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8512733.book Page i Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM Contents Chapter 1: About This Reference . . . . . . . . . . . 1 About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Accessing your online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8512733.book Page ii Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM Contents Playing discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8512733.book Page iii Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Backing up files . . . . . . . . .
8512733.book Page iv Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM Contents Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . . Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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512733.book Page 2 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 1: About This Reference About this guide This guide includes information and maintenance instructions that are specific to your model of Gateway computer. Some illustrations in this guide may look different than your computer because hardware options and port locations may vary. For all other computer information, see your online User Guide. For more information For more information about your computer, visit Gateway’s Support page at www.
8512733.book Page 3 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Gateway contact information The label on the top or side of your computer contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number. Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance. Online support: Tech Support Phone: (U.S.
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8512733.book Page 7 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Component Icon Description Memory card reader or diskette drive (optional) Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other device into the memory card reader. Insert a 3.5" diskette (floppy) to read from and write to. Power button/power indicator Press this button to turn the power on or off. You can also configure the power button to operate in Standby/Resume mode or Hibernate mode.
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8512733.book Page 9 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Component Icon Description Cover release lever Pull this latch out to release the access panel. Voltage switch Make sure this switch is positioned correctly for the power in your area. Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector. Audio (line) in/side speaker jack (blue) Plug an external audio input source (such as a stereo) into this jack so you can record sound on your computer. For 5.
8512733.book Page 10 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Component Icon Description PS/2 keyboard port (purple) Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port. Telephone jack (optional) Plug your telephone into this jack.
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8512733.book Page 12 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Working safely and comfortably Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain: • Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor. • Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye level. • Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
8512733.book Page 13 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Reducing eye strain Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the screen or shine directly into your eyes. • Position the computer desk and monitor so you can avoid glare on your screen and light shining directly into your eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains on windows and by installing a glare screen filter. • Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your computer in a dark room.
8512733.book Page 14 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Sitting at your computer • Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type. • Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your back • • straight so your knees, hips, and elbows form right angles when you work. Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs. Avoid twisting your torso or neck.
8512733.book Page 15 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power to your computer during a power failure. Although you cannot run your computer for an extended period of time with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your work and shut down your computer normally. Connecting to a broadband modem or network Important Your computer has a built-in Ethernet (network) jack.
8512733.book Page 16 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Connecting a dial-up modem Warning To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line cord. Your computer may have a 56K modem that you can use with a standard telephone line to connect to the Internet or fax documents. To connect the modem: 1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack at the back of your computer.
8512733.book Page 17 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 5 To open your computer’s Start menu, click (Start). From that menu, you can run programs and search for files. For more information on using your computer’s menus, see “Using Windows” and “Customizing Windows” in your online User Guide. Waking up your computer Tip For more information about changing the power button mode, see the “Customizing Windows” chapter in your online User Guide.
8512733.book Page 18 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started To put your computer in Sleep (power-saving) mode: 1 Click (Start), then click (power). The computer saves your session and partially shuts down to save power. 2 To “wake” your computer, press a key on the keyboard. If the computer remains in Sleep mode, press the power button. To turn off your computer: • Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Shut Down.
8512733.book Page 19 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Restarting (rebooting) your computer To restart your computer: • Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Restart. Your computer turns off, then turns on again. - OR If your computer does not turn off, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off (about five seconds), then press it again to turn the computer back on.
8512733.book Page 20 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Using the keyboard Premium multimedia keyboard features The keyboard has several different types of keys and buttons. Your keyboard also has status indicators that show which keyboard feature is active.
8512733.book Page 21 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Feature Icon Description Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows Start menu. These keys can also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities like F (Find/Search), R (Run), and E (Computer). Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows. Directional keys Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, right, or left.
8512733.book Page 22 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Feature Icon Description Sleep button Press this button to activate your computer’s Sleep (power-saving) mode. Function keys Press these keys to start program actions. Each program uses different function keys for different purposes. See the program documentation to find out more about the function key actions.
8512733.book Page 23 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Standard keyboard features Function keys Windows keys Navigation keys Application key Indicators Directional keys Numeric keypad Feature Description Function keys Press these keys to start program actions. Each program uses different function keys for different purposes. See the program documentation to find out more about the function key actions.
8512733.book Page 24 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Using the mouse Scroll wheel Right button Left button The mouse is a device that controls the pointer movement on the computer screen. This illustration shows the standard mouse. As you move the mouse, the pointer (arrow) on the screen moves in the same direction. You can use the left and right buttons on the mouse to select objects on the screen.
8512733.book Page 25 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move through a document. This feature is not available in all programs. To... Do this... Move the pointer on the screen Move the mouse around. If you reach the edge of your mouse pad and need to move the mouse farther, lift the mouse and place it in the middle of the mouse pad, then continue moving the mouse. Select an object on the screen Position the pointer over the object.
8512733.book Page 26 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Using optical drives Features Your optical drive has the following basic components: Disc tray Manual eject hole Activity indicator Eject button Loading an optical disc To insert an optical disc: 1 Press the eject button on the optical disc drive. Important When you place a single-sided disc in the tray, make sure that the label side is facing up or out.
8512733.book Page 27 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Identifying optical drive types Your computer may contain one of the following drive types. Look on the front of the drive’s disc tray for one or more of the following logos: If your optical drive has this logo... Your drive type is... Use your drive for... CD Installing programs, playing audio CDs, and accessing data. CD-RW Installing programs, playing audio CDs, accessing data, and creating CDs.
8512733.book Page 28 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started If your optical drive has this logo... Your drive type is... Use your drive for... DVD-RAM/-RW Installing programs, playing audio CDs, playing DVDs, accessing data, and recording video and data to CDs and DVD-RAM, DVD-R, or DVD-RW discs.
8512733.book Page 29 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Playing a DVD A DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) is similar to a standard CD but has greater data capacity. Because of this increased capacity, full-length movies, several albums of music, or several gigabytes of data can fit on a single disc. DVDs can be played on a DVD player or a DVD drive-equipped computer. For more information about playing DVDs, see your online User Guide.
8512733.book Page 30 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Creating discs Recording to optical discs You can use the disc burning program on your computer to copy tracks from a music CD to your hard drive, copy or create data discs, create music CDs, create video DVDs, and more. For more information about creating CDs and DVDs, see your online User Guide. Creating audio and video files You can create audio and music files, either from scratch or from music CDs.
8512733.book Page 31 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Using a memory card Caution Before inserting a memory card into a slot, make sure that the slot is empty, or you could damage the card reader. To insert a memory card: 1 Insert the memory card into the appropriate memory card slot. 2 To access a file on the memory card, click (Start), then click Computer. Double-click the drive (for example, the E: drive), then double-click the file name.
8512733.book Page 32 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Using the diskette drive The optional diskette drive uses 3.5-inch diskettes (sometimes called floppy disks). Diskettes are useful for storing files or transferring files to another computer. Drive activity light Diskette slot Eject button To load a diskette: 1 Insert the diskette into the diskette drive with the label facing up or to the right.
8512733.book Page 33 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Adjusting the volume You can adjust volume using your speakers’ controls, your keyboard controls, or the Windows volume controls. You can also adjust the volume of specific sound devices in your computer. To adjust the overall volume using hardware controls: • If you are using external speakers, turn the knob on the front of the speakers. -ORUse the mute and volume control buttons on the keyboard.
8512733.book Page 34 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 4 Click Mixer. The Volume Mixer dialog box opens, where you can click and drag sliders to adjust individual devices. Tip Adjust the Windows Sounds slider to change system sounds volume independently of general volume (such as the volume used for music and game sounds). 5 Click × in the top-right corner of the window to close it.
8512733.book Page 35 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com IEEE 1394 and USB ports support plug-and-play and hot-swapping, which means that your computer will usually recognize such a device whenever you plug it into the appropriate port. When you use an IEEE 1394 or USB device for the first time, your computer will prompt you to install any software the device needs. After doing this, you can disconnect and reconnect the device at any time.
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8512733.book Page 38 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Preventing static electricity discharge Warning To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer and unplug the power cord and modem and network cables before opening the case. To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent holes of the power supply.
8512733.book Page 39 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Opening and closing the case Your computer case provides easy access to internal components. Warning To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer, then unplug the power cord and modem cable before opening the case. Important Some details of your computer, such as available ports, may differ from those shown.
8512733.book Page 40 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Removing and installing the front bezel To remove the front bezel: 1 After removing the side panel, remove the hard drive bracket by lifting it out of the chassis. 2 Set the assembly aside as far as the hard drive cables will permit. (You do not need to disconnect the cables.) 3 Push the four black plastic retainer tabs (indicated by the arrows) on the bezel to disengage them from the front of the chassis.
8512733.book Page 41 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 4 Swing the disengaged end of the bezel out until the tab at the other end of the bezel slides out of the computer. 5 To replace the bezel, slide the tab on the top of the bezel into the slot in the top of the computer, then press the bottom of the bezel against the computer until the bezel’s tabs snap into the slots.
8512733.book Page 42 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Replacing an optical or diskette drive, or a card reader To replace a drive or card reader: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Opening and closing the case” on page 39. 2 LIft the hard drive bracket out of the chassis. 3 Remove the bezel by following the instructions in “Removing and installing the front bezel” on page 40.
8512733.book Page 43 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 4 Disconnect the component cables, noting their locations and orientation. You will reconnect the cables after you install the new component. (DVD drive shown.) 5.25-inch component: - OR 3.
8512733.book Page 44 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 5 If you are removing a 5.25-inch component, pull down on the 5.25-inch bay’s release latch to the Unlock position, then slide the component forward and out of the bay. 6 If you are only replacing a 5.25-inch component, note any jumper settings on the old drive and set the jumper on the new drive to be the same, then go to Step 12. - OR If you are replacing a 3.5-inch component, lift the 5.
8512733.book Page 45 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 9 Slide the new 3.5-inch component into the bay, then push down on the release latch to move it to the Lock position. 10 Reconnect the cables on the 3.5-inch component, using the notes you took previously. 11 Replace the 5.25-inch component bay into the chassis. 12 Slide the 5.25-inch component into the bay and push up on the release latch to move it to the Lock position. 13 Reconnect the cables on the 5.
8512733.book Page 46 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Replacing the hard drive To replace the hard drive: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Opening and closing the case” on page 39, then remove the . 2 LIft the hard drive bracket out of the chassis. 3 Disconnect the drive cables, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive.
8512733.book Page 47 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 6 Slide the new drive into the drive bay, then slide the drive release latch down (toward the center of the bracket) to the Lock position. 7 Reconnect the drive cables using the notes you took previously. 8 Replace the hard drive bracket, then replace the side panel. 9 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord, then turn on your computer.
8512733.book Page 48 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Installing memory When you upgrade the computer memory, make sure that you install the correct type of memory module for your computer. Your computer uses DIMM memory. To install or replace DIMM memory: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Opening and closing the case” on page 39. 2 Remove the hard drive bracket and set it aside (as far as the hard drive cables will allow).
8512733.book Page 49 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 4 If you are removing a DIMM from the memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module and remove it. - OR If you are adding a DIMM to an empty memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module bank. 5 Align the notches on the new DIMM with the notches on the memory module bank and press the module firmly into the bank.
8512733.book Page 50 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Adding or replacing an expansion card To add or replace an expansion card: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Opening and closing the case” on page 39. 2 Remove the hard drive bracket and set it aside (as far as the hard drive cables will allow). 3 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in “Removing and installing the front bezel” on page 40.
8512733.book Page 51 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 5 Pull open the card retention lever. Card retention lever 6 If you are replacing an expansion card, remove the old card. You can slightly seesaw the card end-to-end to loosen the card, but do not bend the card sideways. Caution Do not touch the contacts on the bottom part of the expansion card. Touching the contacts can cause electrostatic damage to the card.
8512733.book Page 52 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Replacing the front fan To replace the front fan: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Opening and closing the case” on page 39. 2 Remove the hard drive bracket and set it aside (as far as the hard drive cables will allow). 3 Remove the bezel by following the instructions in “Removing and installing the front bezel” on page 40.
8512733.book Page 53 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 5 Disconnect the cables from the 5.25-inch component, noting their locations and orientation. You will reconnect the cables after you reinstall the component. (DVD drive shown.) 6 Pull the release latch down to the Unlock position on the 5.25-inch bay, then slide the component forward and out of the bay. 7 Lift the 5.25-inch component bay from the chassis to remove it. 8 Disconnect the fan cable from the system board.
8512733.book Page 54 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 9 Remove the four screws securing the fan to the fan shroud, then remove the old fan. 10 Secure the new fan to the fan shroud with the four screws you removed in the previous step. 11 Connect the new fan cable to the system board, then insert the new fan assembly into place. 12 Replace the 5.25-inch component bay into the chassis. 13 Slide the component back into the 5.
8512733.book Page 55 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Replacing the front I/O board Tools Phillips screwdriver To replace the front I/O panel: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Opening and closing the case” on page 39. 2 Remove the hard drive bracket and set it aside (as far as the hard drive cables will allow). 3 Remove the bezel by following the instructions in “Removing and installing the front bezel” on page 40. 4 Disconnect the cable from the I/O panel.
8512733.book Page 56 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 5 Remove the screw that secures the I/O panel to the computer, then remove the I/O panel from the computer. Screw 6 Position the new I/O panel on the front of the computer, then replace the screw. 7 Connect the I/O panel cable to the new I/O panel. 8 Replace the front bezel, replace the hard drive bracket, then replace the side panel.
8512733.book Page 57 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Replacing the processor Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to replace the heat sink. To replace the heat sink and processor: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Opening and closing the case” on page 39. 2 Remove the hard drive bracket and set it aside (as far as the hard drive cables will allow). 3 Remove the bezel by following the instructions in “Removing and installing the front bezel” on page 40.
8512733.book Page 58 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 4 Remove the fan assembly by squeezing it slightly (top to bottom) and pulling it away from the case. 5 Lift the 5.25-inch component bay from the chassis. 6 Disconnect the fan cable from the system board.
8512733.book Page 59 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 7 Loosen the four screws that secure the heat sink to the system board, then remove the heat sink. If the heatsink sticks to the processor, twist it slightly to release it, then try again. Screw Screw Screw Screw Cautions The heat sink has thermal paste on the bottom of the heat sink. Be careful not to damage this material when you remove the heat sink from the processor.
8512733.book Page 60 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 11 Place the new heat sink on the processor, making sure the thermal paste is aligned between the heat sink and the processor, then tighten the screws that secure the heat sink to the system board. 12 Connect the fan cable to the system board, then reinstall the fan. 13 Replace the 5.25-inch component bay into the chassis. 14 Replace the front bezel, replace the hard drive bracket, then replace the side panel.
8512733.book Page 61 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 6 Remove the hard drive bracket and set it aside (as far as the hard drive cables will allow). 7 Locate the old battery on the system board and note its orientation. You will need to install the new battery the same way. Battery release tab 8 Push the battery release tab. The battery pops out of the socket.
8512733.book Page 62 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 12 13 14 15 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord. Return your computer to the upright position. Turn on your computer and open the BIOS Setup utility. In the BIOS Setup utility, restore any settings that you wrote down previously. 16 Save all your settings and exit the BIOS Setup utility.
8512733.book Page 63 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 5 Remove the four screws that secure the power supply to the computer. Screw Screw Screw Screw 6 Slide the power supply away from the back of the computer, and remove it. 7 Install the new power supply into the case, then install the four screws to secure the power supply to the case. 8 Reconnect the power supply cables using the notes you took previously.
8512733.book Page 64 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Replacing the system board To replace the system board: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Opening and closing the case” on page 39. 2 Remove the hard drive bracket and set it aside (as far as the hard drive cables will allow). 3 Remove the bezel by following the instructions in “Removing and installing the front bezel” on page 40.
8512733.book Page 65 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 7 Pull the release latch down to the Unlock position on the 5.25-inch bay, then slide the component forward and out of the bay. 8 Lift the 5.25-inch drive bay from the chassis to remove it. 9 Disconnect the power and data cables from the system board, carefully noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new board.
8512733.book Page 66 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 12 Remove the seven system board screws. Screws Screws 13 Lift the system board up and out of the case. 14 Align the new system board on the screw holes in the case, then secure it into the case with the screws you removed previously. 15 If your replacement system board does not include a processor, go to the next step.
8512733.book Page 67 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 18 Connect the power and data cables to the new system board using the notes you took previously, or use the following graphic as a guide: IDE connector Front panel SATA connectors Front (CPU) fan Power (AUX) USB header Power (main) Chassis intrusion switch Memory card reader connector 19 Replace the 5.25-inch component bay into the chassis. 20 Slide the 5.
8512733.book Page 68 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 21 Reconnect the component cables using the notes you took previously. 22 Connect the fan cable to the system board, then reinstall the fan. 23 Reinstall any expansion cards you removed. 24 Replace the front bezel, replace the hard drive bracket, then replace the side panel.
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8512733.book Page 70 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Setting up a maintenance schedule Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule.
8512733.book Page 71 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Caring for your computer To extend the life of your computer: • Be careful not to bump or drop your computer, and do not put any objects on top of it. The case, although strong, is not made to support extra weight. • When transporting your computer, we recommend that you put it in the original packaging materials. • Keep your computer away from magnetic fields. Magnetic fields can erase data on hard drives.
8512733.book Page 72 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning your computer Keeping your computer clean and the vents free from dust helps keep your computer performing at its best.
8512733.book Page 73 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Cleaning the keyboard You should occasionally clean the keyboard to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys. To clean the keyboard: 1 Use an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys. 2 If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off your computer and turn the keyboard upside down. Let the liquid drain, then let the keyboard dry before trying to use it again.
8512733.book Page 74 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning optical discs Optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs) get dirty from frequent handling. To clean an optical disc: • Wipe from the center to the edge, not around in a circle, using a product made especially for the purpose. Updating Windows Windows Update helps you keep your computer up-to-date. Use Windows Update to choose updates for your computer’s operating system, software, and hardware.
8512733.book Page 75 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Using BigFix Your computer may have BigFix software installed. BigFix monitors your computer for problems and conflicts. It automatically gathers information about the latest bugs, security alerts, and updates from BigFix sites on the Internet. Whenever BigFix detects a problem, it alerts you by flashing the blue taskbar icon. To fix the problem, click on that icon to open BigFix.
8512733.book Page 76 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Managing hard drive space Windows provides several utilities you can use to check drive space, and to delete, defragment, and back up files. Checking hard drive space To check hard drive space: Shortcut Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive Ö Properties 1 Click (Start), then click Computer. The Computer window opens.
8512733.book Page 77 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 2 Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file space, then click Properties. Drive space information appears. Deleting unnecessary files Delete unnecessary files, such as temporary files and files in the Recycle Bin, to free hard drive space.
8512733.book Page 78 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer 2 Click one of the options, then click OK: • My files only cleans only the folders for the currently logged in user. • Files from all users on this computer cleans all folders. Help For more information about keeping the hard drive free of unnecessary files, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type disk cleanup in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
12733.book Page 79 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 3 Click Check Now, then click Start. Your drive is checked for errors. This process may take several minutes. Important Error checking cannot scan a drive while the drive is being used. If you try to check your hard drive for errors, you see a prompt asking you if you want to scan the hard drive later (the next time you restart your computer). If you see this prompt, click Schedule disc check.
8512733.book Page 80 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer To defragment the hard drive: 1 Disconnect your computer from the network. 2 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Disk Defragmenter. The Disk Defragmenter dialog box opens. 3 Click Defragment now. This process may take hours to complete, depending on the size of the drive being defragmented.
8512733.book Page 81 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Backing up files Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees space for new files on the hard drive. It also protects you from losing important information if the hard drive fails or you accidentally delete files. You should back up your files regularly to a writable optical disc (if you have a recordable drive). Use a backup device, such as a recordable disc drive, to do a complete hard drive backup.
8512733.book Page 82 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Scheduling maintenance tasks Task Scheduler lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as running Disk Defragmenter and checking your drives for errors. Important Your computer must be on during scheduled tasks. If your computer is off, scheduled tasks will not run. To start the Task Scheduler: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Task Scheduler. The Task Scheduler dialog box opens.
8512733.book Page 83 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Moving from your old computer Transferring files and settings automatically You can move your files, folders, software settings, and user account settings (such as display, Internet, and e-mail settings) from your old computer to your new one using Windows Easy Transfer. Files can be transferred automatically to it as long as your old computer has Windows XP.
8512733.book Page 84 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Transferring files and settings manually You can manually transfer your personal data files by copying them to removable media, such as a writable disc, an external hard drive, a network location, or a flash drive. Finding your documents Many programs save your personal data files in the Documents folder. Look in your old computer’s documents folder for personal data files.
8512733.book Page 85 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Finding other files Use Windows Find or Search to locate other personal data files. For more information, see “Using Windows” in your online User Guide. You can often identify different data file types by looking at the file’s extension (the part of the file name following the last period). For example, a document file might have a .DOC extension and a spreadsheet file might have an .XLS extension. File type File usually ends in...
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8512733.book Page 88 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Safety guidelines While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines: Warning Never open your computer case while your computer is turned on and while the modem cable, network cable, and power cord are connected. Warning Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal components.
8512733.book Page 89 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Troubleshooting Troubleshooting topics are listed in alphabetical order. Add-in cards See “Expansion cards” on page 94. Audio See “Sound” on page 106. CD or DVD drives The computer does not recognize a disc or the CD or DVD drive • Make sure that the disc label is facing up or out, then try again. • Try a different disc. Occasionally, discs are flawed or become scratched and cannot be read by the CD or DVD drive.
8512733.book Page 90 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting An audio CD does not produce sound • Make sure that the disc label is facing up or out, then try again. • Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs on your computer. • Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 33. • Make sure that the mute controls are turned off.
8512733.book Page 91 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Diskette drive The diskette drive is not recognized • Shut down and restart your computer. You cannot save a file to diskette or you see the message “disk is full or write-protected” • Make sure that the write-protection tab on the upper-right corner of the diskette is down (unprotected). • The diskette may be full. Delete unnecessary files on the diskette and try again. • Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible.
8512733.book Page 92 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting The diskette drive LED is lit continuously • Remove the diskette from the drive. If the light stays on, try restarting your computer. Display The screen resolution is not correct • Change the screen resolution from the Display Settings dialog box. For more information, see the “Customizing Windows” chapter in your online User Guide.
8512733.book Page 93 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Ethernet You cannot see the other computers on your network • Make sure that your Ethernet cable is plugged into the Ethernet jack on your computer. Make sure that the other end is plugged into a network router, switch, hub, or other network device. • Make sure that all computers are plugged into a powered electrical outlet and turned on.
8512733.book Page 94 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Your Ethernet network is running slower than you expect • If your Ethernet network is running slower than you expect, check the speed of each Ethernet component. For best results, all Ethernet components should be standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100 Mbps), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000 Mbps).
8512733.book Page 95 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Hard drive You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message • Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk Cleanup. For instructions on deleting unnecessary files, see “Deleting unnecessary files” on page 77. Help For more information about file management, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the phrase file management in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
8512733.book Page 96 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting You see a “Non-system disk” or “disk error” error message • Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press ENTER. Internet See also “Modem (dial-up)” on page 99. You cannot connect to the Internet • If you are using a dial-up modem, make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. See your setup poster to make sure that the connections have been made correctly.
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8512733.book Page 98 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Liquid spilled in the keyboard • If you spilled liquid in the keyboard, turn off your computer and unplug the keyboard. Clean the keyboard and turn it upside down to drain it. Let the keyboard dry before using it again. If the keyboard does not work after it dries, you may need to replace it. Memory Help For more information about troubleshooting memory errors, click Start, then click Help and Support.
8512733.book Page 99 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Modem (cable or DSL) My computer cannot connect to the Internet. • Make sure that your modem is connected to the network jack. Tip For the location of your network jack, see your setup poster or “Back” on page 8. • See the documentation that came with your modem for additional troubleshooting information. Modem (dial-up) See also “Internet” on page 96.
8512733.book Page 100 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 4 Click the Dialing Rules tab, click the location from which you are dialing, then click Edit. 5 Make sure that all settings are correct. Help For more information about dialing properties, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword dialing in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. • Disconnect any answering machine, fax machine, or • • printer that is on the same line as the modem.
8512733.book Page 101 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K • Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates over public telephone lines to 53K. Other factors, such as line noise, telephone service provider equipment, or ISP limitations, may lower the speed even further. If your computer has a v.90 modem, the speed at which you can upload (send) data is limited to 33.6K. If your computer has a v.
8512733.book Page 102 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 6 Click the Diagnostic tab, then click Query Modem. If information about the modem appears, the modem passed diagnostics. If no modem information is available, a white screen appears with no data, or if you get an error such as port already open or the modem has failed to respond, the modem did not pass diagnostics. Help For more information about modem troubleshooting, click Start, then click Help and Support.
8512733.book Page 103 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Mouse The mouse does not work • Make sure that the mouse cable is plugged in correctly. • Shut down and restart your computer. • Remove all extension cables and switch boxes. • Try a mouse you know is working to make sure that the mouse port works.
8512733.book Page 104 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Power Your computer will not turn on • Make sure that the power cord is connected to an AC power source and to your computer, and that your computer is turned on. • If your computer is plugged into a surge protector, make • sure that the surge protector is connected securely to a power outlet, turned on, and working correctly. To test the outlet, plug a working device, such as a lamp, into the outlet and turn it on.
8512733.book Page 105 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 3 Right-click the printer you want to be the default printer, then click Set as Default Printer. • Reinstall the printer driver. See the guide that came with your printer for instructions on installing the printer driver. You see a “Printer queue is full” error message • Make sure that the printer is not set to work offline. To make sure that the printer is not set to work offline: 1 Click (Start), then click Control Panel.
8512733.book Page 106 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Sound You are not getting sound from the speakers • Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 33. • Make sure that mute controls are turned off. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 33. • If you are using external speakers: • Make sure that the speakers are turned on. • See the speaker setup poster to check your speaker connections.
8512733.book Page 107 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Recovering your system You can solve most computer problems by following the information in “Troubleshooting” on page 89 or in the technical support pages at www.gateway.com. Problem solving may also involve re-installing some or all of the computer’s software (also called recovering or restoring your system). Gateway provides everything you need to recover your system under most conditions.
8512733.book Page 108 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Recovering pre-installed software and drivers You can perform a partial recovery by recovering the software and device drivers that were pre-installed at the factory. If you need to recover software that did not come pre-installed on your system, you need to follow that software’s installation instructions.
8512733.book Page 109 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 2 Click Applications and drivers external media, then click Next. The What would you like to do? dialog box opens. 3 Click Create system recovery discs, then click Next. 4 Insert a blank, recordable disc into a recordable disc drive, then click Next. If an AutoPlay dialog box opens, click the x in the upper-right corner to close it.
8512733.book Page 110 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 8 Click Finish. 9 Remove your final disc, then label all of the discs and store them in a safe place. Recovering pre-installed software and drivers using Gateway Recovery Center To recover specific drivers and software: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Gateway Recovery Center, then click Gateway Recovery Center. The Gateway Recovery Center opens.
8512733.book Page 111 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com To recover device drivers that were pre-installed, click Hardware, then click Device driver recovery. 3 Click the software or driver you want to recover, then click Next.
8512733.book Page 112 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Recovering pre-installed software and drivers using recovery discs If you created a multiple-disc set of recovery discs, each disc contains a unique set of software and drivers. If a recovery disc does not offer the software or driver you need to recover, try another disc. To recover software and drivers using recovery discs: 1 Insert a software and driver recovery disc into a CD or DVD drive.
8512733.book Page 113 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 2 To recover pre-installed software, click Application recovery, then click the software you want to recover. - OR To recover pre-installed device drivers, click Device driver recovery, then click the type of driver you want to recover. 3 Click Next. 4 If the software or driver is not shown on the list, and you have a multiple-disc set of recovery discs, close Gateway Recovery Center and try another disc.
8512733.book Page 114 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Using Microsoft System Restore Microsoft System Restore periodically takes “snapshots” of your system settings and saves them as restore points. In most cases of hard-to-resolve software problems, you can return to one of these restore points to get your system running again. Windows automatically creates an additional restore point each day, and also each time you install software or device drivers.
8512733.book Page 115 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 2 On the left side of the window, click Repair Windows using System Restore, then click Next. The Choose a restore point dialog box opens. 3 Click the restore point you want, click Next, then click Finish. A confirmation message box appears. 4 Click Yes. Your system is restored using the restore point you specified. This process may take several minutes, and may restart your computer.
8512733.book Page 116 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Manually creating a restore point To manually create a restore point: (Start), Control Panel, System and Maintenance, then click Backup and Restore Center. The Backup and Restore Center opens. 1 Click 2 On the left side of the window, click Create a restore point or change settings, then click Next. The System Properties dialog box opens to the System Protection tab. 3 Click Create.
8512733.book Page 117 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Recovering your system to its factory condition If your computer’s problems are not solved by any of the other recovery options, you may need to recover its hard drive to its factory condition. This process is called a factory recovery. Caution A complete factory recovery deletes everything on your hard drive, then reinstalls Windows and any pre-installed software and device drivers.
8512733.book Page 118 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 8 To perform a recovery with data backup (recommended), click Recovery with automatic data backup, then click Next. Important Before your hard drive is recovered, your personal files will be automatically backed up to c:\backup. - OR To perform a full factory recovery without data backup, click Full factory recovery, then click Next.
8512733.book Page 119 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com 3 When the prompt “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” appears, press any key on your keyboard. A list of valid boot devices appears. 4 Press the arrow keys to select the drive containing the Windows DVD, then press ENTER and follow the on-screen instructions. 5 After Windows is completely re-installed, use the software and driver recovery discs you created to recover your computer’s pre-installed software and device drivers.
8512733.book Page 120 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting • See the troubleshooting section of this chapter. Warning To avoid bodily injury, do not attempt to troubleshoot your computer problem if: • Power cords or plugs are damaged • Liquid has been spilled into your computer • Your computer was dropped • The case was damaged Instead, unplug your computer and contact a qualified computer technician.
8512733.book Page 121 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Tutoring Answers by GatewaySM is a telephone service that provides answers to all of your “How do I...” questions on Gateway computers. For more information, go to www.gateway.com/answers. Training Gateway provides the following computer-based training: Resource Service description For more information Gateway Learning Libraries A variety of courses and tutorials are available on CD.
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8512733.book Page 124 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM APPENDIX A: Legal Notices Important safety information Warning Always follow these instructions to help guard against personal injury and damage to your Gateway system. Your Gateway system is designed and tested to meet the latest standards for safety of information technology equipment. However, to ensure safe use of this product, it is important that the safety instructions marked on the product and in the documentation are followed.
8512733.book Page 125 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com • • • • • • • • • • Do not walk on the power cord or allow anything to rest on it. Do not spill anything on the system. The best way to avoid spills is to avoid eating and drinking near your system. Some products have a replaceable CMOS battery on the system board. There is a danger of explosion if the CMOS battery is replaced incorrectly. Replace the battery with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.
8512733.book Page 126 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM APPENDIX A: Legal Notices FCC declaration of conformity Responsible party: Gateway, Inc. 7565 Irvine Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618 Phone: 800-846-2000 Caution Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Gateway could void the FCC compliance and negate your authority to operate the product. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
8512733.book Page 127 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Canada Industry Canada (IC) Unintentional emitter per ICES-003 This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of Industry Canada.
8512733.book Page 128 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM APPENDIX A: Legal Notices Television antenna connectors protection (for systems fitted with TV/cable TV tuner cards) External television antenna grounding Important The instructions are for the person who installs cable to the system. Gateway assumes you are qualified in the servicing of computer equipment and trained in recognizing hazards in products with electric shock.
8512733.book Page 129 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Power lines Warning When installing or realigning an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits. Contact with them could be fatal. Do not locate the antenna near overhead light or power circuits, or where it could fall into such power lines or circuits.
8512733.book Page 130 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM APPENDIX A: Legal Notices Environmental information The product you have purchased contains extracted natural resources that have been used in the manufacturing process. This product may contain substances known to be hazardous to the environment or to human health.
8512733.book Page 131 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM www.gateway.com Trademark acknowledgments Gateway and the Black-and-White Spot Design are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gateway, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Intel, Intel Inside logo, and Pentium are registered trademarks and MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
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