HP Pavilion 15-ab217ng User manual

User Guide

© Copyright 2015 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its
proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard
Company under license. Intel, Celeron,
Centrino, and Pentium are trademarks of Intel
Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered
trademarks of the Microsoft group of
companies.
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: August 2015
Document Part Number: 824457-001
Product notice
This guide describes features that are common
to most products. Some features may not be
available on your computer.
Not all features are available in all editions of
Windows. This computer may require upgraded
and/or separately purchased hardware, drivers
and/or software to take full advantage of
Windows functionality. Go to
http://www.microsoft.com for details.
To access the latest user guide, go to
http://www.hp.com/support, and select your
country. Select Drivers & Downloads, and then
follow the on-screen instructions.
Software terms
By installing, copying, downloading, or
otherwise using any software product
preinstalled on this computer, you agree to be
bound by the terms of the HP End User License
Agreement (EULA). If you do not accept these
license terms, your sole remedy is to return the
entire unused product (hardware and
software) within 14 days for a full refund
subject to the refund policy of your seller.
For any further information or to request a full
refund of the price of the computer, please
contact your seller.

Safety warning notice
WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not place
the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer 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 come into contact with the
skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The computer 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).
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iv Safety warning notice ENWW

Processor configuration setting (select products only)
IMPORTANT: Select computer products are configured with an Intel® Pentium® N35xx/N37xx series or a
Celeron® N28xx/N29xx/N30xx/N31xx series processor and a Windows® operating system. If your computer
is configured as described, do not change the processor configuration setting in msconfig.exe from 4 or 2
processors to 1 processor. If you do so, your computer will not restart. You will have to perform a factory
reset to restore the original settings.
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vi Processor configuration setting (select products only) ENWW

Table of contents
1 Starting right ................................................................................................................................................ 1
Visit the HP Apps Store .......................................................................................................................................... 1
Best practices ......................................................................................................................................................... 1
More HP resources ................................................................................................................................................. 2
2 Getting to know your computer ...................................................................................................................... 4
Locating hardware ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Locating software .................................................................................................................................................. 4
Right side ............................................................................................................................................................... 5
Left side ................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Display (dual WLAN) ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Display (Touchscreen) ........................................................................................................................................... 9
Top ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10
TouchPad ........................................................................................................................................... 10
Lights ................................................................................................................................................. 11
Buttons and speakers ....................................................................................................................... 12
Keys ................................................................................................................................................... 13
Using the action keys ........................................................................................................................ 14
Bottom ................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Labels ................................................................................................................................................................... 15
3 Connecting to a network .............................................................................................................................. 17
Connecting to a wireless network ....................................................................................................................... 17
Using the wireless controls ............................................................................................................... 17
Airplane mode key .......................................................................................................... 17
Operating system controls ............................................................................................. 17
Connecting to a WLAN ....................................................................................................................... 18
Using HP Mobile Broadband (select products only) ......................................................................... 18
Using HP DataPass (select products only) ........................................................................................ 19
Using GPS (select products only) ...................................................................................................... 19
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select products only) ................................................................ 19
Connecting to a wired network—LAN (select products only) ............................................................................ 19
Sharing data and drives and accessing software ............................................................................................... 20
4 Enjoying entertainment features .................................................................................................................. 21
Using an integrated camera (select products only) ............................................................................................ 21
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Using an integrated 3D camera ........................................................................................................................... 21
Using audio .......................................................................................................................................................... 21
Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................................... 21
Connecting a microphone ................................................................................................................. 21
Connecting headsets ......................................................................................................................... 22
Using sound settings ......................................................................................................................... 22
Using advanced audio features ...................................................................................... 22
Accessing Audio Control Panel ....................................................................................... 22
Using video .......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Connecting video devices using an HDMI cable (select products only) ........................................... 23
Setting up HDMI audio .................................................................................................... 23
Discovering and connecting to Miracast-compatible wireless displays (select products only) ..... 24
Discovering and connecting to Intel WiDi certified displays (select Intel products only) ............... 24
5 Navigating the screen .................................................................................................................................. 25
Using the TouchPad and touch screen gestures ................................................................................................. 25
Tap ..................................................................................................................................................... 25
Two-finger pinch zoom ..................................................................................................................... 26
Two-finger scroll (TouchPad only) ................................................................................................... 26
Two-finger tap (TouchPad only) ....................................................................................................... 26
One-finger slide (touch screen only) ................................................................................................................... 26
Using the keyboard and optional mouse ............................................................................................................ 27
Using the integrated numeric keypad .............................................................................................. 27
6 Managing power .......................................................................................................................................... 28
Initiating and exiting Sleep and Hibernation ...................................................................................................... 28
Manually initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................................ 29
Manually initiating and exiting Hibernation (select products only) ................................................. 29
Setting password protection on wakeup (exiting Sleep or Hibernation) ......................................... 29
Using the power meter and power settings ........................................................................................................ 30
Running on battery power ................................................................................................................................... 30
User-replaceable battery .................................................................................................................. 30
Finding battery information .............................................................................................................. 32
Conserving battery power ................................................................................................................. 33
Identifying low battery levels ........................................................................................................... 33
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................................................ 33
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available .................................. 33
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available ................................ 33
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation ................. 34
Storing a user-replaceable battery .................................................................................................. 34
Disposing of a user-replaceable battery .......................................................................................... 34
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Running on AC power ........................................................................................................................................... 34
Troubleshooting power problems .................................................................................................... 35
Shutting down (turning off) the computer ......................................................................................................... 35
7 Maintaining your computer .......................................................................................................................... 37
Improving performance ....................................................................................................................................... 37
Using Disk Defragmenter .................................................................................................................. 37
Using Disk Cleanup ............................................................................................................................ 37
Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select products only) ............................................................................... 37
Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status .............................................................................. 38
Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................................... 38
Cleaning your computer ...................................................................................................................................... 38
Cleaning procedures ......................................................................................................................... 38
Cleaning the display ........................................................................................................ 39
Cleaning the sides or cover ............................................................................................. 39
Cleaning the TouchPad, keyboard, or mouse (select products only) ............................ 39
Traveling with or shipping your computer .......................................................................................................... 39
8 Securing your computer and information ...................................................................................................... 41
Using passwords .................................................................................................................................................. 41
Setting Windows passwords ............................................................................................................. 41
Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords ............................................................................................ 42
Using the fingerprint reader (select products only) ........................................................................................... 42
Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................................... 43
Using antivirus software ................................................................................................................... 43
Using firewall software ..................................................................................................................... 43
Installing software updates ................................................................................................................................ 43
Using HP Touchpoint Manager (select products only) ........................................................................................ 44
Securing your wireless network .......................................................................................................................... 44
Backing up your software applications and information ................................................................................... 44
Using an optional security cable ......................................................................................................................... 44
9 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................................. 46
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ................................................................................................................................ 46
Updating Setup Utility (BIOS) .............................................................................................................................. 46
Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................................... 46
Downloading a BIOS update .............................................................................................................. 47
Synchronizing a tablet and keyboard (select products only) ............................................................................. 48
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10 Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) ..................................................................................................... 49
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device .................................................................... 49
11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering ......................................................................................................... 51
Creating recovery media and backups ................................................................................................................ 51
Creating HP Recovery media (select products only) ........................................................................ 51
Using Windows tools ........................................................................................................................................... 52
Restore and recovery .......................................................................................................................................... 53
Recovering using HP Recovery Manager .......................................................................................... 53
What you need to know before you get started ............................................................ 53
Using the HP Recovery partition (select products only) ................................................ 54
Using HP Recovery media to recover ............................................................................. 54
Changing the computer boot order ................................................................................ 55
Removing the HP Recovery partition (select products only) ......................................... 55
12 Specifications ........................................................................................................................................... 56
Input power .......................................................................................................................................................... 56
Operating environment ....................................................................................................................................... 56
13 Electrostatic Discharge .............................................................................................................................. 57
14 Accessibility .............................................................................................................................................. 58
Supported assistive technologies ....................................................................................................................... 58
Contacting support .............................................................................................................................................. 58
Index ............................................................................................................................................................. 59
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1 Starting right
This computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. Read this chapter to
learn about best practices after you set up your computer, fun things to do with your computer, and where to
find additional HP resources.
Visit the HP Apps Store
The HP Apps Store offers a wide choice of popular games, entertainment and music apps, productivity apps,
and apps exclusive to HP that you can download to the desktop. The selection is updated regularly and
includes regional content and country-specific offers. Be sure to check the HP Apps Store frequently for new
and updated features.
IMPORTANT: You must be connected to the Internet to access the HP Apps Store.
To view and download an app:
1. Select the Start button, and then select the Store app.
‒or –
Select the Store icon next to the taskbar search box.
2. Select HP picks to view all the available apps.
NOTE: HP picks is available in select countries only.
3. Select the app you want to download, and then follow the on-screen instructions. When the download is
complete, the app appears on the All apps screen.
Best practices
After you set up and register the computer, we recommend the following steps to get the most out of your
smart investment:
●Back up your hard drive by creating recovery media. See Backing up, restoring, and recovering
on page 51.
●If you haven’t already done so, connect to a wired or wireless network. See details in Connecting to a
network on page 17.
●Become familiar with the computer hardware and software. For more information, see Getting to know
your computer on page 4and Enjoying entertainment features on page 21.
●Update or purchase antivirus software. See Using antivirus software on page 43.
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More HP resources
To locate resources that provide product details, how-to information, and more, use this table.
Resource Contents
Setup Instructions ●Overview of computer setup and features
Get started app
To access the Get started app:
▲Select the Start button, and then select the Get
started app.
●A broad range of how-to information and troubleshooting tips
HP support
For U.S. support, go to http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP.
For worldwide support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/
country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.
●Online chat with an HP technician
●Support telephone numbers
●HP service center locations
Safety & Comfort Guide
To access this guide:
1. Type support in the taskbar search box, and then
select the HP Support Assistant app.
‒or –
Click the question mark icon in the taskbar.
2. Select My PC, select the Specifications tab, and then
select User Guides.
‒or –
Go to http://www.hp.com/ergo.
●Proper workstation setup
●Guidelines for posture and work habits that increase your comfort
and decrease your risk of injury
●Electrical and mechanical safety information
Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices
To access this document:
1. Type support in the taskbar search box, and then
select the HP Support Assistant app.
‒or –
Click the question mark icon in the taskbar.
2. Select My PC, select the Specifications tab, and then
select User Guides.
●Important regulatory notices, including information about proper
battery disposal, if needed.
Limited Warranty*
To access this document:
1. Type support in the taskbar search box, and then
select the HP Support Assistant app.
‒or –
Click the question mark icon in the taskbar.
2. Select My PC, and then select Warranty and
services.
‒or –
●Specific warranty information about this computer
2 Chapter 1 Starting right ENWW

Resource Contents
Go to http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments.
*You can find your HP Limited Warranty located with the user guides on your product and/or on the CD or DVD provided in the box. In
some countries or regions, HP may provide a printed warranty in the box. For countries or regions where the warranty is not provided
in printed format, you can request a copy from http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments. For products purchased in Asia Pacific, you
can write to HP at Hewlett Packard, POD, P.O. Box 200, Alexandra Post Office, Singapore 911507. Include your product name, and your
name, phone number, and postal address.
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2 Getting to know your computer
Locating hardware
To find out what hardware is installed on your computer:
▲Type device manager in the taskbar search box, and then select the Device Manager app.
A list displays all the devices installed on your computer.
For information about system hardware components and the system BIOS version number, press fn+esc
(select products only).
Locating software
To find out what software is installed on your computer:
▲Select the Start button, and then select All apps.
‒or –
Right-click the Start button, and then select Programs and Features.
4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer ENWW

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 unneeded 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.
●Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the hard
drive.
NOTE: For information about HP 3D DriveGuard, see Using HP
3D DriveGuard (select products only) on page 37
(3) Audio-out (headphone)/Audio-in (microphone)
combo 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.
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.
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).
(4) USB 3.0 port Connects an optional USB device, such as a keyboard, mouse,
external drive, printer, scanner or USB hub.
(5) 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.
(6) Vent Enables 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.
(7) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
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NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but
it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or
stolen.
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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) RJ-45 (network) jack/status lights Connects a network cable.
●White: The network is connected.
●Amber: Activity is occurring on the network.
(4) USB 2.0 port Connects an optional USB device, such as a keyboard, mouse,
external drive, printer, scanner or USB hub.
(5) 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 memory
card reader.
(6) USB 3.0 port Connects an optional USB device, such as a keyboard, mouse,
external drive, printer, scanner or USB hub.
(7) Optical drive Depending on your computer model, reads an optical disc or
reads and writes to an optical disc.
NOTE: Type support in the taskbar search box, and then
select the HP Support Assistant app.
(8) Optical drive eject button Opens the optical drive tray.
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Display (dual WLAN)
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 antennas* (2) Sends and receives wireless signals to communicate with wireless
local area networks (WLANs).
(3) Internal microphones (2) Records sound.
(4) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.
(5) Webcam
‒or –
3D camera (select products only)
Records video and captures photographs. Some models allow you to
video conference and chat online using streaming video.
To use the webcam:
▲Type camera in the taskbar search box, and then select
Camera.
To use the 3D camera:
▲See Using an integrated 3D camera on page 21.
*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.
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Display (Touchscreen)
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) Internal microphones (2) Records sound.
(3) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.
(4) Webcam
‒or –
3D camera (select products only)
Records video and captures photographs. Some models allow you to
video conference and chat online using streaming video.
To use the webcam:
▲Type camera in the taskbar search box, and then select
Camera.
To use the 3D camera:
▲See Using an integrated 3D camera on page 21.
(5) WLAN antennas* (2) Sends and receives wireless signals to communicate with wireless
local area networks (WLANs).
*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.
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Top
TouchPad
Component Description
(1) TouchPad zone Reads your finger gestures to move the pointer or activate
items on the screen.
NOTE: For more information, see Using the TouchPad and
touch screen gestures on page 25
(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.
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