HP Pavilion Touchsmart 15 N303tx Notebook Pc Manual

							●Dry microfiber cleaning cloth or a chamois (static-free cloth without oil)
●Static-free cloth wipes
CAUTION:Avoid strong cleaning solvents that can permanently damage your computer. If you are
not sure that a cleaning product is safe for your computer, check the product contents to make sure
that ingredients such as alcohol, acetone, ammonium chloride, methylene chloride, and hydrocarbons
are not included in the product.
Fibrous materials, such as paper towels, can scratch the computer. Over time, dirt particles and
cleaning agents can get trapped in the scratches.
Cleaning procedures
Follow the procedures in this section to safely clean your computer.
WARNING!To prevent electric shock or damage to components, do not attempt to clean your
computer while it is turned on.
Turn off the computer.
Disconnect external power.
Disconnect all powered external devices.
CAUTION:To prevent damage to internal components, do not spray cleaning agents or liquids
directly on any computer surface. Liquids dripped on the surface can permanently damage internal
components.
Cleaning the display (All-in-Ones or Notebooks)
Gently wipe the display using a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with an alcohol-free glass cleaner. Be
sure that the display is dry before closing the display.
Cleaning the sides or cover
To clean the sides or cover, use a soft microfiber cloth or chamois moistened with one of the cleaning
solutions listed previously or use an acceptable disposable wipe.
NOTE:When cleaning the cover of the computer, use a circular motion to aid in removing dirt and
debris.
Cleaning the TouchPad, keyboard, or mouse
WARNING!To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to internal components, do not use a
vacuum cleaner attachment to clean the keyboard. A vacuum cleaner can deposit household debris
on the keyboard surface.
CAUTION:To prevent damage to internal components, do not allow liquids to drip between the
keys.
●To clean the TouchPad, keyboard, or mouse, use a soft microfiber cloth or a chamois moistened
with one of the cleaning solutions listed previously or use an acceptable disposable wipe.
●To prevent keys from sticking and to remove dust, lint, and particles from the keyboard, use a
can of compressed air with a straw extension.
Cleaning your computer 61 
						

							Traveling with or shipping your computer
If you have to travel with or ship your computer, here are some tips to keep in mind to keep your
equipment safe.
●Prepare the computer for traveling or shipping:
◦Back up your information to an external drive.
◦Remove all discs and all external media cards, such as memory cards, from the computer.
◦Turn off, and then disconnect all external devices.
◦Shut down the computer.
●Take along a backup of your information. Keep the backup separate from the computer.
●When traveling by air, carry the computer as hand luggage; do not check it in with the rest of
your luggage.
CAUTION:Avoid exposing a drive to magnetic fields. Security devices with magnetic fields
include airport walk-through devices and security wands. Airport conveyer belts and similar
security devices that check carry-on baggage use X-rays instead of magnetism and do not
damage drives.
●If you plan to use the computer during a flight, listen for the in-flight announcement that tells you
when you are allowed to use your computer. In-flight computer use is at the discretion of the
airline.
●If you are shipping the computer or a drive, use suitable protective packaging and label the
package “FRAGILE.”
●If the computer has a wireless device installed, the use of these devices may be restricted in
some environments. Such restrictions may apply onboard aircraft, in hospitals, near explosives,
and in hazardous locations. If you are uncertain of the policy that applies to the use of a
particular device, ask for authorization to use your computer before you turn it on.
●If you are traveling internationally, follow these suggestions:
◦Check the computer-related customs regulations for each country or region on your
itinerary.
◦Check the power cord and adapter requirements for each location in which you plan to use
the computer. Voltage, frequency, and plug configurations vary.
WARNING!To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not
attempt to power the computer with a voltage converter kit sold for appliances.
62 Chapter 8   Maintaining your computer 
						

							9 Securing your computer and
information
Computer security is essential for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your
information. Standard security solutions provided by the Windows operating system, HP applications,
the non-Windows Setup Utility (BIOS), and other third-party software can help protect your computer
from a variety of risks, such as viruses, worms, and other types of malicious code.
IMPORTANT:Some security features listed in this chapter may not be available on your computer.
Computer risk Security feature
Unauthorized use of the computer Power-on password
Computer viruses Antivirus software
Unauthorized access to data Firewall software
Unauthorized access to Setup Utility (BIOS) settings and
other system identification informationAdministrator password
Ongoing or future threats to the computer Software updates
Unauthorized access to a Windows user account User password
Unauthorized removal of the computer Security cable lock
Using passwords
A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information and to
protect online transactions. Several types of passwords can be set. For example, when you set up
your computer for the first time, you were asked to create a user password to secure your computer.
Additional passwords can be set in Windows or in the HP Setup Utility (BIOS) that is preinstalled on
your computer.
You may find it helpful to use the same password for a Setup Utility (BIOS) feature and for a Windows
security feature.
Use the following tips for creating and saving passwords:
●To reduce the risk of being locked out of the computer, record each password and store it in a
secure place away from the computer. Do not store passwords in a file on the computer.
●When creating passwords, follow requirements set by the program.
●Change your passwords at least every three months.
●An ideal password is long and has letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers.
●Before you send your computer for service, back up your files, delete confidential files, and then
remove all password settings.
For additional information about Windows passwords, such as screen-saver passwords, from the
Start screen, type support, and then select the HP Support Assistant app.
Using passwords 63 
						

							Setting Windows passwords
Password Function
User password Protects access to a Windows user account.
Administrator password Protects administrator-level access to computer contents.
NOTE:This password cannot be used to access Setup
Utility (BIOS) contents.
Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords
Password Function
Administrator password
●Must be entered each time you access Setup Utility
(BIOS).
●If you forget your administrator password, you cannot
access Setup Utility (BIOS).
NOTE:The administrator password can be used in place of
the power-on password.
NOTE:Your administrator password is not interchangeable
with an administrator password set in Windows, nor is it
revealed as it is set, entered, changed, or deleted.
NOTE:If you enter the power-on password at the first
password check, you must enter the administrator password
to access Setup Utility (BIOS).
Power-on password
●Must be entered each time you turn on or restart the
computer.
●If you forget your power-on password, you cannot turn
on or restart the computer.
NOTE:The administrator password can be used in place of
the power-on password.
NOTE:A power-on password is not revealed as it is set,
entered, changed, or deleted.
To set, change, or delete an administrator or power-on password in Setup Utility (BIOS):
1.To start Setup Utility (BIOS), turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press
f10.
2.Use the arrow keys to select Security, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Your changes take effect when the computer restarts.
Using Internet security software
When you use your computer to access email, a network, or the Internet, you potentially expose your
computer to computer viruses, spyware, and other online threats. To help protect your computer,
Internet security software that includes antivirus and firewall features may be preinstalled on your
computer as a trial offer. To provide ongoing protection against newly discovered viruses and other
security risks, security software must be kept up to date. It is strongly recommended that you upgrade
64 Chapter 9   Securing your computer and information 
						

							the security software trial offer or purchase the software of your choice in order to fully protect your
computer.
Using antivirus software
Computer viruses can disable programs, utilities, or the operating system, or cause them to function
abnormally. Antivirus software can detect most viruses, destroy them, and in most cases, repair any
damage they have caused.
To provide ongoing protection against newly discovered viruses, antivirus software must be kept up to
date.
An antivirus program may be preinstalled on your computer. It is strongly recommended that you use
the antivirus program of your choice in order to fully protect your computer.
For more information about computer viruses, from the Start screen, type support, and then select
the HP Support Assistant app.
Using firewall software
Firewalls are designed to prevent unauthorized access to a system or network. A firewall can be
software you install on your computer and/or network, or it can be a combination of both hardware
and software.
There are two types of firewalls to consider:
●Host-based firewalls—Software that protects only the computer it is installed on.
●Network-based firewalls—Installed between your DSL or cable modem and your home network
to protect all the computers on the network.
When a firewall is installed on a system, all data sent to and from the system is monitored and
compared with a set of user-defined security criteria. Any data that does not meet those criteria is
blocked.
Installing software updates
HP, Microsoft Windows, and third-party software installed on your computer should be regularly
updated to correct security problems and improve software performance. For more information, see
Updating programs and drivers on page 60.
Installing critical security updates
HP recommends that you regularly update the software and drivers that were originally installed on
your computer. To download the latest versions, go to 
http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP. At this
location, you can also register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available.
If you have installed third-party software after you purchased your computer, regularly update the
software. Software companies provide software updates to their products to correct security problems
and improve functionality of the software.
Installing HP and third-party software updates
HP recommends that you regularly update the software and drivers that were originally installed on
your computer. To download the latest versions, go to 
http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP. At this
location, you can also register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available.
Installing software updates 65 
						

							If you have installed third-party software after you purchased your computer, regularly update the
software. Software companies provide software updates to their products to correct security problems
and improve functionality of the software.
Securing your wireless network
When you set up your wireless network, always enable security features. For more information, see
Protecting your WLAN on page 17.
Backing up your software applications and information
Regularly back up your software applications and information to protect them from being permanently
lost or damaged through a virus attack or a software or hardware failure. For more information, see
Backing up, restoring, and recovering on page 70.
Using an optional security cable lock
A security cable lock, which is purchased separately, is designed to act as a deterrent, but it may not
prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen. Security cable locks are only one of several
methods that should be employed as part of a complete security solution to help maximize theft
protection.
The security cable slot on your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.
For the location of the security cable slot on your computer, see 
Getting to know your computer
on page 4.
1.Loop the security cable lock around a secured object.
2.Insert the key (1) into the security cable lock (2).
3.Insert the security cable lock into the security cable slot on the computer (3), and then lock the
security cable lock with the key.
4.Remove the key and keep it in a safe place.
66 Chapter 9   Securing your computer and information 
						

							10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC
Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)
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), turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press f10.
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.
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 revealed by pressing
fn+esc (if you are already in Windows) or by using Setup Utility (BIOS).
1.Start Setup Utility (BIOS) (see 
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) on page 67.
2.Use the arrow keys to select Main.
3.To exit Setup Utility (BIOS) without saving your changes, use the arrow keys to select Exit,
select Exit Discarding Changes, and then press enter.
4.Click Yes.
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) 67 
						

							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.
Do not insert, remove, connect, or disconnect any device, cable, or cord.
1.From the Start screen, type support, and then select the HP Support Assistant app.
2.Click Updates and tune-ups, and then click Check for HP updates now.
3.Follow the on-screen instructions.
4.At the download area, follow these steps:
a.Identify the most recent BIOS update and compare it to the BIOS version currently installed
on your computer. If the update is more recent than your BIOS, 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.
If the update is more recent than your BIOS, 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 revealed on the screen after the
download is complete. If no instructions are revealed, follow these steps:
1.From the Start screen, type e, and then select File Explorer.
2.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.
Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)
HP PC Hardware Diagnostics is a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) that allows you to run
diagnostic tests to determine whether the computer hardware is functioning properly. The tool runs
outside the operating system so that it can isolate hardware failures from issues that are caused by
the operating system or other software components. 
68 Chapter 10   Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) 
						

							To start HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI:
1.Turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press f2.
The BIOS searches three places for the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) tools in the
following order:
a.Connected USB drive
NOTE:To download the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) tool to a USB drive, see
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device on page 69.
b.Hard drive
c.BIOS
2.Click the type of diagnostic test you want to run, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
NOTE:If you need to stop a diagnostic test, press esc.
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device
NOTE:The HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) download instructions are provided in English
only.
1.Go to http://www.hp.com.
2.Click Support & Drivers, and then click the Drivers & Software tab.
3.Enter the product name in the text box, and then click Search.
4.Select your computer model, and then select your operating system.
5.In the Diagnostic section, click HP UEFI Support Environment.
– or –
Click Download, and then select Run.
Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) 69 
						

							11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering
Your computer includes tools provided by HP and Windows to help you safeguard your information
and retrieve it if you ever need to. These tools will help you return your computer to a proper working
state or even back to the original factory state, all with simple steps.
This chapter provides information about the following processes:
●Creating recovery media and backups
●Restoring and recovering your system
NOTE:This chapter describes an overview of backing up, restoring and recovering options. For
more details about the tools provided, see Help and Support. From the Start screen, type h, and then
select Help and Support.
Creating recovery media and backups
Recovery after a system failure is only as good as your most recent backup.
1.After you successfully set up the computer, create HP Recovery media. This step creates a
backup of the HP Recovery partition on the computer. The backup can be used to reinstall the
original operating system in cases where the hard drive is corrupted or has been replaced.
HP Recovery media you create will provide the following recovery options:
●System Recovery—Reinstalls the original operating system and the programs that were
installed at the factory.
●Minimized Image Recovery—Reinstalls the operating system and all hardware-related
drivers and software, but not other software applications.
●Factory Reset—Restores the computer to its original factory state by deleting all
information from the hard drive and re-creating the partitions. Then it reinstalls the
operating system and the software that was installed at the factory.
See 
Creating HP Recovery media on page 71.
2.As you add hardware and software programs, create 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 system restore point contains information that Windows uses, such as registry
settings. Windows creates a system restore point for you automatically during a Windows update
and during other system maintenance (such as a software update, security scanning, or system
diagnostics). You can also manually create a system restore point at any time. For more
information and steps for creating specific system restore points, see Help and Support. From
the Start screen, type h, and then select Help and Support.
3.As you add photos, video, music, and other personal files, create a backup of your personal
information. Windows File History can be set to regularly and automatically back up files from
libraries, desktop, contacts, and favorites. If files are accidentally deleted from the hard drive and
they can no longer be restored from the Recycle Bin, or if files become corrupted, you can
restore the files that you backed up using File History. Restoring files is also useful if you ever
70 Chapter 11   Backing up, restoring, and recovering