HP A1710n - Pavilion - 1 GB RAM User manual

Getting Started

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May be licensed in the United States by one or both of U.S. Patents Nos. 4,930,158 and
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Table of Contents iii
Table of Contents
Setting Up Your Computer........................................................................1
Putting Your Computer Together ...............................................................................1
Placing the computer in the proper location ..........................................................1
Using surge protection .......................................................................................2
Connecting to the computer ................................................................................2
Connecting a Digital Camera (Photo or Video)...........................................................8
Connecting Other Devices .......................................................................................9
Storing Documentation and Recovery Discs..............................................................10
Adjusting the Monitor............................................................................................10
Setting Up a Local Area Network ...........................................................................10
Setting Up a Wired (Ethernet) Connection ...............................................................12
Integrated Wireless Devices...................................................................................12
Connecting the Wireless LAN Device......................................................................13
Checking the wireless LAN device installation .....................................................14
Using wireless security features .........................................................................14
Connecting a Modem ...........................................................................................15
Connecting Speakers or Microphone ......................................................17
Using Speakers ....................................................................................................17
Sound Connector Types ........................................................................................18
Connecting a Microphone.....................................................................................20
Speaker Configurations.........................................................................................20
Speaker types .................................................................................................21
Connecting 2/2.1 (Two Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers.........................22
Connecting 4.1 (Four Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers ............................23
Connecting 5.1 (Five Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers.............................24
Connecting 7.1 (Seven Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers ..........................26

iv Getting Started
Connecting the Computer to a Home Audio System ..................................................28
Y adapter cables .............................................................................................28
2.1 home stereo installation..............................................................................29
5.1 home audio installation ..............................................................................30
5.1 home audio installation procedure...............................................................30
7.1 home audio installation ..............................................................................32
7.1 home audio installation procedure...............................................................33
Connecting Digital Audio ......................................................................................34
Connecting Headphones .......................................................................................36
Using a 2.1 speaker system with headphones.....................................................36
Using a 5.1 to 7.1 speaker system with headphones ...........................................36
Connecting Speakers Using the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Sound Card.....................36
Connecting the speakers ..................................................................................37
Connecting the FlexiJack connector....................................................................38
Getting Help ..........................................................................................39
Finding Onscreen Guides......................................................................................39
Finding Guides on the Web...................................................................................39
Using the Onscreen Help and Support Center..........................................................40
Using the PC Help & Tools Folder...........................................................................40
Using HP Connections or Compaq Connections .......................................................40
Getting messages ............................................................................................41
Turning off messages .......................................................................................41
Reactivating messages .....................................................................................42
Turning On Your Computer for the First Time ..........................................43
Using the Computer with Safety and Comfort...........................................................43
Protecting Your Computer......................................................................................43
Using passwords .............................................................................................44
Using antivirus software....................................................................................45
Using firewall software.....................................................................................46
Installing critical security updates.......................................................................46
Turning On Your Computer for the First Time............................................................47
Turning Off Your Computer....................................................................................47
Using Shut Down.............................................................................................48
Using Lock......................................................................................................48
Using sleep mode............................................................................................48
Using hibernate mode......................................................................................49
Automatic sleep, hibernate, or away mode.........................................................50
Restarting the Computer ........................................................................................50
Connecting to the Internet......................................................................................51
Signing Up for Software Updates ...........................................................................52
Setting Up User Accounts on Your New Computer....................................................53
Creating passwords.........................................................................................53

Table of Contents v
Guidelines for Installing Software and Hardware Devices..........................................54
Transferring Files and Settings from Your Old Computer to Your New Computer ..........55
Using HP Total Care Advisor Software ....................................................................55
Using the Keyboard...............................................................................57
Identifying Keyboard Features................................................................................57
Alphanumeric keys ..........................................................................................57
Function keys ..................................................................................................58
Edit keys.........................................................................................................58
Arrow keys .....................................................................................................58
Numeric keys..................................................................................................59
Keyboard indicators ........................................................................................59
Special keyboard buttons .................................................................................60
Identifying Special Keyboard Buttons ......................................................................60
Customizing the keyboard buttons .....................................................................63
Keyboard Shortcuts...............................................................................................63
Using the Mouse ....................................................................................65
Using the Mouse Buttons .......................................................................................66
Scrolling.........................................................................................................66
Autoscrolling...................................................................................................67
Panning..........................................................................................................67
Switching Mouse Button Functions ..........................................................................67
Changing Mouse Pointer Speed .............................................................................68
Using the Windows Media Center Remote Control ..................................69
Remote Control Buttons Overview...........................................................................70
About the Remote Control......................................................................................72
Troubleshooting the remote control .........................................................................73
Remote sensor is not receiving a signal from the remote control.............................73
Introducing Your Computer Software .....................................................75
Learning More About Software...............................................................................75
Using the Desktop.................................................................................................75
Removing desktop icons ...................................................................................76
Retrieving desktop icons ...................................................................................76
Using the Windows Start Button Menu ....................................................................76
Using the All Programs menu ............................................................................76
Organizing your All Programs list......................................................................77
Using the Control Panel.........................................................................................77
Resizing Windows................................................................................................78
Working with Digital Images .................................................................................78
About the Internet .................................................................................................79

vi Getting Started
Using a Browser...................................................................................................80
Searching the Internet ......................................................................................80
Restricting Internet content.................................................................................81
Using Antivirus Software .......................................................................................81
Configuring and registering Norton Internet Security software ...............................82
Changing the virus scan time for your Norton Internet Security program.................82
Sending and Receiving E-Mail................................................................................83
Using Windows Mail .......................................................................................83
Using the e-mail program provided by your ISP...................................................83
Software Quick Reference Table.............................................................................84
Managing Files ......................................................................................87
Organizing Files with Folders.................................................................................87
Creating Folders...................................................................................................88
Moving Files ........................................................................................................88
Finding Files ........................................................................................................89
Renaming Files.....................................................................................................89
Deleting Files .......................................................................................................90
Retrieving Files from the Recycle Bin .......................................................................90
Copying Files.......................................................................................................90
Using a Printer .....................................................................................................91
Using CD and DVD Media Drives ............................................................93
Using Your CD and DVD Drives .............................................................................93
Handling CDs and DVDs ..................................................................................93
Inserting and removing CDs and DVDs...............................................................94
Compatibility Information ......................................................................................95
Disc Features and Compatibility Table ....................................................................96
Optical Drive Quick Reference Table ......................................................................97
Using the Memory Card Reader .............................................................99
Media Insertion Guide ........................................................................................100
Understanding the Activity Light ...........................................................................103
Formatting a Memory Card .................................................................................103
Troubleshooting the Memory Card Reader.............................................................104
Using the HP Personal Media Drive and HP Pocket Media Drive ...........105
Connecting the Drive ..........................................................................................106
Inserting the Drive into an HP drive bay.................................................................106
Connecting the Drive to a Computer Without a Drive Bay .......................................107
Locating the Drive and Assigning a Drive Letter ......................................................108
Using the Drive ..................................................................................................109
Transferring files to another computer manually.................................................109
Disconnecting the Drive.......................................................................................110
Troubleshooting the HP Media Drive.....................................................................111

Table of Contents vii
Using Windows Media Center ..............................................................113
Using Windows Media Center Features ................................................................114
The right music for the moment........................................................................115
Play Internet radio .........................................................................................115
Share your digital memories ...........................................................................115
Transform your living space into a theater.........................................................115
Setting Up Windows Media Center ......................................................................116
Opening Windows Media Center with a mouse................................................116
Windows Media Center menu bars .................................................................116
Navigating Windows Media Center ................................................................117
Windows Media Center control menu..............................................................118
Using Windows Media Center Power Settings ..................................................119
Completing the setup wizard steps...................................................................119
Windows Media Center Start Menu......................................................................121
Windows Media Center Start menu items .........................................................122
Online Media ....................................................................................................122
Changing Windows Media Center Settings ...........................................................122
Windows Media Center Settings categories......................................................123
Playing CDs, DVDs, or VCDs .................................................................125
Using Music.......................................................................................................125
Using Music with Windows Media Center.............................................................126
Using the music library........................................................................................127
Adding Music to music library.........................................................................127
Adding music files from your hard disk drive.....................................................127
Adding music files from a CD..........................................................................128
Deleting music files from the music library.........................................................128
Using supported music file types......................................................................129
Playing Music Files in Music ................................................................................130
Changing the Visualization Settings .................................................................131
Playing an album in Music..............................................................................131
Playing a song in Music .................................................................................132
Creating a Queue in Music .................................................................................132
Finding and Playing an Album in Music ................................................................133
Using Album Details.......................................................................................133
Using Search .....................................................................................................134
Searching for Music Tracks and Files ...............................................................134
Creating a Playlist in Music .................................................................................134
Copying Music Files to CD in Music .....................................................................136
Using more music ...............................................................................................137
Using radio .......................................................................................................138
Playing Music CDs .............................................................................................139
Playing CDs with Windows Media Player..............................................................139

viii Getting Started
Playing DVDs.....................................................................................................139
Using country/region codes............................................................................140
Using DVDs in Windows Media Center.................................................................140
Playing DVD Movies in Windows Media Center ....................................................140
Changing the DVD Settings..................................................................................141
Changing the DVD Movie Language................................................................142
Changing DVD Remote Control Options ...........................................................142
Changing DVD Closed Captioning ..................................................................143
Changing DVD Audio Settings .............................................................................144
Playing DVDs with Windows Media Player............................................................144
Playing Video CDs (VCDs)...................................................................................145
Playing Video CDs (VCDs) with Windows Media Player..........................................145
Creating Audio and Data Discs.............................................................147
Erasing Rewritable Discs Before Recording ............................................................148
Working with Audio CDs ....................................................................................148
Audio CD tips ...............................................................................................149
Before you begin creating discs.......................................................................149
Creating audio CDs.......................................................................................149
Creating jukebox discs...................................................................................150
Creating video discs ......................................................................................150
Copying a disc .............................................................................................151
Creating data discs........................................................................................152
Creating photo (slide show) discs ....................................................................152
Making a disc label using LightScribe ..............................................................153
Making a paper disc label..............................................................................154
Working with Pictures and Videos .......................................................155
Working with Digital Images ...............................................................................155
Viewing Pictures in Windows Media Center ..........................................................156
Adding Pictures in Windows Media Center ...........................................................156
Adding picture files from your hard disk drive ...................................................156
Viewing Your Pictures in Windows Media Center...................................................157
Viewing pictures as a slide show .....................................................................158
Viewing a slide show with music .....................................................................158
Using supported picture file types in Windows Media Center..............................159
Editing Pictures in Windows Media Center ............................................................159
Fixing red eye or contrast ...............................................................................159
Cropping pictures in Windows Media Center ...................................................160
Rotating pictures............................................................................................161
Printing Pictures in Windows Media Center ...........................................................161
Copying Pictures to CDs and DVDs in Windows Media Center ................................162

Table of Contents ix
Playing Videos in Windows Media Center ............................................................162
Playing digital videos.....................................................................................163
Using supported video file types......................................................................163
Transferring and Recording Video Files .................................................................164
Recording analog and digital video files ..........................................................164
Creating a CD/DVD from Video Files in Windows Media Center.............................164
Creating Movies by Using muvee autoProducer....................................165
Basic Steps to Make a Movie...............................................................................165
Using muvee autoProducer ..................................................................................166
Getting started ..............................................................................................166
Capturing video from a digital video camera....................................................168
Adding videos...............................................................................................169
Adding pictures.............................................................................................170
Adding music................................................................................................171
Selecting the style ..........................................................................................171
Changing the settings.....................................................................................172
Adding an opening title and closing credits ......................................................173
Making the movie..........................................................................................173
Previewing the movie .....................................................................................174
Modifying the movie ......................................................................................174
Saving the movie project ................................................................................175
Recording the movie project to disc .................................................................176
Upgrading muvee autoProducer ...........................................................................177
Index...................................................................................................179

xGetting Started

Setting Up Your Computer 1
Setting Up Your Computer
Putting Your Computer Together
Follow the steps on the setup poster to set up your computer. Read the topics in this section
to learn more about the location of components and connectors on your computer, and to
learn about some setup alternatives.
Look in the computer box for printed details or updates regarding your computer.
Placing the computer in the proper location
When setting up your new computer, place it where ventilation openings are unobstructed.
Make sure all connections are secure and all cabling is out of the way. Do not place
cables in walkways or where it can be stepped on or damaged from placing
furniture on it.
WARNING: The power supply is preset for the country/region in which you
purchased your computer. If you move, please check the voltage requirements
before plugging your computer into an AC power outlet.
WARNING: Please read “Safety Information” in the Warranty and Support
Guide before installing and connecting your computer to the electrical power
system.

2Getting Started
Using surge protection
Help protect your monitor, computer, and accessories by connecting all power cords for
your computer and peripheral devices (such as a monitor, printer, or scanner) to a surge
protection device such as a power strip with surge protection or an uninterruptible power
supply (UPS). Many surge protection devices have surge protection inputs and outputs for
modem or telephone lines. Telephone lines are a common path for lightning spikes to get
into your system. Some surge protection devices have surge protection for television cable
connections as well. Use those if your computer has a television tuner installed.
Not all power strips provide surge protection; the power strip must be specifically labeled
as having this capability. Use a power strip whose manufacturer offers a damage
replacement policy that replaces your equipment if surge protection fails.
Connecting to the computer
Connect your main hardware devices, such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, to the
back of the computer. Other peripheral devices, such as a printer, scanner, or camera,
also plug into connectors on the back of your computer. Some computers also have
connectors on the front of the computer. The table shows some, but not all, connectors.
NOTE: The location, availability, and number of connectors on your computer may vary.
Connector Icon/label Description and function
Mouse (PS/2 connector)
Keyboard (PS/2 connector)
Universal Serial Bus (USB) for mouse, keyboard,
digital cameras, or other devices with USB
connectors
Printer (parallel)

Setting Up Your Computer 3
Monitor
Serial
Serial port for some digital cameras or other serial
devices
Audio Line Out (powered speakers)
Audio Line In
Headphones
Microphone
FireWire®(IEEE 1394) for video cameras or other
devices with very fast transfer rates
Digital audio in and digital audio out
Side speaker out
Connector Icon/label Description and function (continued)

4Getting Started
Rear speaker out
Center/subwoofer
S-Video 2
Secondary S-video connector to connect your VCR,
video camera, or other analog source to the
computer.
Composite
Video 2
Secondary Composite video connector (yellow) to
connect to a VCR, video camera, or other analog
source to the computer.
A/V In
Audio 2
L
Secondary Left audio input connector (white).
NOTE: This Audio In connector is connected to the
TV tuner. You must use the Audio In connector,
which is connected to the motherboard and located
on the back of the computer, to record audio only.
(Select models only.)
A/V In
Audio 2
R
Secondary Right audio input connector (red).
NOTE: This Audio In connector is connected to the
TV tuner. You must use the Audio In connector,
which is connected to the motherboard and located
on the back of the computer, to record audio only.
(Select models only.)
Headphones Out connector (green) to connect to
headphones.
Microphone In connector (pink) to connect to a
microphone.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 connector to connect
to a mouse, keyboard, digital camera, or another
device with a USB connector.
Connector Icon/label Description and function (continued)
S-video

Setting Up Your Computer 5
FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector to connect video
cameras and other devices with very fast transfer
rates.
NOTE: You must use a 6-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394)
transfer cable with this 6-pin connector.
Power connector
Mouse connector to connect a mouse.
Keyboard connector to connect a keyboard.
Printer (parallel) connector to connect a parallel
printer. (Select models only.)
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 connector to connect
a mouse, keyboard, digital camera, or another
device with a USB connector.
FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector to connect video
cameras and other devices with very fast transfer
rates.
NOTE: You must use a 6-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394)
transfer cable with this 6-pin connector.
ETHERNET Ethernet LAN connector is a network interface
adapter (also called a network interface card, or
NIC) which connects to an Ethernet (10BaseT) or
Fast Ethernet (100BaseT) network hub. Connect this
adapter in your computer to your local area network
(LAN) hub or any broadband connection.
The green LED indicates a valid connection.
Connector Icon/label Description and function (continued)

6Getting Started
Digital video output connector to connect a TV or
monitor. (Select models only.)
See the documentation that came with your display
device.
Microphone In (Mic) (pink) to connect to a
microphone. The Mic connector also functions as a
center/subwoofer Line Out when a multichannel
audio configuration is activated.
Audio Line Out (green) to connect front speakers.
Audio Line In (blue) connector to connect to an
analog audio device such as a CD player for input
into computer. The Audio Line In connector also
functions as rear Line Out when a multichannel
audio configuration is activated.
Center Line C/Sub (gold) connector to connect Center/
Subwoofer speakers in a multichannel audio
configuration.
Rear Line Rear (black) connector to connect rear speakers
in a multichannel audio configuration.
Side Line Side (gray) connector to connect side speakers
in an eight-speaker system (7.1).
S-Video S-video In connector to connect from a set-top box
output connector.
Composite
Video
Composite Video In connector (yellow) to connect to
a TV set-top box.
A/V In
Audio 1
L
Primary left audio input from set-top box connector
(white).
NOTE: Audio can be recorded by using this Audio
In connector, which is connected to the
motherboard. Some computers include this primary
left audio input connector on the front of the
computer. (Select models only.)
Connector Icon/label Description and function (continued)

Setting Up Your Computer 7
A/V In
Audio 1
R
Primary right audio input from set-top box
connector (red).
NOTE: Audio can be recorded by using this Audio
In connector which is connected to the motherboard.
Some computers include this primary right audio
input connector on the front of the computer. (Select
models only.)
TV/Cable Ant TV In (TV antenna or cable input from wall outlet
with no set-top box.)
FM Ant FM In (radio antenna input) connects to the
FM antenna cable.
Plug the FM radio antenna cable into the FM In port
on the back of the computer on the TV tuner card.
You may want to extend the ends of the cable to
improve your FM radio signal reception.
Modem (Line In RJ-11) (select models only).
Plug the modem cable (provided in the computer
box) into the computer modem connector on the
back of the computer. Plug the other end to your
telephone line wall jack connector.
Analog Video Analog Video Out: S-video or composite video
(select models only) connects to a TV.
VGA Monitor/VGA (blue) display output connector
connects to a VGA monitor.
Digital audio input (white) connects to a digital
audio device with digital input (such as a home
audio receiver/amplifier) or digital speakers (select
models only).
Digital audio output (red) connects to a digital audio
device with digital output (select models only).
Digital Audio
Out
Digital Out (orange) connects to a digital audio
device with digital input (such as a home audio
receiver/amplifier) or digital speakers (select
models only).
Connector Icon/label Description and function (continued)

8Getting Started
Connecting a Digital Camera (Photo or Video)
The following instructions apply only to digital photo cameras and digital video cameras.
Refer to the documentation that came with your digital photo camera or digital video
camera.
To connect a digital photo camera or a digital video camera:
1Turn on the computer, and wait for Microsoft®Windows Vista™operating system
to start.
2Connect the 6-pin video camera transfer cable into the camera and then into an open
port on the front or back of the computer. Most digital video cameras use either the
FireWire (IEEE 1394) port or the USB port.
3A Found New Hardware message appears. Wait 2 or 3 minutes for Windows Vista to
make the necessary settings for the new device. When installation is complete, a
message appears indicating the camera is ready to use.
NOTE: When connecting an analog video camera to the computer, use the Video and
Audio In connectors on the front or back of the computer.
NOTE: If a Digital Video Device Auto Play window appears when you connect your
camera, click Cancel.

Setting Up Your Computer 9
If the computer does not recognize the digital photo camera or the digital video camera:
1Click the Windows Start Button®on the taskbar, and then click
Control Panel.
2Click System and Maintenance, and then click System.
3Click Device Manager.
4Click the plus sign (+) next to the camera port. If the name of the camera appears, the
device is ready. If the name is not there, try the following:
Click Action, and then click Scan for hardware changes. Look in Device
Manager for a new addition under the port.
Unplug the video camera transfer cable from the computer, and plug it into a
different port. Look in Device Manager for a new addition under the port.
Connecting Other Devices
Other peripheral devices can be connected to the front or back of your computer by using
USB or FireWire (IEEE 1394) ports. These peripheral devices include printers, scanners,
video cameras, digital photo cameras, memory card readers, and PDAs (personal digital
assistant) or handheld computers. Refer to the documentation that came with your device.
NOTE: Some peripheral devices are not included with the computer.
NOTE: You must use a 6-pin (not a 4-pin) FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable with the 6-pin
FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on your computer.

10 Getting Started
Storing Documentation and Recovery Discs
Store all computer user manuals and warranty information in an easy-to-find, safe location.
It is a good idea to store your system recovery discs with your documentation. This allows
easy access to all important computer documents and files.
Adjusting the Monitor
To change the screen resolution:
1Right-click an empty area of the desktop, and then click Personalize.
2Click the Display Settings.
3If necessary, select the monitor, and then adjust the screen resolution.
4Click Apply.
5Click Yes, if it is present.
6Click OK.
Setting Up a Local Area Network
Your home local area network (LAN) may consist of a wired or a wireless network that you
can use to connect your computer to other devices on the network, included other
computers. The network components may include a hub or a switch, which can connect
multiple devices to the network, or a router, which can connect computers or a broadband
Internet connection to the network. This network connection also enables you to share
data, and printers or other devices among your computers. The network connection to the
Internet is usually through a dial-up or cable modem.
A wired network uses Ethernet cables to connect the devices on the network. For example,
the Ethernet cable plugs into your computer network interface adapter and the router.
A wireless network uses radio waves to connect the devices on the network. For example,
both your computer and the router have an antenna and adapter that use the same Wi-Fi
industry standard: 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11a.
NOTE: You can connect more than one display device (CRT monitor, flat panel monitor,
TV, and so on) to the computer at a time (select models only). You can quickly change
which device displays the computer desktop by pressing Alt+F5. Each time you press
Alt+F5, the computer desktop appears on the next device. If pressing Alt+F5 does not
work, restart the computer and try again.