HP G56-122US - Manual

2 Getting to know your computer ● Top ● Right side ● Left side ● Display ● Wireless antennas ● Bottom ● Additional hardware 3

Top TouchPad Component Description (1) TouchPad light To turn the TouchPad on and off, quickly double-tap the TouchPadlight. ● Off: TouchPad is on. ● Amber: TouchPad is off. (2) TouchPad zone Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen. (3) Left TouchPad button Press the left side...

Button and speakers NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. Component Description (1) Speaker grill Two integrated speakers produce sound. (2) Power button ● When the computer is off, press the button to turn on thecomputer. ● When the computer is on, p...

Keys NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. Component Description (1) Send e-mail key Opens a new e-mail in your default e-mail client. (2) Media application key Launches your default media player. (3) Web browser key Launches your default web browser....

Right side NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. Component Description (1) Optical drive (select models only) Reads and writes to an optical disc. (2) Optical drive light (select models only) Blinking: The optical drive is being accessed. (3) USB port...

Display Component Description (1) Internal microphone (select models only) Records sound. (2) Webcam (select models only) Records video and captures still photographs. (3) Webcam light (select models only) On: The webcam is in use. 10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Wireless antennas Your computer model has two antennas that 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 (shown in the previous illustration) ...

Bottom Component Description (1) Battery bay Holds the battery. (2) Vents (4) 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 operation....

3 Networking ● Using an Internet service provider (ISP) ● Identifying wireless and network status icons ● Creating a wireless connection ● Using a WLAN ● Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ● Connecting to a local area network (LAN) Your computer may support one or both of the foll...

Identifying wireless and network status icons Icon Name Description Wireless (connected) Indicates that one or more wireless devices are on. Network Connection iconstatus (connected) Indicates that the wired network is connected and active. If bothwired and wireless connections are active, the opera...

Connecting to an existing WLAN 1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. NOTE: Refer to Getting to know your computer on page 3 for information on identifying the location of the wireless button and wireless light on your computer. 2. Click the Network Connection icon in the notification area, at the f...

For help in setting up your WLAN, refer to the information provided by your router manufacturer or yourISP. Protecting your WLAN When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect yournetwork from unauthorized access. WLANs in public areas (hotspots) like c...

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 the following: ● Computers ● Phones ● Audio devices The strength of Bluetooth is in sync...

4 Pointing devices and keyboard ● Using the keyboard ● Using the TouchPad Using the keyboard Action keys are customized actions that are assigned to specific keys at the top of the keyboard. Theicons on the f1 through f12 keys represent the action key functions. To use an action key, press and hold ...

Using the TouchPad To turn the TouchPad on and off, quickly double-tap the TouchPad light. When the TouchPad light isamber, the TouchPad is off. To move the pointer, slide one finger across the TouchPad in the direction you want the pointer to go.Use the left and right TouchPad buttons like the butt...

5 Multimedia ● Using the media activity controls ● Audio ● Webcam (select models only) ● Video Your computer may include the following: ● Integrated speakers ● Integrated microphones ● Integrated webcam ● Preinstalled multimedia software ● Multimedia buttons or keys ● Optical drive Using the media a...

Audio Your computer enables you to use a variety of audio features: ● Play music. ● Record sound. ● Download music from the Internet. ● Create multimedia presentations. ● Transmit sound and images with instant messaging programs. ● Stream radio programs (select models only). ● Create or “burn” audio...

Adjusting the volume Depending on your computer model, you can adjust the volume using the following: ● Volume buttons ● Volume action keys ● Volume keys WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety infor...

Video Your computer has the following external video port: ● VGA VGA The external monitor port, or VGA port, is an analog display interface that connects an external VGAdisplay device such as an external VGA monitor or a VGA projector to the computer. ▲ To connect a VGA display device, connect the d...

6 Power management ● Shutting down the computer ● Setting power options ● Using battery power ● Using external AC power Shutting down the computer CAUTION: Unsaved information will be lost when the computer is shut down. The Shut Down command closes all open programs, including the operating system,...

Setting power options Using power-saving states The computer has two power-saving states enabled at the factory: Suspend and Hibernation. When Suspend is initiated, the power light blinks and the screen clears. Your work is saved to memory,letting you exit the Suspend state faster than exiting Hiber...

With the computer on, you can initiate Hibernation in any of the following ways: ● Briefly press the power button. ● Select Computer > Shutdown > Hibernate . ● Click the Power icon, located on the far right of the taskbar, and then click Hibernate . To exit Hibernation: ▲ Briefly press the pow...

You can keep a battery in the computer or in storage, depending on how you work. Keeping the batteryin the computer whenever the computer is plugged into AC power charges the battery and also protectsyour work in case of a power outage. However, a battery in the computer slowly discharges when theco...

Inserting or removing the battery To insert the battery: ▲ Insert the battery (1) into the battery bay (2) until it is seated. The battery release latch (3) automatically locks the battery into place. To remove the battery: CAUTION: Removing a battery that is the sole power source for the computer c...

3. Pivot the battery (2) upward and remove it from the computer (3) . Charging a battery WARNING! Do not charge the computer battery while you are onboard aircraft. The battery charges whenever the computer is plugged into external power through an AC adapter oran optional power adapter. The battery...

Maximizing battery life To maximize battery life: 1. Select Computer > Control Center > Power Management . 2. Under the On Battery Power tab, adjust the slider to the right of Put computer to sleep when inactive for: to 30 minutes. 3. Adjust the slider to the right of Put display to sleep when...

Resolving a low battery level Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ▲ Connect one of the following devices: ● AC adapter ● Optional docking or expansion device ● Optional power adapter purchased as an accessory from HP Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is ...

Calibrate a battery before using it if it has been stored for one month or more. 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 ...

Testing an AC adapter Test the AC adapter if the computer exhibits any of the following symptoms when it is connected to ACpower: ● The computer does not turn on. ● The display does not turn on. ● The power light is off. To test the AC adapter: 1. Shut down the computer. 2. Remove the battery from t...

7 Drives ● Handling drives ● Replacing or upgrading the hard drive ● Using optical drives (select models only) Handling drives Drives are fragile computer components that must be handled with care. Refer to the following cautionsbefore handling drives. Additional cautions are included with the proce...

● If a drive must be mailed, place the drive in a bubble-pack mailer or other suitable protectivepackaging and label the package “FRAGILE.” ● Avoid exposing a drive to magnetic fields. Security devices with magnetic fields include airportwalk-through devices and security wands. Airport conveyer belt...

10. Grasp the tabs (2) on the hard drive, and then disconnect the hard drive cable (3) from the system board. 11. Remove the hard drive (4) from the hard drive bay. Installing the hard drive To install the hard drive: 1. Grasp the tabs (1) on the hard drive and lower the hard drive (2) into the hard...

Using optical drives (select models only) Identifying the installed optical drive ▲ Select Computer > More Applications , and then select the Audio & Video group at the left sidebar. A list of all the devices installed in your computer, including your optical drive, is displayed. Playing a CD...

8 External devices ● Using a USB device ● Using optional 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. Devices can be connected tothe syste...

Removing a USB device CAUTION: To prevent damage to a USB connector, do not pull on the cable to remove the USB device. CAUTION: To prevent loss of information or an unresponsive system, use the following procedure to safely remove a USB device. To remove a USB device: 1. Open File Browser by select...

9 Memory modules The computer has one memory module compartment, which is located on the bottom of the computer.The memory capacity of the computer can be upgraded by adding a memory module to the vacantexpansion memory module slot or by upgrading the existing memory module in the primary memorymodu...

10 Security ● Protecting the computer ● Using passwords Protecting the computer NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents, but they may not deter software attacks or prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen. Security features provided with your computer can protect the c...

NOTE: To reduce the risk of being locked out of the computer, record each password and store it in a secure place. Setting passwords in the operating system Operating system passwords Function Root password Protects access to an operating system root-level account. User password Protects access to a...

11 Backup and Recovery Recovery after a system failure is as good as your most recent backup. As you add new software anddata files, you should continue to back up your system on a regular basis to maintain a reasonablycurrent backup. 53

Performing a system recovery Recovery allows you to repair or restore the computer to its original factory state. Recovery works froma dedicated recovery partition on the hard drive. This type of recovery restores the computer to its factorycondition without using recovery discs. CAUTION: Using Reco...

Backing up your information You should back up your computer files on a regular schedule to maintain a current backup. You canmanually back up your information to an optional external drive, a network drive, or discs. Back up yoursystem at the following times: ● At regularly scheduled times ● Before...

12 Setup Utility (BIOS) ● Starting Setup Utility ● Using Setup Utility 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). Setup Utilityincludes settings for the...

A Troubleshooting and support ● Troubleshooting ● Contacting customer support ● Labels Troubleshooting The following sections describe several common issues and solutions. The computer is unable to start up If the computer does not turn on when you press the power button, the following suggestions m...

Software is functioning abnormally If the software is unresponsive or responds abnormally, restart the computer by clicking Computer > Shutdown > Restart . If you cannot restart the computer using this procedure, refer to the next section, The computer is on but not responding on page 59 . The...

The wireless network connection is not working If a wireless network connection is not working as expected, follow these suggestions: ● To enable or disable a wireless and/or wired network device, right-click the Network Connection icon in the notification area at the far right of the taskbar. To en...

The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion ● Be sure that all other programs are closed. ● Turn off Suspend mode and Hibernation. ● Be sure that you are using the right kind of disc for your drive. ● Be sure that the disc is inserted properly. ● Select a slower write...

B Routine care ● Cleaning the display ● Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard 64 Appendix B Routine care

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard Dirt and grease on the TouchPad can cause the pointer to jump around on the screen. To avoid this,clean the 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 compo...

C Specifications ● Input power ● Operating environment Input power The power information in this section may be helpful if you plan to travel internationally with the computer. The computer operates on DC power, which can be supplied by an AC or a DC power source. The ACpower source must be rated at...

D 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 ma...

Index A AC adapter light, identifying 8AC adapter, identifying 13action keys identifying 7volume 26 airport security devices 39antennas 11application key, identifying 7audio features 25audio functions, checking 26audio-in (microphone) jack, identifying 9 audio-out (headphone) jack, identifying 9 B b...