User Guide
© Copyright 2015 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
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.
iv Safety warning notice ENWW
Table of contents 1 Starting right ................................................................................................................................................ 1 Best practices ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 More HP resources .............................................................................................................................................
Configuring a wireless router ......................................................................................... 22 Protecting your WLAN ..................................................................................................... 22 Connecting to a WLAN ..................................................................................................... 23 Using Bluetooth wireless devices .....................................................................................................
Factory-sealed battery ..................................................................................................................... 38 Finding battery information .............................................................................................................. 39 Conserving battery power ................................................................................................................. 39 Identifying low battery levels .....................................................
11 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) ................................................................. 51 Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ................................................................................................................................ 51 Updating the BIOS ................................................................................................................................................ 51 Determining the BIOS version ..................
1 Starting right Best practices After you set up and register the computer, we recommend the following steps to get the most out of your smart investment: ENWW ● If you haven’t already done so, connect to a wired or wireless network. See details in Connecting to a network on page 19. ● Become familiar with the computer hardware and software. Go to Getting to know your computer on page 3 and Enjoying entertainment features on page 24 for information. ● Update or purchase antivirus software.
More HP resources You have already used Setup Instructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. For product details, how-to information, and more, use this table. Resource Contents Setup Instructions ● Overview of computer setup and features. Help and Support ● A broad range of how-to information and troubleshooting tips. Worldwide support ● Chat online with an HP technician To get support in your language, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/ wwcontact_us.html.
2 Getting to know your computer Finding your hardware and software information ▲ Select Start > Computer. – or – ▲ Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Performance Advisor > Your Computer > Device Information. A list displays all the devices installed in your computer, including optical drives, solid-state drives (SSD), or a secondary hard drive. To find out what software is included on your computer, select Start > All Programs.
Right side Component (1) Description Memory card reader Reads optional memory cards that store, manage, share, or access information. To insert a card: Hold the card label-side up, with connectors facing the slot, insert the card into the slot, and then press in on the card until it is firmly seated. To remove a card: Press in on the card it until it pops out.
Rear Component (1) Description 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. (2) AC adapter light ● On: The AC adapter is connected and the battery is charged. ● Off: The computer is using battery power. (3) Power connector Connects an AC adapter. (4) USB 3.
Display Component Description (1) WLAN antennas* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless local area networks (WLANs). (2) Internal microphones (2) Record sound. (3) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use. (4) Webcam Records video and captures photographs. Some models allow you to video conference and chat online using streaming video. To use the webcam, select Start > All Programs > Communication and Chat > HP WebCam.
Top Touchpad Component (1) Description Touchpad zone Reads your finger gestures to move the pointer or activate items on the screen. TIP: You can disable the touchpad or change the touchpad sensitivity and click speed. See Keyboard shortcuts on page 17 and Using the touchpad and gestures on page 30 for more information. ENWW (2) Left touchpad button Functions like the left button on an external mouse. (3) Right touchpad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
Lights TIP: You can customize the keyboard lighting. See Lighting zones on page 15. Component (1) Power light ● On: The computer is on. ● Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, a powersaving state. The computer shuts off power to the display and other unneeded components. ● Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation is a power-saving state that uses the least amount of power. (2) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on, which switches the keys to all capital letters.
Buttons and speakers Component (1) Description Power button ● When the computer is off, press the button to turn on the computer. ● When the computer is on, press the button briefly to initiate Sleep. ● When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the button briefly to exit Sleep. ● When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button briefly to exit Hibernation. CAUTION: Pressing and holding down the power button will result in the loss of unsaved information.
Keys TIP: You can customize these keys in HP Keyboard Control. See Advanced keyboard settings on page 16. Component Description (1) Programmable keys Allow you to create up to 30 different customized key combinations when used alone or with the fn, ctrl, alt, or shift keys. See Programmable keys on page 14 for more information. (2) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the fn key.
Labels The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system problems or travel internationally with the computer. IMPORTANT: All labels described in this section will be located in one of 3 places depending on your computer model: affixed to the bottom of the computer, located in the battery bay, or under the service door. TIP: You can also press fn+esc for system information. ● Service label—Provides important information to identify your computer.
3 Customizable keyboard Your computer includes a highly customizable keyboard with unique lighting effects. Create profiles and configure shortcuts and lighting for ultimate experience. NOTE: Keyboard macros are not supported. HP Keyboard Control HP Keyboard Control is a utility that allows you to customize your computer for your specific needs.
Current settings Current Settings in HP Keyboard Control shows you the current, active state of all the keyboard, lighting, and advanced settings. In Current Settings, you can view and change settings and they are instantly applied. To save current settings for future use: 1. From the Windows desktop, click the HP Keyboard Control icon. 2. Under Profiles, select Current Settings, and then make any necessary changes. 3. Click the Save icon, and then type the name of the new user profile.
Programmable keys The keyboard has six programmable keys (1) with up to five different settings each. You can create a total of 30 different key combinations when used alone or with the fn, ctrl, alt, or shift keys. To program the keys: 1. From the Windows desktop, click the HP Keyboard Control icon. 2. Select the Key Assignments tab, and then click the box next to the key you want to program. 3. Type any key assignment that you want, and then assign it to a user profile.
Lighting zones The keyboard includes programmable lighted keyboard zones that ensure that you hit the right key every time, even when working in low-light conditions. With HP Keyboard Control you can customize the colors of each zone for each user profile. NOTE: When you first set up your computer, all of the lighting zones are red.
To customize the lighting zones for current settings or a user profile that you want to change: 1. From the Windows desktop, click the HP Keyboard Control icon. 2. Select the Lighting tab. 3. On the keyboard image, click the lighting zone you want to customize. –or– In the drop-down box, select the lighting zone that you want to customize. 4. Select the color you want to change, and then assign it to a user profile.
Keyboard shortcuts There are three keyboard shortcuts that you can enable to customize your experience. A keyboard shortcut is a combination of the fn key (1) and either the f, r, or t key (2). NOTE: If you restart the computer, the touch screen features will turn back on, and the touchpad will be reenabled (unless a mouse is attached and that option is selected). Key combination Description fn+f Turns the computer fans on maximum speed. fn+r Turns the touchpad off and on.
Disable key assignments You can disable the Windows key, Caps Lock key, Windows application key, or any one of the action keys. To disable keys: 18 1. From the Windows desktop, click the HP Keyboard Control icon. 2. Select the Advanced tab. 3. Under Disable Keys and Function Key Defaults, select the key you want to disable.
4 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. NOTE: Your computer does not include a RJ-45 (network) jack. To connect to a wired network, you must use the USB Ethernet adapter provided.
Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) HP Connection Manager provides a central location for managing your wireless devices, an interface for connecting to the Internet using HP Mobile Broadband, and an interface for sending and receiving SMS (text) messages.
Using a WLAN With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point. NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably. ● A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points that can accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network functions.
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) ● A wireless computer (3) NOTE: Some modems have a built-in wireless router. Check with your ISP to determine what type of modem you have.
Connecting to a WLAN To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps: 1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If the device is on, the wireless light is off. If the wireless light is amber, press the wireless button. 2. Click the network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. 3. Select your WLAN from the list. 4. 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.
5 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, monitor, projector, TV, and, on select models, highdefinition devices. Multimedia features Here are some of the entertainment features on your computer.
Component Description To use the webcam, select Start > All Programs > Communication and Chat > HP WebCam. (4) Speakers (2) Produce sound. (5) Memory card reader Reads optional memory cards that store, manage, share, or access information. To insert a card: Hold the card label-side up, with connectors facing the slot, insert the card into the slot, and then press in on the card until it is firmly seated. To remove a card: Press in on the card it until it pops out. (6) USB 3.
Using audio On your computer, or on select models using an external optical drive, 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.
IMPORTANT: Be sure that the external device is connected to the correct port on the computer, using the correct cable. Check the device manufacturer's instructions if you have questions. Connecting video devices by using an HDMI cable To see the computer screen image on a high-definition TV or monitor, connect the high-definition device according to the following instructions. To connect an HDMI device to your computer, you need an HDMI cable, sold separately.
To return the audio stream to the computer speakers, follow these steps: 1. Right-click the Speakers icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, and then click Playback devices. 2. On the Playback tab, click Speakers. 3. Click Set Default, and then click OK. Connecting digital display devices by using a DisplayPort cable The DisplayPort connects a digital display device such as a high-performance monitor or projector.
Using Intel Wireless Display and Wireless Music (select models only) Intel® Wireless Display and Wireless Music allow you to transmit your computer content wirelessly to your receive/display device, such as HDTV, monitor, projector, game console, Blu-ray player, or DVR, by using an optional wireless adapter (purchased separately). For details about using the wireless adapter, see the manufacturer's instructions. To open Intel Wireless Display, select Start > All Programs > Intel WiDi.
6 Navigating the screen You can navigate the computer screen in the following ways: ● Touch gestures ● Keyboard and mouse Touch gestures can be used on your computer's touchpad or on a touch screen (select models only). NOTE: You can also connect the external USB mouse to one of the USB ports on the computer. Your computer also has special action keys on the keyboard to perform routine tasks.
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. 2-finger pinch zoom Pinching allows you to zoom in or out on images or text. ENWW ● Zoom out by placing two fingers apart on the touchpad zone and then moving your fingers together. ● Zoom in by placing two fingers together on the touchpad zone and then moving your fingers apart.
Rotating Rotating allows you to rotate items such as photos. To rotate, anchor your left forefinger in the touchpad zone. Move the right forefinger around the anchored finger in a sweeping motion, moving from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock. To reverse the rotation, move your right forefinger from 3 o’clock to 12 o’clock. NOTE: Rotating is disabled at the factory by default. Flicking Flicking allows you to navigate through screens or quickly scroll through documents.
Using the keys You can quickly access information or perform functions by using certain keys and key combinations. Using the action keys An action key performs an assigned function. The icon on each of the function keys illustrates the assigned function for that key. To use an action key function, briefly press the fn key, and then briefly press the second key of the combination. The action key feature is enabled at the factory. You can disable this feature in HP Keyboard Control.
Icon Key Description fn+f11 Mutes or restores speaker sound. fn+f12 Turns the wireless feature on or off. NOTE: A wireless network must be set up before a wireless connection is possible. Using ALT GR key combinations Some countries have keyboards with an ALT GR key that is used for special key combinations. To type the rupee symbol on a keyboard that includes this key, use the alt gr+4 key combination. Region-specific keyboards in India can use the ctrl+shift+4 keys for the rupee symbol.
7 Using HP Performance Advisor HP Performance Advisor is designed to optimize your computer experience by providing information and tools to benefit you. With HP Performance Advisor, you can do the following: ● View system information on your computer. ● Keep track of and modify BIOS settings, create custom groups, and restore BIOS factory defaults. ● Create block diagrams and memory graphs. ● Create configuration reports for hardware components and software information.
8 Managing power Your computer can operate on either battery power or external power. When the computer is running on battery power only and an AC power source is not available to charge the battery, it is important to monitor and conserve the battery charge. Your computer supports an optimal power plan to manage how your computer uses and conserves power so that computer performance is balanced with power conservation.
Manually initiating and exiting Sleep You can initiate Sleep in any of the following ways: ● Close the display. ● Select Start, click the arrow next to the Shut down button, and then click Sleep. To exit Sleep: ● Briefly press the power button. ● If the display is closed, open the display. ● Press a key on the keyboard. ● Tap or swipe the touchpad. When the computer exits Sleep, the power lights turn on and your work returns to the screen.
Using the power meter The power meter allows you to quickly access power settings and view the remaining battery charge. ● To display the percentage of remaining battery charge and the current power plan, move the pointer over the Power Meter icon, at the far right of the taskbar. ● To access Power Options, or to change the power plan, click the Power Meter icon and select an item from the list. Different power meter icons indicate whether the computer is running on battery or external power.
Finding battery information To monitor the status of your battery, or if the battery is no longer holding a charge, run Battery Check in HP Support Assistant. To access battery information, select Start > HP Support Assistant > Next > Battery and performance > Power and battery > HP Battery Check.
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation When the computer lacks sufficient power to exit Hibernation, follow these steps: 1. Replace the discharged user-replaceable battery with a charged battery, or connect the AC adapter to the computer and to external power. 2. Exit Hibernation by pressing the power button. Running on external AC power For information about connecting to AC power, refer to the Setup Instructions poster provided in the computer box.
1. Shut down the computer. 2. Connect the AC adapter to the computer, and then plug it into an AC outlet. 3. Turn on the computer. ● If the power lights turn on, the AC adapter is working properly. ● If the power lights remain off, check the connection from the AC adapter to the computer and the connection from the AC adapter to the AC outlet to be sure that the connections are secure.
Shutting down the computer CAUTION: Unsaved information is lost when the computer shuts down. The Shut down command closes all open programs, including the operating system, and then turns off the display and computer.
9 Maintaining your computer It is important to perform regular maintenance to keep your computer in optimal condition by using tools like Disk Cleanup. This chapter also includes ways to update programs and drivers, steps to clean the computer, and tips for traveling with (or shipping) the computer. Improving performance You can improve the performance of your computer by performing regular maintenance tasks with tools such as Disk Cleanup.
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. For example, older graphics components might not work well with the most recent gaming software.
NOTE: When cleaning the cover of the computer, use a circular motion to aid in removing dirt and debris. Cleaning the touchpad, 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.
◦ Check the computer-related customs regulations for each country or region on your itinerary. ◦ Check the power cord and adapter requirements for each location in which you plan to use the computer. Voltage, frequency, and plug configurations vary. 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.
10 Securing your computer and information Computer security is essential for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your information. Standard security solutions provided by the Windows operating system, HP applications, the non-Windows Setup Utility (BIOS), and other third-party software can help protect your computer from a variety of risks, such as viruses, worms, and other types of malicious code.
● To reduce the risk of being locked out of the computer, record each password and store it in a secure place away from the computer. Do not store passwords in a file on the computer. ● When creating passwords, follow requirements set by the program. ● Change your passwords at least every three months. ● An ideal password is long and has letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers.
1. To start Setup Utility (BIOS), turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press f10. 2. Use the arrow keys to select Security, and then follow the on-screen instructions. Your changes take effect when the computer restarts. Using Internet security software When you use your computer to access email, a network, or the Internet, you potentially expose your computer to computer viruses, spyware, and other online threats.
Installing HP and third-party software updates HP recommends that you regularly update the software and drivers that were originally installed on your computer. To download the latest versions, go to http://www.hp.com/support. At this location, you can also register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available. If you have installed third-party software after you purchased your computer, regularly update the software.
11 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) Setup Utility, or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), controls communication between all the input and output devices on the system (such as disk drives, display, keyboard, mouse, and printer). Setup Utility (BIOS) includes settings for the types of devices installed, the startup sequence of the computer, and the amount of system and extended memory.
1. Select Start > Help and Support > Maintain. 2. Follow the on-screen instructions to identify your computer and access the BIOS update you want to download. 3. At the download area, follow these steps: a. Identify the BIOS update that is later than the BIOS version currently installed on your computer. Make a note of the date, name, or other identifier. You may need this information to locate the update later, after it has been downloaded to your hard drive. b.
NOTE: If you need to stop a diagnostic test, press esc. Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device NOTE: Instructions for downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) are provided in English only. There are two options to download HP PC Hardware Diagnostics to a USB device: Option 1: HP PC Diagnostics homepage— Provides access to the latest UEFI version 1. Go to http://hp.com/go/techcenter/pcdiags. 2. Click the UEFI Download link, and then select Run.
12 Backing up, restoring, and recovering Your computer includes tools provided by the operating system and HP to help you safeguard your information and retrieve it if ever needed. Creating backups 1. Use HP Recovery Manager to create recovery media immediately after you set up the working computer. 2. As you add hardware and software programs, create system restore points. 3. As you add photos, video, music, and other personal files, create a backup of your system and personal information.
Creating system restore points A system restore point is a snapshot of certain hard drive contents saved by Windows System Restore at a specific time. A restore point contains information such as registry settings that Windows uses. Restoring to a previous restore point allows you to reverse changes that have been made to the system since the restore point was created.
To create a screen shot: 1. Display the screen you want to save. 2. Copy the screen image: To copy only the active window, press alt+prt sc. To copy the entire screen, press prt sc. 3. Open a word-processing document or graphics editing program, and then select Edit > Paste. The screen image is added to the document. 4. Save and print the document. What you need to know ● You can back up your information to an optional external hard drive, a flash drive, a network drive, or discs.
Restore and recovery Restoring to a previous system restore point Sometimes installing a software program causes your computer or Windows to behave unpredictably. Usually uninstalling the software fixes the problems. If uninstalling does not fix the problems, you can restore the computer to a previous system restore point (created at an earlier date and time). To restore to a previous system restore point, when the computer was running correctly: 1.
Recovering using HP Recovery partition (select models only) The HP Recovery partition (select models only), allows you to restore your system without the need for recovery discs or a recovery flash drive. This type of recovery can only be used if the hard drive is still working. To check for the presence of a recovery partition, select Start, right-click Computer then select Manage > Disk Management. If the recovery partition is present, a Recovery drive is listed in the window. 1.
13 Specifications Input power The power information in this section may be helpful if you plan to travel internationally with the computer. The computer operates on DC power, which can be supplied by an AC or a DC power source. The AC power source must be rated at 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz. 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 this computer.
14 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.
Index Symbols/Numerics 2-finger pinch zoom touchpad gesture 31 A AC adapter 5 AC adapter, testing 40 action keys decrease screen brightness 33 Help and Support 33 identifying 10 increase screen brightness 33 keyboard backlight 33 next track or section 33 play, pause, resume 33 previous track or section 33 switch screen image 33 volume down 33 volume mute 34 volume up 33 wireless 34 advanced keyboard settings 16 airport security devices 43 antivirus software, using 49 audio features, testing 26 audio-out (he
J jacks audio-out (headphone)/audio-in (microphone) 5, 25 K keyboard backlight action key, identifying 33 keyboard shortcuts 17 keys action 10 esc 10 fn 10 programmable 10 Windows 10 Windows application 10 keys, programing 14 L labels Bluetooth 11 Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity 11 regulatory 11 serial number 11 service 11 wireless certification 11 WLAN 11 lighting zones, customizing 15 lights AC adapter 5 caps lock 8 mute 8 power 8 webcam 24 wireless 8 M maintenance Disk Cleanup 43 memory card reader
webcam light, identifying 6, 24 webcam, identifying 24 Windows application key, identifying 10 Windows Backup and Restore restoring files 57 Windows key, identifying 10 Windows passwords 48 wireless button 19 wireless certification label 11 wireless controls button 19 operating system 19 wireless light 8, 19 wireless network (WLAN) connecting 23 corporate WLAN connection 23 equipment needed 22 functional range 23 public WLAN connection 23 security 22 using 21 wireless network, securing 50 WLAN antennas, ide
