HP PAVILION A6500 User Manual

Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide

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Table of Contents

Maintenance............................................................................................1

Creating Data Backup Discs .................................................................................... 1

Creating System Recovery Discs ............................................................................... 1

Removing Unused Programs.....................................................................................2

Using Windows Update .......................................................................................... 2

Reviewing programs that automatically run at startup ..................................................2

Running the Disk Cleanup Program...........................................................................2

Running Disk Cleanup manually .......................................................................... 2

Scheduling Disk Cleanup to run automatically .......................................................2

Running the Disk Defragmenter Program.................................................................... 3

Checking for Hard Disk Drive Errors ......................................................................... 3

Understanding Hard Disk Drive Space ...................................................................... 3

Keeping the Computer Free of Dust and Dirt .............................................................. 4

Cleaning the computer and monitor .....................................................................4

Cleaning the keyboard and mouse ...................................................................... 4

Troubleshooting Computer Problems ........................................................5

Audio ...................................................................................................................5

CD and DVD Drives................................................................................................ 7

Video....................................................................................................................9

Display (Monitor).................................................................................................. 10

Hard Disk Drive.................................................................................................... 11

Hardware Installation............................................................................................11

Internet Access ..................................................................................................... 13

Keyboard and Mouse ...........................................................................................15

Power ................................................................................................................. 18

Performance ........................................................................................................19

Bluetooth Wireless Devices ....................................................................................20

Miscellaneous ......................................................................................................21

Repairing Software Problems ................................................................22

Software Repair Overview.....................................................................................22

Restarting Your Computer ......................................................................................22

Turning Off Your Computer.................................................................................... 22

Updating Drivers ..................................................................................................22

Microsoft System Restore ....................................................................................... 23

Software Program and Hardware Driver Reinstallation ..............................................23

System Recovery .................................................................................................. 24

Creating Recovery Discs........................................................................................ 24

System Recovery Options ...................................................................................... 25

Starting system recovery from the hard disk drive ................................................ 25

Starting system recovery from recovery discs.......................................................26

Table o f Cont e n ts iii

iv Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide

Maintenance

This section includes information about tasks you can perform to help ensure trouble-free operation of your computer, and to ease the recovery of important information on your computer if problems arise in the future.

Creating Data Backup Discs

Use CD or DVD recording (or burning) software that is installed on your computer, (for example, CyberLink Power2Go) to create backup discs of important information, including personal files, e-mail messages, and Web site bookmarks. You can also move data to an external hard disk drive.

The following procedure is just one way to back up data; refer to Help and Support for more information.

1 Click the Windows Vista start button™ ,

All Programs, and then click CyberLink DVD Suite.

The CyberLink registration window opens. Register now or later.

2 Click the data icon at the top of the

window.

3 Click Make a data DVD or Make a

data CD.

The Power2Go window opens, listing your folders.

4 Highlight the files or folders you want to move,

and then click the Add icon .

 To remove a file, select it, and then click the

Delete a Folder icon .

 To remove all files, click the Delete all

Folders icon .

5 When you are finished adding files, click the

Burn a Disc icon.

The Configuration/Information window opens to the Burner tab, to enable you to set your recording configuration. Leave these at the default settings.

6 At the message prompting you to insert a

disc, do so.

Power2Go begins recording your data to disc, showing a progress bar.

7 At the message Data Disc: Completed

Successfully, click OK.

The disc is automatically ejected.

8 Remove the disc from the disc drive, label it, and

store it in a safe place.

When writing data to a backup disc, use software that includes write verification functionality (CyberLink Power2Go software does). This feature compares the data on your hard disk drive with the data copied to the disc to ensure it is an exact copy. Depending on your disc recording software, you may need to manually enable this feature (refer to the software documentation).

If you encounter recording issues, try alternate media (different types or brands). Also, use the Windows Explorer tool to view your files and verify content was copied over. To open Windows Explorer, right-click the

Windows Vista start button, and then click Explore.

Creating System Recovery Discs

This is a one-time procedure that you should perform while your computer is working properly. If you encounter problems with your computer later, you can restore it to its original factory settings by using the system recovery discs that you created.

Before creating system recovery discs, read “System Recovery” on page 24.

 To create a new folder in the directory, click

the Add Folder icon .

A folder is created under the current directory.

Maintenance 1

Removing Unused Programs

Unused programs take up memory space and slow down the computer. If there are programs you do not use, follow these steps to uninstall them.

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, and

then click Control Panel.

2 Click Uninstall a program. The Programs and

Features window opens.

3 Select the program you want to remove, and then

click Uninstall.

4 Follow the onscreen instructions.

Running the Disk Cleanup Program

The Disk Cleanup program frees up space on your hard disk drive by removing temporary and unused files (including temporary Internet files and files in the Recycle Bin). You can run Disk Cleanup manually, or you can set it up to run automatically.

Running Disk Cleanup manually

1 Click the Windows Vista start button,

All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.

NOTE: Some programs have their own uninstall

features. If you cannot uninstall a program from the Control Panel, refer to the program documentation or online Help.

Using Windows Update

Check for updates or schedule a monthly automatic update. (See the Getting Started guide for details.)

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, and

Control Panel.

2 Under Security, click the Check for Updates

button.

3 Click Install Updates.

Reviewing programs that automatically run at startup

Set the Startup Programs feature to open only needed software programs, to improve system speed and performance:

1 Click the Windows Vista start button,

All Programs, then click Windows Defender.

2 Click Tools.

3 Click Software Explorer.

4 In the Category list, select Startup Programs.

5 Select the program that you want to prevent from

running at startup, and click Disable.

Disk Cleanup searches for files to delete and calculates how much disk space can be saved.

2 Place a check mark in the check box next to the

file types you want to delete.

3 Click OK, and then click Delete Files to finish

deleting the selected files.

Scheduling Disk Cleanup to run automatically

1 Click the Windows Vista start button,

All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Tas k Scheduler.

2 Click Action, and then click Create

Basic Task.

3 Type a name for the task, and an optional

description.

4 Click Next, and then click Next again.

5 Select the reoccurrence, and click Next.

6 Select the time at which to run Disk Cleanup, and

click Next. Disk Cleanup may take a long time, so select a time when the computer is on but not in use.

7 Select Start a program, and click Next.

8 Under Program/Script, click Browse.

9 Type cleanmgr.exe, and click Open, and

then Next.

10 Review the summary of the schedule you set.

When you are done, click Finish. Disk Cleanup will run at the time you set.

2 Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide

Running the Disk Defragmenter Program

Checking for Hard Disk Drive Errors

When Microsoft® Windows Vista® operating system stores files on your hard disk drive, it often divides them into multiple pieces (or fragments) so they fit into available space on the drive. When you open a fragmented file, the process takes more time because it must be retrieved from more than one place.

The Disk Defragmenter program groups the fragmented files together on your hard disk drive to improve computer performance. This does not affect the location of files and folders on your computer.

NOTE: The Disk Defragmenter program may take a long time to complete. You can run it unattended overnight.

1 Save your work and close all open programs.

2 Press the Ctrl-Alt-Delete keys simultaneously.

3 Click Start Task Manager.

4 On the Applications tab, select all the programs

that are listed, and then click End Task. Close the Task Man ag er.

5 Click the Windows Vista start button,

All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.

6 Click Defragment Now.

If Disk Defragmenter repeatedly starts, a background program is still accessing the hard disk drive. Restart the computer in Safe Mode, and then run the Disk Defragmenter program again:

Perform the following procedure to check the integrity of the hard disk drive in Windows Vista. Close all open programs before beginning the disk check.

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, and

then click Computer.

2 Right-click the hard disk drive that you want to

check, and then click Properties.

3 Click the Too ls tab.

4 Under Error-checking, click Check Now.

5 If desired, place a check mark in the

Automatically fix file system errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check boxes.

6 Click Start. If prompted to restart the computer,

click Yes.

The computer will restart and check the hard disk drive for errors.

Understanding Hard Disk Drive Space

The hard disk drive on the Hewlett-Packard and Compaq computers with the Windows Vista operating system preinstalled may appear to be smaller than what is stated in the product specifications, in the documentation, or on the box. Hard disk drives are described and advertised by manufacturers in terms of decimal (base 10) capacity. Windows Vista and other programs, such as FDISK, use the binary (base 2) numbering system.

1 Click the Windows Vista

start button, click the Arrow

button next to the Lock button, and then click Restart.

2 Press the F8 key as soon as the first logo screen

appears.

3 In the Windows Advanced Options menu, use the

arrow keys to select Safe Mode, and then press Enter.

4 After Windows Vista starts, use the procedure

above to run the Disk Defragmenter program.

5 To turn off Safe Mode, repeat step 1.

In decimal notation, one megabyte (MB) is equal to 1,000,000 bytes, and one gigabyte (GB) is equal to 1,000,000,000 bytes. In the binary numbering system, one megabyte is equal to 1,048,576 bytes, and one gigabyte is equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes. Because of the different measuring systems, you may see a difference between the size reported by Windows Vista and the size advertised. The storage capacity of the hard disk drive is as advertised.

Windows Vista reports smaller capacity in the Windows Explorer tool and in the Computer window because it shows information about one partition on the hard disk drive at a time. One of the partitions contains the system recovery information.

Maintenance 3

Keeping the Computer Free of Dust and Dirt

Keeping your computer system free of dust and dirt will prolong its life. Dust, pet hair, and other particles can build up, creating a blanket effect; as a result, components can overheat, or, in the case of the keyboard and mouse, not work as smoothly and effectively. Check your system once a month for visible signs of dust and debris, and clean it about once every three months.

Cleaning the computer and monitor

Cleaning vents

Air vents keep the computer and monitor cool. To maintain efficient air flow, keep these vents clean by using a small battery-operated vacuum cleaner. (A battery-operated vacuum cleaner eliminates the risk of electric shock.)

1 Run the vacuum over the vents in the computer

case and the monitor case.

2 Remove any debris that has accumulated in and

around the computer ports (for example, the Ethernet and USB ports).

1 Unplug the computer from its power source.

2 Unplug the monitor from its power source.

3 Use a clean, dry cloth to dust the computer case

and the monitor.

4 Use a clean cloth dampened with warm water to

wipe the computer case and the monitor case clean.

Do not use water on the monitor screen.

NOTE: If there is sticker residue or a spill on the computer or monitor case, use isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove it.

5 Use a clean cloth to dry the computer and

monitor case.

6 Use a clean, dry cloth to clean the monitor screen,

or, for more thorough cleaning use an antistatic screen cleaner and a clean cloth.

Cleaning the keyboard and mouse

When cleaning the keyboard keys, use a low setting on the battery-powered vacuum cleaner, to avoid removing key caps and springs.

1 Vacuum between the keys of the keyboard and

along the grooves.

2 Use a clean, dry cloth and isopropyl alcohol to

clean buildup on the keyboard keys and along its edges.

3 Wipe the body of the mouse and the mouse cord

with cleaning wipes or a cloth and cleanser.

If you have a rollerball mouse, clean the ball and rollers inside:

1 Turn the mouse upside down.

2 Rotate the ball-cover ring counterclockwise to

remove the ring and release the roller ball.

3 Rinse the roller ball with soap and warm water.

4 Clean the rollers inside the mouse with a cotton

swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol.

5 After the roller ball and rollers are completely dry,

replace the ball and ball-cover ring.

4 Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide

Troubleshooting Computer Problems

The troubleshooting tables appear in the following order:

 Audio

 CD and DVD Drives

 Video

 Display (Monitor)

 Hard Disk Drive

 Hardware Installation

 Internet Access

 Keyboard and Mouse

 Power

 Performance

 Bluetooth Wireless Devices

 Miscellaneous

For more information about monitor problems, or for problems related specifically to your printer, refer to the documentation provided by the product manufacturer.

Audio

Symptom Possible solution

No sound is produced. Press the Mute button on the keyboard to see whether the Mute feature is

enabled.

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, and then click

Control Panel.

2 Click Hardware and Sound, and then click Adjust system

volume.

3 If programs are muted, click the Mute button to unmute.

If you are using built-in monitor speakers, use the monitor front panel volume button to adjust volume. Use the front panel buttons to enter the onscreen display (OSD) to be sure audio is enabled and volume is set appropriately.

Click the Vol ume icon ( ) on the task bar, or use the keyboard controls to increase the volume.

Ensure powered (active) speakers are turned on.

Turn off your computer, and reconnect the speakers. Ensure the speakers are connected to an audio port, not a Line In or headphone port.

Press the Sleep button (select models only), or the Esc key on the keyboard, to resume from sleep mode.

Unplug headphones if they are connected to your computer.

Troubleshooting Computer Problems 5

Audio (continued)

Symptom Possible solution

Codec error messages appear when certain audio files are played.

Volume is very low or unsatisfactory.

Open the file in Windows Media Player. Ensure Windows Media Player is configured to automatically download codecs.

 If the correct codec is available, the file will play. Note that you must be

connected to the Internet to download the codec file.

 If the correct codec is not available, check to see whether there is an

update available for Windows Media Player.

For more information, open Windows Media Player Help and search for codec.

Detached non-powered speakers (speakers without a separate power cord) will not produce satisfactory sound. Replace the non-powered speakers with powered speakers. Powered speakers have a power cord and On button, and they connect to the Audio Out (green) connector on the back of the computer.

6 Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide

CD and DVD Drives

Symptom Possible solution

The CD or DVD drive cannot read a disc, or it takes too long to start.

I cannot remove a CD or DVD. Turn on your computer, and press the Eject button nearest the drive to open

My mini-CD disc is falling down inside the computer.

Ensure the disc is inserted with the label facing up and centered in the tray.

Wait at least 30 seconds for the drive to determine the type of media.

Clean the disc with a disc cleaning kit, available from most computer stores.

The driver may be corrupted or outdated. For detailed information about restoring and updating drivers, see “Updating Drivers” on page 22.

the tray.

If you suspect a problem with the Eject button itself:

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, and then click Computer.

2 Right-click the CD or DVD drive you want to open.

3 Select Eject from the menu.

On all Slimline computers, the CD/DVD drive is installed in a vertical position. Standard-sized CDs and DVDs can fit into the drive vertically; however if you are using a mini-disc, you must first place the computer on its side before you insert the mini-disc.

1 Face the front of the computer and lay the computer down on its right side.

2 Press the Eject button to open the CD/DVD tray.

3 Place the mini-disc into the recess inside the tray, and press the Eject button

again to close it.

I cannot create (record) adisc.

Ensure the disc is inserted with the label facing up and centered in the tray.

Verify that you are using the correct disc type (media) for the drive. Try a different brand of disc.

Ensure the disc is clean and undamaged. If recording stopped during a recording session, the disc may be damaged; use a different disc.

Use the correct type of disc for the type of files you are recording.

When using a CD-R disc, ensure it is blank if recording music, and that it is blank or appendable (with space to add more data files) if recording data.

Verify that you are using the correct disc type when you make a copy of a disc. Some recording programs can record only to the same disc type as the source. For example, you can record a DVD only to a DVD+R/-R or a DVD+RW/-RW disc, and you can record a CD only to a CD-R or a CD-RW disc.

Ensure that the disc is in the correct drive, and that you specify the same drive in the CD or DVD recording software.

Troubleshooting Computer Problems 7

CD and DVD Drives (continued)

Symptom Possible solution

I cannot create (record) adisc. (continued)

I cannot add data to a DVD. Ensure you set the correct recording option (append or add data files) in your

Titles of music tracks are not displayed for the CD.

Select a slower write speed for the recording drive, if a slower speed is available.

The recording software may not let you add a track if it exceeds the available space on your disc. You can make space available by removing one or more tracks from the list before recording the files to the disc.

Close all software programs and windows before recording.

Ensure you have enough available space on your hard disk drive to store a temporary copy of the content.

Click the Windows Vista start button, and then click Computer. Right-click the hard disk drive, and then click Properties to view the available space.

If you are on a network, copy the files from a network drive to your hard disk drive first, and then record them to disc.

Close all programs and windows, and then restart your computer.

DVD recording software.

For the artist, title, and track information to appear when you play music CDs, the computer must be connected to the Internet. This information is not recorded on the disc.

Track information may not be available for every CD.

An error message appears when I capture video.

I cannot play a DVD movie on a DVD player.

8 Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide

You may need to select the capture device if your computer has both an analog and a digital video capture device. To find out how to change the video device selection, refer to the Help menu in the video capture program.

Your DVD player cannot play video files that were recorded onto the DVD as data files. To play a movie properly, use a video recording program. Some video files may be viewed on a computer, but not on a home DVD video player.

Video

Symptom Possible solution

Some video files do not play. Your file may be corrupt or in an unsupported format. Open the video file in a

video editor, and then resave the file in a supported format.

Codec error messages appear when I play certain video files.

Error message: Files Needed

To Display Video Are Missing or Corrupt.

Open the file in Windows Media Player. Ensure Windows Media Player is configured to automatically download codecs.

 If the correct codec is available, the file will play. Note that you must be

connected to the Internet to download the codec file.

 If the correct codec is not available, check to see whether there is an

update available for Windows Media Player.

For more information, open Windows Media Player Help and search for codec.

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, right-click Computer, and

then click Properties.

2 Under Task s, click Device Manager.

3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Sound, video and game controllers.

4 Right-click TV tuner (select models only), and then click Update Driver

Software.

5 Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

6 Follow the instructions to update the driver.

7 If you are prompted, restart the computer.

Troubleshooting Computer Problems 9

Display (Monitor)

In addition to the information listed here, also refer to the documentation that came with your monitor.

Symptom Possible solution

Screen is blank, and monitor

Reconnect the power plug to the back of the monitor and to the wall outlet.

power light is not lit.

Press the On button on the front of the monitor.

Screen is blank. Press the space bar on the keyboard or move the mouse to make the screen

display visible again.

Press the Sleep button (select models only), or the Esc key on the keyboard, to resume from sleep mode.

Press the On button to turn on the computer.

Inspect the monitor video connector for bent pins:

 If any of the pins are bent, replace the monitor connector cable.

 If no pins are bent, reconnect the monitor connector cable to the computer.

Images on the screen are too large or too small, or the images are fuzzy.

Adjust the monitor resolution setting in Windows Vista:

1 Right-click the desktop, and then click Personalize.

2 Click Display Settings.

3 Adjust Resolution as necessary.

10 Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide

Hard Disk Drive

Symptom Possible solution

Computer seems to be locked up and is not responding.

Use the Windows Task Manager to close any programs not responding, or restart the computer:

1 Press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys on the keyboard simultaneously.

2 Click Start Task Manager.

3 Select the program that is not responding, and then click End Task.

If closing programs does not work, restart the computer:

1 Press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys on the keyboard simultaneously.

2 Click the arrow next to the red Shut Down button, and then click

Restart.

1 Press and hold the On button for 5 or more seconds to turn off the

computer.

2 Press the On button to start the computer.

Error message: Hard disk drive error.

Press the Help ? button on the keyboard to open the Help and Support Center, or refer to the Limited Warranty and Support Guide to contact Support.

Hardware Installation

Symptom Possible solution

A new device is not recognized as part of the system.

Install the device driver from the CD provided with the device, or download and install the driver from the device manufacturer’s Web site.

You may need an updated driver for Windows Vista. Contact the device vendor directly for an update.

For HP peripherals, visit the HP Web site. For details, refer to the Limited Warranty and Support Guide for details.

Ensure that all cables are properly and securely connected and that the pins in the cable or connector are not bent.

Turn off the computer, turn on the external device, and then turn on the computer to integrate the device with the computer.

Restart the computer, and follow the instructions for accepting the changes.

Disable the automatic settings in the operating system for the card, and choose a basic configuration that does not cause a resource conflict.

You can also reconfigure or disable devices to resolve the resource conflict.

Troubleshooting Computer Problems 11

Hardware Installation (continued)

Symptom Possible solution

A new device does not work. To install or uninstall a device driver, you must be logged in

with administrative privileges. If you need to switch users, click the Windows Vista start button, click the Arrow button next to the Lock button, and then click Switch User. Choose a user with administrative privileges.

A device does not work after installing a new device.

To resolve a device conflict, you may need to disable one of the devices or uninstall an old device driver:

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, right-click Computer, and

then click Properties.

2 Under Task s, click Device Manager.

3 Click the plus sign (+) next to the problem device and check for

exclamation points in a yellow circle near the device icon. The exclamation point means there is a device conflict or problem with the device. Exclamation points do not always appear when a device is not working properly.

4 If you have removed a hardware device, and the device driver is listed in

the Device Manager, this may be causing the device conflict. To uninstall the old driver so that the new device driver works properly, right-click the device, click Uninstall, and then click OK.

5 Double-click the name of the device, and then select Properties.

6 Click the Resources tab to verify that there is a device conflict.

7 Click the General tab to see whether your device is enabled and working

properly. If it is available, click the Troubleshoot button, and follow the onscreen instructions in the device troubleshooter wizard.

8 Restart the computer. Click the Windows Vista start

button, click the Arrow button next to the Lock button, and then click Restart.

12 Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide

Internet Access

Symptom Possible solution

I cannot connect to the Internet.

Verify Internet settings, or contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance.

Verify that you are using the proper cables for your Internet connection type. Your computer may have a modem and an Ethernet network adapter (also called a network interface card, or NIC). A modem uses a standard telephone cable to make a dial-up connection. A NIC uses a network cable to connect to a local area network (LAN). Do not connect a telephone cable to the NIC. Do not plug a network cable into a telephone service line; doing so may damage the NIC.

For more information about connecting to the Internet, press the Help ? button on the keyboard to open the Help and Support Center.

Verify that the Web browser is installed and set up to work with your ISP.

Run the wireless setup wizard:

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, and then select Network.

2 In the Network window, click Network and Sharing Center.

3 In the Network and Sharing Center window, click Set up a connection

or network to open the wizard.

4 Follow the onscreen instructions.

If your system has external antennas, try to move the antenna to a better position. If the antenna is internal, try to move the chassis.

Try to connect again later, or contact your ISP for assistance.

I cannot automatically start Internet programs.

Web pages load slowly. Verify that the correct modem speed and COM port are selected:

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, and then click

Control Panel.

2 Click Hardware and Sound.

3 Double-click Phone and Modem Options.

4 Click the Modems tab, and then click the Properties button.

5 In the Device status area, verify the modem is working properly.

Note that Web pages do not always load as quickly as files stored on your computer. Web pages may also load slowly if there is a high demand for the Web site at that time.

Troubleshooting Computer Problems 13

Internet Access (continued)

Symptom Possible solution

The AOL program opens even when it is not being used.

My Internet browser home page changed to something Idid notwant.

You may want to remove the AOL program.

To uninstall AOL:

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, and then click

Control Panel.

2 Click Uninstall a program.

3 Select America Online, click Uninstall, and then follow the onscreen

instructions.

NOTE:

Removing the AOL program will not cancel your account with AOL.

You m ay hav e spyware on your computer. Spyware is software that usually runs silently in the background on your computer, collecting and sending information about you and your use of the computer to another person or system on the Internet.

You can find and remove spyware from your computer by using any one of a number of software programs available for this purpose, including Windows Defender.

To scan for spyware by using Windows Defender:

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, All Programs, and then

click Windows Defender.

2 Click Scan.

Many of the popular virus protection programs also include tools that scan for and remove spyware from your computer.

To avoid getting spyware on your computer:

 Do not install programs if you are not sure they come from reputable

companies. Check the company Web site carefully for information about what is included with the program.

 Do not automatically click Ye s when a download window asks if it is OK

to install a program on your computer. Read the message in the window and make sure it is a software program that you really want.

Unwanted pop-up advertisements display on my computer when connected to the Internet.

This is typically caused by adware or advertising-supported software.

You can configure your Web browser to block pop-ups. For example, in Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Pop-up Blocker.

To remove adware from your computer, use the antispyware/adware program included on your computer (select models only), or use any number of available software programs that remove adware programs.

Note that many of the popular antivirus programs have tools that scan for and remove adware from your computer.

14 Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide

Keyboard and Mouse

Symptom Possible solution

Keyboard commands and typing are not recognized by the computer.

Keyboard Print button does not work.

Wireless keyboard or mouse does not work or is not detected.

Turn off the computer by using the mouse, reconnect the keyboard to the back of your computer, and then turn on your computer.

Use the Print menu item in the program (usually located on the File menu).

Check for these problems:

 Ensure the mouse and keyboard are within range of the receiver.

 Replace the batteries in the keyboard and mouse.

Turn the devices over, take off the battery cover, remove the old batteries, and insert new alkaline batteries. Do not use rechargeable batteries.

 Ensure the mouse is not in suspend mode, which occurs after 20 minutes of

inactivity. Click the left mouse button to reactivate it.

Resynchronize the keyboard and mouse to the receiver:

1 Plug the receiver into a USB port on the computer.

If you have a choice, use a USB port on the front of the computer.

2 Push the Connect button (a) on the receiver (which is also the LED light),

and hold it for 5 to 10 seconds until the blue light starts to flash.

3 Check that the mouse is on, and push and hold the Connect button (b) on

the underside of the mouse until the blue LED on the receiver stops flashing.

NOTE: The receiver connection session times out after 60 seconds. To ensure

the connection was established, and that the receiver did not time out instead, move the mouse and check for response.

Troubleshooting Computer Problems 15

Keyboard and Mouse (continued)

Symptom Possible solution

Wireless keyboard or mouse does not work or is not detected. (continued)

Mouse (with cable) does not work or is not detected.

Cursor does not respond to mouse movement.

After the mouse connection is established, repeat the procedure with the keyboard:

1 Push the Connect button on the receiver, and hold it for 5 to 10 seconds

until the blue light starts to flash.

2 Push and hold the Connect button (c) on the underside of the keyboard

until the blue LED on the receiver stops flashing.

Refer to the documentation that came with the keyboard and mouse.

Unplug and reconnect the mouse cable to your computer.

If the mouse is still not detected, turn off the computer, reconnect the mouse cable, and then restart the computer.

Restart your computer by using the keyboard:

1 Press the Alt and Tab keys on the keyboard simultaneously, to navigate to

an open program.

2 Press the Ctrl and S keys on the keyboard simultaneously to save your

changes in the selected program (Ctrl+S is the keyboard shortcut for Save on most—not all—programs).

3 After saving changes in all open programs, press the Ctrl and Esc keys on

the keyboard simultaneously to display the Windows Start Menu.

4 Use the arrow keys to select the Arrow button next to

the Lock button. Select Shut Down, and then press the Enter key on the keyboard.

5 After the shutdown is complete, reconnect the mouse connector to the back

of your computer, and then turn on your computer.

Cursor responds slowly to mouse movement.

16 Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide

If you have a rollerball mouse, clean the roller ball. For detailed cleaning instructions, go to: http://www.hp.com/support Select your country/region and language, search on your computer model number, and then search on the keyword cleaning.

For a mouse with a roller ball, use a mouse pad or other rough surface under the mouse. For an optical mouse, try a less reflective surface under the mouse.

Keyboard and Mouse (continued)

Symptom Possible solution

I cannot move the cursor using the arrow keys on the number key pad.

Cursor moves only vertically or horizontally (or it does not move smoothly on the screen).

Optical mouse does not track the cursor well.

Cursor moves too fast or too slow.

Press the Num Lock key. The Num Lock light should not be on if you want to use the arrow keys on the number key pad.

Remove the rollerball cover from bottom of mouse (rotate it counterclockwise), remove the ball, and clean it with a damp, lint-free cloth (not paper). Also clean the rollers on which the ball moves.

Place the mouse on a mouse pad or white sheet of paper, or gently wipe the light sensor lens on the bottom of the mouse with a lint-free cloth (not paper).

Adjust the cursor speed:

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, Control Panel, Hardware

and Sound, and then click Mouse.

2 Click the Pointer Options tab.

3 Adjust the Motion slider toward Slow or Fast to decrease or increase

the speed at which the cursor responds to mouse movement.

4 Click OK.

Troubleshooting Computer Problems 17

Power

Symptom Possible solution

Computer will not turn on or start.

Error message: Invalid system

disk or Non-System disk or disk error.

Ensure that cables connecting the computer to the external power source are plugged in properly.

When the cables connecting the computer to the external power source are plugged in properly, and the wall outlet is functioning, the green power supply light on the back of the computer should be on; if it is not, refer to the Limited Warranty and Support Guide to contact Support.

If the display (monitor) is blank, the monitor may not be properly connected. Connect the monitor to the computer, plug it in, and turn it on. See “Display (Monitor)” on page 10.

Set the line voltage selection switch to the correct setting for your country/region, or refer to the Limited Warranty and Support Guide to contact Support.

Test the wall outlet by connecting a different electrical device to it.

Incompatible memory (RAM) may have been installed. Reinstall the old memory to return your computer to its original state. For instructions, refer to the Upgrading and Servicing Guide.

Reseat the hard disk drive data and power cables. For instructions, refer to the Upgrading and Servicing Guide.

When drive activity stops, remove the disk and press the spacebar on the keyboard. The computer should start up.

Computer does not turn off when the On button is pressed.

Computer shuts down automatically.

Computer displays the wrong date and time.

Computer displays a processor speed that is lower than expected.

18 Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide

Press and hold the On button until the computer turns off.

The computer may be in an exceedingly hot environment. Let it cool down.

Ensure computer air vents are not blocked and internal fan is running. Note that your computer may not have an internal fan.

The real-time clock (RTC) battery may need to be replaced. Battery life is approximately seven years.

Before replacing the battery, try resetting the date and time in your operating system by using the Control Panel. If the problem persists, replace the battery. For instructions, refer to the Upgrading and Servicing Guide.

This happens when the processor is automatically running in a lower power state, because the applications running do not require the maximum processing power.

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