HP Pavilion 14 Ab100 Notebook Pc Series User Manual

							8Securing your computer and information
Computer security is essential for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your 
information. Standard security solutions provided by the Windows operating system, HP applications, the  Setup Utility (BIOS), and other third-party software can help protect your computer from a variety of risks, 
such as viruses, worms, and other types of malicious code.
IMPORTANT:Some security features listed in this chapter may not be available on your computer.
Using passwords
A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information and to protect 
online transactions. Several types of passwords can be set. For example, when you set up your computer for 
the first time, you were asked to create a user password to secure your computer. Additional passwords can 
be set in Windows or in HP Setup Utility (BIOS), which is preinstalled on your computer.
You may find it helpful to use the same password for a Setup Utility (BIOS) feature and for a Windows security 
feature.
To create and save passwords, use the following tips:
●To reduce the risk of being locked out of the computer, record each password and store it in a secure 
place away from the computer. Do not store passwords in a file on the computer.
●When creating passwords, follow requirements set by the program.
●Change your passwords at least every 3 months.
●An ideal password is long and has letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers.
●Before you send your computer for service, back up your files, delete confidential files, and then 
remove all password settings.
For additional information about Windows passwords, such as screen-saver passwords:
▲From the Start screen, type support, and then select the HP Support Assistant app.
-or-
From the Windows desktop, click the question mark icon in the taskbar.
Setting Windows passwords
PasswordFunctionUser passwordProtects access to a Windows user account.Administrator passwordProtects administrator-level access to computer contents.NOTE:This password cannot be used to access Setup Utility 
(BIOS) contents.Using passwords41  
						

							Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwordsPasswordFunctionAdministrator password●Must be entered each time you access Setup Utility (BIOS).
●If you forget your administrator password, you cannot 
access Setup Utility (BIOS).
Power-on password●Must be entered each time you turn on or restart the 
computer.
●If you forget your power-on password, you cannot turn on 
or restart the computer.
To set, change, or delete an administrator or power-on password in Setup Utility (BIOS):
CAUTION:Use extreme care when making changes in Setup Utility (BIOS). Errors can prevent the computer 
from operating properly.
1.Turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press f10.
2.Select Security, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Your changes take effect when the computer restarts.
Using Internet security software
When you use your computer to access email, a network, or the Internet, you potentially expose your 
computer to computer viruses, spyware, and other online threats. To help protect your computer, Internet 
security software that includes antivirus and firewall features may be preinstalled on your computer as a trial 
offer. To provide ongoing protection against newly discovered viruses and other security risks, security 
software must be kept up to date. It is strongly recommended that you upgrade the security software trial 
offer or purchase the software of your choice in order to fully protect your computer.
Using antivirus software
Computer viruses can disable programs, 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 damage 
they have caused.
To provide ongoing protection against newly discovered viruses, antivirus software must be kept up to date.
An antivirus program may be preinstalled on your computer. It is strongly recommended that you use the 
antivirus program of your choice in order to fully protect your computer.
For more information about computer viruses, from the Start screen, type support, and then select the HP 
Support Assistant
 app.
Using firewall software
Firewalls are designed to prevent unauthorized access to a system or network. A firewall can be software you 
install on your computer and/or network, or it can be a combination of both hardware and software.
There are two types of firewalls to consider:
42Chapter 8   Securing your computer and information  
						

							●Host-based firewalls—Software that protects only the computer it is installed on.
●Network-based firewalls—Installed between your DSL or cable modem and your home network to 
protect all the computers on the network.
When a firewall is installed on a system, all data sent to and from the system is monitored and compared 
with a set of user-defined security criteria. Any data that does not meet those criteria is blocked.
Installing software updates
HP, Windows, and third-party software installed on your computer should be regularly updated to correct 
security problems and improve software performance. For more information, see 
Updating programs and 
drivers on page 38.
Installing critical security updates
CAUTION:Microsoft sends out alerts regarding critical updates. To protect the computer from security 
breaches and computer viruses, install all critical updates from Microsoft as soon as you receive an alert.
You can install these updates manually or automatically.
To view or change the settings:
1.From the Start screen, type control panel.
‒  or –
From the Windows desktop, right-click the Start button, and then select Control Panel.
2.Select System and Security, select Windows Update, select Change settings, and then follow the on-
screen instructions.
Securing your wireless network
When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your  network from unauthorized access. WLANs in public areas (hotspots) like coffee shops and airports may not 
provide any security.
Backing up your software applications and information
Regularly back up your software applications and information to protect them from being permanently lost 
or damaged through a virus attack or a software or hardware failure. For more information, see 
Backing up, 
restoring, and recovering on page 48.
Using an optional security cable
A security cable, which is purchased separately, is designed to act as a deterrent, but it may not prevent the 
computer from being mishandled or stolen. Security cables are only one of several methods that should be 
employed as part of a complete security solution to help maximize theft protection.
The security cable slot on your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. For 
the location of the security cable slot on your computer, see 
Getting to know your computer on page 4.
1.Loop the security cable around a secured object.
2.Insert the key (1) into the security cable lock (2).
Installing software updates43  
						

							3.Insert the security cable lock into the security cable slot on the computer (3), and then lock the security 
cable lock with the key.
4.Remove the key and keep it in a safe place.
44Chapter 8   Securing your computer and information 
						

							9Using Setup Utility (BIOS)
Setup Utility, 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). Setup Utility (BIOS) 
includes settings for the types of devices installed, the startup sequence of the computer, and the amount of 
system and extended memory.
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS)
CAUTION:Use extreme care when making changes in Setup Utility (BIOS). Errors can prevent the computer 
from operating properly.
▲Turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press f10.
Updating Setup Utility (BIOS)
Updated versions of Setup Utility (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 decide whether you need to update Setup Utility (BIOS), first determine the BIOS version on your  computer.
BIOS version information (also known as ROM date and System BIOS) can be accessed from the Start screen 
by typing 
support, selecting the HP Support Assistant app, selecting My computer, and then selecting 
System Information, or by using Setup Utility (BIOS).
To use Setup Utility (BIOS):
1.Start Setup Utility (BIOS) (see Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) on page 45).
2.Select Main, and then make note of the BIOS version.
3.Select Exit, select Exit Discarding Changes, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
To check for later BIOS versions, see Downloading a BIOS update on page 46.
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS)45  
						

							Downloading a BIOS updateCAUTION: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 Sleep.
●Do not insert, remove, connect, or disconnect any device, cable, or cord.
NOTE:If your computer is connected to a network, consult the network administrator before installing any 
software updates, especially system BIOS updates.
1.From the Start screen, type support, and then select the HP Support Assistant app.
‒  or –
From the Windows desktop, click the question mark icon in the taskbar.
2.Click Updates and tune-ups, and then click Check for HP updates now.
3.Follow the on-screen instructions.
4.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. If the update is more recent than your BIOS version, 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.
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.
BIOS installation procedures vary. Follow any instructions that appear on the screen after the download is 
complete. If no instructions appear, follow these steps:
1.From the Start screen, type file, and then select File Explorer.
‒  or –
From the Windows desktop, right-click the Start button, and then select File Explorer.
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 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.46Chapter 9   Using Setup Utility (BIOS)    
						

							10Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)
HP PC Hardware Diagnostics is a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) that allows you to run 
diagnostic tests to determine whether the computer hardware is functioning properly. The tool runs outside  the operating system so that it can isolate hardware failures from issues that are caused by the operating 
system or other software components.
To start HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI):
1.Turn on or restart the computer, and then quickly press esc.
2.Press or tap f2.
The BIOS searches 3 places for the diagnostic 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 47.
b.Hard drive
c.Setup Utility (BIOS)
3.When the diagnostic tool opens, 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, press or tap esc.
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device
There are two options to download HP PC Hardware Diagnostics to a USB device.
Download the latest UEFI version: 
1.Go to http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/pcdiags. The HP PC Diagnostics home page is displayed.
2.Click the Download link in the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics section, and then select Run.
Download any version of UEFI for a specific product: 
1.Go to http://www.hp.com/support, and then select your country. The HP Support page is displayed.
2.Click Drivers & Downloads.
3.In the text box, enter the product name, and then click Go.
– or –
Click Find Now to let HP automatically detect your product.
4.Select your computer model, and then select your operating system.
5.In the Diagnostic section, click HP UEFI Support Environment.
– or –
Click Download, and then select Run.
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device47   
						

							11Backing up, restoring, and recovering
This chapter provides information about the following processes. The information in the chapter is standard procedure for most models.
●Creating recovery media and backups
●Restoring and recovering your system
For additional information, refer to Help and Support.
▲From the Start screen, type help, and then select Help and Support.
- or -
From the Windows desktop, click the question mark icon in the taskbar.
Creating recovery media and backups
The following methods of creating recovery media and backups are available on select models only. Choose 
the available method according to your computer model.
●Use HP Recovery Manager to create HP Recovery media after you successfully set up the computer. This  step creates a backup of the HP Recovery partition on the computer. The backup can be used to reinstall 
the original operating system in cases where the hard drive is corrupted or has been replaced. For 
information on creating recovery media, see 
Creating HP Recovery media (select models only) 
on page 48. For information on the recovery options that are available using the recovery media, see 
Recovering using HP Recovery Manager on page 50.
●Use Windows tools to create system restore points and create backups of personal information. 
For more information, see Using Windows tools on page 49.
NOTE:If storage is 32 GB or less, Microsoft System Restore is disabled by default.
Creating HP Recovery media (select models only)
IMPORTANT:If your computer does not list a Create recovery media option, you can obtain recovery media 
for your system from HP. See the 
Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet included with the computer. You 
can also find contact information on the HP website. Go to 
http://www.hp.com/support, select your country 
or region, and follow the on-screen instructions.
HP Recovery Manager is a software program that allows you to create recovery media (using either a flash 
drive or a set of DVDs) after you successfully set up the computer. HP Recovery media can be used to perform 
system recovery if the hard drive becomes corrupted. System recovery reinstalls the original operating 
system and software programs that were installed at the factory and then configures the settings for the 
programs. HP Recovery media can also be used to customize the system or restore the factory image if you 
replace the hard drive.
●Only one set of recovery media can be created. Handle these recovery tools carefully, and keep them in 
a safe place.
●HP Recovery Manager examines the computer and determines the required storage capacity for the 
media that will be required.
48Chapter 11   Backing up, restoring, and recovering   
						

							●To create recovery discs, your computer must have an optical drive with DVD writer capability, and you 
must use only high-quality blank DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-R DL, or DVD+R DL discs. Do not use rewritable 
discs such as CD±RW, DVD±RW, double-layer DVD±RW, or BD-RE (rewritable Blu-ray) discs; they are not 
compatible with HP Recovery Manager software. Or, instead, you can use a high-quality blank USB flash 
drive. 
●If your computer does not include an integrated optical drive with DVD writer capability, but you would 
like to create DVD recovery media, you can use an external optical drive (purchased separately) to 
create recovery discs. If you use an external optical drive, it must be connected directly to a USB port on 
the computer; the drive cannot be connected to a USB port on an external device, such as a USB hub. If 
you cannot create DVD media yourself, you can obtain recovery discs for your computer from HP. See 
the 
Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet included with the computer. You can also find contact 
information on the HP website. Go to 
http://www.hp.com/support, select your country or region, and 
follow the on-screen instructions.
●Be sure that the computer is connected to AC power before you begin creating the recovery media.
●The creation process can take an hour or more. Do not interrupt the creation process.
●If necessary, you can exit the program before you have finished creating all of the recovery DVDs. HP 
Recovery Manager will finish burning the current DVD. The next time you start HP Recovery Manager, 
you will be prompted to continue.
To create HP Recovery media:
IMPORTANT:For tablets with a detachable keyboard, connect the keyboard to the keyboard dock before 
beginning these steps.
1.From the Start screen, type recovery, and then select HP Recovery Manager.
2.Select Create recovery media, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
If you ever need to recover the system, see Recovering using HP Recovery Manager on page 50.
Using Windows tools
You can use Windows tools to create system restore points and create backups of personal information. 
NOTE:If storage is 32 GB or less, Microsoft System Restore is disabled by default.
For more information and steps, see Help and Support.
▲From the Start screen, type help, and then select Help and Support.
Restore and recovery
There are several options for recovering your system. Choose the method that best matches your situation 
and level of expertise:
IMPORTANT:Not all methods are available on all models.
●Windows offers several options for restoring from backup, refreshing the computer, and resetting the 
computer to its original state. For more information see Help and Support.
▲From the Start screen, type help, and then select Help and Support.
●If you need to correct a problem with a preinstalled application or driver, use the Drivers and 
Applications Reinstall option of HP Recovery Manager to reinstall the individual application or driver.
Using Windows tools49    
						

							▲From the Start screen, type recovery, select HP Recovery Manager, select Reinstall drivers 
and/or applications
, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
●On select models, if you want to reset your computer using a minimized image, you can choose the HP 
Minimized Image Recovery option from the HP Recovery partition or HP Recovery media. Minimized 
Image Recovery installs only drivers and hardware-enabling applications. Other applications included in 
the image continue to be available for installation through the Reinstall drivers and/or applications 
option in HP Recovery Manager.
For more information, see Recovering using HP Recovery Manager on page 50.
●If you want to recover the Windows partition to original factory content, you can choose the System 
Recovery option from the HP Recovery partition (select models only) or use the HP Recovery media. For more information, see 
Recovering using HP Recovery Manager on page 50. If you have not already 
created recovery media, see 
Creating HP Recovery media (select models only) on page 48.
●On select models, if you want to recover the computer's original factory partition and content, or if you 
have replaced the hard drive, you can use the Factory Reset option of HP Recovery media. For more 
information, see 
Recovering using HP Recovery Manager on page 50.
●On select models, if you want to remove the recovery partition to reclaim hard drive space, HP Recovery 
Manager offers the Remove Recovery Partition option.
For more information, see Removing the HP Recovery partition (select models only) on page 52.
Recovering using HP Recovery Manager
HP Recovery Manager software allows you to recover the computer to its original factory state by using the 
HP Recovery media that you either created or that you obtained from HP, or by using the HP Recovery  partition (select models only). If you have not already created recovery media, see 
Creating HP Recovery 
media (select models only) on page 48.
What you need to know before you get started
●HP Recovery Manager recovers only software that was installed at the factory. For software not 
provided with this computer, you must either download the software from the manufacturer's website 
or reinstall the software from the media provided by the manufacturer.
IMPORTANT:Recovery through HP Recovery Manager should be used as a final attempt to correct 
computer issues.
●HP Recovery media must be used if the computer hard drive fails. If you have not already created 
recovery media, see 
Creating HP Recovery media (select models only) on page 48.
●To use the Factory Reset option (select models only), you must use HP Recovery media. If you have not 
already created recovery media, see 
Creating HP Recovery media (select models only) on page 48.
●If your computer does not allow the creation of HP Recovery media or if the HP Recovery media does 
not work, you can obtain recovery media for your system from support. See the 
Worldwide Telephone 
Numbers
 booklet included with the computer. You can also find contact information from the HP 
website. Go to 
http://www.hp.com/support, select your country or region, and follow the on-screen 
instructions.
IMPORTANT:HP Recovery Manager does not automatically provide backups of your personal data. Before 
beginning recovery, back up any personal data you want to retain.
Using HP Recovery media, you can choose from one of the following recovery options:
NOTE:Only the options available for your computer display when you start the recovery process.50Chapter 11   Backing up, restoring, and recovering