HP Pavilion G6 User Manual

							Hard drive specifications
  750 GB* 640 GB* 500 GB* 320 GB* 250 GB*
Dimensions
Height 9.5 mm 9.5 mm 9.5 mm 9.5 mm 9.5 mm
Width 70 mm 70 mm 70 mm 70 mm 70 mm
Weight 101 g 101 g 101 g 101 g 101 g
Interface typeSATA SATA SATA SATA SATA
Transfer rate100 MB/sec 106 MB/sec 100 MB/sec 100 MB/sec 100 MB/sec
SecurityATA security ATA security ATA security ATA security ATA security
Seek times (typical read, including setting)
Single track 1.5 ms 1.0 ms 1.0 ms 1.5 ms 2.0 ms
Average 11.0 ms 14.0 ms 14.0 ms 12.0 ms 12.0 ms
Maximum 22.0 ms 24.0 ms 22.0 ms 22.0 ms 22.0 ms
Logical blocks312,581,808 1,250,26
3,728976,773,168 625,142,448 488,397,168
Disc rotational speed7200 rpm 5400 rpm 5400 and
7200 rpm7200 rpm 7200 rpm
Operating temperature 5°C to 55°C (41°F to 131°F)
*1 GB = 1 billion bytes when referring to hard drive storage capacity. Actual accessible capacity is less. Actual drive
specifications may differ slightly.
NOTE:Certain restrictions and exclusions apply. Contact technical support for details.
Hard drive specifications 83 
						

							DVD±RW and CD-RW SuperMulti Double-Layer Combo
Drive specifications
Applicable disc 
Read CD-DA, CD+(E)G, CD-MIDI, CD-TEXT, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, MIXED
MODE CD, CD-I, CD-I Bridge (Photo-CD, Video CD), Multisession CD
(Photo-CD, CD-EXTRA, Portfolio, CD-R, CD-RW), CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-
ROM (DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, DVD-18), DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD
+RW, DVD-RAM
Write CD-R and CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM
Random access time 
DVD < 230 ms
CD < 175 ms
Cache buffer2 MB
Data transfer rate
24X CD-ROM 3,600 KB/sec
8X DVD-ROM 10,800 KB/sec
24X CD-R 3,600 KB/sec
16X CD-RW 2,400 KB/sec
8X DVD+R 10,800 KB/sec
4X DVD+RW 5,400 KB/sec
8X DVD-R 10,800 KB/sec
4X DVD-RW 5,400 KB/sec
2.4X DVD+R(9) 2,700 KB/sec
5X DVD-RAM 6,750 KB/sec
Transfer modeMultiword DMA Mode
84 Chapter 5   Specifications 
						

							Blu-ray Disc ROM and DVD±R/RW SuperMulti Double-
Layer Drive specifications
Applicable disc  
Read BD-ROM, BD-ROM-DL, BD-R, BD-R-DL, BD-RE, BD-RE-DL, DVD-ROM,
DVD+R, DVD+R-DL, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-R-DL, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM
(Ver.2), CD-DA, CD-ROM (mode 1 and mode 2), CD-ROM XA (mode 2,
form 1 and form 2), Photo CD (single and multiple sessions), CD Extra,
CD-R, CD-RW, and CD-TEXT
Write DVD-RAM (Ver.2), DVD+R, DVD-R, CD-R, and CD-ROM
Random access time 
BD < 230 ms
DVD < 180 ms
CD < 180 ms
Cache buffer4.5 MB
Data transfer rate
24X CD-ROM 3,600 KB/sec
8X DVD-ROM 10,800 KB/sec
4X BD 18,000 KB/sec
24X CD-R 3,600 KB/sec
16X CD-RW 2,400 KB/sec
8X DVD+R 10,800 KB/sec
4X DVD+RW 5,400 KB/sec
8X DVD-R 10,800 KB/sec
4X DVD-RW 5,400 KB/sec
2.4X DVD+R(9) 2,700 KB/sec
5X DVD-RAM 6,750 KB/sec
1X BD-ROM 4,500 KB/sec
1X BD-R read 4,500 KB/sec
1X BD-RE read 4,500 KB/sec
Transfer modeMultiword DMA Mode
Blu-ray Disc ROM and DVD±R/RW SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive specifications 85 
						

							6 Setup Utility (BIOS)
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 includes settings for the types of peripherals installed, the startup sequence of the computer,
and the amount of system and extended memory.
CAUTION:Use extreme care when making changes in Setup Utility. Errors can prevent the
computer from operating properly.
Starting Setup Utility
NOTE:The fingerprint reader (select models only) cannot be used to access Setup Utility.
▲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 f10.
Using Setup Utility
Changing the language of Setup Utility
1.Start Setup Utility.
2.Use the arrow keys to select System Configuration > Language, and then press enter.
3.Use the arrow keys to select a language, and then press enter.
4.When a confirmation prompt with your language selected is displayed, press enter.
5.To save your change and exit Setup Utility, use the arrow keys to select Exit > Exit Saving
Changes, and then press enter.
Your change takes effect immediately.
86 Chapter 6   Setup Utility (BIOS) 
						

							Navigating and selecting in Setup Utility
Because Setup Utility is not Windows based, it does not support the TouchPad. Navigation and
selection are by keystroke.
●To choose a menu or a menu item, use the arrow keys.
●To choose an item in a list or to toggle a field—for example an Enable/Disable field—use either
the arrow keys or f5 and f6.
●To select an item, press enter.
●To close a text box or return to the menu display, press esc.
●To display additional navigation and selection information while Setup Utility is open, press f1.
Displaying system information
1.Start Setup Utility.
2.Select the Main menu. System information such as the system time and date, and identification
information about the computer is displayed.
3.To exit Setup Utility without changing any settings, use the arrow keys to select Exit > Exit
Discarding Changes, and then press enter.
Restoring factory default settings in Setup Utility
1.Start Setup Utility.
2.Use the arrow keys to select Exit > Load Setup Defaults, and then press enter.
3.When the Setup Confirmation is displayed, press enter.
4.To save your change and exit Setup Utility, use the arrow keys to select Exit > Exit Saving
Changes, and then press enter.
The Setup Utility factory settings take effect when the computer restarts.
NOTE:Your password, security, and language settings are not changed when you restore the
factory settings.
Exiting Setup Utility
●To exit Setup Utility and save your changes from the current session:
If the Setup Utility menus are not visible, press esc to return to the menu display. Then use the
arrow keys to select Exit > Exit Saving Changes, and then press enter.
●To exit Setup Utility without saving your changes from the current session:
If the Setup Utility menus are not visible, press esc to return to the menu display. Then use the
arrow keys to select Exit > Exit Discarding Changes, and then press enter.
Using Setup Utility 87 
						

							Updating the BIOS
Updated versions of the BIOS may be available on the HP Web site.
Most BIOS updates on the HP Web site 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.
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.
1.Start Setup Utility.
2.If the system information is not displayed, use the arrow keys to select the Main menu.
BIOS and other system information is displayed.
3.To exit Setup Utility, use the arrow keys to select Exit > Exit Discarding Changes, and then
press enter.
88 Chapter 6   Setup Utility (BIOS) 
						

							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.Access the page on the HP Web site that provides software for your computer:
Windows 7—Select Start > Help and Support > Maintain.
Windows XP—Select Start > Help and Support, and then select the software and drivers
update.
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.Windows 7—Open Windows Explorer by selecting Start > Computer.
Windows XP—Open Windows Explorer by selecting Start > My 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.
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.
Updating the BIOS 89 
						

							7 Backup and recovery
●Restore
●
Creating restore media
●
Performing a system restore
●
Backing up and recovering your information
Your computer includes tools provided by the operating system and HP to help you safeguard your
information and restore it if ever needed.
This chapter provides information on the following topics:
●Creating a set of recovery discs or a recovery flash drive (HP Recovery Manager software
feature)
●Performing a system restore (from the partition, recovery discs, or a recovery flash drive)
●Backing up your information
●Recovering a program or driver
90 Chapter 7   Backup and recovery 
						

							Restore
In the event of hard drive failure, to restore your system to its factory image you will need a set of
recovery discs or a recovery flash drive that you can create using HP Recovery Manager. HP
recommends that you use this software to create either a set of recovery discs or a recovery flash
drive immediately after software setup.
If for some other reason you need to restore your system, this can be achieved using the HP
Recovery partition (select models only), without the need for recovery discs or a recovery flash drive.
To check for the presence of a recovery partition, click Start, right-click Computer, click Manage,
and then click Disk Management. If the recovery partition is present, a Recovery drive is listed in the
window.
CAUTION:HP Recovery Manager (partition or discs/flash drive) restores only software that was
preinstalled at the factory. Software not provided with this computer must be reinstalled manually.
NOTE:Recovery discs have been included if your computer does not have a recovery partition.
Creating restore media
HP recommends that you create either a set of recovery discs or a recovery flash drive to be sure that
you can restore your computer to its original factory state if the hard drive fails, or if for any reason
you cannot restore using the recovery partition tools. Create these discs or the flash drive after setting
up the computer for the first time.
NOTE:HP Recovery Manager allows the creation of only one set of recovery discs or one recovery
flash drive. Handle these discs or flash drive carefully and keep them in a safe place.
NOTE: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 purchase recovery
discs for your computer from the HP Web site. 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.
Guidelines:
●Purchase high-quality DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-R DL, or DVD+R DL discs. 
NOTE:Read-write discs, such as CD-RW, DVD±RW, double-layer DVD±RW, and BD-RE
(rewritable Blu-ray) discs, are not compatible with the HP Recovery Manager software.
●The computer must be connected to AC power during this process.
●Only one set of recovery discs or one recovery flash drive can be created per computer.
NOTE:If you are creating recovery discs, number each disc before inserting it into the optical
drive.
●If necessary, you can exit the program before you have finished creating the recovery discs or
recovery flash drive. The next time you open HP Recovery Manager, you will be prompted to
continue the backup creation process.
To create a set of recovery discs or a recovery flash drive:
1.Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Recovery Manager > HP Recovery Media Creation.
2.Follow the on-screen instructions.
Restore 91 
						

							Performing a system restore
HP Recovery Manager software allows you to repair or restore the computer to its original factory
state. HP Recovery Manager works from recovery discs, a recovery flash drive, or from a dedicated
recovery partition (select models only) on the hard drive. 
NOTE:A system restore needs to be performed if the computer hard drive has failed or if all
attempts to correct any functional computer issues fail. A system restore should be used as a final
attempt to correct computer issues.
Note the following when performing a system restore:
●You can restore only the system that you have previously backed up. HP recommends that you
use Recovery Manager to create either a set of recovery discs or a recovery flash drive as soon
as you set up the computer.
●Windows has its own built-in repair features, such as System Restore. If you have not already
tried these features, try them before using HP Recovery Manager.
●HP Recovery Manager restores only software that was preinstalled at the factory. Software not
provided with this computer must be downloaded from the manufacturers Web site or reinstalled
from the disc provided by the manufacturer.
Restoring using the dedicated recovery partition (select models only)
When using the dedicated recovery partition, there is an option to back up pictures, music and other
audio, videos and movies, recorded TV shows, documents, spreadsheets and presentations, e-mails,
Internet favorites and settings during this process.
To restore the computer from the recovery partition, follow these steps:
1.Access HP Recovery Manager in either of the following ways:
●Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Recovery Manager > HP Recovery Manager.
– 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.
Restoring using the restore 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 the HP Recovery Manager, the
computer boot order needs to be changed.
92 Chapter 7   Backup and recovery