HP Notebook Reference Guide - Windows 7 and Windows Vista
Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- Networking (select models only)
- Multimedia
- Power management
- Shutting down the computer
- Setting power options
- Using Power Assistant (select models only)
- Using battery power
- Finding additional battery information
- Using Battery Check
- Displaying the remaining battery charge
- Maximizing battery discharge time
- Managing low battery levels
- Conserving battery power
- Storing a battery
- Disposing of a used battery
- Replacing the battery
- Using external AC power
- Switching between graphics modes (select models only)
- External cards and devices
- Using Media Card Reader cards (select models only)
- Using PC Cards (select models only)
- Using ExpressCards (select models only)
- Using smart cards (select models only)
- Using a USB device
- Using 1394 devices (select models only)
- Using an eSATA device (select models only)
- Using a serial device (select models only)
- Using optional external devices
- Drives
- Security
- Protecting the computer
- Using passwords
- Using antivirus software
- Using firewall software
- Installing critical security updates
- Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only)
- Installing an optional security cable
- Using the fingerprint reader (select models only)
- Maintenance
- Computer Setup (BIOS) and System Diagnostics
- MultiBoot
- Management
- Traveling with the computer
- Troubleshooting resources
- Electrostatic Discharge
- Index
76 Chapter 9 Computer Setup (BIOS) and System Diagnostics
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 displayed on the screen after the
download is complete. If no instructions are displayed, follow these steps:
1. Open Windows Explorer by selecting Start > Computer.
2. Double-click your hard drive designation. The hard drive designation is typically Local Disk (C:).
3. Using the hard drive path you recorded earlier, open the folder on your hard drive that contains
the update.
4. Double-click the file that has an .exe extension (for example, filename.exe).
The BIOS installation begins.
5. Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.
NOTE: After a mess
age on the screen reports a successful installation, you can delete the
downloaded file from your hard drive.
Using System Diagnostics
System Diagnostics allows you to run diagnostic tests to determine if the computer hardware is
functioning properly. The following diagnostic tests are available in System Diagnostics:
●
Start-up test—This test analyzes the main computer components that are required to start the
computer.
●
Run-in test—This test repeats the start-up test and checks for intermittent problems that the
start-up test does not detect.
●
Hard disk test—This test analyzes the physical condition of the hard drive, and then checks all
data in every sector of the hard drive. If the test detects a damaged sector, it attempts to move
the data to a good sector.
●
Memory test—This test analyzes the physical condition of the memory modules. If it reports an
error, replace the memory modules immediately.
●
Battery test—This test analyzes the condition of the battery. If the battery fails the test, contact
HP Customer Support to report the issue and purchase a replacement battery.
You can also view system information and error logs in the System Diagnostics window.
To start System Diagnostics:
1. Turn on or restart the computer. While the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is
displayed in the lower-left corner of the screen, press esc. When the Startup Menu is displayed,
press f2.
2. Click the diagnostic test you want to run, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
NOTE: If you need to stop a diagnostics test while it is running, press esc.