HP LQ174AW, WX557AV Updating the Bios, Determining the Bios version, Downloading a Bios update

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Updating the BIOS

Updated versions of the BIOS may be available on the HP Web site.

Most BIOS updates on the HP Web site are packaged in compressed files called SoftPaqs.

Some download packages contain a file named Readme.txt, which contains information regarding installing and troubleshooting the file.

Determining the BIOS version

To determine whether available BIOS updates contain later BIOS versions than those currently installed on the computer, you need to know the version of the system BIOS currently installed.

BIOS version information (also known as ROM date and System BIOS) can be displayed by pressing fn+esc (if you are already in Windows) or by using Computer Setup.

1.Start Computer Setup.

2.Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select File > System Information.

3.To exit Computer Setup without saving your changes, click the Exit icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

– or –

Use the tab key and the arrow keys to select File > Ignore Changes and Exit, and then press enter.

Downloading a BIOS update

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the computer or an unsuccessful installation, download and install a BIOS update only when the computer is connected to reliable external power using the AC adapter. Do not download or install a BIOS update while the computer is running on battery power, docked in an optional docking device, or connected to an optional power source. During the download and installation, follow these instructions:

Do not disconnect power from the computer by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet.

Do not shut down the computer or initiate Sleep or Hibernation.

Do not insert, remove, connect, or disconnect any device, cable, or cord.

1.Select Start > Help and Support > Maintain.

2.Follow the on-screen instructions to identify your computer and access the BIOS update you want to download.

3.At the download area, follow these steps:

a.Identify the BIOS update that is later than the BIOS version currently installed on your computer. Make a note of the date, name, or other identifier. You may need this information to locate the update later, after it has been downloaded to your hard drive.

b.Follow the on-screen instructions to download your selection to the hard drive.

Make a note of the path to the location on your hard drive where the BIOS update is downloaded. You will need to access this path when you are ready to install the update.

Using Computer Setup 75

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Contents HP Notebook Product notice Safety warning notice Iv Safety warning notice Table of contents VGA Hdmi External cards and devices Cleaning your computer Cleaning products Viii Computer Setup Bios and System Diagnostics Page Finding more information about your new computer IntroductionIdentifying wireless and network status icons Creating a wireless connectionNetworking select models only WindowsWindows Vista Using HP Connection Manager select models only Turning wireless devices on or offUsing operating system controls Click Start All Programs HP HP Connection ManagerConnecting to an existing Wlan Using a WlanSelect Start Connect to Protecting your Wlan Setting up a new WlanRoaming to another network Inserting a SIM Using HP Mobile Broadband select models onlyUsing Bluetooth wireless devices Using GPS select models onlyBluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing ICS Removing a SIMUsing a modem select models only Connecting to a wired networkConnecting a modem cable Page Selecting a location setting Connecting a country- or region-specific modem cable adapterWindows Select Start Device and Printers Adding new locations when travelingConnecting to a local area network LAN select models only Page Multimedia Using the media activity controlsAudio Select Start All Programs Accessories Sound Recorder Adjusting the volumeChecking audio functions on the computer Select Start Control Panel Hardware and Sound SoundSelect Start All Programs Accessories Sound Recorder Webcam select models only VGA VideoHdmi Configuring audio for HdmiIntel Wireless Display select models only Shutting down the computer Power managementWindows 7-SelectStart Shut down Using power-saving states Setting power optionsInitiating and exiting Sleep Initiating and exiting HibernationUsing power plans Using the power meterViewing the current power plan Selecting a different power planCustomizing power plans Setting password protection on wakeupClick Require a password recommended Click Save changes Using battery power Using Power Assistant select models onlyFinding additional battery information Select Start All Programs HP HP Power AssistantDisplaying the remaining battery charge Using Battery CheckMaximizing battery discharge time Managing low battery levelsResolving a low battery level Conserving battery powerStoring a battery Using external AC powerDisposing of a used battery Replacing the batteryPage Testing an AC adapter Switching between graphics modes select models onlyExternal cards and devices Using Media Card Reader cards select models onlyInserting a digital card Removing a digital card Using PC Cards select models onlyConfiguring a PC Card Inserting a PC Card Configuring an ExpressCard Using ExpressCards select models onlyRemoving a PC Card Inserting an ExpressCard Removing an ExpressCard Using smart cards select models onlyInserting a smart card Using a USB deviceRemoving a smart card Connecting a USB device Using 1394 devices select models onlyRemoving a USB device Connecting a 1394 device Using an eSATA device select models onlyRemoving a 1394 device Removing an eSATA device Connecting an eSATA deviceUsing optional external devices Using a serial device select models onlyUsing optional external drives Using the docking connector select models only Using the expansion port select models onlyExternal cards and devices Handling drives DrivesUsing Disk Defragmenter Using hard drivesUsing Disk Cleanup Improving hard drive performanceManaging power with a parked hard drive Using HP 3D DriveGuard select models onlyIdentifying HP 3D DriveGuard status Identifying the installed optical drive Using optical drives select models onlyUsing HP 3D DriveGuard software Inserting an optical discSlot load Removing an optical discWhen the disc tray opens normally Slot load Sharing optical drives Using RAID select models onlyProtecting the computer SecuritySetting passwords in Windows Using passwordsManaging a Bios administrator password Setting passwords in Computer SetupSetting a new Bios administrator password Changing a Bios administrator passwordEntering a Bios administrator password Managing a Computer Setup DriveLock passwordDeleting a Bios administrator password Setting a DriveLock password Changing a DriveLock password Entering a DriveLock passwordRemoving DriveLock protection Entering an Automatic DriveLock password Using Computer Setup Auto DriveLockRemoving Automatic DriveLock protection Page Using antivirus software Using firewall software Installing critical security updates Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager select models only Installing an optional security cable Locating the fingerprint reader Using the fingerprint reader select models onlyMaintenance Cleaning products Cleaning your computerCleaning procedures Cleaning the displayCleaning a tablet PC pen and pen holder Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboardUpdating programs and drivers Using SoftPaq Download Manager Using Computer Setup Computer Setup Bios and System DiagnosticsStarting Computer Setup Navigating and selecting in Computer SetupRestoring factory settings in Computer Setup Determining the Bios version Updating the BiosDownloading a Bios update Select Start Help and Support MaintainUsing System Diagnostics About the boot device order MultiBootEnabling boot devices in Computer Setup Considering boot order changes Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup Choosing MultiBoot preferencesDynamically choosing a boot device using the F9 prompt Entering MultiBoot Express preferences Setting a MultiBoot Express promptConfiguring and deploying a software image Using Client Management SolutionsManagement HP Client Manager for Altiris select models only Managing and updating softwarePage HP SSM System Software Manager HP CCM Client Configuration Manager select models onlyUsing Intel Active Management Technology select models only Using the MEBx setup utility menus Enabling the iAMT solutionIntel ME Configuration IAMT ConfigurationChange Intel ME Password Traveling with the computer Page Troubleshooting resources Electrostatic Discharge Index Symbols/NumericsKeys SIM
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