Windows is a U.S. registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation.
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.
This document contains proprietary
information that is protected by copyright. No
part of this document may be photocopied,
reproduced, or translated to another language
without the prior written consent of HewlettPackard Company.
Getting Started
HP Business PCs
Seventh Edition (August 2015)
Document Part Number: 625148-007
About This Book
WARNING!Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions could result in bodily harm
or loss of life.
CAUTION:Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions could result in damage to
equipment or loss of information.
NOTE:Text set off in this manner provides important supplemental information.
iii
iv About This Book
Table of contents
1 Getting Started in Windows 7 ......................................................................................................................... 1
Activating and customizing the software ............................................................................................................. 1
Activating the Windows operating system ......................................................................................... 1
Downloading Windows 7 updates ....................................................................................................... 1
Installing or upgrading device drivers ................................................................................................ 1
Customizing the monitor display ........................................................................................................ 2
Turning off the computer ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Finding more information ...................................................................................................................................... 2
If you encounter issues .......................................................................................................................................... 2
HP Support Assistant ........................................................................................................ 4
Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics .................................................................................. 4
Why run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics ............................................................ 4
How to access and run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics .................................... 4
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics to a USB device ......................... 4
Before you call for technical support ............................................................................... 5
Backing up, restoring, and recovering in Windows 7 ....................................................... 6
Creating recovery media ................................................................................ 7
System Restore .............................................................................................. 9
System Recovery .......................................................................................... 10
Using, updating, and maintaining your PC .......................................................................................................... 13
2 Getting Started in Windows 8 ....................................................................................................................... 14
Activating and customizing the software ........................................................................................................... 14
Activating the Windows Operating System ...................................................................................... 14
Downloading Windows 8 updates .................................................................................................... 14
Customizing the monitor display ...................................................................................................... 15
Turning off the computer .................................................................................................................................... 15
Finding more information ................................................................................................................................... 15
If you encounter issues ....................................................................................................................................... 15
HP Support Assistant ...................................................................................................... 17
Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics ................................................................................ 17
Why run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics ......................................................... 17
How to access and run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics .................................. 17
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics to a USB device ....................... 17
Before you call for technical support ............................................................................. 19
Backing up, restoring, and recovering in Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 ........................... 20
Creating recovery media and backups ......................................................... 20
Restoring and recovering using Windows tools .......................................... 20
Using, updating, and maintaining your PC .......................................................................................................... 22
3 Getting Started in Windows 10 ...................................................................................................................... 23
Activating and customizing the software ........................................................................................................... 23
Activating the Windows Operating System ...................................................................................... 23
Downloading Windows updates ....................................................................................................... 23
Customizing the monitor display ...................................................................................................... 23
Turning off the computer .................................................................................................................................... 24
Finding more information ................................................................................................................................... 24
If you encounter issues ....................................................................................................................................... 24
Contacting support .............................................................................................................................................. 33
vi
1Getting Started in Windows 7
Activating and customizing the software
If your computer was not shipped with a Windows® operating system, some portions of this documentation
do not apply. Additional information is available in online help after you activate the operating system.
CAUTION:Do not add optional hardware or third-party devices to the computer until the operating system
is successfully activated. Doing so may cause errors and prevent the operating system from installing
properly.
NOTE:Be sure there is a 10.2 cm (4 inch) clearance at the back of the unit and above the monitor to permit
the required airflow.
Activating the Windows operating system
The first time you turn on the computer, the operating system is set up and activated automatically. This
process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Carefully read and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the
activation.
We recommend that you register your computer with HP during operating system setup so you can receive
important software updates, facilitate support questions, and sign up for special offers.
CAUTION:After the activation process has begun, DO NOT TURN OFF THE COMPUTER UNTIL THE PROCESS IS
COMPLETE. Turning off the computer during the activation process may damage the software that runs the
computer or prevent its proper installation.
NOTE:If the computer shipped with more than one operating system language on the hard drive, the
activation process could take up to 60 minutes.
Downloading Windows 7 updates
Microsoft may release updates to the operating system. To help keep the computer running optimally, HP
recommends checking for the latest updates during the initial installation and periodically throughout the life
of the computer.
1.To set up your Internet connection, click Start > Internet Explorer and follow the instructions on the
screen.
2.After an Internet connection has been established, click the Start > All Programs > Windows Update.
3.Run Windows Update monthly thereafter.
Installing or upgrading device drivers
When installing optional hardware devices after the operating system installation is complete, you must also
install the drivers for each of the devices.
In Windows 7, if prompted for the i386 directory, replace the path specification with C:\i386, or use the
Browse button in the dialog box to locate the i386 folder. This action points the operating system to the
appropriate drivers.
Activating and customizing the software1
Obtain the latest support software, including support software for the operating system, from
http://www.hp.com/support. Select your country and language, select Download drivers and software (and
firmware), enter the model number of the computer, and press Enter.
Customizing the monitor display
If you wish, you can select or change the monitor refresh rates, screen resolution, color settings, font sizes,
and power management settings.
For more information, refer to the online documentation provided with the graphics controller utility or the
documentation that came with your monitor.
Right-click on the Windows desktop, then click Personalize to change display settings.
Turning off the computer
To properly turn off the computer, first shut down the operating system software.
▲
Click Start > Shut down.
Finding more information
NOTE:Some or all of the following documents are available on the computer hard drive.
●
Getting Started—Helps you connect the computer and peripheral devices and set up factory-provided
software; also includes basic troubleshooting information should you encounter any problems during
initial startup.
●
Hardware Reference Guide—Provides an overview of the product hardware, as well as instructions for
upgrading this series of computers; includes information on RTC batteries, memory, and power supply.
●
Maintenance and Service Guide (English only)—Provides information on parts removal and replacement,
troubleshooting, Desktop Management, setup utilities, safety, routine care, connector pin assignments,
POST error messages, diagnostic indicator lights and error codes.
●
Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices—Provides safety and regulatory information that
ensures compliance with U.S., Canadian, and various international regulations.
Accessing User Guides (Linux systems)
Double-click the HP User Manuals icon on your desktop. Select the folder for your language. Select the guide
you wish to access.
If you encounter issues
There are several means to diagnose and resolve potential issues. HP provides several proprietary
diagnostics tools but recommends a sequential troubleshooting approach that addresses the most basic root
cause to the more complex. Steps include:
●
Visual inspection
●
Blink or beep codes
●
HP Support Assistant (HPSA) troubleshooter
●
HP PC Hardware Diagnostics
●
HP Support
2Chapter 1 Getting Started in Windows 7
●
System restore
●
System recovery
Performing basic troubleshooting
You can find troubleshooting information in the comprehensive Maintenance and Service Guide (English only)
available under the reference library at
select Product Support & Troubleshooting, enter the model number of the computer, and click Search.
Visual inspection: No boot, no power, no video
If you encounter problems with the computer, monitor, or software, see the following list of general
suggestions before taking further action:
●
Check that the computer and monitor are plugged into a working electrical outlet.
●
Check to see that the voltage select switch (some models) is set to the appropriate voltage for your
region (115V or 230V).
●
Check to see that the computer is turned on and the power light is on.
●
Check to see that the monitor is turned on and the monitor light is on.
●
Turn up the brightness and contrast controls of the monitor if the monitor is dim.
●
If the system does not boot, press and hold any key. If the system beeps, then the keyboard is operating
correctly.
http://www.hp.com/support. Select your country and language,
●
Check all cable connections for loose connections or incorrect connections.
●
Wake the computer by pressing any key on the keyboard or pressing the power button. If the system
remains in sleep mode, shut down the computer by pressing and holding the power button for at least
four seconds. Then press the power button again to restart the computer. If the system will not shut
down, unplug the power cord, wait a few seconds, and then plug it in again. The computer will restart if
automatic start on power loss is set in Computer Setup. If the computer does not restart, press the
power button.
●
Reconfigure your computer after installing a non-Plug and Play expansion board or other option.
●
Be sure that all the needed device drivers have been installed. For example, if you are using a printer,
you need a driver for that printer model.
●
Remove any bootable media (CD/DVD or USB device) from the system before turning it on.
●
If you have installed an operating system other than the factory-installed operating system, check to be
sure that it is supported on the system.
●
If the system has multiple video sources (embedded, PCI, or PCI-Express adapters) installed (embedded
video on some models only) and a single monitor, the monitor must be connected to the monitor port
on the source that is set as the primary video source. During boot, the other video ports are disabled
and if the monitor is connected to one of these ports, the monitor will not function. You can select or
change the primary video source in Computer Setup.
CAUTION:When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, there is always voltage applied to the
system board. To reduce the risk of system board or component damage, always disconnect the power cord
from the power source before opening the computer.
If you encounter issues3
Blink or beep codes: Interpreting POST diagnostic front panel LEDs and audible codes
If you see flashing LEDs on the front of the computer or if you hear beeps, see the Maintenance and Service
Guide (English only) for interpretation and recommended action.
HP Support Assistant
HP Support Assistant is an application that helps you maintain the performance of your computer and
resolve problems through automated updates and tune-ups, built-in diagnostics, and guided assistance. HP
Support Assistant is preinstalled on all HP or Compaq computers with Windows 7.
To access HP Support Assistant in Windows 7, double-click the HP Support Assistant icon on your desktop.
Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics
If HP Support Assistant is unable to detect a problem, try the UEFI-based hardware diagnostic solution that
HP includes on all products. You can use this tool even if the computer will not boot to the operating system.
This tool also works with components not diagnosed in HPSA.
Why run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics
The HP PC Hardware Diagnostic tools simplify the process of diagnosing hardware issues and expedite the
support process when issues are found. The tools save time by pinpointing the component that needs to be
replaced.
●
Isolate true hardware failures: The diagnostics run outside of the operating system so they effectively
isolate hardware failures from issues that may be caused by the operating system or other software
components.
●
Failure ID: When a failure is detected that requires hardware replacement, a 24-digit Failure ID is
generated. This ID can then be provided to the call agent, who will either schedule support or provide
replacement parts.
How to access and run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics
You can run the diagnostics from one of three places, depending on your preference and the health of the
computer.
1.Turn on the computer and press Esc repeatedly until the BIOS Boot Menu appears.
2.Press F2 or select Diagnostics (F2).
Pressing F2 signals the system to search for the diagnostics in the following locations:
a.A connected USB drive (to download the diagnostics tools to a USB drive, see the instructions in
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics to a USB device on page 4)
b.The hard disk drive
c.A core set of diagnostics in the BIOS (for memory and hard disk drive) that are accessible only if
the USB or hard disk drive versions are not detected
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics 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
4Chapter 1 Getting Started in Windows 7
1.Go to http://hp.com/go/techcenter/pcdiags.
2.In the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics section, click the Download link, and then select Run.
Option 2: Support and Drivers pages—Provide downloads for a specific product for earlier and later
versions
1.Go to
2.Point to Support, located at the top of the page, and then click Download Drivers.
3.In the text box, enter the product name, and then click Go.
4.Select your computer model, and then select your operating system.
5.In the Diagnostic section, click HP UEFI Support Environment.
http://www.hp.com.
– or –
Click Find Now to let HP automatically detect your product.
– or –
Click Download, and then select Run.
Before you call for technical support
WARNING!When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, voltage is always applied to the system
board. To reduce the risk of personal injury from electrical shock and/or hot surfaces, be sure to disconnect
the power cord from the wall outlet and allow the internal system components to cool before you touch
them.
If you are having problems with the computer, try the appropriate solutions as described in the previous
sections and summarized below to try to isolate the exact problem before calling for technical support.
●
Check the power LED on the front of the computer to see if it is flashing and listen for a series of beeps
emanating from the computer. The flashing lights and/or beeps are error codes that will help you
diagnose the problem. Refer to the Maintenance and Service Guide (English only) for details.
●
If the screen is blank, plug the monitor into a different video port on the computer if one is available. Or,
replace the monitor with a monitor that you know is functioning properly.
●
If you are working on a network:
◦
Use a different network cable to connect your computer to the network.
◦
Connect a different computer with a different cable to the network.
If your problem is not resolved, the network jack on your computer or the network wall jack might be
faulty.
●
If you recently added new hardware, remove the hardware.
●
If you recently installed new software, uninstall the software.
●
Boot the computer to Safe Mode to see if it will boot without all of the drivers loaded. To boot to Safe
Mode:
If you encounter issues5
1.Restart the computer.
2.Press and hold the F8 key before the operating system starts to display the Advanced Boot
Options screen.
3.Use the arrow keys to highlight Last Known Good Configuration, and then press Enter to boot the
computer.
●
If the computer will turn on but will not boot into the operating system, you may run the “pre-boot”
diagnostics utility, HP PC Hardware Diagnostics. Refer to
for more information.
●
If the computer will boot into the operating system, there are two possible tools that provide self-solve
diagnostics and online chat features (if internet access is also available).
◦
If you have HP Support Assistant, you may access it by double-clicking the HP Support Assistant
icon.
◦
If you do not have HP Support Assistant installed, you may access HP Instant Support Professional
Edition at
http://www.hp.com/go/ispe.
Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics on page 4
You may also access the Business Support Center (BSC) at
online support information, software and drivers, for proactive notification, and access to a worldwide
community of peers and HP experts.
Comprehensive online technical support is also available at
If it becomes necessary to call for technical assistance, be prepared to do the following to ensure that your
service call is handled properly:
●
Be in front of your computer when you call.
●
Before calling, write down the product ID number, computer and monitor serial numbers, and the failure
ID produced by running the diagnostics if applicable.
●
Spend time troubleshooting the problem with the service technician.
●
Remove any hardware that was recently added to your system.
●
Remove any software that was recently installed.
NOTE:For sales information and warranty upgrades (HP Care Packs), call your local authorized service
provider or dealer.
Backing up, restoring, and recovering in Windows 7
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.
http://www.hp.com/go/bizsupport for the latest
http://www.hp.com/support.
This section provides information about the following processes:
●
Creating recovery media and backups
●
Restoring and recovering your system
NOTE:This section describes an overview of backing up, restoring, and recovering options. For more details
about the Windows Backup and Restore tools provided, see Help and Support. To access Help and Support,
select Start>Help and Support.
Recovery after a system failure is only as good as your most recent backup.
6Chapter 1 Getting Started in Windows 7
Loading...
+ 27 hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.