HP Pavilion Dv6 7100 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.
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 about 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.
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) 71 
						

							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.
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.
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							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 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.
Using System Diagnostics 73 
						

							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.
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.
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							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 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 78.
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.
Creating backups 75 
						

							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 78.
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.
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.
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							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.
To restore, see Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and Restore on page 78.
Creating backups 77 
						

							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 manufacturers
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 78) and
partial restores (see 
Restoring specific files on page 78), 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.
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							●If the recovery media do not work, you can obtain recovery discs for your system from the HP
website.
●The Minimized Image Recovery option is recommended for advanced users only. All hardware-
related drivers and software are re-installed, but other software applications are not. Do not
interrupt the process until it is complete, otherwise the recovery will fail.
Recovering using HP Recovery partition (select models only)
The HP Recovery partition (select models only), allows you to restore your system without the need
for recovery discs or a recovery flash drive. This type of recovery can only be used if the hard drive is
still working.
To check for the presence of a recovery partition, select Start, right-click Computer then select
Manage > Disk Management. If the recovery partition is present, a Recovery drive is listed in the
window.
NOTE:Recovery discs have been included if your computer did not ship with a recovery partition.
1.Access HP Recovery Manager in either of the following ways:
●Select Start  and type recovery in the search field. Select Recovery Manager from the
list.
– or –
●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. Then press f11 while the
“F11 (System Recovery)” message is displayed on the screen.
2.Click System Recovery in the HP Recovery Manager window.
3.Follow the on-screen instructions.
Recovering using the recovery media
1.If possible, back up all personal files.
2.Insert the first recovery disc into the optical drive on your computer or an optional external
optical drive, and then restart the computer.
– or –
Insert the recovery flash drive into a USB port on your computer, and then restart the computer.
NOTE:If the computer does not automatically restart in HP Recovery Manager, change the
computer boot order. See 
Changing the computer boot order on page 80.
3.Press f9 at system bootup.
4.Select the optical drive or the flash drive.
5.Follow the on-screen instructions.
Restore and recovery 79 
						

							Changing the computer boot order
To change the boot order for recovery discs:
1.Restart the computer.
2.Press esc while the computer is restarting, and then press f9 for boot options.
3.Select Internal CD/DVD ROM Drive from the boot options window.
To change the boot order for a recovery flash drive:
1.Insert the flash drive into a USB port.
2.Restart the computer.
3.Press esc while the computer is restarting, and then press f9 for boot options.
4.Select the flash drive from the boot options window.
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