User Guide - Windows 7
Table Of Contents
- Welcome
- Getting to know your computer
- Connecting to a network
- Connecting to a wireless network
- Connecting to a wired network
- Navigating using the keyboard, touch gestures and pointing devices
- Multimedia
- Power management
- Shutting down the computer
- Setting power options
- Using power-saving states
- Using battery power
- Finding additional battery information
- Using Battery Check
- Displaying the remaining battery charge
- Maximizing battery discharge time
- Managing low battery levels
- Inserting or removing the battery
- Conserving battery power
- Storing a user-replaceable battery (select models only)
- Disposing of a user-replaceable battery (select models only)
- Replacing a user-replaceable battery (select models only)
- Using external AC power
- Switchable graphics/dual graphics (select models only)
- External cards and devices
- Drives
- Security
- Protecting the computer
- Using passwords
- Using antivirus software
- Using firewall software
- Installing critical security updates
- Using HP Client Security (select models only)
- Installing an optional security cable
- Using the fingerprint reader (select models only)
- Maintenance
- Backup and recovery
- Computer Setup (BIOS), MultiBoot, and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)
- Using HP Sure Start
- Support
- Specifications
- Traveling with or shipping your computer
- Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting resources
- Resolving issues
- The computer is unable to start up
- The computer screen is blank
- Software is functioning abnormally
- The computer is on but not responding
- The computer is unusually warm
- An external device is not working
- The wireless network connection is not working
- A disc does not play
- A movie is not visible on an external display
- The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion
- Electrostatic discharge
- Index
Updating the BIOS
Updated versions of the BIOS may be available on the HP website.
Most BIOS updates on the HP website are packaged in compressed files called SoftPaqs.
Some download packages contain a file named Readme.txt, which contains information regarding installing
and troubleshooting the file.
Determining the BIOS version
To determine whether available BIOS updates contain later BIOS versions than those currently installed on
the computer, you need to know the version of the system BIOS currently installed.
BIOS version information (also known as ROM date and System BIOS) can be revealed by pressing fn+esc (if
you are already in Windows) or by using Computer Setup.
1. Start Computer Setup.
2. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Main > System Information.
3. To exit Computer Setup without saving your changes, click the Exit icon in the lower-right corner of the
screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
– or –
Use the arrow keys to select Main > Ignore Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
Downloading a BIOS update
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of 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 battery power, docked in an
optional docking device, or connected to an optional power source. During the download and installation,
follow these instructions:
Do not disconnect power on the computer by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet.
Do not shut down the computer or initiate Sleep.
Do not insert, remove, connect, or disconnect any device, cable, or cord.
1. Access Help and Support by selecting Start > Help and Support.
2. Select Updates and tune-ups, and then select Check for HP updates now.
3. At the download area, follow these steps:
a. Identify the most recent BIOS update and compare it to the BIOS version currently installed on
your computer. Make a note of the date, name, or other identifier. You may need this information
to locate the update later, after it has been downloaded to your hard drive.
b. Follow the on-screen instructions to download your selection to the hard drive.
If the update is more recent than your BIOS, make a note of the path to the location on your hard
drive where the BIOS update is downloaded. You will need to access this path when you are ready
to install the update.
NOTE: If you connect your computer to a network, consult the network administrator before installing
any software updates, especially system BIOS updates.
BIOS installation procedures vary. Follow any instructions that are revealed on the screen after the download
is complete. If no instructions are revealed, follow these steps:
Using Computer Setup 85