HP A7V-M - Manual

Lights NOTE: Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer. Component Description (1) Wireless lights (2)* ● Blue: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless localarea network (WLAN) device, the HP Mobile BroadbandModule (select models only), and/or a Bluetooth® device, is...

Component Description (3) Battery light ● Amber: A battery is charging. ● Turquoise: A battery is close to full charge capacity. ● Blinking amber: A battery that is the only available powersource has reached a low battery level. When the batteryreaches a critical battery level, the battery light beg...

Keys NOTE: Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer. Component Description (1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the fn key. (2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed incombination with a function key or the esc key....

Component Description (1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the fn key. (2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed incombination with a function key or the esc key. (3) Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu. (4) Windows application...

Component Description (1) Wireless light ● Blue: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless localarea network (WLAN) device, the HP Mobile BroadbandModule (select models only), and/or a Bluetooth® device, ison. ● Amber: All wireless devices are off. (2) Power light ● On: The computer is on. ●...

Component Description (1) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components. NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internalfan to cycle on and off during routine operation. (2) DisplayPort Connects an optional digital ...

Component Description (1) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer. NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen. (2) RJ-11 (modem) jack Connects a modem cable. (3) RJ-45 (network) jack ...

Component Description (2) SIM slot Contains a wireless subscriber identity module (SIM) (selectmodels only). The SIM slot is located inside the battery bay. (3) Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay. (4) Docking connector Connects an optional docking device. (5) Accessory b...

Additional hardware components Component Description (1) Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet. (2) Battery* Powers the computer when the computer is not plugged intoexternal power. (3) AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power. *Batteries and power cords vary in appearance by region and...

For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided inHelp and Support. Identifying wireless and network icons Icon Name Description Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless lights and the wireless buttons onthe computer. Also identif...

Using a WLAN device (select models only) 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 u...

Connecting to a WLAN To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps: 1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If it is on, the wireless light is on. If the wireless light is amber,press the wireless button. 2. Select Start > Connect To . 3. Select your WLAN from the list, and then type the network secu...

Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) HP Mobile Broadband enables your computer to use wireless wide area networks (WWANs) to accessthe Internet from more places and over larger areas than it can by using WLANs. Using HP MobileBroadband requires a network service provider (called a mobile n...

7. Insert the SIM into the SIM slot, and gently push the SIM into the slot until it is firmly seated. 8. Replace the battery. NOTE: HP Mobile Broadband will be disabled if the battery is not replaced. 9. Reconnect external power. 10. Reconnect external devices. 11. Turn on the computer. Removing a S...

Using a Bluetooth wireless device 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 dev...

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

Using the modem (select models only) The modem must be connected to an analog telephone line using a 6-pin, RJ-11 modem cable(purchased separately). In some countries or regions, a country- or region-specific modem cable adapter(purchased separately) is also required. Jacks for digital PBX systems m...

Connecting a country- or region-specific modem cable adapter Telephone jacks vary by country or region. To use the modem and the modem cable (purchasedseparately) outside the country or region in which you purchased the computer, you must obtain acountry- or region-specific modem cable adapter (purc...

Adding new locations when traveling By default, the only location setting available to the modem is a location setting for the country or regionin which you purchased the computer. As you travel to different countries or regions, set the internalmodem to a location setting that meets the operating s...

Solving travel connection problems If you experience modem connection problems when using the computer outside of the country or regionin which you purchased it, try the following suggestions. ● Check the telephone line type . The modem requires an analog, not a digital, telephone line. A line descr...

3 Pointing devices and keyboard Using pointing devices Setting pointing device preferences Use Mouse Properties in Windows® to customize settings for pointing devices, such as buttonconfiguration, click speed, and pointer options. To access Mouse Properties, select Start > Control Panel > Prin...

Function Hotkey Display system information. fn+esc Initiate Standby. fn+f3 Switch the screen image. fn+f4 Display Power Assistant. fn+f8 Decrease screen brightness. fn+f9 Increase screen brightness. fn+f10 To use a hotkey command on the computer keyboard, follow either of these steps: ● Briefly pres...

Initiating Standby CAUTION: To reduce the risk of information loss, save your work before initiating Standby. Press fn+f3 to initiate Standby. When Standby is initiated, your information is stored in system memory, the screen is cleared, and poweris conserved. While the computer is in Standby, the p...

Switching the screen image Press fn+f4 to switch the screen image among display devices connected to the system. For example, if a monitor is connected to the computer, pressing fn+f4 alternates the screen image from computer display to monitor display to simultaneous display on both the computer an...

Displaying Power Assistant Press fn+f8 to open Power Assistant. Power Assistant allows you to configure system settings to optimize your computer's power consumption and battery charge. Power Assistant also provides toolsand information to help you make informed decisions on power management. NOTE: ...

Decreasing screen brightness Press fn+f9 to decrease screen brightness. Hold down the hotkey to decrease the brightness level incrementally. Increasing screen brightness Press fn+f10 to increase screen brightness. Hold down the hotkey to increase the brightness level incrementally. Using the keyboar...

Using HP QuickLook 3 QuickLook 3 allows you to save calendar, contact, inbox, and task information from Microsoft Outlookto the hard drive of your computer. Then, when the computer is off, you can press the QuickLook buttonon the computer to view this information without waiting for the operating sy...

Component Description (2) Embedded numeric keypad Can be used like the keys on an external numeric keypad whenpressed in combination with the fn and num lk keys. (3) num lk key Alternates between the navigation and numeric functions on theembedded numeric keypad. NOTE: The keypad function that is ac...

Component Description (1) num lk key Alternates between the navigation and numeric functions on theintegrated numeric keypad. NOTE: The keypad function that is active when the computer is turned off will be reinstated when the computer is turned back on. (2) Integrated numeric keypad Can be used lik...

4 Multimedia Multimedia features Your computer includes multimedia features that allow you to listen to music and view pictures. Yourcomputer may include the following multimedia components: ● Optical drive for playing audio and video discs ● Integrated speakers for listening to music ● Integrated m...

◦ To increase volume, press and hold the volume up button (3) until the desired volume level is reached. ● Windows volume control: a. Click the Volume icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. b. Increase or decrease the volume by moving the slider up or down. Click the Mute ch...

Accessing your preinstalled multimedia software To access preinstalled multimedia software: ▲ Select Start > All Programs , and then open the multimedia program you want to use. NOTE: Some programs may be located in subfolders. NOTE: For details about using software included with the computer, re...

Audio Your computer enables you to use a variety of audio features: ● Play music using your computer speakers and/or connected external speakers ● Record sound using the internal microphones or connect an external microphone ● Download music from the Internet ● Create multimedia presentations using ...

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

Optical drive (select models only) Your computer may include an optical drive that expands the functionality of the computer. The opticaldrive allows you to read data discs, play music, and watch movies. Identifying the optical drive ▲ Select Start > My Computer . You will see a list of all the d...

To burn a CD or DVD, follow these steps: 1. Download or copy the source files into a folder on your hard drive. 2. Insert a blank disc into the optical drive (select models only) or an optional external optical drive. 3. Select Start > All Programs and the name of the software you want to use. 4....

Webcam (select models only) Your computer may include an integrated webcam, located at the top of the display. With the preinstalledsoftware, you can use the webcam to take a photo, record a video, or make an audio recording. Youcan preview the photo, video recording, or audio recording, and save it...

● Sharpness —Controls the definition of edges in an image. A higher sharpness setting creates a more defined image; a lower sharpness setting creates a softer image. ● Gamma —Controls the contrast affecting the mid-level grays or midtones of an image. Adjusting the gamma of an image allows you to ch...

5 Power management Setting power options Using power-saving states The computer has two power-saving states enabled at the factory: Standby and Hibernation. When Standby is initiated, the power light blinks and the screen clears. Your work is saved to memory.Exiting Standby is faster than exiting Hi...

To exit Standby: ▲ Briefly press the power button. When the computer exits Standby, the power light turns on and your work returns to the screenwhere you stopped working. NOTE: If you have set a password to be required when the computer exits Standby, you must enter your Windows password before your...

3. Clear the Always show icon on the taskbar check box. 4. Click Apply , and then click OK . To show the Power Meter icon in the notification area, follow these steps: 1. Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options . 2. Click the Advanced tab. 3. Select the Al...

Customizing power schemes 1. Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options . 2. Select a power scheme from the Power schemes list. 3. Modify the Plugged in and Running on batteries settings as needed. 4. Click OK . Setting password protection upon exiting Standb...

Using Power Assistant (select models only) Power Assistant allows you to configure system settings to optimize your computer's power consumptionand battery charge. Power Assistant provides tools and information to help you make informed decisionson power management: ● Power consumption predictions i...

When you connect the computer to external AC power, the following events occur: ● The battery begins to charge. ● If the computer is turned on, the battery meter icon in the notification area changes appearance. When you disconnect external AC power, the following events occur: ● The computer switch...

NOTE: The display brightness is decreased to save battery life when you disconnect AC power. To increase display brightness, use the fn+f10 hotkey or reconnect the AC adapter. You can keep a battery in the computer or in storage, depending on how you work. Keeping the batteryin the computer whenever...

2. Insert the battery (1) into the battery bay until it is seated. The battery release latch (2) automatically locks the battery into place. To remove the battery: 1. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you. 2. Slide the battery release latch (1) to release t...

Charging may take longer if a battery is new, has been unused for 2 weeks or more, or is much warmeror cooler than room temperature. To prolong battery life and optimize the accuracy of battery charge displays, follow theserecommendations: ● If you are charging a new battery, charge it fully before ...

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 lights turn off. Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ▲ Connect one of the ...

Step 4: Fully recharge the battery To recharge the battery: 1. Plug the computer into external power and maintain external power until the battery is fullyrecharged. When the battery is recharged, the battery light on the computer turns off. You can use the computer while the battery is recharging, ...

Disposing of a used battery WARNING! To reduce the risk of fire or burns, do not disassemble, crush, or puncture; do not short external contacts; do not dispose of in fire or water. Refer to the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices for battery disposal information. Replacing the battery Comp...

6 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. To view the drives installed on the computer, select Start >...

Improving hard drive performance Using Disk Defragmenter As you use the computer, files on the hard drive become fragmented. Disk Defragmenter consolidatesthe fragmented files and folders on the hard drive so that the system can run more efficiently. After you start Disk Defragmenter, it works witho...

Using HP 3D DriveGuard HP 3D DriveGuard protects the hard drive by parking the drive and halting I/O 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 time after the end o...

Replacing a hard drive in the hard drive bay 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 Standby, or in Hibernation. If you are not sure whether...

Replacing a drive in the upgrade bay The upgrade bay can hold either a hard drive or an optical drive. Removing the protective insert The upgrade bay may contain a protective insert. You must remove the insert before inserting a driveinto the upgrade bay. To remove the insert: 1. Save your work. 2. ...

3. Replace the 4 hard drive screws (1) , and then replace the protective screw caps (2) . 4. Replace the battery. 5. Turn the computer right-side up, and then reconnect external power and external devices. 6. Turn on the computer. Replacing an optical drive CAUTION: To prevent information loss or an...

7 External devices Using a USB device Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a hardware interface that can be used to connect an optional externaldevice, such as a USB keyboard, mouse, drive, printer, scanner, or hub. Some USB devices may require additional support software, which is usually included with th...

Using a 1394 device IEEE 1394 is a hardware interface that connects a high-speed multimedia or data storage device to thecomputer. Scanners, digital cameras, and digital camcorders often require a 1394 connection. Some 1394 devices may require additional support software, which is usually included w...

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-sp...

Using external drives Removable external drives expand your options for storing and accessing information. A USB drive canbe added by connecting the drive to a USB port on the computer. USB drives include the following types: ● 1.44-megabyte diskette drive ● Hard drive module (a hard drive with an a...

Using a docking device The docking connector connects the computer to an optional docking device. An optional docking deviceprovides additional ports and connectors that can be used with the computer. Using a docking device 105

8 External media cards Using Media Card Reader cards Optional digital cards provide secure data storage and convenient data sharing. These cards are oftenused with digital media–equipped cameras and PDAs as well as with other computers. The Media Card Reader supports the following formats: ● Memory ...

2. Insert the card into the Media Card Reader, and then push in on the card until it is firmly seated. You will hear a sound when the device has been detected, and a menu of available options maybe displayed. Stopping and removing a digital card CAUTION: To prevent loss of data or an unresponsive sy...

2. Insert the card into the ExpressCard slot, and then push in on the card until it is firmly seated. You will hear a sound when the device has been detected, and a menu of options may be displayed. NOTE: The first time you insert an ExpressCard, a message is displayed in the notification area to le...

Using Smart Cards (select models only) NOTE: The term smart card is used throughout this chapter to refer to both smart cards and Java™ Cards. A smart card is a credit card–sized accessory that carries a microchip containing memory and amicroprocessor. Like personal computers, smart cards have an op...

9 Memory modules The computer has two memory module compartments. The primary memory module compartment islocated under the keyboard. The expansion memory module compartment is located on the bottom ofthe computer. The memory capacity of the computer can be upgraded by adding a memory module to the ...

Increasing the hard drive space for the Hibernation file When Hibernation is initiated, the operating system stores your information to a Hibernation file on thehard drive and then turns off the computer. The operating system reserves space on the hard drive tostore the Hibernation file based on the...

10 Security Protecting the computer NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents. These deterrents may not prevent a product from being mishandled or stolen. NOTE: In some countries or regions, the computer supports CompuTrace, which is an online security- based tracking and recovery s...

Using passwords Most security features use passwords. Whenever you set a password, write down the password andstore it in a secure location away from the computer. Note the following password considerations: ● Setup and DriveLock passwords are set in Computer Setup and are managed by the system BIOS...

BIOS administrator passwords Function DriveLock user password Protects access to the internal hard drive that is protected byDriveLock, and is set under DriveLock Passwords during theenable process. TPM embedded security password When enabled as a BIOS administrator password, protectsaccess to the c...

Managing a BIOS administrator password A BIOS administrator password is set, changed, and deleted in Computer Setup. To set this password in Computer Setup, follow these steps: 1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed ...

Entering a BIOS administrator password At the BIOS administrator password prompt, type your password (using the same kind of keys you used to set the password), and then press enter . After 3 unsuccessful attempts to enter the BIOS administrator password, you must restart the computer and try again....

Setting a DriveLock password To set a DriveLock password in Computer Setup, follow these steps: 1. Turn on the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup. 3. Use a pointing device or t...

Entering a DriveLock password Be sure that the hard drive is inserted into the computer (not into an optional docking device or externalMultiBay). 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 . Af...

Changing a DriveLock password To change a DriveLock password in Computer Setup, follow these steps: 1. Turn on the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup. 3. Use a pointing device ...

Removing DriveLock protection To remove DriveLock protection in Computer Setup, follow these steps: 1. Turn on the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup. 3. Use a pointing device ...

Removing Automatic DriveLock protection To remove DriveLock protection in Computer Setup, follow these steps: 1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup. 3. U...

Using Computer Setup security features Securing system devices You can disable or enable system devices from the following menus in Computer Setup: ● Boot Options ● Device Configurations ● Built-In Device Options ● Port Options To disable or reenable system devices in Computer Setup, follow these st...

To view this general system information in Computer Setup, follow these steps: 1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. 2. Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup. 3. Use a pointing device or the arr...

Using antivirus software When you use the computer to access e-mail, a network, or the Internet, you expose the computer tocomputer viruses. Computer viruses can disable the operating system, programs, or utilities, or causethem to function abnormally. Antivirus software can detect most viruses, des...

Using firewall software When you use the computer to access e-mail, a network, or the Internet, unauthorized persons may beable to gain access to the computer, your personal files, and information about you. Use the firewallsoftware preinstalled on the computer to protect your privacy. McAfee Total ...

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...

Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only) HP ProtectTools Security Manager software is preinstalled on select computer models. This softwarecan be accessed through Windows Control Panel. It provides security features that help protect againstunauthorized access to the computer, net...

Installing a 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 security ca...

11 Software Updates Updating software Updated versions of the software provided with your computer are available either through the HPUpdate utility or on the HP Web site. The HP Update utility automatically checks for updates from HP. The utility runs a specified interval andprovides a list of supp...

Updating the BIOS To update the BIOS, first determine what BIOS version you currently have, and then download andinstall the new BIOS. Determining the BIOS version BIOS version information (also known as ROM date and System BIOS ) can be displayed by pressing fn+esc (if you are already in Windows®) ...

Downloading a BIOS update CAUTION: To prevent 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 the AC adapter.Do not download or install a BIOS update while the computer is running on batte...

The BIOS installation begins. 5. Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions. NOTE: After an on-screen message reports a successful installation, you may delete the downloaded file from your hard drive. Updating programs and drivers 1. Open your Internet browser, go to http://w...

12 Backup and recovery To protect your information, use the Windows® Backup utility (select models only) to back up files andfolders or create recovery points. In case of system failure, you can use the backup files to restore yourcomputer. Windows provides the following options: ● Backing up indivi...

Backing up your information Recovery after a system failure is as complete as your most current backup. You should create yourinitial backup immediately after software setup. As you add new software and data files, you shouldcontinue to back up your system on a regular basis to maintain a reasonably...

Performing a recovery In case of system failure or instability, the computer provides the following tools to recover your files: ● Windows recovery tools (select models only): You can use the Windows Backup utility to recoverinformation you have previously backed up. ● Operating System and Driver Re...

13 Computer Setup Starting Computer Setup Computer Setup is a preinstalled, ROM-based utility that can be used even when the operating systemis not working or will not load. NOTE: Some of the Computer Setup menu items listed in this guide may not be supported by your computer. NOTE: An external keyb...

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 the tab key and the arrow keys to select File > Ignore ...

File menu Select To do this System Information ● View identification information for the computer and thebatteries in the system. ● View specification information for the processor, cacheand memory size, system ROM, video revision, andkeyboard controller version. Set System Date and Time Set or chan...

Select To do this Password Policy (requires a BIOS administrator password) Revise password policy criteria. HP SpareKey Enable/disable HP SpareKey (enabled by default). Always Prompt for HP SpareKey Enrollment Enable/disable HP SpareKey enrollment (enabled by default). Fingerprint Reset on Reboot (I...

14 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 devicescan include optical drives, diskette drives, a netw...

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 inComputer 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 the...

Considering boot order changes Before changing the boot order, note the following considerations: ● When the computer restarts after the boot order has been changed, the computer attempts to startusing the new boot order. ● If there is more than one type of boot device, the computer attempts to boot...

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 bootorder in Computer Setup. ● To dynamically choose the boot device, by pressing esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”...

Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt To start Computer Setup and set the computer to display the MultiBoot startup location menu each timethe 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” mess...

15 Management and Printing 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 capabilities an...

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...

Using the HP Universal Print Driver (select models only) The HP Universal Print Driver Series for Windows is a single intelligent driver that replaces individualdrivers for HP networked printers. NOTE: The HP Universal Print Driver is preinstalled on select computer models only. To download the HP U...

Index Symbols/Numerics 1394 cable, connecting 1011394 devices connecting 101stopping 101 1394 port 101 A AC adapter connecting 75identifying 19 administrator password 122airport security devices 86Altiris Deployment Solutions 159applications key, Windows 9, 10audio devices, connecting external 53 au...