User Guide
© Copyright 2017 HP Development Company, L.P. Linux® is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Red Hat and Enterprise Linux are trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. in the United States and other countries. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
About this guide This guide provides information on computer features, setting up the computer, using the software, and technical specifications. WARNING! Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury. IMPORTANT: Indicates information considered important but not hazard-related (for example, messages related to property damage).
iv About this guide
Table of contents 1 Locating HP resources .................................................................................................................................... 1 Product information .............................................................................................................................................. 1 Support ..................................................................................................................................................................
Using HP Recovery media (select products only) ............................................................................. 21 Using Windows tools ......................................................................................................................... 22 Using the HP Cloud Recovery Download Tool (select products only) ............................................... 23 Restore and recovery ......................................................................................................
HP Support ........................................................................................................................................ 33 Online support ................................................................................................................ 33 Customer support for workstations and thin clients ................................... 34 Advisories and Bulletins and Notices ........................................................... 34 Calling support ........................
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1 Locating HP resources Read this chapter to learn about where to find additional HP resources. Product information Topic Location Technical specifications To find the QuickSpecs for your product, go to http://www.hp.com/go/quickspecs. Click the link for the HP Inc. QuickSpecs experience. Click Search all QuickSpecs, type your model name in the search box, and then click Go.
Product documentation Topic Location HP user documentation, white papers, and third-party documentation User documentation is located on your hard drive. On Windows® 10, select Start, select All Apps, select HP, and then select HP Documentation. On Windows 7, select Start, select HP Help and Support, and then select HP Documentation. For the latest online documentation, go to http://www.hp.com/support. The documentation incudes this user guide and the Maintenance and Service Guide.
Topic Location For more information on updating the drivers and BIOS, see Updating the computer on page 29. Operating systems For information, go to the following locations: ● Windows operating systems, go to http://www.support.microsoft.com. ● Linux® operating systems, go to http://www.linux.com.
2 Computer features For complete and current information on supported accessories and components for the computer, go to http://partsurfer.hp.com. Components HP Z8 G4 Workstation Front NOTE: Item 4 Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer. Icon Component 1 Power button 2 Drive light 3 Audio-out (headphone)/Audio-in (microphone) combo jack 4 USB 3.x SuperSpeed port with HP Sleep and Charge 5 USB 3.
Item Icon Component 1 Power button 2 Drive light 3 Audio-out (headphone)/Audio-in (microphone) combo jack 4 USB 3.x SuperSpeed port with HP Sleep and Charge 5 USB 3.
Left Item 6 Component 1 Side access panel handle 2 Side access panel lock Chapter 2 Computer features
Rear Item Icon Component Item Icon Component 1 Power button 8 PS/2 keyboard port 2 Security cable slot 9 PS/2 mouse port 3 Power connector 10 Audio-in (microphone) jack 4 Serial port 11 Audio-out (headphone) jack 5 USB 3.
HP Z6 G4 Workstation Front NOTE: Item 8 Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer. Icon Component 1 Power button 2 Drive light 3 Audio-out (headphone)/Audio-in (microphone) combo jack 4 USB 3.x SuperSpeed port with HP Sleep and Charge 5 USB 3.
Item Icon Component 1 Power button 2 Drive light 3 Audio-out (headphone)/Audio-in (microphone) combo jack 4 USB 3.x SuperSpeed port with HP Sleep and Charge 5 USB 3.
Left Item 10 Component 1 Side access panel handle 2 Side access panel lock (select products only) Chapter 2 Computer features
Rear Item Icon Component Item Icon Component Power button 1 On: The computer is on. 9 Power supply Built-In Self-Test (BIST) light Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed. 2 Audio-in (microphone) jack 10 Power connector 3 Audio-out (headphone) jack 11 Security lock loop 4 PS/2 keyboard port 12 Ethernet ports (select products only) (2) 5 USB 3.
Product specifications To find the QuickSpecs for your product, go to http://www.hp.com/go/quickspecs. Click the link for the HP Inc. QuickSpecs experience. Click Search all QuickSpecs, type your model name in the search field, and then click Go. – or – Go to http://www.hp.com/support and follow the on-screen instructions to find your product. On the product page, select Product Information and then select Specifications.
3 Setting up the computer This chapter describes how to set up your computer. Ensuring proper ventilation Proper ventilation for the system is important for computer operation. Follow these guidelines: ● Operate the computer on a sturdy, level surface. ● Provide at least 15.24 cm (6.00 in) of clearance at the front and back of the computer. (This is the minimum distance for all computer models.) NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.
● Never restrict the incoming or outgoing airflow of the computer by blocking any vents or air intakes, as shown in the following figure. Setup procedures WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your equipment, observe these practices: ● 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 by unplugging the power cord from the computer).
Adding monitors Planning for additional monitors All graphics cards provided with HP Z series computers support two simultaneous-display monitors (see Connecting and configuring monitors on page 18). Cards that support more than two monitors are available. The process for adding monitors depends on your graphics card(s) and the type and number of monitors you add. Use this process to plan for adding more monitors. 1. Assess your monitor needs. ● Determine how many monitors you require.
NOTE: Monitors with resolutions above 1920 x 1200 pixels at 60 Hz require a graphics card with either Dual Link DVI (DL-DVI) or DisplayPort output. To get native resolution with DVI, you must use a DL-DVI cable, not standard DVI-I or DVI-D cables. HP computers do not support all graphics cards. Be sure that a new graphics card is supported before purchasing it. See Finding supported graphics cards on page 17.
Finding supported graphics cards To find information about graphics cards supported for your computer: 1. Go to http://www.hp.com/go/quickspecs. 2. Select Search active QuickSpecs, and then select Desktops & Workstations. 3. Choose your model to view the specifications. 4. Click the link for Technical Specifications-Graphics to display expanded technical information for supported graphics cards, including how many monitors the card supports, connectors, power consumption, drivers, and other details.
● Graphics card with DisplayPort output—If the graphics card has four DisplayPort connectors, you can connect a monitor to each connector. Use the proper adapters if required. ● Graphics card with DVI output—If you have a graphics card with two DVI connectors, you can connect a monitor to each connector. Use the proper adapters if required. NOTE: Models that have only one DVI port always have a second graphics output option (DisplayPort or VGA).
2. Connect the other ends of the monitor cables to the monitors. 3. Connect one end of the monitor power cord to the monitor and the other end to an AC outlet. 4. Configure the monitor. For details, refer to Microsoft Help or to http://www.microsoft.com. For monitor setup in Linux, you can often use the settings tool for the graphics cards (e.g., NVIDIA nvidia-settings or AMD Catalyst Control Center). In some recent Linux releases, the window manager system (e.g.
● To view component installation videos, go to http://www.hp.com/go/sml. ● For installation guidelines and technical information, see the Maintenance and Service Guide for your computer at http://www.hp.com/support. Security Some HP computers have a lock on the side access panel. The key for this lock is shipped attached to the back panel of the computer chassis. Additional security features reduce the risk of theft and alert you when there has been a chassis intrusion.
4 Backing up, restoring, and recovering This chapter provides information about the following processes. The information in the chapter is standard procedure for most products. ● Creating recovery media and backups ● Restoring and recovering your system For additional information, refer to the HP Support Assistant app. ▲ Type support in the taskbar search box, and then select the HP Support Assistant app. ‒ or – Select the question mark icon in the taskbar.
used to perform system recovery if the hard drive becomes corrupted. System recovery reinstalls the original operating system and software programs that were installed at the factory and then configures the settings for the programs. HP Recovery media can also be used to customize the system or restore the factory image if you replace the hard drive. – Only one set of recovery media can be created. Handle these recovery tools carefully, and keep them in a safe place.
Using the HP Cloud Recovery Download Tool (select products only) To create HP Recovery media using the HP Cloud Recovery Download Tool: 1. Go to http://www.hp.com/support. 2. Select Software and Drivers, and then follow the on-screen instructions. Restore and recovery There are several options for recovering your system. Choose the method that best matches your situation and level of expertise: IMPORTANT: ● Not all methods are available on all products.
IMPORTANT: Recovery through HP Recovery Manager should be used as a final attempt to correct computer issues. ● HP Recovery media must be used if the computer hard drive fails. If you have not already created recovery media, see Using HP Recovery media (select products only) on page 21. ● To use the Factory Reset option (select products only), you must use HP Recovery media. If you have not already created recovery media, see Using HP Recovery media (select products only) on page 21.
Using HP Recovery media to recover You can use HP Recovery media to recover the original system. This method can be used if your system 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 HP Recovery media, and then restart the computer. NOTE: If the computer does not automatically restart in HP Recovery Manager, change the computer boot order. See Changing the computer boot order on page 25. 3.
5 Setting up Linux This chapter describes how to set up and restore the Linux operating system. HP offers a variety of Linux solutions for HP computer customers: ● HP certifies and supports Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® (RHEL) on HP computers. ● HP certifies and supports SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED) on HP computers. ● HP certifies and supports Canonical Ubuntu on some HP computers. ● HP offers a SLED 11 preload on some Z series computers.
5. Click I Accept to accept the terms of the license agreement. 6. Download the software ISO image and burn it to a high-quality blank DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-R DL, or DVD +R DL disc using an external optical drive with DVD writer capability. This disc is your HP driver disc. NOTE: Do not use rewritable discs such as CD±RW, DVD±RW, double-layer DVD±RW, or BD-RE (rewritable Blu-ray) discs; they are not compatible with HP Recovery Manager software. A compatible external optical drive may be purchased from HP.
Installing SLED with the HP driver disc 1. If an HP driver disc did not come with your computer, create one (see HP Linux driver discs on page 26). 2. Install the operating system using the discs included in the SUSE box set. 3. After successfully installing the operating system, reboot the computer. 4. Insert your HP driver disc. The driver installation software automatically starts. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the contents. Setting up Ubuntu HP offers a 64-bit Ubuntu 14.
6 Updating the computer HP is constantly working on improving your total computer experience. To ensure that the computer leverages the latest enhancements, HP recommends that you install the latest BIOS, driver, and software updates on a regular basis. Updating the computer after first boot After successfully booting the computer for the first time, follow these guidelines to be sure that the computer is up-to-date: ● Be sure that you have the latest system BIOS version loaded.
Upgrading device drivers If you install a peripheral device (such as a printer, display adapter, or network adapter), confirm that you have the latest device drivers loaded. If you purchased your device through HP, go to the HP website to download the latest drivers for your device. These drivers have been tested to ensure the best compatibility between your device and your HP computer.
7 Maintenance, diagnostics, and minor troubleshooting Turning off the computer To properly turn off the computer, shut down the operating system software. CAUTION: HP does not recommend holding down the power button to shut off the system. Doing so can cause loss of user data and may damage the storage device. If the system becomes unstable and no other alternative is available, please give the system sufficient time to wake up completely after you reboot the computer.
Visual inspection If you encounter a problem with the computer, monitor, or software, the following general suggestions might help you isolate and focus on the problem before taking further action. At startup ● Verify that the computer is plugged into a functional AC outlet. ● Remove all optical discs and USB flash drives before starting the computer. ● Verify that the computer is on and the power light is on.
● Upgrade the BIOS. A new release of the BIOS might have been released that supports new features or fixes your problem. ● For more detailed information, see the troubleshooting chapter in the Maintenance and Service Guide at http://www.hp.com/support. Customer Self Repair Under the Customer Self Repair programs, you can order a replacement part and install the part without onsite HP technical assistance. Customer Self Repair might be required for some components. For more information, go to http://www.
● http://www.hp.com—Provides useful product information. ● http://www.hp.com/support—Provides the latest online documentation and worldwide technical support. ● https://support.hp.com/us-en/products/workstations-thin-clients/—Provides technical support information for computers. ● http://www.hp.com/support/workstation_swdrivers—Provides access to software and drivers for computers. Customer support for workstations and thin clients 1. Go to https://support.hp.
Calling support At times you might encounter an issue that requires support. Before you call support: ● Have the computer readily accessible. ● Write down the computer serial numbers, product numbers, model names, and model numbers and have them in front of you. This information is provided on labels. For label locations, see Product information on page 1. ● Note any applicable error messages. ● Note any add-on options. ● Note the operating system. ● Note any third-party hardware or software.
8 Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) HP PC Hardware Diagnostics is a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) that allows you to run diagnostic tests to determine whether the computer hardware is functioning properly. The tool runs outside the operating system so that it can isolate hardware failures from issues that are caused by the operating system or other software components.
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device NOTE: The HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) download instructions are provided in English only, and you must use a Windows computer to download and create the HP UEFI support environment because only .exe files are offered. There are two options to download HP PC Hardware Diagnostics to a USB device. Download the latest UEFI version 1. Go to http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/pcdiags. The HP PC Diagnostics home page is displayed. 2.
9 Routine care General cleaning safety precautions ● Never use solvents or flammable solutions to clean the computer. ● Never immerse any component in water or cleaning solutions; apply any liquids to a clean cloth and then use the cloth on the component. ● Always unplug the computer before cleaning the keyboard, mouse, or air vents. ● Always disconnect the keyboard before cleaning it. ● Wear safety glasses equipped with side shields when cleaning the keyboard.
● Clean under a key with a swab moistened with isopropyl alcohol and squeezed out. Be careful not to wipe away lubricants necessary for proper key functions. Allow the parts to air dry before reassembly. ● Use tweezers to remove any fibers or dirt in confined areas. Cleaning the monitor ● Follow the safety precautions in the Maintenance and Service Guide for your computer before cleaning the monitor.
10 Accessibility HP designs, produces, and markets products and services that can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities, either on a stand-alone basis or with appropriate assistive devices. To access the latest information on HP accessibility, go to http://www.hp.com/accessibility. Supported assistive technologies HP products support a wide variety of operating system assistive technologies and can be configured to work with additional assistive technologies.
Index A accessibility 40 audio-in (microphone) jack, identifying 7, 11 audio-out (headphone) jack, identifying 7, 11 audio-out (headphone)/audio-in (microphone) combo jack, identifying 4, 5, 8, 9 B backups 21 BIOS determining version 29 updating 29 upgrading 29 boot order changing 25 buttons power 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11 C care, routine 38 computer components 4 Z6 front 8 Z6 left side 10 Z6 rear 11 Z8 front 4 Z8 left side 6 Z8 rear 7 computer features 4 computer setup 13 connecting monitors 15 customizing the dis
media 25 starting 24 supported discs 22 system 23 USB flash drive 25 using HP Recovery media 22 recovery media creating using HP Recovery Manager 22 using 21 recovery partition removing 25 Red Hat Linux driver media, RHEL setup 27 RHEL HP driver disc 27 Linux 27 Red Hat Linux driver media 27 setup 27 routine care 38 cleaning chassis 38 cleaning keyboard 38 cleaning monitor 39 cleaning mouse 39 cleaning safety 38 S security cable slot, identifying 7, 11 serial port, identifying 7 setup Linux 26 RHEL 27 SLED