HP Pavilion 15 Ab000 Notebook Pc Series Manual

							Running on battery power
When a charged battery is in the computer and the computer is not plugged into external power, the
computer runs on battery power. When the computer is off and unplugged from external power, the
battery in the computer slowly discharges. The computer will display a message when the battery
reaches a low or critical battery level.
Computer battery life varies, depending on power management settings, programs running on the
computer, screen brightness, external devices connected to the computer, and other factors.
User-replaceable battery
WARNING!To reduce potential safety issues, use only the user-replaceable battery provided with
the computer, a replacement battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased from HP.
CAUTION:Removing a user-replaceable battery that is the sole power source for the computer can
cause loss of information. To prevent loss of information, save your work or shut down the computer
through Windows before removing the battery.
To remove the user-replaceable battery:
1.Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you.
2.Slide the battery lock latch (1) to unlock the battery, and then slide the battery release latch (2)
to release the battery.
NOTE:Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.
NOTE:The battery release latch automatically returns to its original position.
3.Pivot the battery (3) upward, and then remove it from the computer (4).
Running on battery power 31 
						

							Finding battery information
To access battery information:
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 notification area, at the far right
of the taskbar.
2.Select Battery and Performance.
HP Support Assistant provides the following tools and information about the battery:
●Battery Check
●Information about battery types, specifications, life cycles, and capacity
Conserving battery power
To conserve battery power and maximize battery life:
●Lower the brightness of the display.
●Select the Power saver setting in Power Options.
●If the computer will be unused and unplugged from external power for more than 2 weeks,
remove the user-replaceable battery from the computer and store it separately in a cool, dry
place.
●Turn off wireless devices when you are not using them.
●Disconnect unused external devices that are not plugged into an external power source, such as
an external hard drive connected to a USB port.
●Stop, disable, or remove any external media cards that you are not using.
●Before you leave your work, initiate Sleep or shut down the computer.
Identifying low battery levels
When a battery that is the sole power source for the computer reaches a low or critical battery level,
the following behavior occurs:
●The battery light (select models only) indicates a low or critical battery level.
– or –
●The power meter icon on the Windows desktop shows a low or critical battery notification.
NOTE:For additional information about the power meter, see 
Using the power meter and
power settings on page 30.
The computer takes the following actions for a critical battery level:
●If Hibernation is disabled and the computer is on or in the Sleep state, the computer remains
briefly in the Sleep state, and then shuts down and loses any unsaved information.
●If Hibernation is enabled and the computer is on or in the Sleep state, the computer initiates
Hibernation.
32 Chapter 6   Managing power 
						

							Resolving a low battery level
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available
Connect one of the following to the computer and to external power:
●AC adapter
●Optional docking or expansion device
●Optional power adapter purchased as an accessory from HP
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available
Save your work and shut down the computer.
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation
1.Replace the discharged user-replaceable battery with a charged battery, or connect the AC
adapter to the computer and to external power.
2.Exit Hibernation by pressing the power button.
Storing a user-replaceable battery
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of damage to a battery, do not expose it to high temperatures for
extended periods of time.
If a computer will be unused and unplugged from external power for more than 2 weeks, remove the
battery and store it separately in a cool, dry place to prolong the battery charge.
A stored battery should be checked every 6 months. If the capacity is less than 50 percent, recharge
the battery before returning it to storage.
Disposing of a user-replaceable battery
WARNING!To reduce the risk of fire or burns, do not disassemble, crush, or puncture; do not short
external contacts; do not dispose of in fire or water.
See the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices for proper battery disposal.
To access this document:
▲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 notification area, at the far right
of the taskbar.
Running on AC power
For information about connecting to AC power, refer to the Setup Instructions poster provided in the
computer box.
The computer does not use battery power when the computer is connected to AC power with an
approved AC adapter or an optional docking/expansion device.
Running on AC power 33 
						

							WARNING!To reduce potential safety issues, use only the AC adapter provided with the computer,
a replacement AC adapter provided by HP, or a compatible AC adapter purchased from HP.
Connect the computer to AC power under any of the following conditions:
WARNING!Do not charge the computer battery while you are aboard aircraft.
●When charging or calibrating a battery
●When installing or modifying system software
●When writing information to a disc (select models only)
●When running Disk Defragmenter on computers with internal hard drives
●When performing a backup or recovery
When you connect the computer to AC power:
●The battery begins to charge.
●The screen brightness increases.
●The power meter icon on the Windows desktop changes appearance.
When you disconnect AC power:
●The computer switches to battery power.
●The screen brightness automatically decreases to save battery life.
●The power meter icon on the Windows desktop changes appearance.
Troubleshooting power problems
Test the AC adapter if the computer exhibits any of the following symptoms when it is connected to
AC power:
●The computer does not turn on.
●The display does not turn on.
●The power lights do not turn on.
To test the AC adapter:
1.Shut down the computer.
2.Connect the AC adapter to the computer, and then plug it into an AC outlet.
3.Turn on the computer.
●If the power lights turn 
on, the AC adapter is working properly.
●If the power lights remain 
off, check the connection from the AC adapter to the computer
and the connection from the AC adapter to the AC outlet to be sure that the connections
are secure.
●If the connections are secure and the power lights remain 
off, the AC adapter is not
functioning and should be replaced.
Contact support for information about obtaining a replacement AC power adapter.
34 Chapter 6   Managing power 
						

							Shutting down (turning off) the computer
CAUTION:Unsaved information is lost when the computer shuts down. Be sure to save your work
before shutting down the computer.
The Shut down command closes all open programs, including the operating system, and then turns
off the display and computer.
Shut down the computer under any of the following conditions:
●When you need to replace the battery or access components inside the computer
●When you are connecting an external hardware device that does not connect to a USB or video
port
●When the computer will be unused and disconnected from external power for an extended
period
Although you can turn off the computer with the power button, the recommended procedure is to use
the Windows Shut down command.
NOTE:If the computer is in the Sleep state or in Hibernation, first exit Sleep or Hibernation by
briefly pressing the power button.
1.Save your work and close all open programs.
2.From the Start screen or the Windows desktop, point to the upper-right or lower-right corner of
the screen to reveal the charms.
3.Click Settings, click the Power icon, and then click Shut down.
– or –
Right-click the Start button in the lower-left corner of the screen, select Shut down or sign out,
and then select Shut down.
If the computer is unresponsive and you are unable to use the preceding shutdown procedures, try
the following emergency procedures in the sequence provided:
●Press ctrl+alt+delete, click the Power icon, and then select Shut Down.
●Press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds.
●Disconnect the computer from external power.
●On models with a user-replaceable battery, remove the battery.
Shutting down (turning off) the computer 35 
						

							7 Maintaining your computer
It is important to perform regular maintenance to keep your computer in optimal condition. This
chapter explains how to use tools like Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup. It also provides
instructions for updating programs and drivers, steps to clean the computer, and tips for traveling with
(or shipping) the computer.
Improving performance
You can improve the performance of your computer by performing regular maintenance tasks with
tools such as Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup.
Using Disk Defragmenter
HP recommends using Disk Defragmenter to defragment your hard drive at least once a month.
NOTE:It is not necessary to run Disk Defragmenter on solid-state drives.
To run Disk Defragmenter:
1.Connect the computer to AC power.
2.From the Start screen, type defragment, and then select Defragment and optimize your drives.
3.Follow the on-screen instructions.
For additional information, access the Disk Defragmenter software Help.
Using Disk Cleanup
Use Disk Cleanup to search the hard drive for unnecessary files that you can safely delete to free up
disk space and help the computer run more efficiently.
To run Disk Cleanup:
1.From the Start screen, type disk, and then select one of the following:
●Free up disk space on this PC
●Uninstall apps to free up disk space
●Free up disk space by deleting uncessary files
2.Follow the on-screen instructions.
Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only)
HP 3D DriveGuard protects a hard drive by parking the drive and halting data requests under either of
the following conditions:
●You drop the computer.
●You move the computer with the display closed while the computer is running on battery power.
36 Chapter 7   Maintaining your computer 
						

							A short time after the end of one of these events, HP 3D DriveGuard returns the hard drive to normal
operation.
NOTE:Because solid-state drives (SSDs) lack moving parts, HP 3D DriveGuard is unnecessary.
NOTE:A hard drive in a primary hard drive bay or in a secondary hard drive bay is protected by HP
3D DriveGuard. A hard drive installed in an optional docking devices or connected to a USB port is
not protected by HP 3D DriveGuard.
For more information, see the HP 3D DriveGuard software Help.
Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status
The drive light on the computer changes color to show that the drive is parked. To determine whether
the drive is currently protected or whether it is parked, view the icon on the Windows desktop in the
notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, or in the Mobility Center.
Updating programs and drivers
HP recommends that you update your programs and drivers on a regular basis. Updates can resolve
issues and bring new features and options to your computer. For example, older graphics
components might not work well with the most recent gaming software. Without the latest driver, you
would not be getting the most out of your equipment.
Go to 
http://www.hp.com/support to download the latest versions of HP programs and drivers. In
addition, register to receive automatic notifications when updates become available.
If you would like to update your programs and drivers, follow these instructions:
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 notification area, at the far right
of the taskbar.
2.Click Updates and tune-ups, and then click Check for HP updates now.
3.Follow the on-screen instructions.
Cleaning your computer
Use the following products to safely clean your computer:
●Dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride 0.3 percent maximum concentration (for example,
disposable wipes, which come in a variety of brands)
●Alcohol-free glass-cleaning fluid
●Solution of water and mild soap
●Dry microfiber cleaning cloth or a chamois (static-free cloth without oil)
●Static-free cloth wipes
CAUTION:Avoid strong cleaning solvents that can permanently damage your computer. If you are
not sure that a cleaning product is safe for your computer, check the product contents to make sure
that ingredients such as alcohol, acetone, ammonium chloride, methylene chloride, and hydrocarbons
are not included in the product.
Updating programs and drivers 37 
						

							Fibrous materials, such as paper towels, can scratch the computer. Over time, dirt particles and
cleaning agents can get trapped in the scratches.
Cleaning procedures
Follow the procedures in this section to safely clean your computer.
WARNING!To prevent electric shock or damage to components, do not attempt to clean your
computer while it is on.
1.Turn off the computer.
2.Disconnect AC power.
3.Disconnect all powered external devices.
CAUTION:To prevent damage to internal components, do not spray cleaning agents or liquids
directly on any computer surface. Liquids dripped on the surface can permanently damage internal
components.
Cleaning the display
Gently wipe the display using a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with an alcohol-free glass cleaner. Be
sure that a display is dry before you close the computer.
Cleaning the sides or cover
To clean the sides or cover, use a soft microfiber cloth or chamois moistened with one of the cleaning
solutions listed previously, or use an acceptable disposable wipe.
NOTE:When cleaning the cover of the computer, use a circular motion to aid in removing dirt and
debris.
Cleaning the TouchPad, keyboard, or mouse (select models only)
WARNING!To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to internal components, do not use a
vacuum cleaner attachment to clean the keyboard. A vacuum cleaner can deposit household debris
on the keyboard surface.
CAUTION:To prevent damage to internal components, do not allow liquids to drip between the
keys.
●To clean the TouchPad, keyboard, or mouse, use a soft microfiber cloth or a chamois moistened
with one of the cleaning solutions listed previously or use an acceptable disposable wipe.
●To prevent keys from sticking and to remove dust, lint, and particles from the keyboard, use a
can of compressed air with a straw extension.
Traveling with or shipping your computer
If you have to travel with or ship your computer, follow these tips to keep your equipment safe.
●Prepare the computer for traveling or shipping:
◦Back up your information to an external drive.
◦Remove all discs and all external media cards, such as memory cards.
38 Chapter 7   Maintaining your computer 
						

							◦Turn off and then disconnect all external devices.
◦Shut down the computer.
●Take along a backup of your information. Keep the backup separate from the computer.
●When traveling by air, carry the computer as hand luggage; do not check it in with the rest of
your luggage.
CAUTION:Avoid exposing a drive to magnetic fields. Security devices with magnetic fields
include airport walk-through devices and security wands. Airport conveyer belts and similar
security devices that check carry-on baggage use X-rays instead of magnetism and do not
damage drives.
●If you plan to use the computer during a flight, listen for the in-flight announcement that tells you
when you are allowed to use your computer. In-flight computer use is at the discretion of the
airline.
●If you are shipping the computer or a drive, use suitable protective packaging and label the
package “FRAGILE.”
●The use of wireless devices may be restricted in some environments. Such restrictions may
apply aboard aircraft, in hospitals, near explosives, and in hazardous locations. If you are
uncertain of the policy that applies to the use of a wireless device in your computer, ask for
authorization to use your computer before you turn it on.
●If you are traveling internationally, follow these suggestions:
◦Check the computer-related customs regulations for each country or region on your
itinerary.
◦Check the power cord and adapter requirements for each location in which you plan to use
the computer. Voltage, frequency, and plug configurations vary.
WARNING!To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not
attempt to power the computer with a voltage converter kit sold for appliances.
Traveling with or shipping your computer 39 
						

							8 Securing 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 non-Windows 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 the HP Setup Utility (BIOS) that 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 notification area, at the far right
of the taskbar.
Setting Windows passwords
Password Function
User password Protects access to a Windows user account.
Administrator password Protects administrator-level access to computer contents.
NOTE:This password cannot be used to access Setup
Utility (BIOS) contents.
40 Chapter 8   Securing your computer and information