HP (Hewlett-Packard) A6X73UAR-ABA User Manual

User Guide
HP Notebook
© Copyright 2011 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. AMD is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. SD Logo is a trademark of its proprietor.
Product notice
This guide describes features that are common to most models. Some features may not be available on your computer.
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.
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.
First Edition: August 2011
Document Part Number: 659983-001
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 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
Important first steps .............................................................................................................................. 1
Finding information ............................................................................................................................... 2
2 Getting to know your computer ..................................................................................................................... 4
Top ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
TouchPad ............................................................................................................................ 4
Lights ................................................................................................................................... 5
Buttons and fingerprint reader ............................................................................................. 6
Keys ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Front ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
Right side ........................................................................................................................................... 10
Left side .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Display ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 13
Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 14
3 HP QuickWeb ................................................................................................................................................ 15
Getting started .................................................................................................................................... 15
Starting HP QuickWeb ....................................................................................................................... 16
4 Networking .................................................................................................................................................... 17
Using an Internet service provider ...................................................................................................... 18
Creating a wireless connection .......................................................................................................... 19
Identifying wireless and network status icons .................................................................... 19
Turning wireless devices on or off ..................................................................................... 20
Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) ........................................................ 20
Using operating system controls ........................................................................................ 20
Using a WLAN .................................................................................................................................... 20
Connecting to an existing WLAN ....................................................................................... 21
Setting up a new WLAN network ....................................................................................... 21
v
Configuring a wireless router ............................................................................ 22
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................... 22
Roaming to another network ............................................................................. 23
Using Bluetooth wireless devices ....................................................................................................... 23
Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................. 23
Connecting to a wired network ........................................................................................................... 24
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) ......................................................................... 24
5 Pointing devices and keyboard ................................................................................................................... 25
Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 25
Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 25
Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 25
Turning the TouchPad off or on ........................................................................ 26
Navigating ......................................................................................................... 27
Selecting ........................................................................................................... 27
Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................. 28
Scrolling ............................................................................................ 29
Pinching/Zooming ............................................................................. 29
Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 30
Using the action keys ......................................................................................................... 30
Using the hotkeys .............................................................................................................. 32
6 Multimedia and other features ..................................................................................................................... 33
Using the media activity controls ........................................................................................................ 33
Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 33
Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 34
Checking audio functions on the computer ........................................................................ 34
Intel Wireless Display ......................................................................................................................... 35
Using Beats Audio (select models only) ............................................................................................. 35
Webcam ............................................................................................................................................. 36
Video .................................................................................................................................................. 36
VGA ................................................................................................................................... 36
HDMI .................................................................................................................................. 37
Configuring audio for HDMI ............................................................................... 37
Using CyberLink PowerDVD (select models only) ............................................................................. 38
7 Power management ...................................................................................................................................... 39
Inserting or removing the battery ........................................................................................................ 39
Inserting the battery ........................................................................................................... 39
Removing the battery ......................................................................................................... 40
vi
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 41
Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 41
Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 41
Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 42
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 42
Using the power meter ....................................................................................................... 43
Using power plans ............................................................................................................. 43
Viewing the current power plan ......................................................................... 43
Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................ 43
Customizing power plans .................................................................................. 43
Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 44
Using HP Power Manager (select models only) ................................................................................. 44
Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 45
Finding battery information ................................................................................................ 45
Using Battery Check .......................................................................................................... 45
Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 46
Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 46
Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 46
Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 46
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 47
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 47
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is available ... 47
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available .... 47
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 47
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 48
Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 48
Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 48
Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 48
Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 49
Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................... 50
Switchable graphics/dual graphics (select models only) .................................................................... 51
Using switchable graphics (select models only) ................................................................ 51
Using dual graphics (select models only) .......................................................................... 52
Refreshing your software content (select models only) ...................................................................... 52
8 External cards and devices .......................................................................................................................... 53
Using Digital Media Slot cards (select models only) .......................................................................... 53
Inserting a digital card ........................................................................................................ 53
Removing a digital card ..................................................................................................... 54
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 54
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Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 55
Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 55
Using optional external devices .......................................................................................................... 56
Using optional external drives ............................................................................................ 56
9 Drives ............................................................................................................................................................. 57
Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 57
Using hard drives ............................................................................................................................... 58
Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................... 58
Using Disk Defragmenter .................................................................................. 58
Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................... 58
Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only) .................................................................. 59
Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status ................................................................ 59
Managing power with a parked hard drive ........................................................ 60
Using HP 3D DriveGuard software ................................................................... 60
Adding or replacing a hard drive ........................................................................................................ 61
Removing the hard drive .................................................................................................... 61
Installing a hard drive ......................................................................................................... 63
Using optical drives ............................................................................................................................ 65
Identifying the installed optical drive .................................................................................. 65
Inserting an optical disc ..................................................................................................... 65
Removing an optical disc ................................................................................................... 66
When the disc tray opens normally ................................................................... 66
When the disc tray fails to open normally ......................................................... 67
Sharing optical drives ........................................................................................................ 68
10 Memory modules ........................................................................................................................................ 69
Adding or replacing memory modules ................................................................................................ 69
11 Securing your computer and information ................................................................................................ 74
Locating your security software (select models only) ......................................................................... 75
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 75
Setting Windows passwords .............................................................................................. 76
Setting passwords in Setup Utility (BIOS) ......................................................................... 76
Using the fingerprint reader ................................................................................................................ 77
Registering fingerprints ...................................................................................................... 77
Using your registered fingerprint to log on to Windows ..................................... 77
Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................... 78
Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................... 78
Using firewall software ....................................................................................................... 78
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Installing software updates ................................................................................................................. 79
Installing Windows security updates .................................................................................. 79
Installing HP and third-party software updates ................................................. 79
Securing your wireless network ......................................................................................... 79
Backing up your software applications and information ..................................................................... 80
Using an optional security cable lock ................................................................................................. 80
12 Backup and recovery .................................................................................................................................. 81
Restoring the system .......................................................................................................................... 82
Creating restore media ....................................................................................................................... 82
Performing a system recovery ............................................................................................................ 83
Using the dedicated recovery partition .............................................................................. 83
Restoring using the restore media ..................................................................................... 84
Changing the computer boot order .................................................................................... 84
Backing up and recovering your information ...................................................................................... 85
Using Windows Backup and Restore ................................................................................ 86
Using Windows system restore points ............................................................................... 86
When to create restore points ........................................................................... 86
Create a system restore point ........................................................................... 87
Restore to a previous date and time ................................................................. 87
13 Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics .......................................................................................... 88
Using Setup Utility (BIOS) .................................................................................................................. 88
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) .............................................................................................. 88
Changing the language of Setup Utility (BIOS) ................................................................. 88
Navigating and selecting in Setup Utility (BIOS) ................................................................ 89
Displaying system information ........................................................................................... 89
Restoring factory settings in Setup Utility (BIOS) .............................................................. 90
Exiting Setup Utility (BIOS) ................................................................................................ 90
Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................. 91
Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................... 91
Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................. 92
Using System Diagnostics .................................................................................................................. 93
Appendix A Troubleshooting and support .................................................................................................... 94
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 94
The computer is unable to start up .................................................................................... 94
The computer screen is blank ............................................................................................ 94
Software is functioning abnormally .................................................................................... 94
The computer is on but not responding ............................................................................. 95
ix
The computer is unusually warm ....................................................................................... 95
An external device is not working ...................................................................................... 95
The wireless network connection is not working ................................................................ 96
The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a disc .................................................. 97
The computer does not detect the disc drive ..................................................................... 98
A disc does not play ........................................................................................................... 99
The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion .................. 100
Contacting customer support ........................................................................................................... 100
Appendix B Cleaning your computer ........................................................................................................... 101
Cleaning the display ......................................................................................................................... 101
Cleaning the sides and cover ........................................................................................................... 101
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................................. 101
Appendix C Traveling with the computer .................................................................................................... 102
Appendix D Updating programs and drivers .............................................................................................. 104
Appendix E Electrostatic Discharge ............................................................................................................ 105
Appendix F Specifications ............................................................................................................................ 106
Input power ....................................................................................................................................... 106
DC plug of external HP power supply .............................................................................. 106
Operating environment ..................................................................................................................... 107
Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 108
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1Introduction
This guide contains details about your computer's components, such as ports and jacks. It describes multimedia and other features. And it provides important security, backup, and recovery information.
NOTE: Some of the features described in this guide may not be available on your computer.

Important first steps

After you set up and register the computer, it is important to take the following steps:
1. Set up your wired or wireless network. For more information, refer to
2. Update your antivirus software. For more information, refer to
information on page 74.
3. Create recovery discs or a recovery flash drive. For instructions, refer to
on page 81.
4. Get to know your computer. Refer to
devices and keyboard on page 25 for additional information.
5. Discover the software that is already installed on the computer by selecting Start > All
Programs.
Getting to know your computer on page 4 and Pointing
Securing your computer and
Networking on page 17.
Backup and recovery
Important first steps 1

Finding information

The computer comes with several resources to help you perform various tasks.
Resource Contents
Setup Instructions
User Guide
To access this guide:
Select Start > Help and Support > User Guides.
How to set up the computer
Identification of computer components
Computer features
Power management features
Instructions for the following:
Connecting to a wireless network
Using the keyboard and pointing devices
Using the multimedia features of the computer
Maximizing battery life
Replacing or upgrading the hard drive and memory
modules
Protecting the computer
Performing a backup and a recovery
Contacting customer support
Caring for the computer
Updating the software
Help and Support
To access Help and Support, select Start > Help and
Support.
NOTE: For country- or region-specific support, go to
http://www.hp.com/support, select your country or
region, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices
To access this guide:
Select Start > Help and Support > User Guides.
Safety & Comfort Guide
To access this guide:
Select Start > Help and Support > User Guides.
– or –
Go to
http://www.hp.com/ergo.
Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet
This booklet is provided with your computer.
Computer specifications
Operating system information
Software, driver, and BIOS updates
Troubleshooting tools
Instructions for contacting customer support
Regulatory and safety information
Battery disposal information
Proper workstation setup
Guidelines for posture and work habits that maximize your
comfort and decrease your risk of injury
Electrical and mechanical safety information
HP customer support telephone numbers
2 Chapter 1 Introduction
Resource Contents
HP Web site
To access this Web site, go to
support.
Limited Warranty*
To access the warranty:
Select Start > Help and Support > User Guides.
– or –
Go to
http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments.
*You can find the expressly provided HP Limited Warranty applicable to your product located with the electronic 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 some 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
Please include your product number, warranty period (found on your serial number label), name, and postal address.
http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:
http://www.hp.com/
Customer support information
Information for ordering parts
Software, driver, and BIOS updates
Information about accessories for the computer
Warranty information
IMPORTANT: Do NOT return your HP product to the addresses above. For product support, refer to your product home
page at
http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP.
Finding information 3

2 Getting to know your computer

Top

TouchPad

Component Description
(1) TouchPad light
(2) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on or off.
(3) TouchPad zone Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the
(4) Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
(5) Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
On: The TouchPad is off.
Off: The TouchPad is on.
screen.

Lights

Component Description
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.
(5) TouchPad light
(6) Fingerprint reader light
Power light
Mute light Amber: Computer sound is off.
Wireless light White: An integrated wireless device, such as a
White: The computer is on.
Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state.
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
Off: Computer sound is on.
wireless local area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, is on.
Amber: All wireless devices are off.
On: The TouchPad is off.
Off: The TouchPad is on.
White: The fingerprint was read.
Amber: The fingerprint was not read.
Top 5

Buttons and fingerprint reader

Component Description
(1)
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.
If the computer has stopped responding and Windows® shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the power button 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 refer to
Setting power options on page 41.
6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Component Description
(2)
(3) Fingerprint reader Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a
QuickWeb button Opens QuickWeb (select models only).
When the computer is off or in Hibernation, press the
button to open HP QuickWeb.
When the computer is in Microsoft Windows, press the
button to open the default Web browser.
When the computer is in HP QuickWeb, press the
button to open the Web browser.
QuickWeb allows you to browse the Internet, communicate with Skype, and explore other HP QuickWeb programs. When the computer is off or in Hibernation, you can press the QuickWeb button to access these features without waiting for the operating system to start.
NOTE: For more information, refer to HP QuickWeb
on page 15 and to the HP QuickWeb software Help. If
your computer does not have HP QuickWeb software, the button opens the Web browser.
password logon.
Top 7

Keys

Component Description
(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination
(2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed
(3)
(4) b key Enables or disables the Beats Audio bass settings (select
(5)
(6) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.
Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.
Windows applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the pointer.
with the fn key.
in combination with the b key or the esc key.
models only) when pressed in combination with the fn key.
Beats Audio is an enhanced audio profile that provides a deep, controlled bass while maintaining a clear sound. Beats Audio is enabled by default.
You can view and control the bass settings through the Windows operating system. To view and control the bass properties:
Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Beats Audio Control Panel.
8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Front

Component Description
(1) Digital Media Slot Supports the following digital card formats:
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card
Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDxC) Memory Card
Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Card
Ultra High Speed MultiMediaCard (UHS/MMC)
(2) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
Front 9

Right side

Component Description
(1) Optical drive Reads and writes (select models only) to an optical disc.
(2) Optical drive eject button Ejects the optical disc.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6) Battery light
Audio-out (headphone) jack/audio-in (microphone) jack
USB 2.0 port Connects optional USB devices.
Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
Connects optional powered stereo speakers, headphones, earbuds, a headset, or television audio. Also connects an optional headset microphone.
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: The microphone function is operational only when
used with a headphone/microphone unit that has a 4­conductor audio connector..
White: The computer is connected to external power
and the battery is fully charged.
Amber: A battery is charging.
Blinking white: The battery charge level is 12% or less
(recharge the battery as soon as possible).
10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Off: The computer is not connected to external power.

Left side

Component Description
(1)
(2) Vents Enable airflow to cool internal components.
(3)
(4)
(5)
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.
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.
Power light
Hard drive light
External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
White: The computer is on.
Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state.
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.
Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the
hard drive.
NOTE: For information on HP 3D DriveGuard, refer
Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only)
to
on page 59.
(6)
(7)
(8)
RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a
high-definition television, or any compatible digital or audio device.
USB 3.0 ports (2) Connect optional USB 3.0 devices and provide enhanced
USB power performance.
NOTE: The USB 3.0 port is also compatible with USB 1.0
and USB 2.0 devices.
Left side 11

Display

Component Description
(1) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
(2) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.
(3) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.
(4) Webcam Records video and captures still photographs.
*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from obstructions. To see wireless regulatory notices, refer to the section of the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.
local area networks (WLANs).
To use the webcam, select Start > All Programs > Communication and Chat > CyberLink YouCam.
12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Bottom

Component Description
(1) HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofers Provide superior bass sound
(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(3) Vents (3) 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.
(4)
(5)
(6)
Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay, and releases the
hard drive/memory module compartment cover.
Memory module compartment Contains the memory module slots, the wireless LAN
(WLAN) module, and the mSATA drive (select models only).
Hard drive bay Holds the hard drive.
Bottom 13

Labels

The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system problems or travel internationally with the computer:
Serial number label—Provides important information, including the following:
Component
(1) Product name
(2) Serial number
(3) Product part number
(4) Warranty period
(5) Model description
Have this information available when you contact customer support. The serial number label is affixed inside the battery bay.
Microsoft® Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Windows Product Key. You may need the
Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system. The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity is located on the bottom of the computer.
Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is
affixed inside the battery bay.
Wireless certification label or labels (select models only)—Provide information about optional
wireless devices and the approval markings of some of the countries or regions in which the devices have been approved for use. You may need this information when traveling internationally. If your computer model includes one or more wireless devices, one or more certification labels are included with your computer. Wireless certification labels are affixed to the bottom of the computer.
14 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

3 HP QuickWeb

Getting started

The HP QuickWeb environment provides a fun and engaging way to perform many of your favorite activities. Your computer is ready to go within seconds of starting QuickWeb, allowing you to rapidly access the Internet, widgets, and communication programs. To use QuickWeb, press the QuickWeb button, and then start browsing the Web, communicating with others using Skype, and exploring other HP QuickWeb programs.
Your HP QuickWeb Home screen includes the following features:
Web browser—Search and browse the Internet, and create links to your favorite Web sites.
Skype (select models only)—Communicate using Skype, an application that uses voice over
Internet protocol (VoIP). Skype lets you make conference calls or have video chats with one or more people at a time. You can also make long-distance phone calls to land lines.
Widgets—Start using widgets for news, weather, social networking, stocks, a calculator, sticky
notes, and more. You can also use Widget Manager to add more widgets to the HP QuickWeb Home screen.
NOTE: For additional information about using HP QuickWeb, refer to the HP QuickWeb software
Help.
Getting started 15

Starting HP QuickWeb

To start HP QuickWeb, press the QuickWeb button when the computer is off or in Hibernation.
The following table explains the different behaviors of the QuickWeb button.
Button Behavior
QuickWeb button
When the computer is off or in Hibernation, press the
button to open HP QuickWeb.
When the computer is in Microsoft Windows, press the
button to open the default Web browser.
When the computer is in HP QuickWeb, press the
button to open the Web browser.
NOTE: If your computer does not have HP QuickWeb
software, the button opens the Web browser.
NOTE: For more information, refer to the HP QuickWeb software Help.
16 Chapter 3 HP QuickWeb
4Networking
Your computer supports two types of Internet access:
Wireless—Refer to
Wired—Refer to
NOTE: You must set up Internet service before you can connect to the Internet.
Creating a wireless connection on page 19.
Connecting to a wired network on page 24.
17

Using an Internet service provider

Before you can connect to the Internet, you must establish an account with an Internet service provider (ISP). To purchase Internet service and a modem, contact a local ISP. The ISP will help set up the modem, install a network cable to connect your wireless computer to the modem, and test the Internet service.
NOTE: Your ISP will give you a user ID and password to access the Internet. Record this
information and store it in a safe place.
The following features will help you set up a new Internet account or configure the computer to use an existing account:
Internet Services & Offers (available in some locations)—This utility assists with signing up
for a new Internet account and configuring the computer to use an existing account. To access this utility, select Start > All Programs > Online Services > Get Online.
ISP-provided icons (available in some locations)—These icons may be displayed either
individually on the Windows desktop or grouped in a desktop folder named Online Services. To set up a new Internet account or configure the computer to use an existing account, double-click an icon, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Windows Connect to the Internet Wizard—This wizard allows you to connect to the Internet in
any of the following situations:
You already have an account with an ISP.
You do not have an Internet account and want to select an ISP from the list provided within
the wizard. (The list of ISP providers is not available in all regions.)
You have selected an unlisted ISP, and the ISP has provided you with information such as
a specific IP address and POP3 and SMTP settings.
To access the Windows Connect to the Internet Wizard and instructions for using it, select
Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
NOTE: If you are prompted within the wizard to choose between enabling or disabling
Windows Firewall, choose to enable the firewall.
18 Chapter 4 Networking

Creating a wireless connection

Your computer may be equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:
Wireless local area network (WLAN) device
Bluetooth® device
For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided in Help and Support.

Identifying wireless and network status icons

Icon Name Description
HP Connection Manager Opens HP Connection Manager, which enables you to create and manage
WLAN, and Bluetooth connections.
Wired network (connected) Indicates that one or more network devices are connected to the network.
Network (disabled/ disconnected)
Network (connected) Indicates that one or more network devices are connected to a network.
Network (disconnected) Indicates that network devices are not connected to a network.
Network (disabled/ disconnected)
Indicates that all network devices are disabled in Windows Control Panel.
Indicates that no wireless connections are available.
Creating a wireless connection 19

Turning wireless devices on or off

You can use the wireless key or HP Connection Manager (select models only) to turn on and turn off wireless devices. Refer to location of the wireless key on your computer.
To turn off wireless devices using HP Connection Manager:
Right-click the HP Connection Manager icon in the notification area, at the far right of the
taskbar, and then click the power button next to the desired device.
– or –
Select Start > All Programs > HP Help and Support > HP Connection Manager, and then click the power button next to the desired device.
Using the action keys on page 30 for information on identifying the

Using HP Connection Manager (select models only)

HP Connection Manager provides a central location for managing your wireless devices. HP Connection Manager allows you to manage the following devices:
Wireless local area network (WLAN)/Wi-Fi
Bluetooth®
HP Connection Manager provides information and notifications on connection status and power status. Status information and notifications are provided in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
To open HP Connection Manager:
Click the HP Connection Manager icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
– or –
Select Start > All Programs > HP Help and Support > HP Connection Manager.
For more information, refer to the HP Connection Manager software Help.

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.
To use operating system controls:
Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
For more information, select Start > Help and Support.

Using a WLAN

A wireless connection connects the computer to Wi-Fi networks, or WLANs. A WLAN is composed of other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.
20 Chapter 4 Networking
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