HP Pavilion P7 User Manual

Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide

Understanding hard disk drive space

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The hard disk drive on the Hewlett-Packard and Compaq computers with the Microsoft® Windows® operating system preinstalled may appear to be smaller than the size 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. Microsoft Windows and other programs, such as FDISK, use the binary (base 2) numbering system.

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 Microsoft Windows and the size advertised. The storage capacity of the hard disk drive is as advertised.

Microsoft Windows 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.

Note about systems configured with 4 GB of memory

For computers with a 32-bit operating system, all memory above 3 GB may not be available because of system resource requirements.

This limitation is not limited to HP and Compaq systems. The memory above 3 GB is used for system resources.

Confirming total memory

The system BIOS displays the full 4 GB of installed memory.

1. Turn on the PC.

2. Press F10. The BIOS menu is displayed. Confirm the Total Installed Memory.

Part Number: 671281-001

Table of contents

1 Protecting your computer ................................................................................................. 1

Computer security features ........................................................................................................ 1

2 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................ 2

Computer does not start ............................................................................................................ 2

Power ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Display (monitor) ...................................................................................................................... 4

Keyboard and mouse (with cable) .............................................................................................. 4

Keyboard and mouse (wireless) ................................................................................................. 6

Speakers and sound ................................................................................................................. 6

Internet access ......................................................................................................................... 7

Software troubleshooting ........................................................................................................... 8

3 System recovery ............................................................................................................. 10

Choosing a system recovery method ......................................................................................... 10

System Recovery options ......................................................................................................... 10

Recovery media ..................................................................................................................... 12

4 Maintenance ................................................................................................................... 15

Schedules and tasks ............................................................................................................... 15

Keeping the computer free of dust, dirt, and heat ....................................................................... 15

Cleaning the computer and monitor .......................................................................................... 16

Cleaning the computer vents .................................................................................................... 16

Cleaning the keyboard and mouse ........................................................................................... 16

Cleaning the touch screen (select models only) ........................................................................... 16

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1 Protecting your computer

Your computer contains features that help protect the integrity of your system and its data from unauthorized access. Review these features to ensure proper use.

Computer security features

Computer risk Computer feature

Unauthorized use of the computer or user account

Unauthorized access to Setup Utility, BIOS settings, and other system identification information

Computer viruses Antivirus software

Unauthorized access to data and ongoing threats to the computer

Windows 7 critical security updates

User password

A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure computer information.

Administrator password

The free trial antivirus software that is preinstalled on your computer can detect most viruses, remove them, and, in most cases, repair damage caused by viruses. For protection against new viruses beyond the trial period, purchase an extended update service.

Firewall software

Windows 7 includes firewall software preinstalled on the computer.

●

The antivirus software, which is preinstalled on the computer, includes firewall software.

●

Microsoft continually updates the Windows 7 operating system.

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Computer security features

2 Troubleshooting

Refer to the documentation provided by the product manufacturer for information about peripheralspecific problems, such as issues with a monitor or a printer. The following tables present some issues you might encounter while installing, starting up, or using your computer and possible solutions.

For more information or for additional troubleshooting options, see the Quick Setup Guide that accompanies your computer, or visit http://www.hp.com/support and search for your computer model.

Computer does not start

Symptom Possible solution

Error message: Hard disk drive error.

Computer will not turn on or start.

Restart the computer.

1. Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys on the keyboard simultaneously.

2. Click the Arrow button next to the red Shut Down button, and then click Restart.

Or, press and hold the Power button on the computer for 5 or more seconds to turn off the computer, and then press the Power button to restart the computer.

3. If Windows opens, immediately back up all important data to a backup hard disk drive.

4. Contact Support, whether it was possible or not to start up Windows.

Either the hard disk drive or the system board may need to be replaced.

Ensure that the 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, contact Support.

If the display (monitor) is blank, the monitor might not be properly connected. Connect the monitor to the computer, plug it in, and turn it on. See

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

Display (monitor) on page 4.

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Symptom Possible solution

Computer seems to be locked up and is not responding.

Error message: Invalid system disk or Non-System disk or Disk error.

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

1. Press the Ctrl+Alt+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+Delete keys on the keyboard simultaneously.

2. Click the Arrow button next to the red Shut Down button, and then click Restart.

Or, press and hold the Power button on the computer for 5 or more seconds to turn off the computer, and then press the Power button to restart the computer.

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

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Computer does not start

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