HP (Hewlett-Packard) G7 manual

User Guide[...]

© Copyright 2012 Hew lett-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 trademar k of its prop[...]

Safety warning notice WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related inju ries or of ove rheating th e computer, do not place the compu ter directly on your lap or o bstruct the computer air ven ts. Use the computer only on a hard, flat surface. Do n ot allow another hard surface, such as an adjoinin g optional printer, or a soft surface, such [...]

iv Safety warning no tice[...]

Table of contents 1 Start ing righ t ..... ............ ......... ............ ......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... ......... ... ........... .......... ......... ..... 1 Best practices ................ .......... ............. ........... .......... ............ .......... .......... ............. ....... ...........[...]

4 Enjoying entertainment features . .......... .......... ......... .......... ........... ........ ........... .......... .......... .. ............. ........ 18 Using the webcam ............ ............ .......... .......... ............ .......... ........... ............ .......... .......... . ................ 19 Using a udio ............ ...[...]

Finding battery in format ion ...... .............. ........... .............. .............. ........... ............... ........... 35 Conserving battery power ....... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... .... 35 Identifying low battery levels ...... ......... ......... ........... ......[...]

9 Securi ng your comput er and in format ion ....... ............. ............. ............. .......... ............. ............ .... ............ . 55 Using passwords ............ ......... .......... ......... ......... .......... ......... ........ ........... ........ ........ ........ ........ ......... 55 Setting Windows passwords .... ..[...]

Index .............. ............. .............. ............... ............. ............ ................. ............. .......... .................. .............. .......... 71 ix[...]

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1 Starting right This computer is a powerful tool de signed to enhance your work and entertainment. Read this chapter to learn abou t best practices after setup, fun things to do with your computer, and where to get more HP resources. Best practices To get the most out of your smart inve stment, after you set up a nd register the computer, we recom[...]

More HP resources You have already u sed Setup I nstructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. To locate product details , how-to informat ion, and more, use th is table. Resource Contents Setup Instructions ● Overview of computer setup and features. Windows 8 Basics guide ● Overview of using and nav igating with Windows 8. Help an[...]

2 Getting to know your computer Finding your hardware an d software information Locating hardware To find out what hardware is installed on your computer: 1. From the Start screen, type c , and then select Control Panel . 2. Select System and Security , and then in the System area, click Device Manage r . A list displays all the devices installed i[...]

Component Description (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 Dr iveGuard, see Using HP 3D DriveGua rd on page 49 . (6) USB 2.0 port Connects an optional USB device. NOTE: For details about different types of USB p[...]

Component Description (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 optional USB 3.0 devices and provide enhanced USB power performance. NOTE: For details about different types[...]

Display Component Description (1) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wire less signa ls to communicate with wireless local area networks (WLANs). (2) Internal microphone (1) Records sound. (3) HP TrueVision HD Webcam Records video, capt ures still ph otographs, and allows you to video conference and chat onli ne using streaming video. To use the w[...]

Top TouchPad Component Description (1) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on or off. (2) TouchPad light ● Amber: The TouchPad is off. ● Off: The TouchPad is on. (3) TouchPad zone Moves the on-screen pointer and selects or activates items on the s creen. NOTE: The TouchPad also supports edge-swipe gestures. For more information, see Edge [...]

Lights Component Description (1) Power light ● White: The computer is o n. ● Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state, which is an energy-saving mode. The comp uter 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 amou[...]

Buttons and speakers Component Description (1) Power button ● When the computer is off, press the button to turn on the computer. ● When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the button briefly to exit Sleep. ● When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button down briefly to exit Hibernation. CAUTION: Pressing and hold ing down the p[...]

Keys Component Description (1) esc key Displays system informatio n when pressed in combination with the fn key. (2) fn key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the esc key. (3) Windows logo key Returns you to the Start screen from an open a pp or the Desktop. NOTE: Pressing the Windows logo key again will return you to the [...]

Bottom Component Description (1) Battery bay Holds the battery. (2) Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay. (3) Vents (5) 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 durin[...]

Labels The labels affixed to the computer provid e inform ation you may need wh en you troubles hoot system problems or travel internationa lly with the comput er. The labels are in e asily accessible locations. ● Service label—Provides important information, including the following : NOTE: Your label may look slightly diffe rent from the illus[...]

3 Connecting to a network Your computer can tr avel with you wh erever you go. But even at home, you can explor e the globe and access inform ation from millions of we bsites using your computer and a wire d or wireless network connection. This chapter will hel p you get connected to that world. Connecting to a wireless network Wireless technology [...]

To use operating system controls: 1. From the Start screen, type n , and then select Settings . 2. Type network and sharing in the se arch box, an d then select Network and Sharing Center . For more information, from the Start screen, type h , and then select Help and Support . Using a WLAN With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless lo cal area [...]

Setting up a WLAN To set up a WLAN an d connect to the In ternet, you need the following eq uipment: ● A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-spee d Internet service purchased from an Internet service provider ● A wireless router (2) (purchased separately) ● A wireless computer (3) NOTE: Some modems have a built-in wireless rout[...]

Connecting to a WLAN To connect to a WLAN, follow these steps: 1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If the device is on, the wirele ss light is on (white). If the wireless light is amber, press the wirele ss button. 2. On the Desktop, ta p and hold, or click the network st at us icon in the notification area, at the far right of the ta skbar. 3. [...]

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) Use a LAN connecti on if you wan t to connect the comp uter d irectly to a rout er in your home (instead of working wirelessly), or if you wan t to connect to an exis ting network at your offic e. Connecting to a LAN requires an 8-pin, RJ-45 (netwo rk) cable. To connect the ne twork cable, follow these step [...]

4 Enjoying entertainment features Use your HP comput er as an enterta inment hub to socialize via the webcam, e njoy and mana ge your music, and download and watch movies. Or, to make your comput er an even more powerfu l entertainment center, connect externa l devices like a monitor, projec tor, or TV, or spea kers and headphones. Here are some of[...]

Component Description (6) Audio-out (headphone) ja ck Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo speakers, headphon es, earbuds, a headset, or television audio. WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume before putting on he adphones, earbuds, or a headset. F or additional safety information, see the Regulatory,[...]

To connect wireless speakers to your computer, follow the device manufacturer's instructions . To connect high -definition sp eakers to the computer, se e Configuring HDMI audio setting s on page 22 . Before connecting speakers , lower the volume setting. Connecting headphones You can connect wired he adphones to the hea dphone jack on your co[...]

Connecting a VGA monitor or projector To see the computer screen image on an externa l VGA monito r or projected fo r a presentati on, connect a monito r or projector to th e computer's VG A port. To connect a monitor o r projector: 1. Connect the VGA ca ble from the monito r or projector to the VGA port o n the computer as shown. 2. Press f4 [...]

To see the computer scre en image on a h igh-definit ion TV or monitor, connect the hig h-definition device according to the following instructions. 1. Connect one end of th e HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the compu ter. 2. Connect the other en d of the cable to the high-definition T V or monitor. 3. Press f4 to alternate the computer screen ima g[...]

Using Intel Wireless Displ ay (select models only) Intel® Wireless Display al lows you to transmit your computer content wirelessly to your receive/ display device, su ch as HDTV, monitor, projector, game console, Blu-ray player, or DVR, by using an optional wireless adapter (pu rchased separately). For details a bout using the wire less adapter, [...]

5 Navigating using touch gestures, pointing devices, and the keyboard Your computer allows navi gation us ing touch gestures in additi on to the keyboard and mouse. Tou ch gestures can be used on your computer Touch Pad. NOTE: An external USB mo use (purchased se parately) can be conn ected to one of the USB ports on the computer. Review the Window[...]

NOTE: TouchPad gestures are n ot supported in all prog rams. To view a demonst ration of eac h gesture: 1. From the Start screen, type c to display the Apps list. Select Control Panel , and then select Hardware and Sound . 2. Select Synaptics TouchPad . 3. Click a gesture to activate the demo nstration. To turn the gest ures off or on: 1. From the [...]

Scrolling Scrolling is useful for mo ving up, down, or sideways on a page or image. ● Place two fingers slightly apart on the Touc hPad zone and then drag them up, down, left, or right. Pinching/Zooming Pinching and zooming allows you to zoom in or ou t on images or text. ● Zoom in by placing two fingers tog ether on th e T ouchPad zone and the[...]

Edge swipes Edge swipes allow you to perform ta sks such as changing settin gs and finding o r using apps. Right-edge swipe The right-edge swipe reveals the charms, which lets you search, share, start apps, access devices, or change setting s. ● Swipe your finger gently from the right edg e to display the charms. Using TouchPad gestu res 27[...]

Top-edge swipe The top-edge swipe allows you to access All Apps available on the Start screen. IMPORTANT: Wh en an app is active , the top-edg e gesture varies depe nding on th e app. ● Swipe your finger gently from the top edge to display a vailable apps. Left-edge swipe The left-edge swipe reveals your ope n apps so that you can switch to them [...]

Using the keyboard and mouse The keyboard and mo use allow you to type, select items, scroll and to pe rform the same functio ns as you do by using tou ch gestures. The keyboard also allows you to use action keys an d hot keys to perform specif ic functions. TIP: The Windows logo key on the keyboard allows you to quickly retu rn to the Start screen[...]

Icon Key Descriptio n f8 Plays the next track of an audio CD or the next section of a DVD or a BD. f9 Decreases speaker volume incrementally as long as you hold down the key. f10 Increases speaker volume incrementally as lon g as you hold down the key. f11 Mutes or restores speaker sound. f12 Turns the wireless feature on or off. NOTE: A wireless n[...]

Function Hot key Description Display system information. fn + esc Displays information about system hardware components and the system BIOS version number. Using the integrated numeric keypad The computer includes an integrated num eric keyp ad, and it also supports an optional external numeric keypad or an o ptional external keyboard th at include[...]

6 Managing power Your computer can operate on either battery power or external power. Wh en the computer is only running on batte ry power and an AC power source is not a vailable to charge the battery, it is important to monitor and co nserve the battery charge . Your computer supports power pl ans to manage how your computer uses and con serves p[...]

Enabling and exiting user -initiated hibernati on You can enable u ser-initiated Hibernation a nd change othe r power settings and timeouts u sing Power Options: 1. From the Start screen, type power , se lect Settings , and then select Power Option s from the list of applications. 2. In the left pane, clic k Choose what the power b utton does . 3. [...]

Selecting a power plan A power plan manage s how the computer uses po wer and helps you conserve power and maximize performance. To change the power plan , from the Start screen, typ e power , select Settings , and then select Power Options . The following pow er plans are availa ble: ● HP Recommende d (recommende d) . Automatically balances perf[...]

3. Pivot the battery (2) upward and remove it (3 ) from the computer. Finding battery information To monitor the sta tus of your batt ery, or if the ba ttery is no longer holding a charge, run Battery Check in HP Support Assistant. To access battery information, select the HP Support Assistant app o n the Start screen, an d then select Bat tery and[...]

Resolving a low battery level Resolving a low battery level when external p ower is available ● Connect an AC a dapter. ● Connect an optio nal docking or expansion device. ● Connect an optional power adapter purch ased as an accessory from HP. Resolving a low battery level wh en no power source is available Save your work an d shut down th e [...]

WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the AC adapter provide d with the compute r, a replacement AC adapter pr ovided by HP, or a compatible AC adapte r purchased from HP. Connect the computer to exte rnal AC power unde r any of the following conditions : WARNING! Do not ch arge the comp uter battery while you are onboard aircraft. ?[...]

HP CoolSense HP CoolSense automatically dete cts when the computer is not in a stationary p osition and adjusts performa nce and fan settin gs to keep the su rface temperat ure of your comput er at the optimum level of comfort. When HP CoolSense is off, the position of the co mputer is not detected an d the performance and fan options remain at the[...]

7 Managing and sharing information Drives are digita l storage devices that help you store, manage, share, an d access information. Your computer has an internal hard drive or that stores your com puter's software and operating system, as well as provides storage for all of your personal file s. Your co mputer also has a built-in optical drive[...]

▲ Connect the USB cab le for the device to the USB po rt. NOTE: The USB port on your compu ter may look slig htly different from the illustration in this section. A sound indicates that th e device has been detected. NOTE: The first time you co nnect a USB device, a messag e displays on th e Desktop and an icon shows in the notifi cation area let[...]

Inserting and removing a digital storage card To insert a digita l storage card: CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the digital card connectors, use minimal force to insert a digital card. 1. Hold the card label-side up, with the connecto rs facing the computer. 2. Insert the card into the digi tal storage slot, and then press in on the card [...]

Using optical drives An optical disc drive uses laser light to read or sto re large amounts of information. Some drives can only read information, but others can also write (burn) information onto a blank disc. Use these tips for best p erformance of your op tical drive: ● When the battery is the only source of po wer, be sure the batter y is suf[...]

such a BD movie release is inse rted in the drive. Follow the on-screen inst ructions to install the update. ● If lines appear on the display when viewing a BD, they may be caused by interf erence from the wireless network. To resolve the issue, close an y open applications a nd turn off your wireless feature. Inserting an optical disc 1. Turn on[...]

2. Remove the disc (3) from the tray by ge ntly pressing dow n on the spindle while lifting the outer edges of the di sc. Hold the disc by the edg es and avoid touching the flat surfaces. NOTE: If the tra y is not fu lly acce ssible, tilt the disc carefully as you remove it. 3. Close the disc tray and pla ce the disc in a protective case. Sharing d[...]

3. Under View your active netw orks , select an active network. 4. Select Change advanced sharing settings to set sharing options fo r privacy, netw ork discovery, file and printer sharing o r other network optio ns. Using optical drives 45[...]

8 Maintaining your computer It is important to perform regular maintenance to keep you r computer in optimal con dition. This chapter provides information abou t improving the perfo rmance of your comp uter by running too ls such as Disk Defragmenter and Disk Clea nup and by replacing a hard drive or addin g memory. It also provides information abo[...]

CAUTION: To prevent information loss or an unresponsive system: Before removing or installing a drive, shut down the computer. If yo u are unsure whether the computer is off or in the Sleep state, turn th e computer o n, and then shut it d own through the operating system. 1. Save your work and shut down the computer. 2. Disconnect all ext ernal de[...]

4. Lift the hard drive at an angle (2) and remove the hard drive (3) . 5. Disconnec t the hard drive cable (1) from the har d drive. 6. Remove the front bumper (2) and th e back bumper (3) from the hard drive. 7. Remove the 4 screws (4) from the hard drive and remo ve the bracket (5) from the hard drive. To install a ha rd drive, reverse this proce[...]

Using HP 3D DriveGuard HP 3D DriveGuard protects a hard drive by parking the drive and halting data requests unde r either of the following conditi ons: ● You drop the compu ter. ● You move the compute r with the display cl osed while the co mputer is running on battery power. A short time a fter the end of one of these events, HP 3D Drive Guar[...]

Adding or replacing memory modules Adding memory can help i mprove your computer's performance. Your computer is like your physical work area. The hard drive is the filing cabinet wher e you store your work an d the memory is the desk where you work. Wh en your memory isn’t big enough to hold a ll your work easily, like a de sk overflowin g [...]

7. Slide the service do or forward slightly (2) , lift the front right corner of the service door (3) , and then maintain an angle wh ile removing the service do or (4) . 8. If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing memory module: a. Pull away the retention clips (1) on each side of the memory module. The memory module tilts up. b. [...]

9. Insert a new memory module: CAUTION: T o prevent damage to the memory module, ho ld the memory module by the edges only. Do not to uch the compo nents on the me mory module. a. Align the notched edge (1) of the memo ry module with the tab in the memory module slot. b. With the memory modul e at a 45-degree ang le from the su rface of the memory [...]

recent gaming software. Without the l atest driver , you wo uld not be getting the most out of your equipment. Go to the HP website to download the latest version s of HP programs and drivers. For U.S. su pport, go to http://www .hp.com/ go/contactHP . For worldwide su pport, go to http://welcome.hp.com/ country/ us/en/wwcontact_us.html . In add it[...]

◦ Remove any media from th e drive before removing the drive from a drive bay. CAUTION: Perform this action before shipping, stor ing, or traveling w ith a drive. This will help reduce the risk of d amage to the compu ter, damage to a drive, or loss of information. ◦ Shut down the comput er. ● Take along a backup of yo ur information. Keep th[...]

9 Securing your computer and information Computer security is essential for protectin g the confiden tiality, integrity, and avail ability of your information. Standard se curity solutions provided by the Windows operating syste m, HP applications, the non-Windows Setup Utility (BIOS), and other third- party software can help protect your computer [...]

Setting Windows passwords Password Function User password Protects access to a Windows user account. Administrator password Protects administrat or-level access to computer contents. NOTE: This password cannot be used to access Setup Utility (BIOS) contents. Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords Password Function Administrator password ● Must be[...]

the security softwar e trial offer or purchase the software of you r choice in orde r to fully protect yo ur computer. Using antivirus software Computer viruses can disable program s, utilities, or the operating system, or cause them to function abnormally. Antivirus software can detect most viruses, destroy them , and in most cases, repair any dam[...]

Installing HP and third- party software updates HP recommends that you regula rly update the softwar e and drivers that were origin ally installed on your computer. To downlo ad the latest versions, go to the HP website. For U.S. suppo rt, go to http://www.hp.com/ go/contactHP . For worldwide support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/ country/us/en/ wwc[...]

3. Insert the security cable lock into the security cable slot on the compute r (3) , and then lock the security cable lock with the key. 4. Remove the key and keep it in a safe place. Using an optional security cable lock 59[...]

10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics Setup Utility, or Basic In put/Output System (BIOS), controls co mmunication between all the input and output devices on the system (such as disk drives , display, keyboard, mous e, and printer). Setup Utility (BIOS) includes settings for the types of devices installed, the sta rtup sequence of t[...]

Downloading a BIOS update CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the computer or an u nsuccessful installation, downlo ad and install a BIOS update only when the computer is connected to reli able external power u sing the AC adapter. Do not d ownload or install a BIOS up date while the computer is running on batte ry power, docked in an optional[...]

Using System Diagnostics System Diag nostics a llows you to run dia gnostic te sts to de termine if the compu ter hardwa re is functioning properly. To start System Diagnostics: 1. Turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc , and then press f2 . 2. Click the diagnostic test you want to run, and then follow the on-screen instructions. NOTE: [...]

11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering Your computer includes t ools provided by HP and the operating system to help you safeguard your information and re trieve it if you ever need to . These tools wi ll help you return your computer to a proper working state or even back to the original factory state , all with simple steps. This chapter provid[...]

choose to reset the computer by reinstallin g Windows or choose to recover using HP Recovery Manager. NOTE: File History is not enabl ed by default, so you m ust turn it on. For more information and step s for enabling Wi ndows File History, see Windows Help an d Support. From the Start screen, type h , and then select Help and Support . Creating H[...]

Restore and recovery There are several options for re covering your system. Choose the method that best matches your situation and leve l of expertise: ● If you need to restore your p e rsonal files and data, you can use Windows File History to restore your information from the backups you created. For more information and steps for using File Hi[...]

Using Windows Refresh fo r quick and easy recovery When your computer is not work ing properly and you need to regain system stability, the Windows Refresh option allo ws you to start fres h a nd keep what is importan t to you. IMPORTANT: Refresh re moves any traditional applications that were not origina lly installed on the system at the factory.[...]

3. Click Change PC setting s in the bottom-right corne r of the scre en, and then select General from the PC settings screen. 4. Under Remove everythi ng and reinstall Windows , select Get starte d , and follow the on- screen instructions. Recovering using HP Recovery Manager HP Recovery Manager software a llows you to recov er the c omputer to its[...]

Using HP Recovery media to recover You can use HP Recovery media to recover the or iginal system. This method can be used if your system does not have an HP Reco very partition or if the hard drive is not working proper ly. 1. If possible, bac k up all personal files. 2. Insert the first HP Recovery disc you created into the optical drive on your c[...]

12 Specifications Input power The power information in this section may be helpfu l if you plan to travel internationally with the computer. The computer op erates on DC power, whi ch can be supplied by an AC or a DC power source. The AC power source must be rated at 100–240 V, 50 –60 Hz. Although the comp uter can be powered from a standalone [...]

13 Electrostatic Discharge Electrostatic discharge is the rele ase of static electricity wh en tw o objects come into contact—for example, the sho ck you receive wh en you walk across th e carpet and touc h a metal door knob. A discharge of static ele ctricity from fingers or other electrostati c conductors may damage electronic components. To p [...]

Index A AC adapter 4 AC adapter, testing 37 action keys decrease screen brightness 29 functions 29 Help and Suppo rt 29 identifying 10 increase screen brightness 29 next track or section 30 play, pause, resume 29 previous track or section 29 switch screen image 29 using 29 volume down 30 volume mute 30 volume up 30 wireless 30 airport security devi[...]

headphones connecting 20 Help and Support how to access 29 Hibernation exiting 33 initiated during cr itical battery level 35 initiating 32, 33 high-definition devi ces, connecting 21, 23 hot keys description 30 display system information 31 functions 30 using 30 HP 3D DriveGuard 49 HP and third-party software updates, installing 58 HP Recovery Man[...]

power settings 33 PowerDVD 23 product name and nu mber, computer 12 public WLAN connection 16 R recovery 65, 66 discs 64, 68 HP Recovery Manage r 67 media 68 starting 67 supported discs 64 system 67 USB flash drive 68 using HP Recovery media 64 recovery media creating 64 creating using HP Recovery Manager 64 recovery partition 67 removing 68 recycl[...]

wireless controls button 13 operating system 13 Wireless Assistant software 13 wireless light 8, 13 wireless module compar tment, identifying 11 wireless network (WLAN) connecting 16 corporate WLAN connection 16 equipment needed 15 functional range 16 public WLAN conn ection 16 security 15 using 14 wireless network, securing 58 WLAN antennas, ident[...]