HP Elitebook 840 G2 P0c57ut Aba 14 Notebook User Manual

							applications if the hard drive becomes corrupted. HP Recovery Disc Creator can create two kinds of recovery 
DVDs:
●Windows 7 operating system DVD—Installs the operating system without additional drivers or 
applications.
●Driver Recovery DVD—Installs specific drivers and applications only, in the same way that the HP 
Software Setup utility installs drivers and applications.
Creating recovery media
NOTE:The Windows 7 operating system DVD can be created only once. Thereafter, the option to create that 
media will not be available after you create a Windows DVD.
To create the Windows DVD:
1.Select Start > All Programs > Productivity and Tools > HP Recovery Disc Creator.
2.Select Windows disk.
3.From the drop-down menu, select the drive for burning the recovery media.
4.Click the Create button to start the burning process.
After the Windows 7 operating system DVD has been created, create the Driver Recovery DVD:
1.Select Start > All Programs > Productivity and Tools > HP Recovery Disc Creator.
2.Select Driver disk.
3.From the drop-down menu, select the drive for burning the recovery media.
4.Click the Create button to start the burning process.
Backing up your information
You should create system repair media and your initial backup immediately after initial system setup. As you  add new software and data files, you should continue to back up your system on a regular basis to maintain a 
reasonably current backup. You should also create Windows system repair media (select models only) which  can be used to start up (boot) the computer and repair the operating system in case of system instability or 
failure. Your initial and subsequent backups allow you to restore your data and settings if a failure occurs.
You can back up your information to an optional external hard drive, a network drive, or discs.
Note the following when backing up:
●Store personal files in the Documents library, and back it up regularly.
●Back up templates that are stored in their associated directories.
●Save customized settings that appear in a window, toolbar, or menu bar by taking a screen shot of your 
settings. The screen shot can be a time-saver if you have to reset your preferences.
●When backing up to discs, number each disc after removing it from the drive.
NOTE:For detailed instructions on various backup and restore options, perform a search for these topics in 
Help and Support. To access Help and Support, select 
Start > Help and Support.
NOTE:Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer. You 
may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running utilities, or 
changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support. To access Help and Support, select 
Start > Help and 
Support
.
Creating recovery media and backups79    
						

							To create a backup using Windows Backup and Restore:NOTE:The backup process may take over an hour, depending on file size and the speed of the computer.
1.Select Start > All Programs > Maintenance > Backup and Restore.
2.Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your backup, create a system image (select models only), or 
create system repair media (select models only).
Performing a system recovery
In case of system failure or instability, the computer provides the following tools to recover your files:
●Windows recovery tools: You can use Windows Backup and Restore to recover information you have 
previously backed up. You can also use Windows Startup Repair to fix problems that might prevent 
Windows from starting correctly.
●f11 recovery tools (select models only): You can use the f11 recovery tools to recover your original hard 
drive image. The image includes the Windows operating system and software programs installed at the 
factory.
NOTE:If you are unable to boot (start up) your computer and you cannot use the system repair media you 
previously created (select models only), you must purchase Windows 7 operating system media to reboot the 
computer and repair the operating system. For additional information, see 
Using Windows 7 operating 
system media on page 81.
Using the Windows recovery tools 
Using the Windows recovery tools, you can:
●Recover individual files
●Restore the computer to a previous system restore point
●Recover information using recovery tools
NOTE:For detailed instructions on various recovery and restore options, perform a search for these topics 
in Help and Support. To access Help and Support, select 
Start > Help and Support.
NOTE:Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer. You 
may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running utilities, or 
changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support. To access Help and Support, select 
Start > Help and 
Support
.
To recover information you previously backed up:
1.Select Start > All Programs > Maintenance > Backup and Restore.
2.Follow the on-screen instructions to recover your system settings, your computer (select models only), 
or your files.
To recover your information using Startup Repair, follow these steps:
CAUTION:Some Startup Repair options will completely erase and reformat the hard drive. All files you have 
created and any software installed on the computer are permanently removed. When reformatting is 
complete, the recovery process restores the operating system, as well as the drivers, software, and utilities 
from the backup used for recovery.80Chapter 11   Backup and recovery      
						

							1.If possible, back up all personal files.
2.If possible, check for the presence of the Windows partition.
To check for the Windows partition, select Start > Computer.
NOTE:If the Windows partition is not listed, you must recover your operating system and programs 
using the Windows 7 operating system DVD and the 
Driver Recovery media. For additional information, 
see 
Using Windows 7 operating system media on page 81.
3.If the Windows partition is listed, restart the computer, and then press f8 before the Windows operating 
system loads.
4.Select Startup Repair.
5.Follow the on-screen instructions.
NOTE:For additional information on recovering information using the Windows tools, select Start > Help 
and Support
.
Using f11 recovery tools (select models only)
CAUTION:Using f11 completely erases hard drive contents and reformats the hard drive. All files that you 
have created and any software that you have installed on the computer are permanently removed. The 
f11 
recovery tool reinstalls the operating system and HP programs and drivers that were installed at the factory. 
Software not installed at the factory must be reinstalled.
To recover the original hard drive image using f11:
1.If possible, back up all personal files.
2.If possible, check for the presence of the HP Recovery partition: click Start, right-click Computer, click 
Manage, and then click Disk Management.
NOTE:If the HP Recovery partition is not listed, you must recover your operating system and 
programs using the Windows 7 operating system media and the 
Driver Recovery media. For additional 
information, see 
Using Windows 7 operating system media on page 81.
3.If the HP Recovery partition is listed, restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC 
key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
4.Press f11 while the “Press  for recovery” message is displayed on the screen.
5.Follow the on-screen instructions.
Using Windows 7 operating system media
If you cannot use the recovery media you previously created using the HP Recovery Disc Creator (select 
models only), you must purchase a Windows 7 operating system DVD to reboot the computer and repair the 
operating system.
To order a Windows 7 operating system DVD, go to the HP website. For U.S. support, go to 
http://www.hp.com/support. For worldwide support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/
wwcontact_us.html. You can also order the DVD by calling support. For contact information, see the 
Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet included with the computer.
CAUTION:Using a Windows 7 operating system DVD completely erases hard drive contents and reformats 
the hard drive. All files that you have created and any software that you have installed on the computer are 
permanently removed. When reformatting is complete, the recovery process helps you restore the operating 
system, as well as drivers, software, and utilities.Performing a system recovery81      
						

							To initiate recovery using a Windows 7 operating system DVD:NOTE:This process takes several minutes.
1.If possible, back up all personal files.
2.Restart the computer, and then insert the Windows 7 operating system DVD into the optical drive before 
the Windows operating system loads.
3.When prompted, press any keyboard key.
4.Follow the on-screen instructions.
5.Click Next.
6.Select Repair your computer.
7.Follow the on-screen instructions.
After the repair is completed:
1.Eject the Windows 7 operating system DVD and then insert the Driver Recovery DVD.
2.Install the Hardware Enabling Drivers first, and then install Recommended Applications.
82Chapter 11   Backup and recovery  
						

							12Computer Setup (BIOS), MultiBoot, and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)
Using Computer Setup
Computer Setup, or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), controls communication between all the input and output devices on the system (such as disk drives, display, keyboard, mouse, and printer). Computer Setup 
includes settings for the types of devices installed, the startup sequence of the computer, and the amount of 
system and extended memory.
NOTE:Use extreme care when making changes in Computer Setup. Errors can prevent the computer from 
operating properly.
Starting Computer Setup
NOTE:An external keyboard or mouse connected to a USB port can be used with Computer Setup only if 
USB legacy support is enabled.
To start Computer Setup, follow these steps:
1.Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” 
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
2.Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup
To navigate and select in Computer Setup, follow these steps:
1.Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” 
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
NOTE:You can use either a pointing device (TouchPad, pointing stick, or USB mouse) or the keyboard 
to navigate and make selections in Computer Setup.
2.Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
●To select a menu or a menu item, use the tab key and the keyboard arrow keys and then press 
enter, or use a pointing device to click the item.
●To scroll up and down, click the up arrow or the down arrow in the upper-right corner of the 
screen, or use the up arrow key or the down arrow key on the keyboard.
●To close open dialog boxes and return to the main Computer Setup screen, press esc, and then 
follow the on-screen instructions.
To exit Computer Setup menus, choose one of the following methods:
●To exit Computer Setup menus without saving your changes:
Click the Exit icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
– or –
Using Computer Setup83    
						

							Use the arrow keys to select Main > Ignore Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
●To save your changes and exit Computer Setup menus:
Click the Save icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
– or –
Use the arrow keys to select Main > Save Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.
Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup
NOTE:Restoring defaults will not change the hard drive mode.
To return all settings in Computer Setup to the values that were set at the factory, follow these steps:
1.Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” 
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
2.Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
3.Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Main > Restore Defaults.
4.Follow the on-screen instructions.
5.To save your changes and exit, click the Save icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, and then 
follow the on-screen instructions.
– or –
Use the arrow keys to select Main > Save Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.
NOTE:Your password settings and security settings are not changed when you restore the factory settings.84Chapter 12   Computer Setup (BIOS), MultiBoot, and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)   
						

							Updating the BIOS
Updated versions of the BIOS may be available on the HP website.
Most BIOS updates on the HP website 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 revealed by pressing fn+esc (if 
you are already in Windows) or by using Computer Setup.
1.Start Computer Setup.
2.Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Main > System Information.
3.To exit Computer Setup without saving your changes, click the Exit icon in the lower-right corner of the 
screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
– or –
Use the arrow keys to select Main > Ignore Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
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 on the computer by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet.
Do not shut down the computer or initiate Sleep.
Do not insert, remove, connect, or disconnect any device, cable, or cord.
1.Access Help and Support by selecting Start > Help and Support.
2.Select Updates and tune-ups, and then select Check for HP updates now.
3.At the download area, follow these steps:
a.Identify the most recent BIOS update and compare it to the BIOS version currently installed on 
your computer. Make a note of the date, name, or other identifier. You may need this information 
to locate the update later, after it has been downloaded to your hard drive.
b.Follow the on-screen instructions to download your selection to the hard drive.
If the update is more recent than your BIOS, make a note of the path to the location on your hard 
drive where the BIOS update is downloaded. You will need to access this path when you are ready 
to install the update.
NOTE:If you connect your computer to a network, consult the network administrator before installing 
any software updates, especially system BIOS updates.
BIOS installation procedures vary. Follow any instructions that are revealed on the screen after the download 
is complete. If no instructions are revealed, follow these steps:
Using Computer Setup85   
						

							1.Select Start > Computer.
2.Click your hard drive designation. The hard drive designation is typically Local Disk (C:).
3.Using the hard drive path you recorded earlier, open the folder on your hard drive that contains the 
update.
4.Double-click the file that has an .exe extension (for example, filename.exe).
The BIOS installation begins.
5.Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.
NOTE:After a message on the screen reports a successful installation, you can delete the downloaded file 
from your hard drive.
Using MultiBoot
About the boot device order
As the computer starts, the system attempts to boot from enabled devices. The MultiBoot utility, which is 
enabled at the factory, controls the order in which the system selects a boot device. Boot devices can include 
optical drives, diskette drives, a network interface card (NIC), hard drives, and USB devices. Boot devices 
contain bootable media or files that the computer needs to start and operate properly.
NOTE:Some boot devices must be enabled in Computer Setup before they can be included in the boot 
order.
You can change the order in which the computer searches for a boot device by changing the boot order in 
Computer Setup. You can also press 
esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed 
at the bottom of the screen, and then press 
f9. Pressing f9 displays a menu that shows the current boot 
devices and allows you to select a boot device. Or, you can use MultiBoot Express to set the computer to 
prompt you for a boot location each time the computer turns on or restarts.
Choosing MultiBoot preferences
You can use MultiBoot in the following ways:
●To set a new boot order that the computer uses each time it is turned on, by changing the boot order in 
Computer Setup.
●To dynamically choose the boot device, by pressing esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” 
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen, and then pressing 
f9 to enter the Boot Device Options 
menu.
●To use MultiBoot Express to set variable boot orders. This feature prompts you for a boot device each 
time the computer is turned on or restarted.
Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup
To start Computer Setup and set a boot device order that the computer uses each time it is turned on or 
restarted, follow these steps:
1.Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” 
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
2.Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
3.Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select the Legacy Boot Order list, and then press enter.
86Chapter 12   Computer Setup (BIOS), MultiBoot, and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)   
						

							4.To move the device up in the boot order, use a pointing device to click the up arrow, or press the + key.
– or –
To move the device down in the boot order, use a pointing device to click the down arrow, or press the - 
key.
5.To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click the Save icon in the lower-left corner of the 
screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
– or –
Use the arrow keys to select Main > Save Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
Dynamically choosing a boot device using the f9 prompt
To dynamically choose a boot device for the current startup sequence, follow these steps:
1.Open the Select Boot Device menu by turning on or restarting the computer, and then pressing esc while 
the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
2.Press f9.
3.Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select a boot device, then press enter.
Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt
To start Computer Setup and set the computer to display the MultiBoot startup location menu each time the  computer is started or restarted, follow these steps:
1.Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” 
message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
2.Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
3.Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select System Configuration > Boot Options, and then press 
enter.
4.In the MultiBoot Express Popup Delay (Sec) field, enter the length of time in seconds that you want the 
computer to display the startup location menu before it defaults to the current MultiBoot setting. 
(When 0 is selected, the Express Boot startup location menu is not displayed.)
5.To save your changes and exit Computer Setup, click the Save icon in the lower-left corner of the 
screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
– or –
Use the arrow keys to select Main > Save Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
Your changes go into effect when the computer restarts.
Entering MultiBoot Express preferences
When the Express Boot menu is displayed during startup, you have the following choices:
Using MultiBoot87 
						

							●To specify a boot device from the Express Boot menu, select your preference within the allotted time, 
and then press 
enter.
●To prevent the computer from defaulting to the current MultiBoot setting, press any key before the 
allotted time expires. The computer will not start until you select a boot device and press 
enter.
●To allow the computer to start according to the current MultiBoot settings, wait for the allotted time to 
expire.
Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) (select models only)
HP PC Hardware Diagnostics is a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) that allows you to run 
diagnostic tests to determine if the computer hardware is functioning properly. The tool runs outside of the 
operating system to isolate hardware failures from issues that may be caused by the operating system or 
other software components.
To start HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI:
1.Turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press f2.
After pressing f2, the BIOS searches three places for the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) tools in the 
following order:
a.Connected USB drive
NOTE:To download the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) tool to a USB drive, see Downloading 
HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device on page 88.
b.Hard drive
c.BIOS
2.Use the keyboard arrow keys to select the type of diagnostic test you want to run, and then follow the 
on-screen instructions.
NOTE:If you need to stop a diagnostic test while it is running, press esc.
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device
NOTE:The HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) download instructions are provided in English only.
There are two options to download HP PC Hardware Diagnostics to a USB device:
Option 1: HP PC Diagnostics homepage— Provides access to the latest UEFI version
1.Go to http://hp.com/go/techcenter/pcdiags.
2.Click the UEFI Download link, and then select Run.
Option 2: Support and Drivers page—Provides downloads for a specific product for earlier and later 
versions
1.Go to http://www.hp.com.
2.Point to Support, located at the top of the page, and then click Download Drivers.
3.In the text box, enter the product name, and then click Go.
– or –
Click Find Now to let HP automatically detect your product.
88Chapter 12   Computer Setup (BIOS), MultiBoot, and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)