HP Personal Computer User Manual
HP Personal Computer User Manual

HP Personal Computer User Manual

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Summary of Contents for HP Personal Computer

  • Page 1 User Guide...
  • Page 2 Company under license. Microsoft and be bound by the terms of the HP End User Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of License Agreement (EULA). If you do not Microsoft Corporation.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    1 Starting right ..............................1 Best practices ............................1 Fun things to do ............................ 2 More HP resources ..........................3 2 Getting to know your computer ........................5 Finding your hardware and software information ................. 5 Locating hardware ....................... 5 Locating software .........................
  • Page 4 Adjusting the volume ......................19 Connecting speakers ......................19 Connecting headphones ....................20 Using Beats Audio ......................20 Accessing Beats Audio ..................20 Using video ............................20 Connecting an HDMI device ....................20 Using HDMI audio ......................21 Managing your audio and video files ....................21 Share media and data across your home group network (select models only) ........
  • Page 5 Installing software updates ....................47 Installing Windows updates ................47 Updating software ..................... 47 9 Using Computer Setup (BIOS) and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) ..........48 Starting Computer Setup (BIOS) ......................48 Updating the BIOS ..........................48 Determining the BIOS version ................... 48 Downloading a BIOS update .....................
  • Page 6 Using the HP Recovery partition (select models only) ........57 Using HP Recovery media to recover ............... 57 Changing the computer boot order ..............57 Removing the HP Recovery partition ................. 58 11 Troubleshooting ............................59 Wireless connection problems ......................59 Cannot connect to a WLAN ....................
  • Page 7: Starting Right

    This computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. To get the most out of your computer, read this chapter to learn about best practices after setup, fun things to do with your computer, and where to get more HP resources. Best practices After you set up and register the computer, we recommend the following steps: ●...
  • Page 8: 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 digital set-top box or gaming console? For more information, Connecting an HDMI device on page ●...
  • Page 9: More Hp Resources

    Safety & Comfort Guide Proper workstation setup. ● To access this guide, select HP Support Assistant on Guidelines for posture and work habits that increase your the Start screen, select My computer, and then select comfort and decrease your risk of injury.
  • Page 10 *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 11: 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 displays all the devices installed on your computer.
  • Page 12: Front

    Front Component Description WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals. Internal microphones (2) Record audio, automatically filtering out the noise around you. Webcam light On: The webcam is on. Webcam Records video and takes still photographs. To use the webcam, from the Start screen, type c, and then select Camera. Speakers (2) Produce sound.
  • Page 13: Right Side

    Right side Component Description USB 3.0 port Connects an optional USB 1.0, USB 2.0, or USB 3.0 device and provides enhanced USB power performance for USB 3.0 devices. USB 3.0 charging (powered) port Connects an optional USB 1.0, USB 2.0, or USB 3.0 device. USB charging ports allow you to charge connected USB devices.
  • Page 14 Component Description Subwoofer connector Connects HP Pulse Subwoofer (purchased separately). The subwoofer provides superior bass sound. USB 2.0 ports (2) Connect optional USB devices. RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable. Hard drive light Blinking: The hard drive is being used.
  • Page 15: Left Side

    Left side Component Description HDMI-in port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a gaming console or digital set-top box. Left side...
  • Page 16 Component Description Audio-out (headphone) jack/ Audio- Connects optional powered stereo speakers, headphones, in (microphone) jack earbuds, or a headset. Also connects an optional headset microphone. This jack does not support optional microphone- only devices. WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset.
  • Page 17: Top

    Component Description Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna Sends and receives wireless signals to share media from (select models only) your phone to your computer. For more information, see Start sharing media on page ● Power button When the computer is off, press the button to turn on the computer.
  • Page 18: Bottom

    Bottom Component Description HDMI-in button Switches the computer screen to the HDMI device. NOTE: The HDMI cable must be connected to the computer. Memory card reader Reads data from and writes data to memory cards such as Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer...
  • Page 19: Labels

    Labels Identifying the 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 located on the bottom of the computer stand. ● Service label—Provides important information to identify your computer. When contacting support, you will probably be asked for the serial number, and possibly for the product number or the model number.
  • Page 20: Connecting To A Network

    Connecting to a network 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 information across radio waves instead of wires.
  • Page 21: Setting Up A Wlan

    Setting up a WLAN To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need the following equipment: ● A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from an Internet service provider ● A wireless router (2) (purchased separately) NOTE: Some modems have a built-in wireless router.
  • Page 22: Connecting To A Wlan

    Wireless radio signals travel outside the network, so other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected signals. Take the following precautions to protect your WLAN: ● Use a firewall. A firewall checks information and requests that are sent to your network. It then discards any suspicious items.
  • Page 23: Connecting To A Wired Network

    Connecting to a wired network WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not plug a modem cable or telephone cable into an RJ-45 (network) jack. 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 (instead of working wirelessly), or if you want to connect to an existing network at your office.
  • Page 24: 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 speakers, headphones, or a gaming console.
  • Page 25: Using The Webcam

    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 speakers or headphones.
  • Page 26: Connecting Headphones

    Hardware and Sound, and then select Beats Audio Control Panel. 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 27: Using Hdmi Audio

    You can connect high-definition devices to your computer, such as a gaming console or digital set-top box. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI-in port on the computer. Connect the other end of the cable to the device. If the computer screen does not automatically switch, press the HDMI-in button to alternate the computer screen to the HDMI device.
  • Page 28: Share Media And Data Across Your Home Group Network (Select Models Only)

    Share media and data across your home group network (select models only) Your computer has advanced features that allow you to connect your mobile devices and exchange photos, files, data, music, or videos. Using Near Field Communication (NFC) hardware and sMedio 360 software on your home group network, you can tap your NFC-enabled Android smart phone to your computer and wirelessly share information between your two devices.
  • Page 29: Migrate Or Synchronize Data

    Migrate or synchronize data With sMedio TrueSync, you can synchronize and access your files across multiple computers that are on the same home group network. You can also migrate files from one computer to another. For information on setting up a home group network, see Enable media sharing and set up a home group network on page From the Windows desktop, click the sMedio TrueSync icon on the taskbar.
  • Page 30 NOTE: In order to share media from your phone to your computer, the media must be in a format that is compatible with other network devices. On your phone, open the sMedio 360 TrueLink+ app, tap My Devices, and then tap My Mobile.
  • Page 31: Navigating Using The Keyboard And Pointing Devices

    Navigating using the keyboard and pointing devices Your computer includes an external wireless keyboard and an external wireless mouse for easy navigation. After you remove the battery tabs from the accessories, they will automatically pair with the computer. NOTE: The wireless receiver is preinstalled in the dedicated USB port on the bottom of the computer stand.
  • Page 32: Using Touch Screen Gestures

    Using touch screen gestures 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 using the keyboard and mouse. One-finger slide The one-finger slide is mostly used to pan or scroll through lists and pages, but you can use it for other interactions, too, such as moving an object.
  • Page 33: 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. Pinching/stretching Pinching and stretching allows you to zoom out or in on images or text. ●...
  • Page 34: 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 35: 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 onto the screen to reveal the charms.
  • Page 36: 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. From the Windows Start screen, gently swipe your finger from the top edge or the bottom edge of the display onto the screen.
  • Page 37: Using The Keyboard

    Using the keyboard With the keyboard, you can type to select items and perform the same functions as you do by using touch gestures. The keyboard also allows you to use action keys to perform specific functions. TIP: The Windows logo key on the keyboard allows you to quickly return to the computer Start screen from an open app or the Windows desktop.
  • Page 38: Using The Action Keys

    Using the action keys An action key performs an assigned function. The icon on each of the through keys, and the volume (5), and Sleep (7) keys illustrates the assigned function for that key. ▲ To use an action key function, press and hold the key. Icon Description Allows you to view two apps simultaneously.
  • Page 39: Using Microsoft Windows 8 Shortcut Keys

    Icon Description Increases speaker volume incrementally as long as you hold down the key. Initiates Sleep, which saves your information in the system. The display and other system components turn off and power is conserved. To exit Sleep, briefly press the power button. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of information loss, save your work before initiating Sleep.
  • Page 40 Component Description num lock Controls the function of the integrated numeric keypad. Press the key to alternate between the standard numeric function found on an external keypad (this function is turned on at the factory) and the navigational function (indicated by the directional arrows on the keys).
  • Page 41: Managing Power

    Managing power Initiating Sleep and Hibernation Windows has two power-saving states, Sleep and Hibernation. ● Sleep–The Sleep state is automatically initiated after a period of inactivity. Your work is saved to memory, allowing you to resume working very quickly. You can also initiate Sleep manually. For more information, see Manually initiating and exiting Sleep on page ●...
  • Page 42: Manually Initiating And Exiting Hibernation

    Manually initiating and exiting Hibernation You can enable user-initiated Hibernation and change other power settings and timeouts using Power Options in Control Panel. From the Start screen, type power, select Settings, and then select Power Options. In the left pane, select Choose what the power button does. Select Change Settings that are currently unavailable.
  • Page 43 Although you can shut down the computer with the power button, the recommended procedure is to use the turn off command, as follows: NOTE: If the computer is in the Sleep state or in Hibernation, you must first exit Sleep or Hibernation before shutdown is possible.
  • Page 44: 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 that stores your personal files and your computer's software and operating system. For added capacity or functionality, connect an external drive (purchased separately), such as an optical drive or hard drive.
  • Page 45: 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. ▲ A sound indicates that the device has been detected. NOTE: The first time you connect a USB device, a message displays on the Windows desktop and an icon in the notification area lets you know that the device is recognized by the computer.
  • Page 46: Inserting And Removing A Memory Card

    Inserting and removing a memory card To insert a memory card: CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the memory card connectors, use minimal force to insert a memory card. Hold the card label-side up, with the connectors facing the computer. Insert the card into the memory card reader, and then press in on the card until it is firmly seated.
  • Page 47: Maintaining Peak Performance

    Click Settings, and then select Defragment and optimize your drives. Updating programs and drivers HP recommends that you update your programs and drivers on a regular basis. Updates can resolve issues and bring new features and options to your computer.
  • Page 48 Go to the HP support website to download the latest versions of HP programs and drivers. 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. At this location, you can also register to receive automatic notifications when updates become available.
  • Page 49: Cleaning Your Computer

    Cleaning your computer Use the following products to safely clean your computer: ● Dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride 0.3 percent maximum concentration (For example: Disposable wipes, which come in a variety of brand names.) ● Alcohol-free glass cleaning fluid ● Water with mild soap solution ●...
  • Page 50: Cleaning The Keyboard Or Mouse

    Cleaning the keyboard or mouse WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to internal components, do not use a vacuum cleaner attachment to clean the keyboard. A vacuum cleaner can deposit household debris on the keyboard surface. CAUTION: To prevent damage to internal components, do not allow liquids to drip between the keys.
  • Page 51: Using Security Measures

    Using security measures A password is a group of letters, numbers, and symbols that you choose to secure your computer information and to protect online transactions. Several types of passwords can be set. Some sites dictate the number and combination of letters, numbers, or symbols they require for passwords. Use the following tips for creating and saving passwords: ●...
  • Page 52: Setting Computer Setup (Bios) Passwords

    Setting Computer Setup (BIOS) passwords Password Function ● Administrator password Must be entered each time you access Computer Setup (BIOS). ● If you forget your administrator password, you cannot access Computer Setup (BIOS). NOTE: The administrator password can be used in place of the power-on password.
  • Page 53: Installing Software Updates

    Enable automatic Windows Update thereafter. Updating software 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 updates become available.
  • Page 54: Using Computer Setup (Bios) And Hp Pc Hardware Diagnostics (Uefi)

    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 55: 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, and then select the HP Support Assistant app. Click Updates and tune-ups, and then click Check for HP updates now.
  • Page 56: 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 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 57: Backing Up, Restoring, And Recovering

    10 Backing up, restoring, and recovering Your computer includes tools provided by HP and Windows to help you safeguard your information and retrieve it if you ever need to. These tools will help you return your computer to a proper working state or even back to the original factory state, all with simple steps.
  • Page 58: 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 59 Recovery media can also be used to customize the system or restore the factory image if you replace the hard drive. ● Only one set of HP Recovery media can be created. Handle these recovery tools carefully, and keep them in a safe place. ●...
  • Page 60: 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 61: 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 62: Recovering Using Hp Recovery Manager

    HP Recovery Manager software allows you to recover the computer to its original factory state by using the HP Recovery media that you created or by using the HP Recovery partition (select models only). If you have not already created recovery media, see...
  • Page 63: Using The Hp Recovery Partition (Select Models Only)

    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 64: Removing The Hp Recovery Partition

    Removing the HP Recovery partition HP Recovery Manager software allows you to remove the HP Recovery partition to free up hard drive space. IMPORTANT: After you remove the HP Recovery partition, you can no longer use the Windows Refresh option, the Windows option to remove everything and reinstall Windows, or the HP Recovery Manager option.
  • Page 65: 11 Troubleshooting

    11 Troubleshooting Wireless connection problems Some possible causes for wireless connection problems include the following: ● Wireless device is not turned on. ● Wireless device is not installed correctly or has been disabled. ● Wireless device encountered interference from other devices. ●...
  • Page 66: Current Network Security Codes Are Unavailable

    If entering a security code is not the problem, you may have a corrupted WLAN connection. Many times, Windows can automatically repair a corrupted WLAN connection. ● If there is a network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, right-click the icon, and then click Troubleshoot problems.
  • Page 67: Network Status Icon Is Not Displayed

    To resolve this problem, get the latest version of the WLAN device software and drivers for your computer from http://www.hp.com. Open your Internet browser. 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. Click the option for software and driver downloads, and then type your computer model number in the search box.
  • Page 68: Power Problems

    Power problems Computer will not turn on or start Shut down the computer. Test the AC outlet by connecting a different electrical device to it. Reconnect the computers cables, being sure that the connection from the AC adapter to the computer and the connection from the AC adapter to the AC outlet are secure.
  • Page 69: Computer Setup Problems

    Computer Setup problems The computer will not enter Computer Setup If the computer will not enter Computer Setup when you press f10, press fn+f lock, and then try to start Computer Setup again. Computer Setup problems...
  • Page 70: Display Problems

    Display problems The display is blank ● Exit Sleep to redisplay the screen image. ◦ Press the power button briefly. ◦ Press a key on the keyboard. ◦ Press the space bar. ◦ Press the key. ● Press the power button to turn on the computer. Images on the screen are too large or too small, or the images are fuzzy Adjust the resolution settings.
  • Page 71: Keyboard And Mouse Problems

    Keyboard and mouse problems ● Be sure that you are using the keyboard or mouse within range of the receiver. ● Be sure that the mouse is not in Suspend mode, which occurs after 20 minutes of inactivity. Click the left mouse button to reactivate it. ●...
  • Page 72 On the keyboard, press and hold the Connect button (3) for 5 to 10 seconds, until the LED on the receiver lights up or stops flashing. Chapter 11 Troubleshooting...
  • Page 73: Audio Problems

    Audio problems No sound is produced ● Be sure that you connected powered speakers and that they are turned on. ● Adjust the volume, either on the speakers or through the computer operating system. ● Turn off your computer, and then unplug and reconnect the speakers. Be sure that the speakers are properly connected.
  • Page 74: Software Problems

    Software problems ● Shut down the computer, and then turn it on again. ● Update or reinstall the drivers. See Updating programs and drivers on page ● Refresh or restore your computer. See Backing up, restoring, and recovering on page Chapter 11 Troubleshooting...
  • Page 75: 12 Specifications

    12 Specifications Operating specifications NOTE: To see the electrical ratings, refer to your computer’s ratings label, located on the outside of the computer, to determine the exact electrical rating. Factor Metric U.S. Operating temperature 5°C to 35°C 41°F to 95°F Storage temperature –30°C to 65°C –22°F to 149°F...
  • Page 76: 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 77: Index

    7 high-definition devices, Near Field Communication computer reset 55 connecting 20 (NFC) 11 Computer Setup (BIOS) HP PC Hardware Diagnostics audio for HDMI 21 passwords 46 (UEFI) audio-in (microphone) jack, Computer Setup (BIOS), using downloading 50 identifying 10...
  • Page 78 CyberLink MediaSuite 21 system 56 Disk Defragmenter 41 memory card, inserting USB flash drive 57 software updates, installing 47 microphone jack, identifying 10 using HP Recovery media 53 software, updating 47 microphones, identifying 6 recovery media speakers minimized image creating 52...
  • Page 79 rotating 28 Refresh 54, 55 scrolling 27 reinstall 54, 55 tapping 26 remove everything and reinstall Touch screen, using 26 option 55 traveling with the computer 13 reset 55 troubleshooting 59 restoring files 54 audio functions 67 system restore point 52, 54 computer is not responding Windows application key, identifying 31...

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