Page 3 - Safety warning notice
Safety warning notice WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on a hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining ...
Page 5 - Table of contents
Table of contents 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 Finding more information about your new computer .....................................................................
Page 11 - Introduction; Finding more information about your new computer
1 Introduction This guide contains general information about HP notebook computers. NOTE: Some of the features described in this guide may not be available on your computer. Finding more information about your new computer The following user guides and reference material are provided with your compu...
Page 12 - Creating a wireless connection; Identifying wireless and network status icons
2 Networking (select models only) Your computer supports two types of Internet access: ● Wireless —Refer to Creating a wireless connection on page 2 . ● Wired —Refer to Connecting to a wired network on page 9 . NOTE: You must set up Internet service before you can connect to the Internet. Creating a...
Page 14 - Turning wireless devices on or off; Using HP Connection Manager (select models only)
Turning wireless devices on or off You can use the wireless button or HP Connection Manager (select models only) to turn on and turn off wireless devices. NOTE: A computer may have a wireless button, a wireless switch, or a wireless key on the keyboard. The term wireless button is used throughout th...
Page 15 - Using a WLAN; Connecting to an existing WLAN
Using a WLAN A wireless connection connects the computer to Wi-Fi networks, or WLANs. A WLAN is composed of other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point. Connecting to an existing WLAN Windows 7 1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. (Refer to Turni...
Page 16 - Roaming to another network
Setting up a new WLAN Required equipment: ● A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (purchased separately) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from an Internet service provider (ISP) ● A wireless router (purchased separately) (2) NOTE: Some cable modems include a built-in router. Check wit...
Page 17 - Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only); Inserting a SIM
Windows does not recognize the new network, follow the same procedure you used initially to connect to your WLAN. Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) HP Mobile Broadband enables your computer to use wireless wide area networks (WWANs) to access the Internet from more places and over large...
Page 18 - Removing a SIM; Using Bluetooth wireless devices; Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
8. Reconnect external power and external devices. 9. Turn on the computer. Removing a SIM NOTE: To identify the SIM slot location, refer to the Getting Started guide. 1. Shut down the computer. If you are not sure whether the computer is off or in Hibernation, turn the computer on by pressing the po...
Page 19 - Connecting to a wired network; Connecting a modem cable
connected using Bluetooth, and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) is enabled on one of the computers, the other computers may not be able to connect to the Internet using the Bluetooth network. The strength of Bluetooth is in synchronizing information transfers between your computer and wireless devi...
Page 25 - Multimedia; Using the media activity controls; Audio
3 Multimedia Your computer may include the following: ● Integrated speaker(s) ● Integrated microphone(s) ● Integrated webcam ● Preinstalled multimedia software ● Multimedia buttons or keys Using the media activity controls Depending on your computer model, you may have the following media activity c...
Page 26 - Adjusting the volume; Checking audio functions on the computer
Adjusting the volume Depending on your computer model, you can adjust the volume using the following: ● Volume buttons ● Volume hotkeys (specific keys pressed in combination with the fn key) ● Volume keys WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume before putting on headphones,...
Page 29 - Video; VGA
Video Your computer may have one or more of the following external video ports: ● VGA ● HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) NOTE: Refer to the Getting Started guide for information about your computer's video ports. VGA The external monitor port, or VGA port, is an analog display interface t...
Page 30 - HDMI; Configuring audio for HDMI
HDMI The HDMI port connects the computer to an optional video or audio device, such as a high-definition television, or to any compatible digital or audio component. NOTE: To transmit video signals through the HDMI port, you need an HDMI cable (purchased separately). One HDMI device can be connected...
Page 31 - Intel Wireless Display (select models only)
Intel Wireless Display (select models only) Intel® Wireless Display allows you to share your computer content wirelessly on your TV. To experience wireless display, a wireless TV adapter (purchased separately) is required. Content that asserts output protection, such as DVD and Blu-ray discs, will n...
Page 32 - Power management; Shutting down the computer
4 Power management NOTE: A computer may have a power button or a power switch. The term power button is used throughout this guide to refer to both types of power controls. Shutting down the computer CAUTION: Unsaved information is lost when the computer shuts down. The shut down command closes all ...
Page 33 - Setting power options; Using power-saving states; Initiating and exiting Sleep
Setting power options Using power-saving states The computer has two power-saving states that are enabled at the factory: Sleep and Hibernation. When Sleep is initiated, the power lights blink and the screen clears. Your work is saved to memory, letting you exit Sleep faster than exiting Hibernation...
Page 34 - Viewing the current power plan
Power settings and timeouts can be changed in Windows Control Panel. To initiate Hibernation: ▲ Windows 7 —Select Start , click the arrow next to the Shut down button, and then click Hibernate . Windows Vista —Select Start , click the arrow next to the Lock button, and then click Hibernate . To exit...
Page 35 - Customizing power plans; Setting password protection on wakeup
Customizing power plans Windows 7 1. Click the power meter icon in the notification area, and then click More power options . – or – Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options . 2. Select a power plan, and then click Change plan settings . 3. Change the settings as n...
Page 37 - Finding additional battery information
Using Power Assistant (select models only) Power Assistant allows you to configure system settings to optimize your computer's power consumption and battery charge. Power Assistant provides tools and information to help you make informed decisions on power management: ● Power consumption predictions...
Page 38 - Using Battery Check; Displaying the remaining battery charge; Managing low battery levels; Identifying low battery levels
Using Battery Check Battery Check in Help and Support provides information on the status of the battery installed in the computer. To run Battery Check: 1. Connect the AC adapter to the computer. NOTE: The computer must be connected to external power for Battery Check to work properly. 2. Select Sta...
Page 39 - Resolving a low battery level; Conserving battery power
NOTE: For additional information about the power meter, refer to Using the power meter on page 24 . The computer takes the following actions for a critical battery level: ● If Hibernation is enabled and the computer is on or in the Sleep state, the computer initiates Hibernation. ● If Hibernation is...
Page 40 - Replacing the battery; Using external AC power
● Decrease screen brightness. ● Before you leave your work, initiate Sleep or Hibernation, or shut down the computer. Storing a battery CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to a battery, do not expose it to high temperatures for extended periods of time. If a computer will be unused and unplugged f...
Page 42 - Testing an AC adapter; Switching between graphics modes (select models only)
Testing an AC adapter Test the AC adapter if the computer exhibits any of the following symptoms when it is connected to AC power: ● The computer does not turn on. ● The display does not turn on. ● The power lights are off. To test the AC adapter: 1. Shut down the computer. 2. Remove the battery fro...
Page 43 - External cards and devices; Inserting a digital card
5 External cards and devices Using Media Card Reader cards (select models only) Optional digital cards provide secure data storage and convenient data sharing. These cards are often used with digital media–equipped cameras and PDAs as well as with other computers. To determine the digital card forma...
Page 44 - Removing a digital card
Removing a digital card CAUTION: To reduce the risk of loss of data or an unresponsive system, use the following procedure to safely remove the digital card. 1. Save your information and close all programs associated with the digital card. 2. Click the remove hardware icon in the notification area, ...
Page 45 - Configuring a PC Card
Configuring a PC Card To reduce the risk of loss of support for other PC Cards during configuration, install only the software required for the device. If you are instructed by the PC Card manufacturer to install device drivers: ● Install only the device drivers for your operating system. ● Do not i...
Page 46 - Inserting a PC Card
Inserting a PC Card CAUTION: To prevent damage to the computer and external media cards, do not insert an ExpressCard into a PC Card slot. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the connectors: Use minimal force when inserting a PC Card. Do not move or transport the computer when a PC Card is in u...
Page 48 - Inserting an ExpressCard
Inserting an ExpressCard CAUTION: To prevent damage to the computer and external media cards, do not insert a PC Card into an ExpressCard slot. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the connectors: Use minimal force when inserting an ExpressCard. Do not move or transport the computer when an Expr...
Page 49 - Removing an ExpressCard
Removing an ExpressCard CAUTION: To reduce the risk of loss of data or an unresponsive system, use the following procedure to safely remove the ExpressCard. 1. Save your information and close all programs associated with the ExpressCard. 2. Click the remove hardware icon in the notification area, at...
Page 50 - Using a USB device
Inserting a smart card 1. Hold the card label-side up, and gently slide the card into the smart card reader until the card is seated. 2. Follow the on-screen instructions for logging on to the computer using the smart card PIN. Removing a smart card ▲ Grasp the edge of the smart card, and then pull ...
Page 51 - Connecting a USB device; Removing a USB device
Connecting a USB device CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to a USB connector, use minimal force to connect the device. ▲ Connect the USB cable for the device to the USB port. NOTE: The following illustration may look slightly different on your computer. You will hear a sound when the device has ...
Page 52 - Using an eSATA device (select models only)
Connecting a 1394 device CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to a 1394 port connector, use minimal force to connect the device. ▲ To connect a 1394 device to the computer, connect the 1394 cable for the device to the 1394 port. You will hear a sound when the device has been detected. Removing a 13...
Page 53 - Connecting an eSATA device; Removing an eSATA device
Connecting an eSATA device CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to an eSATA port connector, use minimal force to connect the device. ▲ To connect an eSATA device to the computer, connect the eSATA cable for the device to the eSATA port. You will hear a sound when the device has been detected. Remov...
Page 54 - Using optional external drives
Using a serial device (select models only) Select computer models include a serial port that connects optional devices such as a serial modem, mouse, or printer. Some serial devices may require additional support software, which is usually included with the device. For more information about device-...
Page 55 - Using the expansion port (select models only); Using the docking connector (select models only)
USB drives include the following types: ● 1.44-megabyte diskette drive ● Hard drive module ● External optical drive (CD, DVD, and Blu-ray) ● MultiBay device Using the expansion port (select models only) The expansion port connects the computer to an optional docking or expansion device, so that addi...
Page 57 - Drives; Handling drives
6 Drives Handling drives Drives are fragile computer components that must be handled with care. Refer to the following cautions before handling drives. Additional cautions are included with the procedures to which they apply. Observe these precautions: ● Before you move a computer that is connected ...
Page 58 - Using hard drives; Improving hard drive performance; Using Disk Defragmenter; Using Disk Cleanup
Using hard drives Improving hard drive performance Using Disk Defragmenter As you use the computer, files on the hard drive become fragmented. Disk Defragmenter consolidates the fragmented files and folders on the hard drive so that the system can run more efficiently. NOTE: It is not necessary to r...
Page 59 - Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only); Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status; Managing power with a parked hard drive
Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only) HP 3D DriveGuard protects the hard drive by parking the drive and halting data requests under either of the following conditions: ● You drop the computer. ● You move the computer with the display closed while the computer is running on battery power. A sho...
Page 60 - Using HP 3D DriveGuard software; Using optical drives (select models only); Identifying the installed optical drive; Tray load
Using HP 3D DriveGuard software The HP 3D DriveGuard software enables you to perform the following tasks: ● Enable and disable HP 3D DriveGuard. NOTE: Depending on your user privileges, you may be unable to enable or disable HP 3D DriveGuard. Privileges for non-administrator users can be changed by ...
Page 61 - Slot load; Removing an optical disc
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 conte...
Page 64 - Sharing optical drives
Sharing optical drives Although your computer may not have an integrated optical drive, you can access software and data, and install applications, by sharing an optical drive connected to another computer in your network. Sharing drives is a feature of the Windows operating system that allows a dri...
Page 65 - Security
7 Security Protecting the computer Standard security features provided by the Windows operating system and the non-Windows Computer Setup can protect your personal settings and data from a variety of risks. NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents. These deterrents may not prevent ...
Page 66 - Using passwords; Setting passwords in Windows
Using passwords A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information. Several types of passwords can be set, depending on how you want to control access to your information. Passwords can be set in Windows or in non-Windows Computer Setup that is preinstalled on th...
Page 67 - Setting passwords in Computer Setup; Managing a BIOS administrator password
Setting passwords in Computer Setup Password Function BIOS administrator password* Protects access to Computer Setup. DriveLock master password* Protects access to the internal hard drive that is protected by DriveLock. It is also used to remove DriveLock protection. This password is set under Drive...
Page 68 - Entering a BIOS administrator password; Managing a Computer Setup DriveLock password
4. When prompted, type your current password. 5. When prompted, type your new password again to confirm. 6. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click the Save icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions. – or – Use the arrow keys to select File &...
Page 69 - Setting a DriveLock password
To apply DriveLock protection to an internal hard drive, a user password and a master password must be set in Computer Setup. Note the following considerations about using DriveLock protection: ● After DriveLock protection is applied to a hard drive, the hard drive can be accessed only by entering e...
Page 70 - Removing DriveLock protection
Entering a DriveLock password Be sure that the hard drive is inserted into the computer (not into an optional docking device or external MultiBay). At the DriveLock Password prompt, type your user or master password (using the same kind of keys you used to set the password), and then press enter . A...
Page 71 - Using Computer Setup Auto DriveLock; Entering an Automatic DriveLock password
6. Type your master password, and then press enter . 7. To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click the Save icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions. – or – Use the arrow keys to select File > Save Changes and Exit , and then press enter . Y...
Page 73 - Using antivirus software
Using antivirus software When you use the computer to access e-mail, a network, or the Internet, you potentially expose it to computer viruses. Computer viruses can disable the operating system, programs, or utilities, or cause them to function abnormally. Antivirus software can detect most viruses,...
Page 74 - Using firewall software
Using firewall software Firewalls are designed to prevent unauthorized access to a system or network. A firewall can be a software program you install on your computer and/or network, or it can be a solution made up of both hardware and software. There are two types of firewalls to consider: ● Host-...
Page 75 - Installing critical security updates
Installing critical security updates CAUTION: Microsoft sends out alerts regarding critical updates. To protect the computer from security breaches and computer viruses, install all critical updates from Microsoft as soon as you receive an alert. Updates to the operating system and other software ma...
Page 77 - Installing an optional security cable
Installing an optional security cable NOTE: A security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen. NOTE: The security cable slot on your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. Refer to the Getting ...
Page 78 - Using the fingerprint reader (select models only); Locating the fingerprint reader
Using the fingerprint reader (select models only) Integrated fingerprint readers are available on select computer models. In order to use the fingerprint reader, you must set up a user account with a password on the computer. This account allows you to log on to your computer with a swipe of a desig...
Page 79 - Maintenance
Page 80 - Cleaning your computer; Cleaning products; Cleaning the display
Cleaning your computer Cleaning products Use the following products to safely clean and disinfect your notebook or tablet PC: ● Dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride 0.3 percent maximum concentration (For example: germicidal disposable wipes. These wipes come in a variety of brand names.) ● Alcohol-free...
Page 81 - Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard; Cleaning a tablet PC pen and pen holder; Updating programs and drivers
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard CAUTION: When cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard, do not let liquids drip between the keys. This can permanently damage internal components. ● To clean and disinfect the TouchPad and keyboard, use a soft microfiber cloth or chamois moistened with one of the cleanin...
Page 82 - Using SoftPaq Download Manager
Using SoftPaq Download Manager HP SoftPaq Download Manager (SDM) is a tool that provides quick access to SoftPaq information for HP business computers without requiring the SoftPaq number. Using this tool, you can easily search for SoftPaqs, and then download and unpack them. SoftPaq Download Manage...
Page 83 - Using Computer Setup; Starting Computer Setup; Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup
9 Computer Setup (BIOS) and System Diagnostics Using Computer Setup Computer Setup, or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), controls communication between all the input and output devices on the system (such as disk drives, display, keyboard, mouse, and printer). Computer Setup includes settings for th...
Page 84 - Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup
74 Chapter 9 Computer Setup (BIOS) and System Diagnostics To exit Computer Setup menus, choose one of the following methods: ● To exit Computer Setup menus without saving your changes: Click the Exit icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions. – or – Use ...
Page 85 - Updating the BIOS; Determining the BIOS version; Downloading a BIOS update
Updating the BIOS Updated versions of the BIOS may be available on the HP Web site. Most BIOS updates on the HP Web site are packaged in compressed files called SoftPaqs . Some download packages contain a file named Readme.txt, which contains information regarding installing and troubleshooting the ...
Page 86 - Using System Diagnostics
76 Chapter 9 Computer Setup (BIOS) and System Diagnostics NOTE: If you connect your computer to a network, consult the network administrator before installing any software updates, especially system BIOS updates. BIOS installation procedures vary. Follow any instructions that are displayed on the sc...
Page 87 - About the boot device order
10 MultiBoot About the boot device order As the computer starts, the system attempts to boot from enabled boot devices. The MultiBoot utility, which is enabled at the factory, controls the order in which the system selects a boot device. Boot devices can include optical drives, diskette drives, a ne...
Page 88 - Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup
Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup The computer will boot to a USB device or a NIC device only if the device has first been enabled in Computer Setup. To start Computer Setup and enable a USB device or a NIC device as a boot device, follow these steps: 1. Turn on or restart the computer, and th...
Page 90 - Choosing MultiBoot preferences; Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup; Dynamically choosing a boot device using the F9 prompt
Choosing MultiBoot preferences You can use MultiBoot in the following ways: ● To set a new boot order that the computer uses each time it is turned on, by changing the boot order in Computer Setup. ● To dynamically choose the boot device, by pressing esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu...
Page 91 - Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt; Entering MultiBoot Express preferences
Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt To start Computer Setup and set the computer to display the MultiBoot startup location menu each time the computer is started or restarted, follow these steps: 1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” mes...
Page 92 - 1 Management; Using Client Management Solutions; Configuring and deploying a software image
82 Chapter 11 Management 11 Management Using Client Management Solutions Client Management Solutions software provides standards-based solutions for managing client (user) desktop, workstation, notebook, and tablet computers in a networked environment. Client management includes the following key ca...
Page 93 - Managing and updating software; HP Client Manager for Altiris (select models only)
Managing and updating software HP provides several tools for managing and updating software on client computers: ● HP Client Manager for Altiris (select models only) NOTE: To download HP Client Manager for Altiris or to obtain more information about HP Client Manager for Altiris, see the HP Web site...
Page 97 - Enabling the iAMT solution; Using the MEBx setup utility menus
Enabling the iAMT solution To configure iAMT settings: NOTE: The ctrl + p prompt is visible only if the AMT Setup Prompt option is enabled in Computer Setup. 1. Turn on or restart the computer. 2. Before Windows starts up, press ctrl + p . NOTE: If you do not press ctrl + p at the appropriate time, ...
Page 99 - A Traveling with the computer
A Traveling with the computer For best results, follow these traveling and shipping tips: ● Prepare the computer for traveling or shipping: ◦ Back up your information. ◦ Remove all discs and all external media cards, such as digital cards. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the computer, damag...
Page 101 - B Troubleshooting resources
B Troubleshooting resources ● Access Web site links and additional information about the computer through Help and Support. Select Start > Help and Support . NOTE: Some checkup and repair tools require an Internet connection. HP also provides additional tools that do not require an Internet conne...
Page 102 - C Electrostatic Discharge
C Electrostatic Discharge Electrostatic discharge is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact—for example, the shock you receive when you walk across the carpet and touch a metal door knob. A discharge of static electricity from fingers or other electrostatic conductors m...
Page 103 - Index
Index Symbols/Numerics 1394 cable, connecting 42 1394 devices connecting 42 defined 41 removing 42 16-bit PC Cards 34 32-bit PC Cards 34 A AC adapter, testing 32 administrator password 56 airport security devices 47 Altiris Deployment Solutions 82 antivirus software 63 audio functions, checking 16 A...
