Getting Started HP Business PCs
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About This Book WARNING! Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions could result in bodily harm or loss of life. CAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions could result in damage to equipment or loss of information. NOTE: Text set off in this manner provides important supplemental information.
iv About This Book
Table of contents 1 Getting Started in Windows 7 ........................................................................................................................ 1 Activating and customizing the software .............................................................................................. 1 Activating the Windows operating system ........................................................................... 1 Downloading Windows 7 updates .......................................................
Blink or beep codes: Interpreting POST diagnostic front panel LEDs and audible codes .................................................................................................... 17 HP Support Assistant ........................................................................................ 17 Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics ................................................................. 17 Why run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics ............................................
1 Getting Started in Windows 7 Activating and customizing the software If your computer was not shipped with a Windows® operating system, some portions of this documentation do not apply. Additional information is available in online help after you activate the operating system. CAUTION: Do not add optional hardware or third-party devices to the computer until the operating system is successfully activated. Doing so may cause errors and prevent the operating system from installing properly.
Obtain the latest support software, including support software for the operating system, from http://www.hp.com/support. Select your country and language, select Download drivers and software (and firmware), enter the model number of the computer, and press Enter. Customizing the monitor display If you wish, you can select or change the monitor refresh rates, screen resolution, color settings, font sizes, and power management settings.
● HP Support ● System restore ● System recovery Performing basic troubleshooting You can find troubleshooting information in the comprehensive Maintenance and Service Guide (English only) available under the reference library at http://www.hp.com/support. Select your country and language, select Product Support & Troubleshooting, enter the model number of the computer, and click Search.
Blink or beep codes: Interpreting POST diagnostic front panel LEDs and audible codes If you see flashing LEDs on the front of the computer or if you hear beeps, see the Maintenance and Service Guide (English only) for interpretation and recommended action. HP Support Assistant HP Support Assistant is an application that helps you maintain the performance of your computer and resolve problems through automated updates and tune-ups, built-in diagnostics, and guided assistance.
5. Select your specific computer model. 6. Select your operating system. 7. In the Diagnostic section, click the HP UEFI Support Environment link. This link provides additional information. - or Click the Download button and select Run. The download includes instructions (in English) on how to install the tools on the USB device. NOTE: HP diagnostic solutions are developed to test components typically included on HP products.
● If the computer will turn on but will not boot into the operating system, you may run the “preboot” diagnostics utility, HP PC Hardware Diagnostics. Refer to Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics on page 4 for more information. ● If the computer will boot into the operating system, there are two possible tools that provide selfsolve diagnostics and online chat features (if internet access is also available).
Recovery after a system failure is only as good as your most recent backup. 1. After you successfully set up the computer, create recovery media. This media can be used to reinstall the original operating system in cases where the hard drive is corrupted or has been replaced. See Creating recovery media on page 7. 2. As you add hardware and software programs, create system restore points.
NOTE: The process of creating recovery media is lengthy. You can quit the process at any time. The next time you initiate the process, it resumes where it left off. NOTE: Do not use media cards for creating recovery media. The system may not be able to boot up from a media card and you may not be able to run system recovery. To create recovery discs: 1. Close all open programs. 2.
Creating recovery discs NOTE: The Windows 7 operating system DVD can be created only once. The option to create that media will not be available after you create a Windows DVD. To create the Windows DVD: 1. Select Start > All Programs > Productivity and Tools > HP Recovery Disc Creator. 2. Select Windows disk. 3. From the drop-down menu, select the drive for burning the recovery media. 4. Click the Create button to start the burning process.
System Restore If you have a problem that might be due to software that you installed on your computer, or if you want to restore the system to a previous state without losing any personal information, use System Restore to return the computer to a previous restore point. NOTE: Always use this System Restore procedure before you use the System Recovery feature. To start System Restore: 1. Close all open programs. 2. Click the Start button, right-click Computer, and then click Properties. 3.
4. When Windows has loaded, click the Start button, and then click All Programs. ● If Security and Protection is listed, continue with step 5. ● If Productivity and Tools is listed, follow the steps in System Recovery when Windows is not responding on page 11. 5. Click Security and Protection, click Recovery Manager, and then click Recovery Manager. If prompted, click Yes to allow the program to continue. 6. Under I need help immediately, click System Recovery. 7. Select Yes, and then click Next.
To perform a System Recovery using recovery media: 1. If you are using a set of DVDs, insert the first recovery disc into the DVD drive tray, and close the tray. If you are using a recovery USB flash drive, insert it into a USB port. 2. Click the Start button, and then click Shut Down. or If the computer is not responding, press and hold the power button for approximately 5 seconds or until the computer turns off. 3.
NOTE: This process takes several minutes. 1. If possible, back up all personal files. 2. Restart the computer, and then insert the Windows 7 operating system DVD into the optical drive before the Windows operating system loads. NOTE: If the computer does not boot to the DVD, restart the computer and press Esc as the computer is powering on to see the startup menu. Use the arrow keys to select the boot menu and press Enter. Use the arrow keys to select the location where the recovery DVD is inserted.
2 Getting Started in Windows 8 Activating and customizing the software Additional information is available in online help after you activate the operating system. NOTE: Be sure there is a 10.2 cm (4 inch) clearance at the back of the unit and above the monitor to permit the required airflow. Activating the Windows Operating System The first time you turn on the computer, the operating system is set up and activated automatically. This process takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Customizing the monitor display You can customize display settings for Windows 8 separately for the Start screen and the Desktop. To customize the Start screen: 1. Point to the upper-right or lower-right corner of the Start screen to display the charms. 2. Click Settings > Change PC Settings. 3. Click Personalize to change the display settings. To customize the Desktop: 1. Click the Desktop app on the Start screen. 2.
● HP Support Assistant (HPSA) troubleshooter ● HP PC Hardware Diagnostics ● HP Support ● System restore ● System recovery Performing basic troubleshooting You can find troubleshooting information in the comprehensive Maintenance and Service Guide (English only) available under the reference library at http://www.hp.com/support. Select your country and language, select Product Support & Troubleshooting, enter the model number of the computer, and click Search.
CAUTION: When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, there is always voltage applied to the system board. To reduce the risk of system board or component damage, always disconnect the power cord from the power source before opening the computer.
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics to a USB device 1. Go to http://www.hp.com. 2. Click the Support & Drivers link. 3. Select the Drivers & Software tab. 4. Enter the product name in the text box and click Search. 5. Select your specific computer model. 6. Select your operating system. 7. In the Diagnostic section, click the HP UEFI Support Environment link. This link provides additional information. - or Click the Download button and select Run.
Before you call for technical support WARNING! When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, voltage is always applied to the system board. To reduce the risk of personal injury from electrical shock and/or hot surfaces, be sure to disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet and allow the internal system components to cool before you touch them.
● Remove any hardware that was recently added to your system. ● Remove any software that was recently installed. NOTE: For sales information and warranty upgrades (HP Care Packs), call your local authorized service provider or dealer. Backing up, restoring, and recovering in Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 Your computer includes tools provided by HP and Windows to help you safeguard your information and retrieve it if you ever need to.
Using Reset when the system is not responding NOTE: You may be prompted by User Account Control for your permission or password when you perform certain tasks. To continue a task, select the appropriate option. For information about User Account Control, see Help and Support. From the Start screen, type help, and then select Help and Support. IMPORTANT: Reset does not provide backups of your information. Before using Reset, back up any personal information you wish to retain.
Recovery using Windows operating system media (purchased separately) To order a Windows operating system DVD, contact support. Go to http://www.hp.com/support, select your country or region, and follow the on-screen instructions. CAUTION: Using Windows operating system media completely erases the hard drive contents and reformats the hard drive. All files that you have created and any software that you have installed on the computer are permanently removed.
