HP Pavilion G4 2100 Notebook Pc Series User Guide

							Troubleshooting
Disc drive problems
If the disc tray fails to open normally, follow these steps:
1.Insert the end of a paper clip into the release access (1) in the front bezel of the drive.
2.Press in gently on the paper clip until the tray is released, and then pull out the tray (2) until it
stops.
3.Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer
edges of the disc. 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 place the disc in a protective case.
Wireless connection problems
Some possible causes for wireless connection problems include the following:
●Wireless device is not turned on.
●Wireless device is not installed correctly or has been disabled.
●Wireless device encountered interference from other devices.
●Wireless device or router hardware has failed.
NOTE:Wireless networking devices are included with select computer models only. If wireless
networking is not listed in the feature list on the side of the original computer package, you may add
wireless networking capability to the computer by purchasing a wireless networking device.
Troubleshooting 81 
						

							Cannot connect to a WLAN
If you have a problem connecting to a WLAN, confirm that the integrated WLAN device is turned on
and properly installed on your computer.
1.If the wireless light is off or amber, press the wireless button, wireless switch, or wireless key to
turn the wireless device on.
2.Then try connecting to the WLAN again.
If you are still unable to connect, follow the steps below.
1.Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security.
2.In the System area, click Device Manager.
3.Click the arrow next to Network adapters to expand the list and show all adapters.
4.Identify the WLAN device from the Network adapters list. The listing for a WLAN device may
include the term wireless, wireless LAN, WLAN, or 802.11.
If no WLAN device is listed, either your computer does not have an integrated WLAN device, or
the driver for the WLAN device is not properly installed.
For more information about troubleshooting WLANs, see the website links provided in Help and
Support.
Cannot connect to a preferred network
You may not be able to connect to a preferred network because it is a security-enabled WLAN. You
must have the security code to connect to this type of WLAN. See the next section for additional
information.
If entering a security code is not the problem, you may have a corrupted WLAN connection. Many
times, Windows can automatically repair a corrupted WLAN connection.
●If there is a network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, right-click
the icon, and then click Troubleshoot problems.
Windows resets your network device and attempts to reconnect to one of the preferred
networks.
●If there is no network status icon in the notification area, follow these steps:
1. Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
2.Click Troubleshoot problems and select the network you wish to repair.
Current network security codes are unavailable
If you are prompted for a security code (or network key) or a name (SSID) when connecting to a
WLAN, the network is protected by security. You must have the current codes to make a connection
82 Chapter 13   Troubleshooting and support 
						

							on a secure network. The SSID and security code are alphanumeric codes that you enter into your
computer to identify your computer to the network.
●For a network connected to your personal wireless router, review the router user guide for
instructions on setting up the same codes on both the router and the WLAN device.
●For a private network, such as a network in an office or at a public Internet chat room, contact
the network administrator to obtain the codes, and then enter the codes when prompted to do
so.
Some networks change the SSID or network keys used in their routers or access points on a
regular basis to improve security. You must change the corresponding code in your computer
accordingly.
If you are provided with new wireless network keys and SSID for a network, and if you have
previously connected to that network, follow the steps below to connect to the network:
1.Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
2.In the left panel, click Manage wireless networks.
A list showing the available WLANs is displayed. If you are in a hotspot where several WLANs
are active, several will be displayed.
3.Select the network in the list, right-click the network, and then click Properties.
NOTE:If the network you want is not listed, check with the network administrator to be sure
that the router or access point is operating.
4.Click the Security tab and enter the correct wireless encryption data into the Network security
key box.
5.Click OK to save these settings.
WLAN connection is very weak
If the connection is very weak, or if your computer cannot make a connection to a WLAN, minimize
interference from other devices, as follows:
●Move your computer closer to the wireless router or access point.
●Temporarily disconnect wireless devices such as a microwave, cordless phone, or cellular
phone to be sure that other wireless devices are not interfering.
If the connection does not improve, try forcing the device to reestablish all connection values:
1.Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
2.In the left panel, click Manage wireless networks.
A list showing the available WLANs is displayed. If you are in a hotspot where several WLANs
are active, several will be displayed.
3.Click a network, and then click Remove.
Cannot connect to the wireless router
If you are trying to connect to the wireless router and are unsuccessful, reset the wireless router by
removing power from the router for 10 to 15 seconds.
Troubleshooting 83 
						

							If the computer still cannot make a connection to a WLAN, restart the wireless router. For details, see
the router manufacturers instructions.
Network status icon is not displayed
If the network status icon is not displayed in the notification area after you configure the WLAN, the
software driver is either missing or corrupted. A Windows “Device not Found” error message may
also be displayed. The driver must be reinstalled.
Get the latest version of the WLAN device software and drivers for your computer from the HP
website at 
http://www.hp.com. If the WLAN device you are using was purchased separately, consult
the manufacturers website for the latest software.
To get the latest version of the WLAN device software for your computer, follow these steps:
1.Open your Internet browser and go to 
http://www.hp.com/support.
2.Select your country or region.
3.Click the option for software and driver downloads, and then type your computer model number
in the search box.
4.Press enter, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
NOTE:If the WLAN device you are using was purchased separately, consult the manufacturers
website for the latest software.
Audio problems
To check the audio functions on your computer, follow these steps:
1.Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound.
2.When the Sound window opens, click the Sounds tab. Under Program Events, select any sound
event, such as a beep or alarm, and click the Test button.
You should hear sound through the speakers or through connected headphones.
To check the recording functions on your computer, follow these steps:
1.Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > Sound Recorder.
2.Click Start Recording and speak into the microphone. Save the file to your desktop.
3.Open a multimedia program and play back the sound.
To confirm or change the audio settings on your computer, select Start > Control Panel > Hardware
and Sound > Sound.
Power management problems
Some possible causes for power management problems include the following:
●Low battery levels
●AC adapter problems
84 Chapter 13   Troubleshooting and support 
						

							Resolving a low battery level
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available
●Connect an AC adapter.
●Connect an optional docking or expansion device.
●Connect an optional power adapter purchased as an accessory from HP.
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 user-replaceable 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.
Troubleshooting 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 customer support for information about obtaining a replacement AC power adapter.
Troubleshooting 85 
						

							Contacting customer support
If the information provided in this user guide or in Help and Support does not answer your questions,
you can contact HP Customer Support at 
http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP.
NOTE:For worldwide support go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.
Here you can:
●Chat online with an HP technician.
NOTE:When technical support chat is not available in a particular language, it is available in
English.
●Email HP Customer Support.
●Find HP Customer Support worldwide telephone numbers.
●Locate an HP service center.
86 Chapter 13   Troubleshooting and support 
						

							14 Electrostatic Discharge
Electrostatic discharge is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact—for
example, the shock you receive when you walk across the carpet and touch a metal door knob.
A discharge of static electricity from fingers or other electrostatic conductors may damage electronic
components. To prevent damage to the computer, damage to a drive, or loss of information, observe
these precautions:
●If removal or installation instructions direct you to unplug the computer, unplug it after being
properly grounded and before removing a cover.
●Keep components in their electrostatic-safe containers until you are ready to install them.
●Avoid touching pins, leads, and circuitry. Handle electronic components as little as possible.
●Use nonmagnetic tools.
●Before handling components, discharge static electricity by touching an unpainted metal surface
of the component.
●If you remove a component, place it in an electrostatic-safe container.
If you need more information about static electricity or assistance with component removal or
installation, contact customer support.
87 
						

							Index
A
AC adapter 5
action keys
decrease screen brightness
28
Help and Support 28
identifying 12
increase screen brightness 28
next track or section 29
play, pause, resume 29
previous track or section 29
switch screen image 28
volume down 29
volume mute 29
volume up 29
wireless 29
airport security devices 51
antivirus software, using 65
audio functions, checking 23
audio-in (microphone) jack 6
audio-out (headphone) jack 7
B
backing up software and
information 66
backups 71
battery
conserving power 41
disposing 42
replacing 42
storing 41
battery bay 13, 14
battery information, finding 40
battery power 40
battery release latch 13
battery temperature 41
best practices 1
BIOS
determining version 68downloading an update 68
updating 67
Bluetooth device 16, 19
boot order
changing 77
buttons
left TouchPad 9, 30
optical drive eject 4
power 11
right TouchPad 9, 30
TouchPad on/off 9
C
cables
USB 46
caps lock light, identifying 10
caring for your computer 60
Certificate of Authenticity label 14
checking audio functions 23
cleaning your computer 60
components
bottom 13
display 8
left side 6
right side 4
top 9
computer, traveling 41
configuring audio for HDMI 26
connecting to a WLAN 19
connector, power 5
conservation, power 41
corporate WLAN connection 19
critical battery level 41
CyberLink PowerDVD 26
D
deleted files
restoring 75digital card
inserting 47
Digital Media Slot, identifying 7
Disk Cleanup software 54
Disk Defragmenter software 54
drive media 36
E
electrostatic discharge 87
esc key, identifying 12
external AC power, using 43
external devices 46
external monitor port 6, 24
external monitor port, identifying
22
F
firewall software 65
fn key, identifying 12, 29
fun things to do 2
H
hard drive
HP 3D DriveGuard 53
hard drive bay, identifying 13
hard drive light 5
HDMI
configuring audio 26
HDMI port, connecting 25
HDMI port, identifying 6, 22
Hibernation
exiting 37
initiated during critical battery
level 41
initiating 37
high-definition devices,
connecting 25, 26
hot keys
description 29
88 Index 
						

							display system information 29
using 29
HP 3D DriveGuard 53
HP and third-party software
updates, installing 65
HP Connection Manager
software 16
HP Recovery Manager 75
hubs 45
I
input power 78
installing
critical security updates 65
optional security cable lock 66
integrated webcam light,
identifying 8, 21
Intel Wireless Display 26
Intel Wireless Music 26
internal microphone, identifying
8, 21
Internet connection setup 18
Internet security software, using
64
J
jack
audio-in (microphone) 6
audio-out (headphone) 7
jacks
network 6
RJ-45 (network) 6
K
keyboard hot keys, identifying 29
keys
action 12
esc 12
fn 12
Windows applications 12
Windows logo 12
L
labels
Microsoft Certificate of
Authenticity 14
regulatory 14
serial number 14
service 14
wireless certification 14
WLAN 14latch, battery release 13
lights
AC adapter 5
caps lock 10
hard drive 5
mute 10
optical drive 4
power 4, 10
TouchPad 9, 10, 30
webcam 8, 21
wireless 10
M
maintenance
Disk Cleanup 54
Disk Defragmenter 54
memory module
inserting 57
removing 56
replacing 55
memory module compartment,
identifying 13
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
label 14
mouse, external
setting preferences 27
mute light, identifying 10
N
network jack, identifying 6
O
operating environment 79
operating system
Microsoft Certificate of
Authenticity label 14
Product Key 14
optical disc
inserting 49
removing 49
optical drive eject button,
identifying 4
optical drive light, identifying 4
optical drive, identifying 4, 22
optional external devices, using
46
original system recovery 75P
passwords
Setup Utility (BIOS) 64
Windows 63
pinching TouchPad gesture 33
ports
external monitor 6, 22, 24
HDMI 6, 22, 25
Intel Wireless Display 26
Intel Wireless Music 26
USB 2.0 5, 22
USB 3.0 6, 22
VGA 24
power
battery 40
conserving 41
power button, identifying 11
power connector, identifying 5
power lights, identifying 4, 10
power meter 38
PowerDVD 26
Product Key 14
product name and number,
computer 14
public WLAN connection 19
R
readable media 36
recovering from the recovery
discs 76
recovering the original system 75
recovery 75
HP Recovery Manager 75
recovery discs 71
recovery media 71
recovery, system 75
regulatory information
regulatory label 14
wireless certification labels 14
restore points 72
restoring the original system
creating recovery media 71
RJ-45 (network) jack, identifying
6
rotating TouchPad gesture 34
S
scrolling TouchPad gesture 33
security cable lock, installing 66
security cable slot, identifying 5
Index 89 
						

							security, wireless 18
serial number 14
serial number, computer 14
service labels
locating 14
setting password protection on
wakeup 37
setup of WLAN 18
Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords
64
shipping the computer 61
shutdown 44
Sleep
exiting 36
initiating 36
slots
Digital Media 7
security cable 5
software
CyberLink PowerDVD 26
Disk Cleanup 54
Disk Defragmenter 54
HP Connection Manager 16
software updates, installing 65
speakers, identifying 11, 22
storing a battery 41
supported discs 71
system information hot key 29
system recovery 75
system restore points 72
creating 72
T
temperature 41
TouchPad
buttons 9, 30
using 30
TouchPad gestures
pinching 33
rotating 34
scrolling 33
zooming 33
TouchPad light 9, 30
TouchPad on/off button 9, 30
TouchPad reader light 10
TouchPad zone, identifying 9, 30
traveling with the computer 14,
41, 61
Troubleshooting and support 80
troubleshooting; AC adapter 85troubleshooting; audio functions
84
troubleshooting; disc drive 81
troubleshooting; low battery level
85
troubleshooting; power
management 84
troubleshooting; wireless
connection 81
turning off the computer 44
U
unresponsive system 44
USB 2.0 ports, identifying 5, 22
USB 3.0 ports, identifying 6, 22
USB cable, connecting 46
USB devices
connecting 45
description 45
removing 46
USB hubs 45
using external AC power 43
using passwords 63
using the power meter 38
V
vents, identifying 6, 13
VGA port, connecting 24
video 24
W
webcam 23
webcam light, identifying 8, 21
webcam, identifying 8, 21
Windows applications key,
identifying 12
Windows Backup and Restore
restoring files 75
Windows logo key, identifying 12
Windows passwords 63
Windows security updates,
installing 65
Wireless Assistant software 16
wireless button 16
wireless certification label 14
wireless controls
button 16
operating system 16
Wireless Assistant software
16
wireless light 10, 16wireless module compartment,
identifying 13
wireless network (WLAN)
connecting 19
corporate WLAN connection
19
equipment needed 18
functional range 19
public WLAN connection 19
security 18
using 17
wireless network, securing 66
WLAN antennas, identifying 8
WLAN device 17
WLAN label 14
writable media 36
Z
zooming TouchPad gesture 33
90 Index