.

● Off: The computer is not docked properly or the docking

station is not connected to AC power.

Top components 1
 Front components

Component Description

(1) Battery lever Moves the battery support posts forward and backward.

(2) Battery support posts (2) Move inward or outward, adjusting to the size of the battery on
the computer so that the computer fits properly into the docking
station.

Left-side components

Component Description

(1) SATA swappable bay Supports optional 12.7 mm drives, such as hard drives and
optical drives.

(2) SATA swappable bay release lever Releases the drive from the SATA swappable bay.

(3) eSATA connector Connects an eSATA device to the docking station.

2 Chapter 1 Components
 Component Description

(4) Audio-in (line-in) jack Connects home audio equipment, such as CD and MP3
players. It does not support a microphone.

(5) Audio-out (line-out) jack Connects optional powered stereo speakers, headphones,
earbuds, a headset, or a television audio cable.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust

the volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a
headset.

NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack,

the computer speakers are disabled.

Right-side components

Component Description

(1) HP Lock slot Supports the lock component of the optional HP Docking
Station Lock, which can secure either the docking station and
the SATA drive only or the docking station, the SATA drive,
and a docked computer.

NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents.

These deterrents may not prevent products from being
mishandled or stolen.

(2) USB 3.0 ports (4) Connect optional USB 3.0 devices and provide enhanced
USB power performance.

NOTE: The docked computer must support USB 3.0 to take

advantage of the higher speeds that USB 3.0 offers.

NOTE: USB 3.0 ports, also known as SuperSpeed ports,

are also compatible with USB 1.0 and 2.0 devices.

Right-side components 3
 Rear components

Component Description

(1) HP Lock cable slot Connects the cable component of the optional HP Docking
Station Lock, which can secure either the docking station and
the SATA drive only or the docking station, the SATA drive,
and a docked computer.

NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents.

These deterrents may not prevent products from being
mishandled or stolen.

(2) Security cable D-ring tab Attaches an optional security cable, which secures the
docking station only.

NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents.

These deterrents may not prevent products from being
mishandled or stolen.

(3) Mouse connector Connects a PS/2 mouse.

(4) Parallel port Connects a parallel device, such as a printer.

(5) Monitor stand port Connects an optional HP Monitor Stand.

4 Chapter 1 Components
Component Description

(6) Digital video interface (DVI) port/ The DVI port connects a single-link DVI-D device, such as a
DisplayPort 1 flat-panel monitor. The DisplayPort connects either an HDMI or
DVI device using the appropriate adapter.

NOTE: The DVI port and DisplayPort within the same group
cannot be used at the same time. When you connect a device
to the DVI port and then connect a second device to the
DisplayPort, only the device connected to the DisplayPort will
work. Use only one of the ports at a time. If the DVI port and
DisplayPort are located in different groups, you can use both
DVI ports, both DisplayPorts, or a combination of the two
ports.

(7) USB 2.0 charging port Connects an optional USB device.

NOTE: A charging USB port (also referred to as a powered

USB port) allows you to charge connected USB devices.
Standard USB ports will not charge all USB devices or will
charge using a low current. Some USB devices require power
and require you to use a powered port.

(8) Digital video interface (DVI) port/ The DVI port connects a single-link DVI-D device, such as a
DisplayPort 2 flat-panel monitor. The DisplayPort connects either an HDMI or
DVI device using the appropriate adapter.

NOTE: The DVI port and DisplayPort within the same group
cannot be used at the same time. When you connect a device
to the DVI port and then connect a second device to the
DisplayPort, only the device connected to the DisplayPort will
work. Use only one of the ports at a time. If the DVI port and
DisplayPort are located in different groups, you can use both
DVI ports, both DisplayPorts, or a combination of the two
ports.

(9) Power light ● On: The docking station is connected to AC power.

● Off: The docking station is not connected to AC power.

(10) Industry-standard security cable slot Connects an optional security cable, which secures the
docking station only. Supports all industry-standard cable
locks.

NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents.

These deterrents may not prevent products from being
mishandled or stolen.

(11) Keyboard connector Connects a PS/2 keyboard.

(12) Serial port Connects a serial device, such as a mouse.

(13) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

(14) USB 2.0 port Connects an optional USB device.

Rear components 5
 Component Description

(15) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

(16) RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.

Bottom component

Component Description

HP Lock security screw Optionally secures the HP Docking Station Lock to the docking
station.

NOTE: The security screw is not required for the lock to function
correctly.

6 Chapter 1 Components
Getting more information
WARNING! To reduce the risk of serious injury, read the Safety & Comfort Guide. It describes
proper workstation setup, and proper posture, health, and work habits for notebook users. The Safety &
Comfort Guide also provides important electrical and mechanical safety information. To locate this
document, refer to the documentation provided with your computer, or refer to the Accessory User
Guides disc included with the docking station. The Safety & Comfort Guide is also available at
http://www.hp.com/ergo.

● The user guides included with your computer contain comprehensive information about
your computer as well as governmental agency and safety information about the use of your
computer.

● The Accessory User Guides disc, included with the docking station, contains governmental agency
and safety information about the use of this device.

● See the HP website at http://www.hp.com to find product news and software updates.

Getting more information 7

 2 Docking and undocking

Connecting to AC power
The docking station requires AC power for full functionality of all ports.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your equipment:

Plug the power cord into an AC outlet that is easily accessible at all times.
Disconnect the power from the product by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet.

If provided with a 3-pin attachment plug on your power cord, plug the cord into a grounded (earthed)
3-pin outlet. Do not disable the power cord grounding pin; for example, by attaching a 2-pin adapter.
The grounding pin is an important safety feature.
Do not place anything on power cords or cables. Arrange them so that no one can accidentally step on
or trip over them.
Do not pull on a cord or cable. When unplugging a cord from the AC outlet, grasp the cord by the
plug.
WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not attempt to
operate the computer and docking station with a voltage converter kit sold for appliances. Use only the
power cord included with the docking station.

To connect the docking station to AC power:

1. Plug the AC adapter into the power connector (1) on the docking station.
2. Plug the power cord into the AC adapter (2).

3. Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (3).

8 Chapter 2 Docking and undocking

 NOTE: The light above the power connector turns on when the docking station is connected to AC
power.

Docking the computer

To dock the computer:
1. Close the computer. If you close the computer when the power is on, the computer may enter the
Sleep or Standby state. To resume operation after docking, open the computer, and then press the
power button.
2. Slide the battery lever to move the battery support posts inward or outward to ensure that the
computer fits properly onto the docking station.

● If the computer has a standard-size battery that fits into the computer, slide the battery lever
(1) to the left, moving the battery support posts (2) outward.

● If the computer has a large-size battery that extends beyond the computer, slide the battery
lever (1) to the right, moving the battery support posts (2) inward.

Docking the computer 9

 3. Rest the front edge of the computer on the surface in front of the docking station. Then lower the
back edge of the computer downward.

4. Line up the visual alignment indicator on the computer with the indicator on the docking station.

10 Chapter 2 Docking and undocking

5. Align the posts on the docking station with the receptors on the bottom of the computer, and then
gently press the computer down onto the docking station until you hear a click. If the computer is
properly aligned, the docking station docking light turns on.

NOTE: Be sure that the computer is properly aligned, seated, and fully docked. For help with
most common docking problems, refer to Troubleshooting on page 22.

NOTE: The docking light will not turn on when you dock the computer unless the AC adapter is
connected to the docking station and to an AC outlet.

Docking the computer 11

 Undocking the computer
To undock the computer from the docking station:

1. Close the computer. If you close the computer when the power is on, the computer may enter the
Sleep or Standby state. To resume operation after undocking, open the computer, and then press
the power button.

2. Press the eject button (1). The computer disconnects from the docking station.
3. Lift up the computer (2).

12 Chapter 2 Docking and undocking

3 Using the docking station

Turning the computer on and off

When you connect a computer to the docking station, you can turn the computer on and off using either
the computer power button or the docking station power button (1). When you turn on the system, the
computer power light turns on (2). When you properly align the computer to the docking station and
complete docking, the docking light (3) turns on.

NOTE: The docking station computer power light and docking light will not turn on when you dock
the computer unless the AC adapter is connected to the docking station and to an AC outlet. For help
with most common docking problems, refer to Troubleshooting on page 22.

Using the SATA swappable bay

You can use the following optional 12.7 mm drives in the docking station SATA swappable bay:

● Optical drives, such as a DVD±RW/R and CD-RW combo drive or a DVD/CD-RW combo drive

● Hard drive adapters

Inserting and removing drives

Inserting a drive
NOTE: If you are using the HP Docking Station Lock, you must unlock the device before you can
insert a drive into the SATA swappable bay.

Turning the computer on and off 13

 To insert a drive:
1. Turn off the computer.
2. If a protective insert is installed, pull the lever (1) to release the protective insert, and then remove
the insert (2) from the bay. After the insert is removed, the lever returns to the closed position.

3. Slide the drive into the bay until it clicks into place.

4. Turn on the computer.

NOTE: The first time you insert a drive into the SATA swappable bay, the Add New Hardware
wizard may open. Follow the instructions, if necessary.

14 Chapter 3 Using the docking station

Removing a drive
CAUTION: To avoid playback distortion or damage to an optical disc, stop the disc and exit
multimedia software before removing an optical drive.
NOTE: If you are using the HP Docking Station Lock, you must unlock the device before you can
remove a drive from the SATA swappable bay. For more information, refer to Installing the HP Docking
Station Lock on page 18.

To remove a drive:
1. Save your information and close all programs associated with the drive.

2. Stop the drive by following the procedure for your computer's operating system:

● Windows—Click the remove hardware icon in the notification area, at the far right of the
taskbar, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

● Linux—Open File Browser by selecting Computer > Nautilus. Click the Eject icon next
to the name of the drive in the Places list on the left pane of File Browser.
3. Pull the lever to release the drive (1). The drive is ejected.
4. Slide the drive out of the bay (2). After the drive is removed, the lever will return to the closed
position.

Backing up your information

Select computer models support Intel Rapid Recovery Technology (IRRT) on the docking station when
you have a hard drive installed in the SATA swappable bay. IRRT allows you to incrementally back up
the information stored on your computer to the docking station hard drive.

NOTE: IRRT is enabled on select computer models. Refer to the user guides included with your
computer for additional information.

Using the SATA swappable bay 15

 Using an optical drive

Inserting an optical disc

1. Turn on the computer.
2. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the disc tray.
3. Pull out the tray (2).
4. Hold the disc by the edges to avoid touching the flat surfaces and position the disc label-side up
over the tray spindle.

NOTE: If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully to position it over the spindle.

5. Gently press the disc (3) down onto the tray spindle until the disc snaps into place.

6. Close the disc tray.

NOTE: After you insert a disc, a short pause is normal. If you have not selected a media player, an
AutoPlay dialog box opens. It prompts you to select how you want to use the media content.

Removing an optical disc

1. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the media tray, and then gently pull out
the tray (2) until it stops.

16 Chapter 3 Using the docking station

 2. Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer
edges of the disc. Hold the disc by the edges and avoid touching the flat surfaces.

NOTE: If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully as you remove it.

3. Close the media tray and place the disc in a protective case.

Removing an optical disc manually

1. Insert the end of a paper clip into the release access (1) in the front bezel of the drive.

2. Press in gently on the paper clip until the tray is released, and then pull out the tray (2) until it
stops.

Using the SATA swappable bay 17

 3. Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer
edges of the disc. Hold the disc by the edges and avoid touching the flat surfaces.

NOTE: If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully as you remove it.

4. Close the media tray and place the disc in a protective case.

Installing the HP Docking Station Lock

NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents. These deterrents may not prevent products
from being mishandled or stolen.

The HP Docking Station Lock (purchased separately) allows you to secure the docking station, a docked
computer, and a SATA swappable bay drive installed in the docking station.

18 Chapter 3 Using the docking station

Lock position Description

0 Use this position to install or remove the lock and security cable. In
this position, all equipment is unsecured:

● Key cannot be removed from the lock.

● Lock can be installed or removed.

● Security cable can be installed or removed.

● SATA swappable drive can be installed or removed.

● Computer can be docked or undocked.

1 Use this position to secure equipment:

● Key can be removed from or inserted into the lock.

● Lock is secured.

● Security cable is secured.

● Docking station is secured.

● SATA swappable drive is secured.

● Computer can be docked or undocked, and is unsecured.

2 In this position, all equipment is secured:

● Key can be removed from or inserted into the lock.

● Lock is secured.

● Security cable is secured.

● Docking station is secured.

● SATA swappable drive is secured.

● Docked computer is secured.

Installing the HP Docking Station Lock 19

 To install the security cable and lock:
1. Loop the cable around a stationary object.
2. Insert the cable connector into the HP Lock cable slot at the back of the docking station. To locate
the HP Lock cable slot on your docking station, refer to Rear components on page 4.

3. Remove the lock bezel blank from the HP Lock slot on the right side of the docking station (1). To
locate the HP Lock slot on your docking station, refer to Right-side components on page 3.

4. With the lock and key in the 0 position, insert the lock into the HP Lock slot (2).
5. Turn the key to the 1 or 2 position to secure the lock and security cable (3), and then remove the
key.

The following illustration shows the docking station with the HP Docking Station Lock installed.

20 Chapter 3 Using the docking station

Installing the HP Docking Station Lock 21
 A Troubleshooting

This section provides three resources for resolving issues you may encounter when using your docking
station. Try these resources in the following order:
1. Many problems may be easy to resolve, as indicated in the next section.

2. Refer to your computer's Help. The name and location of your computer's Help may vary by
operating system. To locate Help, refer to the documentation provided with your computer.

3. If you need additional assistance, see the HP website at http://www.hp.com/support/. Then

select your country or region.

Solving common problems

Docking and undocking problems and solutions

Problem Possible cause Solution

The docking station does not turn on
after the computer seems to be docked.
The computer may be properly aligned
but may not be fully seated or docked in
the docking station.
Lift the computer away from the docking
station. Realign the computer visual
alignment indicator with the indicator on
the docking station, and then reconnect
the computer. Be sure that the computer
is properly aligned, seated, and fully
docked by gently pressing down on the
computer until you hear a click. If
accessories are attached, they should
now work properly.

The computer is on and seems to be The power cord is not plugged into Properly plug in the power cord.
properly docked, but the docking station either the docking station or the AC
computer power light and docking light outlet.
are not on.

Some of the ports or connectors do not
work, even though the docking light is
on.
The computer may be properly aligned
but may not be fully seated or docked in
the docking station.
Lift the computer away from the docking
station. Realign the computer visual
alignment indicator with the indicator on
the docking station, and then reconnect
the computer. Be sure that the computer
is properly aligned, seated, and fully
docked by gently pressing down on the
computer until you hear a click. If
accessories are attached, they should
now work properly.

22 Appendix A Troubleshooting
 The computer will not disconnect from
the docking station.
External device problems and solutions
Problem
A new device is not recognized as part
of the system.
Optical drive problems and solutions
Problem
The system cannot read the optical disc.
The connectors may be jammed.
The HP Docking Station Lock is in the
locked position.
Possible cause
The computer may be properly aligned
but may not be fully seated or docked in
the docking station.
The device cable or power cord is loose.
The device was connected while
the system was on.
Cabling is incorrect.
You may need to install device drivers
on the computer.
Possible cause
The disc is not properly seated
in the disc tray.
The disc is upside down.
Press the eject button all the way in. If
the computer does not disconnect,
repeat this procedure to disconnect the
computer.
CAUTION: Applying excessive force
may damage connector pins.
Unlock the lock, and then disconnect the
computer.
Solution
Lift the computer away from the docking
station. Realign the computer visual
alignment indicator with the indicator on
the docking station, and then reconnect
the computer. Be sure that the computer
is properly aligned, seated, and fully
docked by gently pressing down on the
computer until you hear a click. If
accessories are attached, they should
now be recognized by the system.
● Be sure that all cables are securely
connected to the device and the
docking station.
● Be sure that all power cords are
securely connected to the device
or the docking station and to an
AC outlet.
Turn off the computer, turn on the device
(if applicable), and then restart the
computer.
Be sure that the device cable is in the
correct connector on the docking station.
Install drivers according to the device
manufacturer’s instructions.
Solution
Remove the disc, reseat it in the disc
tray, and then close the disc tray.
Remove the disc, turn it over, and then
close the disc tray.
Solving common problems 23
 The disc may be dirty or scratched. Replace the disc.

The system cannot eject the disc tray. The disc is not properly seated Manually eject the disc tray as shown in
in the disc tray. Removing an optical disc manually
on page 17.

There is no power to the docking station. ● Turn on power to the system, and
then eject the disc.

● Manually eject the disc tray as

shown in Removing an optical disc
manually on page 17.

SATA swappable bay problems and solutions

Problem Possible cause Solution

The SATA swappable bay drive is not The drive is not properly inserted in the Remove the drive, and then reinsert it as
recognized. bay. shown in Inserting and removing drives
on page 13.

The drive was inserted while the power Restart the computer while the drive is in
was on. the bay.

24 Appendix A Troubleshooting
Index

A E removing 16
AC adapter, connecting 8 eSATA connector, identifying 2 removing manually 17
audio-in (line-in) jack, identifying external device, troubleshooting optical drive, troubleshooting 23
3 23
audio-out (line-out) jack, external monitor port, identifying P
identifying 3 5 parallel port, identifying 4
ports
B H digital video interface (DVI) 5
battery lever, identifying 2 HP Docking Station Lock DisplayPort 5
battery support posts, identifying cable slot, identifying 4 external monitor 5
2 installing 18 monitor stand 4
buttons lock slot, identifying 3 parallel 4
computer eject 1 security screw, identifying 6 serial 5
power 1 USB 2.0 5
I USB 2.0 charging 5
C industry-standard security cable USB 3.0 3
computer slot, identifying 5 power button, identifying 1
docking 9 Intel Rapid Recovery Technology power connector, identifying 6
turning on and off 13 15 power light, identifying 5
undocking 12 power, connecting 8
computer eject button, identifying J
1 jacks R
computer eject mechanisms, audio-in (line-in) 3 RJ-45 (network) jack, identifying 6
identifying 1 audio-out (line-out) 3
computer power light, identifying RJ-45 (network) 6 S
1 Safety & Comfort Guide 7
connectors K SATA swappable bay
docking 1 keyboard connector, identifying 5 identifying 2
keyboard 5 release lever 2
mouse 4 L troubleshooting 24
power 6 levers using 13
battery 2 security cable D-ring tab,
D lights identifying 4
digital video interface (DVI) port, computer power 1 security slots
identifying 5 docking 1 D-ring tab 4
DisplayPort, identifying 5 power 5 HP Lock cable slot 4
docking connector, identifying 1 HP Lock slot 3
docking light, identifying 1 M industry-standard 5
docking posts, identifying 1 monitor stand port, identifying 4 serial port, identifying 5
docking the computer 9 mouse connector, identifying 4 slots
docking, troubleshooting 22 HP Lock cable slot 4
drives O HP Lock slot 3
inserting 13 optical disc industry-standard security
removing 15 inserting 16 cable 5
security cable D-ring tab 4

Index 25
 T
troubleshooting
docking problems 22
external device problems 23
optical drive problems 23
SATA swappable bay 24
undocking 22
turning off the computer 13
turning on the computer 13

U
undocking the computer 12
undocking, troubleshooting 22
USB 2.0 charging port,
identifying 5
USB 2.0 ports, identifying 5
USB 3.0 ports, identifying 3

V
visual alignment indicator,
identifying 1

26 Index