HP Probook 6450 B User Guide

							Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models
only)
HP ProtectTools Security Manager software is preinstalled on select computer models. This software
can be accessed through Windows Control Panel. It provides security features that help protect against
unauthorized access to the computer, networks, and critical data. For more information, refer to the HP
ProtectTools software Help.
Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only) 131 
						

							Installing a security cable
NOTE:A security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but it may not prevent the computer from
being mishandled or stolen.
1.Loop the security cable around a secured object.
2.Insert the key (1) into the cable lock (2).
3.Insert the cable lock into the security cable slot on the computer (3), and then lock the cable lock
with the key.
NOTE:Your computer may look different from the illustration. The location of the security cable slot
varies by computer model.
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							11 Software updates
Updating software
Updated versions of the software provided with your computer are available either through the HP
Assistant or on the HP Web site.
HP Assistant automatically checks for updates from HP. The utility runs at a specified interval and
provides a list of support alerts, such as security enhancements, and optional software and driver
updates.
You can manually check for updates at any time by selecting Start > Help and Support > Maintain
and following the on-screen instructions.
Most software on the HP Web site is packaged in compressed files called SoftPaqs. Some BIOS updates
may be packaged in compressed files called ROMPaqs.
Some download packages contain a file named Readme.txt, which contains information regarding
installing and troubleshooting the file. (Readme.txt files included with ROMPaqs are provided in English
only.)
To update the software using the HP Web site, follow these steps:
1.Identify your computer model, product category, and series or family. Prepare for a system BIOS
update by identifying the BIOS version currently installed on the computer. For details, refer to the
Determining the BIOS version section.
If your computer is connected to a network, consult the network administrator before installing any
software updates, especially system BIOS updates.
NOTE:The computer system BIOS is stored on the system ROM. The BIOS initializes the
operating system, determines how the computer will interact with the hardware devices, and
provides for data transfer among hardware devices, including the time and date.
NOTE:Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your
computer. You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing
software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support for more
information.
2.Open your Web browser, and go to http://www.hp.com/support.
3.Select your country or region.
4.Click the option for software and driver downloads, and then type your computer model number in
the product box.
Updating software 133 
						

							5.Press enter.
6.Follow the on-screen instructions.
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							Updating the BIOS
To update the BIOS, first determine what BIOS version you currently have, and then download and
install the new BIOS.
Determining the BIOS version
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 Computer Setup.
To use Computer Setup for displaying BIOS information, follow these steps:
1.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.
2.Press f10 to enter BIOS Setup.
3.Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select File > System Information.
4.Press esc to return to the File menu.
5.Click Exit in the lower-left corner of the screen, and follow the on-screen instructions.
– or –
Use the arrow keys to select File > Ignore changes and exit, and then press enter.
Downloading a BIOS update
CAUTION:To prevent 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.
To download a BIOS update:
NOTE:BIOS updates are posted as needed. A newer BIOS update may not be available for your
computer. It is recommended that you check the HP Web site periodically for BIOS updates.
1.Open your Web browser, go to http://www.hp.com/support, and then select your country or region.
2.Click the option for software and driver downloads, type your computer model number in the product
box, and then press enter.
3.Click your specific product from the models listed.
4.Click your operating system.
Updating the BIOS 135 
						

							5.Follow the on-screen instructions to access the BIOS update you want to download. Make a note
of the download date, name, or other identifier. You may need this information to locate the update
later, after it has been downloaded to your hard drive.
6.At the download area, perform these steps:
a.Identify the BIOS update that is newer than the BIOS version currently installed on your
computer.
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 will be
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 on-screen instructions that are displayed after the
download is complete. If no instructions are displayed, follow these steps:
1.Open Windows Explorer by selecting Start > 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.
NOTE:Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your
computer. You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing
software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support for more
information.
5.Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.
NOTE:After an on-screen message reports a successful installation, you may delete the downloaded
file from your hard drive.
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							Updating programs and drivers
1.Open your Web browser, go to http://www.hp.com/support, and then select your country or region.
2.Click the option for software and driver downloads, type your computer model number in the product
box, and then press enter.
3.Click your specific product from the models listed.
4.Click your operating system.
5.When the list of updates is displayed, click an update to open a window containing additional
information.
6.Click Download.
7.Click Run to install the updated software without downloading the file.
– or –
Click Save to save the file to your computer. When prompted, select a storage location on your
hard drive.
After the file is downloaded, navigate to the folder where the file was stored, and double-click the
file to install the update.
8.If prompted to do so, restart your computer after the installation is complete.
Updating programs and drivers 137 
						

							12 Backup and recovery
To protect your information, use Windows® Backup and Restore to back up individual files and folders,
back up your entire hard drive (select models only), create system repair discs (select models only), or
create system restore points. In case of system failure, you can use the backup files to restore the
contents of your computer.
Windows Backup and Restore provides the following options:
●Creating a system repair disc (select models only)
●Backing up individual files and folders
●Creating a system image (select models only)
●Scheduling automatic backups (select models only)
●Creating system restore points
●Recovering individual files
●Restoring the computer to a previous state
●Recovering information using recovery tools
NOTE:For detailed instructions, perform a search for these topics in Help and Support.
NOTE:In case of system instability, HP recommends that you print the recovery procedures and save
them for later use.
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							Backing up your information
Recovery after a system failure is as complete as your most current backup. You should create system
repair discs (select models only) and your initial backup immediately after software setup. As you add
new software and data files, you should continue to back up your system on a regular basis to maintain
a reasonably current backup. The system repair discs (select models only) are used to start up (boot)
the computer and repair the operating system in case of system instability or failure. Your initial and
subsequent backups allow you to restore your data and settings if a failure occurs.
You can back up your information to an optional external hard drive, a network drive, or discs.
Note the following when backing up:
●Store personal files in the Documents library, and back it up regularly.
●Back up templates that are stored in their associated programs.
●Save customized settings that appear in a window, toolbar, or menu bar by taking a screen shot
of your settings. The screen shot can be a time-saver if you have to reset your preferences.
To create a screen shot:
1.Display the screen you want to save.
2.Copy the screen image:
To copy only the active window, press alt+fn+prt sc.
To copy the entire screen, press fn+prt sc.
3.Open a word-processing document, and then select Edit > Paste.
The screen image is added to the document.
4.Save the document.
●When backing up to discs, use any of the following types of discs (purchased separately): CD-R,
CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, or DVD±RW. The discs you use will depend on
the type of optical drive installed in your computer.
NOTE:DVDs and DVDs with double-layer (DL) support store more information than CDs, so
using them for backup reduces the number of recovery discs required.
●When backing up to discs, number each disc before inserting it into the optical drive of the computer.
To create a backup using Backup and Restore, follow these steps:
NOTE:Be sure that the computer is connected to AC power before you start the backup process.
NOTE:The backup process may take over an hour, depending on file size and the speed of the
computer.
1.Select Start > All Programs > Maintenance > Backup and Restore.
2.Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your backup, create a system image (select models
only), or create a system repair disc (select models only).
Backing up your information 139 
						

							NOTE:Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your
computer. You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing
software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support for more
information.
140 Chapter 12   Backup and recovery