Maintaining your computer. HP Pavilion TouchSmart 14-n000 Ultrabook, Pavilion TouchSmart 14-n100 Notebook PC series, Pavilion TouchSmart 14-n000 Notebook PC series, Pavilion 14-n200 TouchSmart Ultrabook, Pavilion 14-n100 Notebook PC series, Pavilion 14-n200 TouchSmart Notebook PC series, Pavilion 14-n000 Notebook PC series, PAVILION TOUCHSMART 14-N053EF, Pavilion Touch 14-n000 Ultrabook, Pavilion Touch 14-n200 Notebook PC series

7 Maintaining your computer

It is important to perform regular maintenance to keep your computer in optimal condition. This chapter provides information about improving the performance of your computer by running tools such as Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup. It also provides information about updating your programs and drivers, instructions for cleaning your computer, and tips for traveling with your computer.

Improving performance

Everyone wants a fast computer and by performing regular maintenance tasks, using tools such as

Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup, you can drastically improve the performance of your computer.

Also, as your computer gets older, you might consider adding more memory.

Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only)

HP 3D DriveGuard protects a hard drive by parking the drive and halting data 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 3D DriveGuard returns the hard drive to normal operation.

NOTE: Because solid state drives (SSDs) lack moving parts, they do not require HP 3D DriveGuard protection.

NOTE: A hard drive in a primary hard drive bay is protected by HP 3D DriveGuard. A hard drive installed in an optional docking devices or connected to a USB port is not protected by HP 3D

DriveGuard.

For more information, see the HP 3D DriveGuard software Help.

Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status

The hard drive light on the computer changes color to show that the drive in a primary hard drive bay is parked. To determine whether a drive is currently protected or whether it is parked, view the icon on the Windows desktop in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, or in the Mobility

Center:

●

If the software is actively protecting the drive, a green check mark is superimposed over the icon.

●

If the software has been disabled, a no symbol is superimposed over the icon.

●

If the software has parked the drive due to a shock event, an orange cone is superimposed over the icon.

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Using Disk Defragmenter

As you use your computer over time, the files on the hard drive become fragmented. A fragmented drive means data on your drive is not contiguous (sequential) and, because of this, the hard drive works harder to locate files, thus slowing down the computer. Disk Defragmenter consolidates (or physically reorganizes) the fragmented files and folders on the hard drive so that the system can run more efficiently.

NOTE: It is not necessary to run Disk Defragmenter on solid-state drives.

After you start Disk Defragmenter, it works without supervision. However, depending on the size of your hard drive and the number of fragmented files, Disk Defragmenter may take more than an hour to complete.

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.

Connect the computer to AC power.

2.

From the Start screen, type d, and then type disk in the search box. Select Settings, and then select Defragment and optimize your drives.

3.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

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 run more efficiently.

To run Disk Cleanup:

1.

From the Start screen, type d, and then type disk in the search box. Select Settings, and then select Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files.

2.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

Improving performance 49

Adding or replacing memory modules

Adding memory can help improve your computer's performance. Your computer is like your physical work area. The hard drive is the filing cabinet where you store your work and the memory is the desk where you work. When your memory isn’t big enough to hold all your work easily, like a desk overflowing with work, your productivity slows down. A great solution to improve performance is to expand the amount of memory you have in your computer.

The computer has two memory module slots. The memory module slots are located on the bottom of the computer under the service door. The memory capacity of the computer can be upgraded by adding a memory module or replacing the existing memory module in one of the memory module slots.

WARNING!

To reduce the risk of electric shock and damage to the equipment, unplug the power cord and remove all batteries before installing a memory module.

CAUTION: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage electronic components. Before beginning any procedure, ensure that you are discharged of static electricity by touching a grounded metal object.

NOTE: If you are adding or replacing the memory module in your computer with a single memory module, insert the memory module into the slot further away from the system board.

NOTE: To use a dual-channel configuration with a second memory module, be sure that both memory modules are identical.

To add or replace a memory module:

CAUTION: To prevent information loss or an unresponsive system:

Shut down the computer before adding or replacing memory modules. Do not remove a memory module while the computer is on, in the Sleep state, on in Hibernation.

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.

1.

Save your work and shut down the computer.

2.

Disconnect all external devices connected to the computer.

3.

Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.

4.

Turn the computer upside down on a flat surface.

5.

Remove the battery from the computer (see Removing a user-replaceable battery on page 42

).

6.

Remove the service door from the computer.

7.

If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing memory module: a.

Pull away the retention clips (1) on each side of the memory module.

The memory module tilts up.

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b.

Grasp the edge of the memory module (2), and then gently pull the module out of the memory module slot.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edges only. Do not touch the components on the memory module.

NOTE: To protect a memory module after removal, place it in an electrostatic-safe container.

8.

Insert a new memory module:

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edges only. Do not touch the components on the memory module.

a.

Align the notched edge (1) of the memory module with the tab in the memory module slot.

b.

With the memory module at a 45-degree angle from the surface of the memory module compartment, press the module into the memory module slot (2) until it is seated.

c.

Gently press the memory module (3) down, applying pressure to both the left and right edges of the module, until the retention clips snap into place.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, be sure that you do not bend the module.

Improving performance 51

9.

Replace the service door.

10.

Replace the battery.

11.

Turn the computer right-side up, and then reconnect external power and external devices.

12.

Turn on the computer.

Updating programs and drivers

HP recommends that you update your programs and drivers on a regular basis to the latest versions.

Updates can resolve issues and bring new features and options to your computer. Technology is always changing, and updating programs and drivers allows your computer to run the latest technology available. For example, older graphics components might not work well with the most recent gaming software. Without the latest driver, you would not be getting the most out of your equipment.

Go to http://www.hp.com/support to download the latest versions of HP programs and drivers. In addition, register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available.

Cleaning your computer

Use the following products to safely clean your computer:

● Dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride 0.3 percent maximum concentration (For example:

Disposable wipes, which come in a variety of brand names.)

● Alcohol-free glass cleaning fluid

● Water with mild soap solution

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● Dry microfiber cleaning cloth or a chamois (static-free cloth without oil)

● Static-free cloth wipes

CAUTION: Avoid strong cleaning solvents that can permanently damage your computer. If you are not sure that a cleaning product is safe for your computer, check the product contents to make sure that ingredients such as alcohol, acetone, ammonium chloride, methylene chloride, and hydrocarbons are not included in the product.

Fibrous materials, such as paper towels, can scratch the computer. Over time, dirt particles and cleaning agents can get trapped in the scratches.

Cleaning procedures

Follow the procedures in this section to safely clean your computer.

WARNING!

To prevent electric shock or damage to components, do not attempt to clean your computer while it is turned on.

Turn off the computer.

Disconnect external power.

Disconnect all powered external devices.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to internal components, do not spray cleaning agents or liquids directly on any computer surface. Liquids dripped on the surface can permanently damage internal components.

Cleaning the display (All-in-Ones or Notebooks)

Gently wipe the display using a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with an alcohol-free glass cleaner. Be sure that the display is dry before closing the display.

Cleaning the sides or cover

To clean the sides or cover, use a soft microfiber cloth or chamois moistened with one of the cleaning solutions listed previously or use an acceptable disposable wipe.

NOTE: When cleaning the cover of the computer, use a circular motion to aid in removing dirt and debris.

Cleaning the TouchPad, keyboard, or mouse

WARNING!

To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to internal components, do not use a vacuum cleaner attachment to clean the keyboard. A vacuum cleaner can deposit household debris on the keyboard surface.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to internal components, do not allow liquids to drip between the keys.

● To clean the TouchPad, keyboard, or mouse, use a soft microfiber cloth or a chamois moistened with one of the cleaning solutions listed previously or use an acceptable disposable wipe.

● To prevent keys from sticking and to remove dust, lint, and particles from the keyboard, use a can of compressed air with a straw extension.

Cleaning your computer 53

Traveling with or shipping your computer

If you have to travel with or ship your computer, here are some tips to keep in mind to keep your equipment safe.

● Prepare the computer for traveling or shipping:

◦ Back up your information to an external drive.

◦ Remove all discs and all external media cards, such as memory cards, from the computer.

◦ Turn off, and then disconnect all external devices.

◦ Shut down the computer.

● Take along a backup of your information. Keep the backup separate from the computer.

● When traveling by air, carry the computer as hand luggage; do not check it in with the rest of your luggage.

CAUTION: Avoid exposing a drive to magnetic fields. Security devices with magnetic fields include airport walk-through devices and security wands. Airport conveyer belts and similar security devices that check carry-on baggage use X-rays instead of magnetism and do not damage drives.

● If you plan to use the computer during a flight, listen for the in-flight announcement that tells you when you are allowed to use your computer. In-flight computer use is at the discretion of the airline.

● If you are shipping the computer or a drive, use suitable protective packaging and label the package “FRAGILE.”

● If the computer has a wireless device installed, the use of these devices may be restricted in some environments. Such restrictions may apply onboard aircraft, in hospitals, near explosives, and in hazardous locations. If you are uncertain of the policy that applies to the use of a particular device, ask for authorization to use your computer before you turn it on.

● If you are traveling internationally, follow these suggestions:

◦ Check the computer-related customs regulations for each country or region on your itinerary.

◦ Check the power cord and adapter requirements for each location in which you plan to use the computer. Voltage, frequency, and plug configurations vary.

WARNING!

To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not attempt to power the computer with a voltage converter kit sold for appliances.

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