HP Pavilion G4 1200 Notebook Pc Series Reference Guide

							Customizing power plans
To customize a power plan:
1.Click the power meter icon in the notification area, and then click More power options.
– or –
Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.
2.Select a power plan, and then click Change plan settings.
3.Change the settings as needed.
4.To change additional settings, click Change advanced power settings and make your
changes.
Setting password protection on wakeup
To set the computer to prompt for a password when the computer exits Sleep or Hibernation, follow
these steps:
1.Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.
2.In the left pane, click Require a password on wakeup.
3.Click Change Settings that are currently unavailable.
4.Click Require a password (recommended).
NOTE:If you need to create a user account password or change your current user account
password, click Create or change your user account password, and then follow the on-
screen instructions. If you do not need to create or change a user account password, go to step
5.
5.Click Save changes.
Using HP Power Manager (select models only)
Power Manager allows you to select a power plan to optimize your computers power consumption
and battery charge. The following power plans are available:
●Power saver
●HP Recommended
●High performance
To start Power Manager when Windows is running:
▲Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Power Manager.
Using HP Power Manager (select models only) 21 
						

							Using battery power
When a charged battery is in the computer and the computer is not plugged into external power, the
computer runs on battery power. When the computer is plugged into external AC power, the
computer runs on AC power.
If the computer contains a charged battery and is running on external AC power, the computer
switches to battery power if the AC adapter is disconnected from the computer.
NOTE:When you disconnect AC power, the display brightness is automatically decreased to save
battery life. For information on increasing or decreasing display brightness, refer to the Getting
Started guide.
You can keep a battery in the computer or in storage, depending on how you work. Keeping the
battery in the computer whenever the computer is plugged into AC power charges the battery and
also protects your work in case of a power outage. However, a battery in the computer slowly
discharges when the computer is off and unplugged from external power.
WARNING!To reduce potential safety issues, use only the battery provided with the computer, a
replacement battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased from HP.
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.
Finding battery information
Help and Support provides the following tools and information about the battery:
●Battery Check tool to test battery performance
●Information on calibration, power management, and proper care and storage to maximize battery
life
●Information on battery types, specifications, life cycles, and capacity
To access battery information:
▲Select Start > Help and Support > Learn > Power Plans: Frequently Asked Questions.
Using Battery Check
Battery Check in Help and Support provides information on the status of the battery installed in the
computer.
To run Battery Check:
1.Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
NOTE:The computer must be connected to external power for Battery Check to work properly.
2.Select Start > Help and Support > Troubleshoot > Power, Thermal and Mechanical.
3.Click the Power tab, and then click Battery Check.
Battery Check examines the battery and its cells to see if they are functioning properly, and then
reports the results of the examination.
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							Displaying the remaining battery charge
▲Move the pointer over the power meter icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
Maximizing battery discharge time
Battery discharge time varies depending on the features you use while on battery power. Maximum
discharge time gradually decreases as the battery storage capacity naturally degrades.
Tips for maximizing battery discharge time:
●Lower the brightness on the display.
●Remove the battery from the computer when it is not being used or charged.
●Store the battery in a cool, dry location.
●Select the Power saver setting in Power Options.
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
When a battery that is the sole power source for the computer reaches a low or critical battery level,
the following behavior occurs:
●The battery light (select models only) indicates a low or critical battery level.
NOTE:For additional information about the battery light, refer to the Getting Started guide.
– or –
●The power meter icon in the notification area shows a low or critical battery notification.
NOTE:For additional information about the power meter, refer to Using the power meter
on page 20.
The computer takes the following actions for a critical battery level:
●If Hibernation is enabled and the computer is on or in the Sleep state, the computer initiates
Hibernation.
●If Hibernation is disabled and the computer is on or in the Sleep state, the computer remains
briefly in the Sleep state, and then shuts down and loses any unsaved information.
Using battery power 23 
						

							Resolving a low battery level
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available
▲Connect one of the following devices:
●AC adapter
●Optional docking or expansion device
●Optional power adapter purchased as an accessory from HP
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is available
1.Turn off the computer or initiate Hibernation.
2.Replace the discharged battery with a charged battery.
3.Turn on the computer.
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available
●Initiate Hibernation.
●Save your work and shut down the computer.
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation
When the computer lacks sufficient power to exit Hibernation, follow these steps:
1.Replace the discharged battery with a charged battery, or connect the AC adapter to the
computer and to external power.
2.Exit Hibernation by pressing the power button.
Conserving battery power
●Select low power-use settings through Power Options in Windows Control Panel.
●Turn off wireless and local area network (LAN) connections and exit modem applications when
you are not using them.
●Disconnect unused external devices that are not plugged into an external power source.
●Stop, disable, or remove any external media cards that you are not using.
●Decrease screen brightness.
●Before you leave your work, initiate Sleep or Hibernation, or shut down the computer.
Storing a battery
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of damage to a battery, do not expose it to high temperatures for
extended periods of time.
If a computer will be unused and unplugged 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.
24 Chapter 4   Power management 
						

							NOTE:A stored battery should be checked 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; do not short
external contacts; do not dispose of in fire or water.
Refer to the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices for proper battery disposal.
Replacing the battery
In Windows 7, Battery Check in Help and Support 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. If the
battery is possibly covered by an HP warranty, instructions include a warranty ID. A message refers
you to the HP Web site for more information about ordering a replacement battery.
Using external AC power
NOTE:For information on connecting to AC power, refer to the Quick Setup poster provided in the
computer box.
External AC power is supplied through an approved AC adapter or an optional docking or expansion
device.
WARNING!To reduce potential safety issues, use only the AC adapter provided with the computer,
a replacement AC adapter provided by HP, or a compatible AC adapter purchased from HP.
Connect the computer to external AC power under any of the following conditions:
WARNING!Do not charge the computer battery while you are onboard aircraft.
●When charging or calibrating a battery
●When installing or modifying system software
●When writing information to a CD, a DVD, or a BD (select models only)
●When running Disk Defragmenter
●When performing a backup or recovery
When you connect the computer to external AC power, the following events occur:
●The battery begins to charge.
●If the computer is turned on, the power meter icon in the notification area changes appearance.
When you disconnect external AC power, the following events occur:
●The computer switches to battery power.
●The display brightness is automatically decreased to save battery life.
Using external AC power 25 
						

							Testing an AC adapter
Test the AC adapter if the computer exhibits any of the following symptoms when it is connected to
AC power:
●The computer does not turn on.
●The display does not turn on.
●The power lights are off.
To test the AC adapter:
1.Shut down the computer.
2.Remove the battery from the computer.
3.Connect the AC adapter to the computer, and then plug it into an AC outlet.
4.Turn on the computer.
●If the power lights turn on, the AC adapter is working properly.
●If the power lights remain off, check the connection from the AC adapter to the computer
and the connection from the AC adapter to the AC outlet to make sure the connections are
secure.
●If the connections are secure and the power lights remain off, the AC adapter is not
functioning and should be replaced.
Contact HP Customer Support for information on obtaining a replacement AC power adapter.
Using HP CoolSense (select models only)
HP CoolSense  gives you more control over your computers thermal settings through the use of
predefined modes that emphasize computer performance, temperature, and fan speed and noise.
●On—Configures the thermal settings to avoid temperature increases and make the computer
feel cooler to the touch.
●Off—With CoolSense turned off, your computer will operate at peak performance, but this setting
may result in higher temperature than in On mode.
●Auto (select models only)—Automatically detects whether the computer is stationary or mobile,
and optimizes the thermal settings to match your usage environment. When the computer is
stationary, HP CoolSense prioritizes performance and is set to Off mode. When the computer is
mobile, HP CoolSense prioritizes temperature and is set to On mode.
To change the cooling preferences, follow these steps:
▲Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > HP CoolSense.
26 Chapter 4   Power management 
						

							5 External cards and devices
Using Digital Media Slot cards (select models only)
Optional digital cards provide secure data storage and convenient data sharing. These cards are
often used with digital media–equipped cameras and PDAs as well as with other computers.
To determine the digital card formats that are supported on your computer, refer to the Getting
Started guide.
Inserting a digital card
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of damage to the digital card connectors, use minimal force to insert
a digital card.
1.Hold the card label-side up, with the connectors facing the computer.
2.Insert the card into the Digital Media Slot, and then press in on the card until it is firmly seated.
You will hear a sound when the device has been detected, and a menu of options may be
displayed.
Using Digital Media Slot cards (select models only) 27 
						

							Removing a digital card
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of loss of data or an unresponsive system, use the following
procedure to safely remove the digital card.
1.Save your information and close all programs associated with the digital card.
2.Click the remove hardware icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. Then
follow the on-screen instructions.
3.Press in on the card (1), and then remove it from the slot (2).
NOTE:If the card does not eject, pull the card out of the slot.
Using ExpressCards (select models only)
An ExpressCard is a high-performance PC Card that is inserted into the ExpressCard slot.
Configuring an ExpressCard
Install only the software required for the card. If you are instructed by the ExpressCard manufacturer
to install device drivers:
●Install only the device drivers for your operating system.
●Do not install additional software, such as card services, socket services, or enablers, that are
supplied by the ExpressCard manufacturer.
Inserting an ExpressCard
CAUTION:To prevent damage to the computer and external media cards, do not insert a PC Card
into an ExpressCard slot.
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of damage to the connectors:
Use minimal force when inserting an ExpressCard.
Do not move or transport the computer when an ExpressCard is in use.
The ExpressCard slot may contain a protective insert. To remove the insert:
1.Press in on the insert (1) to unlock it.
28 Chapter 5   External cards and devices 
						

							2.Pull the insert out of the slot (2).
To insert an ExpressCard:
1.Hold the card label-side up, with the connectors facing the computer.
2.Insert the card into the ExpressCard slot, and then press in on the card until it is firmly seated.
You will hear a sound when the card has been detected, and a menu of options may be
displayed.
NOTE:The first time you connect an ExpressCard, a message in the notification area lets you
know that the card is recognized by the computer.
NOTE:To conserve power, stop or remove an ExpressCard when it is not in use.
Removing an ExpressCard
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of loss of data or an unresponsive system, use the following
procedure to safely remove the ExpressCard.
1.Save your information and close all programs associated with the ExpressCard.
2.Click the remove hardware icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, and then
follow the on-screen instructions.
3.Release and remove the ExpressCard:
a.Gently press in on the ExpressCard (1) to unlock it.
b.Pull the ExpressCard out of the slot (2).
Using ExpressCards (select models only) 29 
						

							Using smart cards (select models only)
NOTE:The term smart card is used throughout this chapter to refer to both smart cards and Java™
Cards.
A smart card is a credit card-sized accessory that carries a microchip containing memory and a
microprocessor. Like personal computers, some smart cards have an operating system to manage
input and output, and they include security features to protect against tampering. Industry-standard
smart cards are used with the smart card reader (select models only).
A personal identification number (PIN) is needed to gain access to the contents of the microchip. For
more information about smart card security features, refer to Help and Support.
Inserting a smart card
1.Hold the card label-side up, and gently slide the card into the smart card reader until the card is
seated.
2.Follow the on-screen instructions for logging on to the computer using the smart card PIN.
30 Chapter 5   External cards and devices