HP Dv3-2150us - Pavilion Entertainment - Core 2 Duo 2.1... User manual

Power Management
User Guide

© Copyright 2009 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
Windows is a U.S. registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation.
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 2009
Document Part Number: 512431-001
Product notice
This user guide describes features that are
common to most models. Some features
may not be available on your computer.

Table of contents
1 Setting power options
Using power-saving states ................................................................................................................... 1
Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................................... 1
Initiating and exiting Hibernation .......................................................................................... 2
Using the battery meter ........................................................................................................................ 2
Using power plans ................................................................................................................................ 3
Viewing the current power plan ........................................................................................... 3
Selecting a different power plan .......................................................................................... 3
Customizing power plans ..................................................................................................... 3
Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................................... 3
2 Using external AC power
Connecting the AC adapter .................................................................................................................. 6
Testing an AC adapter ......................................................................................................................... 7
3 Using battery power
Identifying batteries .............................................................................................................................. 8
Finding battery information in Help and Support .................................................................................. 9
Using Battery Check ............................................................................................................................. 9
Displaying the remaining battery charge .............................................................................................. 9
Inserting or removing the battery .......................................................................................................... 9
Charging a battery .............................................................................................................................. 12
Maximizing battery discharge time ..................................................................................................... 12
Managing low battery levels ............................................................................................................... 12
Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................................. 13
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................................. 13
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ........................ 13
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is available ................... 13
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available ..................... 13
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation ....... 13
Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................................... 14
Step 1: Fully charge the battery ......................................................................................... 14
Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Sleep .............................................................................. 14
Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................................ 15
iii

Step 4: Fully recharge the battery ...................................................................................... 15
Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Sleep .......................................................................... 15
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................................. 17
Storing a battery ................................................................................................................................. 17
Disposing of a used battery ................................................................................................................ 17
Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................................... 17
4 Shutting down the computer
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 19
iv

1 Setting power options
Using power-saving states
The computer has two power-saving states enabled at the factory: Sleep and Hibernation.
When Sleep is initiated, the power lights blink and the screen clears. Your work is saved to memory,
letting you exit Sleep faster than exiting Hibernation. If the computer is in the Sleep state for an extended
period or if the battery reaches a critical battery level while in the Sleep state, the computer initiates
Hibernation.
When Hibernation is initiated, your work is saved to a hibernation file on the hard drive and the computer
turns off.
CAUTION: To prevent possible audio and video degradation, loss of audio or video playback
functionality, or loss of information, do not initiate Sleep or Hibernation while reading from or writing to
a disc or an external media card.
NOTE: You cannot initiate any type of networking connection or perform any computer functions while
the computer is in the Sleep state or in Hibernation.
Initiating and exiting Sleep
The system is set at the factory to initiate Sleep after 10 minutes of inactivity when running on battery
power and 25 minutes of inactivity when running on external power.
Power settings and timeouts can be changed using Power Options in Windows® Control Panel.
With the computer on, you can initiate Sleep in any of the following ways:
●Briefly press the power button.
●Close the display.
●Click Start, and then click the Power button.
●Click Start, click the arrow next to the Lock button, and then click Sleep.
You can exit Sleep in any of the following ways:
●Briefly press the power button.
●If the display is closed, open the display.
●Press a key on the keyboard or button on the remote control (select models only).
●Activate the TouchPad.
Using power-saving states 1

When the computer exits Sleep, the power lights turn on and your work returns to the screen where you
stopped working.
NOTE: If you have set a password to be required on wakeup, you must enter your Windows password
before your work will return to the screen.
Initiating and exiting Hibernation
The system is set at the factory to initiate Hibernation after 120 minutes (2 hours) of inactivity when
running on battery power, 1,080 minutes (18 hours) of inactivity when running on external power, or
when the battery reaches a critical battery level.
Power settings and timeouts can be changed using Power Options in Windows Control Panel.
To initiate Hibernation:
▲Press fn+f5.
– or –
Click Start, click the arrow next to the Lock button, and then click Hibernate.
To exit Hibernation:
▲Briefly press the power button.
The power lights turn on and your work returns to the screen where you stopped working.
NOTE: If you have set a password to be required on wakeup, you must enter your Windows password
before your work will return to the screen.
Using the battery meter
The battery meter is located in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. The battery meter
allows you to quickly access power settings, view remaining battery charge, and select a different power
plan.
●To display the percentage of remaining battery charge and the current power plan, move the pointer
over the battery meter icon.
●To access Power Options, or to change the power plan, click the battery meter icon and select an
item from the list.
Different battery meter icons indicate whether the computer is running on battery or external power. The
icon also displays a message if the battery has reached a critical battery level.
To hide or display the battery meter icon:
1. Right-click the taskbar, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Notification Area tab.
3. Under System icons, clear the Power check box to hide the battery meter icon, or select the
Power check box to display the battery meter icon.
4. Click OK.
2 Chapter 1 Setting power options

Using power plans
A power plan is a collection of system settings that manages how the computer uses power. Power
plans can help you conserve power or maximize performance.
You can change power plan settings or create your own power plan.
Viewing the current power plan
▲Move the pointer over the battery meter icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
– or –
Select Start >Control Panel >System and Maintenance >Power Options.
Selecting a different power plan
▲Click the battery meter icon in the notification area, and then select a power plan from the list.
– or –
Select Start >Control Panel >System and Maintenance >Power Options, and then select a
power plan from the list.
Customizing power plans
1. Click the battery meter icon in the notification area and then click More power options.
– or –
Select Start >Control Panel >System and Maintenance >Power Options.
2. Select a power plan, and then click Change plan settings.
3. Change the Turn off the display and Put the computer to sleep timeout settings, as needed.
4. To change additional settings, click Change advanced power settings and make your changes.
Setting password protection on wakeup
To set the computer to prompt for a password when the computer exits Sleep or Hibernation, follow
these steps:
1. Select Start >Control Panel >System and Maintenance >Power Options.
2. In the left pane, click Require a password on wakeup.
3. Click Change Settings that are currently unavailable.
NOTE: If prompted by User Account Control, click Continue.
4. Click Require a password (recommended).
Using power plans 3

NOTE: If you need to create a user account password or change your current user account
password, click Create or change your user account password, and then follow the on-screen
instructions. If you do not need to create or change a user account password, go to step 5.
5. Click Save changes.
4 Chapter 1 Setting power options

2 Using external AC power
External AC power is supplied through one of the following devices:
WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the AC adapter provided with the computer,
a replacement AC adapter provided by HP, or a compatible AC adapter purchased from HP.
●Approved AC adapter
●Optional docking device or expansion product
Connect the computer to external AC power under any of the following conditions:
WARNING! Do not charge the computer battery while you are onboard aircraft.
●When you are charging or calibrating a battery
●When you are installing or modifying system software
●When you are writing information to a CD or DVD
When you connect the computer to external AC power, the following events occur:
●The battery begins to charge.
●If the computer is turned on, the battery meter icon in the notification area changes appearance.
When you disconnect external AC power, the following events occur:
●The computer switches to battery power.
●The display brightness is automatically decreased to save battery life. To increase display
brightness, press the fn+f8 hotkey or reconnect the AC adapter.
5

Connecting the AC adapter
WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to the equipment:
Plug the power cord into an AC outlet that is easily accessible at all times.
Disconnect power from the computer by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet (not by
unplugging the power cord from the computer).
If provided with a 3-pin attachment plug on the power cord, plug the cord into a grounded (earthed) 3-
pin outlet. Do not disable the power cord grounding pin, for example, by attaching a 2-pin adapter. The
grounding pin is an important safety feature.
To connect the computer to external AC power:
1. Plug the AC adapter into the power connector (1) on the computer.
2. Plug the power cord into the AC adapter (2).
3. Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (3).
6 Chapter 2 Using external AC power

Testing an AC adapter
Test the AC adapter if the computer exhibits any of the following symptoms when it is connected to AC
power:
●The computer will not turn on.
●The display does not turn on.
●The power light is off.
To test the AC adapter:
1. Remove the battery from the computer.
2. Connect the AC adapter to the computer, and then plug it into an AC outlet.
3. Turn on the computer.
●If the power light turns on, the AC adapter is working properly.
Contact technical support for information on obtaining a replacement AC power adapter.
Testing an AC adapter 7

3 Using battery power
When a charged battery is in the computer and the computer is not plugged into external power, the
computer runs on battery power. When the computer is plugged into external AC power, the computer
runs on AC power.
If the computer contains a charged battery and is running on external AC power supplied through the
AC adapter, the computer switches to battery power if the AC adapter is disconnected from the
computer.
NOTE: The display brightness is decreased to save battery life when you disconnect AC power. To
increase display brightness, use the fn+f8 hotkey or reconnect the AC adapter.
You can keep a battery in the computer or in storage, depending on how you work. Keeping the battery
in the computer whenever the computer is plugged into AC power charges the battery and also protects
your work in case of a power outage. However, a battery in the computer slowly discharges when the
computer is off and unplugged from external power.
WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the battery provided with the computer, a
replacement battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased from HP.
Computer battery life varies, depending on power management settings, programs running on the
computer, display brightness, external devices connected to the computer, and other factors.
Identifying batteries
The computer can support 2 batteries:
●One lithium-ion battery is included with the computer.
●An optional accessory battery can be attached to the bottom of the computer.
8 Chapter 3 Using battery power

Finding battery information in Help and Support
The “Battery information” section of the Help and Support Learning Center provides the following tools
and information:
●Battery Check tool to test battery performance
●Information on calibration, power management, and proper care and storage to maximize battery
life
●Information on battery types, specifications, life cycles, and capacity
To access battery information:
▲Select Start >Help and Support >Learning Center >HP Power and Battery Learning
Center.
Using Battery Check
Battery Check, a part of the Total Care Advisor, provides information on the status of the battery installed
in the computer.
To run Battery Check:
1. Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
NOTE: The computer must be connected to external power for Battery Check to function properly.
2. Select Start >Help and Support >Troubleshooting tools >Battery Check.
Battery Check examines the battery and its cells to see if they are functioning properly, and then reports
the results of the examination.
Displaying the remaining battery charge
▲Move the pointer over the battery meter icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
– or –
View the estimated number of minutes of battery charge remaining in Windows Mobility Center:
▲Click the battery meter icon, and then click Windows Mobility Center.
– or –
Select Start >Control Panel >Mobile PC >Windows Mobility Center.
The time shown indicates the approximate running time remaining on the battery if the battery
continues to provide power at the current level. For example, the time remaining will decrease
when a DVD is playing and will increase when a DVD stops playing.
Inserting or removing the battery
CAUTION: Removing a battery that is the sole power source can cause loss of information. To prevent
loss of information, initiate Hibernation or shut down the computer through Windows before removing
the battery.
Finding battery information in Help and Support 9

To insert the battery:
1. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface, with the battery bay toward you.
2. Align the front of the battery with the outer edge of the battery bay (1).
3. Rotate the battery into the battery bay until it is seated (2). The battery release latch automatically
locks the battery into place.
To remove the battery:
1. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface.
2. Slide the battery release latch (1) to release the battery.
NOTE: The battery release latch automatically returns to its original position.
3. Rotate the battery to remove it from the battery bay (2).
10 Chapter 3 Using battery power

4. Lift the battery away from the computer (3).
Inserting or removing the battery 11

Charging a battery
WARNING! Do not charge the computer battery while you are onboard aircraft.
The battery charges whenever the computer is plugged into external power through an AC adapter, an
optional power adapter, an optional expansion product, or an optional docking device.
The battery charges whether the computer is off or in use, but it charges faster when the computer is
off.
Charging may take longer if a battery is new, has been unused for 2 weeks or more, or is much warmer
or cooler than room temperature.
To prolong battery life and optimize the accuracy of battery charge displays, follow these
recommendations:
●If you are charging a new battery, charge it fully before turning on the computer.
●Charge the battery until the battery light turns off.
NOTE: If the computer is on while the battery is charging, the battery meter in the notification
area may show 100 percent charge before the battery is fully charged.
●Allow the battery to discharge below 5 percent of a full charge through normal use before charging
it.
●If the battery has been unused for one month or more, calibrate the battery instead of simply
charging it.
The battery light displays charge status:
●On: The battery is charging.
●Blinking: The battery has reached a low battery level or critical battery level and is not charging.
●Off: The battery is fully charged, in use, or not installed.
Maximizing battery discharge time
Battery discharge time varies depending on the features you use while on battery power. Maximum
discharge time gradually shortens, as the battery storage capacity naturally degrades.
Tips for maximizing battery discharge time:
●Lower the brightness on the display.
●Check the Power saver setting in Power Options.
●Remove the battery from the computer when it is not being used or charged.
●Store the battery in a cool, dry location.
Managing low battery levels
The information in this section describes the alerts and system responses set at the factory. Some low-
battery alerts and system responses can be changed using Power Options in Windows Control Panel.
Preferences set using Power Options do not affect lights.
12 Chapter 3 Using battery power

Identifying low battery levels
When a battery that is the sole power source for the computer reaches a low battery level, the battery
light blinks.
If a low battery level is not resolved, the computer enters a critical battery level, and the battery light
continues to blink.
The computer takes the following actions for a critical battery level:
●If Hibernation is enabled and the computer is on or in the Sleep state, the computer initiates
Hibernation.
●If Hibernation is disabled and the computer is on or in the Sleep state, the computer remains briefly
in the Sleep state, and then shuts down and loses any unsaved information.
Resolving a low battery level
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of losing information when the computer reaches a critical battery level
and has initiated Hibernation, do not restore power until the power lights turn off.
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available
▲Connect one of the following devices:
●AC adapter
●Optional expansion product or docking device
●Optional power adapter
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is available
1. Turn off the computer or initiate Hibernation.
2. Remove the discharged battery, and then insert a charged battery.
3. Turn on the computer.
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available
▲Initiate Hibernation.
– or –
Save your work and shut down the computer.
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation
When the computer lacks sufficient power to exit Hibernation, follow these steps:
1. Insert a charged battery or plug the computer into external power.
2. Exit Hibernation by pressing the power button.
Managing low battery levels 13

Calibrating a battery
Calibrate a battery under the following conditions:
●When battery charge displays seem inaccurate
●When you observe a significant change in battery run time
Even if a battery is heavily used, it should not need to be calibrated more than once a month. It is also
not necessary to calibrate a new battery.
Step 1: Fully charge the battery
WARNING! Do not charge the computer battery while you are onboard aircraft.
NOTE: The battery charges whether the computer is off or in use, but it charges faster when the
computer is off.
To fully charge the battery:
1. Insert the battery into the computer.
2. Connect the computer to an AC adapter, optional power adapter, optional expansion product, or
optional docking device, and then plug the adapter or device into external power.
The battery light on the computer turns on.
3. Leave the computer plugged into external power until the battery is fully charged.
The battery light on the computer turns off.
Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Sleep
1. Click the battery meter icon in the notification area, and then click More power options.
– or –
Select Start >Control Panel >System and Maintenance >Power Options.
2. Under the current power plan, click Change plan settings.
3. Record the Turn off the display and Put the computer to sleep settings listed in the On
battery column so that you can reset them after the calibration.
4. Change the Turn off the display and Put the computer to sleep settings to Never.
5. Click Change advanced power settings.
6. Click the plus sign next to Sleep, and then click the plus sign next to Hibernate after.
7. Record the On battery setting under Hibernate after so that you can reset it after the calibration.
8. Change the On battery setting to Never.
9. Click OK.
10. Click Save changes.
14 Chapter 3 Using battery power

Step 3: Discharge the battery
The computer must remain on while the battery is being discharged. The battery can discharge whether
or not you are using the computer, but the battery will discharge faster while you are using it.
●If you plan to leave the computer unattended during the discharge, save your information before
beginning the discharge procedure.
●If you use the computer occasionally during the discharge procedure and have set energy-saving
timeouts, expect the following performance from the system during the discharge process:
◦The monitor will not turn off automatically.
◦Hard drive speed will not decrease automatically when the computer is idle.
◦System-initiated Hibernation will not occur.
To discharge a battery:
1. Unplug the computer from its external power source, but do not turn off the computer.
2. Run the computer on battery power until the battery is discharged. The battery light begins to blink
when the battery has discharged to a low battery level. When the battery is discharged, the battery
light turns off and the computer shuts down.
Step 4: Fully recharge the battery
To recharge the battery:
1. Plug the computer into external power and maintain external power until the battery is fully
recharged. When the battery is recharged, the battery light on the computer turns off.
You can use the computer while the battery is recharging, but the battery will charge faster if the
computer is off.
2. If the computer is off, turn it on when the battery is fully charged and the battery light has turned
off.
Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Sleep
CAUTION: Failure to reenable Hibernation after calibration may result in a full battery discharge and
information loss if the computer reaches a critical battery level.
1. Click the battery meter icon in the notification area, and then click More power options.
– or –
Select Start >Control Panel >System and Maintenance >Power Options.
2. Under the current power plan, click Change plan settings.
3. Reenter the settings that you recorded for the items in the On battery column.
4. Click Change advanced power settings.
5. Click the plus sign next to Sleep, and then click the plus sign next to Hibernate after.
6. Reenter the setting that you recorded for On battery.
Calibrating a battery 15

7. Click OK.
8. Click Save changes.
16 Chapter 3 Using battery power