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Summary of Contents for HP 15-R181NR

  • Page 1 User Guide...
  • Page 2 HP End User Not all features are available in all editions Hewlett-Packard Company under license.
  • Page 3 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.
  • Page 4 Safety warning notice...
  • Page 5 Processor configuration setting (select models only) WARNING! Select computer models are configured with an Intel® Atom® E3800 processor and a Windows® operating system. 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.
  • Page 6 Processor configuration setting (select models only)
  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Setting up a WLAN .................... 18 Configuring a wireless router ................18 Protecting your WLAN ..................18 Connecting to a WLAN ..................19 Using HP Mobile Broadband (select models only) ............19 Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ............. 20...
  • Page 8 Connecting to a wired network ......................20 Connecting to a local area network (LAN) ................. 20 4 Enjoying entertainment features ........................22 Multimedia features ..........................22 Using the webcam ..........................23 Using audio ............................23 Connecting speakers ......................24 Connecting headphones ....................24 Connecting a microphone ....................
  • Page 9 Using the keys ........................37 Using the action keys ..................37 Using Windows shortcut keys ................38 Using the hot keys ..................... 38 Using the integrated numeric keypad ................38 6 Managing power ............................. 39 Initiating Sleep and Hibernation ......................39 Intel Rapid Start Technology (select models only) ............
  • Page 10 Backing up your software applications and information ..............55 Using an optional security cable lock ....................55 9 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) ............56 Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ....................... 56 Updating the BIOS ..........................56 Determining the BIOS version ...................
  • Page 11 Operating environment ........................63 12 Electrostatic Discharge ..........................64 Index ................................... 65...
  • Page 13: Starting Right

    The HP Apps Store offers a wide choice of popular games, entertainment and music apps, productivity apps, and apps exclusive to HP that you can download to the Start screen. The selection is updated regularly and includes regional content and country-specific offers. Be sure to check the HP Apps Store frequently for new and updated features.
  • Page 14: Fun Things To Do

    Fun things to do You know that you can watch a YouTube video on the computer. But did you know that you can ● also connect your computer to a TV or gaming console? For more information, see Connecting video devices by using an HDMI cable on page You know that you can listen to music on the computer.
  • Page 15: More Hp Resources

    Go to http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments. *You can find the expressly provided HP Limited Warranty applicable to your product located with the user guides on your computer and/or on the CD/DVD provided in the box. In some countries/regions, HP may provide a printed HP Limited Warranty in the box.
  • Page 16 When you request a printed copy of your warranty, please include your product number, warranty period (found on your service label), name, and postal address. IMPORTANT: Do NOT return your HP product to the addresses above. For U.S. support, go to http://www.hp.com/go/ contactHP. For worldwide support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.
  • Page 17: Getting To Know Your Computer

    Getting to know your computer Finding your hardware and software information Locating hardware To find out what hardware is installed on your computer: From the Start screen, type control panel, and then select Control Panel. Select System and Security, select System, and then click Device Manager in the left column. A list displays all the devices installed on your computer.
  • Page 18: Right Side

    NOTE: For disc compatibility information, go to the Help and Support web page (see More HP resources on page 3). Follow the web page instructions to select your computer model. Select Drivers &...
  • Page 19: Left Side

    For additional safety information, refer to the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices . To access this guide, from the Start screen, type support, and then select the HP Support Assistant app. Left side...
  • Page 20 Component Description 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 audio-in (microphone). Hard drive light Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed. (10) Power light On: The computer is on.
  • Page 21: Display

    For wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. To access this guide, from the Start screen, type support, and then select the HP Support Assistant app. Display...
  • Page 22: Touchpad

    TouchPad Component Description TouchPad zone Reads your finger gestures to move the pointer or activate items on the screen. NOTE: The TouchPad also supports edge-swipe gestures. For more information, see Edge swipes on page Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an external mouse. Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
  • Page 23: Lights

    Lights Component Description Power light On: The computer is on. ● Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, a power- ● saving state. The computer shuts off power to the display and other unneeded components. Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation ●...
  • Page 24: Button

    Button Component 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 ●...
  • Page 25: Keys

    Keys Component Description Displays system information when pressed in combination with the key. Executes frequently used system functions when pressed in combination with the spacebar or the key. Windows key Returns you to the Start screen from an open app or the Windows desktop.
  • Page 26: Bottom

    Bottom Component Description Battery lock and unlock latch Locks and unlocks the battery in the battery bay. Battery bay Holds the battery. Vent Enable airflow to cool internal components. NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.
  • Page 27: Labels

    Digital Product Key electronically installed. NOTE: This Digital Product Key is automatically recognized and activated by Microsoft Operating Systems on a reinstall of the Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 operating system with HP approved recovery methods. Regulatory label(s)—Provide(s) regulatory information about the computer.
  • Page 28: Connecting To A Network

    In a WLAN, the mobile wireless device in your computer communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access point. HP Mobile Broadband Module (select models only)—A wireless wide area network (WWAN) ● device that gives you wireless connectivity over a much larger area. Mobile network operators install base stations (similar to cell phone towers) throughout large geographic areas, effectively providing coverage across entire states, regions, or even countries.
  • Page 29: Using Operating System Controls

    Using operating system controls The Network and Sharing Center allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network, and diagnose and repair network problems. To use operating system controls: From the Start screen, type control panel, and then select Control Panel. Select Network and Internet, and then select Network and Sharing Center.
  • Page 30: Protecting Your Wlan

    Using an Internet service provider When you are setting up Internet access in your home, you must establish an account with an Internet service provider (ISP). To purchase Internet service and a modem, contact a local ISP. The ISP will help set up the modem, install a network cable to connect your wireless router to the modem, and test the Internet service.
  • Page 31: Connecting To A Wlan

    HP Mobile Broadband enables your computer to use WWANs to access the Internet from more places and over larger areas than it can by using WLANs. Using HP Mobile Broadband requires a mobile network operator ), which in most cases is a cellular phone network service provider (called a network operator.
  • Page 32: Connecting To A Wired Network

    LTE (Long Term Evolution), which provides access to networks supporting LTE technology. ● You might need the HP Mobile Broadband Module IMEI and/or MEID number to activate mobile broadband service.The serial number is printed on a label located on the bottom of your computer.
  • Page 33 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), which prevents interference from TV and radio reception, orient the circuitry end of the cable toward the computer.
  • Page 34: Enjoying Entertainment Features

    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 a monitor, projector, or TV, or speakers and headphones.
  • Page 35: Using The Webcam

    Regulatory, Safety, and information, refer to the Environmental Notices . To access this guide, from the Start screen, type support, and then select the HP Support Assistant app. NOTE: When a device is connected to the jack, the computer speakers are disabled.
  • Page 36: Connecting Speakers

    For additional safety information, see the Environmental Notices . To access this guide, from the Start screen, type support, and then select the HP Support Assistant app. Connecting a microphone To record audio, connect a microphone to the microphone jack on the computer. For best results when recording, speak directly into the microphone and record sound in a setting free of background noise.
  • Page 37: Using Video

    Save the file to your desktop. Open a multimedia program and play the recording. To confirm or change the audio settings on your computer, follow these steps: From the Start screen, type control panel, and then select Control Panel. Select Hardware and Sound, and then select Sound. Using video Your computer is a powerful video device that enables you to watch streaming video from your favorite websites and download video and movies to watch on your computer when you are not...
  • Page 38: Setting Up Hdmi Audio

    Devices, click Project, and then follow the on-screen instructions. – or – On select computer models, from the Start screen, click the HP Quick Access to Miracast icon, and then follow the on-screen instructions. Chapter 4 Enjoying entertainment features...
  • Page 39: Navigating The Screen

    Navigating the screen You can navigate the computer screen in the following ways: Touch gestures ● Keyboard and mouse ● Touch gestures can be used on your computer’s TouchPad or on a touch screen (select models only). NOTE: An external USB mouse (purchased separately) can be connected to one of the USB ports on the computer.
  • Page 40: Tapping

    Tapping To make an on-screen selection, use the tap function on the TouchPad. Point to an item on the screen, and then tap one finger on the TouchPad zone to make a ● selection. Double-tap an item to open it. Scrolling Scrolling is useful for moving up, down, or sideways on a page or image.
  • Page 41: Finger Pinch Zoom

    2-finger pinch zoom 2-finger pinch zoom allows you to zoom out or in on images or text. Zoom out by placing two fingers apart on the TouchPad zone and then moving your fingers ● together. Zoom in by placing two fingers together on the TouchPad zone and then moving your fingers ●...
  • Page 42: Close An App

    Rotating (select models only) Rotating allows you to turn items such as photos. Point to an object, and then anchor the forefinger of your left hand in the TouchPad zone. Using ● your right hand, slide your forefinger in a sweeping motion from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock. To reverse the rotation, move your forefinger from 3 o’clock to 12 o’clock.
  • Page 43: Edge Swipes

    Edge swipes Edge swipes allow you to perform tasks such as changing settings and finding or using apps. Display and select a charm With the charms, you can search, share, start apps, access devices, or change settings. With your finger, swipe from the right side of the TouchPad. Scroll up or down to switch between the charms, and then select the charm you want to open.
  • Page 44: Display The Customize Icon

    Display the Customize icon The top-edge swipe allows you to display the Customize icon at the bottom of the Start screen. Customize allows you to move, resize, pin and unpin apps. IMPORTANT: When an app is active, the top-edge gesture varies depending on the app. Swipe your finger gently from the top edge of the TouchPad zone to reveal the Customize icon.
  • Page 45: Tapping

    Tapping To make an on-screen selection, use the tap function. Use one finger to tap an object on the screen to make a selection. Double-tap an item to open it. ● Using touch screen gestures (select models only)
  • Page 46: Scrolling

    Scrolling Scrolling is useful for moving the pointer up, down, left, or right on a page or image. Place two fingers on the screen and then drag them in an up, down, left, or right motion. ● 2-finger pinch zoom 2-finger pinch zoom allows you to zoom out or in on images or text.
  • Page 47: Rotating (Select Models Only)

    Rotating (select models only) Rotating allows you to turn items such as photos. Anchor the forefinger of your left hand on the object you want to rotate. Using your right hand, ● slide your forefinger around in a sweeping motion from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock. To reverse the rotation, move your forefinger from 3 o’clock to 12 o’clock.
  • Page 48: Left-Edge Swipe

    Left-edge swipe The left-edge swipe reveals your open apps so that you can switch to them quickly. Gently swipe your finger inward from the left edge of the display to switch between apps. ● Without lifting your finger, swipe back toward the left edge to reveal all open apps. Top-edge swipe and bottom-edge swipe The top-edge swipe or bottom-edge swipe displays app command options that allow you to customize apps.
  • Page 49: Using The Keyboard And Mouse

    The action key feature is enabled at the factory. You can disable this feature in Setup Utility (BIOS). Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) on page 56 instructions on opening Setup Utility (BIOS), and then follow the instructions at the bottom of the screen.
  • Page 50: Using Windows Shortcut Keys

    Icon Description Decreases speaker volume incrementally as long as you hold down the key. Increases speaker volume incrementally as long as you hold down the key. Plays the previous track of an audio CD or the previous section of a DVD or a BD. Begins, pauses, or resumes playback of an audio CD, a DVD, or a BD.
  • Page 51: Managing Power

    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.
  • Page 52: Setting Password Protection On Wakeup

    Close the display. ● From the Windows desktop or Start screen, point to the upper-right or lower-right corner of the ● screen. When the charms list opens, click Settings, click the Power icon, and then click Sleep. To exit Sleep: Briefly press the power button.
  • Page 53: Using The Power Meter And Power Settings

    WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the user-replaceable battery provided with the computer, a replacement battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased from HP. CAUTION: Removing a user-replaceable battery that is the sole power source for the computer can cause loss of information.
  • Page 54: 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, from the Start screen, type support, select the HP Support Assistant app, and then select Battery and performance.
  • Page 55: Resolving A Low Battery Level

    Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices for proper battery disposal. To access this See the guide, from the Start screen, type support, and then select the HP Support Assistant app. Running on battery power...
  • Page 56: Running On External Ac Power

    Replacing a user-replaceable battery Battery Check in HP Support Assistant notifies you to replace the battery when an internal cell is not charging properly or when the battery storage capacity has reached a weak condition. If the battery is possibly covered by an HP warranty, instructions include a warranty ID. A message refers you to the HP website for more information about ordering a replacement battery.
  • Page 57: Refreshing Your Software Content With Intel Smart Connect Technology (Select Models Only)

    Shut down the computer. Connect the AC adapter to the computer, and then plug it into an AC outlet. Turn on the computer. on , the AC adapter is working properly. If the power lights turn ● off , check the connection from the AC adapter to the computer If the power lights remain ●...
  • Page 58: Hybrid Graphics And Amd Dual Graphics (Select Models Only)

    Save your work and close all open programs. From the Windows desktop or Start screen, point to the upper-right or lower-right corner of the screen to reveal the charms. Click Settings, click the Power icon, and then click Shut down. –...
  • Page 59: Using Amd Dual Graphics (Select Models Only)

    Using AMD Dual Graphics (select models only) The AMD Dual Graphics feature allows the AMD accelerated processing unit (APU) and the discrete AMD graphics card to work together. When AMD Dual Graphics is enabled, graphics performance improves over the performance available using only one of the graphics devices. This improvement applies to DirectX versions 10 or 11 (DX10 and DX11) applications operating in full-screen mode.
  • Page 60: Maintaining Your Computer

    Disk Defragmenter may take more than an hour to complete. 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.
  • Page 61: Using Disk Cleanup

    Follow the on-screen instructions. Updating programs and drivers HP recommends that you update your programs and drivers on a regular basis to the latest versions. Updates can resolve issues and bring new features and options to your computer. Technology is always changing, and updating programs and drivers allows your computer to run the latest technology available.
  • Page 62: Traveling With Or Shipping 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.
  • Page 63 CAUTION: Avoid exposing a drive to magnetic fields. Security devices with magnetic fields include airport walk-through devices and security wands. Airport conveyer belts and similar security devices that check carry-on baggage use X-rays instead of magnetism and do not damage drives. If you plan to use the computer during a flight, listen for the in-flight announcement that tells you ●...
  • Page 64: Securing Your Computer And Information

    Several types of passwords can be set. For example, when you set up your computer for the first time, you were asked to create a user password to secure your computer. Additional passwords can be set in Windows or in the HP Setup Utility (BIOS) that is preinstalled on your computer.
  • Page 65: Setting Windows Passwords

    Setting Windows passwords Password Function User password Protects access to a Windows user account. Administrator password Protects administrator-level access to computer contents. NOTE: This password cannot be used to access Setup Utility (BIOS) contents. Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords Password Function Administrator password Must be entered each time you access Setup Utility...
  • Page 66: Using Antivirus Software

    Windows Update, select Change settings, and then follow the on-screen instructions. 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.
  • Page 67: Securing Your Wireless Network

    If you have installed third-party software after you purchased your computer, regularly update the software. Software companies provide software updates to their products to correct security problems and improve functionality of the software. Securing your wireless network When you set up your wireless network, always enable security features. For more information, see Protecting your WLAN on page Backing up your software applications and information Regularly back up your software applications and information to protect them from being permanently...
  • Page 68: Updating The Bios

    Updated versions of the BIOS may be available on the HP website. SoftPaqs . Most BIOS updates on the HP website are packaged in compressed files called Some download packages contain a file named Readme.txt, which contains information regarding installing and troubleshooting the file.
  • Page 69: Downloading A Bios Update

    Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) HP PC Hardware Diagnostics is a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) that allows you to run diagnostic tests to determine whether the computer hardware is functioning properly. The tool runs outside the operating system so that it can isolate hardware failures from issues that are caused by the operating system or other software components.
  • Page 70: Downloading Hp Pc Hardware Diagnostics (Uefi) To A Usb Device

    The BIOS searches three places for the diagnostic tools, in the following order: Connected USB drive NOTE: To download the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) tool to a USB drive, see Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device on page Hard drive...
  • Page 71: Creating Recovery Media And Backups

    After you successfully set up the computer, create HP Recovery media. This step creates a backup of the HP Recovery partition on the computer. The backup can be used to reinstall the original operating system in cases where the hard drive is corrupted or has been replaced.
  • Page 72: Restore And Recovery

    From the Start screen, type recovery, select HP Recovery Manager, select Drivers and Applications Reinstall, and then follow the on-screen instructions. If you want to reset your computer using a minimized image, you can choose the HP Minimized ● Image Recovery option from the HP Recovery partition (select models only) or HP Recovery media.
  • Page 73: Recovering Using Hp Recovery Manager

    If you have replaced the hard drive, you can use the Factory Reset option of HP Recovery ● media to restore the factory image to the replacement drive. For more information, see Recovering using HP Recovery Manager on page If you wish to remove the recovery partition to reclaim hard drive space, HP Recovery Manager ●...
  • Page 74: Using Hp Recovery Media To Recover

    Using HP Recovery media to recover You can use HP Recovery media to recover the original system. This method can be used if your system does not have an HP Recovery partition or if the hard drive is not working properly.
  • Page 75: Specifications

    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. The computer can operate on DC power within the following specifications. Operating voltage and current varies by platform.
  • Page 76: Electrostatic Discharge

    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.
  • Page 77 55 critical battery level 43 description 38 backups 59 critical security updates, using 38 battery installing 54 HP and third-party software discharging 42 updates, installing 54 disposing 43 deleted files HP PC Hardware Diagnostics low battery levels 42 restoring 60...
  • Page 78 Disk Defragmenter 48 integrated numeric keypad, system 61 memory card reader, identifying identifying 13, 38 USB flash drive 62 internal display switch, using HP Recovery media 60 microphone, connecting 24 identifying 9 recovery media minimized image internal microphone, identifying 9 creating 59...
  • Page 79 software updates, installing 54 webcam light, identifying 9, 22 speakers Windows connecting 24 File History 60 identifying 23 restoring files 60 storing a battery 43 system restore point 59 supported discs Windows key, identifying 13 recovery 59 Windows passwords 53 system recovery 61 Wireless Assistant software 16 system restore point...

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