HP Pavilion G4 2300 Notebook Pc Series User Guide

							Function Hot key Description
Display system information.fn+escDisplays information about system hardware components and the
system BIOS version number.
Using the keyboard and mouse 31 
						

							6 Managing power
Your computer can operate on either battery power or external power. When the computer is only
running on battery power and an AC power source is not available to charge the battery, it is
important to monitor and conserve the battery charge. Your computer supports power plans to
manage how your computer uses and conserves power so that you can balance computer
performance with power conservation.
Initiating Sleep and Hibernation
Windows has two power-saving states, Sleep and Hibernation.
●Sleep–The Sleep state is automatically initiated after a period of inactivity when running on
battery power or on external power. Your work is saved to memory, allowing you to resume your
work very quickly. You can also initiate Sleep manually. For more information, see 
Initiating and
exiting Sleep on page 32.
●Hibernation–The Hibernation state is automatically initiated if the battery reaches a critical level.
In the Hibernation state, your work is saved to a hibernation file and the computer powers down.
NOTE:If you want to initiate Hibernation manually, you must enable Hibernation using Power
Options. For more information, see 
Enabling and exiting user-initiated hibernation on page 33.
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of possible audio and video degradation, loss of audio or video
playback functionality, or loss of information, do not initiate Sleep while reading from or writing to a
disc or an external media card.
NOTE:You cannot initiate any type of networking connection or perform any computer functions
while the computer is in the Sleep state or in Hibernation.
Initiating and exiting Sleep
With the computer on, you can initiate Sleep in any of the following ways:
●Close the display.
●From the Start screen, point to the upper-right or lower-right corner of the screen. When the
charms list opens, click Settings, click the Power icon, and then click Sleep.
To exit Sleep:
●Briefly press the power button.
●If the display is closed, open the display.
●Press a key on the keyboard.
●Tap or swipe the TouchPad.
When the computer exits Sleep, the power lights turn on and the computer returns to the screen
where you stopped working.
NOTE:If you have set a password to be required on wakeup, you must enter your Windows
password before the computer will return to the screen.
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							Enabling and exiting user-initiated hibernation
You can enable user-initiated Hibernation and change other power settings and timeouts using Power
Options:
1.From the Start screen, type power, select Settings, and then select Power Options from the
list of applications.
2.In the left pane, click Choose what the power button does.
3.Click Change Settings that are currently unavailable.
4.In the When I press the power button area, select Hibernate.
5.Click Save changes.
To exit Hibernation, briefly press the power button. The power lights turn on and your work returns to
the screen where you stopped working.
NOTE:If you have set a password to be required on wakeup, you must enter your Windows
password before your work will return to the screen.
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.From the Start screen, type power, select Settings, and then select 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 the power meter and power settings
The power meter is located on the Windows desktop. The power meter allows you to quickly access
power settings and view the remaining battery charge.
●To display the percentage of remaining battery charge and the current power plan, on the
Windows Desktop, point over the power meter icon.
●To use Power Options, or to change the power plan, click the power meter icon and select an
item from the list. From the Start screen, you can also type power, select Settings, and then
select Power Options.
Different power meter icons indicate whether the computer is running on battery or external power.
The icon also displays a message if the battery has reached a low or critical battery level.
Using the power meter and power settings 33 
						

							Selecting a power plan
A power plan manages how the computer uses power and helps you conserve power and maximize
performance. To change the power plan, from the Start screen, type power, select Settings, and
then select Power Options.
The following power plans are available:
●HP Recommended (recommended). Automatically balances performance with energy
consumption on capable hardware.
●Power saver. Saves power by reducing system performance and screen brightness where
possible.
●High performance. Favors performance, but may use more energy. Your battery will not last as
long between charges using this power plan. Click Show additional plans to select this power
plan.
You can also create your own power plan and customize it to how you use the computer for your
needs.
To use Power Options, from the Start screen, type power, select Settings, and then select Power
Options.
Running on 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. If the computer has a charged battery installed and the AC adapter
is disconnected from the computer, the computer automatically switches to battery power and the
display brightness decreases to conserve battery life. The battery in the computer slowly discharges
when the computer is off and unplugged from external power.
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.
Removing a user-replaceable battery
WARNING!To reduce potential safety issues, use only the user-replaceable battery provided with
the computer, a replacement battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased from HP.
CAUTION:Removing a user-replaceable battery that is the sole power source for the computer can
cause loss of information. To prevent loss of information, save your work or shut down the computer
through Windows before removing the battery.
1.Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface.
2.Slide the battery release latch (1) to release the battery.
NOTE:The battery release latch automatically returns to its original position.
34 Chapter 6   Managing power 
						

							3.Pivot the battery (2) upward and remove it (3) from the computer.
Finding battery information
To monitor the status of your battery, or if the battery is no longer holding a charge, run Battery Check
in HP Support Assistant. To access battery information, select the HP Support Assistant app on the
Start screen, and then select Battery and performance.
HP Support Assistant provides the following tools and information about the battery:
●Battery test
●Information on battery types, specifications, life cycles, and capacity
To access battery information, select the HP Support Assistant app on the Start screen, and then
select Battery and performance.
Conserving battery power
Tips for conserving battery power and maximizing battery life:
●Lower the brightness on the display.
●Select the Power saver setting in Power Options.
●Remove the user-replaceable battery from the computer when it is not being used or charged.
●Turn off wireless devices when you are not using them.
●Disconnect unused external devices that are not plugged into an external power source, such as
an external hard drive connected to a USB port.
●Stop, disable, or remove any external media cards that you are not using.
●Before you leave your work, initiate Sleep or shut down the computer.
Identifying low battery levels
When a battery that is the sole power source for the computer reaches a low or critical battery level,
the power meter icon on the Windows desktop shows a low or critical battery notification.
NOTE:For additional information about the power meter, see Using the power meter and power
settings on page 33.
The computer takes the following actions for a critical battery level:
●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.
●If Hibernation is enabled and the computer is on or in the Sleep state, the computer initiates
Hibernation.
Running on battery power 35 
						

							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
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.
Storing a user-replaceable battery
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of damage to a battery, do not expose it to high temperatures for
extended periods of time.
If your computer will be unused and unplugged from external power for more than 2 weeks, remove
the battery and store it separately in a cool, dry place to prolong the battery charge.
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.
Disposing of a user-replaceable 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.
See the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices for proper battery disposal. To access the
user guides, select the HP Support Assistant app on the Start screen, select My computer, and
then select the User guides.
Replacing a user-replaceable battery
Battery Check in HP Support Assistant 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 website for more information about ordering a replacement battery.
Running on external AC power
For information on connecting to AC power, refer to the Setup Instructions poster provided in the
computer box.
The computer does not use battery power when the computer is connected to AC external power with
an approved AC adapter or an optional docking/expansion device.
36 Chapter 6   Managing power 
						

							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 disc (select models only)
●When running Disk Defragmenter on computers with internal hard drives
●When performing a backup or recovery
When you connect the computer to external AC power:
●The battery begins to charge.
●The display brightness increases.
●The power meter icon on the Windows desktop changes appearance.
When you disconnect external AC power, the following events occur:
●The computer switches to battery power.
●The display brightness automatically decreases to save battery life.
●The power meter icon on the Windows desktop changes appearance.
Troubleshooting power problems
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 on obtaining a replacement AC power adapter.
Running on external AC power 37 
						

							HP CoolSense
HP CoolSense  automatically detects when the computer is not in a stationary position and
adjusts performance and fan settings to keep the surface temperature of your computer at the
optimum level of comfort.
When HP CoolSense is off, the position of the computer is not detected and the performance and fan
options remain at the factory setting. As a result, the surface temperature of the computer may be
higher than it would be with HP CoolSense on.
To turn CoolSense off or on, follow these steps:
▲From the Start screen, type cool, select Settings, and then select HP CoolSense.
Shutting down (turning off) the computer
CAUTION:Unsaved information is lost when the computer shuts down. Be sure to save your work
before shutting down the computer.
The Shut down command closes all open programs, including the operating system, and then turns
off the display and computer.
Shut down the computer under any of the following conditions:
●When you need to replace the battery or access components inside the computer
●When you are connecting an external hardware device that does not connect to a USB or video
port
●When the computer will be unused and disconnected from external power for an extended
period
Although you can turn off the computer with the power button, the recommended procedure is to use
the Windows Shut down command:
NOTE:If the computer is in the Sleep state or in Hibernation, you must first exit Sleep or
Hibernation before shutdown is possible by briefly pressing the power button.
1.Save your work and close all open programs.
2.From the Start screen, point to the upper-right or lower-right corner of the screen.
3.When the charms list opens, click Settings, click the Power icon, and then click Shut down.
If the computer is unresponsive and you are unable to use the preceding shutdown procedures, try
the following emergency procedures in the sequence provided:
●Press ctrl+alt+delete, click the Power icon, and then select Shut Down.
●Press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds.
●Disconnect the computer from external power.
●Remove the battery.
38 Chapter 6   Managing power 
						

							7 Managing and sharing information
Drives are digital storage devices that help you store, manage, share, and access information. Your
computer has an internal hard drive or that stores your computers software and operating system, as
well as provides storage for all of your personal files. Your computer also has a built-in optical drive
that allows you to read or write to a CD, DVD, or (on select models) Blu-ray Disc (BD), to play and
record audio and video.
For added capacity or functionality, connect an external drive (purchased separately), such as an
optical drive or hard drive, or insert a digital storage card to import information directly from your
phone or camera. A Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive, connected to the USB port on your
computer, also allows quick data transfer. Some devices use the computers power to run; others
have their own power source. Some devices come with software that must be installed.
NOTE:For information about connecting external wireless devices, see Connecting to a network
on page 13.
NOTE:For more information about required software and drivers, or to learn which computer port to
use, see the manufacturers instructions.
Using a USB device
Most computers have more than one USB port, because this versatile interface allows you to connect
numerous kinds of external devices to your computer, such as a USB keyboard, mouse, external
drive, printer, scanner, or USB hub.
Your computer has more than one type of USB port. See 
Getting to know your computer on page 3
for the types of USB ports you have on this computer. Be sure to purchase devices that are
compatible with your computer.
Type Description
USB 2.0 Transfers data at 60 MB/s.
USB 3.0 Transfers data at 640 MB/s. USB 3.0 ports, also known as
SuperSpeed ports, are also compatible with USB 1.0 and 2.0
devices.
Connecting a USB device
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of damage to a USB connector, use minimal force to connect the
device.
Using a USB device 39 
						

							▲Connect the USB cable for the device to the USB port.
NOTE:The USB port on your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this
section.
A sound indicates that the device has been detected.
NOTE:The first time you connect a USB device, a message displays on the Desktop and an icon
shows in the notification area letting you know that the device is recognized by the computer.
Removing a USB device
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of damage to a USB connector, do not pull on the cable to remove
the USB device.
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of loss of information or an unresponsive system, use the following
procedure to remove the USB device safely:
1. To remove a USB device, save your information and close all programs associated with the device.
2. From the Desktop, click the hardware icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. A
message, Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media, displays. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Connecting a powered USB device
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of damage to the equipment when connecting a powered device, be
sure that the device is turned off and its AC power cord is unplugged.
1.Connect the device to the computer.
2.Plug the device power cord into a grounded AC outlet.
3.Turn on the device.
To disconnect an unpowered external device, stop the device, and then disconnect it from the
computer. To disconnect a powered external device, turn off the device, disconnect it from the
computer, and then unplug the AC power cord.
40 Chapter 7   Managing and sharing information