HP 250 G3 User's Guide

User Guide

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1 Starting rightThis computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. Read thischapter to learn about best practices after

More HP resourcesYou have already used Setup Instructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. To locateresources that provide product detai

2 Getting to know your computerFinding your hardware and software information▲Select Start > Computer.A list displays all of the storage devices in

Right sideComponent Description(1)USB 2.0 ports (2) Connect an optional USB device, such as a keyboard,mouse, external drive, printer, scanner, or USB

Left sideComponent Description(1) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.NOTE: The security cable is designed to ac

Component DescriptionWARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjustthe volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or aheadset. For addition

DisplayComponent Description(1) WLAN antennas (1 or 2)* (select models only) Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wirelesslocal area

TopTouchPadComponent Description(1) TouchPad zone Moves the on-screen pointer and selects or activates itemson the screen.(2) Left TouchPad button

LightsComponent Description(1)Power light●On: The computer is on.●Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, a power-saving state. The computer shu

© Copyright 2013, 2014 Hewlett-PackardDevelopment Company, L.P.Bluetooth is a trademark owned by itsproprietor and used by Hewlett-PackardCompany unde

ButtonComponent Description Power button●When the computer is off, press the button to turn onthe computer.●When the computer is on, press the button

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

BottomComponent Description(1)Battery lock and unlock latch Locks and unlocks the battery into the battery bay.(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.(3)

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, select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network andSharing Center.For more information, selec

For help in setting up your WLAN, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or yourISP.Configuring a wireless routerFor help in setting

After the connection is made, place the mouse pointer over the network status icon in the notificationarea, at the far right of the taskbar, to verify

2. Plug the other end of the network cable into a network wall jack (2) or router.NOTE: If the network cable contains noise suppression circuitry (3),

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

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

Component DescriptionNOTE: For details about different types of USB ports,see Using a USB device on page 37.(6) Speakers (2) Produce sound.(7)Audio

To connect wireless speakers to your computer, follow the device manufacturer's instructions. Toconnect high-definition speakers to the computer,

Using videoYour computer is a powerful video device that enables you to watch streaming video from yourfavorite websites and download video and movies

To connect an HDMI device to your computer, you need an HDMI cable, sold separately.To connect a high-definition TV or monitor to your computer:1. Con

Managing your audio and video files (select models only)CyberLink PowerDVD helps you manage and edit your photo and video collections.▲To start CyberL

5 Using the keyboard and pointing devicesYour computer allows easy on-screen navigation. In addition to the keyboard, a TouchPad allows youto perform

Icon Key DescriptionHelp and Support also provides automated troubleshooting tools and access tosupport.f2 Decreases the screen brightness incremental

Component Descriptionnum lock key Controls the function of the integrated numeric keypad. Press thekey to alternate between the standard numeric funct

NavigatingTo move the on-screen pointer, slide one finger across the TouchPad in the direction you want thepointer to go.SelectingUse the left and rig

ScrollingScrolling is useful for moving up, down, or sideways on a page or image. To scroll, place two fingersslightly apart on the TouchPad, and then

iv Safety warning notice

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

NOTE: If you have set the computer to require a password on wakeup, you must enter yourWindows password before the computer redisplays your work.Initi

●HP Recommended. Automatically balances performance with energy conservation.●Power Saver. Saves power by reducing system performance and screen brigh

2. Remove the battery (3) from the computer.To insert the battery, follow these steps:CAUTION: Do not slant the battery as you insert it.1. Holding th

●Battery Check tool in Help and Support to test battery performance●Information about calibration, power management, and proper care and storage to ma

See the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices for proper battery disposal. To access thisguide, select Start > Help and Support > User Gu

●When you need to replace the battery or access components inside the computer●When you are connecting an external hardware device that does not conne

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

A sound indicates that the device has been detected.NOTE: The first time you connect a USB device, a message in the notification area lets you knowtha

Inserting and removing a memory cardTo insert a memory card:CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the memory card connectors, use minimal force toi

Table of contents1 Starting right ...

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

For additional information, access the Disk Defragmenter software Help.Using Disk CleanupDisk Cleanup searches the hard drive for unnecessary files th

CAUTION: To prevent damage to internal components, do not spray cleaning agents or liquidsdirectly on any computer surface. Liquids dripped on the sur

CAUTION: Avoid exposing a drive to magnetic fields. Security devices with magnetic fieldsinclude airport walk-through devices and security wands. Airp

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

Use the following tips for creating and saving passwords:●To reduce the risk of being locked out of the computer, record each password and store it in

To set, change, or delete an administrator or power-on password in Setup Utility (BIOS):1. Open Setup Utility (BIOS) by turning on or restarting the c

security breaches and computer viruses, install all critical updates from Microsoft as soon as youreceive an alert.To be sure that all available updat

3. Insert the security cable lock into the security cable slot on the computer (3), and then lock thesecurity cable lock with the key.4. Remove the ke

10 Using Computer Setup (BIOS) and HP PCHardware Diagnostics (UEFI)Setup Utility, or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), controls communication between

Using the webcam ... 20Usin

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

1. Turn on or restart the computer. While the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message isdisplayed in the lower-left corner of the screen, press e

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

Creating the recovery media1. Select Start and type recovery in the search field. Select Recovery Manager from the list.Allow the action to continue,

Tips for a successful backup●Number backup discs before inserting them into the optical drive.●Store personal files in the Documents, Music, Pictures,

To restore, see Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and Restore on page 55.Restore and recoveryRestoring to a previous system restore pointS

●If the recovery media do not work, you can obtain recovery discs for your system from supportthrough the HP website. Go to http://www.hp.com/support,

To change the boot order for a recovery flash drive:1. Insert the flash drive into a USB port.2. Restart the computer.3. Press esc while the computer

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

13 Troubleshooting and support●Troubleshooting●Contacting supportTroubleshootingWireless connection problemsSome possible causes for wireless connecti

Shutting down the computer ... 357 Managi

If entering a security code is not the problem, you may have a corrupted WLAN connection. Manytimes, Windows can automatically repair a corrupted WLAN

If the connection does not improve, try forcing the device to reestablish all connection values:1. Select Start > Control Panel > Network and In

To confirm or change the audio settings on your computer, select Start > Control Panel > Hardwareand Sound > Sound.Power management problemsS

●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 comp

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

IndexAAC adapter 5action keysdecrease screen brightness26Help and Support 25identifying 11increase screen brightness 26next track or section 26play, p

Internet security software, using46Jjacksaudio-in (microphone) 5, 20audio-out (headphone) 5, 20network 5RJ-45 (network) 5Kkeyboard hot keys, identifyi

storing a battery 34supported discs 52system information hot key 26system recovery 55system restore points, creating53Ttemperature 34TouchPadbuttons 8

Determining the BIOS version ....... 49Downloading a BIOS update .

Network status icon is not displayed ................ 61Audio problems .........