HP DV6-3120US - Manual

2 Features Identifying hardware To refer to a list of hardware installed on the computer: 1. Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security . 2. In the System area, click Device Manager . Use Device Manager to add hardware or modify device configurations. NOTE: Windows® includes the User A...

Components Top components TouchPad Component Function TouchPad zone Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen. To view or change the pointing device preferences: 1. Select Start > Devices and Printers . 2. Right-click the device representing the computer. 3. Select Mouse sett...

TouchPad buttons Item Description Function 1 TouchPad off indicator To switch the TouchPad on and off, quickly double-tapthe TouchPad off indicator. 2 Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an external mouse. 3 Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external mous...

Lights Item Description Function 1 TouchPad light ● Off—The TouchPad is enabled. ● Amber—The TouchPad is disabled. 2 Caps Lock light On—Caps Lock is on. 3 Power light NOTE: The computer has two power lights. The other power light is on the right side of the computer. ● On—The computer is on. ● Flash...

Buttons and Fingerprint Reader (select models only) Item Description Function 1 Power button Press the Power button to: ● Turn on the computer. ● Initiate Sleep. ● Exit Sleep. ● Exit Hibernation. If the computer has stopped responding and Windows shutdownprocedures are ineffective, press and hold th...

Keys Item Description Function 1 esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the fn key. 2 E-mail key Opens a new e-mail in the default e-mail client. 3 Media Application key Launches the MediaSmart application (or the TouchSmartapplication for select models equipped with th...

Front components Description Function Speakers (2) Produce sound. Right-side components Item Description Function 1 USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices. 2 Optical drive Reads optical discs and, on select models, writes to optical discs. 3 Optical Drive light Flashing—Accessing the optical dri...

Bottom components Item Description Function 1 Battery bay Holds the battery. 2 Vents (6) Enable 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...

Display components Item Description Function 1 Internal microphones (2) Record sound. 2 Webcam light On—The webcam is in use. 3 Webcam Records video and captures still photographs. 12 Chapter 2 Features

Wireless antennas On select computer models, at least two antennas send and receive signals from one or more wirelessdevices. These antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. NOTE: For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from obstructions. To rev...

Additional hardware components Item Description Function 1 Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet. 2 AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power. 3 Battery* Provides power when the computer is not connected to an externalpower source. * Batteries and power cords vary in appearance by region...

3 Wireless, local area network, andmodem Using wireless devices Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. The computer might beequipped with one or more of the following wireless devices: ● Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless loca...

Identifying wireless and network status icons Icon Name Description Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless light and the wireless actionkey on the computer. Also identifies the HP Wireless Assistantsoftware on the computer and indicates that one or more of thewireless devices a...

Using a WLAN With a WLAN device, access is available to a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composedof other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point. NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably....

Protecting your WLAN Because the WLAN standard was designed with only limited security capabilities—basically to foil casualeavesdropping rather than more powerful forms of attack—it is essential to understand that WLANs arevulnerable to well-known and well-documented security weaknesses. WLANs in p...

Connecting to a WLAN To connect to the WLAN: 1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If it is on, the wireless light is white. If the wireless light isamber, press the wireless action key ( f12 ). 2. Click the Network icon in the notification area at the far right of the taskbar. 3. Select your WLAN ...

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

Connecting to a local area network 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, orient the circuitry end of the cable (2)...

4 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: 1. Select Start > Devices and Printers ...

Using TouchPad gestures The TouchPad supports a variety of TouchPad gestures. To activate the TouchPad gestures, place twofingers on the TouchPad at the same time as described in the following sections. NOTE: You can scroll and pinch anywhere on the TouchPad surface. To enable or disable gestures, c...

Pinching Pinching allows you to zoom in or out on items such as PDFs, images, and photos. To pinch: ● Zoom in by holding two fingers together on the TouchPad, and then pull the fingers apart to increasean object's size. ● Zoom out by holding two fingers apart on the TouchPad, and then pull the finge...

Calibrating the touch screen To calibrate touch: 1. Double-click the calibration desktop icon. – or – Select Start > Control Panel > Tablet Properties > Calibrate Touch tab. 2. Follow the on-screen instructions. ● Use your finger to touch the exact center of each of the calibration markers....

Performing actions on the touch screen Use a plastic computer pen or your fingernail to perform click or flick actions. The instructions in this section are based on the preferences set at the factory. To modify settings forrecognized clicks and flicks, select Start > Control Panel > Hardware ...

Setting touch screen preferences To set touch screen preferences: ● For clicks, flicks, and visual feedback, select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Pen and Input Devices . These preferences are specific to the touch screen and the computer. ● For left-handed or right-handed use...

Using the hotkey A hotkey is a combination of the fn key (1) and the esc key (2) . Press fn+esc to display information about system hardware components and the system BIOS version number. To use a hotkey command: ● Press the fn key, and then briefly press esc . – or – ● Press and hold down the fn ke...

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard Dirt and grease on the TouchPad cause the pointer to jump around on the screen. To avoid this, cleanthe TouchPad with a damp cloth, and wash your hands frequently when using the computer. WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to internal component...

5 Multimedia Multimedia features The computer includes multimedia features that allow you to listen to music, watch movies, and viewpictures. The computer might include the following multimedia components: ● Optical drive for playing audio and video discs ● Integrated speakers for listening to music...

Identifying your multimedia components Item Description Function 1 Internal digital dual array microphones (2) Record sound. 2 Webcam light Illuminates when video software accesses the webcam. 3 Webcam Records video, and captures still photographs. 4 Volume Down key Decreases the volume. 5 Volume Up...

Adjusting the volume Adjust the volume using the computer volume keys. ● To decrease volume, press the Volume Down key (1) . ● To increase volume, press the Volume Up key (2) . ● To mute or restore volume, press the Volume Mute key (3) . NOTE: Volume is also controlled through the Windows operating ...

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

Multimedia software Preinstalled multimedia software allows you to play music, watch movies, and view pictures. Using HP MediaSmart or TouchSmart (select models only) software HP MediaSmart and TouchSmart (select models only) turn the computer into a mobile entertainmentcenter. Enjoy music and DVD a...

Audio The computer has a variety of audio features that allow you to: ● Play music using the computer speakers and/or connected external speakers. ● Record sound using the internal microphone or a connected external microphone. ● Download music from the Internet. ● Create multimedia presentations us...

3. Save the file to the desktop. 4. Open Windows Media Player or MediaSmart, and play back the sound. To confirm or change the audio settings on the computer, select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound . Video The computer has a variety of video features that allow you to: ● ...

Connecting an HDMI device The computer includes an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port. The HDMI port connectsthe computer to an optional video or audio device, such as a high-definition television, or any compatibledigital or audio component. The computer supports one HDMI device conne...

To return audio to the computer speakers: 1. Right-click the Speakers icon in the notification area at the far right of the taskbar. 2. Click Playback devices . 3. On the Playback tab, click Speakers . 4. Click Set Default . 5. Click OK . Webcam The computer includes an integrated webcam, located at...

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

When the computer exits Sleep, the power lights illuminate, and you return to the screen where youentered Sleep. NOTE: If a password is required when exiting Sleep, enter your Windows password at the prompt. Initiating and exiting Hibernation Hibernation initiates after 1,080 minutes (18 hours) of i...

Viewing the current power plan To view to current power plan: ● Click the Battery Meter icon in the notification area at the far right of the taskbar. – or – ● Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options . Selecting a different power plan To select a different power p...

Using external AC power WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the AC adapter provided with the computer, a replacement AC adapter provided by HP, or a compatible AC adapter purchased from HP. WARNING! Do not charge the computer battery while on board an aircraft. External AC power is ...

Connecting the AC adapter WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to the equipment: Connect the power cord into an AC outlet that is easily accessible at all times. Disconnect power from the computer by disconnecting the power cord from the AC outlet (not bydisconnecting the power co...

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

Inserting or removing the battery CAUTION: Removing a battery that is the sole power source causes loss of information. To prevent loss of information, initiate Hibernation or shut down the computer through Windows before removingthe battery. To insert the battery: 1. Turn the computer upside down o...

Managing low battery levels The information in this section describes the alerts and system responses set at the factory. Some low-battery alerts and system responses can be changed using Power Options in Windows Control Panel.Preferences set using Power Options do not affect lights. Identifying low...

Calibrating a battery Calibrate the battery when: ● The battery charge displays seem inaccurate. ● You observe a significant change in battery run time. A heavily used battery should only be calibrated once a month. Do not calibrate a new battery. To calibrate the battery: 1. Fully charge the batter...

The computer must remain on while the battery is being discharged. The battery dischargeswhether or not you are using the computer, but the battery discharges faster while you are usingit. ● If you plan to leave the computer unattended during the discharge, save your informationbefore beginning the ...

● Disconnect external devices that are not connected to an external power source when you are notusing them. ● Stop, disable, or remove any external media cards that you are not using. ● Press the Decrease Screen Brightness key or Increase Screen Brightness key to adjust screen brightness as needed....

Switching between graphics modes (select models only) The computer is equipped with switchable graphics and has two modes for processing graphics. Whenswitching from AC power to battery power, the computer switches from High-performance mode toPower-saving mode to conserve battery life. Similarly, w...

7 Drives Handling drives Drives are fragile computer components that must be handled with care. Adhere to the following cautionsbefore handling drives: CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the computer, damage to a drive, or loss of information: Before moving a computer that is connected to an e...

Optical drive The computer includes an optical drive that expands the functionality of the computer. The optical driveallows you to read data discs, play music, and watch movies. If the computer includes a Blu-ray Disc(BD) ROM Drive, then high-definition video can also be watched. Identifying the in...

Using external drives Removable external drives expand storing options and information access. A USB mouse can beconnected to the system using the ports on an optional docking device or optional expansion product. USB drives include: ● 1.44-megabyte diskette drive ● Hard drive module (a hard drive w...

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 runs more efficiently. After starting Disk Defragmenter, it works without s...

Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection protects the hard drive by parking the drive and halting I/Orequests under one of the following conditions: ● You drop the computer. ● You move the computer with the display closed while the computer is running on batt...

Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection software The HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection software: ● Enables and disables HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection. NOTE: Depending on your user privileges, you might not have the rights to enable or disable HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection. Ad...

Replacing a 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 or in Sleep or Hibernation. If you are not sure whether the comp...

8 External devices Using a USB device A USB port connects an optional external device, such as a USB keyboard, mouse, drive, printer,scanner, or hub, to the computer or to an optional expansion product. Some USB devices might require additional support software, which is usually included with the de...

Removing a USB device CAUTION: To prevent loss of information or an unresponsive system, adhere to the instructions in this section. CAUTION: To prevent damage to a USB connector, do not pull on the cable to remove the USB device. To remove a USB device: 1. Click the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject...

Connecting an eSATA device CAUTION: To prevent damage to an eSATA port connector, use minimal force to connect an eSATA device. To connect an eSATA device to the computer, connect the eSATA cable for the device to the eSATAport. A sounds alerts you that the device is connected to the computer. 74 Ch...

Removing an eSATA device CAUTION: To prevent loss of information or an unresponsive system, adhere to the instructions in this section. CAUTION: To prevent damage to an eSATA connector, do not pull on the cable to remove the eSATA device. To remove an eSATA device: 1. Click the Safely Remove Hardwar...

9 External media cards Using Digital Media Slot cards Optional digital cards provide secure data storage and convenient data sharing. These cards are usedwith digital media-equipped cameras and PDAs, as well as with other computers. The Digital Media Slot supports the following digital card formats:...

2. Insert the card into the Digital Media Slot, and then push in on the card until it is firmly seated. A sounds alerts you when a device is detected, and a menu of options appears. Removing a digital card CAUTION: To prevent loss of data or an unresponsive system, adhere to the instructions in this...

10 Memory modules The computer has one memory module compartment, which is located on the bottom of the computer.The memory capacity of the computer is upgraded by adding a memory module to the vacant expansionmemory module slot or by upgrading the existing memory module in the primary memory module...

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

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

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

Using antivirus software When using the computer to access e-mail, a network, or the Internet, the computer is exposed toviruses. Computer viruses disable the operating system, programs, or utilities, or cause them to functionabnormally. Antivirus software detects most viruses, destroys them, and in...

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 might h...

Using the Fingerprint Reader (select models only) NOTE: The location of the Fingerprint Reader varies by computer model. Locating the Fingerprint Reader The Fingerprint Reader is a small metallic sensor that is located: ● Near the bottom of the TouchPad ● On the right side of the keyboard ● On the u...

Registering fingerprints A Fingerprint Reader allows you to log on to Windows using a fingerprint that you have registered usingDigitalPersona Personal software, instead of using a Windows password. To register one or more fingerprints: 1. In Windows, click the DigitalPersona Personal icon in the no...

Using your registered fingerprint to log on to Windows To log on to Windows using your fingerprint: 1. After you register your fingerprints, restart Windows. 2. Swipe any of your registered fingers to log on to Windows. Using the Fingerprint Reader (select models only) 91

12 Troubleshooting Cannot connect to a WLAN Before troubleshooting a network connection problem, be sure that device drivers are installed for allwireless devices. NOTE: Wireless networking devices are included with select computer models only. If wireless networking is not listed in the feature lis...

Cannot connect to a preferred network Windows automatically repairs a corrupted WLAN connection: ● If there is a Network icon in the notification area, right-click the icon, and then click Troubleshoot problems . Windows resets your network device and attempts to reconnect to one of the preferred ne...

3. Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer edges of the disc. Hold the disc by the edges and avoid touching the flat surfaces. NOTE: If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully as you remove it. 4. Close the disc tray, and the...

● Be sure that the disc is inserted properly. ● Select a slower write speed and try again. ● If copying a disc, save the information on the source disc to your hard drive before trying to burnthe contents to a new disc, and then burn from the hard drive. ● Reinstall the disc-burning device driver lo...

5. When the list of drivers is displayed, click an updated driver to open a window containing additionalinformation. 6. Click Install now to install the updated driver without downloading the file. – or – Click Download only to save the file to the computer. When prompted, click Save and then select...

13 Changing QuickWeb settings Disabling and enabling QuickWeb To disable or reenable QuickWeb from within the Windows operating system: 1. Select Start > All Programs > HP QuickWeb . The HP QuickWeb Installer folder is displayed. Click HP QuickWeb Configuration Tool . 2. Select the Enable Quic...

A Setup Utility (BIOS) Starting Setup Utility Setup Utility is a ROM-based information and customization utility which is used even when the Windowsoperating system is not working. NOTE: The Fingerprint Reader (select models only) cannot be used to access Setup Utility. The utility reports informati...

NOTE: If Setup Utility is not running, begin at step 1. If Setup Utility is running, begin at step 2. 1. Open Setup Utility by turning on or restarting the computer. When the Press the ESC key for StartupMenu screen appears, press the f10 key. – or – Open Setup Utility by turning on or restarting th...

Security menu Select Function Administrator password Enter, change, or delete an administrator password. Power-On Password Enter, change, or delete a power-on password. System Configuration menu Select Function Language Support Change the language of Setup Utility. Virtualization Technology (select ...

Diagnostics menu Select Function Hard Disk Self Test Run a comprehensive self-test on the hard drive. Memory Test Run a diagnostic test on the system memory. Setup Utility menus 105

B Software updates Updated versions of the software provided with the computer might be available on the HP Web site. Most software and 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 informatio...

Updating the BIOS To update the BIOS, first determine what BIOS version you currently have and then download and installthe new BIOS. Determining the BIOS version To determine whether available BIOS updates contain later BIOS versions than those currently installedon the computer, you need to know t...

NOTE: If you connect the computer to a network, consult the network administrator before installing any software updates, especially system BIOS updates. BIOS installation procedures vary. Follow any instructions that appear on the screen after the downloadis complete. If no instructions appear: 1. ...

C Backup and recovery Recovery after a system failure is as complete as the most current backup. HP recommends creatingrecovery discs immediately after software setup. As you add new software and data files, continue toback up the system on a regular basis to maintain a reasonably current backup. To...

Creating recovery discs HP recommends creating recovery discs so that the system can be restored to its original factory stateif you experience serious system failure or instability. Create these discs after setting up the computerfor the first time. Handle these discs carefully and keep them in a s...

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

Using Windows Backup and Restore To create a backup using Windows Backup and Restore: NOTE: Be sure that the computer is connected to AC power before starting the backup process. NOTE: The backup process might take over an hour, depending on file size and the speed of the computer. 1. Select Start &...

Restore to a previous date and time To revert to a restore point (created at a previous date and time), when the computer was functioningoptimally: 1. Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System . 2. In the left pane, click System protection . 3. Click the System Protection ...

Index A AC adapter connecting 47identifying 14 action keys adjusting volume 30audio CD, DVD, or BD controls 30 decrease screen brightness 29 Help and Support 29increase screen brightness 29muting speaker sound 30switching screen image 29using 29volume 35wireless 30 administrator password creating 85...