Hp G72-b50US Notebook PC User Manual

Notebook PC User Guide

When to create restore points ... 111Create a system restore point ...

8. Lift the memory module compartment cover (2) away from the computer.9. If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing memory module:a. P

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edgesonly. Do not touch the components on the memory module, and do not

9SecurityProtecting the computerStandard security features provided by the Windows operating system and the non-Windows SetupUtility can protect your

Using passwordsA password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information. Several typesof passwords can be set, dependin

Password FunctionPower-on password*●Protects access to the computer contents.●Once set, you must enter the password each time youturn on the computer,

Power-on passwordYour power-on password prevents unauthorized use of the computer. Once set, you must enter thepassword each time you turn on the comp

Using antivirus softwareWhen you use the computer to access e-mail, a network, or the Internet, you expose it to computerviruses. Computer viruses can

Installing critical security updatesCAUTION: Microsoft sends alerts regarding critical updates. To protect the computer from securitybreaches and comp

A Setup Utility (BIOS)Starting Setup UtilitySetup Utility is a ROM-based information and customization utility that can be used even when yourWindows

Using Setup UtilityChanging the language of Setup UtilityThe following procedure explains how to change the language of Setup Utility. If Setup Utilit

1 FeaturesIdentifying hardwareTo see a list of hardware installed in the computer:▲Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security. Then in t

Displaying system informationThe following procedure explains how to display system information in Setup Utility. If Setup Utility isnot open, begin a

Exiting Setup UtilityYou can exit Setup Utility with or without saving changes.●To exit Setup Utility and save your changes from the current session:I

System Configuration menuSelect To do thisLanguage Change the language of Setup Utility.Button Sound (select models only) Enable/disable the capacitiv

B Software updatesUpdated versions of the software provided with your computer may be available on the HP Web site.Most software and BIOS updates on t

Updating the BIOSTo update the BIOS, first determine what BIOS version you currently have, and then download andinstall the new BIOS.Determining the B

Downloading a BIOS updateCAUTION: To prevent damage to the computer or an unsuccessful installation, download and installa BIOS update only when the c

Updating programs and driversTo download and install software other than a BIOS update, follow these steps:To use the HP Web site:1. Open your web bro

C Backup and recoveryRecovery after a system failure is as complete as your most current backup. HP recommends that youcreate recovery discs immediate

Creating recovery discsHP recommends that you create recovery discs to be sure that you can restore your system to its originalfactory state if you ex

Backing up your informationAs you add new software and data files, you should back up your system on a regular basis to maintaina reasonably current b

ComponentsTop componentsTouchPadComponent Description(1) TouchPad off indicator●When the TouchPad zone is active, the light is off.●When the TouchPad

Using Windows Backup and RestoreTo create a backup using Windows Backup and Restore, follow these steps:NOTE: Be sure that the computer is connected t

Using system restore pointsWhen you back up your system, you are creating a system restore point. A system restore point allowsyou to save and name a

Performing a recoveryNOTE: You can recover only files that you have previously backed up. HP recommends that you useHP Recovery Manager to create a se

IndexSymbols/Numerics1394 Power Saving 102AAC adapteridentifying 11AC adapter light 56, 57AC adapter light, identifying 6AC adapter, connecting 52AC

controlsTouchPad 2copyright warning 72cord, power 11corporate WLAN connection 18country-specific modem cableadapter 24critical battery level 57critica

webcam light 9wireless 3local area network (LAN)cable required 27connecting cable 27low battery level 57MMain menu 101maintenanceDisk Cleanup 80Disk D

setup of WLAN 16Setup Utility, passwords set in 93shutdown 64shutting down 64Sleepexiting 48initiating 48slotsDigital Media 7security cable 6softwarea

LightsNOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.Component Description(1) TouchPad light●Off: TouchPad is e

Button and speakersNOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.Component Description(1) Power button●When th

KeysNOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.Component Description(1) esc key Displays system information

Right-side componentsNOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.Component Description(1) Optical drive Read

Left-side componentsNOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.Component Description(1) External monitor po

Bottom componentsComponent Description(1) Battery bay Holds the battery.(2) Vents (4) Enable airflow to cool internal components.NOTE: The computer fa

Display componentsComponent Description(1) Internal microphone Records sound.(2) Webcam (select models only) Records video and captures still photogra

© Copyright 2010 Hewlett-PackardDevelopment Company, L.P.Bluetooth is a trademark owned by itsproprietor and used by Hewlett-PackardCompany under lice

NOTE: For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free fromobstructions.To see wireless regulatory notices, see the secti

Additional hardware componentsComponent Description(1) Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet.(2) AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power

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

2 Wireless, local area network, andmodemUsing wireless devicesWireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer ma

Identifying wireless and network status iconsIcon Name DescriptionWireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless light and the wireless

Using HP Wireless AssistantA wireless device can be turned on or off using HP Wireless Assistant. If a wireless device is disabledin Setup Utility, it

Using a WLANWith a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of othercomputers and accessories that are link

Protecting your WLANBecause the WLAN standard was designed with only limited security capabilities—basically to foil casualeavesdropping rather than m

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

Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only)A Bluetooth device provides short-range wireless communications that replace the physical cableco

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

Troubleshooting wireless connection problemsSome possible causes for wireless connection problems include the following:●Network configuration (SSID o

Network icon is not displayedIf the network icon is not displayed in the notification area after you configure the WLAN, the softwaredriver is either

WLAN connection is very weakIf the connection is very weak, or if your computer cannot make a connection to a WLAN, minimizeinterference from other de

Using the modem (select models only)The modem must be connected to an analog telephone line using a 6-pin, RJ-11 modem cable (includedwith select mode

Connecting a country-specific modem cable adapterTelephone jacks vary by country. To use the modem and the modem cable (included with select modelsonl

Adding new locations when travelingBy default, the only location setting available to the modem is a location setting for the country in whichyou purc

Solving travel connection problemsIf you experience modem connection problems when using the computer outside of the country in whichyou purchased it,

7. Clear the check box for Wait for dial tone before dialing.8. Click OK twice.Connecting to a local area networkConnecting to a local area network (L

3 Pointing devices and keyboardUsing the TouchPadThe following illustration and table describe the computer TouchPad.Component Description(1) TouchPad

Turning the TouchPad on and offWhen the TouchPad zone is active, the light is off. To turn the TouchPad on and off, quickly double-tapthe TouchPad off

iv Safety warning notice

ScrollingScrolling is useful for moving up or down on a page or image. To scroll, place two fingers on theTouchPad and drag them across the TouchPad i

RotatingRotating allows you to rotate items such as photos and pages. To rotate, anchor your thumb on theTouchPad, and then move your forefinger in a

Function Action key or hotkeyfn+esc Press fn+esc (1) and (2) to display information about system hardware components and the systemBIOS (basic input-o

Function Action key or hotkeyPress f11 to mute or restore speaker sound.Press f12 to turn the wireless feature on or off.NOTE: This key does not estab

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboardDirt and grease on the TouchPad can cause the pointer to jump around on the screen. To avoid this,clean the TouchPad

4MultimediaMultimedia featuresYour computer includes multimedia features that allow you to listen to music, watch movies, and viewpictures. Your compu

Identifying your multimedia componentsNOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.Component Description(1) I

Component Description(8) Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo arraymicrophone, or monaural microphone.(

Using the media activity functionsThe media activity action keys control the play of an audio CD, DVD, or BD (Blu-ray Disc) in the opticaldrive.Using

Multimedia softwareYour computer includes preinstalled multimedia software that allows you to play music, watch movies,and view pictures. The followin

Table of contents1 FeaturesIdentifying hardware ...

AudioYour computer enables you to use a variety of audio features:●Play music using your computer speakers and/or connected external speakers.●Record

NOTE: For best results when recording, speak directly into the microphone and record sound in asetting free of background noise.To confirm or change t

Connecting an HDMI device (select models only)Select computer models include an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port. The HDMI portconnect

Configuring audio for HDMI (select models only)To configure HDMI audio, first connect an audio or video device, such as a high-definition TV, to theHD

Optical driveAn optical drive, such as a DVD-ROM drive, plays optical discs (CDs and DVDs). These discs storeinformation, such as music, photos, and m

Webcam (select models only)Your computer may include an integrated webcam, located at the top of the display. The webcam is aninput device that allows

●Hue—Controls the aspect of color that distinguishes it from another color (what makes a color red,green, or blue). Hue is distinct from saturation, w

5 Power managementSetting power optionsUsing power-saving statesThe computer has two power-saving states enabled at the factory: Sleep and Hibernation

Initiating and exiting SleepThe system is set at the factory to initiate Sleep after 15 minutes of inactivity when running on batterypower and 30 minu

Using the battery meterThe battery meter is located in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. The battery meterallows you to quickly

Current network security codes are unavailable ... 21WLAN connection is very weak ...

3. Change the settings as needed.4. To change additional settings, click Change advanced power settings, and then make yourchanges.Setting password pr

Using external AC powerExternal AC power is supplied through one of the following devices:WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the AC

Connecting the AC adapterWARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to the equipment:Plug the power cord into an AC outlet that is easily

Testing an AC adapterTest the AC adapter if the computer exhibits any of the following symptoms when it is connected to ACpower:●The computer does not

Using battery powerWhen a charged battery is in the computer and the computer is not plugged into external power, thecomputer runs on battery power. W

Displaying the remaining battery charge▲Move the pointer over the battery meter icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.Inserti

4. Pivot the battery (2) upward, and then remove the battery from the computer (3).Charging a batteryWARNING! Do not charge the computer battery while

Maximizing battery discharge timeBattery discharge time varies depending on the features you use while on battery power. Maximumdischarge time gradual

Resolving a low battery levelCAUTION: To reduce the risk of losing information when the computer reaches a critical battery leveland has initiated Hib

To fully charge the battery:1. Insert the battery into the computer.2. Connect the computer to an AC adapter, optional power adapter, or optional expa

5 Power managementSetting power options ...

Step 3: Discharge the batteryThe computer must remain on while the battery is being discharged. The battery can discharge whetheror not you are using

Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and SleepCAUTION: Failure to reenable Hibernation after calibration may result in a full battery discharge andinformation

Disposing of a used batteryWARNING! To reduce the risk of fire or burns, do not disassemble, crush, or puncture; do not shortexternal contacts; do not

Switching between graphics modes (select models only)Select computers are equipped with switchable graphics and have two modes for processing graphics

Shutting down the computerCAUTION: Unsaved information will be lost when the computer is shut down.The Shut down command closes all open programs, inc

6DrivesHandling drivesDrives are fragile computer components that must be handled with care. See the following cautionsbefore handling drives. Additio

Optical driveYour computer includes an optical drive that expands the functionality of the computer. Identify whatkind of device is installed in your

Using optical discsAn optical drive, such as a DVD-ROM drive, supports optical discs (CDs and DVDs). These discs storeinformation, such as music, phot

Selecting the right disc (CDs, DVDs, and BDs)An optical drive supports optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs). CDs, used to store digital data, are alsous

LightScribe DVD+R discsUse LightScribe DVD+R discs for sharing and storing data, home videos, and photos. These discs areread-compatible with most DVD

6 DrivesHandling drives ...

5. Gently press the disc (3) down onto the tray spindle until the disc snaps into place.6. Close the disc tray.If you have not yet configured AutoPlay

Configuring AutoPlay1. Select Start > Default Programs > Change AutoPlay settings.2. Confirm that the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices che

Observing the copyright warningIt is a criminal offense, under applicable copyright laws, to make unauthorized copies of copyright-protected material,

Creating or “burning” a CD or DVDNOTE: Observe the copyright warning. It is a criminal offense, under applicable copyright laws, tomake unauthorized c

Removing a CD, DVD, or BD1. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the disc tray, and then gently pull out thetray (2) until it st

3. Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outeredges of the disc. Hold the disc by the edges and a

4. Click OK.◦Disconnect external devices, such as a printer, scanner, camera, or handheld device.A DVD movie is not visible on an external display1. I

5. In the Device Manager window, click Action, and then click Scan for hardware changes.Windows scans your system for installed hardware and installs

Obtaining the latest Windows device driversYou can obtain the latest Windows device drivers by using Windows Update. This feature can be set toautomat

Using external drivesRemovable external drives expand your options for storing and accessing information. A USB drive canbe added by connecting the dr

8 Adding or replacing a memory module9 SecurityProtecting the computer ...

Improving hard drive performanceUsing Disk DefragmenterAs you use the computer, files on the hard drive become fragmented. Disk Defragmenter consolida

Replacing the hard driveCAUTION: To prevent information loss or an unresponsive system:Shut down the computer before removing the hard drive from the

8. Remove the hard drive screws.9. Disconnect the hard drive cable from the system board (1) and the cable clip (2). Pull the hard drivetab up (3), an

To install a hard drive:1. Insert the hard drive into the hard drive bay (1), and then press down on the hard drive (2) until itis seated. Secure the

5. Tighten the hard drive cover screws (3).6. Replace the battery.7. Turn the computer right-side up.8. Reconnect power to the computer.9. Reconnect a

7 External devices and external mediacardsUsing a USB deviceA USB port connects an optional external device, such as a USB keyboard, mouse, drive, pri

Removing a USB deviceCAUTION: To prevent loss of information or an unresponsive system, use the following procedure tosafely remove a USB device.CAUTI

Using Digital Media Slot cardsOptional digital cards provide secure data storage and convenient data sharing. These cards are oftenused with digital m

Removing a digital cardCAUTION: To prevent loss of data or an unresponsive system, use the following procedure to safelyremove the digital card.Save y

8 Adding or replacing a memory moduleThe computer has one memory module compartment, which is located on the bottom of the computer.The memory capacit