HP (Hewlett-Packard) g6-2237us 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 ............ ............ .......... .......... ............ .......... ........... ............ .......... .......... . ................ 18 Using a udio ............ ...[...]

Conserving battery power ....... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ......... .......... .... 32 Identifying low battery levels ...... ......... ......... ........... ......... ......... .......... ......... ......... ........... .. 3 3 Resolv ing a low battery level .... ............. ............ ..........[...]

Settin g Setup U tility ( BIOS) p asswo rds ....... .................. ................... .............. ................... 51 Using Int ernet securi ty sof tware .. ........ .......... ........ .......... ........... ........ .......... ......... ......... ......... ........... 51 Using antivirus software ............ ........... .............. [...]

1 Starting right This computer is a powerful tool design ed to en hance your work an d entertainment. To get the most out of your computer, read this cha pter to learn ab out best practices afte r setup, fun things to do with your computer, an d where to go to get more resources. Best practices To get the most out of your smart inve stment, after y[...]

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 (4) Power light ● White: The computer is on. ● Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state, which is an energy-saving mode. The co mputer shuts off power to the display and other unneeded components. ● Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibe rnation is an energy-saving mode t hat uses the least amount of [...]

Component Description (1) External monitor port Connects an exte rnal VGA monitor or projector. (2) Vents (2) 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. (3) HDMI port Co[...]

Display Component Description (1) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wirele ss signals to communicate with wireless local area networks (WLANs). (2) Internal microphone (1) Records sound. (3) HP TrueVision HD Webcam Records video, ca p tures still photographs, and allows video conferences and online chat by means of streaming video. To use the web[...]

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. (4) Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an e xternal mouse. (5) Ri[...]

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. Th e computer shuts off power to the display and oth er 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 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 br[...]

Keys Component Description (1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the fn key. (2) fn key Displays system information when pressed in combina tion with the esc key. (3) Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start screen. (4) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions. (5) Windows applications key Displays [...]

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 : Component (1) Product name (2) Serial number (3) Product num[...]

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. From the Desktop, tap or click the network status icon in th e notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. 3. Select yo u[...]

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. Using the webcam[...]

Checking the sound To check the audio functions on your computer, follow these ste ps: 1. From the Start screen, type c , and then select Control Panel from the list of applications. 2. Select Hardware and Sound , and th en select Sound . 3. When the So und wind ow opens, click the Sounds tab. Under Program Events , select any sound event, su ch as[...]

To connect an HDMI device to your computer , you need an HDMI cable, sold sepa rately. 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 ge between 4 display states: ● PC screen only: View the scree[...]

Managing your photo, audio, and video files CyberLink PowerDVD (select mod els only) helps yo u mana ge and edit you r photo, audio, a nd video collections. ▲ To open CyberLink Po wer DVD from the comp uter Start screen, type c , and then select CyberLink PowerDVD from th e list of applications. For more information abo ut using CyberL ink PowerD[...]

5 Navigating using touch gestures, pointing devices and the keyboard Your computer allows navi gation using touch gestures (select mode ls only) in addition to the keyboard and mo use. Touch gestur es can be use d on your computer TouchPa d. NOTE: An external USB mo use (purchased se parately) can be conn ected to one of the USB ports on the comput[...]

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 a gest ure off or on: 1. From the Synaptics To uchPad scree n, select the che ck box next to the g[...]

Pinching/zooming Pinching and zooming allow you to zoom out or in on images or text. ● Zoom in by placing two fingers tog ether on th e T ouchPad zone and then moving your fingers apart. ● Zoom out by placing two fingers ap art on the Tou chPad zone and then moving your fing ers together. Edge swipes Edge swipes allow you to perform ta sks such[...]

Right-edge swipe The right-edge swipe reveals the charms, which let you search, share, start apps, access devices, or change setting s. ● Swipe your finger gently from the right edg e to display the charms. 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-ed[...]

Left-edge swipe The left-edge swipe reveals your ope n apps so that you can switch to them quickly. ● Swipe your finger gen tly from the left edg e of the T ouchPad to switch be tween apps. 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 ges[...]

CAUTION: Use extreme care when maki ng changes in Setup Utility. Errors can prevent the computer from operating prop erly. Icon Key Descriptio n f1 Opens Help and Support, which provides tutorials, information about the Windows operating system and yo ur computer, ans wers to que stions, and updates to your computer. Help and Support also provides [...]

Shortcut Ke ys Shortcut key Key Description Returns you to the Start screen from an open a pp or the Desktop. Pressing the key again returns you to the previous scree n. + c Opens the charms. + d Opens the Desktop. + tab Switches between open apps. NOTE: Continue to press this key combination until the app you want displays. alt + f4 Closes an acti[...]

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[...]

Initiating and e xiting Sleep With the computer on, you can initiate Sleep in an y of the followin g ways: ● Close the displa y. ● From the Start screen, point to the upper-right or lower-right corner of the screen. When the charms list o pens, clic k Settings , click the Power icon, and then click Sleep . To exit Slee p: ● If the display is [...]

4. Click Require a password (recomme nded) . NOTE: If you need to crea te a user account p a ssword or change your curren t user account password, click Create or change y our user accou nt password , and then follow the on- screen instructions. If you do not need to crea te or change a user accou nt password, go to step 5. 5. Click Save changes . [...]

Removing a user-replaceable battery WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the user-replaceable battery provided with the computer, a repla cement battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased from HP. CAUTION: Removing a u ser-replaceab le battery that is the sole power so urce for the computer can cause loss of informati[...]

● Stop, disable, or remo ve any external media cards that you are not using. ● Before you leave your work, initiate Sleep or shut d own the computer. Identifying low battery levels When a batter y that is the sole power sou rce for the compu ter reaches a low or cr itical battery le vel, the power meter ico n on the Windows desktop shows a low [...]

See the Regulatory, Safety a nd Environmental No tices for p roper battery disposal. To access the user guides, select the HP Support Assi stant app on the Start screen, select My computer , a nd then select the User guid es . Replacing a user-replaceable battery Battery Check in Help and Su pport notifies you to replace the batte ry when an intern[...]

To test th e AC adapter: 1. Shut down the computer. 2. Remove the batt ery from the comput er. 3. Connect the AC adapter to the computer, and then plug it into an AC outlet. 4. Turn on th e compute r. ● If the power lights turn on , the AC ad apter is working properly. ● If the power lights remain off , check the connectio n from the AC adap te[...]

Shut down the co mputer under any o f the following cond itions: ● When you need to replace the ba ttery or access componen ts inside the co mputer ● When you are conne cting an exte rnal hardwa re de vice that does not connect to a USB or video port ● When the compu ter will be unused and disconnected from external power for an extended peri[...]

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 a solid st ate drive that stores yo ur computer's software, operating system, and also provides stor age for all of your personal files. For added capacity or func tiona[...]

▲ 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 appears in the notification a rea, [...]

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 until it i s firmly seated . A sound indicates that th e device has been detected[...]

To share folders or l ibraries on the sa me network: 1. On the Desktop, o pen File Explorer . 2. Click the Share tab on the Librar ies window, and then click Specific people . 3. Type a name in the File Sharing box, and then click Add . 4. Click Share and then follow the on-scree n instructions. To share information from you r Local Disk: 1. On the[...]

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. It also p rovides informati on about updati ng your programs and drive rs, instr[...]

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, in the Sleep state, or in Hiberna tion, tu rn the computer on , and then shu t it down through the operating system. 1. Save your work and shut down the computer. 2. Disconnec[...]

4. Lift the hard drive (2) out of the hard drive bay. 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 procedure. Using HP 3D[...]

A short time a fter the end of one of these events, HP 3D Drive Guard returns the hard drive to normal operation. NOTE: Because solid-state drives (SSD) lack movin g parts, HP 3D DriveG uard is unnecessary . NOTE: A hard drive in the primary hard drive bay is p rotected by HP 3D DriveGuard. Hard drives connected to USB ports are not covered by HP 3[...]

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 no t touch the co mponents on the memory 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 m[...]

recent gaming software. Without the l atest driver , you wo uld not be getting the most out of your equipment. Go to http://www.hp. com/ support to downlo ad the latest ver sions of HP progra ms and drivers. In addition, regist er to receive a utomatic update notifica tions when they be come available. Cleaning your computer Cleaning your computer [...]

◦ Turn off, and then disconnect all extern al devices. ◦ Shut down the comput er. ● Take along a backup of yo ur information. Keep th e backup separate from the computer. ● When traveling by ai r, carry the compu ter as hand lugg age; do no t check it in with the rest of your luggage. CAUTION: Avo id exposing a drive to magneti c fields. Se[...]

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[...]

wwcontact_us.html . At this location, you can also register to receive autom atic update notificatio ns when they become available. If you have instal led third-party software after yo u purchased your computer, regularly update the software. Software compani es provide software updates to their products to correct security problems and improve fun[...]

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[...]

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: If you need to stop a diagno stic test while it is ru nning, press esc . 56 Chapter 10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) a nd System Diagnostics[...]

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 in to an optional exte rnal opti[...]

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 light, identifying 4 AC adapter, testing 34 action keys decrease screen brightness 27 Help and Suppo rt 2 7 identifying 10 increase screen brightness 27 next track or section 27 play, pause, resume 27 previous track or section 27 switch screen image 27 volume down 27 volume mute 27 volume up 27 wireless 27 airport security device[...]

HP Recovery media creating 58 recovery 62 HP Recovery partition 61 recovery 61 removing 62 hubs 37 I input power 63 installing critical updates 52 optional security cable lock 53 Integrated n umeric keypad 28 integrated nume ric keypad, identifying 28 integrated webcam light, identifying 6 Intel Rapid Start Technology 29 internal microph one, ident[...]

reset computer 59, 60 steps 60 restore Windows F ile History 59 RJ-45 (network) jack, identifying 5 S scrolling TouchPad gesture 2 3 security cable lock, installing 53 security cable slot security cable slot, identifying 4 security, wireless 15 serial number 12 serial number, computer 12 service labels locating 12 setting password prot ection on wa[...]