HP Pavilion a6410t Getting Started
HP Pavilion a6410t Getting Started

HP Pavilion a6410t Getting Started

Hp pavilion a6410t: quick start
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  • Page 1 Getting Started...
  • Page 2 HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. HP assumes no responsibility for the use or reliability of its software on equipment that is not furnished by HP. This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the prior written consent of HP.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Setting Up the Computer ...1 Putting the Computer Together ...1 Placing the computer in the proper location ...1 Using surge protection ...2 Connecting to the computer ...2 Connecting a Digital Camera (Photo or Video)...4 Connecting Other Devices ...6 Storing Documentation and Recovery Discs...6 Adjusting the Monitor...6 Adjusting the screen resolution by using Vista ...6 Adjusting the screen resolution by using the NVIDIA Control Panel ...7...
  • Page 4 Turning On the Computer for the First Time ...15 Turning Off the Computer ...16 Using Shut Down ...16 Using Lock ...17 Using Sleep mode ...17 Using Hibernate mode ...18 Automatic Sleep, Hibernate, or Away mode ...19 Restarting the Computer ...19 Connecting to the Internet ...20 Using the Computer with Safety and Comfort ...21 Setting Up User Accounts ...21...
  • Page 5 Wireless Mouse and Keyboard Troubleshooting...43 Introducing Your Computer Software ...45 Learning More About Software...45 Using the Desktop...45 Removing desktop icons ...46 Retrieving desktop icons ...46 Removing files permanently...46 Using the Windows Start Button Menu ...46 Using the All Programs menu ...46 Organizing the All Programs list ...47...
  • Page 6 Using the Memory Card Reader ...59 Media Insertion Guide ...60 Understanding the Activity Light ...63 Formatting a Memory Card ...63 Troubleshooting the Memory Card Reader...64 Index...65 Getting Started (features vary by model)
  • Page 7: Setting Up The Computer

    Putting the Computer Together Follow the steps on the setup poster to set up the computer. Read the topics in this section to learn more about the location of components and connectors on the computer, and to learn about some setup alternatives. Look in the computer box for printed details or updates regarding the computer.
  • Page 8: Using Surge Protection

    Using surge protection Help protect the monitor, computer, and accessories by connecting all power cords for the computer and peripheral devices (such as a monitor, printer, or scanner) to a surge protection device, such as a power strip with surge protection or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
  • Page 9 Connector Icon/Label Description and function (continued) Serial port for some digital cameras or other serial devices. Serial Audio Line Out (powered speakers). Audio Line In. Headphones. Microphone. ® FireWire (IEEE 1394) for video cameras or other devices with very fast transfer rates. NOTE: You must use a 6-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394) transfer cable with this 6-pin connector.
  • Page 10: Connecting A Digital Camera (Photo Or Video)

    Connecting a Digital Camera (Photo or Video) The following instructions apply only to digital photo cameras and digital video cameras. NOTE: When connecting an analog video camera to the computer, use the Video and Audio In connectors on the front or back of the computer. Refer to the documentation that came with your digital photo camera or digital video camera.
  • Page 11 You may need to install driver software for your camera. If so, Windows displays a message asking if you want to locate and install driver software. Insert the driver software CD, click Locate and install driver software, and then follow any onscreen instructions to install the software.
  • Page 12: Connecting Other Devices

    Adjusting the screen resolution by using Vista To change the screen resolution by using Vista: Right-click an empty area of the desktop, and then click Personalize. Click Display Settings. If necessary, select the monitor, and then adjust the screen resolution by using the slider under Resolution.
  • Page 13: Adjusting The Screen Resolution By Using The Nvidia Control Panel

    TV, and so on) to the computer at a time (select models only). You can quickly change which device displays the computer desktop by pressing Alt+F5. Each time you press Alt+F5, the computer desktop appears on the next device. If pressing Alt+F5 does not work, restart the computer and try again.
  • Page 14: Setting Up A Local Area Network

    The preceding illustration shows a home LAN. The desktop computer has a wired connection to a wireless router. The desktop computer also has a printer that it shares with the other computers on the network. Each notebook computer has a wireless connection to the network router.
  • Page 15: Setting Up A Wired (Ethernet) Connection

    Setting Up a Wired (Ethernet) Connection The Ethernet connection, which may be called network interface adapter, Network Interface Card, or NIC, provides a high-speed or broadband connection to an Ethernet (10BaseT) or Fast Ethernet (100BaseT) network. After you connect this interface to a network, such as a LAN, you can connect to the Internet through the network.
  • Page 16: Connecting The Wireless Lan Device

    For more information about wireless technology, go to: http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/wireless Connecting the Wireless LAN Device (Select models only) You can connect the computer to an 802.11n (select models only), 802.11b or 802.11g wireless network by using the external antenna that was included with the...
  • Page 17: Checking The Wireless Lan Device Installation

    Setting up a wireless network into the Search Help box. Go to: http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/wireless (English only). Go to: http://hp.com/support and search for wireless topics. Using wireless security features When you set up a home WLAN or access an existing public WLAN, always enable security features to protect the network from unauthorized access.
  • Page 18: Connecting A Modem

    Connecting a Modem For information on connecting to the Internet, see “Connecting to the Internet” in this guide. The modem is used for connecting to an ISP that provides a telephone dial-up connection to the Internet. NOTE: Your computer may not come with a modem. Before you can use telephone dial-up to connect to the Internet and send or receive e-mail and faxes, you must connect your telephone service line to the modem (A), which is on the back of the computer (B).
  • Page 19: Getting Help

    Finding Guides on the Web You can find guides and information for your computer by using the Internet to access the Support Web site. Go to http://www.hp.com/support in your Web browser. Select your country/region and language. Click Support and Drivers.
  • Page 20: Using The Onscreen Help And Support Center

    Using the Onscreen Help and Support Center Information about your computer is in the onscreen Help and Support Center (select models only). Here, you can find links to driver updates, access to technical support options, and information about commonly asked questions. To open the Help and Support Center: Using the PC Help &...
  • Page 21: Turning On The Computer For The First Time

    Set up Microsoft Windows Vista by following the onscreen instructions. Follow the onscreen instructions to register with HP or Compaq, sign up for updates, and get online. If you do not want to set up an Internet connection at this time, you can do so later by manually starting Easy Internet Services.
  • Page 22: Turning Off The Computer

    Turning Off the Computer For best results, when using Microsoft Windows Vista, do not shut down the computer, except when you must turn off the power for safety reasons, such as to make repairs, install new hardware or cards in the computer chassis, or change a battery. As an alternative to shutting down the computer, you can lock it or put it into either Sleep or Hibernate mode, if it is available.
  • Page 23: Using Lock

    Using Lock If you lock the computer, only you or the administrator can log on to it. Click the Windows Start Button Click the Lock button. To unlock this computer, you must enter your password. Using Sleep mode When the computer is in Sleep mode, it goes into a reduced-power state. The monitor is blank, as if it were turned off.
  • Page 24: Using Hibernate Mode

    If the computer does not work properly when you wake it from Sleep mode, restart the computer. Click the Windows Start Button Click the Arrow button next to the Lock button. Click Restart. Quickly press the On button on the front of the computer. Using Hibernate mode Hibernate mode is available as an advanced power setting.
  • Page 25: Automatic Sleep, Hibernate, Or Away Mode

    Automatic Sleep, Hibernate, or Away mode You can set the computer to go into Sleep, Hibernate, or Away modes automatically when it is idle for a specified number of minutes. To put the computer into a mode automatically, modify the power management settings. Click the Windows Start Button Click Control Panel.
  • Page 26: Connecting To The Internet

    ISP. Connect to the Internet. You must connect through your ISP. Double-click the ISP-provided icon on the desktop, and log in. Open your Web browser and browse the Internet. You can use any Web browser; most computers have Microsoft Internet Explorer. To...
  • Page 27: Using The Computer With Safety And Comfort

    Click the Windows Start Button User Guides, and then click Safety & Comfort Guide. Type http://www.hp.com/ergo into the Web browser address box, and then press Enter on the keyboard. Setting Up User Accounts User accounts enable you to set the privileges for each user of the computer. For example, you can set the software programs that each user is allowed to access.
  • Page 28: Protecting The Computer

    Creating multiple user accounts on the same computer has certain advantages, as well as some drawbacks. Advantages to multiple user accounts: Ability to create individual user settings Ability to limit access to software for certain users Drawbacks to multiple user accounts: More memory (RAM) usage Multiple Temporary Internet Files folders to remove during Disk Cleanup More data to back up...
  • Page 29: Using Passwords

    Using passwords A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure the computer information. Several types of passwords can be set, depending on how you want to control access to your information. Passwords can be set in the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system on the computer.
  • Page 30: Using Antivirus Software

    The following table lists the Windows Vista passwords and describes their functions. For information on how to set passwords, see “Using passwords.” For additional information on Windows Vista passwords, such as screen saver passwords, type passwords into the Search Help box in the Help and Support Center. Password Windows Vista Administrator password...
  • Page 31: Configuring The Computer For Automatic Microsoft Software Updates

    Configuring the computer for automatic Microsoft software updates Microsoft continually updates the Windows Vista operating system. HP recommends that you run Windows Vista Update monthly to install these updates. One way to keep the operating system up to date is to use the Automatic Updates feature.
  • Page 32: Guidelines For Installing Software And Hardware Devices

    Guidelines for Installing Software and Hardware Devices After you set up the computer, you may want to install additional software programs or hardware devices. Keep in mind the following important guidelines: Before installation, make a restore point by using the Microsoft System Restore program.
  • Page 33: Transferring Files And Settings From An Old Computer To A New Computer

    Transferring Files and Settings from an Old Computer to a New Computer You can copy files from the old computer to a new computer by using media such as CDs or DVDs, memory sticks, or personal media drives. You can also copy certain settings such as Web browser Favorites and address books by using Windows Easy Transfer software, which is included with Microsoft Windows Vista.
  • Page 34 Getting Started (features vary by model)
  • Page 35: Using The Keyboard

    Using the Keyboard Please see the documentation that came with the keyboard for additional IMPORTANT: information about using the keyboard, customizing keyboard buttons, and using any special keyboard keys. You may need to install keyboard software and drivers to access all the special features and functions of the keyboard.
  • Page 36: Function Keys

    Function keys The function keys, located above the main keys, are labeled F1 through F12. Most function key operations vary by software program. F1 and F3 are available at all times: Pressing F1 opens a Help window for the software program being used. Pressing F3 opens a search window.
  • Page 37: Numeric Keys

    Numeric keys Press the Num Lock key to lock and unlock the numeric key functions: When the Num Lock light on the keyboard is on, the numeric keys work in the same way as the number keys and arithmetic functions found on a basic calculator. When the Num Lock light on the keyboard is off, the numeric keys are directional keys used to move the cursor or play games.
  • Page 38: Special Keyboard Buttons

    Special keyboard buttons There are special buttons (select models only) at the top of the keyboard. These buttons operate a CD or DVD player, control speaker volume, connect you to the Internet, or provide quick access to specific functions. (Some keyboard models have some of these special buttons to the left side of the main keys, some do not have the Internet buttons, and some use a different layout on the top right.) Identifying Special Keyboard Buttons...
  • Page 39 Opens e-mail program. Can be reconfigured to open any Web site or software program. Links to HP Web site. Links to Compaq Web site. Goes to a shopping Web site. Can be reconfigured to open a site or software program.
  • Page 40: Customizing The Keyboard Buttons

    Media control or playback buttons Icon – + Customizing the keyboard buttons You can customize some of the special buttons on the keyboard (select models only) to open different programs or files or go to favorite Web sites. If you cannot customize the keyboard buttons using the following procedure, see the documentation that came with the keyboard.
  • Page 41: Keyboard Shortcuts

    Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that you press simultaneously to perform specific actions. For example, from the Windows Vista desktop, press the Alt (alternate) key, the Ctrl (control) key, and the S key (the letter S) to display support information for the computer (including the model number, serial number, and service ID).
  • Page 42: Wireless Mouse And Keyboard Troubleshooting

    Wireless Mouse and Keyboard Troubleshooting Synchronizing a wireless mouse and keyboard If the wireless mouse and keyboard do not respond, use this procedure to resynchronize the devices. Plug the receiver into a USB port on the computer. If you have a choice, a USB port on the front of the computer is best if it will be closer to the mouse and keyboard.
  • Page 43 After the mouse connection is established, repeat the procedure with the keyboard: Push the Connect button on the receiver, and hold it for 5 to 10 seconds until the blue light starts to flash. Push and hold the Connect button (C) on the underside of the keyboard until the blue LED on the receiver stops flashing.
  • Page 44 Getting Started (features vary by model)
  • Page 45: Using The Mouse

    Your computer includes a mouse for directing the cursor (pointer) on the Windows Vista desktop. The mouse uses a roller ball or optics (a light and sensor) to sense movement and cause the cursor on the screen to move. Use the mouse on a flat surface.
  • Page 46: Using The Mouse Buttons

    Using the Mouse Buttons The mouse has two or three buttons on the top: Click the left mouse button (A) to position the cursor or select an item. Click the right mouse button (C) to display a menu of commands for the item you clicked. On select models, use the scroll wheel button (B) in the center for scrolling and panning.
  • Page 47: Autoscrolling

    Autoscrolling Place the cursor anywhere in the document, and then press the scroll wheel button once. An autoscroll icon appears. Move the mouse in the direction you want to scroll. The farther you move the mouse from the starting point, the faster the document scrolls. To stop autoscrolling, press the scroll wheel button again.
  • Page 48: Changing Mouse Pointer Speed

    Changing mouse pointer speed To change the speed of the cursor on the screen relative to the motion of the mouse: Click the Windows Start Button Click Control Panel. Click Hardware and Sound, if it is present. Click Mouse. Click the Pointer Options tab. In the Motion area, use the slider to adjust the pointer speed.
  • Page 49: Changing The Scroll Wheel Speed

    Changing the scroll wheel speed To change the scroll wheel speed: Click the Windows Start Button Click Control Panel. Click Hardware and Sound, if it is present. Click Mouse. Click the Wheel tab. In the Vertical Scrolling area, adjust the number of lines per scroll by clicking the arrow buttons.
  • Page 50 Getting Started (features vary by model)
  • Page 51: Introducing Your Computer Software

    For help with specific software, refer to the onscreen Help within the program. Using the Desktop The desktop is the work area that appears on the monitor screen. It includes the taskbar along one edge, and shortcut icons that make it easy to find the things you need.
  • Page 52: Removing Desktop Icons

    Drag the icon onto the desktop. Removing files permanently Right-click a file, and then click Delete. Right-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop, and then click Empty Recycle Bin. Using the Windows Start Button Menu Click the Windows Start Button Start menu, you can: Open programs or documents.
  • Page 53: Organizing The All Programs List

    Right-click the item. Click Copy. Go to the desktop or folder, right-click an empty area, and then click Paste. If you use Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel to delete a software program, the shortcut in All Programs may not be removed. To remove a shortcut: Click the Windows Start Button Click All Programs.
  • Page 54: Resizing Windows

    Resizing Windows All windows have three buttons in the upper-right corner. The middle button is either the Maximize button or the Restore Down button, depending on the state of the window. Feature Working with Digital Images You can connect a digital image source, such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, to the computer either directly or through a docking station.
  • Page 55: About The Internet

    The URL identifies a Web site location, typically in the form http://www.name.extension (for example, http://www.hp.com). The URL may include the path to a specific file within that site. Each period, or dot, in the URL separates elements within the address. For example, you will see the URL extension .com used by companies.
  • Page 56: Using A Browser

    Once you are connected to the Internet, your browser opens the home Web page. You can go to a different Web site by entering its address (such as http://www.hp.com) into the address box in the browser, and then pressing Enter on your keyboard. Or you can use the browser search feature to search for references to a specific word or phrase on the Web.
  • Page 57: Restricting Internet Content

    Restricting Internet content The Internet provides you with a wide variety of information, but some information may not be suitable for every viewer. With Content Advisor (a feature of Internet Explorer), you can: Set up a password. Control Internet access. Set up a list of Web sites that people who use your computer cannot view.
  • Page 58: Sending And Receiving E-Mail

    Sending and Receiving E-Mail E-mail enables you to send and receive letters, pictures, postcards, and even music and video clips. NOTE: E-mail may contain a virus in the message itself or as an attachment. To protect your computer, do not open any message that originates from an unfamiliar source or that appears suspect to you.
  • Page 59: Managing Files

    A file is any unit of information that is named and stored on the computer hard disk drive or other electronic storage media, such as a CD, diskette, or even in a digital camera. A file can be a document, picture, music, video, or other data. Almost everything that you do on the computer involves working with files.
  • Page 60: Creating Folders

    Creating Folders Click the Windows Start Button Click the Windows Start Button Explorer. Navigate to the location where you want to place the new folder. Click Organize, and then click New Folder. Type a name for the folder, and then press Enter on the keyboard. Moving Files Click the Windows Start Button Click the Windows Start Button...
  • Page 61: Finding Files

    Finding Files To find a file, you can use the Search box at the top of every folder, or the search box on the Windows Start Button menu, which searches the whole computer. To search from a folder Search box: Click the Windows Start Button Click the Windows Start Button Explorer.
  • Page 62: Renaming Files

    Renaming Files Click the Windows Start Button Click the Windows Start Button Explorer. Find the file or folder you want to rename, and then click it to select it. Click Organize, and then Rename. Type the new name, and then press Enter on the keyboard. NOTE: Another way to rename a file is to right-click the file, and then click Rename.
  • Page 63: Retrieving Files From The Recycle Bin

    Recycle Bin is emptied manually or it is cleared to make room for more recently deleted files. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. Right-click the file that you want to retrieve, and then click Restore this item. The file is removed from the Recycle Bin and goes back to its previous location.
  • Page 64: Using A Printer

    Using a Printer For instructions on connecting and using a printer, refer to the user manual that came with the printer. Printers receive instructions from the computer by means of software programs called printer drivers. In many cases, the computer automatically finds the necessary printer driver for your particular printer to work with the computer.
  • Page 65: Using The Memory Card Reader

    Using the Memory Card Reader Digital cameras and other digital imaging devices use memory cards, or media, to store digital picture files. The optional memory card reader (select models only) can read from and write to a variety of types of memory cards and the IBM Microdrive disk drive. The card reader is accessible directly on the front of the computer.
  • Page 66: Media Insertion Guide

    Select a program to access your files. The computer opens a program, so that you can access the media contents. You can copy files from or to the media. If the AutoPlay window does not open, click the Windows Start Button taskbar, click Computer, and then double-click the Memory Card icon to display the files on the memory card.
  • Page 67 Card (continued) Secure Digital (SD) memory card Mini Secure Digital (MiniSD) Memory Card MultiMediaCard (MMC) Reduced size MultiMediaCard (RSMMC) MultiMediaCard Plus (MMC +) MultiMediaCard Mobile (MMC Mobile) Memory Stick (MS) memory card Memory Stick (MS-Pro) memory card Memory Stick (MS-Pro Duo) memory card Memory Stick (MS-Duo) memory card...
  • Page 68 2-slot memory card reader (select models only) Activity light Upper slot Lower slot Card Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card MultiMediaCard (MMC) Memory Stick (MS) Memory Card Memory Stick (MS-Pro) Memory Card SmartMedia (SM) Memory Card xD media IBM Microdrive disk drive CompactFlash Type I media CompactFlash Type II media NOTE: Do not use SM and xD media in the memory card reader at the same time.
  • Page 69: Understanding The Activity Light

    Understanding the Activity Light The memory card reader activity light is off when there are no media cards plugged into the slots. The light turns on when a media card is inserted into a slot. The light blinks when data is being transferred between the card and the computer. Formatting a Memory Card If you have not used the memory card before, or if the card has become corrupted, you may need to format the card before using it.
  • Page 70: Troubleshooting The Memory Card Reader

    Troubleshooting the Memory Card Reader If you are having problems reading from or writing to a memory card, try the following: Some cards have a read/write or security switch on the card. Make sure that the read/write switch is set to Write Enabled before attempting to write data to the card. Make sure that the amount of data that you want to store is not larger than the storage limit of the memory card.
  • Page 71: Index

    adjusting monitor antivirus, installing program autoscroll Bluetooth devices buttons keyboard, customizing media control or playback Off, See turning off computer cable modem, using card reader, memory carpal tunnel syndrome change the speed of the cursor CompactFlash media troubleshooting memory card reader CompactFlash Type I CompactFlash Type II computer...
  • Page 72 LAN (local area network) antenna checking wireless LAN device connecting wireless LAN device setting up using Local Area Network local area network (LAN) manuals storing memory card reader card types in-use light troubleshooting using memory card, formatting Memory Stick (MS) Memory Stick (MS-Duo) Memory Stick (MS-Pro Duo) Memory Stick (MS-Pro)
  • Page 73 Windows Vista update wired network connection wireless devices wireless LAN wireless LAN connection wireless local area network (WLAN) wireless network security wireless network device checking installation wireless wide area networks (WWAN) devices WLAN security working in comfort xD media Index...
  • Page 74 Part number: 5992-3577...

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