HP Pavilion Dv4 5a00 Entertainment Notebook Pc Series Manual

							10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System
Diagnostics
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.
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							Starting Setup Utility (BIOS)
To start Setup Utility (BIOS), follow these steps:
1.Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press the ESC key for Startup
Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
2.Press f10 to enter Setup Utility (BIOS).
Information on how to navigate in Setup Utility (BIOS) is located at the bottom of the screen.
NOTE:Use extreme care when making changes in Setup Utility (BIOS). Errors can prevent the
computer from operating properly.
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.
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.
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							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.
Updating the BIOS 73 
						

							Using System Diagnostics
System Diagnostics allows you to run diagnostic tests to determine if the computer hardware is
functioning properly.
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.
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							11 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.
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							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 how many blank DVD discs will
be required.
Use DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-R DL, DVD+R DL discs or a flash drive. Do not use 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.
●Connect the computer to AC power during the recovery media creation process.
●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 backup
creation process.
●On select models, HP Recovery Manager also provides a way to back up personal files. See
Creating a backup using HP Recovery partition (select models only) on page 81 for steps to
back up your personal files and important data.
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							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 81.
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 wont be able to use it.
What you need to know
●Restoring to an earlier restore point does not affect data files saved or emails created since the
last restore point.
●If you revert to a restore point and then change your mind, you can reverse 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 has been made. For more information about using shadow copies to restore, see Help and
Support.
Creating a 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 restore point on page 80.
Creating backups 77 
						

							Backing up system and personal information
Your computer has information that is important to you, such as files, emails, and photos, and you
want to be able to keep that information even if you download a virus or the system stops working
properly. How completely you are able to recover your system depends on how recent your backup
is.
Tips for a successful backup
●Number the backup discs before inserting them into the optical drive.
●Store personal files in the Documents library and back up this folder 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, 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 network drive, or discs.
●Store personal files in the Documents library and back up this folder 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, and then select Edit > Paste. The screen image is added to
the document.
4.Save and print the document.
●Verify the amount of free space on your backup storage device before you back up.
●Allow enough time for the backup. Depending on files sizes, it may take more than an hour.
●Connect the computer to AC power during backups.
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							●Number backup discs before inserting them into the optical drive.
●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
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.
To restore, see Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and Restore on page 80.
Creating backups 79 
						

							Restore and recovery
Restoring to a previous 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 computers system to a previous restore point (created at an earlier date and time).
To revert the computer to a previous 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 should you ever choose to recover the original system using HP Recovery Manager.
Restoring specific files using HP Recovery Manager (select models only)
The dedicated HP Recovery partition lets you restore specific files or to a specific point from the
recovery partition.
1.Access HP Recovery Manager in either of the following ways:
●Select Start > All Programs > Security and Protection > HP Recovery Manager > HP
Recovery Manager.
– or –
●Turn on or restart the computer, and then press f11 while the “F11 (System Recovery)”
message is displayed on the screen.
2.Click System Recovery in the HP Recovery Manager window, and follow the on-screen
instructions.
Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and Restore
Windows allows you to restore files that were backed up:
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.
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