HP G72-B66US - Manual

Components Top components TouchPad Component Description (1) TouchPad off indicator ● When the TouchPad zone is active, the light is off. ● When the TouchPad zone is inactive, the light is amber. ● To switch between active and inactive, quickly double-tap theTouchPad off indicator. (2) TouchPad zone...

Lights NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. Component Description (1) TouchPad light ● Off: TouchPad is enabled. ● Amber: TouchPad is disabled. To switch the Touchpad on and off, quickly double-tap theTouchpad light. (2) Caps lock light On: Caps lock...

Button and speakers NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. Component Description (1) Power button ● When the computer is off, press the button to turn on thecomputer. ● When the computer is on, press the button briefly to initiateSleep. ● When the comp...

Keys NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. Component Description (1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the fn key. (2) fn key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the esc key. (3) Windows logo...

Right-side components NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. Component Description (1) Optical drive Reads optical discs and, on select models, also writes to opticaldiscs. (2) Optical drive light on release button Blinking: The optical drive is being ...

Bottom components 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...

Display components Component Description (1) Internal microphone 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. Wireless antennas Your computer model has two antennas that send and receive s...

Additional hardware components Component Description (1) Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet. (2) AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power. (3) Battery Powers the computer when the computer is not plugged intoexternal power. *Power cords vary in appearance by country or region. Compon...

Labels The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot systemproblems or travel internationally with the computer. ● Integrated regulatory, wireless certification, and service tag label—Provides regulatory informationabout the computer, wireless certificatio...

Identifying wireless and network status icons Icon Name Description Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless light and the wireless actionkey ( f12 ) on the computer. Also identifies the HP Wireless Assistant software on the computer and indicates that one or more of thewireless ...

Using a WLAN With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of othercomputers 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. ● A lar...

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, follow these steps: 1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on (the wireless light is white). If the wireless light is amber, pressthe wireless action key ( f12 ). 2. Click the network icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. 3. Select y...

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 (desktop, notebook, PDA) ● Phones (cellular, cordless, smart ...

Troubleshooting wireless connection problems Some possible causes for wireless connection problems include the following: ● Network configuration (SSID or security) has been changed. ● Wireless device is not installed correctly or has been disabled. ● Wireless device or router hardware has failed. ●...

Network icon is not displayed If the network icon is not displayed in the notification area after you configure the WLAN, the softwaredriver is either missing or corrupted. A Windows “Device not Found” error message may also bedisplayed. The driver must be reinstalled. If the WLAN device you are usi...

WLAN connection is very weak If the connection is very weak, or if your computer cannot make a connection to a WLAN, minimizeinterference from other devices, as follows: ● Move your computer closer to the wireless router or access point. ● Temporarily disconnect devices such as a microwave, cordless...

Using the modem (select models only) The modem must be connected to an analog telephone line using a 6-pin, RJ-11 modem cable (includedwith select models only). In some countries, a country-specific modem cable adapter (included withselect models only) is also required. Jacks for digital PBX systems...

Connecting a country-specific modem cable adapter Telephone jacks vary by country. To use the modem and the modem cable (included with select modelsonly) outside the country in which you purchased the computer, you must obtain a country-specificmodem cable adapter (included with select models only)....

Adding new locations when traveling By default, the only location setting available to the modem is a location setting for the country in whichyou purchased the computer. As you travel to different countries, set the internal modem to a locationsetting that meets the operating standards of the count...

Solving travel connection problems If you experience modem connection problems when using the computer outside of the country in whichyou purchased it, try the following suggestions. ● Check the telephone line type . The modem requires an analog, not a digital, telephone line. A line described as a ...

7. Clear the check box for Wait for dial tone before dialing . 8. Click OK twice. 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 i...

3 Pointing devices and keyboard Using the TouchPad The following illustration and table describe the computer TouchPad. Component Description (1) TouchPad off indicator When lit, indicates that the TouchPad is turned off. (2) TouchPad zone Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the scre...

Scrolling Scrolling is useful for moving up or down on a page or image. To scroll, place two fingers on theTouchPad and drag them across the TouchPad in an up, down, left, or right motion. NOTE: Scrolling speed is controlled by finger speed. Pinching Pinching allows you to zoom in or out on items su...

Rotating Rotating allows you to rotate items such as photos and pages. To rotate, anchor your thumb on theTouchPad, and then move your forefinger in a semicircular motion around your thumb. Setting pointing device preferences Use Mouse Properties in Windows to customize settings for pointing devices...

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...

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

Identifying your multimedia components NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. Component Description (1) Internal microphone Records sound. (2) Webcam (select models only) Records audio and video and captures still photographs. (3) Webcam light (select ...

Component Description (8) Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo arraymicrophone, or monaural microphone. (9) Speaker grill Two integrated speakers produce sound. Adjusting the volume You can adjust the volume using the following controls: ● Action keys: ...

Using the media activity functions The media activity action keys control the play of an audio CD, DVD, or BD (Blu-ray Disc) in the opticaldrive. Using the media activity action keys When an audio CD, DVD, or BD is not playing, press f6 ( 2 ) to play the disc. When an audio CD, DVD, or BD is playing...

Multimedia software Your computer includes preinstalled multimedia software that allows you to play music, watch movies,and view pictures. The following sections provide details about CyberLink PowerDVD and otherpreinstalled multimedia software. Using CyberLink PowerDVD software CyberLink PowerDVD t...

Audio Your computer enables you to use a variety of audio features: ● Play music using your computer speakers and/or connected external speakers. ● Record sound using the internal microphone or connect an external microphone. ● Download music from the Internet. ● Create multimedia presentations usin...

NOTE: For best results when recording, speak directly into the microphone and record sound in a setting free of background noise. To confirm or change the audio settings on your computer, select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound . Video Your computer enables you to use a va...

Connecting an HDMI device (select models only) Select computer models include an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port. The HDMI portconnects the computer to an optional video or audio device, such as a high-definition television, or anycompatible digital or audio component. The computer ...

Configuring audio for HDMI (select models only) To configure HDMI audio, first connect an audio or video device, such as a high-definition TV, to theHDMI port on your computer. Then configure the default audio playback device as follows: 1. Right-click the Speakers icon in the notification area, at ...

Optical drive An optical drive, such as a DVD-ROM drive, plays optical discs (CDs and DVDs). These discs storeinformation, such as music, photos, and movies. DVDs have a higher storage capacity than CDs. Your optical drive can read standard CD and DVD discs. If your optical drive is a Blu-ray Disc R...

Webcam (select models only) Your computer may include an integrated webcam, located at the top of the display. The webcam is aninput device that allows you to capture and share video. Preinstalled CyberLink YouCam softwareprovides new features that expand the webcam experience. To use the webcam and...

5 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...

Initiating and exiting Sleep The system is set at the factory to initiate Sleep after 15 minutes of inactivity when running on batterypower and 30 minutes of inactivity when running on external power. Power settings and timeouts can be changed using Power Options in Windows® Control Panel. With the ...

Using the battery meter The battery meter is located in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. The battery meterallows you to quickly access power settings, view remaining battery charge, and select a different powerplan. ● To display the percentage of remaining battery charge and t...

3. Change the settings as needed. 4. To change additional settings, click Change advanced power settings , and then make your changes. Setting password protection on wakeup To set the computer to prompt for a password when the computer exits Sleep or Hibernation, followthese steps: 1. Select Start &...

Using external AC power External AC power is supplied through one of the following devices: 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. ● Approved AC adapter ● O...

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

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. Remove the battery from the computer. a. Shut down t...

Using battery power When a charged battery is in the computer and the computer is not plugged into external power, thecomputer runs on battery power. When a charged battery is in the computer and the computer is pluggedinto external AC power, the computer runs on AC power. If the computer contains a...

4. Pivot the battery (2) upward, and then remove the battery 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, anoptional power adapter...

Maximizing battery discharge time Battery discharge time varies depending on the features you use while on battery power. Maximumdischarge time gradually shortens, as the battery storage capacity naturally degrades. Tips for maximizing battery discharge time: ● Lower the brightness on the display. ●...

Resolving a low battery level CAUTION: To reduce the risk of losing information when the computer reaches a critical battery level and has initiated Hibernation, do not restore power until the power lights turn off. Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ▲ Connect one of the ...

To fully charge the battery: 1. Insert the battery into the computer. 2. Connect the computer to an AC adapter, optional power adapter, or optional expansion product,and then plug the adapter or device into external power. The AC adapter light on the computer turns on. 3. Leave the computer plugged ...

Step 3: Discharge the battery The computer must remain on while the battery is being discharged. The battery can discharge whetheror not you are using the computer, but the battery will discharge faster while you are using it. ● If you plan to leave the computer unattended during the discharge, save...

Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Sleep CAUTION: Failure to reenable Hibernation after calibration may result in a full battery discharge and information loss if the computer reaches a critical battery level. 1. Click the battery meter icon in the notification area, and then click More power options ...

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. For additional information, see the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices included with this computer. Replacin...

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, and then turns offthe display and computer. Shut down the computer under any of the following conditions: ● When you ne...

6 Drives Handling drives Drives are fragile computer components that must be handled with care. See the following cautionsbefore handling drives. Additional cautions are included with the procedures to which they apply. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the computer, damage to a drive, or los...

Optical drive Your computer includes an optical drive that expands the functionality of the computer. Identify whatkind of device is installed in your computer to see its capabilities. The optical drive allows you to readdata discs, play music, and watch movies. If your computer includes a Blu-ray D...

Using optical discs An optical drive, such as a DVD-ROM drive, supports optical discs (CDs and DVDs). These discs storeinformation, such as music, photos, and movies. DVDs have a higher storage capacity than CDs. Your optical drive can read standard CD and DVD discs. If your optical drive is a Blu-r...

LightScribe DVD+R discs Use LightScribe DVD+R discs for sharing and storing data, home videos, and photos. These discs areread-compatible with most DVD-ROM drives and DVD video players. With a LightScribe-enabled driveand LightScribe software, you can write data to the disc and add a designer label ...

Observing the copyright warning It is a criminal offense, under applicable copyright laws, to make unauthorized copies of copyright-protected material, including computer programs, films, broadcasts, and sound recordings. Do not usethis computer for such purposes. CAUTION: To prevent loss of informa...

Creating or “burning” a CD or DVD NOTE: Observe the copyright warning. It is a criminal offense, under applicable copyright laws, to make unauthorized copies of copyright-protected material, including computer programs, films,broadcasts, and sound recordings. Do not use this computer for such purpos...

Removing a CD, DVD, or BD 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 edg...

5. In the Device Manager window, click Action , and then click Scan for hardware changes . Windows scans your system for installed hardware and installs default drivers for any devicesrequiring drivers. NOTE: If you are prompted to restart the computer, save all open files, and then continue with th...

Obtaining the latest Windows device drivers You can obtain the latest Windows device drivers by using Windows Update. This feature can be set toautomatically check for and install updates for the Windows operating system and other Microsoftproducts. To use Windows Update: 1. Click Start > All Pro...

Using external drives Removable external drives expand your options for storing and accessing information. A USB drive canbe added by connecting the drive to a USB port on the computer or on an optional expansionproduct. USB drives include the following types: ● 1.44 MB disk drive ● Hard drive modul...

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 can run more efficiently. After you start Disk Defragmenter, it works witho...

Replacing the hard drive 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, in the Sleep state, or in Hibernation. If you are not sure whether the compute...

7 External devices and external mediacards 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 may require additional support software, which is usuall...

Removing a USB device CAUTION: To prevent loss of information or an unresponsive system, use the following procedure to safely remove a USB device. 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 Har...

Using Digital Media Slot cards Optional digital cards provide secure data storage and convenient data sharing. These cards are oftenused with digital media–equipped cameras and PDAs as well as with other computers. The Digital Media Slot supports the following digital card formats: ● Memory Stick (M...

Removing a digital card CAUTION: To prevent loss of data or an unresponsive system, use the following procedure to safely remove the digital card. Save your information and close all programs associated with the digital card. NOTE: To stop a data transfer, click Cancel in the operating system Copyin...

8 Adding or replacing a memory module 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 t...

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

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. Passwordscan be set in Windows or in the non-Windows Setup Utility preinstalled on the compu...

Password Function Power-on password* ● Protects access to the computer contents. ● Once set, you must enter the password each time youturn on the computer, restart the computer, or exitHibernation. CAUTION: If you forget your power-on password, you cannot turn on or restart the computer, or exit Hib...

Using antivirus software When you use the computer to access e-mail, a network, or the Internet, you expose it to computerviruses. Computer viruses can disable the operating system, programs, or utilities, or cause them tofunction abnormally. Antivirus software can detect most viruses, destroy them,...

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 may hav...

A Setup Utility (BIOS) Starting Setup Utility Setup Utility is a ROM-based information and customization utility that can be used even when yourWindows operating system is not working. The utility reports information about the computer and provides settings for startup, security, and otherpreference...

Using Setup Utility Changing the language of Setup Utility The following procedure explains how to change the language of Setup Utility. If Setup Utility is notalready running, begin at step 1. If Setup Utility is already running, begin at step 2. 1. Open Setup Utility by turning on or restarting th...

Exiting Setup Utility You can exit Setup Utility with or without saving changes. ● To exit Setup Utility and save your changes from the current session: If the Setup Utility menus are not visible, press esc to return to the menu display. Then use the arrow keys to select Exit > Exit Saving Change...

System Configuration menu Select To do this Language Change the language of Setup Utility. Button Sound (select models only) Enable/disable the capacitive button tapping sound. Virtualization Technology (select models only) Enable/disable the processor Virtualization Technology. Processor C6 State (...

B Software updates Updated versions of the software provided with your computer may 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 information...

Updating the BIOS To update the BIOS, first determine what BIOS version you currently have, and then download andinstall the 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 ...

Downloading a BIOS update CAUTION: To prevent 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 the AC adapter.Do not download or install a BIOS update while the computer is running on batte...

Updating programs and drivers To download and install software other than a BIOS update, follow these steps: To use the HP Web site: 1. Open your web browser, go to http://www.hp.com/support , and then select your country or region. 2. Click the option for software and driver downloads, enter your c...

C Backup and recovery Recovery after a system failure is as complete as your most current backup. HP recommends that youcreate recovery discs immediately after software setup. As you add new software and data files, youshould continue to back up your system on a regular basis to maintain a reasonabl...

Creating recovery discs HP recommends that you create recovery discs to be sure that you can restore your system to its originalfactory state if you experience serious system failure or instability. Create these discs after setting upthe computer for the first time. Handle these discs carefully and ...

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

Using Windows Backup and Restore To create a backup using Windows Backup and Restore, follow these steps: NOTE: Be sure that the computer is connected to AC power before you start the backup process. NOTE: The backup process may take over an hour, depending on file size and the speed of the computer...

Using system restore points When you back up your system, you are creating a system restore point. A system restore point allowsyou to save and name a snapshot of your hard drive at a specific point in time. You can then recoverback to that point if you want to reverse subsequent changes made to you...

Performing a recovery NOTE: You can recover only files that you have previously backed up. HP recommends that you use HP Recovery Manager to create a set of recovery discs (entire drive backup) as soon as you set upyour computer. Recovery Manager software allows you to repair or restore the system i...

Index Symbols/Numerics 1394 Power Saving 102 A AC adapter identifying 11 AC adapter light 56, 57AC adapter light, identifying 6AC adapter, connecting 52AC adapter, testing 53action key mode 102action keys identifying 5media control 38muting/restoring speaker volume 37 volume down 36volume mute 36vol...