Owner manual
Table Of Contents
- Welcome
- Getting to know your computer
- Networking
- Keyboard and pointing devices
- Multimedia
- Power management
- Shutting down the computer
- Setting power options
- Using battery power
- Using external AC power
- Drives
- External cards and devices
- Memory modules
- Security
- Backup and Recovery
- Computer Setup (BIOS) and Advanced System Diagnostics
- MultiBoot
- Troubleshooting and support
- Troubleshooting
- The computer is unable to start up
- The computer screen is blank
- Software is functioning abnormally
- The computer is on but not responding
- The computer is unusually warm
- An external device is not working
- The wireless network connection is not working
- The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD or DVD
- The computer does not detect the optical drive
- A disc does not play
- A movie is not visible on an external display
- The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion
- Contacting customer support
- Labels
- Troubleshooting
- Cleaning your computer
- Specifications
- Electrostatic discharge
- Index
Most BIOS updates on the HP Web site are packaged in compressed files called SoftPaqs.
Some download packages contain a file named Readme.txt, which contains information regarding
installing and troubleshooting the file.
Determining the BIOS version
To determine whether available BIOS updates contain later BIOS versions than those currently
installed on the computer, you need to know the version of the system BIOS currently installed.
BIOS version information (also known as ROM date and System BIOS) can be displayed by starting
Computer Setup.
1. Start Computer Setup.
2. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select File > System Information.
3. To exit Computer Setup without saving your changes, click the Exit icon in the lower-left corner
of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
– or –
Use the tab key and the arrow keys to select File > Ignore Changes and Exit, and then press
enter.
NOTE: You can also determine the BIOS version by turning on or restarting the computer, pressing
the esc key while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of
the screen, and then pressing the f1 key. Follow the on-screen instructions to exit this screen.
Downloading a BIOS update
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the computer or an unsuccessful installation, download
and install a BIOS update only when the computer is connected to reliable external power using the
AC adapter. Do not download or install a BIOS update while the computer is running on battery
power, docked in an optional docking device, or connected to an optional power source. During the
download and installation, follow these instructions:
Do not disconnect power from the computer by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet.
Do not shut down the computer or initiate Suspend or Hibernation.
Do not insert, remove, connect, or disconnect any device, cable, or cord.
1. Open your Web browser, go to http://www.hp.com/support, and select your country or region.
Access the page on the HP Web site that provides software for your computer. Follow the on-
screen instructions to identify your computer and access the BIOS update you want to
download.
2. Click the option for software and driver downloads, type your computer model number in the
product box, and then press enter. Follow the on-screen instructions to identify your computer
and access the BIOS update you want to download.
3. Click your specific product from the models listed.
4. Click the appropriate operating system.
5. Go to the BIOS section and download the BIOS software package.
6. Follow the installation instructions as provided with the downloaded BIOS software package.
76 Chapter 12 Computer Setup (BIOS) and Advanced System Diagnostics