HP Firebird User Manual
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HP Firebird User Manual

HP Firebird User Manual

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Summary of Contents for HP HP Firebird

  • Page 1 HP Firebird with VoodooDNA Desktop Essentials...
  • Page 2 The Windows logo and Windows Vista are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries/regions. HP supports lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of our products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Configuring for automatic Microsoft software updates ........... 19 Installing critical security updates ................ 20 Guidelines for Installing Software and Hardware Devices ..........20 Transferring Files and Settings from an Old Computer to Your HP Firebird ..... 21 Table of Contents...
  • Page 4 Running the Disk Defragmenter Program ..............35 Checking for Hard Disk Drive Errors ................36 Keeping the HP Firebird Free of Dust and Dirt ............36 Cleaning the HP Firebird ..................37 Cleaning fans, heat sink, and inside the HP Firebird ..........38 Cleaning the keyboard and mouse ..............

  • Page 5: Setting Up Your Hp Firebird

    The setup poster shows how to set up the HP Firebird. This section shows the location of components and connectors on the system. The computer box contains printed details or updates regarding the HP Firebird. Storing documentation and recovery discs Store all user manuals and warranty information in an easy-to-find, safe location.

  • Page 6: Connecting To The Hp Firebird

    Connect the main hardware devices, such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the back of the HP Firebird. Other peripheral devices, such as a printer, scanner, or camera, also plug into connectors on the back of the HP Firebird. The following table shows some, but not all, connectors: NOTE: The location, availability, and number of connectors on the system may vary.
  • Page 7 HDMI-to-DVI) to connect the display to the system. See the documentation that came with your display device. (J) Power connector to connect the external power supply provided with the computer. (K) ExpressCard/54 expansion slot for attaching optional accessories. Setting Up Your HP Firebird...

  • Page 8: Placing The Hp Firebird In The Proper Location

    Placing the HP Firebird in the proper location When setting up your new HP Firebird, consider the best location for it. The small size and low noise rating of the computer mean that you might consider setting it on the desktop. That location will reduce the amount of dust the computer is exposed to.

  • Page 9: Using Surge Protection

    Press the latch on the bottom of the computer and pull the left side cover open by holding the upper right corner. Closing the HP Firebird Place both hands over the latches on the left side cover and press to close. Setting Up Your HP Firebird...

  • Page 10: Using Sli Technology

    Using SLI Technology The HP Firebird configurations that include dual graphics cards come configured with Scalable Link Interface (SLI) enabled. Dual graphics cards with SLI technology work together to render 3D applications to create a better performance experience. NOTE: Disabling SLI results in significant graphical performance loss, which means that games and other 3D applications may no longer run at full potential.

  • Page 11: Selecting Hdmi As The Default Video Output

    Selecting HDMI as the default video output If DVI is the default video output for your HP Firebird computer and you want to use HDMI, you will need to change the default. To identify and change the installed optical drive: Select Start >...

  • Page 12: Adjusting The Screen Resolution By Using Windows Vista

    A wireless network uses radio waves to connect the devices on the network. For example, both the computer and the router have an antenna and adapter that use the same Wi-Fi industry standard: 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11a. HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 13: Setting Up A Wired (Ethernet) Connection

    LINK — Lit green when there is a valid network connection NOTE: Your Ethernet connector may have only one indicator light. NOTE: For optimum performance, all of your network connections—computer, wiring, and router—must support the maximum speed of your network. Setting Up Your HP Firebird...
  • Page 14 HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 15: Turning On Your Hp Firebird For The First Time

    First Time Finding More Information Finding information on the Web You can find guides and information for your HP Firebird by using the Internet to access the Support Web site. To access support, go to http://www.hp.com/support in your Web browser.

  • Page 16: Turning Off The Hp Firebird

    Turn off the monitor. Restarting the HP Firebird When you restart the HP Firebird, the system clears some settings and starts over using the operating system and software in its memory. Restarting is the easiest and most effective way to solve many software issues for the system.

  • Page 17: Using The Power Button To Restart Your Hp Firebird

    To unlock the system, you must enter your password. Using Sleep Mode When the HP Firebird is in Sleep mode, it goes into a reduced-power state. The monitor is blank, as if it were turned off. By using Sleep mode: You save time, because you do not have to wait for the system to go through the normal startup routine when you wake it again.

  • Page 18: Using Hibernate Mode

    “Automatic Sleep, Hibernate, or Away mode.” To wake the HP Firebird from Hibernate mode, press the Power button on the left side of the badge on the front of the system. If the system does not work properly when you wake it from Hibernate mode, restart the computer.

  • Page 19: Automatic Sleep, Hibernate, Or Away Mode

    Automatic Sleep, Hibernate, or Away mode You can set the HP Firebird to go into Sleep, Hibernate, or Away modes automatically when it is idle for a specified number of minutes. To put the system into a mode automatically, modify the power management settings.

  • Page 20: Using The Hp Firebird With Safety And Comfort

    Setting Up User Accounts User accounts enable you to set the privileges for each user of the HP Firebird. For example, you can set the software programs that each user is allowed to access. Windows Vista provides three types of user accounts:...

  • Page 21: Protecting The Hp Firebird

    Multiple Temporary Internet Files folders to remove during Disk Cleanup More data to back up Longer time to complete virus scan Protecting the HP Firebird Protect the HP Firebird, personal settings, and data from a variety of risks by using: Passwords. Antivirus software. Firewall software.

  • Page 22: Using Passwords

    NOTE: Select models include a separate numeric keypad, which functions exactly like the keyboard number keys, except in the case of passwords. A password set in Windows Vista must be entered at a Windows Vista prompt. HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 23: Configuring For Automatic Microsoft Software Updates

    Setup Utility. Configuring for automatic Microsoft software updates Microsoft continually updates the Windows Vista operating system. HP recommends that you run Windows Vista Update monthly to install these updates. One way to keep the operating system up to date is to use the Automatic Updates feature.

  • Page 24: Installing Critical Security Updates

    Guidelines for Installing Software and Hardware Devices After you set up the HP Firebird, you may want to install additional software programs or hardware devices. Keep in mind the following important guidelines: Before installation, make a restore point by using the Microsoft System Restore program.

  • Page 25: Transferring Files And Settings From An Old Computer To Your Hp Firebird

    Transferring Files and Settings from an Old Computer to Your HP Firebird You can copy files from the old computer to your new HP Firebird by using media such as CDs or DVDs, memory sticks, or personal media drives. You can also copy certain settings such as Web browser Favorites and address books by using Windows Easy Transfer software, which is included with Microsoft Windows Vista.

  • Page 26: Manually Running A Scan

    Set the frequency and time that you want the scan to run. When you are done, click OK. NOTE: If the computer is in Sleep mode, the Norton Internet Security program does not perform a scheduled antivirus scan. HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 27: Setting Up A Custom Scan Time

    Set the frequency and time that you want the scan to run. When you are done, click OK. NOTE: If the computer is in Sleep mode, the Norton Internet Security program does not perform a scheduled antivirus scan. Turning On Your HP Firebird for the First Time...
  • Page 28 HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 29: Using Dvd Media Drives

    Using DVD Media Drives Your computer can come with one of several types of DVD drives that allow you to perform different tasks. What you can do depends on what kind of drive you have. Allows you to: DVD+RW/+R Blu-ray DVD+RW/+R Read data from CDs.

  • Page 30: Inserting And Removing Cds And Dvds

    The DVD Writer/CD Writer drive is able to read from and record to almost every type of optical disc. Writing speed rates for the DVD Writer/CD Writer drive are fast, allowing quick recording times. HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 31: Disc Features And Compatibility Table

    Disc Features and Compatibility Table Can be Plays in Plays in recorded Plays in home or home DVD Disc File type onto computer car stereo player CD-ROM Data Music Varies by model CD-R Data Music Varies by Varies by model model CD-RW Data...

  • Page 32: Optical Drive Quick Reference Table

    Double-layer media compatibility varies widely with some home DVD players and DVD-ROM drives. Double-layer DVD technology is supported by select models only. For the latest disc compatibility information for your computer, go to the HP Support Web site at: http://www.hp.com/support *1 GB is defined as 1 billion bytes.

  • Page 33: Using Blu-Ray Disc Drives

    DVD+ Combo Light Optical RW/+R Double- Scribe BD HD drive can: DVD- DVD- DVD- layer DVD+ DVD+ (continued) RW/-R RW/+R RW/+R Play games. Create LightScribe label. Play Blu-ray DVD. Record data to Blu-ray disc. Record HD data to DVD. Using Blu-ray Disc Drives If the computer came with a Blu-ray (BD) disc drive, there are three programs that are designed specifically for use with this drive: DVD Play plays Blu-ray, high-definition (HD), and regular commercial DVD discs.
  • Page 34 HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 35: Caring For Your Hp Firebird

    Caring for Your HP Firebird Keeping your powerful HP Firebird running at its optimal level does not require a lot of time or experience. You only need the basic steps outlined in this guide to do it! Having a maintenance schedule is critical to keeping your HP Firebird in excellent and reliable condition.
  • Page 36 HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 37: Maintenance

    (or burning) software to create backup discs of important information, including personal files, e-mail messages, and Web site bookmarks. When writing data to a backup disc, HP recommends that you use software that includes write verification functionality. This feature compares the data on your hard disk drive with the data copied to the backup media, ensuring that it is an exact copy.

  • Page 38: Reviewing Programs That Run Automatically At Startup

    Select the time at which to run Disk Cleanup, and then click Next. Disk Cleanup may take a long time, so select a time when the computer is on but not in use. Select Start a program, and then click Next. HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 39: Running The Disk Defragmenter Program

    Under Program/Script, click Browse. Type cleanmgr.exe, click Open, and then click Next. Review the summary of the schedule that you set. When you are done, click Finish. Disk Cleanup will run at the time that you set. Running the Disk Defragmenter Program When Microsoft Windows Vista stores files on your hard disk drive, it often divides them into fragments so that they fit into the available space on the drive.

  • Page 40: Checking For Hard Disk Drive Errors

    The computer will restart and check the hard disk drive for errors. NOTE: The hard disk drive on HP computers with the Windows Vista operating system preinstalled may appear to be smaller than what is stated in the product specifications, in the documentation, or on the box.

  • Page 41: Cleaning The Hp Firebird

    Cleaning the HP Firebird Unplug the HP Firebird from its power source. Unplug the monitor from its power source. Use a clean, dry cloth to dust the computer case. Use a clean cloth dampened with warm water to wipe the computer case.

  • Page 42: Cleaning Fans, Heat Sink, And Inside The Hp Firebird

    Ensure the HP Firebird is off and unplugged. Remove the left side cover; see “Opening the HP Firebird.” Open the door to the optical drive and the hard drives by pressing the two latches at the same time.

  • Page 43: Troubleshooting Computer Problems

    Troubleshooting Computer Problems The troubleshooting tables in this section appear in the following order: Audio CD and DVD Drives Video Display (Monitor) Hard Disk Drive Hardware Installation Internet Access Keyboard and Mouse Power Performance Miscellaneous For more information about monitor problems, or for problems related specifically to your printer, refer to the documentation provided by the product manufacturer.
  • Page 44 Replace the non-powered speakers with powered speakers. Powered speakers have a power cord and On button, and they connect to the Audio Out connector on the back of the computer. HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 45: Cd And Dvd Drives

    The driver may be corrupted or outdated. For detailed information about restoring and updating drivers, visit the HP Web site. I cannot remove a CD Turn on your computer, and then press the Eject button closest to the or DVD.
  • Page 46 DVD as data files. To play a movie properly, use a video recording program. Some video files may be viewed on a computer, but not on a home DVD video player. HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 47: Video

    Video Symptom Possible solution Some video files do Your file may be corrupt or in an unsupported format. Open the not play. video file in a video editor, and then resave the file in a supported format. Codec error messages Open the file in Windows Media Player.

  • Page 48: Display (Monitor)

    Adjust the monitor resolution setting in Windows Vista: are too large or too Right-click the desktop, and then click Personalize. small, or the images Click Display Settings. are fuzzy. Adjust the Resolution slider as necessary. HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 49: Hard Disk Drive

    Hard Disk Drive Symptom Possible solution Computer seems to be Use the Windows Task Manager to close any programs not locked up and is not responding, or restart the computer: responding. Press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys on the keyboard simultaneously.

  • Page 50: Hardware Installation

    You may need an updated driver for Windows Vista. Contact the device vendor directly for an update. For HP peripherals, visit the HP Web site. For details, refer to the Limited Warranty and Support Guide for details. Ensure that all cables are properly and securely connected, and that the pins in the cable or connector are not bent.
  • Page 51 Hardware Installation (continued) Symptom Possible solution A device does not work To resolve a device conflict, you may need to disable one of the after installing a new devices or uninstall an old device driver: device. Click the Windows Vista start button, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.

  • Page 52: Internet Access

    Note that Web pages do not always load as quickly as files stored on your computer. Web pages may also load slowly if there is currently a high demand for the Web site. HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)
  • Page 53 Internet Access (continued) Symptom Possible solution My Internet browser You may have spyware on your computer. Spyware is software that home page changed to usually runs silently in the background on your computer, collecting something I did not want. and sending information about you and your use of the computer to another person or system on the Internet.

  • Page 54: Keyboard And Mouse

    Place the mouse on a mouse pad or sheet of white paper, or gently track the cursor well. wipe the light sensor lens on the bottom of the mouse with a lint-free cloth (not paper). HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 55: Power

    Keyboard and Mouse (continued) Symptom Possible solution Cursor moves too fast or Adjust the cursor speed: too slow. Click the Windows Vista start button, and then click Control Panel. Click Hardware and Sound, and then click Mouse. Click the Pointer Options tab. Adjust the Motion slider toward either Slow or Fast, to decrease or increase the speed at which the cursor responds to mouse movement.
  • Page 56 Click OK. Alternatively, you can click on the clock in the system tray on your desktop to bring up the Change Date and Time interface. If the problem persists, replace the battery. HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 57: Performance

    Lock button, and then click Restart. Turn off your HP Firebird When you turn off your HP Firebird and then turn it on again, you force the system to reload the operating system into its memory, which clears some tracking information. This may eliminate some problems that can remain after you perform a restart.
  • Page 58 On the Applications tab, select all the programs that are listed, and then click End Task. Close the Task Manager. Click the Windows Vista start button, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter. Click Defragment now. HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)
  • Page 59 When the computer or its parts get overheated, the system shuts its own. down. Clean the computer at least every 2 to 3 months, and more if it is a dusty environment. See “Keeping the HP Firebird Free of Dust and Dirt.” System hangs during...

  • Page 60: Miscellaneous

    Computer overheats. If your computer is liquid-cooled and you replaced the power supply, check that you have reconnected all the cables. A buildup of dust also causes overheating. See “Keeping the HP Firebird Free of Dust and Dirt.” Error message: Close all open programs, and then try the Insufficient memory.

  • Page 61: Updating Drivers

    Complete the following procedure to update a driver, or to revert (or roll back) to an earlier version of the driver if the new one does not solve your problem: NOTE: Use driver updates from HP only. Driver versions available directly from component manufacturers could potentially harm your computer.
  • Page 62 HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 63: System Recovery

    First you create a recovery file that you record, or burn, to a disc. Click the Windows Vista start button and then click All Programs. Click HP Tools and Support, and then click Create Recovery DVD. A window opens, showing a progress bar. The creation process can take up to 15 minutes.

  • Page 64: System Recovery

    By pressing the space bar on the keyboard during startup (if you cannot get to the desktop) From the system recovery disc you made From the Windows OS disc included with your computer HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

  • Page 65: Recovery From The Recovery Partition On Your Hard Disk Drive

    Disconnect all peripheral devices from the computer, except monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Turn on the computer. Click the Windows Vista start button, All Programs, HP Tools and Support, and then click Boot to Recovery. Follow the onscreen prompts. If the system does not automatically restart, restart it when prompted.
  • Page 66 Press the Power button on the left side of the badge to turn on the computer. When the HP logo screen appears, press the space bar on the keyboard repeatedly, and continue to do so until the Boot Manager window opens.

  • Page 67: Recovery From The Recovery Disc

    Press the Power button on the left side of the badge to turn on the computer. When the HP logo screen appears, press the Delete key on the keyboard repeatedly, until the logo screen disappears.

  • Page 68: Recovery From The Microsoft Windows Vista Os Recovery Disc

    Power button on the left side of the badge on the computer to shut down. Press the Power button on the left side of the badge to turn on the computer. When the HP logo screen appears, press the Delete key on the keyboard repeatedly, until the logo screen disappears.
  • Page 69 Select the edition of Windows you purchased, and then click Next. If you entered your product key number, Windows automatically determines which edition you have. Accept the license terms by placing a check mark in the check box, and then click Next.

  • Page 70: Post-Recovery Procedure

    View the contents of the supplemental disc. Click the top folder, Install Me First. The HP System Information Utility within this folder must be installed first, before any other software programs or hardware drivers can be installed. Click HP System Information Utility to view its folder contents.

  • Page 71: Index

    High definition multimedia interface (HDMI) computer connector 3 connectors 2 High-Definition setting up 1 disc drives 28 transferring files 21 HP Firebird turning off 12 turning on for first time 11 Computer locking slot 4 connecting peripherals 2 IEEE 1394 connector 3 connection...
  • Page 72 Windows Vista update 19 Hard disk drive 61 wired network connection 9 repetitive strain injury (RSI), see Safety & working in comfort 16 Comfort Guide Running the Disk Cleanup Program 34 Part number: 489612-001 HP Firebird Desktop Essentials (Features may vary by model)

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