User Guide
© Copyright 2015 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. AMD and AMD Catalyst are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. Intel, Celeron, and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
Safety warning notice WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on a hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow.
iv Safety warning notice
Processor configuration setting (select models only) IMPORTANT: Select computer models are configured with an Intel® Pentium® N35xx/N37xx series or a Celeron® N28xx/N29xx/N30xx/N31xx series processor and a Windows® operating system. If your computer is configured as described, do not change the processor configuration setting in msconfig.exe from 4 or 2 processors to 1 processor. If you do so, your computer will not restart. You will have to perform a factory reset to restore the original settings.
vi Processor configuration setting (select models only)
Table of contents 1 Starting right ................................................................................................................................................ 1 Best practices ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 Fun things to do ..............................................................................................................................................
Using sound settings ......................................................................................................................... 21 Using video .......................................................................................................................................................... 21 Connecting video devices by using a VGA cable ................................................................................ 22 Connecting video devices by using an HDMI cable ..................
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................................... 35 7 Maintaining your computer .......................................................................................................................... 36 Improving performance ....................................................................................................................................... 36 Handling drives .......................
Creating recovery media to recover the original system .................................................................. 48 What you need to know .................................................................................................. 48 Creating the recovery media ........................................................................ 48 Creating system restore points .........................................................................................................
1 Starting right This computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. To get the most out of your computer, read this chapter to learn about best practices after setup, fun things to do with your computer, and where to go to get more HP resources. Best practices After you set up and register the computer, we recommend the following steps to get the most out of your smart investment: ● If you haven’t already done so, connect to a wired or wireless network.
More HP resources You have already used Setup Instructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. For product details, how-to information, and more, use this table. Resource Contents Setup Instructions ● Overview of computer setup and features. Help and Support ● A broad range of how-to information and troubleshooting tips. Worldwide support ● Chat online with an HP technician To get support in your language, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/ wwcontact_us.html.
2 Getting to know your computer Finding your hardware and software information ▲ Select Start > Computer. A list displays all the devices installed in your computer, including optical drives, solid-state drives (SSD), or a secondary hard drive. To find out what software is included on your computer, select Start > All Programs.
Right side Component (1) Description Power light ● On: The computer is on. ● Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, which is an energy-saving mode. The computer shuts off power to the display and other unneeded components. ● Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation is an energy-saving mode that uses the least amount of power. Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed. (2) Hard drive light ● (3) USB 2.
Left side Component Description (1) Power connector Connects an AC adapter. (2) AC adapter/battery light ● White: The AC adapter is connected and the battery is fully charged. ● Blinking white: The AC adapter is disconnected and the battery has reached a low battery level. ● Amber: The AC adapter is connected and the battery is charging. ● Off: The battery is not charging. (3) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
Component Description WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume before using headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety information, refer to the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices. NOTE: When a device is connected to the jack, the computer speakers are disabled. NOTE: Be sure that the device cable has a 4-conductor connector that supports both audio-out (headphone) and audioin (microphone).
Display NOTE: Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer. Component Description (1) Turns off the display and initiates Sleep if the display is closed while the power is on. Internal display switch NOTE: The internal display switch is not visible from the outside of the computer. (2) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use. (3) Webcam Records video and captures photographs. Some models allow you to video conference and chat online using streaming video.
Component Description (1) Turns off the display and initiates Sleep if the display is closed while the power is on. Internal display switch NOTE: The internal display switch is not visible from the outside of the computer. (2) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use. (3) Webcam Records video and captures photographs. Some models allow you to video conference and chat online using streaming video. To use the webcam, select Start > All Programs > Communication and Chat > CyberLink YouCam.
Top TouchPad Component Description (1) TouchPad zone Reads your finger gestures to move the pointer or activate items on the screen. (2) Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an external mouse. (3) Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
Lights Component 10 Description (1) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on, which switches the keys to all capital letters. (2) Mute light ● Amber: Computer sound is off. ● Off: Computer sound is on.
Buttons Component (1) Description Power button ● When the computer is off, press the button to turn on the computer. ● When the computer is on, press the button briefly to initiate Sleep. ● When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the button briefly to exit Sleep. ● When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button down briefly to exit Hibernation. CAUTION: Pressing and holding down the power button will result in the loss of unsaved information.
Keys Component 12 Description (1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the fn key. (2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed in combination with the esc key or the spacebar. (3) Windows key Displays the Windows Start menu. (4) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.
Bottom Component Description (1) Battery lock Locks the battery in the battery bay. (2) Battery bay Holds the battery. (3) Battery release latch (4) Memory card reader Releases the battery. Reads optional memory cards that store, manage, share, or access information. To insert a card: Hold the card label-side up, with connectors facing the slot, insert the card into the slot, and then push in on the card until it is firmly seated. To remove a card: Press in on the card it until it pops out.
Labels The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system problems or travel internationally with the computer. IMPORTANT: All labels described in this section will be located in one of 3 places depending on your computer model: affixed to the bottom of the computer, located in the battery bay, or on the back of the display. ● Service label—Provides important information to identify your computer.
3 Connecting to a network Your computer can travel with you wherever you go. But even at home, you can explore the globe and access information from millions of websites using your computer and a wired or wireless network connection. This chapter will help you get connected to that world. Connecting to a wireless network Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires.
Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) HP Connection Manager provides a central location for managing your wireless devices and an interface for sending and receiving SMS (text) messages. HP Connection Manager allows you to manage the following devices: ● Wireless local area network (WLAN)/Wi-Fi ● Bluetooth HP Connection Manager provides information and notifications on connection status, power status, and SMS (text) messages.
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) A Bluetooth device provides short-range wireless communications that replace the physical cable connections that traditionally link electronic devices such as the following: ● Computers (desktop, notebook, PDA) ● Phones (cellular, cordless, smart phone) ● Imaging devices (printer, camera) ● Audio devices (headset, speakers) ● Mouse Bluetooth devices provide peer-to-peer capability that allows you to set up a personal area network (PAN) of Bluet
NOTE: When a disc like a DVD movie or game is copy-protected, it cannot be shared. To share on the same network: 1. From the computer you are sharing, select Start > Computer. 2. Right-click what you want to share, and click Properties. 3. Select the Sharing tab, and then select Advanced Sharing. 4. Select the Share this folder check box. 5. Type a name in the Share name text box. 6. Click Apply, and then click OK. 7.
4 Enjoying entertainment features Use your HP computer as an entertainment hub to socialize via the webcam, enjoy and manage your music, and download and watch movies. Or, to make your computer an even more powerful entertainment center, connect external devices like speakers, headphones, monitor, projector, TV, and, on select models, highdefinition devices. Multimedia features Here are some of the entertainment features on your computer.
Component Description (5) Speakers (2) Produce sound. (6) Audio-out (headphone)/Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects optional powered stereo speakers, headphones, earbuds, a headset, or a television audio cable. Also connects an optional headset microphone. This jack does not support optional microphone-only devices. WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset.
Connecting speakers You can attach wired speakers to your computer by connecting them to USB ports (or the audio-out jack) on your computer or on a docking station. To connect wireless speakers to your computer, follow the device manufacturer's instructions. To connect high-definition speakers to the computer, see Setting up HDMI audio on page 23. Before connecting audio devices, be sure to adjust the volume.
Connecting video devices by using a VGA cable To see the computer screen image on an external VGA monitor or projected for a presentation, connect a monitor or projector to the computer's VGA port. To connect a monitor or projector: 1. Connect the VGA cable from the monitor or projector to the VGA port on the computer as shown. 2. Press f4 to alternate the screen image between 4 display states: ● Computer only: View the screen image on the computer only.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the high-definition TV or monitor. 3. Press f4 to alternate the computer screen image between 4 display states: ● Computer only: View the screen image on the computer only. ● Duplicate: View the screen image simultaneously on both the computer and external device. ● Extend: View the screen image extended across both the computer and external device. ● External device only: View the screen image on the external device only.
optional wireless adapter (purchased separately). For details about using the wireless adapter, see the manufacturer's instructions. To open Intel Wireless Display, select Start > All Programs > Intel WiDi. NOTE: 24 Before using the wireless display feature, be sure that your wireless device is turned on.
5 Navigating the screen You can navigate the computer screen in the following ways: ● Touch gestures ● Keyboard and mouse NOTE: An external USB mouse (purchased separately) can be connected to one of the USB ports on the computer. Select computer models have special action keys or hot key functions on the keyboard to perform routine tasks. Using TouchPad gestures The TouchPad helps you navigate the computer screen and control the pointer using simple touch gestures.
Two-finger pinch zoom Use the two-finger pinch zoom to zoom out or in on images or text. ● Zoom out by placing two fingers apart on the TouchPad zone or touch screen and then moving your fingers together. ● Zoom in by placing two fingers together on the TouchPad zone or touch screen and then moving your fingers apart. Two-finger scroll Use the two-finger scroll to move up, down, or sideways on a page or image.
Using the keyboard and mouse The keyboard and mouse allow you to type, select items, scroll and to perform the same functions as you do using touch gestures. The keyboard also allows you to use action keys and hot keys to perform specific functions. NOTE: Depending on the country or region, your keyboard may have different keys and keyboard functions than those discussed in this section. Using the keys You can quickly access information or perform functions by using certain keys and key combinations.
Icon Key Description f10 Begins, pauses, or resumes playback of an audio CD, a DVD, or a BD. f11 Plays the next track of an audio CD or the next section of a DVD or a BD. f12 Turns the Airplane mode and wireless feature on or off. NOTE: A wireless network must be set up before a wireless connection is possible. Using the hot keys A hot key is a combination of the fn key and the esc key, or the spacebar.
6 Managing power Your computer can operate on either battery power or external power. When the computer is running on battery power only and an AC power source is not available to charge the battery, it is important to monitor and conserve the battery charge. Your computer supports an optimal power plan to manage how your computer uses and conserves power so that computer performance is balanced with power conservation.
Manually initiating and exiting Hibernation (select models only) You can enable user-initiated Hibernation and change other power settings and timeouts using Power Options. 1. Select Start, click the arrow next to the Shut down button, and then click Hibernate. 2. In the left pane, click Choose what the power button does. 3. Click Change Settings that are currently unavailable. 4. In the When I press the power button area, select Hibernate. 5. Click Save changes.
● HP Recommended. Automatically balances performance with energy conservation. ● Power Saver. Saves power by reducing system performance and screen brightness. ● High Performance. Favors performance, but may use more energy. You can also create your own power plan and customize it to suit your needs. Use HP Power Manager (select models only) or Windows Control Panel to select a power plan or to create your own plan.
3. Remove the battery from the computer (3). Finding battery information To monitor the status of your battery, or if the battery is no longer holding a charge, run Battery Check in HP Support Assistant. To access battery information, select Start > HP Support Assistant > Next > Battery and performance > Power and battery > HP Battery Check.
The computer takes the following actions for a critical battery level: ● If Hibernation is enabled and the computer is on or in the Sleep state, the computer initiates Hibernation. ● If Hibernation is disabled, and the computer is on or in the Sleep state, the computer remains briefly in the Sleep state, and then shuts down and loses any unsaved information. Resolving a low battery level Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ● Connect an AC adapter.
Running on external AC power For information about connecting to AC power, refer to the Setup Instructions poster provided in the computer box. The computer does not use battery power when the computer is connected to AC external power with an approved AC adapter or an optional docking/expansion device. 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.
● If the power lights turn on, the AC adapter is working properly. ● If the power lights remain off, check the connection from the AC adapter to the computer and the connection from the AC adapter to the AC outlet to be sure that the connections are secure. ● If the connections are secure and the power lights remain off, the AC adapter is not functioning and should be replaced. Contact support for information about obtaining a replacement AC power adapter.
7 Maintaining your computer It is important to perform regular maintenance to keep your computer in optimal condition by using tools like Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup. This chapter also includes ways to update programs and drivers, steps to clean the computer, and tips for traveling with (or shipping) the computer. Improving performance You can improve the performance of your computer by performing regular maintenance tasks with tools such as Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup.
HP recommends defragmenting your hard drive at least once a month. You may set Disk Defragmenter to run on a monthly schedule, but you can defragment your computer manually at any time. To run Disk Defragmenter: 1. Connect the computer to AC power. 2. Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions. For additional information, access the Disk Defragmenter software Help.
Cleaning procedures Follow the procedures in this section to safely clean your computer. WARNING! To prevent electric shock or damage to components, do not attempt to clean your computer while it is turned on. ● Turn off the computer. ● Disconnect AC power. ● Disconnect all powered external devices. CAUTION: To prevent damage to internal components, do not spray cleaning agents or liquids directly on any computer surface. Liquids dripped on the surface can permanently damage internal components.
CAUTION: Perform this action before shipping, storing, or traveling with a drive. This will help reduce the risk of damage to the computer, damage to a drive, or loss of information. ◦ Shut down the computer. ● Take along a backup of your information. Keep the backup separate from the computer. ● When traveling by air, carry the computer as hand luggage; do not check it in with the rest of your luggage. CAUTION: Avoid exposing a drive to magnetic fields.
8 Securing your computer and information Computer security is essential for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your information. Standard security solutions provided by the Windows operating system, HP applications, the non-Windows Setup Utility (BIOS), and other third-party software can help protect your computer from a variety of risks, such as viruses, worms, and other types of malicious code.
● To reduce the risk of being locked out of the computer, record each password and store it in a secure place away from the computer. Do not store passwords in a file on the computer. ● When creating passwords, follow requirements set by the program. ● Change your passwords at least every three months. ● An ideal password is long and has letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers.
1. To start Setup Utility (BIOS), turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press f10. 2. Use the arrow keys to select Security, and then follow the on-screen instructions. Your changes take effect when the computer restarts. Using Internet security software When you use your computer to access email, a network, or the Internet, you potentially expose your computer to computer viruses, spyware, and other online threats.
Installing HP and third-party software updates HP recommends that you regularly update the software and drivers that were originally installed on your computer. To download the latest versions, go to http://www.hp.com/support. At this location, you can also register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available. If you have installed third-party software after you purchased your computer, regularly update the software.
44 3. Insert the security cable lock into the security cable slot on the computer (3), and then lock the security cable lock with the key. 4. Remove the key and keep it in a safe place.
9 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) Setup Utility, or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), controls communication between all the input and output devices on the system (such as disk drives, display, keyboard, mouse, and printer). Setup Utility (BIOS) includes settings for the types of devices installed, the startup sequence of the computer, and the amount of system and extended memory.
1. Select Start, type hp support assistant, and then select the HP Support Assistant program. 2. Follow the on-screen instructions to identify your computer and access the BIOS update you want to download. 3. At the download area, follow these steps: a. Identify the BIOS update that is later than the BIOS version currently installed on your computer. Make a note of the date, name, or other identifier.
NOTE: If you need to stop a diagnostic test, press esc. Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device NOTE: Instructions for downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) are provided in English only. There are two options to download HP PC Hardware Diagnostics to a USB device: Option 1: HP PC Diagnostics homepage— Provides access to the latest UEFI version 1. Go to http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/pcdiags. 2.
10 Backing up, restoring, and recovering Your computer includes tools provided by the operating system and HP to help you safeguard your information and retrieve it if ever needed. Creating backups 1. Use HP Recovery Manager to create recovery media immediately after you set up the working computer. 2. As you add hardware and software programs, create system restore points. 3. As you add photos, video, music, and other personal files, create a backup of your system and personal information.
To recover, see Recovering the original system using HP Recovery Manager on page 51. Creating system restore points A system restore point is a snapshot of certain hard drive contents saved by Windows System Restore at a specific time. A restore point contains information such as registry settings that Windows uses. Restoring to a previous restore point allows you to reverse changes that have been made to the system since the restore point was created.
To create a screen shot: 1. Display the screen you want to save. 2. Copy the screen image: To copy only the active window, press alt+prt sc. To copy the entire screen, press prt sc. 3. Open a word-processing document or graphics editing program, and then select Edit > Paste. The screen image is added to the document. 4. Save and print the document. What you need to know ● You can back up your information to an optional external hard drive, a flash drive, a network drive, or discs.
Restore and recovery Restoring to a previous system restore point Sometimes installing a software program causes your computer or Windows to behave unpredictably. Usually uninstalling the software fixes the problems. If uninstalling does not fix the problems, you can restore the computer to a previous system restore point (created at an earlier date and time). To restore to a previous system restore point, when the computer was running correctly: 1.
● If the recovery media do not work, you can obtain recovery discs for your system from the HP website. ● The Minimized Image Recovery option is recommended for advanced users only. All hardware-related drivers and software are re-installed, but other software applications are not. Do not interrupt the process until it is complete, otherwise the recovery will fail.
1. Insert the flash drive into a USB port. 2. Restart the computer. 3. Press esc while the computer is restarting, and then press f9 for boot options. 4. Select the flash drive from the boot options window.
11 Specifications Input power The power information in this section may be helpful if you plan to travel internationally with the computer. The computer operates on DC power, which can be supplied by an AC or a DC power source. The AC power source must be rated at 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz. Although the computer can be powered from a standalone DC power source, it should be powered only with an AC adapter or a DC power source supplied and approved by HP for use with this computer.
12 Electrostatic Discharge Electrostatic discharge is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact—for example, the shock you receive when you walk across the carpet and touch a metal door knob. A discharge of static electricity from fingers or other electrostatic conductors may damage electronic components.
Index A AC adapter, testing 34 AC adapter/battery light 5 action keys decrease screen brightness 27 Help and Support 27 identifying 12 increase screen brightness 27 next track or section 28 play, pause, resume 28 previous track or section 27 switch screen image 27 volume down 27 volume mute 27 volume up 27 wireless 28 airport security devices 36 antivirus software, using 42 audio-out (headphone)/audio-in (microphone) jack 5, 20 B backing up software and information 43 backups 48 battery conserving power 32
J jacks audio-out (headphone)/audio-in (microphone) 5, 20 network 5, 20 RJ-45 (network) 5, 20 K keyboard hot keys, identifying keys action 12 esc 12 fn 12 Windows 12 28 L labels Bluetooth 14 Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity 14 regulatory 14 serial number 14 service 14 wireless certification 14 WLAN 14 latch, battery release 13 lights AC adapter/battery 5 caps lock 10 hard drive 4 mute 10 power 4 RJ-45 (network) status 5 webcam 7, 8, 19 M maintenance Disk Cleanup 37 Disk Defragmenter 36 memory card re
U unresponsive system 35 USB 3.
