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8513213.book Page i Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Computer .
8513213.book Page ii Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM Contents Playing discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the digital media manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the Copy button . . .
8513213.book Page iii Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Adding or replacing an expansion card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Chapter 6: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . 63 Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8513213.book Page iv Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM Contents Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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513213.book Page 2 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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.
8513213.book Page 3 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Gateway contact information See your setup poster for Customer Care contact information. The label on the back of your computer contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number. Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance.
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8513213.book Page 7 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Component Description Media navigation interface Press these buttons to control media playback. Optical disc drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and programs, watch DVDs, and store large files onto recordable discs. For more information about your drive, see “Identifying optical drive types” on page 26. Multimedia panel Connect multimedia devices to these ports and jacks.
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8513213.book Page 9 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.
8513213.book Page 10 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Back Important Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this illustration.
8513213.book Page 11 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Component Icon Description Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector. Voltage switch Make sure this switch is set to the proper local voltage. PS/2 keyboard port Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port. Integrated monitor (VGA) port Connect a VGA monitor to this port if the optional add-in video card is not installed. ESATA port Connect an external SATA drive to this port.
8513213.book Page 12 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Component Icon Description PS/2 mouse port Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port. IEEE 1394/FireWire port Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire®) devices (such as a digital camcorder) into this 6-pin IEEE 1394 port. For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other device” on page 34.
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8513213.book Page 14 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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 monitor so the screen 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.
8513213.book Page 15 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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.
8513213.book Page 16 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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.
8513213.book Page 17 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Connecting to a broadband modem or network Important Your computer has a built-in Ethernet (network) jack. For information about setting up a wired or wireless Ethernet network, see your online User Guide. You can connect your computer to a broadband (cable or DSL) modem or to a wired Ethernet network.
8513213.book Page 18 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Starting your computer To start your computer: 1 Connect the power, network, mouse, and keyboard cables to your computer according to the setup poster. 2 Press the power button on the front of your computer. If your computer does not turn on, check the power cable connections. Power button Important Your computer has a built-in, variable-speed fan.
8513213.book Page 19 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Waking up your computer Tip For more information about changing the power button mode, see the “Customizing” chapter in your online User Guide. When you have not used your computer for several minutes, it may enter a power-saving mode called Sleep. While in Sleep mode, the power indicator on the power button flashes.
8513213.book Page 20 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started To turn off your computer: 1 Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Shut Down. The computer turns off. 2 To completely disconnect all power (such as for servicing internal components), also disconnect the power cord. Restarting (rebooting) your computer If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, you may need to restart (reboot) your computer.
8513213.book Page 21 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Opening the hideaway port panels In addition to the many ports and jacks on the back, your computer also has ports contained within panels that can be retracted into the case. The retractable panels are the memory card reader and the multimedia panel. To open the hideaway port panels: 1 Press the front edge (marked with finger grip lines) of the panel firmly against the case until it clicks, then release the panel.
8513213.book Page 22 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Feature Icon 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. Audio playback keys Press these keys to play your audio files and to adjust the volume. Windows key Press this key to open the Windows Start menu.
8513213.book Page 23 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Using the mouse Scroll wheel Right button Left button The mouse is a device that controls the pointer movement on the 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.
8513213.book Page 24 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 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.
8513213.book Page 25 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Using optical drives Features Your optical drive has the following basic components: Flip-down drive tray cover 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. If the disc has two playable sides, place the disc so the name of the side you want to play is facing up.
8513213.book Page 26 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Identifying optical drive types Your computer may contain one of the following drive types. Eject the drive tray, then look on the front of the tray for these logos: If your optical drive has this logo... 26 Your drive type is... Use your drive for... CD-RW Installing programs, playing audio CDs, accessing data, and creating CDs.
8513213.book Page 27 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 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. Blu-ray Disc Installing programs, playing audio CDs, playing DVDs, playing Blu-ray Discs, accessing data, and recording video and data to CDs, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and Blu-ray discs.
8513213.book Page 28 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Playing a Blu-ray Disc Blu-ray Disc is a high-capacity optical disc that can store much more data than a DVD. A dual-layer Blu-ray Disc can hold 50 GB of files, about 23 hours of standard-definition video, or about nine hours of high-definition video. Blu-ray Discs can be played on a Blu-ray-compatible player or a Blu-ray drive-equipped computer.
8513213.book Page 29 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Using the digital media manager You can use the digital media manager to transfer pictures from a digital camera to your computer. You can also use the digital media manager to transfer data between your computer and a device that uses memory cards, such as a PDA, MP3 player, or cellular telephone. Copy button Memory card reader USB ports Memory card types The digital media manager supports several memory card types.
8513213.book Page 30 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 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 letter (for example, the E: drive), then double-click the file name.
8513213.book Page 31 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 3 Release the Copy button. By default, if you are copying picture files, Smart Copy creates a folder using the date the picture was taken as its name and places it in the Pictures\SmartCopy folder on your computer’s hard drive. Smart Copy then copies the picture files into that folder. Also by default, if you are copying other types of files, Smart Copy copies them into the Pictures\SmartCopy folder on your computer’s hard drive.
8513213.book Page 32 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started To adjust the volume from Windows: 1 Click (Volume) on the taskbar. The volume control slider opens. 2 Click and drag the slider up to increase volume and down to decrease volume. 3 To mute the volume, click (Mute). To restore volume, click it again. 4 To adjust device volume levels, click Mixer. The Volume Mixer dialog box opens, where you can click and drag sliders for individual devices.
8513213.book Page 33 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 5 Click × in the top-right corner of the window to close it. Help For more information about adjusting the volume, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type adjusting volume in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. Configuring the audio jacks If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, they are universal jacks. This means that they can be used for more than one purpose.
8513213.book Page 34 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Installing a printer, scanner, or other device Important Before you install a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device, see the device documentation and installation instructions. Your computer has IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire®) ports and Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports. You use these ports to connect peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras to your computer.
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8513213.book Page 36 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 4: Advanced Hardware Setup Setting up multiple monitors If your computer came with a dual-DVI port graphics card installed, you can connect up to two monitors for a multi-screen panel array. To set up multiple monitors, see the “Customizing Windows” chapter in your online User Guide. Using a removable hard drive You can use your computer’s removable hard drive carriers for high-volume backups and convenient backup storage.
8513213.book Page 37 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com How it increases performance The more drives you have in your RAID 0 array, the faster the potential drive reading performance. All hard drives have limitations on how fast they can read and write files. If half a file is stored on one RAID 0 drive and the other half on another RAID 0 drive, each drive only has to read half of the file. So, the entire file is accessed by the computer up to twice as fast (using a two-drive RAID 0 array).
8513213.book Page 38 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 4: Advanced Hardware Setup RAID 1 for security RAID 1 maintains a complete copy of all files on each physical hard drive in the array. Maintaining simultaneous, complete copies of files across multiple hard drives is called mirroring. If a drive fails, the mirrored drive takes over and acts as the primary drive. In the following graphic, each letter represents a unique block of data, and each column represents a separate hard drive.
8513213.book Page 39 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com In the following graphic, each letter represents a unique block of data, and the number next to each letter represents which copy of the data files are stored on that drive. The “P” next to a letter represents parity (error-checking) information, and each column represents a separate hard drive.
8513213.book Page 40 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 4: Advanced Hardware Setup Preparing your computer for RAID Setting up RAID on your computer can involve two major steps, depending on how your computer has been configured. To prepare your computer for RAID: 1 Configure the RAID arrays. See the Array Manager User Guide or “Configuring RAID” on page 40. 2 Install the operating system from the Windows disc that came with your computer.
8513213.book Page 41 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Deleting a RAID volume Deleting a RAID volume deletes all files on that volume, including operating system files. Before deleting a RAID volume, make sure that all important files have been backed up. To delete a RAID volume: 1 Start (or restart) your computer, then press F9 during startup. The MediaShield Utility (RAID setup) screen opens. 2 Press the arrow keys to highlight the RAID volume you want to delete, then press ENTER.
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8513213.book Page 44 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: 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.
8513213.book Page 45 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Opening the case Your computer case provides easy access to internal components. Removing the left side panel 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. To remove the left side panel: 1 Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 44.
8513213.book Page 46 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer Removing the right side panel 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. To help keep the case interior free from cable clutter, many cables (such as hard drive and optical drive data cables) are routed between the system board and the right side panel.
8513213.book Page 47 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Removing the front bezel Tip The bezel is the front “face” piece of your computer that has the optical drive faces and the brand logo. It must be removed for some upgrading tasks. To remove the front bezel: 1 Remove the left side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the left side panel” on page 45.
8513213.book Page 48 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer Closing the case Replacing the front bezel To replace the front bezel: 1 Slide the hinge tabs on the right side of the bezel into the slots on the front of the computer, then press the left side of the bezel against the computer until its tabs snap into place. 2 Replace the side panels that you removed previously by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panels” on page 48.
8513213.book Page 49 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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, then press the module firmly into the bank.
8513213.book Page 50 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer Adding or replacing an optical disc drive Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace an optical drive. To add replace an optical drive: 1 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in “Removing the front bezel” on page 47. 2 If you are installing a new drive (not replacing an old one), remove the two drive retention screws in the drive bay, then go to Step 7.
8513213.book Page 51 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 5 Remove the two drive retention screws. Drive retention screws 6 Slide the drive forward and out of the drive bay. 7 Slide the new drive into the drive bay, line up the screw holes on the drive bay with the screw holes on the drive, then replace the two drive retention screws. Important Make sure that the optical drive’s screw holes are lined up with the correct holes in the drive bay.
8513213.book Page 52 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer Adding or replacing a hard drive You can add hard drives to internal and external hard drive bays. Adding or replacing an internal hard drive To add or replace an internal hard drive: Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace a hard drive. 1 Remove the left and right side panels by following the instructions in “Removing the left side panel” on page 45 and “Removing the right side panel” on page 46.
8513213.book Page 53 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 3 Remove the thumbscrew that secures the hard drive cage to the computer, then slide the hard drive cage out of the computer. Hard drive cage thumbscrew 4 If you are replacing a drive, remove the screws that secure the hard drive to the hard drive cage, then slide the old hard drive out of the cage.
8513213.book Page 54 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer 5 If you are replacing a drive, note any jumper settings on the old drive (if any) and set the jumpers on the new drive to be the same. - OR If you are adding a new drive, set the jumpers as instructed by the drive’s user guide. 6 Secure the new hard drive into the cage using the screws that you removed previously or that were provided with the drive.
8513213.book Page 55 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 13 If you are using the new hard drive as your primary drive, install Windows using the operating system DVD that came with your computer. For more information on restoring your system, see “Recovering your system” on page 88. Adding a removable hard drive You can use your computer’s removable hard drive carriers for high-volume backups and convenient backup storage. To install a removable hard drive: 1 Turn off your computer.
8513213.book Page 56 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer 3 Pull the handle of one of the carriers to remove it from the computer. The empty carrier looks like this: 4 Align your new hard drive with the carrier so the end with the connectors is at the opposite end as the carrier’s handle.
8513213.book Page 57 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 5 Align the hard drive’s screw holes with the small metal prongs on the inside of the carrier. 6 Carefully pry the sides of the carrier away from each other, slide the hard drive inside the carrier, then release the sides. Make sure that the prongs on the inside of the carrier are securely inserted into the screw holes on the hard drive. 7 Slide the hard drive and carrier fully into the hard drive slot on the front of your computer.
8513213.book Page 58 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer Replacing the power supply Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to replace the power supply. 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. To replace the power supply: 1 Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 44.
8513213.book Page 59 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 5 Slide the power supply and cables out of the computer. 6 Insert the new power supply and cables into the case, then secure it to the case using the four Phillips screws you removed previously. 7 Reconnect the power supply cables using your notes from Step 3. 8 Replace the side panels by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panels” on page 48.
8513213.book Page 60 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: 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 “Removing the left side panel” on page 45. Important Your computer hardware options and port locations may vary from the illustrations below. 2 Loosen the thumbscrew on the expansion card cover.
8513213.book Page 61 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 3 Open the expansion card cover. 4 For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface. 5 If you are replacing a card, disconnect any cables that are attached to the card, noting their locations and orientation. (You may have to reconnect the cables after you install the new card.) 6 Remove the old expansion card (if necessary).
8513213.book Page 62 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer 9 Tighten the thumbscrew on the expansion card cover. 10 Return your computer to its upright position. 11 Replace the side panels by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panels” on page 48.
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8513213.book Page 64 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer Setting up a maintenance schedule Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule.
8513213.book Page 65 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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.
8513213.book Page 66 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning your computer Keeping your computer clean and the vents free from dust helps keep your computer performing at its best.
8513213.book Page 67 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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.
8513213.book Page 68 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning optical discs Optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs) get dirty from frequent handling. To clean an optical disc: 1 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.
8513213.book Page 69 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Using BigFix BigFix may be installed on your computer. 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.
8513213.book Page 70 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer Managing hard drive space Windows provides several utilities you can use to check hard drive space, delete unnecessary files, defragment files, 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.
8513213.book Page 71 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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.
8513213.book Page 72 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer 2 Click one of the options: • My files only cleans only the folders for the currently logged in user. • Files from all users on this computer cleans all folders. The Disk Cleanup Options dialog box opens. 3 Click to select the types of files you want to delete, then click OK. The types of files you indicated are deleted.
8513213.book Page 73 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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, so 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.
8513213.book Page 74 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: 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.
8513213.book Page 75 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com To back up files: 1 Click (Start), then click Computer. The Computer window opens. 2 Right-click the drive that you want to back up, click Properties, then click the Tools tab. 3 Click Backup Now, then click Run a file backup now. 4 Follow the on-screen instructions to select a backup storage location and the files and folders to back up. Help For more information about backing up files, click Start, then click Help and Support.
8513213.book Page 76 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer Backing up files Your Gateway computer makes backing up files as easy as pressing a button. To back up files: Tip If you are using a removable hard drive for your backup, see “Using a removable hard drive” on page 36 for more information. 1 Press the Backup button near the power button on the front of your computer. Backup button Windows’ Backup and Restore Center opens.
8513213.book Page 77 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 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.
8513213.book Page 78 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer 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, providing your old computer uses Windows XP or Windows Vista.
13213.book Page 79 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 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 or My Documents folder. Look in your old computer’s documents folder for personal data files.
8513213.book Page 80 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer Finding other files Use Windows Find or Search to locate other personal data files. For more information, see 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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8513213.book Page 82 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting Safety guidelines While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines: 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.
8513213.book Page 83 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Error messages Error message Action “Insufficient disk space” See “You get an “Insufficient disk space” error message” on page 93. “Data error” See “You get a “Data error” message” on page 94. “General failure reading drive C” See “The hard drive cannot be accessed, or you see a “General failure reading drive C” error message” on page 94.
8513213.book Page 84 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting Internet and networking Internet If you do not find a solution to your problem in this section, the issue may be networking related. See “Networking” on page 88 for more information. You cannot connect to the Internet • If you are using a cable or DSL modem, make sure that the modem cable is securely plugged into the Ethernet network jack. See more troubleshooting at “Modem (cable or DSL)” on page 85.
8513213.book Page 85 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com People are sending you e-mails, but you have not received them • Click the Receive or Send and Receive button in your e-mail program. This checks your mail server for incoming e-mail. • Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is set up correctly. Contact your ISP for technical support. E-mails you send are returned as undeliverable • Check the spelling of the e-mail address you are sending e-mail to.
8513213.book Page 86 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting Modem (dial-up) See also “Internet and networking” on page 84. Your modem does not dial or does not connect • Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not the Ethernet or the PHONE network jack. • Make sure that your computer is connected to the telephone line and the telephone line has a dial tone.
8513213.book Page 87 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com You cannot connect to the Internet • The ISP may be having technical difficulties. Contact your ISP for technical support. • Review the troubleshooting information under “Internet and networking” on page 84. Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates over public telephone lines to 53K.
8513213.book Page 88 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting 3 Click the Modem tab, then adjust the Speaker volume control. 4 Click OK twice to close the dialog boxes. Networking For more information, see the Networking chapter in your User Guide. You cannot see the other computers on your network • If a network cable is connected to your computer, make sure that the other end is plugged into a network router, switch, hub, or other network device.
8513213.book Page 89 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 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 power cables are connected to a power strip, make sure it is turned on. • Test the outlet by plugging in a working device, such as • a lamp. Make sure that the power cord is free from cuts or damage, and replace any damaged cables.
8513213.book Page 90 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting The color is not uniform • Make sure that the display warms up for at least 30 minutes before making a final judgment about color uniformity. The text on the display is dim or difficult to read • Adjust the brightness and contrast controls. • Change the display settings. For instructions, see your online User Guide. • For more information about display types, see your display and video card documentation.
8513213.book Page 91 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com • Reinstall the printer driver. See your printer’s user guide for instructions. • Wait until files have been printed before sending additional files to the printer. • If you print large files or many files at one time, you may • want to add additional memory to the printer. See the printer documentation for instructions on adding additional memory. Contact your printer manufacturer’s technical support.
8513213.book Page 92 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting • The regional code of the movie disc may not match your • • drive’s regional code. Play only discs with a regional code for your region. The DVD regional code for the United States and Canada is 1, and the regional code for Mexico is 4. The Blu-ray regional code for North and South America is A, although many (if not most) Blu-ray movies are region-free. Update the device driver.
8513213.book Page 93 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Keyboard The keyboard does not work • Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged in correctly. • Clean the keyboard by using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys. • Try a keyboard that you know works to make sure that the keyboard port works. Liquid spilled in the keyboard • Turn off your computer and unplug the keyboard.
8513213.book Page 94 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting A file was accidentally deleted • If a file was deleted while holding down the SHIFT key, or if the Recycle Bin has been emptied since the file was deleted, the file cannot be restored. To restore deleted files: 1 Double-click the Recycle Bin icon. 2 Right-click the file you want to restore, then click Restore. The file is restored to the place where it was originally deleted from.
8513213.book Page 95 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Checking the hard drive for errors Use Error-checking if you encounter hard drive problems. Error-checking examines the hard drive for file and folder problems, then corrects the data problems that it finds. To check the hard drive for errors: (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens. 1 Click 2 Right-click the drive that you want to check for errors, click Properties, then click the Tools tab.
8513213.book Page 96 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting Memory Help For more information about troubleshooting memory errors, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type memory error in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. You see a “Memory error” message • Run the Memory Diagnostic Tool. Click (Start), type Memory Diagnostic Tool, then press ENTER. Click Restart now and check for problems. Your computer restarts and runs the memory diagnostics.
8513213.book Page 97 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Passwords Your computer does not accept your password • Windows passwords are case-sensitive. Make sure that CAPS LOCK is turned off, then retype the password. Expansion cards The computer does not recognize an expansion card • Restart your computer. • Make sure that you have installed the required software. For more information, see your expansion card’s documentation.
8513213.book Page 98 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting Media Center This section only covers problems relating to Media Center mode. Media Center mode is available only on Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate versions. Help For more information about Windows Media Center, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type Media Center in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
8513213.book Page 99 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com • Type of TV • CRT TVs may have a slight flicker. • Plasma TVs may experience image burn-in after • extended use. LCD TVs use the same technology as your computer’s flat panel display. You want to change monitor settings to get better TV or DVD image quality • Adjust the display device brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation. For more information, see the display’s user guide.
8513213.book Page 100 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting Checking for device problems Faulty devices or corrupt device drivers can cause a variety of problems on your computer. Checking the condition of system devices and the status of their drivers can help pinpoint the problem. To check for device problems: (Start), type device manager, then press ENTER. Device Manager opens. 1 Click 2 Examine the list of computer device types.
8513213.book Page 101 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Recovering your system You can solve most computer problems by following the information in “Try these steps first” on page 82 or in the technical support pages at www.gateway.com. Problem solving may also involve reinstalling 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.
8513213.book Page 102 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting Creating recovery discs If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods, you may need to reinstall the Windows operating system and factory-loaded software and drivers. To reinstall using discs, you must create the set of recovery discs beforehand. To create recovery discs: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Gateway, then click Gateway Recovery Management. Gateway Recovery Management opens.
8513213.book Page 103 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com The Create Backup Disc dialog box opens. This dialog box tells you the number of blank, recordable discs you will need to complete the recovery discs. Make sure that you have the required number of identical, blank discs ready before continuing. 3 Insert a blank disc into the drive indicated in the Burn to list, then click Next. The first disc begins recording, and you can watch its progress on the screen.
8513213.book Page 104 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting Recovering pre-installed software and drivers As a troubleshooting step, you may need to reinstall the software and device drivers that came pre-installed on your computer from the factory. You can recover using either your hard drive or the backup discs you have created.
8513213.book Page 105 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 3 Click Contents. A list of software and device drivers opens. 4 Click the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want to reinstall. Returning to a previous system condition Microsoft System Restore periodically takes “snapshots” of your system settings and saves them as restore points.
8513213.book Page 106 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting 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.
8513213.book Page 107 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Recovering from within Windows Vista To reinstall Windows Vista and all pre-installed software and drivers: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Gateway, then click Gateway Recovery Management. Gateway Recovery Management opens. 2 Click the Restore tab, then click Restore system to factory default. The Confirm Restoration dialog box opens. 3 Click Yes, then click Start.
8513213.book Page 108 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM CHAPTER 7: Troubleshooting Recovering from the hard drive during startup To reinstall Windows Vista and all pre-installed software and drivers: 1 Turn on your computer, then press ALT+F10 during startup. Gateway Recovery Management opens. 2 Click Restore system from factory default. Caution Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard drive. 3 Click Next to continue. Your hard drive’s original, factory-loaded contents are recovered.
8513213.book Page 109 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Technical support Before calling Gateway Customer Care If you have a technical problem with your computer, follow these recommendations before contacting Gateway Customer Care: • Make sure that your computer is connected correctly to an AC power outlet that is supplying power. If you use a surge protector or power strip, make sure that it is turned on.
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8513213.book Page 112 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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.
8513213.book Page 113 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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.
8513213.book Page 114 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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.
8513213.book Page 115 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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.
8513213.book Page 116 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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.
8513213.book Page 117 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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.
8513213.book Page 118 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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.
8513213.book Page 119 Tuesday, August 26, 2008 5:08 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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