HP B5W50UARABA - Manual

More HP resources You have already used Setup Instructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. To locate product details, how-to information, and more, use this table. Resource Contents Setup Instructions ● Overview of computer setup and features. Windows 8 Basics guide ● Overview of usin...

2 Getting to know your computer Finding your hardware and software information Locating hardware To find out what hardware is installed on your computer: 1. From the Start screen, type c , and then select Control Panel . 2. Select System and Security , and then in the System area, click Device Manag...

Right side Component Description (1) Optical drive Reads and writes (select models only) to an optical disc. (2) Optical drive light ● Green: The optical drive is being accessed. ● Off: The optical drive is idle. (3) Optical drive eject button Releases the disc tray. (4) Power light ● White: The com...

Left side 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 normalfor the internal fan to cycle on and off during routineoperation. (2) External monitor port Connects a...

Top TouchPad Component Description (1) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on or off. (2) TouchPad light ● On: The TouchPad is off. ● Off: The TouchPad is on. (3) TouchPad zone Moves the on-screen pointer and selects or activates itemson the screen. NOTE: The TouchPad also supports edge-swipe ...

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 in the Sleep state, press thebutton briefly to exit Sleep. ● When the computer is in Hibernation, press the buttondown briefly to exit Hibernation. ...

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 esc key or the b key. (3) Windows logo key Returns you to the Start screen from an open app or theDe...

Bottom Component Description (1) Battery bay Holds the battery. (2) Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay and opens theservice door. (3) Integrated subwoofer Provides superior bass sound. (4) Vents (5) Enable airflow to cool internal components. NOTE: The computer fan start...

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. ● Service label—Provides important information, including the following: NOTE: Your label may lo...

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. Connecting t...

To use operating system controls: 1. From the Start screen, type n , and then select Settings . 2. Type network and sharing in the search box, and then select Network and Sharing Center . For more information, from the Start screen, type h , and then select Help and Support . Using a WLAN With a WLA...

Connecting to a WLAN To connect to a 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. 2. On the Desktop, tap and hold, or click the network status icon in the notification...

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) Use a LAN connection if you want to connect the computer directly to a router in your home (insteadof working wirelessly), or if you want to connect to an existing network at your office. Connecting to a LAN requires an 8-pin, RJ-45 (network) cable. To connec...

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 a monitor, projector, or TV, or sp...

Component Description (6) Optical drive Reads and writes (select models only) to an opticaldisc. (7) b key Enables or disables Beats Audio when pressed incombination with the fn key. Opens Beats Audio Control Panel, which allows youto view and control all audio settings. Beats Audio isan enhanced au...

For details about using the webcam, go to Help and Support. On the Start screen, type h , and then select Help and Support . Using audio On your HP computer, you can play music CDs, download and listen to music, stream audio contentfrom the web (including radio), record audio, or mix audio and video...

Checking the sound To check the audio functions on your computer, follow these steps: 1. From the Start screen, type c , and then select Control Panel from the list of applications. 2. Select Hardware and Sound , and then select Sound . 3. When the Sound window opens, select the Sounds tab. Under Pr...

Connecting a VGA monitor or projector To see the computer screen image on an external VGA monitor or projected for a presentation,connect a monitor or projector to the computer's VGA port. To connect a monitor or projector: 1. Connect the VGA cable from the monitor or projector to the VGA port on th...

Connecting an HDMI device NOTE: To connect an HDMI device to your computer, you need an HDMI cable, sold separately. To see the computer screen image on a high-definition TV or monitor, connect the high-definitiondevice according to the following instructions. 1. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to...

To return the audio stream to the computer speakers: 1. From the Windows desktop, right-click the Speakers icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, and then click Playback devices . 2. On the Playback tab, click Speakers and Headphones . 3. Click Set Default , and then click O...

5 Navigating using touch gestures,pointing devices, and the keyboard Your computer allows navigation using touch gestures in addition to the keyboard and mouse. Touchgestures can be used on your computer TouchPad. NOTE: An external USB mouse (purchased separately) can be connected to one of the USB ...

Using TouchPad gestures A TouchPad allows you to control the pointer on the screen using your fingers. TIP: Use the left and right buttons on the TouchPad as you would use the corresponding buttons on an external mouse. NOTE: TouchPad gestures are not supported in all programs. To view a demonstrati...

Tapping To make an on-screen selection use the tap function on the TouchPad. ● Point to an item on the screen, and then tap one finger on the TouchPad zone to make aselection. Double-tap an item to open it. NOTE: Press and hold your finger on the TouchPad to open a help screen that provides informat...

Pinching/Zooming Pinching and zooming allows you to zoom in or out on images or text. ● Zoom in by placing two fingers together on the TouchPad zone and then moving your fingersapart. ● Zoom out by placing two fingers apart on the TouchPad zone and then moving your fingerstogether. Rotating Rotating...

Using the keyboard and mouse The keyboard and mouse allow you to type, select items, scroll and to perform the same functions asyou do by using touch gestures. The keyboard also allows you to use action keys and hot keys toperform specific functions. TIP: The Windows logo key on the keyboard allows ...

Icon Key Description 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 long as you hold down the key. f10 Increases speaker volume incrementally as long as you hold down the key. f11 Mutes or restores speaker sound. f12 Turns th...

Using the hot keys A hot key is a combination of the fn key and either the esc key or the b key. To use a hot key: ▲ Briefly press the fn key, and then briefly press the second key of the combination. Function Hot key Description Display system information. fn + esc Displays information about system...

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...

Initiating and exiting Sleep With the computer on, you can initiate Sleep in any of the following ways: ● Close the display. ● From the Start screen, point to the upper-right or lower-right corner of the screen. When thecharms list opens, click Settings , click the Power icon, and then click Sleep ....

4. Click Require a password (recommended) . NOTE: If you need to create a user account password or change your current user account password, click Create or change your user account password , and then follow the on- screen instructions. If you do not need to create or change a user account passwor...

Removing a user-replaceable battery WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the user-replaceable battery provided with the computer, a replacement battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased from HP. CAUTION: Removing a user-replaceable battery that is the sole power sourc...

Identifying low battery levels When a battery that is the sole power source for the computer reaches a low or critical battery level,the power meter icon on the Windows desktop shows a low or critical battery notification. NOTE: For additional information about the power meter, refer to “Using the p...

Replacing a user-replaceable battery Battery Check in HP Support Assistant notifies you to replace the battery when an internal cell is notcharging properly or when the battery storage capacity has reached a weak condition. If the battery ispossibly covered by an HP warranty, instructions include a ...

To test the AC adapter: 1. Shut down the computer. 2. Remove the battery from the computer. 3. Connect the AC adapter to the computer, and then plug it into an AC outlet. 4. Turn on the computer. ● If the power lights turn on , the AC adapter is working properly. ● If the power lights remain off , c...

7 Managing and sharing information Drives are digital storage devices that help you store, manage, share, and access information. Yourcomputer has an internal hard drive or that stores your computer's software and operating system, aswell as provides storage for all of your personal files. Your comp...

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. A sound indicates ...

Inserting an optical disc 1. Turn on the computer. 2. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the disc tray. 3. Pull out the tray (2) . 4. Hold the disc by the edges to avoid touching the flat surfaces and position the disc label-side upover the tray spindle. NOTE: If the tray is ...

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 ...

3. Using a small Phillips screwdriver, remove the 2 hard drive mounting screws (1) , and corresponding screw mounting hardware (2) . Using the tab (3) , lift and remove the hard drive assembly from the bay. NOTE: After removing the hard drive from the computer, you must remove the hard drive bracket...

For more information, see the HP 3D DriveGuard software Help. Using Disk Defragmenter As you use your computer over time, the files on the hard drive become fragmented. A fragmenteddrive means data on your drive is not contiguous (sequential) and, because of this, the hard driveworks harder to locat...

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,...

9 Securing your computer andinformation Computer security is essential for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of yourinformation. Standard security solutions provided by the Windows operating system, HP applications,the non-Windows Setup Utility (BIOS), and other third-party...

Setting Windows passwords Password Function User password Protects access to a Windows user account. Administrator password Protects administrator-level access to computer contents. NOTE: This password cannot be used to access Setup Utility (BIOS) contents. Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords Pas...

the security software trial offer or purchase the software of your choice in order to fully protect yourcomputer. Using antivirus software Computer viruses can disable programs, utilities, or the operating system, or cause them to functionabnormally. Antivirus software can detect most viruses, destr...

Installing HP and third-party software updates HP recommends that you regularly update the software and drivers that were originally installed onyour computer. To download the latest versions, go to the HP website. For U.S. support, go to http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP . For worldwide support, go to...

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...

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. To start System Diagnostics: 1. Turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc , and then press f2 . 2. Click the diagnostic test you want to run, and then...

choose to reset the computer by reinstalling Windows or choose to recover using HP RecoveryManager. NOTE: File History is not enabled by default, so you must turn it on. For more information and steps for enabling Windows File History, see Windows Help andSupport. From the Start screen, type h , and...

Restore and recovery There are several options for recovering your system. Choose the method that best matches yoursituation and level of expertise: ● If you need to restore your personal files and data, you can use Windows File History to restoreyour information from the backups you created. For mo...

3. Click Change PC settings in the bottom-right corner of the screen, and then select General from the PC settings screen. 4. Under Remove everything and reinstall Windows , select Get started , and follow the on- screen instructions. Recovering using HP Recovery Manager HP Recovery Manager software...

Using HP Recovery media to recover You can use HP Recovery media to recover the original system. This method can be used if yoursystem does not have an HP Recovery partition or if the hard drive is not working properly. 1. If possible, back up all personal files. 2. Insert the first HP Recovery disc...

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...

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...

13 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 adapter 5AC adapter, testing 41action keys decrease screen brightness 33 functions 33Help and Support 33identifying 11increase screen brightness 33next track or section 34play, pause, resume 33previous track or section 33switch screen image 33using 33volume down 34volume mute 34volume up ...