HP Pavilion Dm4 3000 Entertainment Notebook Pc Series Manual

							Updating the BIOS
Updated versions of the BIOS may be available on the HP Web site.
Most BIOS updates on the HP Web site 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. Press enter.
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.
Using Setup Utility (BIOS) 91 
						

							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.Click Refresh.
3.Follow the on-screen instructions to identify your computer and access the BIOS update you
want to download.
4.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.
92 Chapter 13   Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics 
						

							Using System Diagnostics
System Diagnostics allows you to run diagnostic tests to determine if the computer hardware is
functioning properly. Depending on your computer, the following diagnostic tests may be available in
System Diagnostics:
●Start-up test—This test analyzes the main computer components that are required to start the
computer.
●Run-in test—This test repeats the start-up test and checks for intermittent problems that the
start-up test does not detect.
●Hard disk test—This test analyzes the physical condition of the hard drive, and then checks all
data in every sector of the hard drive. If the test detects a damaged sector, it attempts to move
the data to a good sector.
●Memory test—This test analyzes the physical condition of the memory modules. If it reports an
error, replace the memory modules immediately.
●Battery test—This test analyzes the condition of the battery. If the battery fails the test, contact
customer support to report the issue and purchase a replacement battery.
You can also view system information and error logs in the System Diagnostics window.
To start System Diagnostics:
1.Turn on or restart the computer. While the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is
displayed in the lower-left corner of the screen, press esc. When the Startup Menu is displayed,
press f2.
2.Click the diagnostic test you want to run, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
NOTE:If you need to stop a diagnostics test while it is running, press esc.
Using System Diagnostics 93 
						

							A Troubleshooting and support
Troubleshooting
The computer is unable to start up
If the computer does not turn on when you press the power button, the following suggestions may
help you determine why the computer will not start up:
●If the computer is plugged into an AC outlet, plug another electrical device into the outlet to be
sure that the outlet is providing adequate power.
NOTE:Use only the AC adapter provided with the computer or one approved by HP for this
computer.
●If the computer is running on battery power or is plugged into an external power source other
than an AC outlet, plug the computer into an AC outlet using the AC adapter. Be sure that the
power cord and AC adapter connections are secure.
The computer screen is blank
If the screen is blank, but the computer is on and the power light is on, the computer may not be set
to display the image on the computer screen. To transfer the image to the computer screen, press the
f4 action key.
Software is functioning abnormally
If the software is unresponsive or responds abnormally, follow these suggestions:
●Restart the computer by selecting Start > Shut down > Restart.
If you cannot restart the computer using this procedure, refer to the next section, 
The computer
is on but not responding on page 95.
●Run a virus scan. For information about using the antivirus resources on the computer, refer to
Securing your computer and information on page 74.
94 Appendix A   Troubleshooting and support 
						

							The computer is on but not responding
If the computer is on but is not responding to software or keyboard commands, try the following
emergency shutdown procedures in the sequence provided:
CAUTION:Emergency shutdown procedures result in the loss of unsaved information.
●Press ctrl+alt+delete, and then click the Power button.
●Press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds.
●Disconnect the computer from external power and remove the battery.
The computer is unusually warm
It is normal for the computer to feel warm to the touch while it is in use. But if the computer feels
unusually warm, it may be overheating because a vent is blocked. If you suspect that the computer is
overheating, allow the computer to cool to room temperature. Then be sure to keep all vents free from
obstructions while you are using the computer.
WARNING!To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not
place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on
a hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft
surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to
contact the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The computer
and the AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the
International Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).
NOTE:The fan in the computer starts up automatically to cool internal components and prevent
overheating. It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during operation.
An external device is not working
Follow these suggestions if an external device does not function as expected:
●Turn on the device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
●Be sure that all device connections are secure.
●Be sure that the device is receiving electrical power.
●Be sure that the device, especially if it is older, is compatible with the operating system.
●Be sure that the correct drivers are installed and updated.
Troubleshooting 95 
						

							The wireless network connection is not working
If a wireless network connection is not working as expected, follow these suggestions:
●Be sure that the wireless light on your computer is on (white). If the wireless light is off, press the
f12 action key to turn it on.
●Be sure that the device wireless antennas are free from obstructions.
●Be sure that the DSL or the cable modem and its power cord are properly connected and the
lights are on.
●Be sure that the wireless router or access point is properly connected to its power adapter and
the DSL or cable modem, and that the lights are on.
●Disconnect and then reconnect all cables, and turn the power off and then back on.
NOTE:For more information on wireless technology, refer to the relevant help topics and Web site
links in Help and Support.
NOTE:For information on activating mobile broadband service (select models only), refer to the
mobile network operator information included with your computer.
96 Appendix A   Troubleshooting and support 
						

							The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a disc
1.Insert the end of a paper clip into the release access in the front bezel of the drive (1).
2.Press in gently on the paper clip until the disc tray is released, and then pull out the tray until it
stops (2).
3.Remove the disc from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer
edges of the disc (3). Hold the disc by the edges and avoid touching the flat surfaces.
NOTE:If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully as you remove it.
4.Close the disc tray, and then place the disc in a protective case.
Troubleshooting 97 
						

							The computer does not detect the disc drive
If Windows does not detect an installed device, the device driver software might be missing or
corrupted. If you suspect that the optical drive is not being detected, verify that the optical drive is
listed in the Device Manager utility by:
1.Removing any discs from the optical drive.
2.Selecting Start > Control Panel > System and Security.
3.In the System area, clicking Device Manager.
4.In the Device Manager window, clicking the arrow next to DVD/CD-ROM drives to expand the
list to show all of the installed drives.
5.Right-clicking the optical device listing to perform the following tasks:
●Update the driver software
●Disable
●Uninstall
●Scan for hardware changes. Windows scans your system for installed hardware and installs
any required drivers
●Click Properties to verify that the device is working properly
◦The Properties window provides details about the device to help you troubleshoot
issues
◦Click the Driver tab to update, disable, or uninstall drivers for this device
98 Appendix A   Troubleshooting and support 
						

							A disc does not play
To play a CD, DVD, or BD:
●Save your work and close all open programs before playing a disc.
●Log off the Internet before playing a disc.
●Be sure that you insert the disc properly.
●Be sure that the disc is clean. If necessary, clean the disc with filtered water and a lint-free cloth.
Wipe from the center of the disc to the outer edge.
●Check the disc for scratches. If you find scratches, treat the disc with an optical disc repair kit
available at many electronics stores.
●Disable Sleep before playing the disc.
Do not initiate Hibernation or Sleep while playing a disc. Otherwise, you might see a warning
message asking if you want to continue. If this message appears, click No. After clicking No, the
computer might:
◦Resume playback.
◦Close the playback window in the multimedia program. To return to playing the disc, click
the Play button in your multimedia program. In some cases, you might need to exit the
program, and then restart it.
●Increase system resources.
◦Shut down printers and scanners, and unplug cameras and portable handheld devices.
Disconnecting these Plug and Play devices frees up valuable system resources and results
in better playback performance.
◦Change desktop color properties. Because the human eye cannot easily tell the difference
between colors beyond 16 bits, you should not notice any loss of color while watching a
movie if you lower system color properties to 16-bit color by:
1. Right-clicking on a blank area of the computer desktop, and selecting Screen
resolution.
2. Selecting Advanced Settings > Monitor tab.
3. Selecting High Color (16 bit), if this setting is not already selected.
4. Clicking OK.
Troubleshooting 99 
						

							The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before
completion
●Be sure that all other programs are closed.
●Disable Sleep and Hibernation.
●Be sure that you are using the right kind of disc for your drive.
●Be sure that the disc is inserted properly.
●Select a slower write speed and try again.
●If copying a disc, save the information on the source disc to your hard drive before trying to burn
the contents to a new disc, and then burn from the hard drive.
●Reinstall the disc-burning device driver located in the DVD/CD-ROM drives category in Device
Manager.
Contacting customer support
If the information provided in this user guide or in Help and Support does not address your questions,
you can contact customer support at:
http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP
NOTE:For worldwide support, click Contact HP worldwide on the left side of the page, or go to
http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.
At this location, you have the following choices:
●Chat online with an HP technician.
NOTE:When technical support chat is not available in a particular language, it is available in
English.
●E-mail customer support.
●Find customer support worldwide telephone numbers.
●Locate an HP service center.
100 Appendix A   Troubleshooting and support