HP DV7-7243CL - 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 or gaming console? For more information, see Connecting an HDMI device on page 30 . ● You know you can listen to music on the computer. But did you know that you...

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...

Rear Component Description 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 internal fan to cycleon and off during routine operation. 8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

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. (4) Left TouchPad button Functions like the ...

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, speakers, and fingerprint reader 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 buttonbriefly to ex...

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 Displays the Desktop or the Start screen. (4) b key Enabl...

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

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...

Using the wireless button The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights,depending on the model. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, sothe wireless light is on (white) when you turn on the computer. The wireless l...

Using Bluetooth wireless devices 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 devi...

Connecting to a wired network There are 2 kinds of wired connections: local area network (LAN) and modem connection. A LANconnection uses a network cable and is much faster than a modem connection, which uses atelephone cable. Both cables are sold separately. WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric ...

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...

Enabling and Disabling Beats Audio ▲ To enable or disable Beats Audio, press the fn key in combination with the b key. 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 apps. 2. Sele...

Using video Your HP computer is a powerful video device that enables you to watch streaming video from yourfavorite websites and download video and movies to watch on your computer, without needing toaccess a network. To enhance your viewing enjoyment, use one of the video ports on the computer to c...

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

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. On the Desktop, right-click the Speaker icon in the notification area,...

Using the TouchPad The TouchPad allows you to navigate the computer with simple finger movements. You can customize the touch gestures by changing settings, button configurations, click speed, andpointer options. From the Start screen, type c to display the Apps list. Select Control Panel , and then...

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

Scrolling Scrolling is useful for moving up, down, or sideways on a page or image. ● Place two fingers slightly apart on the TouchPad zone and then drag them up, down, left, orright. Pinching/zooming Pinching and zooming allow you to zoom in or out on images or text. ● Zoom in by placing two fingers...

Flicking (select models only) Flicking allows you to navigate through screens or quickly scroll through documents. ● Place three fingers on the TouchPad zone and flick your fingers in a light, quick motion up,down, left or right. Edge swipes Edge swipes allow you to perform tasks such as changing se...

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 f5 Turns the radiance backlight keyboard feature off or on. NOTE: To conserve battery power, turn off this feature. 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 Play...

Using the hot keys A hot key is a combination of the fn key and the esc key, the b key, or the spacebar . 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 abo...

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 Sleep and Hibernation Microsoft® Windows has two power-saving states, Sleep and Hibernation. ● Sleep–The Sleep state is automatically initiated after a period of inactivity when running onbattery power or on external power. Your work is saved to memory, allowing you to resume yourwork ver...

Setting password protection on wakeup To set the computer to prompt for a password when the computer exits Sleep or Hibernation, followthese steps: 1. From the Start screen, type power , select Settings , and then select Power Options . 2. In the left pane, click Require a password on wakeup . 3. Cl...

Using the power meter and power settings The power meter is located on the Desktop. The power meter allows you to quickly access powersettings and view the remaining battery charge. ● To display the percentage of remaining battery charge and the current power plan, on theWindows Desktop, point over ...

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. If the computer has a charged battery installed and the AC adapteris disconnected from the computer, the computer automatically switches to batte...

Finding battery information To monitor the status of your battery, or if the battery is no longer holding a charge, run Battery Checkin HP Support Assistant. To access battery information, select the HP Support Assistant app on the Start screen, and then select Battery and performance . HP Support A...

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...

Running on external AC power For information on connecting to AC power, refer to the Setup Instructions poster provided in the computer box. The computer does not use battery power when the computer is connected to AC external power withan approved AC adapter or an optional docking/expansion device....

Troubleshooting power problems Test the AC adapter if the computer exhibits any of the following symptoms when it is connected toAC power: ● The computer does not turn on. ● The display does not turn on. ● The power lights are off. To test the AC adapter: 1. Shut down the computer. 2. Remove the bat...

HP CoolSense (select models only) HP CoolSense automatically detects when the computer is not in a stationary position and adjusts performance and fan settings to keep the surface temperature of your computer at theoptimum level of comfort. When HP CoolSense is off, the position of the computer is n...

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 a solid state drive that stores your computer's software,operating system, and also provides storage for all of your personal f...

Using a USB device Most computers have more than one USB port, because this versatile interface allows you to connectto numerous kinds of external devices to your computer, such as a USB keyboard, mouse, externaldrive, printer, scanner, or USB hub. Your computer has more than one type of USB port. S...

Removing a USB device CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to a USB connector, do not pull on the cable to remove the USB device. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of loss of information or an unresponsive system, use the following procedure to safely remove the USB device. 1. Save your information and c...

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...

such a BD movie release is inserted in the drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to install theupdate. ● If lines appear on the display when viewing a BD, they may be caused by interference from thewireless network. To resolve the issue, close any open applications and turn off your wirelessfeatu...

Removing an optical disc 1. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the disc tray, and then gently pull out the tray (2) until it stops. 2. Remove the 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 edge...

Sharing data and drives and accessing software When your computer is part of a network, you are not limited to using only the information that isstored in your computer. Network computers can exchange software and data with each other. NOTE: When a disc like a DVD movie or game is copy-protected, it...

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 ...

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

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 ...

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...

Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords Password Function Administrator password ● Must be entered each time you access Setup Utility(BIOS). ● If you forget your administrator password, you cannotaccess Setup Utility (BIOS). NOTE: The administrator password can be used in place of the power-on passwo...

Using HP SimplePass (select models only) HP SimplePass provides an easy-to-use interface to help secure your computer and simplify the wayyou log on to your computer and password-protected websites. Use a registered fingerprint to: ● Log on to Windows. ● Access websites and other programs that requi...

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

Installing software updates HP, Microsoft Windows, and third-party software installed on your computer should be regularlyupdated to correct security problems and improve software performance. For more information, see Updating programs and drivers on page 69 . Installing Windows updates Updates to ...

Securing your wireless network When you set up your wireless network, always enable security features. For more information, see Protecting your WLAN on page 21 . Backing up your software apps and information Regularly back up your software apps and information to protect them from being permanently...

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...

Creating recovery media and backups Recovery after a system failure is only as good as your most recent backup. 1. After you successfully set up the computer, create HP Recovery media. This step creates abackup of the HP Recovery partition on the computer. The backup can be used to reinstall theorig...

Creating HP Recovery media HP Recovery Manager is a software program that offers a way to create recovery media after yousuccessfully set up the computer. HP Recovery media can be used to perform system recovery if thehard drive becomes corrupted. System recovery reinstalls the original operating sy...

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 the HP Recovery partition to recover a minimized image (select models only) The HP Recovery partition (select models only) allows you to perform a minimized image recoverywithout the need for recovery discs or a recovery USB flash drive. This type of recovery can only beused if the hard drive ...

Removing the HP Recovery partition HP Recovery Manager software allows you to remove the HP Recovery partition to free up hard drivespace. IMPORTANT: Removing the HP Recovery partition means you can no longer use Windows Refresh, the Windows Remove everything and reinstall Windows option, or the HP ...

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 85°C -4°F to 185°F Relative humidity (noncondensing) Operating 5% to 95% 5% to 95% Nonoperating 5% to 95% 5% to 95% Maximum altitude (unpressurized) Operating -15 m to 3,048 m -50 ft to 10,0...

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 6AC adapter, testing 51action keys decrease screen brightness 39 Help and Support 39identifying 14increase screen brightness 39next track or section 40play, pause, resume 40previous track or section 40radiance backlight keyboard 40 switch screen image 39volume down 40volume mute 4...