HP Presario CQ40-700 - Notebook PC User manual

Drives
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.
Second Edition: August 2009
First Edition: August 2009
Document Part Number: 539992-002
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 Handling drives
2 Using an optical drive
Identifying the installed optical drive ..................................................................................................... 2
Using optical discs ................................................................................................................................ 3
Selecting the right disc ......................................................................................................................... 4
CD-R discs ........................................................................................................................... 4
CD-RW discs ....................................................................................................................... 4
DVD±R discs ....................................................................................................................... 4
DVD±RW discs .................................................................................................................... 4
LightScribe DVD+R discs .................................................................................................... 5
Blu-ray Disc (BD) ................................................................................................................. 5
Playing a CD, DVD, or BD .................................................................................................................... 6
Configuring AutoPlay ............................................................................................................................ 7
Changing DVD region settings ............................................................................................................. 7
Observing the copyright warning .......................................................................................................... 8
Copying a CD or DVD .......................................................................................................................... 8
Creating or “burning” a CD or DVD ...................................................................................................... 9
Removing an optical disc (CD, DVD, or BD) ...................................................................................... 10
Removing the optical drive ................................................................................................................ 11
3 Using external drives
4 Improving hard drive performance
Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................................... 14
Using Disk Cleanup ............................................................................................................................ 14
5 Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection (select models only)
Identifying HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection status ................................................................. 16
Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection software .................................................................... 17
6 Replacing the hard drive
7 Troubleshooting
The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD, DVD, or BD ............................................... 22
The computer does not detect the optical drive ................................................................................. 23
A disc does not play ........................................................................................................................... 24
iii

A disc does not play automatically ..................................................................................................... 24
The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion .................................... 25
A DVD playing in Windows Media Player produces no sound or display ........................................... 25
A device driver must be reinstalled .................................................................................................... 25
Obtaining the latest HP device drivers ............................................................................... 26
Obtaining the latest Windows device drivers ..................................................................... 26
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 27
iv

1 Handling drives
Drives are fragile computer components that must be handled with care. Refer to the following cautions
before handling drives. Additional cautions are included with the procedures to which they apply.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the computer, damage to a drive, or loss of information,
observe these precautions:
Before you move a computer that is connected to an external hard drive, initiate Sleep and allow the
screen to clear, or properly disconnect the external hard drive
Before handling a drive, discharge static electricity by touching the unpainted metal surface of the drive.
Do not touch the connector pins on a removable drive or on the computer.
Handle a drive carefully; do not drop a drive or place items on it.
Before removing or inserting a drive, shut down the computer. If you are unsure whether the computer
is off, in the Sleep state, or in Hibernation, turn the computer on and then shut it down through the
operating system.
Do not use excessive force when inserting a drive into a drive bay.
Do not type on the keyboard or move the computer while the optical drive is writing to a disc. The write
process is sensitive to vibration.
When the battery is the only source of power, be sure that the battery is sufficiently charged before
writing to media.
Avoid exposing a drive to temperature or humidity extremes.
Avoid exposing a drive to liquids. Do not spray the drive with cleaning products.
Remove media from a drive before removing the drive from the drive bay, or traveling with, shipping, or
storing a drive.
If a drive must be mailed, place the drive in a bubble-pack mailer or other suitable protective packaging
and label the package “FRAGILE.”
Avoid exposing a drive to magnetic fields. Security devices with magnetic fields include airport walk-
through devices and security wands. The airport security devices that check carry-on luggage, such as
conveyor belts, use X-rays instead of magnetism and will not damage a drive.
1

2 Using an optical drive
Your computer includes an optical drive that expands the functionality of the computer. Identify what
kind of device is installed in your computer to see its capabilities. The optical drive allows you to read
data discs, play music, and watch movies. If your computer includes a Blu-ray Disc ROM Drive, then
you can also watch high-definition video from disc.
Identifying the installed optical drive
Select Start >Computer.
You will see a list of all the devices installed on your computer, including your optical drive. You may
have one of the following types of drives:
●DVD±RW and CD-RW SuperMulti Double-Layer Combo Drive
●DVD±RW and CD-RW SuperMulti Double-Layer Combo Drive with LightScribe
●Blu-ray ROM DVD±R/RW SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive
●Blu-ray ROM with LightScribe DVD±R/RW SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive
NOTE: Some of the drives listed above may not be supported by your computer.
2 Chapter 2 Using an optical drive

Using optical discs
An optical drive, such as a DVD-ROM drive, supports optical discs (CDs and DVDs). These discs store
information, such as music, photos, and movies. DVDs have a higher storage capacity than CDs.
Your optical drive can read standard CD and DVD discs. If your optical drive is a Blu-ray Disc ROM
Drive, it can also read BDs.
NOTE: Some of the optical drives listed may not be supported by your computer. The listed drives are
not necessarily all of the supported optical drives.
Some optical drives can also write to optical discs as described in the following table.
Optical drive type Write to CD-RW Write to DVD±RW/R Write to DVD+RW DL Write label to
LightScribe CD or
DVD±RW/R
DVD±RW and CD-RW
SuperMulti DL Combo
Drive
Yes Yes Yes No
DVD±RW and CD-RW
SuperMulti DL Combo
Drive with LightScribe
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Blu-ray ROM
DVD±R/RW
SuperMulti DL Drive
Yes Yes Yes No
Blu-ray ROM with
LightScribe
DVD±R/RW
SuperMulti DL Drive
Yes Yes Yes Yes
CAUTION: To prevent possible audio and video degradation, loss of information, or loss of audio or
video playback functionality, do not initiate Sleep or Hibernation while reading or writing to a disc.
Using optical discs 3

Selecting the right disc
An optical drive supports optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs). CDs, used to store digital data, are also
used for commercial audio recordings and are convenient for your personal storage needs. DVDs and
BDs are used primarily for movies, software, and data backup purposes. DVDs are the same form factor
as CDs but have 6 to 7 times the storage capacity.
NOTE: The optical drive on your computer may not support all the types of optical discs discussed in
this section.
CD-R discs
Use CD-R (write-once) discs to create permanent archives and to share files with virtually anyone.
Typical uses include the following:
●Distributing large presentations
●Sharing scanned and digital photos, video clips, and written data
●Making your own music CDs
●Keeping permanent archives of computer files and scanned home records
●Offloading files from your hard drive to free up disk space
After data is recorded, it cannot be erased or written over.
CD-RW discs
Use a CD-RW disc (a rewritable version of a CD) to store large projects that must be updated frequently.
Typical uses include the following:
●Developing and maintaining large documents and project files
●Transporting work files
●Making weekly backups of hard drive files
●Updating photos, video, audio, and data continuously
DVD±R discs
Use blank DVD±R discs to permanently store large amounts of information. After data is recorded, it
cannot be erased or written over.
DVD±RW discs
Use DVD±RW discs if you want to be able to erase or write over data that you saved earlier. This type
of disc is ideal for testing audio or video recordings before you burn them to a CD or DVD that cannot
be changed.
4 Chapter 2 Using an optical drive

LightScribe DVD+R discs
Use LightScribe DVD+R discs for sharing and storing data, home videos, and photos. These discs are
read-compatible with most DVD-ROM drives and DVD video players. With a LightScribe-enabled drive
and LightScribe software, you can write data to the disc and then add a designer label to the outside of
the disc.
Blu-ray Disc (BD)
BD is a high-density optical disc format for the storage of digital information, including high-definition
video. A single-layer BD can store 25 GB, over five times the size of the 4.7-GB single-layer DVD. A
dual-layer BD can store 50 GB, almost 6 times the size of the 8.5-GB dual-layer DVD.
Typical uses include the following:
●Storage of large amounts of data
●High-definition video playback and storage
NOTE: Because Blu-ray is a new format containing new technologies, certain disc, digital connection,
compatibility, and/or performance issues may arise, and do not constitute defects in the product.
Flawless playback on all systems is not guaranteed.
Selecting the right disc 5

Playing a CD, DVD, or BD
1. Turn on the computer.
2. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the disc tray.
3. Pull out the tray (2).
4. Hold the disc by the edges to avoid touching the flat surfaces and position the disc label-side up
over the tray spindle.
NOTE: If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully to position it over the spindle.
5. Gently press the disc (3) down onto the tray spindle until the disc snaps into place.
6. Close the disc tray.
If you have not yet configured AutoPlay, as described in the following section, an AutoPlay dialog box
opens. It prompts you to select how you want to use the media content.
6 Chapter 2 Using an optical drive

Configuring AutoPlay
1. Select Start >Default Programs >Change AutoPlay settings.
2. Confirm that the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices check box at the upper left of the
computer screen is selected.
3. Click Choose a default, and then select one of the available options for each media type listed.
4. Click Save.
NOTE: For more information about AutoPlay, refer to Help and Support.
Changing DVD region settings
Most DVDs that contain copyrighted files also contain region codes. The region codes help protect
copyrights internationally.
You can play a DVD containing a region code only if the region code on the DVD matches the region
setting on your DVD drive.
CAUTION: The region settings on your DVD drive can be changed only 5 times.
The region setting you select the fifth time becomes the permanent region setting on the DVD drive.
The number of region changes remaining is displayed on the DVD Region tab.
To change settings through the operating system:
1. Select Start >Control Panel >System and Security. Then in the System area, click Device
Manager.
NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your
computer. You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing
software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support for more
information.
2. Click the arrow next to DVD/CD-ROM drives to expand the list to show all of the installed drives.
3. Right-click the DVD drive for which you want to change region settings, and then click
Properties.
4. Click the DVD Region tab, and change settings.
5. Click OK.
Configuring AutoPlay 7

Observing the copyright warning
It is a criminal offense, under applicable copyright laws, to make unauthorized copies of copyright-
protected material, including computer programs, films, broadcasts, and sound recordings. Do not use
this computer for such purposes.
CAUTION: To prevent loss of information or damage to a disc, observe the following guidelines:
Before writing to a disc, connect the computer to a reliable external power source. Do not write to a disc
while the computer is running on battery power.
Before writing to a disc, close all open programs except the disc software you are using.
Do not copy directly from a source disc to a destination disc or from a network drive to a destination
disc. Save the information to your hard drive, and then burn from your hard drive to the destination disc.
Do not use the computer keyboard or move the computer while the computer is writing to a disc. The
write process is sensitive to vibration.
NOTE: For details about using software included with the computer, refer to the software
manufacturer’s instructions, which may be provided on disc, in the software Help, or on the
manufacturer's Web site.
Copying a CD or DVD
1. Select Start >All Programs >CyberLink DVD Suites >Power2Go.
2. Insert the disc you want to copy into the optical drive.
3. Click Copy at the bottom right of the screen.
Power2Go reads the source disc and copies the data to a temporary folder on your hard drive.
4. When prompted, remove the source disc from the optical drive and insert a blank disc into the drive.
After the information is copied, the disc you created ejects automatically.
8 Chapter 2 Using an optical drive

Creating or “burning” a CD or DVD
If your computer includes a CD-RW, DVD-RW, or DVD±RW optical drive, you can use software such
as Windows Media Player or CyberLink Power2Go to burn data and audio files, including MP3 and WAV
music files. To burn video files to a CD or DVD, use MyDVD.
Observe the following guidelines when burning a CD or DVD:
●Before burning a disc, save and close any open files and close all programs.
●A CD-R or DVD-R is usually best for burning audio files because after the information is copied, it
cannot be changed.
NOTE: You cannot create an audio DVD with CyberLink Power2Go.
●Because some home and car stereos will not play CD-RWs, use CD-Rs to burn music CDs.
●A CD-RW or DVD-RW is generally best for burning data files or for testing audio or video recordings
before you burn them to a CD or DVD that cannot be changed.
●DVD players used in home systems usually do not support all DVD formats. Refer to the user guide
that came with your DVD player for a list of supported formats.
●An MP3 file uses less space than other music file formats, and the process for creating an MP3
disc is the same as the process for creating a data file. MP3 files can be played only on MP3 players
or on computers with MP3 software installed.
To burn a CD or DVD, follow these steps:
1. Download or copy the source files into a folder on your hard drive.
2. Insert a blank CD or DVD into the optical drive.
3. Select Start >All Programs, and then select the name of the software you want to use.
NOTE: Some programs may be located in subfolders.
4. Select the kind of CD or DVD you want to create—data, audio, or video.
5. Right-click Start, click Open Windows Explorer, and navigate to the folder where the source files
are stored.
6. Open the folder, and then drag the files to the drive that contains the blank optical disc.
7. Initiate the burning process as directed by the program you have selected.
For specific instructions, refer to the software manufacturer's instructions, which may be provided with
the software, on disc, or on the manufacturer's Web site.
CAUTION: Observe the copyright warning. It is a criminal offense, under applicable copyright laws,
to make unauthorized copies of copyright-protected material, including computer programs, films,
broadcasts, and sound recordings. Do not use this computer for such purposes.
Creating or “burning” a CD or DVD 9

Removing an optical disc (CD, DVD, or BD)
1. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the disc tray, and then gently pull out the
tray (2) until it stops.
2. Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer
edges of the disc. Hold the disc by the edges and avoid touching the flat surfaces.
NOTE: If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully as you remove it.
3. Close the disc tray and place the disc in a protective case.
10 Chapter 2 Using an optical drive

Removing the optical drive
The optical drive can be removed to reduce the weight of the computer:
1. Save your work.
2. Shut down the computer and close the display.
If you are not sure whether the computer is off or in Hibernation, turn the computer on by pressing
the power button. Then shut down the computer through the operating system.
3. Disconnect all external devices connected to the computer.
4. Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.
5. Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface.
6. Remove the battery from the computer.
7. Remove the security screw from the optical drive.
8. Remove the optical drive from the optical drive bay.
Removing the optical drive 11

9. Insert the protective insert into the optical drive bay.
10. Replace the security screw.
11. Reconnect external power and external devices.
12. Turn on the computer.
12 Chapter 2 Using an optical drive

3 Using external drives
Removable external drives expand your options for storing and accessing information. A USB drive can
be added by connecting the drive to a USB port on the computer.
USB drives include the following types:
●1.44-megabyte diskette drive
●Hard drive module (a hard drive with an adapter attached)
●DVD-ROM Drive
●DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
●DVD±RW and CD-RW Combo Drive
NOTE: For more information about required software and drivers, or to learn which computer port to
use, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
To connect an external drive to the computer:
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the equipment when connecting a powered drive, be sure
that the AC power cord is unplugged.
1. Connect the drive to the computer.
2. If you are connecting a powered drive, plug the drive power cord into a grounded AC outlet.
To disconnect a powered drive, disconnect it from the computer, and then unplug the AC power cord.
13

4 Improving hard drive performance
Using Disk Defragmenter
As you use the computer, files on the hard drive become fragmented. Disk Defragmenter consolidates
the fragmented files and folders on the hard drive so that the system can run more efficiently.
After you start Disk Defragmenter, it works without supervision. Depending on the size of your hard drive
and the number of fragmented files, Disk Defragmenter may take more than an hour to complete. You
may want to set it to run during the night or another time when you do not need access to your computer.
HP recommends defragmenting your hard drive at least once a month. You may set Disk Defragmenter
to run on a monthly schedule, but you can defragment your computer manually at any time.
To run Disk Defragmenter:
1. Select Start >All Programs >Accessories >System Tools >Disk Defragmenter.
2. Click Defragment disk.
NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your
computer. You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing
software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support for more
information.
For additional information, access the Disk Defragmenter software Help.
Using Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup searches the hard drive for unnecessary files that you can safely delete to free up disk
space and help the computer to run more efficiently.
To run Disk Cleanup:
1. Select Start >All Programs >Accessories >System Tools >Disk Cleanup.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
14 Chapter 4 Improving hard drive performance

5 Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive
Protection (select models only)
HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection protects the hard drive by parking the drive and halting I/O
requests under either of the following conditions:
●You drop the computer.
●You move the computer with the display closed while the computer is running on battery power.
A short time after the end of one of these events, HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection returns the
hard drive to normal operation.
NOTE: Hard drives that are in an optional docking device or are connected to a USB port are not
protected by HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection.
For more information, refer to the HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection software Help.
15

Identifying HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection status
The drive light on the computer turns on to show that the drive is parked. To determine whether drives
are currently protected or whether a drive is parked, select Start >Control Panel >Hardware and
Sound >Windows Mobility Center. The Mobility Center also indicates HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive
Protection status:
●If the software is enabled, a green check mark is superimposed over the hard drive icon.
●If the software is disabled, a white diagonal line is superimposed over the hard drive icon.
●If the drives are parked, a yellow moon is superimposed over the hard drive icon.
NOTE: The icon in the Mobility Center may not show the most up-to-date status for the drive. For
immediate updates after a change in status, you need to enable the notification area icon.
To enable the notification area icon:
1. Select Start >Control Panel >Hardware and Sound >HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive
Protection.
NOTE: If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.
2. On the Icon in System Tray row, click Show.
3. Click OK.
If HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection has parked the drive, the computer will behave in the following
ways:
●The computer will not shut down.
●The computer will not initiate Sleep or Hibernation, except as described in the following Note.
NOTE: If the computer is running on battery power and reaches a critical battery level, HP
ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection allows the computer to initiate Hibernation.
Before you move the computer, HP recommends that you either shut it down or initiate Sleep or
Hibernation.
16 Chapter 5 Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection (select models only)