HP 15-1050NR - Manual

Components Top components TouchPad Component Description TouchPad* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen. *This table describes factory settings. To view and change pointing device preferences, select Start > Devices and Printers . Then, right-click the device representin...

Component Description (1) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on and off. Lightly press the button and holdfor two seconds to turn the TouchPad on and off. (2) Left TouchPad button* Functions like the left button on an external mouse. (3) Right TouchPad button* Functions like the right button ...

Button Component Description Power button ● When the computer is off, press the button to turn on thecomputer. ● When the computer is on, press the button briefly to initiateSleep. ● When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the buttonbriefly to exit Sleep. ● When the computer is in Hibernation...

Keys Component Description (1) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions. (2) wireless key Turns the wireless feature on or off. NOTE: This key does not establish a wireless connection. To establish a wireless connection, a wireless network must also beset up. (3) Windows application key ...

Component Description NOTE: The first time you press the mail key, you may be prompted to set up your e-mail account. After you have set up youre-mail, you can press the mail key to quickly access your e-mail. (11) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the fn key. Fron...

Component Description (4) Drive light ● Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed. ● Amber (select models only): HP ProtectSmart Hard DriveProtection has temporarily parked the hard drive. (5) Speaker Produces sound. Bottom components Component Description (1) Vents (4) Enable airflow to cool...

Display components Component Description (1) Ambient light sensor Adjusts the screen brightness levels automatically, based onsurrounding lighting conditions. (2) Internal microphones (2) Record sound. (3) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use. (4) Webcam infrared (IR) light Improves the webcam pict...

NOTE: For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from obstructions. To see wireless regulatory notices, refer to the section of the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support. A...

Labels The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot systemproblems or travel internationally with the computer. ● Service tag—Provides important information including the following: The service tag is located inside the battery bay. ◦ Serial number (s/n) ...

3 Wireless and local area network Using wireless devices Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may beequipped with one or more of the following wireless devices: ● Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless local areane...

Wireless (disconnected) Identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the computerand indicates that all of the wireless devices are off. Wired network (connected) Indicates that one or more network drivers on your computerare installed and one or more network devices are connectedto the network. Wi...

If the wireless light is amber, one or more wireless devices are off. If the wireless light is off, an integratedwireless device, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, ison. The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not t...

Using a WLAN With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of othercomputers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point. NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably. ● A lar...

WLANs in public areas, or “hotspots,” like coffee shops and airports may not provide any security. Newtechnologies are being developed by wireless manufacturers and hotspot service providers that makethe public environment more secure and anonymous. If you are concerned about the security of yourcom...

NOTE: If you do not see the network you want to connect to, click Open Network and Sharing Center , and then click Set up a new connection or network . A list of options is displayed. You can choose to manually search for and connect to a network or to create a new network connection. After the conn...

Using Bluetooth wireless devices A Bluetooth device provides short-range wireless communications that replace the physical cableconnections that traditionally link electronic devices such as the following: ● Computers (desktop, notebook, PDA) ● Phones (cellular, cordless, smart phone) ● Imaging devi...

Troubleshooting wireless connection problems Some possible causes for wireless connection problems include the following: ● Network configuration (SSID or security) has been changed. ● Wireless device is not installed correctly or has been disabled. ● Wireless device or router hardware has failed. ●...

4 Pointing devices and keyboard Using pointing devices NOTE: In addition to the TouchPad, you can also connect an external USB mouse to one of the USB ports on the computer. Setting pointing device preferences Use Mouse Properties in Windows® to customize settings for pointing devices, such as butto...

Using the action keys Action keys are customized actions that are assigned to specific keys on the keyboard. To use an action key, press and hold this key to activate the assigned function. NOTE: Depending on the application you are using, pressing fn and one of the action keys will open a specific ...

Using the hotkeys Hotkeys are combinations of the fn key (1) and either the esc key (2) , or the b key (3) . Function Hotkey Description Display system information. fn+esc Displays information about system hardware components and the systemBIOS version number. Control the bass settings. fn+b Increas...

5 Multimedia Multimedia features Your computer includes multimedia features that allow you to listen to music, watch movies, and viewpictures. Your computer may include the following multimedia components: ● Integrated speakers for listening to music ● Integrated microphones for recording your own a...

Using the media activity keys The media activity keys control the play of an audio CD or a DVD or BD that is inserted into an externaloptical drive (purchased separately). ● When an audio CD or a DVD is not playing, press the play/pause key (2) to play the disc. ● When an audio CD or a DVD is playin...

Multimedia software The computer includes preinstalled multimedia software. If you have an external optical drive (purchased separately), you can also perform the followingmultimedia tasks: ● Playing digital media, including audio and video CDs, audio and video DVDs ● Creating or copying data CDs ● ...

Installing multimedia software from a disc Although your computer does not have an integrated optical drive, you can easily access software, aswell as install applications and access data in either of the following ways: ● Connect an external optical drive (purchased separately) to one of the USB po...

Audio Your computer enables you to use a variety of audio features: ● Play music using your computer speakers and/or connected external speakers ● Control the bass with the Beats Audio feature ( fn+b ) ● Record sound using the internal microphone or connect an external microphone ● Download music fr...

To check the record functions of the computer, follow these steps: 1. Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > Sound Recorder . 2. Click Start Recording and speak into the microphone. Save the file to your desktop. 3. Open Windows Media Player or MediaSmart and play back the sound. NOTE:...

Video Your computer enables you to use a variety of video features: ● Watch movies ● Play games over the Internet ● Edit pictures and video and create presentations ● Connect external video devices ● Watch TV over the Internet Connecting an external monitor or projector To connect an external displa...

To connect an external monitor or projector using the HDMI to VGA Display Adapter, follow these steps: 1. Connect the HDMI to VGA Display Adapter to the HDMI port on the computer. 2. Connect an external monitor or projector to the other end of the adapter. NOTE: If a properly connected external disp...

To connect a video or audio device to the HDMI port: 1. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the computer. 2. Connect the other end of the cable to the video device, according to the device manufacturer’sinstructions. 3. Press the switch screen image key on the computer to switch th...

Webcam Your computer includes an integrated webcam, located at the top of the display. With the preinstalledsoftware, you can use the webcam to take a photo or record a video. You can preview the photo or videorecording, and save it on your computer hard drive. To use the webcam, select Start > A...

Using the ambient light sensor The ambient light sensor (ALS) controls the display brightness and the webcam lighting in low-lightconditions. The ambient light sensor includes the following features: ● Adaptive brightness ● Webcam infrared (IR) light The ambient light sensor is enabled by default. T...

6 Power management Setting power devices Using power-saving states The computer has two power-saving states enabled at the factory: Sleep and Hibernation. When Sleep is initiated, the power light blinks and the screen clears. Your work is saved to memory,letting you exit Sleep faster than exiting Hi...

When the computer exits Sleep, the power light turns on and your work returns to the screen where youstopped working. NOTE: If you have set a password to be required on wakeup, you must enter your Windows password before your work will return to the screen. Initiating and exiting Hibernation The sys...

Different battery meter icons indicate whether the computer is running on battery or external power. Theicon also displays a message if the battery has reached a low battery level, critical battery level, orreserve battery level. To hide or display the battery meter icon: 1. Right-click the Show hid...

Setting password protection on wakeup To set the computer to prompt for a password when the computer exits Sleep or Hibernation, followthese steps: 1. Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options . 2. In the left pane, click Require a password on wakeup . 3. Click Chan...

Using external AC power External AC power is supplied through an approved AC adapter. WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the AC adapter provided with the computer, a replacement AC adapter provided by HP, or a compatible AC adapter purchased from HP. Connect the computer to externa...

3. Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (3) . Testing an AC adapter Test the AC adapter if the computer exhibits any of the following symptoms when it is connected to ACpower: ● The computer will not turn on. ● The display does not turn on. ● The power light is off. To test the AC ...

Using battery power When a charged battery is in the computer and the computer is not plugged into external power, thecomputer runs on battery power. When the computer is plugged into external AC power, the computerruns on AC power. If the computer contains a charged battery and is running on extern...

3. Align the tabs on the battery with the notches on the outer edge of the battery bay (1) and lower the battery into the battery bay until it is seated (2) . 4. Slide the battery lock (3) to lock the battery into place. Charging a battery WARNING! Do not charge the computer battery while you are on...

● Amber: The battery is charging. ● White: The computer is connected to external power and the battery is fully charged. Maximizing battery discharge time Battery discharge time varies depending on the features you use while on battery power. Maximumdischarge time gradually shortens, as the battery ...

Resolving a low battery level CAUTION: To reduce the risk of losing information when the computer reaches a critical battery level and has initiated Hibernation, do not restore power until the power light turns off. Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ▲ Connect one of the ...

Identifying the accessory battery components Component Description (1) Battery fuel gauge When pressed, the battery fuel gauge checks the amount ofavailable battery charge. (2) Battery charge lights Show the percentage of available battery power. ● Blinking: The accessory battery has reached a low b...

3. Lift the accessory battery from the bottom of the computer (2) . Battery charging and discharging sequence Battery charging and discharging sequence varies when both the primary battery and optional accessorybattery are installed. ● The computer supports Fast Charge Mode (enabled at the factory)....

Even if a battery is heavily used, it should not need to be calibrated more than once a month. It is alsonot necessary to calibrate a new battery. NOTE: To calibrate a battery and for additional information, select Start > Help and Support . Storing a battery CAUTION: To prevent damage to a batte...

Shutting down the computer CAUTION: Unsaved information will be lost when the computer is shut down. The Shut down command closes all open programs, including the operating system, and then turns offthe display and computer. Shut down the computer under any of the following conditions: ● When you ne...

7 Drives and external devices Drives Identifying installed drives Your computer includes a hard drive (with a rotating disc) or a solid-state drive (SSD) with solid-statememory. Because it has no moving parts, an SSD does not generate as much heat as a hard drive. Select computer models can support ...

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the computer, damage to a drive, or loss of information, observe these precautions: Before you move a computer that is connected to an external hard drive, initiate Sleep and allow thescreen to clear, or properly disconnect the external hard drive. Handle a d...

Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection (select models only) HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection protects a hard drive by parking the drive and halting datarequests under either of the following conditions: ● You drop the computer. ● You move the computer with the display closed while the comp...

Before you move the computer, HP recommends that you either shut it down or initiate Sleep orHibernation. Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection software The HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection software enables you to perform the following tasks: ● Enable and disable HP ProtectSmart Hard Driv...

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the equipment when connecting a powered drive, be sure that the drive is turned off and the AC power cord is unplugged. 1. Connect the drive to the computer. 2. If you are connecting a powered drive, plug the device power cord into a grounded AC outlet. 3. Tu...

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 disc tray and plac...

External devices Using a USB device A USB port connects an optional external device, such as a USB keyboard, mouse, drive, printer,scanner, or hub, to the computer. Some USB devices may require additional support software, which is usually included with the device.For more information about device-s...

To remove a USB device: 1. Click the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. NOTE: To display the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media icon, click the Show hidden icons icon (the arrow at the left of the notification area). 2. Click th...

CAUTION: To prevent damage to an eSATA connector, do not pull on the cable to remove the eSATA device. 1. Click the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. NOTE: To display the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media icon, click the Show ...

Removing a digital card CAUTION: To prevent 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. NOTE: To stop a data transfer, click Cancel in the operating system Cop...

8 Memory modules The computer has two memory module slots that you can access. The memory module slots are locatedon the bottom of the computer. The memory capacity of the computer can be upgraded by adding amemory module or replacing the existing memory module in one of the memory module slots. WAR...

9 Security Protecting the computer Standard security features provided by the Windows® operating system and the non-Windows SetupUtility can protect your personal settings and data from a variety of risks. Follow the procedures in this guide to use the following features: ● Passwords ● Antivirus sof...

Using passwords A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information. Several typesof passwords can be set, depending on how you want to control access to your information. Passwordscan be set in Windows or in the non-Windows Setup Utility preinstalled on the compu...

Setting passwords in Setup Utility Password Function Administrator password* ● Protects access to Setup Utility. ● After this password is set, it must be entered each timeyou access Setup Utility. CAUTION: If you forget your administrator password, you cannot access Setup Utility. Power-on password*...

Using antivirus software When you use the computer to access e-mail, a network, or the Internet, you expose it to computerviruses. Computer viruses can disable the operating system, programs, or utilities, or cause them tofunction abnormally. Antivirus software can detect most viruses, destroy them,...

Installing critical security updates CAUTION: Microsoft sends 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 analert. Updates to the operating system and other software may hav...

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. 1. Loop the security cable around a secured object. 2. Insert the key (1) into the cable lock (2) . 3. Insert the cable lock into the s...

A Setup Utility (BIOS) Starting Setup Utility Setup Utility is a ROM-based information and customization utility that can be used even when yourWindows® operating system is not working. The utility reports information about the computer and provides settings for startup, security, and otherpreferenc...

Using Setup Utility Changing the language of Setup Utility The following procedure explains how to change the language of Setup Utility. If Setup Utility is notalready running, begin at step 1. If Setup Utility is already running, begin at step 2. 1. Open Setup Utility by turning on or restarting th...

After either choice, the computer restarts in Windows. Setup Utility menus The menu tables in this section provide an overview of Setup Utility options. NOTE: Some of the Setup Utility menu items listed in this chapter may not be supported by your computer. Main menu Select To do this System informa...

Select To do this ● Network Adapter Boot ― Enable/disable boot from external Network Adapter. ● Boot Order ― Set the boot order for: ◦ Notebook Hard Drive ◦ USB Diskette on Key/USB Hard Drive ◦ USB CD/DVD ROM Drive ◦ USB Floppy ◦ Network adapter Diagnostics menu Select To do this Primary Hard Disk S...

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 regardinginstalling and troubleshooting the f...

B Backup and recovery Recovery after a system failure is as complete as your most current backup. HP recommends that youcreate recovery discs immediately after software setup. As you add new software and data files, youshould continue to back up your system on a regular basis to maintain a reasonabl...

Creating recovery discs HP recommends that you create recovery discs to be sure that you can restore your system to its originalfactory state if you experience serious system failure or instability. Create these discs after setting upthe computer for the first time. Handle these discs carefully and ...

Backing up your information As you add new software and data files, you should back up your system on a regular basis to maintaina reasonably current backup. Back up your system at the following times: ● At regularly scheduled times NOTE: Set reminders to back up your information periodically. ● Bef...

NOTE: The backup process may take over an hour, depending on file size and the speed of the computer. 1. Select Start > All Programs > Maintenance > Backup and Restore . 2. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up and create a backup. NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feat...

Performing a recovery NOTE: You can recover only files that you have previously backed up. HP recommends that you use HP Recovery Manager to create a set of recovery discs (entire drive backup) as soon as you set upyour computer. Recovery Manager software allows you to repair or restore the system i...

Disabling RAID 0 CAUTION: Disabling RAID 0 completely erases hard drive contents and reformats the hard drive. All files you have created and any software installed on the computer are permanently removed. Beforeyou disable RAID 0, be sure to back up your information and create a set of recovery dis...

Index A AC adapter identifying 10testing 48 AC power, connecting 47accessory battery components 54inserting 54removing 54 accessory battery charge lights 54 accessory battery connector, identifying 8 accessory battery fuel gauge 54action key mode 87action keys adjusting volume 26audio CD, DVD, or BD...