HP 15-r081nr User Manual
User Guide
© Copyright 2013, 2014 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its
proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard
Company under license. Microsoft,
Windows, and Windows 7 are U.S.
registered trademarks of the Microsoft
group of companies.
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.
Second Edition: February 2014
First Edition: December 2013
Document Part Number: 752217-002
Product notice
This guide describes features that are
common to most models. Some features
may not be available on your computer.
This computer may require upgraded and/
or separately purchased hardware and/or a
DVD drive to install the Windows 7
®
software and take full advantage of
Windows 7 functionality. See
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/
windows7/get-know-windows-7 for details.
To obtain the latest information in this
guide, contact support. For U.S. support, go
to
http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP. For
worldwide support, go to
http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/
wwcontact_us.html.
Software terms
By installing, copying, downloading, or
otherwise using any software product
preinstalled on this computer, you agree to
be bound by the terms of the HP End User
License Agreement (EULA). If you do not
accept these license terms, your sole
remedy is to return the entire unused
product (hardware and software) within 14
days for a refund subject to the refund
policy of your place of purchase.
For any further information or to request a
full refund of the computer, please contact
your local point of sale (the seller).
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. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to
come into contact with the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation.
The computer and the AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined
by the International Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).
iii
iv Safety warning notice
Table of contents
1 Starting right ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Best practices ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Fun things to do .................................................................................................................................... 1
More HP resources .............................................................................................................................. 2
2 Getting to know your computer ......................................................................................................................... 3
Finding your hardware and software information ................................................................................. 3
Front ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Right side ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Left side ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Display .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Top ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
TouchPad ............................................................................................................................ 8
Lights ................................................................................................................................... 9
Button ................................................................................................................................ 10
Keys ................................................................................................................................... 11
Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 13
3 Connecting to a network ................................................................................................................................. 14
Connecting to a wireless network ....................................................................................................... 14
Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 14
Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 14
Using operating system controls ....................................................................... 14
Using a WLAN ................................................................................................................... 15
Using an Internet service provider .................................................................... 15
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................ 15
Configuring a wireless router ............................................................................ 16
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................... 16
Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................... 16
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ..................................................... 17
Connecting to a wired network ........................................................................................................... 17
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) ......................................................................... 17
4 Enjoying entertainment features ..................................................................................................................... 19
Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 19
v
Using the webcam .............................................................................................................................. 20
Using audio ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................... 20
Connecting headphones and microphones ....................................................................... 21
Checking the sound ........................................................................................................... 21
Using video ......................................................................................................................................... 22
Connecting a VGA monitor or projector (select models only) ............................................ 22
Connecting an HDMI device .............................................................................................. 22
Configuring HDMI audio settings ...................................................................... 23
Managing your audio and video files (select models only) ................................................................. 24
5 Using the keyboard and pointing devices ....................................................................................................... 25
Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 25
Using ALT GR key combinations ....................................................................................... 25
Using the action keys ......................................................................................................... 25
Using the hot keys ............................................................................................................. 26
Using the keypad ............................................................................................................... 26
Using the integrated numeric keypad ................................................................ 26
Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 27
Navigating .......................................................................................................................... 28
Selecting ............................................................................................................................ 28
Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................................. 28
Scrolling ............................................................................................................ 29
Pinching/zooming .............................................................................................. 29
6 Managing power ............................................................................................................................................. 30
Using Sleep or Hibernation ................................................................................................................ 30
Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................................. 30
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ........................................................................................ 31
Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 31
Using the power meter ....................................................................................................................... 31
Selecting a power plan ....................................................................................................................... 31
Running on battery power .................................................................................................................. 32
Removing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 32
Finding battery information ................................................................................................ 33
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 34
Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................................. 34
Storing a user-replaceable battery ..................................................................................... 34
Disposing of a user-replaceable battery ............................................................................ 34
Replacing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 35
Running on external power .....................................
vi
........................................................................... 35
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 35
7 Managing and sharing information ................................................................................................................. 37
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 37
Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 37
Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 38
Connecting a powered USB device ................................................................................... 38
Inserting and removing a memory card .............................................................................................. 39
8 Maintaining your computer .............................................................................................................................. 40
Improving performance ...................................................................................................................... 40
Handling drives .................................................................................................................. 40
Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 40
Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 41
Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................... 41
Cleaning your computer ..................................................................................................................... 41
Cleaning procedures .......................................................................................................... 41
Cleaning the display (All-in-Ones or Notebooks) .............................................. 42
Cleaning the sides or cover ............................................................................... 42
Cleaning the TouchPad, keyboard, or mouse ................................................... 42
Traveling with or shipping your computer ........................................................................................... 42
9 Securing your computer and information ........................................................................................................ 44
Locating your security software .......................................................................................................... 44
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 44
Setting Windows passwords .............................................................................................. 45
Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords ............................................................................. 45
Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................... 46
Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................... 46
Using firewall software ....................................................................................................... 46
Installing software updates ................................................................................................................. 46
Installing Windows security updates .................................................................................. 46
Installing HP and third-party software updates .................................................................. 47
Securing your wireless network .......................................................................................................... 47
Backing up your software applications and information ..................................................................... 47
Using an optional security cable lock ................................................................................................. 47
10 Using Computer Setup (BIOS) and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) ................................................... 49
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................... 49
Updating the BIOS .............................................
................................................................................ 49
vii
Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 49
Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 50
Using System Diagnostics .................................................................................................................. 50
Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) (select models only) ..................................................... 51
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device ............................... 51
11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering .......................................................................................................... 52
Creating backups ............................................................................................................................... 52
Creating recovery media to recover the original system .................................................... 52
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 52
Creating the recovery media ............................................................ 53
Creating system restore points .......................................................................................... 53
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 53
Creating a system restore point ........................................................................ 53
Backing up system and personal information .................................................................... 53
Tips for a successful backup ............................................................................. 54
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 54
Creating a backup using Windows Backup and Restore .................................. 54
Restore and recovery ......................................................................................................................... 55
Restoring to a previous system restore point .................................................................... 55
Restoring specific files ....................................................................................................... 55
Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and Restore ............................ 55
Recovering the original system using HP Recovery Manager ........................................... 55
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 55
Recovering using HP Recovery partition (select models only) ......................... 56
Recovering using the recovery media ............................................................... 56
Changing the computer boot order ................................................... 56
12 Specifications ................................................................................................................................................ 58
Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 58
Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 58
13 Troubleshooting and support ........................................................................................................................ 59
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 59
Wireless connection problems ........................................................................................... 59
Cannot connect to a WLAN ............................................................................... 59
Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................. 59
Current network security codes are unavailable ............................................... 60
WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................... 60
Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................... 61
viii
Network status icon is not displayed ................................................................. 61
Audio problems .................................................................................................................. 61
Power management problems ........................................................................................... 62
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 62
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 62
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available .... 62
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 62
Troubleshooting an AC adapter ........................................................................ 62
Contacting support ............................................................................................................................. 63
14 Electrostatic Discharge ................................................................................................................................. 64
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 65
ix
x
1 Starting right
This computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. Read this
chapter to learn about best practices after you set up your computer, fun things to do with your
computer, and where to find additional HP resources.
Best practices
To protect your smart investment, after you set up and register the computer, we recommend the
following steps:
If you have not already done so, connect to a wired or wireless network. See details in
●
Connecting to a network on page 14.
Become familiar with the computer hardware and software. Go to
●
on page 3 and Enjoying entertainment features on page 19 for information.
Update or purchase antivirus software. Learn more at
●
Back up your hard drive by creating recovery discs or a recovery flash drive. See
●
restoring, and recovering on page 52.
Fun things to do
You know you can watch a YouTube video on the computer. But did you know that you can also
●
connect your computer to a TV and watch the video on TV? For more information, see
Connecting an HDMI device on page 22.
You know you can listen to music on the computer. But did you know that you can also stream
●
live radio to the computer and listen to music or talk radio from all over the world? See
audio on page 20.
●
You know you can create a powerful presentation with Microsoft
you can also connect to a projector to share your ideas with a group? See
monitor or projector (select models only) on page 22.
Getting to know your computer
Using antivirus software on page 46.
Backing up,
Using
®
applications. But did you know
Connecting a VGA
Best practices 1
More HP resources
You have already used
Setup Instructions
to turn on the computer and locate this guide. To locate
resources that provide product details, how-to information, and more, use this table.
Resource Contents
Setup Instructions
Help and Support
To access Help and Support, select Start > Help and
Support. For more details, go to
support.
http://www.hp.com/
Safety & Comfort Guide
To access this guide, select Start > Help and
Support > User Guides, or go to
ergo.
Worldwide support
To get support in your language, go to
http://www.hp.com/support.
http://www.hp.com/
Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices
To access this guide, select Start > Help and
Support > User Guides.
Overview of computer setup and features
●
A broad range of how-to information and troubleshooting tips
●
Proper workstation setup
●
Guidelines for posture and work habits that increase your
●
comfort and decrease your risk of injury
Electrical and mechanical safety information
●
Online chat with an HP technician
●
Email support
●
Worldwide support telephone numbers
●
HP service center locations
●
Important regulatory notices, including proper battery disposal
●
information
Limited Warranty
To access the warranty, select Start > Help and
Support > User Guides or go to
orderdocuments.
*You can find the expressly provided HP Limited Warranty applicable to your product located with the user guides on your
computer and/or on the CD/DVD provided in the box. In some countries/regions, HP may provide a printed HP Limited
Warranty in the box. For countries/regions where the warranty is not provided in printed format, you may request a printed
copy from
North America: Hewlett-Packard, MS POD, 11311 Chinden Blvd, Boise, ID 83714, USA
●
Europe, Middle East, Africa: Hewlett-Packard, POD, Via G. Di Vittorio, 9, 20063, Cernusco s/Naviglio (MI), Italy
●
Asia Pacific: Hewlett-Packard, POD, P.O. Box 200, Alexandra Post Office, Singapore 911507
●
When you request a printed copy of your warranty, please include your product number, warranty period (found on your
service label), name, and postal address.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT return your HP product to the addresses above. For U.S. support, go to
contactHP. For worldwide support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.
*
http://www.hp.com/go/
http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:
●
Specific warranty information about this computer
http://www.hp.com/go/
2 Chapter 1 Starting right
2 Getting to know your computer
Finding your hardware and software information
Select Start > Computer.
▲
A list displays all of the storage 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.
Front
Component Description
Memory card reader Reads data from and writes data to memory cards
such as Secure Digital (SD).
Finding your hardware and software information 3
Right side
Component Description
(1)
(2) Optical drive (select models only) Reads and writes (select models only) to an optical disc.
(3) Optical drive eject button (select models
USB 2.0 ports (2) Connect an optional USB device, such as a keyboard,
mouse, external drive, printer, scanner, or USB hub.
NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports, see
Using a USB device on page 37.
Releases the disc tray.
only)
4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Left side
Component Description
(1) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a
deterrent, but it may not prevent the computer from being
mishandled or stolen.
(2)
(3) AC adapter light
(4) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
(5)
(6)
(7)
Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
White: The AC adapter is connected and the battery is
●
charged.
Amber: The AC adapter is connected and the battery
●
is charging.
Off: The computer is using battery power.
●
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.
External monitor port (select models only) Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a
high-definition television, any compatible digital or audio
component, or a high-speed HDMI device.
RJ-45 (network) jack/status lights Connects a network cable.
White: The network is connected.
●
Amber: Activity is occurring on the network.
●
(8)
(9)
USB 3.0 port Connects an optional USB device, such as a keyboard,
Audio-out (headphone)/Audio-in
(microphone) jack
mouse, external drive, printer, scanner, or USB hub.
NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports, see
Using a USB device on page 37.
Connects optional powered stereo speakers, headphones,
earbuds, a headset, or a television audio cable. Also
connects an optional headset microphone. This jack does
not support optional microphone-only devices.
Left side 5
Component Description
WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust
the volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a
headset. For additional safety information, refer to the
Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices
NOTE: When a device is connected to the jack, the
computer speakers are disabled.
NOTE: Be sure that the device cable has a 4-conductor
connector that supports both audio-out (headphone) and
audio-in (microphone).
.
(10)
(11)
Hard drive light Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.
Power light
On: The computer is on.
●
Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, a power-
●
saving 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.
6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Display
Component Description
(1) WLAN antennas (1 or 2)* (select models only) Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
local area networks (WLANs).
(2) WWAN antennas (1 or 2)* (select models only) Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
wide area networks (WWAN).
(3) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.
(4) Webcam Records video and captures still photographs. Some models
provide access to video conferences and online chat by means
of streaming video.
To use the webcam, select Start > All Programs >
Communication and Chat > CyberLink YouCam.
(5) Internal microphone Records sound.
(6) Internal display switch Turns off the display and initiates Sleep if the display is closed
while the power is on.
NOTE: The internal display switch is not visible from the
outside of the computer.
*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately
around the antennas free from obstructions. For wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the
Environmental Notices
that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.
Regulatory, Safety, and
Display 7
Top
TouchPad
Component Description
(1) TouchPad zone Moves the on-screen pointer and selects or activates items
on the screen.
(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.
8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Lights
Component Description
(1)
(2) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on, which switches the keys to all capital
(3)
(4)
Power light
Mute light
Wireless light On: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local
On: The computer is on.
●
Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, a power-
●
saving 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.
letters.
Amber: Computer sound is off.
●
Off: Computer sound is on.
●
area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, is
on.
NOTE: The wireless light is amber when all wireless
devices are off.
Top 9
Button
Component 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.
If the computer has stopped responding and Windows
shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the
power button down for at least 5 seconds to turn off the
computer.
To learn more about your power settings, select Start >
Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options, or
Managing power on page 30.
see
®
10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Keys
Component Description
(1) esc key Reveals system information when pressed in combination
with the fn key.
(2) fn key Reveals system information when pressed in combination
with the esc key.
(3)
(4) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.
(5) num lk key Alternates between the navigational and numeric functions
(6) Integrated numeric keypad When num lk has been enabled, it can be used like an
Windows key Displays the Windows Start menu.
on the integrated numeric keypad.
NOTE: The keypad function that is active when the
computer is turned off is reinstated when the computer is
turned back on.
external numeric keypad. To alternate between this
numeric function and the navigational function (indicated by
the directional arrows on the keys), press the num lk key.
Top 11
Bottom
Component Description
(1)
(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(3) Vent Enable airflow to cool internal components.
(4)
(5) Speaker openings (2) Produce sound.
Battery lock and unlock latch Locks and unlocks the battery into the battery bay.
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.
Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay, after the
battery lock latch is unlocked.
12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
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.
Service label—Provides important information to identify your computer. When contacting
●
support, you will probably be asked for the serial number, and possibly for the product number or
the model number. Locate these numbers before you contact support.
Your service label will resemble one of the examples shown below. Refer to the illustration that
most closely matches the service label on your computer.
Component
(1) Serial number
(2) Product number
(3) Warranty period
(4) Model number (select models only)
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Windows Product Key. You may need the
●
Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system.
Regulatory label(s)—Provide(s) regulatory information about the computer.
●
Wireless certification label(s)—Provide(s) information about optional wireless devices and the
●
approval markings for the countries or regions in which the devices have been approved for use.
Labels 13
3 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.
Connecting to a wireless network
Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be
equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:
Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless local area
●
networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate
offices, your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and
universities. In a WLAN, the mobile wireless device in your computer communicates with a
wireless router or a wireless access point.
Bluetooth device (select models only)—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to
●
other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and
cameras. In a PAN, each device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be
relatively close together—typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.
For more information about wireless technology, see the information and website links provided in
Help and Support.
Using the wireless controls
You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:
Wireless button, wireless switch, or wireless key (referred to in this chapter as the wireless
●
button)
Operating system controls
●
Using the wireless button
The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one wireless light, depending
on the model. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless
light is on (white) when you turn on the computer.
The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of
individual devices. If the wireless light is white, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light
is off, all wireless devices are off.
NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.
Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless button to turn on or
turn off the wireless devices simultaneously.
Using operating system controls
The Network and Sharing Center allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network,
manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair network problems.
14 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network
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