HP Pavilion Dv6 3100 Select Edition Entertainment Notebook Pc Series Manual

							Managing low battery levels
The information in this section describes the alerts and system responses set at the factory. Some low-
battery alerts and system responses can be changed using Power Options in Windows Control Panel.
Preferences set using Power Options do not affect lights.
Identifying low battery levels
If a low battery level is not resolved, the computer enters a critical battery level.
The computer takes the following actions for a critical battery level:
●If Hibernation is enabled and the computer is on or in Sleep, the computer initiates Hibernation.
●If Hibernation is disabled and the computer is on or in Sleep, the computer remains briefly in Sleep,
and then shuts down and loses any unsaved information.
Resolving a low battery level
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of losing information when the computer reaches a critical battery level
and has initiated Hibernation, do not restore power until the power lights turn off.
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available
To resolve a low battery level when external power is available, connect one of the following devices:
●AC adapter
●Optional expansion product or docking device
●Optional power adapter
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is available
To resolve a low battery level when a charged battery is available:
1.Shut down the computer or initiate Hibernation.
2.Remove the discharged battery, and then insert a charged battery.
3.Turn on the computer.
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available
To resolve a low battery level when no power source is available, initiate Hibernation, or save your work
and then shut down the computer.
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation
To resolve a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation:
1.Insert a charged battery or connect the computer into external power.
2.Press the Power button to exit Hibernation.
Using battery power 51 
						

							Calibrating a battery
Calibrate the battery when:
●The battery charge displays seem inaccurate.
●You observe a significant change in battery run time.
A heavily used battery should only be calibrated once a month. Do not calibrate a new battery.
To calibrate the battery:
1.Fully charge the battery.
WARNING!Do not charge the computer battery while on board an aircraft.
NOTE:The battery charges while the computer is off or in use, but it charges faster when the
computer is off.
To fully charge the battery:
a.Insert the battery into the computer.
b.Connect the computer to an AC adapter, optional power adapter, optional expansion product,
or optional docking device, and then connect the adapter or device to an external power
source.
c.Leave the computer connected to external power until the battery is fully charged.
2.Disable Hibernation and Sleep. To disable Hibernation and Sleep:
a.Click the Battery Meter icon in the notification area, and then click More power options.
– or –
Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.
b.Under the current power plan, click Change plan settings.
c.Record the Turn off the display settings listed in the On battery column so they can be
reset after the calibration.
d.Change the Turn off the display settings to Never.
e.Click Change advanced power settings.
f.Click the plus sign next to Sleep, and then click the plus sign next to Hibernate after.
g.Record the On battery setting under Hibernate after so it can be reset after the calibration.
h.Change the On battery setting to Never.
i.Click OK.
j.Click Save changes.
3.Discharge the battery. To discharge the battery:
a.Disconnect the computer from the external power source, but do not shut down the computer.
b.Run the computer on battery power until the battery is discharged.
52 Chapter 6   Power management 
						

							The computer must remain on while the battery is being discharged. The battery discharges
whether or not you are using the computer, but the battery discharges faster while you are using
it.
●If you plan to leave the computer unattended during the discharge, save your information
before beginning the discharge procedure.
●If you use the computer occasionally during the discharge procedure and have set energy-
saving timeouts, expect the following performance from the system during the discharge
process:
◦The monitor does not shut down automatically.
◦The hard drive speed does not decrease automatically when the computer is idle.
◦System-initiated Hibernation does not occur.
4.Recharge the battery. To recharge the battery:
a.Connect the computer to external power until the battery is fully recharged.
The computer can be used while the battery is recharging, but the battery charges faster if
the computer is off.
b.If the computer is off, turn it on when the battery is fully charged.
5.Re-enable Hibernation and Sleep. To re-enable Hibernation and Sleep:
CAUTION:Failure to re-enable Hibernation after calibration might result in a full battery discharge
and information loss if the computer reaches a critical battery level.
a.Click the Battery Meter icon in the notification area, and then click More power options.
– or –
Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.
b.Under the current power plan, click Change plan settings.
c.Re-enter the settings that you recorded for the items in the On battery column.
d.Click Change advanced power settings.
e.Click the plus sign next to Sleep, and then click the plus sign next to Hibernate after.
f.Re-enter the setting that you recorded for On battery.
g.Click OK.
h.Click Save changes.
Conserving battery power
To conserve battery power:
●Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options > Power Saver power
plan.
●Shut down wireless and local area network (LAN) connections and exit modem applications when
you are not using them.
Using battery power 53 
						

							●Disconnect external devices that are not connected to an external power source when you are not
using them.
●Stop, disable, or remove any external media cards that you are not using.
●Press the Decrease Screen Brightness key or Increase Screen Brightness key to adjust screen
brightness as needed.
●If leaving your work, initiate Sleep or Hibernation, or shut down the computer.
Storing a battery
CAUTION:To prevent damage to a battery, do not expose it to high temperatures for extended periods
of time.
If a computer is unused and disconnected from external power for more than 2 weeks, remove the
battery and store it separately.
To prolong the charge of a stored battery, place it in a cool, dry place.
NOTE:Check a stored battery every 6 months. If the capacity is less than 50 percent, recharge the
battery before returning it to storage.
Calibrate a battery before using it if it has been stored for one month or more.
Disposing of a used battery
WARNING!To reduce the risk of fire or burns, do not disassemble, crush, or puncture the battery. Do
not short external contacts. Do not dispose of the battery in fire or water.
For more information, refer to the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices included with this
computer.
Replacing the battery
Computer battery life varies, depending on power management settings, programs running on the
computer, display brightness, external devices connected to the computer, and other factors.
Battery Check notifies you to replace the battery when an internal cell is not charging properly, or when
the battery storage capacity has reached a weak condition. A message refers you to the HP Web site
for more information about ordering a replacement battery. If the battery is covered by an HP warranty,
instructions include a warranty ID.
NOTE:HP recommends purchasing a new battery when the storage capacity light illuminates green-
yellow.
54 Chapter 6   Power management 
						

							Switching between graphics modes (select models only)
The computer is equipped with switchable graphics and has two modes for processing graphics. When
switching from AC power to battery power, the computer switches from High-performance mode to
Power-saving mode to conserve battery life. Similarly, when switching from battery power to AC power,
the computer switches back to the High-performance mode.
NOTE:In order to optimize computer performance, the system might not allow switching modes, or
prompt you to switch modes. It might be necessary to close all programs before switching.
NOTE: HDMI only works in the High-performance mode. You cannot use HDMI in Power-saving
mode.
When switching between AC and battery power, you are notified that the computer is about to switch
graphics modes. If you prefer, choose to continue using the same graphics mode. While the computer
switches modes, the screen goes blank for a few seconds. When the switch is complete, a notification
appears in the notification area, and the screen image reappears.
NOTE:When select computer models are in slate mode, the screen orientations are reset when
switching between graphics modes.
To determine which graphics mode you are using, right-click on the Windows desktop, and then click
Configure Switchable Graphics or Configure ATI PowerXpressTM.
Shutting down the computer
CAUTION:Unsaved information is lost when the computer shuts down.
NOTE:If the computer is in the Sleep or in Hibernation, exit Sleep or Hibernation before shutting down.
The Shut down command closes all open programs, including the operating system, and then turns off
the display and computer.
Shut down the computer when:
●Replacing the battery or accessing components inside the computer.
●Connecting an external hardware device that does not connect to a USB port.
●Disconnecting from external power for an extended period.
Although the computer can be shut down with the Power button, HP recommends using the Windows
Shut down command.
To shut down the computer:
1.Save your work, and close all open programs.
2.Click Start.
3.Click Shut down.
Switching between graphics modes (select models only) 55 
						

							If the computer is unresponsive and you are unable to use the recommended shutdown procedures, try
the following emergency procedures:
1.Press ctrl+alt+delete, and then press the Power button.
2.Press and hold the Power button for at least five seconds.
3.Disconnect the computer from external power, and remove the battery.
56 Chapter 6   Power management 
						

							7Drives
Handling drives
Drives are fragile computer components that must be handled with care. Adhere to the following cautions
before handling drives:
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of damage to the computer, damage to a drive, or loss of information:
Before moving a computer that is connected to an external hard drive, initiate Sleep and allow the screen
to clear, or properly disconnect the external hard drive.
Before handling a drive, discharge static electricity by touching the unpainted metal surface of the drive.
Do not touch the connector pins on a removable drive or on the computer.
Handle a drive carefully. Do not drop a drive or place items on it.
Before removing or inserting a drive, shut down the computer. If you are unsure whether the computer
is off, in Sleep, or in Hibernation, turn on the computer and then shut it down through the operating
system.
Do not use excessive force when inserting a drive into a drive bay.
Do not type on the keyboard or move the computer while the optical drive is writing to a disc. The write
process is sensitive to vibration.
When the battery is the only source of power, be sure that the battery is sufficiently charged before
writing to media.
Avoid exposing a drive to temperature or humidity extremes.
Avoid exposing a drive to liquids. Do not spray the drive with cleaning products.
Remove media from a drive before removing the drive from the drive bay, or traveling with, shipping, or
storing a drive.
If a drive must be mailed, place the drive in a bubble-pack mailer or other suitable protective packaging
and label the package “FRAGILE.”
Avoid exposing a drive to magnetic fields. Security devices with magnetic fields include airport walk-
through devices and security wands. The airport security devices that check carry-on luggage, such as
conveyor belts, use X-rays instead of magnetism and do not damage a drive.
Handling drives 57 
						

							Optical drive
The computer includes an optical drive that expands the functionality of the computer. The optical drive
allows you to read data discs, play music, and watch movies. If the computer includes a Blu-ray Disc
(BD) ROM Drive, then high-definition video can also be watched.
Identifying the installed optical drive
To identify an optical drive:
1.Select Start > Computer.
A list of all the drives installed in the computer appears.
2.Identify the optical drive installed in the computer. Optical drives that might be installed in the
computer include:
NOTE:Some drives might not be supported by the computer.
●LightScribe DVD±RW/R and CD-RW Combo Drive with Double-Layer (DL) support
●Blu-ray ROM DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL Drive
●Blu-ray ROM with LightScribe DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL Drive
Using optical discs
CAUTION:To prevent audio and video degradation, loss of information, or loss of audio or video
playback functionality, do not initiate Sleep or Hibernation while reading or writing to a CD or DVD.
An optical drive, such as a DVD-ROM drive, supports optical discs (CDs and DVDs). These discs store
information, such as music, photos, and movies. If the optical drive is a Blu-ray Disc ROM Drive, it also
reads Blu-ray Discs.
NOTE:Some drives listed might not be supported by the computer.
Optical drive typeWrite to CD-RWWrite to DVD±RW/RWrite to DVD+RW DLWrite label to
LightScribe CD or DVD
±RW/R
SuperMulti LightScribe
DVD±RW and CD-RW
Combo with DL
supportYesYesYesYes
Blu-ray ROM with
LightScribe DVD+/-
RW SuperMulti DL
DriveYesYesYesYes
Blu-ray ROM DVD+/-
RW SuperMulti DL
DriveYes Yes Yes No
58 Chapter 7   Drives 
						

							Selecting the right disc (CDs, DVDs, and BDs)
CDs, used to store digital data, are also used for commercial audio recordings and are convenient for
your personal storage needs. DVDs and BDs are used primarily for movies, software, and data backup
purposes. DVDs and BDs are the same form factor as CDs, but have a much higher storage capacity.
NOTE:The optical drive might not support all types of optical discs.
CD-R discs
CD-R (write-once) discs are widely used for creating a permanent copy of data that can be shared as
needed. Typical uses include:
●Distributing large presentations
●Sharing scanned and digital photos, video clips, and written data
●Making your own music CDs
●Keeping permanent archives of computer files and scanned home records
●Offloading files from your hard drive to free up disk space
CD-RW discs
Use CD-RW discs (a rewritable version of a CD) to store large projects that must be updated frequently.
Typical uses include:
●Developing and maintaining large documents and project files
●Transporting work files
●Making weekly backups of hard drive files
●Updating photos, video, audio, and data continuously
DVD±R discs
Use DVD±R discs to permanently store large amounts of information. After data is recorded, it cannot
be erased or written over.
DVD±RW discs
Use DVD±RW discs to erase or write over data that you saved earlier. This type of disc is ideal for testing
audio or video recordings before burning them to a CD or DVD that cannot be changed.
LightScribe DVD+R discs
Use LightScribe DVD+R discs for sharing and storing data, home videos, and photos. These discs are
read-compatible with most DVD-ROM drives and DVD video players. With a LightScribe-enabled drive
and LightScribe software, write data to the disc, and then add a designer label to the outside of the disc.
Blu-ray Discs (BD)
NOTE:Blu-ray is a new format containing new technologies. Certain disc, digital connection,
compatibility, and/or performance issues might arise, and do not constitute defects in the product.
Flawless playback on all systems is not guaranteed.
Optical drive 59 
						

							BD is a high-density optical disc format for the storage of digital information, including high-definition
video. A single-layer Blu-ray disc stores 25 GB, over five times the storage capacity of a single-layer
4.7–GB DVD. A dual-layer Blu-ray Disc stores 50 GB, almost six times the storage capacity of an 8.5–
GB dual-layer DVD.
Typical uses include:
●Storage of large amounts of data
●High-definition video playback and storage
●Video games
Playing a CD, DVD, or BD
To play an optical disc:
1.Turn on the computer.
2.Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the disc tray.
3.Pull out the tray (2).
4.Hold the disc by the edges to avoid touching the flat surfaces and position the disc label-side up
over the tray spindle.
NOTE:If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully to position it over the spindle.
5.Gently press the disc (3) down onto the tray spindle until the disc snaps into place.
6.Close the disc tray.
If you have not configured AutoPlay, an AutoPlay dialog box appears. You are prompted to select how
you want to use the media content. For more information, refer to the “Configuring AutoPlay” section.
NOTE:For best results, be sure that the AC adapter is connected to an external power source while
playing a BD.
60 Chapter 7   Drives