HP Notebook PC User Manual
HP Notebook PC User Manual

HP Notebook PC User Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for Notebook PC:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

User Guide

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for HP Notebook PC

  • Page 1 User Guide...
  • Page 2 Company under license. Intel is a be bound by the terms of the HP End User trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. License Agreement (EULA). If you do not and other countries.
  • 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: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents 1 Starting right ..............................1 HP Quick Start (select models only) ..................... 1 Best practices ............................1 Fun things to do ............................ 2 More HP resources ..........................3 2 Getting to know your computer ........................4 Finding your hardware and software information ................. 4 Locating hardware .......................
  • Page 6 4 Enjoying entertainment features ......................... 20 Using the webcam ..........................21 Using audio ............................22 Connecting speakers ......................22 Connecting headphones ....................22 Connecting a microphone ....................22 Using Beats Audio ......................22 Accessing Beats Audio Control Panel ............... 22 Enabling and disabling Beats Audio ..............
  • Page 7 Inserting and removing a digital storage card ..................49 8 Maintaining your computer .......................... 50 Improving performance ........................50 Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only) ..............50 Using Disk Defragmenter ....................50 Using Disk Cleanup ......................51 Updating programs and drivers ......................51...
  • Page 8 Downloading a BIOS update ..................... 59 Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) ..................60 Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device ..........60 11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering ..................... 61 Creating recovery media and backups ....................61 Creating HP Recovery media ....................
  • Page 9 12 Specifications .............................. 67 Input power ............................67 Operating environment ........................67 13 Electrostatic Discharge ..........................68 Index ................................... 69...
  • Page 11: Starting Right

    HP resources. HP Quick Start (select models only) HP Quick Start gives you the option to use the familiar Start menu from the Windows® desktop. Quick Start functions like the traditional Windows Start menu and enables you to conveniently open files and programs using the Windows desktop.
  • Page 12: 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 an HDMI device on page ●...
  • Page 13: More Hp Resources

    *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 14: 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 c, and then select Control Panel. Select System and Security, and then in the System area, click Device Manager. A list reveals all the devices installed in your computer.
  • Page 15: Right Side

    For additional safety information, refer to the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices. To access this guide, from the Start screen, type support, select the HP Support Assistant app, select My computer, and then select User guides. NOTE: When a device is connected to the jack, the computer speakers are disabled.
  • Page 16: Left Side

    Left side Component Description Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer. NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen. HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a high-definition television, any compatible digital or audio component, or a high-speed HDMI device.
  • Page 17 Description ● Hard drive light Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed. ● Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the hard drive. NOTE: For information about HP 3D DriveGuard, Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only) on page ●...
  • Page 18: Display

    Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. To access this guide, from the Start screen, type support, select the HP Support Assistant app, select My computer, and then select User guides. Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer...
  • Page 19: Top

    TouchPad Component Description Touchpad zone Moves the on-screen pointer and selects or activates 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 20: Lights

    Lights Component Description ● Power light On: The computer is on. ● Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, which is an energy-saving mode. The computer shuts off power to the display and other unneeded components. ● Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation is an energy-saving mode that uses the least amount of power.
  • Page 21: Buttons And Speakers

    Buttons and speakers Component Description ● Power button When the computer is off, press the button to turn on the computer. ● When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the button briefly to exit Sleep. ● When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button briefly to exit Hibernation.
  • Page 22: Keys

    Keys Component Description Reveals system information when pressed in combination with the key. Executes frequently used system functions when pressed in combination with the key or the key. Windows key Returns you to the Start screen from an open app or the Windows desktop.
  • Page 23: Bottom

    Bottom Component Description HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer Provides superior bass sound. Vents (2) 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 24: Labels

    Labels The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system problems or travel internationally with the computer. The labels are in easily accessible locations. ● Service label—Provides important information, including the following: NOTE: Your label may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. Component Serial number Product number...
  • Page 25: Connecting To A Network

    Connecting to a network Your computer can travel with you wherever you go. But even at home, you can explore the globe and access information from millions of websites using your computer and a wired or wireless network connection. This chapter will help you get connected to that world. Connecting to a wireless network Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires.
  • Page 26: 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, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair network problems. To use operating system controls: From the Start screen, type n, and then select Settings. Type network and sharing in the search box, and then select Network and Sharing Center.
  • Page 27: Configuring A Wireless Router

    As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to access the Internet. For help in setting up your WLAN, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP. Configuring a wireless router For help in setting up a WLAN, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.
  • Page 28: Using Bluetooth Wireless Devices (Select Models Only)

    Click Connect. If the WLAN is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a security code. Type the code, and then click OK to complete the connection. NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, you may be out of range of a wireless router or access point. NOTE: If you do not see the WLAN you want to connect to, from the Windows desktop, right- click the network status icon, and then select Open Network and Sharing Center.
  • Page 29 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 30: 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 31: Using The Webcam

    For additional safety information, refer to the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices. To access this guide, from the Start screen, type support, select the HP Support Assistant app, select My computer, and then select User guides. NOTE: When a device is connected to the jack, the computer speakers are disabled.
  • Page 32: Using Audio

    Help and Support. Using audio On your HP computer, you can play music CDs, download and listen to music, stream audio content from the web (including radio), record audio, or mix audio and video to create multimedia. To enhance your listening enjoyment, attach external audio devices such as speakers or headphones.
  • Page 33: Checking The Sound

    Select Hardware and Sound, and then select Sound. Using video Your HP 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 without needing to connect to a network.
  • Page 34: Connecting An Hdmi Device

    Connecting an HDMI device NOTE: To connect an HDMI device to your computer, you need an HDMI cable, sold separately. To see the computer screen image on a high-definition TV or monitor, connect the high-definition device according to the following instructions. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the computer.
  • Page 35: Using Intel Wireless Display And Wireless Music (Select Models Only)

    From the Windows desktop, right-click the Speakers icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, and then click Playback devices. On the Playback tab, click Speakers/HP. Click Set Default, and then click OK. Using Intel Wireless Display and Wireless Music (select models only) Intel®...
  • Page 36: Navigating Using Touch Gestures, Pointing Devices And The Keyboard

    Navigating using touch gestures, pointing devices and the keyboard Your computer allows navigation using touch gestures (select models only) in addition to the keyboard and mouse. Touch gestures can be used on your computer TouchPad or on a touch screen (select models only).
  • Page 37: 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. Using TouchPad gestures...
  • Page 38: Scrolling

    Scrolling Scrolling is useful for moving up, down, or sideways on a page or image. ● Place two fingers slightly apart on the TouchPad zone and then drag them up, down, left, or right. Pinching/zooming Pinching and zooming allow you to zoom in or out on images or text. ●...
  • Page 39: Rotating (Select Models Only)

    Rotating (select models only) Rotating allows you to turn items such as photos. ● Point to an object, 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 40: Flicking (Select Models Only)

    Flicking (select models only) Flicking allows you to navigate through screens or quickly scroll through documents. ● Place three fingers on the TouchPad zone and flick your fingers in a light, quick motion up, down, left or right. Edge swipes Edge swipes allow you to perform tasks such as changing settings and finding or using apps.
  • Page 41: Top-Edge Swipe

    Top-edge swipe The top-edge swipe allows you to access All apps available on the Start screen. IMPORTANT: When an app is active, the top-edge gesture varies depending on the app. ● Swipe your finger gently from the top edge to reveal available apps. Left-edge swipe The left-edge swipe accesses your recently opened apps so that you can switch between them quickly.
  • Page 42: Using Touch Screen Gestures (Select Models Only)

    Using touch screen gestures (select models only) A touch screen computer allows you to control items on the screen directly with your fingers. TIP: On touch screen computers, you can perform the gestures on the screen or on the TouchPad. You can also perform on-screen actions with the keyboard and mouse.
  • Page 43: 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. NOTE: Press and hold your finger on an object to open a help screen that provides information about the object.
  • Page 44: Pinching/Stretching

    Pinching/stretching Pinching and stretching allows you to zoom out or in on images or text. ● Zoom in by placing two fingers together on the display and then move your fingers apart. ● Zoom out by placing two fingers apart on the display and then move your fingers together. Rotating (select models only) Rotating allows you to turn items such as photos.
  • Page 45: Edge Swipes

    Edge swipes With edge swipes, you can perform tasks such as changing settings and finding or using apps. Right-edge swipe The right-edge swipe reveals the charms, which let you search, share, start apps, access devices, or change settings. ● Gently swipe your finger inward from the right edge of the display bezel onto the screen to reveal the charms.
  • Page 46: Top-Edge Swipe And Bottom-Edge Swipe

    Top-edge swipe and bottom-edge swipe The top-edge swipe or bottom-edge swipe allows you to open a list of apps available on your computer. Gently swipe your finger from the top edge or the bottom edge of the display bezel onto the screen.
  • Page 47 The action key feature is enabled at the factory. You can disable this feature in Setup Utility (BIOS). Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics on page 58 for instructions on opening Setup Utility (BIOS), and then follow the instructions at the bottom of the screen. To activate the assigned function after you have disabled the action key feature, you must press the key in combination with the appropriate action key.
  • Page 48: Using Microsoft Windows 8 Shortcut Keys

    Using Microsoft Windows 8 shortcut keys Microsoft Windows 8 provides shortcuts to perform actions quickly. Press the Windows key combination with the appropriate key to perform the action. Shortcut Description Returns you to the Start screen from an open app or the Windows desktop.
  • Page 49: Using The Hot Keys

    Using the hot keys A hot key is a combination of the key and the key or the key. To use a hot key: ▲ Briefly press the key, and then briefly press the second key of the combination. Function Hot key Description Reveals system information.
  • Page 50: Managing Power

    Managing power Your computer can operate on either battery power or external power. When the computer is only running on battery power 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 can be balanced with power conservation.
  • Page 51: Initiating And Exiting Sleep (Select Models Only)

    Initiating and exiting Sleep (select models only) With the computer on, you can initiate Sleep in any of the following ways: ● Close the display. ● From the Start screen, point to the upper-right or lower-right corner of the screen to reveal the charms.
  • Page 52: Using The Power Meter And Power Settings

    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. If Battery Check indicates that your battery should be replaced, contact support.
  • Page 53: Conserving Battery Power

    HP Support Assistant provides the following tools and information about the battery: ● Battery test ● Information on battery types, specifications, life cycles, and capacity Conserving battery power Tips for conserving battery power and maximizing battery life: ● Lower the brightness on the display.
  • Page 54: Resolving A Low Battery Level When The Computer Cannot Exit Hibernation

    To reduce potential safety issues, use only the AC adapter provided with the computer, a replacement AC adapter provided by HP, or a compatible AC adapter purchased from HP. Connect the computer to external AC power under any of the following conditions: WARNING! Do not charge the computer battery while you are onboard aircraft.
  • Page 55: Hp Coolsense (Select Models Only)

    When HP CoolSense is off, the position of the computer is not detected and the performance and fan options remain at the factory setting. As a result, the surface temperature of the computer may be higher than it would be with HP CoolSense on.
  • Page 56: Shutting Down (Turning Off) The Computer

    Shutting down (turning off) the computer CAUTION: Unsaved information is lost when the computer shuts down. Be sure to save your work before shutting down the computer. The Shut down command closes all open programs, including the operating system, and then turns off the display and computer.
  • Page 57: Managing And Sharing Information

    Managing and sharing information Drives are digital storage devices that help you store, manage, share, and access information. Your computer has an internal hard drive or a solid state drive that stores your computer's software, operating system, and also provides storage for all of your personal files. Some computers have a built-in optical drive that allows you to read or write to a CD, DVD, or (on select models) Blu-ray Disc (BD).
  • Page 58: Connecting A Usb Device

    Connecting a USB device CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to a USB connector, use minimal force to connect the device. ▲ 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 this section.
  • Page 59: Inserting And Removing A Digital Storage Card

    To disconnect an unpowered external device, stop the device, and then disconnect it from the computer. To disconnect a powered external device, turn off the device, disconnect it from the computer, and then unplug the AC power cord. Inserting and removing a digital storage card To insert a digital storage card: CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the digital card connectors, use minimal force to insert...
  • Page 60: Maintaining Your Computer

    You drop the computer. ● You move the computer with the display closed while the computer is running on battery power. A short time after the end of one of these events, HP 3D DriveGuard returns the hard drive to normal operation. NOTE: Hard drives in the primary hard drive bay or in the secondary hard drive bay are protected by HP 3D DriveGuard.
  • 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: Cleaning The Touchpad And Keyboard

    Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard CAUTION: Never allow liquids to drip between the keys on the keyboard, even when you are cleaning the computer. This can permanently damage internal components. ● To clean and disinfect the TouchPad and keyboard, use a soft microfiber cloth or a static-free cloth without oil (such as a chamois cloth) moistened with an alcohol-free glass cleaner or use an acceptable germicidal disposable wipe.
  • Page 63 WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not attempt to power the computer with a voltage converter kit sold for appliances. Traveling with or shipping your computer...
  • 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 ●...
  • Page 66: Using Antivirus Software

    Any data that does not meet those criteria is blocked. Installing software updates HP, Microsoft Windows, and third-party software installed on your computer should be regularly updated to correct security problems and improve software performance. For more information, see Updating programs and drivers on page...
  • Page 67: Installing Hp And Third-Party Software Updates

    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/go/contactHP. At this location, you can also register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available.
  • Page 68: Using Setup Utility (Bios) And System Diagnostics

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

    Do not shut down the computer or initiate Sleep. Do not insert, remove, connect, or disconnect any device, cable, or cord. From the Start screen, type support, select the HP Support Assistant app. Click Updates and tune-ups, and then click Check for HP updates now.
  • Page 70: Using Hp Pc Hardware Diagnostics (Uefi)

    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 if the computer hardware is functioning properly. The tool runs outside of the operating system to isolate hardware failures from issues that may be caused by the operating system or other software components.
  • Page 71: 11 Backing Up, Restoring, And Recovering

    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: Creating Hp Recovery Media

    Start screen, type h, and then select Help and Support. Creating HP Recovery media HP Recovery Manager is a software program that offers a way to create recovery media after you successfully set up the computer. HP Recovery media can be used to perform system recovery if the hard drive becomes corrupted.
  • Page 73: Restore And Recovery

    Remove everything and reinstall Windows on page ● 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. Minimized Image Recovery installs only drivers and hardware-enabling applications.
  • Page 74: Using Windows Refresh For Quick And Easy Recovery

    Using Windows Refresh for quick and easy recovery When your computer is not working properly and you need to regain system stability, the Windows Refresh option allows you to start fresh and keep what is important to you. IMPORTANT: Refresh removes any traditional applications that were not originally installed on the system at the factory.
  • Page 75: Recovering Using Hp Recovery Manager

    To use the Factory Reset option, you must use HP Recovery media. ● If the HP Recovery media do not work, you can obtain recovery media for your system from the HP website. 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 76: 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 77: 12 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 78: 13 Electrostatic Discharge

    13 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 79: Index

    Index bottom 14 AC adapter light, identifying 5 buttons hard drive light 7 AC adapter, testing 44 left TouchPad 9 hard drive, HP 3D DriveGuard 50 action keys power 11 HDMI port decrease screen brightness right TouchPad 9 connecting 24...
  • Page 80 Internet connection setup 16 Media Card Reader, identifying 6 system 65 Internet security software, using microphone jack, identifying 5, 21 USB flash drive 66 microphone, connecting 22 using HP Recovery media 62 minimized image recovery media creating 65 creating 62 jacks recovery 65...
  • Page 81 slots description 47 Media Card 6 removing 48 zooming touch screen gesture 34 security cable 6 USB hubs 47 zooming TouchPad gesture 28 software using external AC power 44 Disk Cleanup 51 using passwords 54 Disk Defragmenter 50 software updates, installing 56 vents, identifying 13 speakers video 23...

Table of Contents