Wednesday, June 17, 2015

HOW TO RESET A HP WINDOWS NOTEBOOK - BIOS Update

HP notebook reset & Troubleshooting
If Windows or the notebook stops responding, and you cannot turn the notebook off, try the following in the order listed. Press the power button to restart.
If possible, restart or turn off the notebook from within Windows: click Start, Turn Off Computer, Restart (or Turn Off).
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del, then click Shut Down, Restart (or Turn Off).
Press and hold the power button for about four seconds.
If the notebook still does not turn off, use a straightened paper clip to press the system-off switch on the bottom of the notebook, near the RAM access door.
TROUBLESHOOTING
CHARGING THE NOTEBOOK DEVICE
The notebook normally boots from its internal hard disk. You can also boot the notebook from a floppy disk drive, the CD/DVD drive, or a local area network (LAN).
1 Restart the notebook: click Start, Turn Off Computer, Restart.
2 When the HP logo appears, press Esc to display the Boot menu.
3 Use the arrow keys to select the boot device, and press Enter.
If you want to boot from a specific device whenever it is present, change the boot order using the BIOS configuration utility.
No sound is audiable
Press Fn+Page Up several times.
Click the speaker icon in the taskbar (if present), and make sure Mute is not checked and the Volume slider is not set to the bottom.
Double-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and make sure the audio source is not muted. If the source is not displayed, click Options, Properties, and select the source from the volume control list.
SOUND DOES NOT RECORD
Make sure the microphone is securely connected to the microphone jack.
Check the software controls for recording sound: Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Multimedia (or Entertainment), Sound Recorder.
Double-click the speaker symbol in the taskbar. Then click Options, Properties, and make sure the microphone is enabled in the recording controls.
Test the audio with the e-Diagtools diagnostics.
IF PC CARD DETECTION BEEPS AT START-UP ARE VERY LOUD AND VOLUME CANNOT BE ADJUSTED.
Download the latest audio driver from the technical support area of the HP notebook web site.  Try this link.
A LOUD HIGH-PITCHED SOUND IS HEARD FROM SPEAKERS.
Double-click the speaker symbol in the taskbar, and try reducing the master volume.
CAN’T BOOT FROM A CD IN THE CD/DVD DRIVE.
Make sure the CD is bootable.
Make sure the CD-ROM/DVD drive is selected as the boot device—see “Changing the Boot Device”.
Restart the notebook.
Test the CD/DVD drive with the e-Diagtools diagnostics.
CD/DVD PAYS ERRATICALLY
Dirt or smudges can cause a disk to skip. Clean the disk with a soft cloth. If the disk is badly scratched, it may have to be replaced.
Media Player may perform inconsistently when playing DVDs. For best results, use Win DVD.
Some DVDs include software called “PC Friendly.” You generally should not install this software, as it can cause errors or erratic play. If needed, uninstall it and restart the notebook.
DVD MOVIE STOPS PLAYING IN THE MIDDLE.
You may have accidentally paused the DVD movie. Press the Play button to continue.
The DVD may be double-sided. Open the DVD tray and read the text near the center of the disk. If it says Side A, turn the disk over.
GETS A REGION CODE ERROR WHEN PLAYING A DVD MOVIE
DVDs have regional codes embedded in their disk data. These codes prevent DVD movies from being played outside the region of the world in which they are sold. If you get a Region Code error, you are trying to play a DVD intended for a different region.
[Most DVD drives let you change the region code only a limited number of times (usually no more than four) to allow you to set the proper region code for your area. Note that when you reach this limit, your last change to the region code will be hard-coded on the DVD drive, and will be permanent.]
NOTEBOOK CANNOT READ A CD/DVD
Make sure the disk is properly inserted, and snapped down onto the spindle in the center of the tray.
For a single-sided CD or DVD, make sure the disk is placed in the drive with the label facing up.
Clean the disk with a soft cloth.
Wait 5 to 10 seconds after closing the tray for the notebook to recognize the disk.
Remove the disk from the drive, and then restart the notebook.
If you created the CD on a CD-RW drive module, try using a different media brand. For best results use HP certified media. While other media may work, HP cannot guarantee compatibility.
DVD MOVIE DOESN’T FILL THE SCREEN
Each side of a double-sided DVD has a different format (standard or widescreen). In widescreen format, black bands appear at the top and bottom of the screen. To view the standard format, turn the disk over and play the other side.
DVD DOESN’T PLAY WITH TWO DISPLAYS
Before starting the DVD player, press Fn+F5 to switch to one display. You cannot switch displays once the DVD player is started.
If you’re using both displays, the DVD image will not appear on any display set up as “secondary.” Click Start, Control Panel, Appearance and Themes, Display. Click Advanced on the Settings tab, then click the S3Display tab and change settings.
NOTBOOK IS ON; BUT THE SCREEN IS BLANK
Move the mouse or tap the touch pad. This will wake the display if it is off.
Try pressing Fn+F2 to increase the brightness.
Press Fn+F5 in case the internal display was disabled. (Do this three times to return to the state you started from.)
If the notebook is cold, allow it to warm up.
SCREEN IS DIFFICULT TO READ
Make sure the display resolution is set to its default of 1024×768: click Start, Control Panel, Appearance and Themes, Display, Settings.
PART OF THE DESKTOP IS NOT VISIBLE AND HAVE TO SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE TASKBAR OR DOES NOT FILL THE ENTIRE DISPLAY AND HAS A BLACK BORDER
The display resolution may be set incorrectly. Adjust as needed.
AN EXTERNAL DISPLAY DOES NOT WORK
Check the connections.
Press Fn+F5 in case the external monitor was disabled. (Do this three times to return to the state you started from.)
Test the display with the e-DiagTools diagnostics.
ONE OR MORE DISPLAY PIXELS LOOK BAD
TFT display manufacturing is a highly precise but imperfect technology, and manufacturers cannot produce displays that are cosmetically perfect. Most, if not all, TFT displays exhibit some level of cosmetic imperfection. These cosmetic imperfections may be visible under varying display conditions, and can appear as bright, dim, or dark spots HP notebook TFT displays meet or exceed all HP standards for cosmetic quality of TFT displays.
HP does not warrant that the displays will be free of cosmetic imperfections. Including the following:
No more than 6 pixels remain on (always one color, such as white, red, green, or blue dots).
No more than 6 pixels remain off (always dark).
No more than a total of 8 pixels stuck on or off.
No other stuck pixel within 15 mm of a stuck pixel.
THE HARD DRIVE DOESN’T SPIN
Make sure the notebook has power. If necessary, connect the AC adapter, and make sure it is plugged securely into a power source and into the back of the notebook.
HARD DISC MAKES BUZZING SOUND
Back up the drive immediately.
See whether the noise is coming from elsewhere, such as the fan or floppy disk drive. 
FILES ARE CORRUPTED
Run the Norton AntiVirus program.
Check the hard disk: open My Computer, select the disk you want to scan, then click File,
Properties, and use the Tools tab.
Test the hard disk drive with the e-DiagTools diagnostics—see “Using the e-Diagtools Diagnostic Tests”
If necessary, format the hard disk and reinstall the original factory software—see “Recovering the Factory Software Installation.
HARD DRIVE’S REPORTED CAPACITY IS LESS THAN ITS ACTUAL USE.
The hard disk drive is preconfigured to allocate some space to diagnostic software, which is used for support and service of your notebook. This part of the hard drive is unavailable for other uses, and so is not included in the capacity of the hard drive as reported by Windows (My Computer, Properties).
HEAT PROBLEMS
Provide adequate ventilation around the notebook. Make sure there is adequate clearance at the back of the notebook, so that its fan vent is not blocked.
Always set the notebook on a flat surface, so that air can flow freely around and underneath it. Do not place an operating notebook on carpeting, clothing, or other soft surface, as this can block the fan’s air intake on the bottom of the notebook.
Always turn off the notebook or put it into hibernation before placing it in a carrying case or other enclosed space.
Make sure the fan is working properly. If needed, test the fan’s operation with the e-DiagTools diagnostics—see “Using the e-Diagtools Diagnostic Tests”
TOUCHPAD IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL
Customize the touch pad by modifying Mouse properties: click Start, Control Panel, Printers and Other Hardware, Mouse.
POINTING DEVICE DO NOT WORK
Don’t use the touch pad while the notebook is starting up or resuming from standby or hibernation. If this happens, try the following:
Press any key on the keyboard.
Put the notebook on standby, then resume operation.
Restart the notebook: click Start, Turn Off Computer, Restart.
Test the keyboard and pointing devices with the e-DiagTools diagnostics—see “Using the e-Diagtools Diagnostic Tests”
EMBEDDED NUMERIC KEYPAD DOESN’T WORK
To type numbers, make sure Num Lock is on.
Make sure the embedded Keypad Lock (Fn+F8) is on—or that you press and hold the Fn key to temporarily access the embedded keypad.
SPECIAL FEATURE IN USB DOESN’T WORK
Make sure you installed any drivers included with the mouse.
Restart the notebook, so that it will detect the mouse.
INBUILT NETWORK ADAPTER DOESN’T CONNECT TO LAN
Check all cables and connections. Try connecting at a different network station, if available.
If the green light next to the LAN port does not light, the LAN cable may not be connected to the network or the network may be down. Try connecting a different notebook to the cable.
Click Start, Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, Network Connections. Make sure you have the correct clients and protocols installed.
Make sure the LAN cable is Category 3, 4, or 5 for 10Base-T operation, or Category 5 for 100Base-TX operation. Maximum cable length is 100 meters (330 feet).
Use the networking problems troubleshooter in Windows Help and Support.
Click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System. On the Hardware tab, open the Device Manager. If the network interface is disabled, try to enable it. If it has a conflict, try disabling another device.
CAN’T BROWSE BY NETWORK PLACES
Click Start, Search to look for a computer.
Check with your network administrator to make sure NetBEUI protocol is supported on the network.
CAN’T LOG INTO NETWORK SERVERS
If a Netware server is using IPX/SPX protocol, you may need to force your frame type to match the server’s frame type. Check with your network administrator.
STOPS RESPONDING AFTER BOOTING
Check whether you have a TCP/IP network with no DHCP server. This can cause a long delay at startup because DHCP is enabled. Contact your network administrator to determine the proper TCP/IP configuration.
FILE TRANSFER ARE UNUSUALLY SLOW OR PRODUCE TIMEOUT ERRORS
Connect the AC adapter.
Use the BIOS configuration utility to set I/O Performance to Max I/O Performance—see “Using the BIOS Configuration Utility” on page 26. (Note: this significantly reduces the battery’s operating time.)
MESSAGE SAYS YOU’RE OUT OF MEMORY
Make sure drive C is not running low on free space.
Use the memory troubleshooter in Windows Help and Support.
If you are having memory problems running MS-DOS programs, use the application and software problems troubleshooter in Windows Help and Support.  Not all third-party memory cards have been tested for use with your notebook. Check the HP Notebook web site (www.hp.com/notebooks) for a list of approved and tested memory cards.  Test the notebook’s memory with the e-DiagTools diagnostics—see “Using the e-Diagtools Diagnostic Tests”
MEMORY DOESN’T INCREASE AFTER ADDING RAM
Make sure all SDRAM modules are installed properly.
Test the notebook’s memory with the e-DiagTools diagnostics—see “Using the e-Diagtools Diagnostic Tests”
NOTEBOOK WON’T BOOT-UP AFTER ADDING RAM
Make sure your notebook is using only recommended SDRAM modules, or it will not boot up. (You will also see an error message.)
MODEM SEEMS SLOW
Try another telephone line, preferably one normally used for a fax machine or modem.
Eliminate extra connections in the line. If possible, connect directly to the wall jack.
Check for excess static or noise on the line, which reduces the overall transmission speed. If necessary, contact your telephone company about fixing this type of problem. (If you’re dialing internationally, line noise can be difficult to eliminate.)
If you have call-waiting, disable it—see Windows Help and Support, and contact your telephone company for information.
MODEM DOESN’T DIAL OR NO DIAL TONE
Make sure someone else isn’t using the same phone line.
Check all cables and connections.
Connect a standard telephone to the phone line and make sure the line is working.
Try another telephone line, preferably one normally used for a fax machine or modem.
If you’re in a foreign country, the dial tone may not be recognized by the modem. Click Start, Control Panel, Printers and Other Hardware, Phone and Modem Options. Select your modem on the Modems tab, then click Properties, Modem, and disable the option that waits for a dial tone.
MODEM DIALS INCORRECTLY
Make sure the number you’re calling isn’t busy.
Check the telephone number you entered, including any digits required for outside access or long distance.
In Control Panel, open Phone and Modem Options, and check the dialing options—look for duplicate digits for outside access or long distance.
If you have call-waiting, disable it—see Windows Help and Support, and contact your telephone company for information.
MODEM DIALS, BUT DOESN’T CONNECT
Make sure you’re using an analog telephone line. You must not use a digital line. In a hotel, ask for a data line.
Try another telephone line, preferably one normally used for a fax machine or modem.
The modem at the other end may have a problem. Try dialing to a different modem.
MODEM DOES NOT CONNECT AT SPECIFIED SPEED
Connection speed depends on several factors, such as the condition of the telephone line. Try connecting another time.
Make sure the host modem supports a 56K (V.90) connection speed.
MODEM DOESN’T CONNECT AT ANY SPEED
If you have a single telephone line for voice and modem use, make sure no one else is using the line and that the phone is not off the hook.
Make sure you’re using an analog telephone line. You must not use a digital line. In a hotel, ask for a data line.
Make sure the telephone line goes directly from the notebook’s modem phone jack to the telephone jack on the wall.
Try another telephone line, preferably one normally used for a fax machine or modem.
Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to see whether service is temporarily unavailable, and to make sure your settings are correct.
Restart your notebook and attempt another connection.
Download the latest modem driver from the technical support area of the HP notebook web site www.hp.com/notebooks.
Run the modem diagnostics:
1. Click Start, Control Panel, Printers and Other Hardware, Phone and Modem Options.
2. Click the Modems tab, and select the modem you want to test.
3. Click Properties, Diagnostics, Query Modem.
MODEM ISN’T DETECTED.
Check the modem setup: click Start, Control Panel, Printers and Other Hardware, Phone and Modem Options.
Click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System. On the Hardware tab, open the Device Manager. If the modem is disabled, try to enable it. If it has a conflict, try disabling another device.
If you’re running fax software using fax Class 2, try using Class 1.
MODEM DIALS; BUT CAN’T HEAR IT
Check the speaker volume setting and mute setting.
Click Start, Control Panel, Printers and Other Hardware, Phone and Modem Options. Select the modem, click Properties, then check the volume setting on the Modem tab.
TRANSFER DATA IS BAD
Click Start, Control Panel, Printers and Other Hardware, Phone and Modem Options. Make sure the hardware settings match on the sending and receiving modems.
MODEM CAUSES ERROR MESSAGE
A string of AT commands may contain an incorrect command. If you entered commands as extra settings for the modem in Control Panel or in your communications software, check the commands.
MODEM DOESN’T FAX
If you’re using fax Class 2 in the fax software, try using Class 1.
Close any other communications programs.
If you’re faxing by printing from an application, make sure you’ve selected the fax printer.
Try turning off power management features temporarily.
MODEM CLICKS REPETEDELY; BUT DOESN’T CONNECT
Make sure you’re using an analog telephone line. You must not use a digital line. In a hotel, ask for a data line.
Check all cables and connections.
TOUCH-BUTTONS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY
Make sure the items associated with the buttons are the ones you want.
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY DOESN’T APPEAR WHEN PRESSING A ONE-TOUCH BUTTON
Make sure the Onscreen Display is enabled.
USB MOUSE DOESN’T WORK PROPERLY
Make sure the mouse is securely connected to the USB port.
Put the notebook on standby, then resume.
Restart the notebook.
Check the mouse settings: click Start, Control Panel, Printers and Other Hardware, Mouse.
Make sure you followed the manufacturer’s installation instructions completely and have installed the mouse properly. If not, repeat the procedure.
Check the port settings in Control Panel: click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System. On the Hardware tab, open the Device Manager, and double-click Ports (COM & LPT).
USB MODEM DOESN’T WORK PROPERLY
Make sure the modem is securely connected to the USB port.
Use the modem troubleshooter (under Networking problems) in Windows Help and Support.
Check the modem settings: click Start, Control Panel, Printers and Other Hardware, Phone and Modem Options.
Disable the notebook’s internal modem:
1 Click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System.
2 On the Hardware tab, open the Device Manager.
3 Double-click Modem, and then double-click the internal modem.
4 Select the option to disable the modem.
Check the port settings: click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System. On the hardware tab, open the Device Manager, then double-click Universal Serial Bus controllers.
PARALLEL PORT DOES NOT WORKS
Make sure the port connection is secure.
Check the port settings in Control Panel: click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System. On the Hardware tab, open the Device Manager, and double-click Ports (COM & LPT).
Test the ports with the e-DiagTools diagnostics.
USB PORT NOT WORKS
Contact the vendor of the peripheral device and check the HP Notebook web site (www.hp.com/notebooks) for the latest versions of the USB drivers and the driver for the device.
Check the port settings in Control Panel: click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System. On the Hardware tab, open the Device Manager, and double-click Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Test the USB port with the e-DiagTools diagnostics— see “Using the e-Diagtools Diagnostic Tests”
DOESN’T RECOGNIZE A PC CARD
Make sure the card is fully inserted in the bottom slot.
Remove and reinsert the PC card.
Restart the notebook.
Check the HP Business Support web site (www.hp.com/go/bizsupport) for information about installing certain PC cards.
Make sure your notebook supports the PC card: check the HP Notebook web site (www.hp.com/notebooks) for a list of approved and tested PC cards.
Try the card in another computer to see whether the card functions properly.
If the card requires an IRQ, make sure one is available. If necessary, set the IRQ to an unused value: click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System. On the Hardware tab, open the Device Manager, then view resources by type.
Test the PC card with the e-DiagTools diagnostics— see “Using the e-Diagtools Diagnostic Tests”
I/O CARD STOPS COMMUNICATING
The card may have been reset if your notebook went on standby or into hibernation, or turned off.
Exit any applications, then remove and reinsert the card.
PC CARD MODEM IS NOT WORKING
Disable the internal modem:
1. Click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System.
2. On the Hardware tab, open the Device Manager.
3. Double-click Modem, then double-click the internal modem.
4. Select the option to disable the modem.
FILE TRANSFER THROUGH PC CARD ARE SLOW OR PRODUCE TIME-OUT ERRORS
Connect the AC adapter.
Use the BIOS configuration utility to set I/O Performance to Max I/O Performance—see “Using the BIOS Configuration Utility” on page 26. (Note: this significantly reduces the battery’s operating time.)
NOTEBOOK PAUSES
This may be normal Windows behavior. Certain background operations (such as a virus-scanning program) can affect can affect response time.
Some file browsers respond slowly while processing graphics or waiting for broken network connections to time out.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to see if an application is not responding.
Restart the notebook.
If the notebook’s hard disk drive frequently runs (as indicated by the hard drive light on the front of the notebook) while the notebook appears to be paused or running slowly, Windows is likely spending excess time writing to its swap file on the notebook’s hard disk. Consider installing additional memory.
Check the amount of available free disk space. Delete temporary and unneeded files.
NOTEBOOK STOPS RESPONDING
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to end any application that is not responding.
Reset the notebook
TURNS OFF IMMEDIATELY AFTER TURNED ON
Battery power is probably extremely low. Connect the AC adapter or insert a newly charged battery.
NOTEBOOK KEEPS BEEPING
The notebook beeps repeatedly when the battery is low (you can set this option in Power Options in Control Panel). Save your work immediately, turn off the notebook immediately, and insert a charged battery or connect the AC adapter.
DOESN’T GO STANDBY AS EXPECTED
If you have a connection to another computer, your notebook won’t go on standby if the connection is active.
If the notebook is performing an operation, it normally won’t go on standby until the operation is complete.
DOESN’T AUTOMATICALLY HIBERNATE
Make sure hibernate support is enabled: click Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, Power Options, then click the Hibernate tab.
Check the Power Schemes tab to make sure the hibernation timeouts for AC power and battery power are not set to Never.
BATTERY DOESN’T CHARGE
Make sure the AC adapter is securely connected to the power source and the notebook, and that the light on the adapter is on.
If you're using a power strip, remove the AC adapter from the power strip and plug it directly into a wall outlet.
Make sure the battery is properly installed and locked in place.
Move the notebook away from any nearby heat source. Unplug the AC adapter and allow the battery to cool down. If the battery gets too hot, it will not charge properly.
If available, try another battery and AC adapter.
HAS SHORT OPERATING TIME
If you are running an application that has an automatic save feature (such as Microsoft Word), disable this feature or increase the specified save time to reduce hard disk access.
If the operating time has gradually become shorter and the battery is more than a year or two old, you may need to replace the battery.
Heavy modem use or PC card use can affect battery operating time.
Use the BIOS configuration utility to make sure I/O Performance is set to Max Battery Life—see “Using the BIOS Configuration Utility”
The battery gauge may need to be calibrated. Restart the notebook, press F6 when the HP logo appears, and follow the instructions that appear onscreen. This process calibrates the battery, and requires four to five hours to complete. You cannot use the notebook during this time.
TIME REMAINING FOR BATTERY IS NOT CORRECT
The Time Remaining is an estimate based on the rate at which the notebook is using power at that instant. So, if you check the Time Remaining while the notebook is using a good deal of power (such as when reading from a CD or DVD), the value will likely show less time remaining than you really have, since you will probably later switch to tasks that require less power.
DOESN’T RESPOND WHEN YOU TURN IT ON
Don’t use the touch pad while the notebook is starting up or resuming from standby or hibernation.
Connect the AC adapter.
Reset the notebook by using a pin or straightened paper clip to press the system-off switch on the bottom of the notebook. Then press the power button to turn the notebook on.
If the notebook still doesn’t respond, remove the battery and AC adapter, and remove any PC card. Then reset the notebook using the system-off switch on the bottom of the notebook, replace the battery and connect the AC adapter, and turn on the notebook by pressing the power button.
e-DIAGTOOLS DIAGNOSTIC
The e-Diagtools hardware diagnostic program included with your notebook provides two levels of testing: automated testing using its basic hardware test, and advanced testing using individual hardware tests.
The tests are designed to run after the system reboots. This ensures that the notebook will be in a predictable state, so the diagnostic program can properly test the hardware components. The tests are non-destructive and are intended to preserve the state of the notebook. The notebook reboots when you exit the program so drivers can be loaded.
1 Restart the notebook: click Start, Turn Off Computer, Restart.
2 When the HP logo appears, press F10 to start the diagnostic test.
3 When the menu appears, press Enter to run e-Diagtools.
The first time you run the program, you are prompted to select the language for the program.
4 Follow the prompts to run e-Diagtools.
5 When the Configuration Description appears, verify the list of detected hardware.
6Press F2 to start the basic hardware test. The results appear when the test is complete.
7 If you intend to exit without running the advanced tests, press F4 and then F7 to view the Support Ticket. Press Esc and then F3 to exit.
8 OPTIONAL:  Run the advanced tests. 
Press F2 to open the advanced test screen.
9 Select and run the appropriate tests. Tests are listed only for detected hardware. Press the following keys to run tests:
     Enter > runs the highlighted test
     F5 or Space > marks or unmark the highlighted test
     F6 > marks or unmark all test in the current menu
     F7 > marks or unmark all tests in all menus
     F10 > Runs all marked tests
10 Save the support ticket: Press T to update and display a Support Ticket containing system and test information. Press Esc to exit.
11 When you are finished running tests, press Esc to exit the advanced tests.
12 Optional: To save the Support Ticket to a floppy disk, press F7, then Alt+C.
13 Exit: Press F3 and then any key to exit and reboot.
14 Optional: Open support ticket: In Windows, click Start, All Programs, HP e-DiagTools, e-DiagTools for Windows.

To save or print the Support Ticket, click Save As or Print.
To e-mail the Support Ticket to your support agent, click e-Mail. The first time you make an email connection from this program, click Change Settings in the Connect window and enter the settings recommended by your support agent.
e-DiagTools for Windows can also update the version of e-Diagtools on your notebook’s hard disk. In e-DiagTools for Windows, use the e-Diagtools menu.
If you have trouble running e-Diagtools from the hard disk, you can also run it from the recovery CDs­. Boot from disk 1 and select the diagnostics option.
USING THE BIOS CONFIGURATION UTILITY
The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) configuration utility enables you to change the notebook’s system configuration, and to tailor the operation of your notebook to your individual work needs.
1. Restart the notebook: click Start, Turn off Computer, Restart.
2. When the HP logo appears, press F2 to enter the BIOS configuration utility.
3. The pointing devices are not active in the BIOS configuration utility, so you will need to use the keyboard to navigate:
Press the left and right arrow keys to move among menus.
Press the up and down arrow keys to move among parameters in a menu.
Press Enter to open the dialog for the current parameter, or to select the parameter.
Press Tab or the left and right arrow keys to move among selections in a dialog.
Press the up and down arrow keys to move through values for the setting.
Press Enter to close the dialog and accept the settings.
4. When you finish making changes, press F10 (or select Exit, Save and Reboot).
5. Press Enter to confirm and restart the notebook.
The following tables describe the settings for the notebook’s initial BIOS release. If your notebook’s BIOS version is different, some settings may differ from those shown, or may be absent.
RECOVERING THE FACTORY SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
You can use the recovery CD­ to reinstall the original factory software on your notebook’s hard disk. You can also use the same process to create a larger Utility partition on your hard disk, or to create a Utility partition on a new hard disk. The hidden Utility partition contains the e-Diagtools diagnostic tests and stores hibernation data for operating systems that don’t provide hibernation.
{CAUTION:  This procedure formats the notebook’s hard disk dirive and erases all the data on the disk.  After the hard disk is formatted, you’ll need to re-install your applications.  DO NOT interrupt the following process or unplug the AC adapter until the process is complete.}
Important:
1.If possible, back up all data from the notebook’s hard disk. The following steps delete all data from the disk.
2. Connect the AC adapter to the notebook.
3. Insert the recovery CD (disk 1) into the notebook’s CD/DVD drive. If the notebook is turned offô
use a pin or straightened paper clip to press the release switch on the drive door to open it.
4. Turn on or restart the notebook. If the notebook is on, click Start, Turn Off Computer, Restart.
5. When the HP logo appears, press Esc to display the Boot menu.
6. Use the arrow keys to select the CD-ROM/DVD drive as the boot device, and press Enter.
7. When the recovery CD dialog box appears, follow the displayed instructions. If prompted, accept the recommended partition size. If you install the factory software, the recovery process can take up to 15 minutes.  If you want to create the Utility partition without installing the factory software, click Advanced and select not to install the operating system.  If your hard disk is partitioned into several drives, you can install the factory software on drive C without affecting other drives. Click Advanced and select to restore only the C partition.
8. Important:  When prompted to reboot the notebook, press Ctrl+Alt+Del and follow any instructions that appear.
UPDATING THE NOTEBOOK BIOS
Because a BIOS update replaces the previous version, you must follow these instructions exactly, or you risk damaging your notebook.  The BIOS update process reset the settings in bios configuration utility.
In Windows, exit any programs that are running.
Remove any PC card.
Connect the AC adapter.
Connect any cables or equipment needed to connect to the internet.
Click start, all programs, HP e-DiagTools for Windows.
Click Update, select Download New and click OK.  Follow the instructions appear.  Once the update process begins, do not interrupt it.  The first time you make an internet connection from this program, click change settings in the connect window to define your connection settings.
When the process is completed, reset the notebook; as described here above.  BIOS updates are also available from HP business upport website.  Installation utilities and instructions are provides with the updates.
UPDATING WINDOWS DRIVERS
From time to time, HP releases updated versions of the drivers for your notebook.  These updates are intended to fix any problems that could be encountered in the drivers, and to keep your notebook running smoothly.  In addition, HP normally provides drivers for other versions of Microsoft Windows, in case you decide to install a different version of Windows.
                                                                Gopakumar Gopalan Google