HP 15.6-Inch User Manual

User Guide

More HP resourcesYou have already used Setup Instructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. To locateproduct details, how-to information,

2 Getting to know your computerFinding your hardware and software informationLocating hardwareTo find out what hardware is installed on your computer:

Component Description(4)Power light●White: The computer is on.●Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state,which is an energy-saving mode. The

Component Description(1)External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.(2) Vents (2) Enable airflow to cool internal components

DisplayComponent Description(1) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wirelesslocal area networks (WLANs).(2) Inter

TopTouchPadComponent Description(1) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on or off.(2) TouchPad light ●Amber: The TouchPad is off.●Off: The To

LightsComponent Description(1)Power light●White: The computer is on.●Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state,which is an energy-saving mode

Buttons and speakersComponent Description(1)Power button●When the computer is off, press the button to turn onthe computer.●When the computer is on, p

KeysComponent Description(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combinationwith the fn key.(2) fn key Displays system information

BottomComponent Description(1) Battery bay Holds the battery.(2)Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.(3) Vents (5) Enab

© Copyright 2012 Hewlett-PackardDevelopment Company, L.P.Bluetooth is a trademark owned by itsproprietor and used by Hewlett-PackardCompany under lice

LabelsThe labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot systemproblems or travel internationally with the comp

3 Connecting to a networkYour computer can travel with you wherever you go. But even at home, you can explore the globeand access information from mil

To use operating system controls:1. From the Start screen, type n, and then select Settings.2. Type network and sharing in the search box, and then se

Setting up a WLANTo set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need the following equipment:● A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high

Connecting to a WLANTo connect to a WLAN, follow these steps:1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If the device is on, the wireless light is on (whi

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) Use a LAN connection if you want to connect the computer directly to a router in your home (insteadof working

4 Enjoying entertainment featuresUse your HP computer as an entertainment hub to socialize via the webcam, enjoy and manage yourmusic, and download an

Checking the soundTo check the audio functions on your computer, follow these steps:1. From the Start screen, type c, and then select Control Panel fr

To connect an HDMI device to your computer, you need an HDMI cable, sold separately.1. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the compu

Managing your photo, audio, and video filesCyberLink PowerDVD (select models only) helps you manage and edit your photo, audio, and videocollections.▲

Safety warning noticeWARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do notplace the computer directly on

5 Navigating using touch gestures,pointing devices and the keyboardYour computer allows navigation using touch gestures (select models only) in additi

To view a demonstration of each gesture:1. From the Start screen, type c to display the Apps list. Select Control Panel, and then selectHardware and S

Pinching/zoomingPinching and zooming allow you to zoom out or in on images or text.●Zoom in by placing two fingers together on the TouchPad zone and t

Right-edge swipeThe right-edge swipe reveals the charms, which let you search, share, start apps, access devices, orchange settings.●Swipe your finger

Left-edge swipeThe left-edge swipe reveals your open apps so that you can switch to them quickly.● Swipe your finger gently from the left edge of the

CAUTION: Use extreme care when making changes in Setup Utility. Errors can prevent thecomputer from operating properly.Icon Key Descriptionf1 Opens He

Shortcut KeysShortcutkey Key Description Returns you to the Start screen from an open app or the Desktop.Pressing the key again returns you to the

6 Managing powerYour computer can operate on either battery power or external power. When the computer is onlyrunning on battery power and an AC power

Initiating and exiting SleepWith the computer on, you can initiate Sleep in any of the following ways:●Close the display.●From the Start screen, point

4. Click Require a password (recommended).NOTE: If you need to create a user account password or change your current user accountpassword, click Creat

iv Safety warning notice

Removing a user-replaceable batteryWARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the user-replaceable battery provided withthe computer, a repl

●Stop, disable, or remove any external media cards that you are not using.● Before you leave your work, initiate Sleep or shut down the computer.Ident

See the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices for proper battery disposal. To access theuser guides, select the HP Support Assistant app on the

To test the AC adapter:1. Shut down the computer.2. Remove the battery from the computer.3. Connect the AC adapter to the computer, and then plug it i

Shut down the computer under any of the following conditions:● When you need to replace the battery or access components inside the computer●When you

7 Managing and sharing informationDrives are digital storage devices that help you store, manage, share, and access information. Yourcomputer has an i

▲Connect the USB cable for the device to the USB port.NOTE: The USB port on your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in thissec

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the digital card connectors, use minimal force to inserta digital card.1. Hold the card label-side up, with t

To share folders or libraries on the same network:1. On the Desktop, open File Explorer.2. Click the Share tab on the Libraries window, and then click

8 Maintaining your computerIt is important to perform regular maintenance to keep your computer in optimal condition. Thischapter provides information

Table of contents1 Starting right ...

CAUTION: To prevent information loss or an unresponsive system:Before removing or installing a drive, shut down the computer. If you are unsure whethe

4. Lift the hard drive (2) out of the hard drive bay.5. Disconnect the hard drive cable (1) from the hard drive.6. Remove the front bumper (2) and the

A short time after the end of one of these events, HP 3D DriveGuard returns the hard drive to normaloperation.NOTE: Because solid-state drives (SSD) l

Adding or replacing memory modulesAdding memory can help improve your computer's performance. Your computer is like your physicalwork area. The h

7. Slide the service door forward slightly (2), lift the front right corner of the service door (3), andthen maintain an angle while removing the serv

9. Insert a new memory module:CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edgesonly. Do not touch the components on

recent gaming software. Without the latest driver, you would not be getting the most out of yourequipment.Go to http://www.hp.com/support to download

◦Turn off, and then disconnect all external devices.◦ Shut down the computer.●Take along a backup of your information. Keep the backup separate from t

9 Securing your computer andinformationComputer security is essential for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of yourinformati

Setting Windows passwordsPassword FunctionUser password Protects access to a Windows user account.Administrator password Protects administrator-level

4 Enjoying entertainment features ... 1

the security software trial offer or purchase the software of your choice in order to fully protect yourcomputer.Using antivirus softwareComputer viru

wwcontact_us.html. At this location, you can also register to receive automatic update notificationswhen they become available.If you have installed t

10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and SystemDiagnosticsSetup Utility, or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), controls communication between all the input an

Downloading a BIOS updateCAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the computer or an unsuccessful installation, downloadand install a BIOS update only

To start System Diagnostics:1. Turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press f2.2. Click the diagnostic test you want to run, and

11 Backing up, restoring, and recoveringYour computer includes tools provided by HP and the operating system to help you safeguard yourinformation and

choose to reset the computer by reinstalling Windows or choose to recover using HP RecoveryManager. NOTE: File History is not enabled by default, so y

Restore and recoveryThere are several options for recovering your system. Choose the method that best matches yoursituation and level of expertise:● I

Using Windows Refresh for quick and easy recoveryWhen your computer is not working properly and you need to regain system stability, the WindowsRefres

3. Click Change PC settings in the bottom-right corner of the screen, and then select Generalfrom the PC settings screen.4. Under Remove everything an

Conserving battery power ... 32Identifying low battery

Using HP Recovery media to recoverYou can use HP Recovery media to recover the original system. This method can be used if yoursystem does not have an

12 SpecificationsInput powerThe power information in this section may be helpful if you plan to travel internationally with thecomputer.The computer o

13 Electrostatic DischargeElectrostatic discharge is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact—forexample, the shock you re

IndexAAC adapter light, identifying 4AC adapter, testing 34action keysdecrease screen brightness27Help and Support 27identifying 10increase screen bri

HP Recovery mediacreating 58recovery 62HP Recovery partition 61recovery 61removing 62hubs 37Iinput power 63installingcritical updates 52optional secur

resetcomputer 59, 60steps 60restoreWindows File History 59RJ-45 (network) jack, identifying5Sscrolling TouchPad gesture 23security cable lock, install

Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords ...... 51Using Internet security softwar

1 Starting rightThis computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. To get the mostout of your computer, read this chapt