HP (Hewlett-Packard) dv6 7138us User Manual

User Guide

© Copyright 2012 Hewlett-Packard

Development Company, L.P.

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. SD Logo is a trademark of its proprietor.

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: February 2012

Document Part Number: 671383-001

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.

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 ................................................................................................................................................	6
Rear ......................................................................................................................................................	7
Display ..................................................................................................................................................	8
Top .....................................................................................................................................................	10
TouchPad ..........................................................................................................................	10
Lights .................................................................................................................................	11
Buttons, speakers, and fingerprint reader (select models only) .........................................	12
Keys ...................................................................................................................................	14
Bottom ................................................................................................................................................	16
Labels .................................................................................................................................................	17
3 Connecting to a network ..............................................................................................................................	18
Connecting to a wireless network .......................................................................................................	18
Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................	18
Using the wireless button ..................................................................................	19
Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) ........................................	19
Using operating system controls .......................................................................	19
Using a WLAN ...................................................................................................................	20
Using an Internet service provider ....................................................................	20
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................	21
Configuring a wireless router ............................................................................	21
Protecting your WLAN .......................................................................................	21

v

Connecting to a WLAN ......................................................................................	22
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) .....................................................	22
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) ..........................................................................................	23
4 Enjoying entertainment features .................................................................................................................	24
Using the webcam ..............................................................................................................................	25
Using audio ........................................................................................................................................	26
Connecting speakers .........................................................................................................	26
Connecting headphones ....................................................................................................	27
Connecting a microphone ..................................................................................................	27
Using Beats Audio .............................................................................................................	27
Accessing Beats Audio Control Panel ...............................................................	27
Enabling and Disabling Beats Audio .................................................................	27
Checking the sound ...........................................................................................................	28
Using video .........................................................................................................................................	28
Connecting a VGA monitor or projector .............................................................................	29
Connecting an HDMI TV or monitor ...................................................................................	30
Configuring audio settings (with HDMI TV) .......................................................	31
Using Intel Wireless Display (select models only) .............................................................	31
Managing your audio and video files ..................................................................................................	31
5 Using the keyboard and pointing devices ..................................................................................................	32
Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................	33
Using ALT GR key combinations .......................................................................................	33
Using the action keys .........................................................................................................	33
Using the hot keys .............................................................................................................	35
Using the keypad ...............................................................................................................	35
Using the integrated numeric keypad ................................................................	35
Using the TouchPad ...........................................................................................................................	36
Turning the TouchPad off or on .........................................................................................	36
Navigating ..........................................................................................................................	37
Selecting ............................................................................................................................	37
Using TouchPad gestures .................................................................................................	38
Scrolling ............................................................................................................	39
Pinching/Zooming .............................................................................................	39
Rotating .............................................................................................................	40
Flicking ..............................................................................................................	40
6 Managing power ............................................................................................................................................	41
Using Sleep or Hibernation ................................................................................................................	42

vi

Initiating and exiting Sleep .................................................................................................	42
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ........................................................................................	43
Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................	43
Using the power meter .......................................................................................................................	44
Selecting a power plan .......................................................................................................................	44
Running on battery power ..................................................................................................................	45
Removing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................	45
Finding battery information ................................................................................................	45
Conserving battery power ..................................................................................................	46
Identifying low battery levels ..............................................................................................	46
Storing a user-replaceable battery .....................................................................................	46
Disposing of a user-replaceable battery ............................................................................	47
Replacing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................	47
Running on external power ................................................................................................................	47
Using HP CoolSense (select models only) .........................................................................................	48
Shutting down the computer ...............................................................................................................	48
7 Managing and sharing information .............................................................................................................	49
Using a USB device ...........................................................................................................................	49
Connecting a USB device ..................................................................................................	49
Removing a USB device ....................................................................................................	50
Connecting a powered USB device ...................................................................................	50
Inserting and removing digital storage cards ......................................................................................	51
Using optical drives ............................................................................................................................	52
Inserting an optical disc .....................................................................................................	53
Removing an optical disc ...................................................................................................	54
Sharing drives on the network ...........................................................................................	54
8 Maintaining your computer ..........................................................................................................................	55
Improving performance ......................................................................................................................	55
Handling drives ..................................................................................................................	55
Replacing a hard drive .......................................................................................................	56
Using HP 3D DriveGuard ...................................................................................................	58
Using Disk Defragmenter ...................................................................................................	58
Using Disk Cleanup ...........................................................................................................	58
Adding or replacing memory modules ...............................................................................	59
Updating programs and drivers ..........................................................................................................	62
Cleaning your computer .....................................................................................................................	62
Cleaning the display, sides, and cover ..............................................................................	62
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ..............................................................................	62
Traveling with or shipping your computer ...........................................................................................	63

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9 Securing your computer and information ..................................................................................................	64
Locating your security software ..........................................................................................................	65
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................	65
Setting Windows passwords ..............................................................................................	66
Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords .............................................................................	66
Using the fingerprint reader (select models only) ...............................................................................	67
Using HP SimplePass ........................................................................................................	67
Registering fingerprints .....................................................................................	67
Using your registered fingerprint to log on to Windows .....................................	67
Using Internet security software .........................................................................................................	68
Using antivirus software .....................................................................................................	68
Using firewall software .......................................................................................................	68
Installing software updates .................................................................................................................	69
Installing Windows security updates ..................................................................................	69
Installing HP and third-party software updates ..................................................................	69
Securing your wireless network ..........................................................................................................	70
Backing up your software applications and information .....................................................................	70
Using an optional security cable lock .................................................................................................	70
10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics ...............................................................................	71
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ...............................................................................................................	71
Updating the BIOS .............................................................................................................................	71
Determining the BIOS version ...........................................................................................	72
Downloading a BIOS update .............................................................................................	72
Using System Diagnostics ..................................................................................................................	73
11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering .....................................................................................................	74
Creating backups ...............................................................................................................................	74
Creating recovery media to recover the original system ....................................................	74
What you need to know .....................................................................................	75
Creating the recovery media ............................................................	75
Creating system restore points ..........................................................................................	75
What you need to know .....................................................................................	76
Creating a system restore point ........................................................................	76
Backing up system and personal information ....................................................................	76
Tips for a successful backup .............................................................................	76
What you need to know .....................................................................................	77
Creating a backup using Windows Backup and Restore ..................................	77
Restore and recovery .........................................................................................................................	78

viii

	Restoring to a previous system restore point ....................................................................	78
	Restoring specific files .......................................................................................................	78
	Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and Restore ............................	78
	Recovering the original system using HP Recovery Manager ...........................................	78
	What you need to know .....................................................................................	78
	Recovering using HP Recovery partition (select models only) .........................	79
	Recovering using the recovery media ...............................................................	79
	Changing the computer boot order ...................................................	80
12	Specifications ..............................................................................................................................................	81
	Input power .........................................................................................................................................	81
	Operating environment .......................................................................................................................	82
13 Troubleshooting and support ....................................................................................................................		83
	Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................	84
	Disc drive problems ...........................................................................................................	84
	Wireless connection problems ...........................................................................................	84
	Cannot connect to a WLAN ...............................................................................	85
	Cannot connect to a preferred network .............................................................	85
	Current network security codes are unavailable ...............................................	86
	WLAN connection is very weak .........................................................................	86
	Cannot connect to the wireless router ...............................................................	87
	Network status icon is not displayed .................................................................	87
	Audio problems ..................................................................................................................	87
	Power management problems ...........................................................................................	88
	Resolving a low battery level .............................................................................	88
	Resolving a low battery level when external power is available .......	88
	Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available ....	88
	Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
	Hibernation .......................................................................................	88
	Troubleshooting an AC adapter ........................................................................	88
	Contacting customer support .............................................................................................................	90
14	Electrostatic Discharge ..............................................................................................................................	91
Index ...................................................................................................................................................................		92

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x

1 Starting right

This computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. To get the most out of your computer, read this chapter to learn about best practices after setup, fun things to do with your computer, and where to go to get more HP resources.

Best practices

To protect your smart investment, after you set up and register the computer, we recommend the following steps:

●If you haven’t already done so, connect to a wired or wireless network. See details in Connecting to a network on page 18.

●Become familiar with the computer hardware and software. Go to Getting to know your computer on page 3 and Enjoying entertainment features on page 24 for information.

●Update or purchase antivirus software. Learn more at Using antivirus software on page 68.

●Back up your hard drive by creating recovery discs or a recovery flash drive. See Backing up, restoring, and recovering on page 74.

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 TV or monitor on page 30.

●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 Using audio on page 26.

●You know you can create a powerful presentation with Microsoft applications. But did you know you can also connect to a projector to share your ideas with a group? See Connecting a VGA monitor or projector on page 29.

Best practices

1

More HP resources

You have already used Setup Instructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. For product details, how-to information, and more, use this table.

Resource	Contents
Setup Instructions	● Overview of computer setup and features.
Help and Support	● A broad range of how-to information and troubleshooting tips.
To access Help and Support, select Start > Help and
Support. For more details, go to http://www.hp.com/
support.
Safety & Comfort Guide	●	Proper workstation setup.
To access this guide, select Start > Help and	● Guidelines for posture and work habits that increase your
Support > User Guides, or go to http://www.hp.com/		comfort and decrease your risk of injury.
ergo.	● Electrical and mechanical safety information.
Worldwide support	● Chat online with an HP technician.
To get support in your language, go to www.hp.com/	●	Email customer support.
support.	● Find worldwide customer support telephone numbers.
	● Locate HP service center locations.
Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices	● Important regulatory notices, including proper battery disposal
To access this guide, select Start > Help and		information.
Support > User Guides.
Limited Warranty*	● Specific warranty information about this computer.
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 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 http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:

●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 serial number label), name, and postal address.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT return your HP product to the addresses above. For product support, see your product home page at http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP.

2 Chapter 1 Starting right

2 Getting to know your computer

Finding your hardware and software information

▲Select Start > Computer.

A list displays all the devices installed in your computer, including optical drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), or a secondary hard drive.

To find out what software is included on your computer, select Start > All Programs.

Front

Component	Description
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)

Finding your hardware and software information

3

Right side

Component		Description
(1)	Optical drive	Reads and writes (select models only) to an optical disc.
(2)	Optical drive light	● Green: The optical drive is being accessed.
		● Off: The optical drive is idle.
(3)	Optical drive eject button	Releases the disc tray.
(4)	Power light	● White: The computer is on.
		● Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state,
		which is an energy-saving mode. The computer
		shuts off power to the display and other unneeded
		components.
		● Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
		Hibernation is an energy-saving mode that uses the
		least amount of power.
		NOTE: For select models, the Intel® Rapid Start
		Technology feature is enabled at the factory. Rapid
		Start Technology allows your computer to resume
		quickly from inactivity. For more information, see
		Using Sleep or Hibernation on page 42.
(5)	Hard drive light	● Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.
		● Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked
		the hard drive.
		NOTE: For information about HP 3D DriveGuard,
		see Using HP 3D DriveGuard on page 58.
(6)	USB 3.0 port	Connects an optional USB 3.0 device and provides
		enhanced USB power performance.
		NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports,
		see Using a USB device on page 49.
(7)	USB 2.0 port	Connects an optional USB device.
		NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports,
		see Using a USB device on page 49.

4	Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Component		Description
(8)	AC adapter light	● 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 DC power.
(9)	Power connector	Connects an AC adapter.
(10)	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.

Right side

5

Left side

Component		Description
(1)	Vent	Enables airflow to cool internal components.
		NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool
		internal components and prevent overheating. It is normal
		for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine
		operation.
(2)	External monitor port	Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
(3)	HDMI port	Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a
		high-definition television, or any compatible digital or
		audio device.
(4)	RJ-45 (network) jack	Connects a network cable.
(5)	USB 3.0 ports (2)	Connect an optional USB 3.0 device and provide
		enhanced USB power performance.
		NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports,
		see Using a USB device on page 49.
(6)	Audio-in (microphone) jack	Connects an optional computer headset microphone,
		stereo array microphone, or monaural microphone.
(7)	Audio-out (headphone) jack	Connect optional powered stereo speakers, headphones,
		earbuds, a headset, or a television audio cable.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume before using headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety information, see the

Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices.

NOTE: When a device is connected to a headphone jack, the computer speakers are disabled.

6	Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Rear

Component	Description
Vent	Enables 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.

Rear 7

Display

Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer.

Component		Description
(1)	WLAN antennas (2)*	Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
		local area networks (WLANs).
(2)	Internal microphones (2)	Record sound.
(3)	HP TrueVision HD Webcam	Records video, captures still photographs, allows video
		conferences and online chat by means of streaming video.
		To use the webcam, select Start > All Programs >
		Communication and Chat > CyberLink YouCam.
(4)	Webcam light	On: The webcam is in use.
(5)	Speakers (2)	Produce sound.

*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the area immediately around the antennas free from obstructions. For wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.

8	Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Component		Description
(1)	WLAN antennas (2)*	Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
		local area networks (WLANs).
(2)	Internal microphones (2)	Record sound.
(3)	HP TrueVision HD Webcam	Records video, captures still photographs, allows you to video
		conference and chat online using streaming video.
		To use the webcam, select Start > All Programs >
		Communication and Chat > CyberLink YouCam
(4)	Webcam light	On: The webcam is in use.

*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, see the section of the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.

Display 9

Top

TouchPad

Component		Description
(1)	TouchPad on/off button	Turns the TouchPad on or off.
(2)	TouchPad light	● On: The TouchPad is off.
		● Off: The TouchPad is on.
(3)	TouchPad zone	Moves the on-screen pointer and selects or activates items
		on the screen.
(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.

10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Lights

Component		Description
(1)	Power light	● White: The computer is on.
		● Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state,
		which is an energy-saving mode. The computer shuts
		off power to the display and other unneeded
		components.
		● Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation
		is an energy-saving mode that uses the least amount
		of power.
		NOTE: For select models, the Intel® Rapid Start
		Technology feature is enabled at the factory. Rapid
		Start Technology allows your computer to resume
		quickly from inactivity. For more information, see Using
		Sleep or Hibernation on page 42.
(2)	Mute light	● Amber: Computer sound is off.
		● Off: Computer sound is on.
(3)	Wireless light	● White: An integrated wireless device, such as a
		wireless local area network (WLAN) device and/or a
		Bluetooth® device, is on.
		● Amber: All wireless devices are off.
(4)	Caps lock light	On: Caps lock is on, which switches the keys to all capital
		letters.
(5)	Fingerprint reader light (select models only)	● White: The fingerprint was read.
		● Amber: The fingerprint was not read.

Top 11

Buttons, speakers, and fingerprint reader (select models only)

Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer.

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.
		CAUTION: Pressing and holding down the power button
		will result in the loss of unsaved information.
		If the computer has stopped responding and Microsoft®
		Windows® shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and
		hold down 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 see Managing power on page 41.
(2)	Speakers (2)	Produce sound.
(3)	Fingerprint reader (select models only)	Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a
		password logon.

12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

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.
		CAUTION: Pressing and holding down the power button
		will result in the loss of unsaved information.
		If the computer has stopped responding and Microsoft
		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 see Managing power on page 41.
(2)	Speakers (2)	Produce sound.

Top 13

Keys

Component		Description
(1)	esc key	Displays system information when pressed in combination
		with the fn key.
(2)	fn key	Executes frequently used system functions when pressed
		in combination with the esc key or the b key.
(3)	Windows logo key	Displays the Windows Start menu.
(4)	b key	Enables or disables Beats Audio when pressed in
		combination with the fn key.
		Beats Audio is an enhanced audio feature that provides a
		deep, controlled bass while maintaining a clear sound.
		Beats Audio is enabled by default.
		Opens Beats Audio Control Panel, which allows you to
		view and control all audio settings. Beats Audio is an
		enhanced audio feature that provides a deep, controlled
		bass while maintaining a clear sound.
		NOTE: You can also open the Beats Audio Control Panel
		by selecting Start > Control Panel > Hardware and
		Sound > Beats Audio Control Panel.
(5)	Action keys	Execute frequently used system functions.
(6)	Windows applications key	Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the cursor.

14 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Component		Description
(7)	num lock key	Controls the function of the integrated numeric keypad.
		Press the key to alternate between the standard numeric
		function of an external keypad (selected at the factory) and
		the navigational function (indicated by the directional
		arrows on the keys).
		NOTE: The keypad function that is active when the
		computer is turned off is reinstated when the computer is
		turned back on
(8)	Integrated numeric keypad	Set at the factory to function like an external numeric
		keypad. To alternate between this numeric function and the
		navigational function (indicated by the directional arrows on
		the keys), press the num lock key.

Top 15

Bottom

Component		Description
(1)	Battery bay	Holds the battery.
(2)	Battery release latch	Releases the battery from the battery bay and opens the
		service door.
(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)	Integrated subwoofer	Provides superior bass sound.
(5)	Hard drive bay, wireless compartment, and	The service door provides access to the hard drive bay,
	memory module compartment	wireless compartment and memory module compartment.

CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system, replace the wireless module only with a wireless module authorized for use in the computer by the governmental agency that regulates wireless devices in your country or region. If you replace the module and then receive a warning message, remove the module to restore computer functionality, and then contact customer support through Help and Support.

16 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. The labels are in easily accessible locations.

●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 technical 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—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. If your computer model includes one or more wireless devices, one or more certification labels are included with your computer. You may need this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are affixed inside the battery bay.

Labels 17

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—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other Bluetoothenabled 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)

●HP Connection Manager software (select models only)

●Operating system controls

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Using the wireless button

The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights, 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. Individual wireless devices can be controlled through HP Connection Manager (select models only).

Using HP Connection Manager (select models only)

HP Connection Manager provides a central location for managing your wireless devices and an interface for sending and receiving SMS (text) messages. 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, power status, subscriber identity module (SIM) details, and SMS (text) messages. Status information and notifications are provided in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

To open HP Connection Manager, select Start > All Programs > HP Help and Support > HP Connection Manager.

For more details about using HP Connection Manager, see 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.

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Using a WLAN

With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.

NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably.

●A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points that can accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network functions.

●A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional pieces of hardware or software.

To use the WLAN device in your computer, you must connect to a WLAN infrastructure (provided through a service provider or a public or corporate network).

Using an Internet service provider

When you are setting up Internet access in your home, 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 a password to use for Internet access. Record this information and store it in a safe place.

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