Frequently Asked Questions for the HP Pavilion, Media Center and Compaq Presario Desktop PCs

Frequently Asked Questions for the HP Pavilion, Media Center and Compaq Presario Desktop PCs

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In this document:
1.- Identify your HP Desktop PC model

2.- Get software and drivers for your HP Desktop PC

3.- Create your own Recovery CDs

4.- Perform a system recovery

5.- Update your Windows operating system

6.- Troubleshoot your HP Desktop PC

8.- Viruses/Worms, Spyware, Adware and Browser Hijacking software information

9.- Windows Vista, XP Service Pack 2 and Internet Explorer information

10.- LightScribe, Bluetooth and Wireless information

11.- Cleaning and maintenance



Last updated: Jun 29th 2007

1.- Identify your HP Desktop PC model
Model information


Products manufactured before 2007
The label containing the model information is located on the back part of the CPU.

Products manufactured in 2007 and on
Media Center: The label containing the model information is located on the CPU right side top right corner.

Pavilion and Presario: The label containing the model information is located on the CPU left side top right corner.

Pavilion Slimline: The label containing the model information is located on the CPU right side center.

Windows operating systems
While holding the Ctrl and Alt keys, press the S key.

The Compaq Technical Support Information window will also display the model information.

Documentation
How do I find the model number?




2.- Get software and drivers for your HP Desktop PC
Documentation


Obtaining software and drivers




3.- Create your own Recovery CDs
Documentation


Creating Recovery Disc set in Windows XP


Creating Recovery Disc set in Windows Vista




4.- Perform a system recovery
Documentation


Performing an HP System Recovery in Windows XP


Performing an HP System Recovery in Windows Vista




5.- Update your Windows operating system
Documentation


HP documentation

Can I upgrade my Windows 95, 98 or 98SE operating system to XP?

Updating drivers and software with Windows update


Microsoft documentation

Windows update FAQs

Configure and use automatic updates

Error message received when searching for available updates on the Windows Update Web site or on the Microsoft Update Web site





6.- Troubleshoot your HP Desktop PC
Documentation

CD/DVD drive
CD or DVD drive is not detected in Windows 98, Me, or XP

Drive cannot write to writable discs

Power
Troubleshooting power supply issues

Resolving startup problems in Windows 98, ME, and XP

Sound
Resolving sound problems in Windows 98, ME, and XP

Modem and Internet
Problems Connecting to the Internet: Dial-up modem troubleshooting in Windows 95, 98, ME, and XP

Memory cards readers
Using and troubleshooting memory card readers

Monitor or video card
Monitor or video card troubleshooting, tips and information

Media Centers and TV
HP Media Center PCs - FAQs

Wireless keyboards and mice
Troubleshooting wireless keyboards and optical mice

Wireless mouse is slow to respond

BIOS
BIOS setup utility information and menu options

Updating the BIOS

USB
USB device troubleshooting in Windows 98, ME, and XP

Troubleshooting USB connections in Windows Vista




8.- Viruses/Worms, Spyware, Adware and Browser Hijacking software information
General documentation

Resolving and preventing viruses on your computer

How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows XP

Microsoft Windows update site



NOTE: One or more of the links above will take you outside the Hewlett-Packard Web site. Hewlett-Packard does not control and is not responsible for information outside of the HP Web site.



Sasser


Sasser Worm-Virus or its variants cause the computer to shutdown with an "LSA Shell" error message



W32.MyDoom or W32.Novarg

The worm enters the system by means of an e-mail. The e-mail itself uses a random sender and subject.

If the mail is opened, messages such as The message cannot be represented in 7-bit ASCII encoding and has been sent as a binary attachment or Mail transaction failed. Partial message is available may be displayed.

An attachment is often included in the mail. The icon of this attachment may appear to look like an innocent text file icon while the file type itself may be unknown to the computer.

If the email is opened, the worm will be activated and the notepad application will display random characters.

At the slightest suspicion of having your system infected with this virus, HP recommends to download the following program from Symantec®: FxNovarg.exe .

If you want prior information on how to use FxNovarg.exe first, click on the following link, W32.Mydoom@mm removal tool



NOTE: One or more of the links above will take you outside the Hewlett-Packard Web site. Hewlett-Packard does not control and is not responsible for information outside of the HP Web site.



Spyware, Adware and Browser Hijacking Software

Spyware, Adware, and Browser Hijacking Software




9.- Windows Vista, XP Service Pack 2 and Internet Explorer information
Documentation


Windows XP versus Vista FAQ

HP and Windows Vista


Important information from HP about Windows XP Service Pack 2


Resolving Internet Explorer issues




10.- LightScribe, Bluetooth and Wireless information
Documentation


LightScribe - FAQs


Set up a Bluetooth-enabled Notebook or Desktop computer


Wireless networking center




11.- Cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning
Maintenance

Cleaning your Desktop PC

Please consult your Desktop PC manual.

Increasing system performance without adding memory in Windows Vista