HP Pavilion 15 Ab000 Notebook Pc Series Manual

							Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords
Password Function
Administrator 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.Start Setup Utility (BIOS):
●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 Internet security software 41 
						

							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:
●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 37.
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.

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.
42 Chapter 8   Securing your computer and information 
						

							Using an optional security cable lock
A security cable lock, which is purchased separately, is designed to act as a deterrent, but it may not
prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen. Security cable locks 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 lock around a secured object.
2.Insert the key (1) into the security cable lock (2).
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.
Using an optional security cable lock 43 
						

							9 Using 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 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 the one currently
installed on the computer, you need to know the version of the system BIOS that is installed.
BIOS version information (also known as 
ROM date and System BIOS) can be revealed from the
Start screen by typing support, selecting the HP Support Assistant app, and then selecting System
Information, or by using Setup Utility (BIOS).
1.Start Setup Utility (BIOS) (see 
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) on page 44).
2.Select Main, and then make note of your BIOS version.
3.Select Exit, select Exit Discarding Changes, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
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 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.
44 Chapter 9   Using Setup Utility (BIOS) 
						

							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.
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, 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.
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 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.
Updating the BIOS 45 
						

							10 Using 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.Start Setup Utility:
▲Turn on or restart the computer, 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 46.
b.Hard drive
c.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.

device
NOTE:Instructions for downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) 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 pages—Provide 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.
46 Chapter 10   Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) 
						

							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 device 47 
						

							11 Backing 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 the HP Support Assistant.
▲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.
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 after you successfully set up the computer to create HP Recovery
media. 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 Recovery Media Creation option, 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.
HP Recovery Manager is a software program that allows you to create recovery media 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 the
software programs 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.
48 Chapter 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, or you can obtain recovery discs for your computer 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. 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.
●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, and the remaining discs will be burned.
To create HP Recovery media:
1.From the Start screen, type recovery, and then select HP Recovery Manager.
2.Select Recovery Media Creation, 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 create system restore points and create backups of personal information using Windows
tools. 
NOTE:If storage is 32 GB or less, Microsoft System Restore is disabled by default.
▲From the Start screen, type help, and then select Help and Support.
‒ or –
From the Windows desktop, click the question mark icon in the notification area, at the far right
of the taskbar.
For more information and steps, see 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 support, and then select the HP Support Assistant app.
Using Windows tools 49 
						

							- or -
From the Windows desktop, click the question mark icon in the notification area, at the far
right of the taskbar.
●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.
▲From the Start screen, type recovery, select HP Recovery Manager, select Drivers and
Applications Reinstall, 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
Drivers and Applications Reinstall 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 support, 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.
50 Chapter 11   Backing up, restoring, and recovering