HP 255 G4 Manual

HP Notebook PC (AMD)
HP 255 G4 Notebook PC
Maintenance and Service Guide

© Copyright 2015 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the
U.S. and other countries. AMD is a trademark of
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Microsoft and
Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. SD Logo is a trademark
of its proprietor.
The information contained herein is subject to
change without notice. The only warranties for
HP products and services are set forth in the
express warranty statements accompanying
such products and services. Nothing herein
should be construed as constituting an
additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for
technical or editorial errors or omissions
contained herein.
First Edition: April 2015
Document Part Number: 808736-001
Product notice
This guide describes features that are common
to most models. Some features may not be
available on your computer.
Not all features are available on all editions of
Windows 8.1. This computer may require
upgraded and/or separately purchased
hardware, drivers, and/or software to take full
advantage of Windows 8.1 functionality. See
http://www.microsoft.com for details.

Safety warning notice
WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the device, do not place the
device directly on your lap or obstruct the device air vents. Use the device only on a hard, flat surface. Do not
allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or
clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact the skin or a soft surface, such as
pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The device and the AC adapter comply with the user-accessible
surface temperature limits defined by the International Standard for Safety of Information Technology
Equipment (IEC 60950-1).
iii

iv Safety warning notice

Table of contents
1 Product description ....................................................................................................................................... 1
2 External component identification ................................................................................................................. 5
Display ................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Right side ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
Left side ................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Top ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
TouchPad ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Lights ................................................................................................................................................... 9
Buttons .............................................................................................................................................. 10
Keys ................................................................................................................................................... 11
Bottom ................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Labels ................................................................................................................................................................... 13
3 Illustrated parts catalog .............................................................................................................................. 15
Computer major components ............................................................................................................................. 15
Mass storage devices .......................................................................................................................................... 18
Miscellaneous parts ............................................................................................................................................. 19
Display assembly subcomponents ..................................................................................................................... 20
4 Removal and replacement procedures preliminary requirements .................................................................... 23
Tools required ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
Service considerations ........................................................................................................................................ 23
Plastic parts ....................................................................................................................................... 23
Cables and connectors ...................................................................................................................... 23
Drive handling ................................................................................................................................... 24
Grounding guidelines ........................................................................................................................................... 24
Electrostatic discharge damage ....................................................................................................... 24
Packaging and transporting guidelines ......................................................................... 25
Workstation guidelines ................................................................................ 25
5 Removal and replacement procedures for Customer Self-Repair parts ............................................................. 27
Component replacement procedures ................................................................................................................. 27
Battery ............................................................................................................................................... 28
Optical drive ...................................................................................................................................... 29
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6 Removal and replacement procedures for Authorized Service Provider parts ................................................... 31
Component replacement procedures ................................................................................................................. 31
Display subcomponents (bezel, webcam, panel) ............................................................................. 31
Bottom cover ..................................................................................................................................... 35
Optical drive board ............................................................................................................................ 37
Hard drive .......................................................................................................................................... 38
WLAN module .................................................................................................................................... 40
Memory module ................................................................................................................................ 42
RTC battery ........................................................................................................................................ 43
USB board .......................................................................................................................................... 44
Speakers ............................................................................................................................................ 45
Heat sink assembly ........................................................................................................................... 46
Fan ..................................................................................................................................................... 49
TouchPad button board .................................................................................................................... 50
System board .................................................................................................................................... 51
Display assembly .............................................................................................................................. 54
Power connector cable ...................................................................................................................... 60
Power button board .......................................................................................................................... 61
7 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) in Windows 8.1 ...................................................................................................... 63
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ................................................................................................................................ 63
Updating the BIOS ................................................................................................................................................ 63
Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................................... 63
Downloading a BIOS update .............................................................................................................. 63
8 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) in Windows 7 ......................................................................................................... 65
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ................................................................................................................................ 65
Updating the BIOS ................................................................................................................................................ 65
Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................................... 65
Downloading a BIOS update .............................................................................................................. 65
9 Backing up, restoring, and recovering in Windows 8.1 .................................................................................... 67
Creating recovery media and backups ................................................................................................................ 67
Creating HP Recovery media (select models only) ........................................................................... 67
Using Windows tools ........................................................................................................................................... 68
Restore and recovery .......................................................................................................................................... 68
Recovering using HP Recovery Manager .......................................................................................... 69
What you need to know before you get started ............................................................ 69
Using the HP Recovery partition (select models only) .................................................. 70
Using HP Recovery media to recover ............................................................................. 70
vi

Changing the computer boot order ................................................................................ 71
Removing the HP Recovery partition (select models only) ........................................... 71
10 Backing up, restoring, and recovering in Windows 7 ..................................................................................... 73
Creating backups ................................................................................................................................................. 73
Creating recovery media to recover the original system ................................................................. 73
What you need to know .................................................................................................. 73
Creating the recovery media ........................................................................ 74
Creating system restore points ........................................................................................................ 74
What you need to know .................................................................................................. 74
Creating a system restore point ..................................................................................... 74
Backing up system and personal information .................................................................................. 74
Tips for a successful backup ........................................................................................... 75
What you need to know .................................................................................................. 75
Creating a backup using Windows Backup and Restore ................................................ 75
Restore and recovery .......................................................................................................................................... 76
Restoring to a previous system restore point .................................................................................. 76
Restoring specific files ...................................................................................................................... 76
Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and Restore ......................................... 76
Recovering the original system using HP Recovery Manager .......................................................... 76
What you need to know .................................................................................................. 76
Recovering using HP Recovery partition (select models only) ...................................... 77
Recovering using the recovery media ............................................................................ 77
Changing the computer boot order .............................................................. 77
11 Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) ..................................................................................................... 79
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device .................................................................... 79
12 Specifications ........................................................................................................................................... 81
Computer specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 81
39.6-cm (15.6-in) display specifications ............................................................................................................ 82
Hard drive specifications, hybrid drives .............................................................................................................. 82
Hard drive specifications ..................................................................................................................................... 83
DVD±RW SuperMulti DL Drive specifications ...................................................................................................... 84
13 Statement of Volatility .............................................................................................................................. 85
Non-volatile memory usage ................................................................................................................................ 87
Questions and answers ....................................................................................................................................... 89
vii

14 Power cord set requirements ...................................................................................................................... 91
Requirements for all countries ........................................................................................................................... 91
Requirements for specific countries and regions ............................................................................................... 92
15 Recycling .................................................................................................................................................. 95
Index ............................................................................................................................................................. 97
viii

1 Product description
Category Description
Product name HP Notebook PC
HP 255 G4 Notebook PC
Processors AMD Dual-Core E-Series Processor
E1-6015 (1.4-GHz, 1-MB L2 cache, 1333-MHz, dual, 15W)
AMD Quad-Core A-Series Accelerated Processor
A6-6310 (1.8-GHz, SC turbo up to 2.4 GHz, 2-MB L2 cache, 1600-MHz, quad, 15W)
AMD Quad-Core A-Series Accelerated Processor
A8-7410 (2.2-GHz, SC turbo 2.5 GHz, 2-MB L2 cache, 1600-MHz, quad, 15W)
Chipset AMD Integrated SOC FCH
Graphics Internal graphics:
AMD Radeon™ R2 Graphics (E1-6015 processor)
AMD Radeon R4 Graphics (A6-6310 processor)
AMD Radeon R5 Graphics (A8-7410 processor)
Switchable discrete graphics:
AMD Radeon R5 M330(Exo PRO) with up to 2048 MB of dedicated video memory, 18W
AMD Radeon R5 M330 (Exo PRO) with up to 1024 MB of dedicated video memory, 18W
Support HD Decode, DX11, HDMI, and PX7
Panel 39.6-cm (15.6-in), high-definition (HD), white light-emitting diode (WLED), SVA BrightView (1366×768)
display, flat 3.8 mm, eDP; typical brightness: 220 nits
39.6-cm (15.6-in), high-definition (HD), white light-emitting diode (WLED), SVA BrightView (1366×768)
display, slim 3.2 mm; typical brightness: 200 nits (for eDP TOP (touch on panel))
Supports LVDS (co-layout with eDP1.3 + PSR)
Memory Two non-customer-accessible/upgradable memory module slots
DDR3L-1600 single channel support (DDR3L-1600 downgrade to DDR3L-1333)
DDR3L-1600 single channel support
Supports up to 8 GB of system RAM in the following configurations:
●8192-MB total system memory (8192×1) or (4096×2)
●6144-MB total system memory (4096×1) + (2048×1)
●4096-MB total system memory (4096×1) or (2048×2)
●2048-MB total system memory (2048×1)
Hard drives Supports 6.35-cm (2.5-in) SATA hard drives in 9.5-mm (.37-in) and 7.0-mm (.28-in) thicknesses
Supports the following hard drives:
●1-TB, 5400-rpm, 9.5-mm
1

Category Description
●1-TB, 5400-rpm + 8 GB NAND hybrid, 9.5-mm
●750-GB, 5400-rpm, 9.5-mm
●500-GB, 5400-rpm, 9.5-mm or 7.0-mm
●320-GB, 7200-rpm, 9.5-mm or 7.0-mm
Optical drive Fixed, serial ATA, 9.5-mm tray load
DVD+/-RW Double-Layer SuperMulti
Supports zero power optical drive
Supports M-disc
Supports configuration without optical drive
Webcam/microphone HP TrueVision HD: HD camera - Fixed (no tilt) + activity LED, USB 2.0, M-JPEG, 1280 x 720 by 30 frames per
second
HP Webcam– 640 x 480 by 24 frames per second
Single digital microphone
HP Noise Cancellation enabled
Audio Dual speakers
DTS Sound
Ethernet Integrated 10/100 network interface card (NIC)
Sensor TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0
Wireless Networking Integrated wireless options with single antenna (M.2):
Compatible with Miracast-certified devices
Support for the following WLAN formats:
●Realtek RTL8188EE 802.11bgn 1x1 Wi-Fi Adapter
●Realtek RT8723BE 802.11bgn 1x1 Wi-Fi + BT4.0 Combo Adapter
●Broadcom BCM43142 802.11 bgn 1x1 Wi-Fi + BT4.0 HMC Combo Adapter
External media card HP Multi-Format Digital Media Reader
Support SD/SDHC/SDXC
Push-Pull Insertion/Removal
Internal Card One M.2 slot for WLAN
Ports HDMI version 1.4 supporting 1920 ×1080 @ 60Hz
Hot Plug/unplug and auto detect for correct output to wide-aspect vs. standard aspect video
RJ-45 (Ethernet, includes link and activity lights)
USB 3.0 (1 port; left side)
USB 2.0 (2 ports; 1 left side, 1 right side)
AC Smart Pin adapter plug
Headphone/line in jack
Microphone input jack
2 Chapter 1 Product description

Category Description
Keyboard/pointing
devices
Full-size "island style" keyboard with numeric keypad
TouchPad with multi-touch gestures, 2-finger scrolling, and pinch-zoom enabled
Taps enabled by default
Support Windows 8 Modern Trackpad Gestures
Power requirements AC adapters:
65-W Smart nPFC, 3 pin, RC 4.5mm connector - non slim for use in discrete models
45-W Smart nPFC, 3 pin, RC 4.5mm connector - non slim for use in UMA models
65-W EM Smart nPFC, 3 pin, RC 4.5mm connector, 90 degree plug design for use in India/China
1 meter power cord
Batteries:
4-cell, 41-Whr Li-ion battery
3-cell, 31-Whr Li-ion battery
Security TPM 2.0
Kensington Security Lock
Operating system Preinstalled:
●Windows 8.1
●Windows 8.1 CPPP - China only
●Windows 7 Professional
●FreeDOS 2.0
Serviceability End-user replaceable parts:
●AC adapter
●Battery
●Optical drive
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4 Chapter 1 Product description

2 External component identification
Display
Component Description
(1) Internal display switch Turns off the display and initiates Sleep if the display is closed while the power is on.
NOTE: The internal display switch is not visible from the outside of the computer.
(2) WLAN antenna* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless local area networks
(WLANs).
(3) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.
(4) Webcam Records video and captures photographs. Some models allow you to video conference and
chat online using streaming video.
To use the webcam:
▲Windows 8.1: From the Start screen, type camera, and then select Camera from the
list of applications.
▲Windows 7: To use the webcam, select Start > All Programs > Communication and
Chat > CyberLink YouCam.
(5) Internal microphone Record sound.
*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the
antennas free from obstructions. For wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices
that applies to your country or region.
To access this document in Windows 8.1:
From the Start screen, type support, and then select the HP Support Assistant app.
‒or –
From the Windows desktop, click the question mark icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
To access this document in Windows 7: Select Start > HP Support Assistant > Next > My computer > User Guides.
Display 5

Right side
Component Description
(1) Power light ●On: The computer is on.
●Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, a power-
saving state. The computer shuts off power to the display
and other components.
●Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation is a
power-saving state that uses the least amount of power.
(2) Hard drive light ●Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.
(3) Memory card reader Reads optional memory cards that enable you to store, manage,
share or access information.
To insert a card:
1. Hold the card label-side up, with connectors facing the
computer.
2. Insert the card into the memory card reader, and then
press in on the card until it is firmly seated.
To remove a card:
▲Press in on the card, and then remove it from the slot.
(4) USB 2.0 port Connects an optional USB device, such as a keyboard, mouse,
external drive, printer, scanner or USB hub.
(5) Optical drive Depending on your computer model, reads an optical disc or
reads and writes to an optical disc.
NOTE: For disc compatibility information, go to the Help and
Support web page. Follow the web page instructions to select
your computer model. Select Drivers & Downloads, and then
follow the on-screen instructions.
(6) Optical drive eject button Releases the disc tray.
(7) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but
it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or
stolen.
6 Chapter 2 External component identification

Left side
Component Description
(1) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
(2) AC adapter/battery light ●White: The AC adapter is connected and the battery is fully
charged.
●Blinking white: The AC adapter is disconnected and the
battery has reached a low battery level.
●Amber: The AC adapter is connected and the battery is
charging.
●Off: The battery is not charging.
(3) Vent Enable airflow to cool internal components.
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool
internal components and prevent overheating. It is normal for
the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.
(4) External monitor port (select models only) Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
(5) RJ-45 (network) jack/status lights Connects a network cable.
●White: The network is connected.
●Amber: Activity is occurring on the network.
(6) HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a high-
definition television, any compatible digital or audio
component, or a high-speed High-Definition Multimedia
Interface (HDMI) device.
(7) USB 3.0 port Connects an optional USB device, such as a keyboard, mouse,
external drive, printer, scanner or USB hub.
(8) USB 2.0 port Connects an optional USB device, such as a keyboard, mouse,
external drive, printer, scanner or USB hub.
(9) Audio-out (headphone)/Audio-in (microphone)
jack
Connects optional powered stereo speakers, headphones,
earbuds, a headset, or a television audio cable. Also connects an
optional headset microphone. This jack does not support
optional microphone-only devices.
Left side 7

Component Description
WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the
volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset.
For additional safety information, refer to the Regulatory,
Safety, and Environmental Notices.
To access this document:
▲From the Start screen, type support, and then select the
HP Support Assistant app.
‒or –
From the Windows desktop, click the question mark icon in
the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
NOTE: When a device is connected to the jack, the computer
speakers are disabled.
NOTE: Be sure that the device cable has a 4-conductor
connector that supports both audio-out (headphone) and audio-
in (microphone).
Top
TouchPad
Component Description
(1) TouchPad zone Reads your finger gestures to move the pointer or activate
items on the screen.
(2) Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
(3) Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
8 Chapter 2 External component identification

Lights
Component Description
(1) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on, which switches the keys to all capital letters.
(2) Mute light ●Amber: Computer sound is off.
●Off: Computer sound is on.
Top 9

Buttons
Component Description
(1) Power button ●When the computer is off, press the button to turn on the
computer.
●When the computer is on, press the button briefly to
initiate Sleep.
●When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the button
briefly to exit Sleep.
●When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button
briefly to exit Hibernation.
CAUTION: Pressing and holding down the power button will
result in the loss of unsaved information.
If the computer has stopped responding and Windows shutdown
procedures are ineffective, press and hold the power button
down for at least 5 seconds to turn off the computer.
To learn more about your power settings in Windows 8.1, see
your power options.
▲From the Start screen, type power, select Power and
sleep settings, and then select Power and sleep from the
list of applications.
‒or –
From the Windows desktop, right-click the Start button,
and then select Power Options.
To learn more about your power settings in Windows 7, select
Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.
10 Chapter 2 External component identification

Keys
Component Description
(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with
the fn key.
(2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed in
combination with the esc key, or the spacebar.
(3) Windows key Windows 8.1:
Returns you to the Start screen from an open app or the
Windows desktop.
NOTE: Pressing the Windows key again will return you to the
previous screen.
Windows 7:
Displays the Windows Start menu.
(4) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.
(5) num lock key Alternates between the navigational and numeric functions on
the integrated numeric keypad.
(6) Integrated numeric keypad When num lock is on, it can be used like an external numeric
keypad.
Top 11

Bottom
Component Description
(1) Battery lock Locks the battery in the battery bay.
(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(3) Battery release latch Releases the battery.
(4) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
12 Chapter 2 External component identification