HP B5A04UAR#ABA - Manual

Fun things to do ● You know you can watch a YouTube video on the computer. But did you know that you can alsoconnect your computer to a TV and watch the video on TV? For more information, see Connecting an HDMI TV or monitor on page 25 . ● You know you can listen to music on the computer. But did yo...

2 Getting to know your computer Finding your hardware and software information ▲ Select Start > Computer . A list displays all the devices installed in your computer, including optical drives, solid-state drives(SSD), or a secondary hard drive. To find out what software is included on your comput...

Left side Component Description (1) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector. (2) Vents (2) Enable airflow to cool internal components. NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal components and prevent overheating. It is normalfor the internal fan to c...

Display Component Description (1) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wirelesslocal area networks (WLANs). (2) Internal microphone (1) Records sound. (3) Webcam Records video, captures still photographs, and allows videoconferences and online chat by means of str...

Top TouchPad Component Description (1) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on or off. (2) TouchPad light ● Amber: The TouchPad is off. ● Off: The TouchPad is on. (3) TouchPad zone Moves the on-screen pointer and selects or activates itemson the screen. (4) Left TouchPad button Functions like t...

Lights Component Description (1) Power light ● White: The computer is on. ● Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state,which is an energy-saving mode. The computer shutsoff power to the display and other unneededcomponents. ● Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernationis an energ...

Buttons and speakers 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 the computer...

Keys Component Description (1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combinationwith the fn key. (2) fn key Displays system information when pressed in combinationwith the esc key. (3) Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu. (4) Action keys Execute frequently used system func...

Labels The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot systemproblems or travel internationally with the computer. The labels are in easily accessible locations. ● Serial number label—Provides important information, including the following: Component (1) Pro...

3 Connecting to a network Your computer can travel with you wherever you go. But even at home, you can explore the globeand access information from millions of websites using your computer and a wired or wirelessnetwork connection. This chapter will help you get connected to that world. 15

Connecting to a wireless network 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 areanetworks (commonly referre...

To open HP Connection Manager, select Start > All Programs > HP Help and Support > HP Connection Manager . For more details about using HP Connection Manager, see the HP Connection Manager softwareHelp. Using operating system controls The Network and Sharing Center allows you to set up a co...

Connecting to a WLAN To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps: 1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If the device is on, the wireless light is on (white). If thewireless light is amber, press the wireless button. NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off...

Connecting to a wired network Your computer supports a local area network (LAN) wired connection. A LAN connection uses anetwork cable and is much faster than a modem, which uses telephone cable. LAN (RJ-45) cablesare sold separately. WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to...

4 Enjoying entertainment features Use your HP computer as an entertainment hub to socialize via the webcam, enjoy and manage yourmusic, and download and watch movies. Or, to make your computer an even more powerfulentertainment center, connect external devices like speakers, headphones, monitor, pro...

Using the webcam Your computer has an integrated webcam, a powerful social networking tool that allows you tocommunicate up close with friends and colleagues next door or on the other side of the world. Withthe webcam, you can stream video with your instant messaging software, capture and share vide...

To check the recording functions on your 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 a multimedia program and play the recording. To confirm or ch...

● View the screen image on the computer extended to the external device. ● View the screen image on the external device (monitor or projector). Each time you press f4 , the display state changes. Connecting an HDMI TV or monitor To see the computer screen image on a high-definition TV or monitor, co...

Configuring audio settings (with HDMI TV) HDMI is the only video interface that supports high-definition video and audio . After you connect an HDMI TV to the computer, you can then turn on HDMI audio by following these steps: 1. Right-click the Speaker icon in the notification area, at the far righ...

Using the keyboard The keyboard allows you to type and the action keys and hot keys allow you to perform specificfunctions. For more details about the keyboard keys, see Keys on page 12 . NOTE: Depending on the country or region, your keyboard may have different keys and keyboard functions than thos...

Icon Key Description f6 Plays the previous track of an audio CD or the previous section of a DVD or a BD. f7 Begins, pauses, or resumes playback of an audio CD, a DVD, or a BD. f8 Plays the next track of an audio CD or the next section of a DVD or a BD. f9 Decreases speaker volume incrementally as l...

Using the keypad Using the integrated numeric keypad The computer includes an integrated numeric keypad, and it also supports an optional externalnumeric keypad or an optional external keyboard that includes a numeric keypad. Component Description num lock key Controls the function of the integrated...

Using the TouchPad Component Description (1) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on or off. (2) TouchPad light ● Amber: The TouchPad is off. ● Off: The TouchPad is on. (3) TouchPad zone Moves the on-screen pointer and selects or activates itemson the screen. (4) Left TouchPad button Functions ...

Using TouchPad gestures The TouchPad supports a variety of gestures that let your fingers swipe, pinch, and rotate tomanipulate items on the desktop. To use TouchPad gestures, place two fingers on the TouchPad atthe same time. NOTE: TouchPad gestures are not supported in all programs. To view the de...

Scrolling Scrolling is useful for moving up, down, or sideways on a page or image. To scroll, place two fingersslightly apart on the TouchPad, and then drag them across the TouchPad in an up, down, left, or rightmotion. NOTE: Scrolling speed is controlled by finger speed. Pinching/Zooming Pinching a...

Rotating Rotating allows you to rotate items such as photos. To rotate, anchor your left forefinger in theTouchPad zone. Move the right forefinger around the anchored finger in a sweeping motion, movingfrom 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock. To reverse the rotation, move your right forefinger from 3 o’clock t...

6 Managing power Your computer can operate on either battery power or external power. When the computer is onlyrunning on battery power and an AC power source is not available to charge the battery, it isimportant to monitor and conserve the battery charge. Your computer supports power plans tomanag...

Using Sleep or Hibernation Microsoft Windows has two power-saving states, Sleep and Hibernation. When Sleep is initiated, the screen clears, and your work is saved to memory, allowing you to resumeyour work faster than when you exit Hibernation. If the computer is in the Sleep state for an extendedp...

To initiate Hibernation, select Start , click the arrow next to the Shut down button, and then click Hibernate . To exit Hibernation, briefly press the power button. The power lights turn on and the computer returns to the screen where you stopped working. NOTE: If you have set a password to be requ...

Selecting a power plan A power plan manages how the computer uses power and helps you conserve power and maximizeperformance. The following power plans are available: ● HP Recommended . Automatically balances performance with energy conservation. ● Power Saver . Saves power by reducing system perfor...

Running on battery power When a charged battery is in the computer and the computer is not plugged into external power, thecomputer runs on battery power and the display brightness decreases to conserve battery life. Thebattery in the computer slowly discharges when the computer is off and unplugged...

Conserving battery power Use the following tips for conserving battery power and maximizing battery life: ● Lower the brightness on the display. ● Select the Power saver setting in Power Options. ● Remove the battery from the computer when it is not being used or charged. ● Turn off wireless devices...

Disposing of a user-replaceable 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. See the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices for proper battery disposal. To access this guide, se...

Running on external power For information about connecting to AC power, see the Setup Instructions provided in the computer box. The computer does not use battery power when the computer is connected to external power with anapproved AC adapter or an optional docking/expansion device. WARNING! To re...

7 Managing and sharing information Drives are digital storage devices or solid-state drives that help you store, manage, share, andaccess information. Your computer has an internal hard drive that stores your computer's software,operating system, as well as providing storage for all of your personal...

Inserting and removing a digital storage card To insert a digital storage card: CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the digital card connectors, use minimal force to insert a digital card. 1. Hold the card label-side up, with the connectors facing the computer. 2. Insert the card into the digit...

Using optical drives An optical disc drive uses laser light to read or store large amounts of information. Some drives canonly read information, but others can also write (burn) information onto a blank disc. Use these tips for best performance of your optical drive: ● When the battery is the only s...

2. Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer edges of the disc. Hold the disc by the edges and avoid touching the flat surfaces. NOTE: If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully as you remove it. 3. Close the disc tray and plac...

8 Maintaining your computer It is important to perform regular maintenance to keep your computer in optimal condition. Thischapter provides information about improving the performance of your computer by running toolssuch as Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup and by replacing a hard drive or adding ...

● Do not type on the keyboard or move the computer while an optical drive is writing to a disc. Thewrite process is sensitive to vibration. ● Before you move a computer that is connected to an external hard drive, initiate Sleep and allowthe screen to clear, or properly disconnect the external hard ...

Adding or replacing memory modules Adding memory can help improve your computer's performance. Your computer is like your physicalwork area. The hard drive is the filing cabinet where you store your work and the memory is the deskwhere you work. When your memory isn’t big enough to hold all your wor...

Updating programs and drivers HP recommends that you update your programs and drivers on a regular basis to the latest versions.Updates can resolve issues and bring new features and options to your computer. Technology isalways changing, and updating programs and drivers allows your computer to run ...

Cleaning your computer Cleaning your computer and external devices helps keep them in good working condition. If you don'tclean your computer, dust and dirt particles can build up. CAUTION: Avoid using the following cleaning products to clean your computer: Strong solvents, such as alcohol, acetone,...

Traveling with or shipping your computer If you have to travel with or ship your computer, here are some tips to keep in mind to keep yourequipment safe. ● Prepare the computer for traveling or shipping: ◦ Back up your information to an external drive. ◦ Remove all discs and all external media cards...

Using passwords A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information and toprotect online transactions. Several types of passwords can be set. For example, when you set upyour computer for the first time, you were asked to create a user password to secure your comp...

Using antivirus software Computer viruses can disable programs, utilities, or the operating system, or cause them to functionabnormally. Antivirus software can detect most viruses, destroy them, and in most cases, repair anydamage they have caused. For more information about computer viruses, type v...

If you have installed third-party software after you purchased your computer, regularly update thesoftware. Software companies provide software updates to their products to correct security problemsand improve functionality of the software. Securing your wireless network When you set up your wireles...

10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics 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 settings for the types of d...

Determining the BIOS version To determine whether available BIOS updates contain later BIOS versions than those currentlyinstalled on the computer, you need to know the version of the system BIOS currently installed. BIOS version information (also known as ROM date and System BIOS ) can be displayed...

4. Double-click the file that has an .exe extension (for example, filename .exe). The BIOS installation begins. 5. Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions. NOTE: After a message on the screen reports a successful installation, you can delete the downloaded file from your ha...

11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering Your computer includes tools provided by the operating system and HP to help you safeguard yourinformation and retrieve it if ever needed. Creating backups 1. Use HP Recovery Manager to create recovery media immediately after you set up the workingcomputer. 2...

● Store the recovery media in a safe location, separate from the computer. ● If necessary, you can exit the program before you have finished creating the recovery media.The next time you open HP Recovery Manager, you will be prompted to continue the process. Creating the recovery media 1. Select Sta...

Backing up system and personal information Your computer stores information that is important to you, such as files, emails, and photos, and youwill want to keep that information even if you download a virus or the system stops working properly.How completely you are able to recover your files depen...

Creating a backup using Windows Backup and Restore Windows allows you to back up files using Windows Backup and Restore. You can select the levelyou want to back up, from individual folders to drives. The backups are compressed to save space.To back up: 1. Select Start > Control Panel > System...

Restore and recovery Restoring to a previous system restore point Sometimes installing a software program causes your computer or Windows to behave unpredictably.Usually uninstalling the software fixes the problems. If uninstalling does not fix the problems, you canrestore the computer to a previous...

● If the recovery media do not work, you can obtain recovery discs for your system from the HPwebsite. ● The Minimized Image Recovery option is recommended for advanced users only. All hardware-related drivers and software are re-installed, but other software applications are not. Do notinterrupt th...

12 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 com...

13 Troubleshooting and support ● Troubleshooting ● Contacting customer support 80 Chapter 13 Troubleshooting and support

Troubleshooting Disc drive problems If the disc tray fails to open normally, follow these steps: 1. Insert the end of a paper clip into the release access (1) in the front bezel of the drive. 2. Press in gently on the paper clip until the tray is released, and then pull out the tray (2) until it sto...

Cannot connect to a WLAN If you have a problem connecting to a WLAN, confirm that the integrated WLAN device is turned onand properly installed on your computer. 1. If the wireless light is off or amber, press the wireless button, wireless switch, or wireless key toturn the wireless device on. 2. Th...

If the computer still cannot make a connection to a WLAN, restart the wireless router. For details, seethe router manufacturer's instructions. Network status icon is not displayed If the network status icon is not displayed in the notification area after you configure the WLAN, thesoftware driver is...

Resolving a low battery level Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ● Connect an AC adapter. ● Connect an optional docking or expansion device. ● Connect an optional power adapter purchased as an accessory from HP. Resolving a low battery level when no power source is availa...

Contacting customer support If the information provided in this user guide or in Help and Support does not answer your questions,you can contact HP Customer Support at http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP . NOTE: For worldwide support go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html . Here you ...

14 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 m...

Index A AC adaptor 5action keys decrease screen brightness 28 Help and Support 28identifying 12increase screen brightness 28next track or section 29play, pause, resume 29previous track or section 29switch screen image 28volume down 29volume mute 29volume up 29wireless 29 airport security devices 52a...