Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide
Copyright and License Understanding hard disk drive space © Copyright 2013 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The hard disk drive on the Hewlett-Packard and Compaq computers with the Microsoft® Windows® operating system preinstalled may appear to be smaller than the size stated in the product specifications, in the documentation, or on the box. Hard disk drives are described and advertised by manufacturers in terms of decimal (base 10) capacity.
Table of contents 1 Protecting your computer .................................................................................................................................. 1 Computer security features .................................................................................................................. 1 2 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................ 2 Computer does not start .
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1 Protecting your computer Your computer contains features that help protect the integrity of your system and its data from unauthorized access. Review these features to ensure proper use.
2 Troubleshooting Refer to the documentation provided by the product manufacturer for information about peripheralspecific problems, such as issues with a monitor or a printer. The following tables present some issues you might encounter while installing, starting up, or using your computer and possible solutions. For more information or for additional troubleshooting options, see the Quick Setup Guide that accompanies your computer, or visit http://www.hp.
Power Symptom Possible solution Computer does not turn off when the Power button is pressed. Press and hold the Power button until the computer turns off. Check Power Settings. Computer shuts down automatically. ● The computer might be in an exceedingly hot environment. Let it cool down. ● Ensure that computer air vents are not blocked and that the internal fan is running — see Keeping the computer free of dust, dirt, and heat on page 12. (Your computer might not have an internal fan.
Symptom Possible solution Cursor does not move using the arrow keys on the number keypad. Press Num Lock on the keyboard to turn off Num Lock, so that the arrow keys on the number keypad can be used. Cursor does not respond to mouse movement. Use the keyboard to save changes in all open programs, and then restart your computer: 1. Press the Alt+Tab keys simultaneously to navigate to an open program. 2.
Speakers and sound Symptom Possible solution Volume is very low or unsatisfactory. Ensure that you connected the speakers to the Audio Out (lime green) connector on the back of the computer. (Additional audio connectors are used for multiple-channel speakers.) Detached non-powered speakers (speakers without a separate power source, such as batteries or a power cord) do not produce satisfactory sound. Replace the non-powered speakers with powered speakers. No sound is produced. 1.
Software troubleshooting Symptom Possible solution To repair software problems, try these methods: ● Turn the computer off completely and then turn it on again. This is the easiest (and sometimes the best) way. ● Update the drivers (see Updating device drivers, following). ● Use Microsoft System Restore Software program and hardware driver reinstallation (see Microsoft System Restore, later in this table). — Restores your computer to a configuration that was in use before the software was installed.
Symptom Possible solution Software program and hardware driver reinstallation If any of your factory-installed software programs or hardware drivers are damaged, you can reinstall it by using the HP Recovery Manager program (select models only). NOTE: Do not use the HP Recovery Manager program to reinstall software programs that came on CDs or DVDs included in the computer box. Reinstall these programs directly from the CDs or DVDs. Before you uninstall a program, be sure you have a way to reinstall it.
3 System recovery System Recovery completely erases and reformats the hard disk drive, deleting all data files you have created, and then reinstalls the operating system, programs, and drivers. However, you must reinstall any software that was not installed on the computer at the factory. This includes software that came on media included in the computer accessory box, and any software programs you installed after purchase.
4. From the Start screen, type recovery, and then select HP Recovery Manager. If prompted, click Yes to allow the program to continue. 5. Select Windows Recovery Environment. 6. Follow the on-screen instructions. NOTE: If your system does not detect a recovery partition, it prompts you to insert recovery media. Insert the disc or USB flash drive, select Yes, and then click Next to restart the computer and run HP Recovery Manager from the recovery disc or USB flash drive.
5. Press the Power button to turn on the computer. If you are using a recovery DVD, the computer automatically runs HP Recovery Manager from the disc. Skip to step 7. 6. If you are running System Recovery from a USB flash drive, press Esc as the computer is powering on to bring up the boot menu. Use the arrow keys to select the USB device and press Enter to boot from that device. 7.
3. Select Recovery Media Creation, select Create recovery media using blank DVD(s), and then select Next. 4. Follow the on-screen instructions. Label each disc as you make it (for example, Recovery 1, Recovery 2). To create a recovery USB flash drive: 1. Close all open programs. 2. Insert the USB flash drive into a USB port on the computer. 3. From the Start screen, type recovery, and then select HP Recovery Manager. If prompted, click Yes to allow the program to continue. 4.
4 Maintenance It is important that you perform simple maintenance of your computer to ensure that it works at peak performance. Schedules and tasks Follow these instructions at the recommended intervals for proper maintenance. Weekly Software cleanup Use the Windows cleaning tool or safe third-party cleaning tools to remove junk files and temporary files that accumulate and slow down your system. Also, check for programs you no longer need and uninstall them.
1. Unplug the power to the computer and the monitor. 2. To clean the monitor screen, use a clean, dry cloth. Do not use water on the monitor screen. For more thorough cleaning, use a clean cloth and antistatic screen cleaner. 3. Use a clean, dry cloth to dust the computer case and the monitor case. NOTE: To remove sticker residue or a spill on the computer or monitor case, use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Cleaning the computer vents Air vents keep the computer cool.
14 3. Spray a small amount of mild glass cleaner on a soft cloth to clean the touch screen. 4. Wipe the surface and left and right side of the touch screen to remove any dirt, fingerprints, or other debris that could hinder the touch recognition of the screen.
