Quick Reference HP Entertainment PC For more information about your computer, select Start > Help and Support > User Guides.
© Copyright 2007 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
Contents 1 Finding Information Finding the Help and Support Center (Start > Help and Support) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1 Finding the user guides (Start > Help and Support > User Guides) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1 Identifying installed software and hardware . . . . . . . . . . 1–2 2 Next steps Creating recovery discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Protecting the computer . . . . . . .
Contents The computer screen is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2 Software is functioning abnormally . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–3 The computer is turned on but not responding . . . . . 3–4 The computer is unusually warm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–4 An external device is not working. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–5 The home wireless network connection is not working . . 3–5 Contacting Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents Rated input power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–2 Expansion port 3 input/output signals (select models only) . . B–3 C Routine Care Cleaning the display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C–1 Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C–1 Traveling and shipping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents viii Quick Reference
1 Finding Information Finding the Help and Support Center (Start > Help and Support) You can access the Help and Support Center by selecting Start > Help and Support. In addition to providing information about the operating system, the Help and Support Center covers these topics: ■ Your computer, such as model and serial number, installed software, hardware components, and specifications. ■ How to help safeguard your computer. ■ How to get the best performance from the battery.
Finding Information Identifying installed software and hardware The computer includes software that is preinstalled on the hard drive. To see a list of the software: 1. Select Start > All Programs. 2. Double-click the program you want to open. details about using software included with the computer, ✎ For refer to the software manufacturer’s instructions, which may be provided on disc, as online Help files, or on the manufacturer’s Web site. To see a list of hardware installed on the computer: 1.
2 Next steps Creating recovery discs After setting up the computer for the first time, it is recommended that you create a set of recovery discs of the full factory image. The recovery discs are used to start up (boot) the computer and recover the operating system and software to factory settings in case of system failure or instability. For information on how to create a set of recovery discs, refer to Chapter 4, “Creating recovery discs.
Next steps Norton Internet Security is preinstalled on the computer: ■ Your version of Norton Internet Security includes 60 days of free updates. It is strongly recommended that you protect the computer against new viruses beyond 60 days by purchasing extended update service. ■ For information about using and updating Norton Internet Security and for purchasing extended update service, select Start > All Programs > Norton Internet Security > Help and Support.
Next steps Protecting the computer from power surges To protect the computer from the power surges that may be caused by an uncertain power supply or an electrical storm, observe these practices: ■ Plug the computer power cord into an optional, high-quality surge protector. Surge protectors are available from most computer or electronics retailers. ■ During an electrical storm, either run the computer on battery power or shut down the computer and unplug the power cord.
Next steps Å WARNING: To avoid potential discomfort or burns, do not block the air vents or place the computer on your lap for extended periods. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact the skin for extended periods during operation. The computer is designed to run demanding applications at full power. As a result of increased power consumption, it is normal for the computer and the AC adapter to feel warm or hot when used continuously.
Next steps Choosing the type of Internet access available There are 3 basic types of Internet access: ■ Broadband—High-speed Internet service providers include the following types of connections: ❏ Cable modem ❏ Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) ❏ Satellite ❏ Other services For broadband access, additional hardware and/or software must be provided by your ISP. ■ Wireless—For high-speed mobile Internet access, you can use a wireless connection.
Next steps ■ ISP-provided icons (available in some locations) ■ Microsoft® Windows® New Connection Wizard (available in all locations) Using Easy Internet Sign-up If the Easy Internet Sign-up utility is supported in the country in which you purchased the computer, you can access the utility by using either of the following methods: ■ Double-click the Easy Internet Sign-up icon on the Windows desktop. – or – ■ Select Start > All Programs > Online Services > Easy Internet Sign-up.
Next steps ■ If you have a disc from an ISP. ■ If you do not have an Internet account and would like to select an ISP from the list provided within the wizard. (The list of ISP providers is not available in all regions.) ■ If you have selected an unlisted ISP and the ISP has provided you with such information as a specific IP address and POP3 and SMTP settings. To access the Windows New Connection Wizard and instructions for using the wizard, follow this step: » Select Start > Help and Support.
Next steps Updating the software installed on the computer Most software, including the operating system, is updated frequently by the manufacturer or provider. Important updates to the software included with the computer may have been released since the computer left the factory. Some updates may affect the way the computer responds to optional software or external devices. Many updates provide security enhancements.
Next steps ■ Press ctrl+alt+delete. Then, in the lower-right corner of the screen, click the Power button. ■ Press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds. ■ Disconnect the computer from external power and remove the battery.
3 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting resources If you experience computer problems, follow the troubleshooting steps below: 1. Refer to “Quick troubleshooting,” next in this chapter. 2. Access additional information about the computer and Web site links through the Help and Support Center. Select Start > Help and Support. many checkup and repair tools require an Internet ✎ Although connection, other tools can help you fix a problem when the computer is offline. 3. Contact Customer Care for further assistance.
Troubleshooting The suggestions below may help you determine the reason the computer will not start up: ■ If the computer is plugged into an AC outlet, be sure that the AC outlet is providing adequate power by plugging another electrical device into the outlet. ■ If the computer is running on battery power or is plugged into an external power source other than an AC outlet, plug the computer into an AC outlet using the AC adapter. Be sure that the power cord and AC adapter connections are secure.
Troubleshooting The suggestions below may help you determine the reason the computer screen is blank. ■ To exit Sleep or Hibernation, briefly press the power button. Sleep and Hibernation are energy-saving features that can turn off the display. Sleep and Hibernation can be initiated by the system while the computer is in Windows but is not in use, or when the computer has reached a low-battery condition.
Troubleshooting The computer is turned on but not responding If the computer is turned on but not responding to software or keyboard commands, try turning off the computer by using the standard shutdown procedure: 1. Save your work and close all open applications. 2. Shut down the computer through the operating system: a. Click Start. b. Click the arrow next to the Lock button, and then click Shut Down.
Troubleshooting ■ If you suspect that the computer is overheating, allow the computer to cool to room temperature. Then be sure to keep all vents free from obstructions while you are using the computer. fan in the computer starts up automatically to cool internal ✎ The components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.
Troubleshooting ■ Be sure that the computer wireless antennae are free from obstructions. ■ Be sure that the cable or DSL modem and its power cord are properly connected, and that the lights are on. ■ Be sure that the wireless router (access point) is properly connected to its power adapter and the cable modem, and that the lights are on. ■ Disconnect and then reconnect all cables, and turn the power off and then back on.
Troubleshooting ■ Operating system version number and registration number. To display the operating system version number and registration number, select Start > Help and Support > My HP Computer. (On some models, the registration number may be identified in the Operating System table as the Product Id). If the computer is connected to the Internet, select Start > Help and Support to get help by e-mail or to access Customer Care telephone numbers.
Troubleshooting 3–8 Quick Reference
4 Software backup and recovery Tools provided by the operating system and PC Recovery software are designed to help you with the following tasks for safeguarding your information and restoring it in case of a system failure: ■ Back up your information regularly to protect your important system files. ■ Make a set of recovery discs (PC Recovery software feature).
Software backup and recovery Backing up your information When to back up ■ ■ On a regularly scheduled basis. ✎ Set reminders to back up your information regularly. Before the computer is repaired or restored. ■ Before you add or modify hardware or software. Back up suggestions ■ Create system restore points using the Windows XP Professional System Restore feature. ■ Store personal files in the My Documents folder and back up these folders periodically.
Software backup and recovery b. Copy the screen: To copy only the active window, press alt+fn+prt sc. To copy the entire screen, press fn+prt sc. c. To paste the copied images into a document, open a word-processing document, and then select Edit > Paste. Using system restore points When you back up your system, you are creating a system restore point. A system restore point allows you to save and name a snapshot of your hard drive at a specific point in time.
Software backup and recovery Restore to a previous date and time To revert to a restore point (created at a previous date and time), when the computer was functioning optimally: 1. Select Start > Help and Support, and then click System Restore. The System Restore window opens. 2. Click Restore my computer to an earlier time, and then click Next. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions. Creating recovery discs PC Recovery Disc Creator creates a set of recovery CDs or DVDs for the computer.
Software backup and recovery ■ If necessary, you can exit the program before you have finished creating the recovery discs. The next time you open PC Recovery Disc Creator, you will be prompted to continue the disc creation process. To create a set of recovery discs: 1. Select Start > All Programs > System Recovery > PC Recovery Disc Creator. The PC Recovery Disc Creator tool opens. 2. Click Next.
Software backup and recovery ■ In most cases, if the program you are reinstalling is still on your computer, the reinstallation process does not affect your personal settings. ■ In all cases, if a program has been deleted from your computer, the reinstallation process reinstalls the program or utility to the factory image but cannot restore your personal settings. Reinstalling preinstalled programs or drivers 1.
Software backup and recovery 2. When the installation wizard opens, follow the installation instructions on the screen. 3. Restart the computer if prompted. Performing a recovery PC Recovery software allows you to repair or restore the system if you experience system failure or instability. PC Recovery works from recovery discs that you create or from a dedicated recovery partition on the hard drive.
Software backup and recovery 1. Access the PC Recovery tool: ❏ To access PC Recovery from the Start button, select Start > All Programs > System Recovery > PC Recovery. ❏ To access PC Recovery from f11, restart the computer and press f11 while the “Press for recovery” message is displayed on the screen. The PC Recovery tool opens. 2. Select PC Recovery, and then click Next. The computer restarts and the PC Recovery tool opens. 3. Click OK. 4.
Software backup and recovery To delete the recovery partition: 1. If you have not already created recovery discs, create them now. 2. Select Start > All Programs > System Recovery > PC Recovery. The PC Recovery tool opens. 3. Select PC Recovery, and then click Next. The computer restarts and the PC Recovery tool opens. 4. Click OK. 5. At the System Recovery screen, click Advanced Options. 6. Select Delete Recovery Partition (not recommended) and follow the on-screen instructions.
Software backup and recovery 4–10 Quick Reference
A Using the optical drive Inserting an optical disc To insert an optical disc: 1. Turn on the computer. 2. Press the optical drive release button on the drive bezel to release the media tray, and then pull out the tray. 3. Hold the CD or DVD by the edges to avoid touching the flat surfaces, and position the disc over the tray spindle, which is located in the center of the tray, with the label side up. the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully to ✎ Ifposition it over the spindle. 4.
Using the optical drive Removing an optical disc (with power) To remove an optical disc if the computer is running on external or battery power, follow these steps: 1. Turn on the computer. 2. Press the optical drive release button on the drive bezel to release the media tray, and then pull out the tray. 3. Remove the disc from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer edges of the disc. Hold the disc by the edges and avoid touching the flat surfaces.
B Specifications Operating environment The operating environment information in the following table may be helpful if you plan to use or transport the computer in extreme environments. Factor Metric U.S.
Specifications Rated input power The power information in this section may be helpful if you plan to travel internationally with your computer. The computer operates on DC power, which can be supplied by an AC or a DC power source. Although the computer can be powered from a standalone 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 the computer.
Specifications Expansion port 3 input/output signals (select models only) The signal information in this section may be helpful if you plan to use an optional docking device or expansion product that connects to the expansion port 3 on the computer. (The computer has only one expansion port. The term expansion port 3 describes the type of expansion port.) The following table identifies the input and output signals supported by the expansion port 3 on the computer. Feature Support USB 2.
C Routine Care Cleaning the display To remove smudges and lint, frequently clean the display with a soft, damp, lint-free cloth. If the screen requires additional cleaning, use premoistened antistatic wipes or an antistatic screen cleaner. Ä CAUTION: To prevent permanent damage to the computer, never spray water, cleaning fluids, or chemicals on the display. Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard Dirt and grease on the TouchPad can cause the pointer to jump around on the screen.
Routine Care Traveling and shipping The computer is built to go with you for work and play. For best results, follow the traveling and shipping tips described here. ■ To prepare the computer for traveling and shipping, follow these steps: a. Back up your information. b. Remove all optical discs and all external media cards, such as digital cards and ExpressCards.
Routine Care ■ If the computer has a wireless device or a cell phone device installed, such as an 802.11b/g, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), or a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) device, the use of these devices may be restricted in some environments. Such restrictions may apply onboard aircraft, in hospitals, near explosives, in hazardous locations, and so on.
Routine Care C–4 Quick Reference
Index A AC adapter, troubleshooting 3–2 antivirus software 2–1, 3–3 B backing up computer 4–2 C cables and cords modem 2–3 power 2–3, 3–1 CD inserting A–1 removing, with power A–2 removing, without power A–2 cleaning the display C–1 cleaning the keyboard C–1 cleaning the TouchPad C–1 computer backing up 4–2 turning off correctly 2–8 using safely 2–3 computer viruses 2–1, 3–3 cord, power 2–3, 3–2 customer support Customer Care 3–6 Quick Reference Help and Support Center 1–1, 3–1 user guides 1–1 D Device
Index F finding Help and Support Center 1–1 user guides 1–1 firewalls 2–2 H N Norton Internet Security 2–1, 3–3 O hardware identifying 1–2 installing 2–7 Help and Support Center (Start > Help and Support) 1–1, 3–1 Hibernation 3–3 operating environment specifications B–1 operating system, displaying version number 3–7 optical disc, inserting A–1 optical drive A–1 overheating, computer 2–4, 3–4 I P IEC 60950 compliance 2–4 image, switching, among display devices 3–3 Internet choosing an ISP 2–5 choos
Index recovery partition, deleting 4–8 recovery, system 4–7 registration number, operating system 3–7 regulatory information 2–3 restore points 4–3 S Safety and Comfort Guide 2–3 serial number, computer 1–1, 3–6 service tag 3–6 shipping the computer C–2 shutting down computer 3–4 Sleep 3–3 software identifying 1–2 installing 2–7 Norton Internet Security 2–2 updating 2–8, 4–9 specifications operating environment B–1 rated input power B–2 specifications, computer 1–1 surge protection 2–3 switching image amo
Index Index–4 Quick Reference
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