HP A6X73UAR#ABA - Manual

Finding information The computer comes with several resources to help you perform various tasks. Resource Contents Setup Instructions ● How to set up the computer ● Identification of computer components User Guide To access this guide: Select Start > Help and Support > User Guides . ● Computer...

2 Getting to know your computer Top TouchPad Component Description (1) TouchPad light ● On: The TouchPad is off. ● Off: The TouchPad is on. (2) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on or off. (3) TouchPad zone Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on thescreen. (4) Left TouchPad butt...

Lights Component Description (1) Power light ● White: The computer is on. ● Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state. ● Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. (2) Mute light ● Amber: Computer sound is off. ● Off: Computer sound is on. (3) Wireless light ● White: An integrated wireless...

Buttons and fingerprint reader Component Description (1) Power button ● When the computer is off, press the button to turn onthe computer. ● When the computer is on, press the button briefly toinitiate Sleep. ● When the computer is in the Sleep state, press thebutton briefly to exit Sleep. ● When th...

Keys Component Description (1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combinationwith the fn key. (2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressedin combination with the b key or the esc key. (3) Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu. (4) b key Enables or dis...

Right side Component Description (1) Optical drive Reads and writes (select models only) to an optical disc. (2) Optical drive eject button Ejects the optical disc. (3) Audio-out (headphone) jack/audio-in(microphone) jack Connects optional powered stereo speakers, headphones,earbuds, a headset, or t...

Display Component Description (1) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wirelesslocal area networks (WLANs). (2) Internal microphones (2) Record sound. (3) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use. (4) Webcam Records video and captures still photographs. To use the we...

Labels The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot systemproblems or travel internationally with the computer: ● Serial number label—Provides important information, including the following: Component (1) Product name (2) Serial number (3) Product part nu...

3 HP QuickWeb Getting started The HP QuickWeb environment provides a fun and engaging way to perform many of your favoriteactivities. Your computer is ready to go within seconds of starting QuickWeb, allowing you to rapidlyaccess the Internet, widgets, and communication programs. To use QuickWeb, pr...

Starting HP QuickWeb ▲ To start HP QuickWeb, press the QuickWeb button when the computer is off or in Hibernation. The following table explains the different behaviors of the QuickWeb button. Button Behavior QuickWeb button ● When the computer is off or in Hibernation, press thebutton to open HP Qui...

4 Networking Your computer supports two types of Internet access: ● Wireless —Refer to Creating a wireless connection on page 19 . ● Wired —Refer to Connecting to a wired network on page 24 . NOTE: You must set up Internet service before you can connect to the Internet. 17

Using an Internet service provider Before you can connect to the Internet, you must establish an account with an Internet serviceprovider (ISP). To purchase Internet service and a modem, contact a local ISP. The ISP will help setup the modem, install a network cable to connect your wireless computer...

Creating a wireless connection Your computer may be equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices: ● Wireless local area network (WLAN) device ● Bluetooth® device For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided inHelp and Support. Ident...

Turning wireless devices on or off You can use the wireless key or HP Connection Manager (select models only) to turn on and turn offwireless devices. Refer to Using the action keys on page 30 for information on identifying the location of the wireless key on your computer. To turn off wireless devi...

Connecting to an existing WLAN To connect to an existing WLAN: 1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. (Refer to Turning wireless devices on or off on page 20 .) 2. Click the network icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. 3. Select your WLAN from the list. 4. Click Connect . ...

Roaming to another network When you move your computer within range of another WLAN, Windows attempts to connect to thatnetwork. If the attempt is successful, your computer is automatically connected to the new network. IfWindows does not recognize the new network, follow the same procedure you used...

Connecting to a wired network Connecting to a local area network (LAN) Connecting to a local area network (LAN) requires an 8-pin, RJ-45 network cable (purchasedseparately). If the network cable contains noise suppression circuitry (1) , which prevents interference from TV and radio reception, orien...

5 Pointing devices and keyboard Using pointing devices NOTE: In addition to the pointing devices included with your computer, you can use an external USB mouse (purchased separately) by connecting it to one of the USB ports on the computer. Setting pointing device preferences Use Mouse Properties in...

Turning the TouchPad off or on To turn the TouchPad off or on, quickly double-tap the TouchPad on/off button. NOTE: The TouchPad light is off when the TouchPad is on. The TouchPad light and onscreen display icons indicate the TouchPad status when the TouchPad isturned off or on. The following table ...

Using TouchPad gestures The TouchPad supports a variety of gestures. To use TouchPad gestures, place two fingers on theTouchPad at the same time. NOTE: TouchPad gestures are not supported in all programs. To view the demonstration of a gesture: 1. Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and So...

Using the keyboard Using the action keys An action key performs an assigned function. The icon on each of the f1 through f4 keys and f6 through f12 keys illustrates the assigned function for that key. To use an action key function, press and hold the key. The action key feature is enabled at the fac...

Using the hotkeys A hotkey is a combination of the fn key (1) , and either the esc key (2) or the b key (3) . To use a hotkey: ▲ Briefly press the fn key, and then briefly press the second key of the hotkey combination. Function Hotkey Description Display system information. fn + esc Displays inform...

6 Multimedia and other features Your computer includes the following: ● Two integrated speakers and two subwoofers ● Two integrated microphones ● Integrated webcam ● Preinstalled multimedia software ● Multimedia keys Using the media activity controls Your computer has media action keys that allow yo...

Adjusting the volume You can adjust the volume using the volume keys. Refer to Using the action keys on page 30 for more information. WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety information, refer to the...

Intel Wireless Display Intel® Wireless Display allows you to share your computer content wirelessly on your TV. Toexperience wireless display, a wireless third-party TV adapter (purchased separately) is required.Content that asserts output protection, such as Blu-ray discs, will not play on Intel Wi...

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 and save thephoto or video recording. The webcam software enables you to experiment with the following featu...

HDMI The HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port connects the computer to an optional video oraudio device, such as a high-definition television, or to any compatible digital or audio component. NOTE: To transmit video and/or audio signals through the HDMI port, you need an HDMI cable (purc...

Using CyberLink PowerDVD (select models only) CyberLink PowerDVD turns your computer into a mobile entertainment center. With CyberLinkPowerDVD, you can enjoy music CDs and DVD and Blu-ray Disc (BD) movies. You can also manageand edit your photo collections. ▲ To start CyberLink PowerDVD, select Sta...

7 Power management Inserting or removing the battery NOTE: For additional information on using the battery, refer to Using battery power on page 45 . Inserting the battery 1. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you. 2. Align the battery (1) with the outer edg...

Removing the battery CAUTION: Removing a battery that is the sole power source for the computer can cause loss of information. To prevent loss of information, save your work and initiate Hibernation or shut down thecomputer through Windows before removing the battery. 1. Turn the computer upside dow...

Shutting down the computer CAUTION: Unsaved information is lost when the computer shuts down. The Shut down command closes all open programs, including the operating system, and then turnsoff the display and computer. Shut down the computer under any of the following conditions: ● When you need to r...

Initiating and exiting Sleep The system is set at the factory to initiate Sleep after a period of inactivity when running on batterypower or on external power. Power settings and timeouts can be changed using Power Options in Windows® Control Panel. With the computer on, you can initiate Sleep in an...

Using the power meter The power meter is located in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. The power meterallows you to quickly access power settings and view the remaining battery charge. ● To display the percentage of remaining battery charge and the current power plan, move thepo...

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 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, thecomputer runs on AC power. If the computer contains a charged battery and is running on extern...

Displaying the remaining battery charge ▲ Move the pointer over the power meter icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. Maximizing battery discharge time Battery discharge time varies depending on the features you use while on battery power. Maximumdischarge time gradually de...

Resolving a low battery level Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ▲ Connect one of the following devices: ● AC adapter ● Optional docking or expansion device ● Optional power adapter purchased as an accessory from HP Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is ...

Conserving battery power ● Select low power-use settings through Power Options in Windows Control Panel. ● Turn off wireless and local area network (LAN) connections and exit modem applications whenyou are not using them. ● Disconnect unused external devices that are not plugged into an external pow...

Using external AC power NOTE: For information on connecting to AC power, refer to the Setup Instructions poster provided in the computer box. External AC power is supplied through an approved AC adapter or an optional docking or expansiondevice. WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only t...

Testing an AC adapter Test the AC adapter if the computer exhibits any of the following symptoms when it is connected toAC 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 from...

Switchable graphics/dual graphics (select models only) Select computers are equipped with either switchable graphics or dual graphics. ● Switchable graphics—Supported by both AMD and Intel. If your computer has switchablegraphics, it offers both fixed and dynamic schemes. ● Dual graphics—Supported o...

Using dual graphics (select models only) If your system is equipped with dual graphics (two or more added Graphics Processing Units(GPUs)), you can enable AMD Crossfire™ to increase application power and performance forfullscreen applications that use DirectX version 10 or 11. For more information a...

8 External cards and devices Using Digital Media Slot cards (select models only) Optional digital cards provide secure data storage and convenient data sharing. These cards areoften used with digital media–equipped cameras and PDAs as well as with other computers. To determine the digital card forma...

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, ...

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 USB port on your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. You will hear a so...

Using optional external devices NOTE: For more information about required software and drivers, or to learn which computer port to use, refer to the manufacturer's instructions. To connect an external device to the computer: CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the equipment when connecting a po...

9 Drives Handling drives CAUTION: 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 towhich they apply. Observe these precautions: ● Before you move a computer that is co...

Using hard drives Improving hard drive performance Using Disk Defragmenter As you use the computer, files on the hard drive become fragmented. Disk Defragmenterconsolidates the fragmented files and folders on the hard drive so that the system can run moreefficiently. NOTE: It is not necessary to run...

Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only) HP 3D DriveGuard protects a hard drive by parking the drive and halting data requests under either ofthe following conditions: ● You drop the computer. ● You move the computer with the display closed while the computer is running on battery power. A short ...

Adding or replacing a hard drive CAUTION: To prevent information loss or an unresponsive system: Shut down the computer before removing the hard drive from the hard drive bay. Do not remove thehard drive while the computer is on, in the Sleep state, or in Hibernation. If you are not sure whether the...

Installing a hard drive 1. Connect the hard drive cable to the hard drive (1) , and then insert the hard drive into the hard drive bay (2) . 2. Tighten the 3 hard drive screws to secure the drive (3) . 3. Align the tabs (1) on the hard drive service door with the notches on the computer. 4. Close th...

Using optical drives Optical drives include the following: ● CD ● DVD ● Blu-ray (BD) Identifying the installed optical drive ▲ Select Start > Computer . A list of all drives installed in your computer, including your optical drive, is displayed. Inserting an optical disc 1. Turn on the computer. ...

Removing an optical disc There are 2 ways to remove a disc, depending on whether the disc tray opens normally or not. When the disc tray opens normally 1. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the disc tray, and then gently pull out the tray (2) until it stops. 2. Remove the dis...

When the disc tray fails to open normally 1. Insert the end of a paper clip (1) into the release access 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. 3. Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pres...

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 drive...

10 Memory modules Adding or replacing memory modules The computer has two memory module slots. The capacity of the computer can be upgraded byadding a memory module to the vacant expansion memory module slot or by upgrading the existingmemory module in the primary memory module slot. WARNING! To red...

Setting Windows passwords Password Function User password Protects access to a Windows user account. It also must beentered when you exit Sleep or Hibernation. Administrator password Protects administrator-level access to computer contents. NOTE: This password cannot be used to access Setup Utility ...

Using the fingerprint reader Integrated fingerprint readers are available on select computer models. In order to use the fingerprintreader, you must set up a user account and password on the computer. This account allows you tolog on to your computer with a swipe of a designated finger. You may also...

Using Internet security software When you use your computer to access email, a network, or the Internet, you potentially expose yourcomputer to computer viruses, spyware, and other online threats. To help protect your computer,Internet security software that includes antivirus and firewall features ...

Installing software updates HP, Microsoft Windows, and third-party software installed on your computer should be regularlyupdated to correct security problems and improve software performance. Installing Windows security updates Updates to the operating system and other software may have become avai...

12 Backup and recovery Your computer includes tools provided by the operating system and HP to help you safeguard yourinformation and restore it if ever needed. This chapter provides information on the following topics: ● Creating a set of recovery discs or a recovery flash drive (HP Recovery Manage...

Performing a system recovery HP Recovery Manager software allows you to repair or restore the computer to its original factorystate. HP Recovery Manager works from recovery discs, a recovery flash drive, or from a dedicatedrecovery partition on the hard drive. NOTE: A system restore must be performe...

Backing up and recovering your information It is very important to back up your files and keep any new software in a safe place. As you add newsoftware and data files, continue to create backups on a regular basis. How completely you are able to recover your system depends on how recent your backup ...

Using Windows Backup and Restore Guidelines: ● Be sure that the computer is connected to AC power before you start the backup process. ● Allow enough time to complete the backup process. Depending on file sizes, it may take over anhour. To create a backup: 1. Select Start > Control Panel > Sys...

13 Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics Using Setup Utility (BIOS) Setup Utility, or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), controls communication between all the input andoutput devices on the system (such as disk drives, display, keyboard, mouse, and printer). SetupUtility (BIOS) includes settin...

Restoring factory settings in Setup Utility (BIOS) NOTE: Restoring defaults will not change the hard drive mode. To return all settings in Setup Utility (BIOS) to the values that were set at the factory, follow thesesteps: 1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the E...

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...

Downloading a BIOS update CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the computer or an unsuccessful installation, download and install a BIOS update only when the computer is connected to reliable external power using theAC adapter. Do not download or install a BIOS update while the computer is runni...

Using System Diagnostics System Diagnostics allows you to run diagnostic tests to determine if the computer hardware isfunctioning properly. Depending on your computer, the following diagnostic tests may be available inSystem Diagnostics: ● Start-up test—This test analyzes the main computer componen...

A Troubleshooting and support Troubleshooting The computer is unable to start up If the computer does not turn on when you press the power button, the following suggestions mayhelp you determine why the computer will not start up: ● If the computer is plugged into an AC outlet, plug another electric...

The computer is on but not responding If the computer is on but is not responding to software or keyboard commands, try the followingemergency shutdown procedures in the sequence provided: CAUTION: Emergency shutdown procedures result in the loss of unsaved information. ● Press ctrl + alt + delete ,...

The wireless network connection is not working If a wireless network connection is not working as expected, follow these suggestions: ● Be sure that the wireless light on your computer is on (white). If the wireless light is off, press the f12 action key to turn it on. ● Be sure that the device wire...

The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a disc 1. Insert the end of a paper clip into the release access in the front bezel of the drive (1) . 2. Press in gently on the paper clip until the disc tray is released, and then pull out the tray until itstops (2) . 3. Remove the disc from the t...

The computer does not detect the disc drive If Windows does not detect an installed device, the device driver software might be missing orcorrupted. If you suspect that the optical drive is not being detected, verify that the optical drive islisted in the Device Manager utility by: 1. Removing any d...

A disc does not play To play a CD, DVD, or BD: ● Save your work and close all open programs before playing a disc. ● Log off the Internet before playing a disc. ● Be sure that you insert the disc properly. ● Be sure that the disc is clean. If necessary, clean the disc with filtered water and a lint-...

The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion ● Be sure that all other programs are closed. ● Disable Sleep and Hibernation. ● Be sure that you are using the right kind of disc for your drive. ● Be sure that the disc is inserted properly. ● Select a slower write speed a...

B Cleaning your computer Cleaning the display Gently wipe the display using a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with an alcohol-free glass cleaner. Be sure that the display is dry before closing the display. Cleaning the sides and cover To clean and disinfect the sides and cover, use a soft microfiber...

C 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...

D Updating programs and drivers HP recommends that you update your programs and drivers on a regular basis to the latest versions.Go to http://www.hp.com/support to download the latest versions. You can also register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available. 104 Appendix ...

E Electrostatic Discharge Electrostatic discharge is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact—forexample, 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 ma...

F Specifications Input power The power information in this section may be helpful if you plan to travel internationally with thecomputer. The computer operates on DC power, which can be supplied by an AC or a DC power source. TheAC power source must be rated at 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz. Although the comp...

Operating environment Factor Metric U.S. Temperature Operating 5°C to 35°C 41°F to 95°F Nonoperating -20°C to 60°C -4°F to 140°F Relative humidity (noncondensing) Operating 10% to 90% 10% to 90% Nonoperating 5% to 95% 5% to 95% Maximum altitude (unpressurized) Operating -15 m to 3,048 m -50 ft to 10...

Index A AC adapter, testing 50action keys decrease screen brightness 30 Help and Support 30identifying 8increase screen brightness 30keyboard backlight 30next track or section 30play, pause, resume 30previous track or section 30switch screen image 30volume 34volume down 31volume mute 31volume up 31w...