HP Pavilion 15 P000 Notebook Pc Series Manual

							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.
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).
NOTE:The administrator password can be used in place of
the power-on password.
NOTE:Your administrator password is not interchangeable
with an administrator password set in Windows, nor is it
displayed as it is set, entered, changed, or deleted.
NOTE:If you enter the power-on password at the first
password check, you must enter the administrator password
to access Setup Utility (BIOS).
Power-on password
●Must be entered each time you turn on or restart the
computer, or exit Hibernation.
●If you forget your power-on password, you cannot turn
on or restart the computer, or exit Hibernation.
NOTE:The administrator password can be used in place of
the power-on password.
NOTE:A power-on password is not displayed as it is set,
entered, changed, or deleted.
To set, change, or delete an administrator or power-on password in Setup Utility (BIOS):
1.To start Setup Utility (BIOS), turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press
f10.
2.Use the arrow keys to 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
Using Internet security software 49 
						

							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, type viruses in the Search box in Help and Support.
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 44.
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 choose whether updates are installed automatically. To change the settings, select Start >
Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update > Change settings, and then follow the on-
screen instructions.
Installing HP and third-party software updates
HP recommends that you regularly update the software and drivers that were originally installed on
your computer. To download the latest versions, go to 
http://www.hp.com/support. At this location,
you can also register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available.
50 Chapter 8   Securing your computer and information 
						

							If you have installed third-party software after you purchased your computer, regularly update the
software. Software companies provide software updates to their products to correct security problems
and improve functionality of the software.
Securing your wireless network
When you set up your wireless network, always enable security features. For more information, see
Protecting your WLAN on page 19.

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 55.
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 3.
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.
Securing your wireless network 51 
						

							9 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC
Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)
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)
NOTE:Use extreme care when making changes in Setup Utility (BIOS). Errors can prevent the
computer from operating properly.
To start Computer Setup, follow these steps:
1.To start Setup Utility (BIOS), turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc..
2.Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
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 displayed by pressing
fn+esc (if you are already in Windows) or by using Setup Utility (BIOS).
1.Start Setup Utility (BIOS).
2.Use the arrow keys to select Main, and then make note of your current BIOS version.
3.To exit Setup Utility (BIOS) without saving your changes, use the tab key and the arrow keys to
select Exit > Exit Discarding Changes, and then press enter.
52 Chapter 9   Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) 
						

							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 or Hibernation.
Do not insert, remove, connect, or disconnect any device, cable, or cord.
1.Select Start > Help and Support > Maintain.
2.Follow the on-screen instructions to identify your computer and access the BIOS update you
want to download.
3.At the download area, follow these steps:
a.Identify the BIOS update that is later than 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.
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 displayed on the screen after the
download is complete. If no instructions are displayed, follow these steps:
1.Open Windows Explorer by selecting Start > Computer.
2.Double-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 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:
Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) 53 
						

							1.Turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press f2.
The BIOS searches three 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 54.
b.Hard drive
c.BIOS
2.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 esc.
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB 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 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.
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.
54 Chapter 9   Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) 
						

							10 Backing up, restoring, and recovering
Your computer includes tools provided by the operating system and HP to help you safeguard your
information and retrieve it if ever needed.
Creating backups
1.Use HP Recovery Manager to create recovery media immediately after you set up the working
computer.
2.As you add hardware and software programs, create system restore points.
3.As you add photos, video, music, and other personal files, create a backup of your system and
personal information.
Creating recovery media to recover the original system
After you successfully set up the computer, you should create recovery discs or a recovery flash drive
using HP Recovery Manager. You will need these recovery discs or recovery flash drive to perform a
system recovery should the hard drive become corrupted. A system recovery reinstalls the original
operating system, and then configures the settings for the default programs.
What you need to know
●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 flash drive or the number of blank DVD discs that will be required.
Use DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-R DL, DVD+R DL discs or a flash drive. Do not use rewriteable discs
such as CD±RW, DVD±RW, double-layer DVD±RW, and BD-RE (rewritable Blu-ray) discs; they
are not compatible with HP Recovery Manager software.
●If your computer does not include an integrated optical drive, you can use an optional external
optical drive (purchased separately) to create recovery discs, or you can obtain recovery discs
for your computer from the HP website. If you use an external optical drive, it must be connected
directly to a USB port on the computer, not 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 up to an hour or more. Do not interrupt the creation process.
●Store the recovery media in a safe location, separate from the computer.
●If necessary, you can exit the program before you have finished creating the recovery media.
The next time you open HP Recovery Manager, you will be prompted to continue the process.
Creating backups 55 
						

							Creating the recovery media
1.Select Start and type recovery in the search field. Select Recovery Manager from the list.
Allow the action to continue, if prompted.
2.Click Recovery Media Creation.
3.Follow the on-screen instructions to continue.
To recover, see 
Recovering the original system using HP Recovery Manager on page 58.
Creating system restore points
A system restore point is a snapshot of certain hard drive contents saved by Windows System
Restore at a specific time. A restore point contains information such as registry settings that Windows
uses. Restoring to a previous restore point allows you to reverse changes that have been made to the
system since the restore point was created.
Restoring to an earlier system restore point does not affect data files saved or emails created since
the last restore point, but it does affect software you may have installed.
For example, if you download a photo from a digital camera and then restore the computer to the
state it was on the previous day, the photo remains on the computer.
However, if you install photo viewing software and then restore your computer to the state it was on
the previous day, the software will be uninstalled, and you won't be able to use it.
What you need to know
●If you restore to a restore point and then change your mind, you can undo the restoration.
●You should create system restore points:
◦Before you add or change software or hardware
◦Periodically, whenever the computer is running normally
●System Restore also saves shadow copies of files that have been changed since the last restore
point was created. For more information about using shadow copies to restore, see Help and
Support.
Creating a system restore point
1.Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System.
2.In the left pane, click System Protection.
3.Click the System Protection tab.
4.Click Create, and follow the on-screen instructions.
To restore, see 
Restoring to a previous system restore point on page 58.
Backing up system and personal information
Your computer stores information that is important to you, such as files, emails, and photos, and you
will want to keep that information even if you download a virus or the system stops working properly.
How completely you are able to recover your files depends on how recent your backup is. As you add
new software and data files, you should create backups on a regular basis.
56 Chapter 10   Backing up, restoring, and recovering 
						

							Tips for a successful backup
●Number backup discs before inserting them into the optical drive.
●Store personal files in the Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos libraries, and back up these
folders periodically.
●Save customized settings 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 re-enter your preferences.
To create a screen shot:
1.Display the screen you want to save.
2.Copy the screen image:
To copy only the active window, press alt+prt sc.
To copy the entire screen, press prt sc.
3.Open a word-processing document or graphics editing program, and then select Edit > Paste.
The screen image is added to the document.
4.Save and print the document.
What you need to know
●You can back up your information to an optional external hard drive, a flash drive, a network
drive, or discs.
●Connect the computer to AC power during backups.
●Allow enough time for the backup. Depending on files sizes, it may take more than an hour.
●Verify the amount of free space on your backup storage device before you back up.
●You should back up:
◦Before adding or changing software or hardware.
◦Before the computer is repaired or restored.
◦On a regular schedule to be sure you have recent copies of personal information.
◦After you add many files—for example, if you saved videos from a birthday party.
◦Before using antivirus software to remove a malicious program.
◦After adding information that is hard to replace, such as pictures, videos, music, project
files, or data records.
Creating a backup using Windows Backup and Restore
Windows allows you to back up files using Windows Backup and Restore. You can select the level
you want to back up, from individual folders to drives. The backups are compressed to save space.
To back up:
1.Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore.
2.Follow the on-screen instructions to schedule and create a backup.
NOTE:Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of the computer.
You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running
utilities, or changing Windows settings. See Help and Support for more information.
Creating backups 57 
						

							To restore, see Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and Restore on page 58.
Restore and recovery
Restoring to a previous system restore point
Sometimes installing a software program causes your computer or Windows to behave unpredictably.
Usually uninstalling the software fixes the problems. If uninstalling does not fix the problems, you can
restore the computer to a previous system restore point (created at an earlier date and time).
To restore to a previous system restore point, when the computer was running correctly:
1.Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System.
2.In the left pane, click System Protection.
3.Click the System Protection tab.
4.Click System Restore, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Restoring specific files
If files are accidentally deleted from the hard disk and they can no longer be restored from the
Recycle Bin, or if files become corrupt, restoring specific files is useful. Restoring specific files is also
useful if you ever choose to recover the original system using HP Recovery Manager. You can only
restore specific files that you have backed up before.
Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and Restore
Windows allows you to restore files that were backed up using Windows Backup and Restore:
1.Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore.
2.Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your backup.
NOTE:Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of the computer.
You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running
utilities, or changing Windows settings. See Help and Support for more information.
Recovering the original system using HP Recovery Manager
HP Recovery Manager software allows you to repair or recover the computer to its original factory
state.
What you need to know
●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 disc provided by the manufacturer.
●A system recovery should be used as a final attempt to correct computer issues. If you have not
already tried restore points (see 
Restoring to a previous system restore point on page 58) and
partial restores (see 
Restoring specific files on page 58), try them before using HP Recovery
Manager to recover your system.
●A system recovery must be performed if the computer hard drive fails or if all attempts to correct
any functional computer issues fail.
58 Chapter 10   Backing up, restoring, and recovering