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8512041.book Page i Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM Contents Chapter 1: About This Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . 1 About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Accessing the online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Computer . . . . . 5 Front . . . . .
8512041.book Page ii Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM Contents Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer . . . . . . . 29 Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8512041.book Page iii Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Moving with Windows Easy Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Moving files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Chapter 6: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8512041.book Page iv Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM Contents Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Chapter 7: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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512041.book Page 2 Friday, December 15, 2006 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 the online User Guide. For more information For more information about your computer, visit Gateway’s Support page at www.
8512041.book Page 3 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Gateway contact information The label on the side of your computer case contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number. Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance.
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8512041.book Page 7 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Component Icon Description IEEE 1394/ FireWire™ port Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire™) devices (such as a digital camcorder) into these 6-pin IEEE 1394 ports. Diskette drive (optional) Use this drive to read from and write to 3.5" diskettes. Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an external amplifier, or headphones into this jack. This jack is color-coded green.
8512041.book Page 8 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Back Important Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this illustration.
8512041.book Page 9 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Component Icon Description Monitor (VGA) port Plug a VGA (blue connector) monitor cable 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 28.
8512041.book Page 10 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Component Icon Description Ethernet (network) jack Plug an Ethernet network cable or a device (such as a DSL or cable modem for a broadband Internet connection) into this jack. For more information, see “Learning about the Internet” in the online User Guide. Center/subwoofer jack (orange plug) (optional) Plug your center speaker and subwoofer into this jack.
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8512041.book Page 12 Friday, December 15, 2006 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 screen so it is perpendicular to your line of sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye leve. • Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
8512041.book Page 13 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Reducing eye strain Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the monitor screen or shine directly into your eyes. • Position the computer desk and screen 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.
8512041.book Page 14 Friday, December 15, 2006 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.
8512041.book Page 15 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Checking the voltage selection Caution If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system will be damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location before turning on your computer. In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115 volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when your computer is operating in the United States.
8512041.book Page 16 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Connecting to a broadband modem or network Important Your computer may be equipped with a built-in Ethernet (network) jack. For information about setting up a wired or wireless Ethernet network, see the online User Guide. You can connect your computer to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network.
8512041.book Page 17 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Starting your computer To start your computer: 1 Connect the power, network, mouse, keyboard, and monitor 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. Important Your computer has a built-in, variable-speed fan.
8512041.book Page 18 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Turning off your computer Warning When you turn off your computer, certain components in the power supply and system board remain energized. In order to remove all electrical power from your computer, unplug the power cord and modem cable from the wall outlets. We recommend disconnecting the power cord and modem cable when your computer will not be used for long periods.
8512041.book Page 19 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Restarting (rebooting) your computer If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, you may need to restart (reboot) your computer. To restart your computer: 1 Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Restart. Your computer turns off, then turns on again.
8512041.book Page 20 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 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.
8512041.book Page 21 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Feature Icon Description Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the corresponding key to activate the function. 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).
8512041.book Page 22 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 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.
8512041.book Page 23 Friday, December 15, 2006 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 computer display. This illustration shows the standard mouse. As you move the mouse, the pointer (arrow) on the display moves in the same direction. You can use the left and right buttons on the mouse to select objects on the display.
8512041.book Page 24 Friday, December 15, 2006 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 computer display 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.
8512041.book Page 25 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Adjusting the volume You can adjust volume using your speakers’ 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. For more information, see “Using the keyboard” on page 20.
8512041.book Page 26 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 4 To adjust device volume levels, click Mixer. The Volume Mixer dialog box opens, where you can click and drag sliders for 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 X in the top-right corner of the window to close it.
8512041.book Page 27 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 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. For example, the blue jack on the computer can be a stereo in jack or a stereo out jack. To use the audio jacks for something other than the default audio device, you need to configure the audio jacks.
8512041.book Page 28 Friday, December 15, 2006 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 one or more of the following ports: IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire®), Universal Serial Bus (USB), serial, and parallel.
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8512041.book Page 30 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 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.
8512041.book Page 31 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Opening the case Your computer case provides easy access to internal components. Removing the 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 side panel: 1 Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 30.
8512041.book Page 32 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Removing the front bezel To remove the front bezel: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 31. 2 Press the three bezel retention tabs, then swing the left side of the bezel away from the computer and remove it.
8512041.book Page 33 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Closing the case Replacing the front bezel To replace the front bezel: 1 Slide the tabs on the right side of the bezel into the slots on the right side of the computer. Tabs 2 Swing the left side of the bezel in to insert the release tabs on the left side of the bezel into the slots on the left side of the computer. 3 Press the left side of the bezel firmly until the release tabs snap into place.
8512041.book Page 34 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Replacing the side panel To replace the side panel: 1 Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged inside the computer so they will not be pinched when you close the computer. 2 Slide the side panel toward the front of the computer until the back of the side panel is flush with the back of the computer.
8512041.book Page 35 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 2 Press firmly on the lower left and lower right parts of the color panel to release the panel from the front bezel. You should press the two points against the computer until you hear or feel a click, which is the sound of the panel’s internal locking tabs unlocking. Press here Press here 3 Swing the bottom of the panel away from the bezel and remove it. The panel should easily slide out.
8512041.book Page 36 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 4 Slide the tabs of the new color panel up into the slots on the front bezel. 5 Press firmly on the lower left and lower right parts of the color panel to engage the panel’s internal locking tabs. You should press the two points against the computer until you hear or feel a click, which is the sound of the panel’s internal locking tabs locking the panel partially into place.
8512041.book Page 37 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 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 “Removing the side panel” on page 31. 2 For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.
8512041.book Page 38 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 5 Align the notches on the new DIMM with the notches on the memory module bank and press the module firmly into the bank. The tabs on the sides of the memory module should secure the memory module automatically. When the module is secure, you hear a click. 6 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on page 34. 7 Return your computer to its upright position.
8512041.book Page 39 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Adding or replacing an optical disc drive Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace a CD or DVD drive. To add replace an optical drive: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 31. 2 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in “Removing the front bezel” on page 32.
8512041.book Page 40 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 6 Remove the two drive retention screws. Drive retention screws 7 Slide the drive forward and out of the drive bay. 8 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. 9 Reconnect the drive cables using your notes from Step 4, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8512041.book Page 41 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Replacing the memory card reader Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to replace the memory card reader. To replace the memory card reader: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 31. 2 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in “Removing the front bezel” on page 32.
8512041.book Page 42 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 5 Unplug the cable from the back of the card reader, then slide the card reader toward the front of your computer. 6 Slide the new card reader into place, then secure it with the two screws you removed previously. 7 Plug the cable back into the card reader. 8 Place the top bezel on top of the computer, then slide bezel toward the back of the computer until it clicks into place.
8512041.book Page 43 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Adding or replacing a hard drive To add or replace a hard drive: Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace a hard drive. 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 31. 2 Disconnect and label all hard drive cables, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive.
8512041.book Page 44 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 4 Loosen the captive thumbscrew that secures the hard drive cage to the computer. (This screw cannot be removed.) 5 Remove the hard drive cage from the computer. 6 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.
8512041.book Page 45 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 9 Line up the tabs on the right side of the cage with the slots on the inside of the case, then slide the cage into the case. Hard drive cage tabs Slots on inside of case 10 Tighten the cage thumbscrew, then plug the hard drive cage fan cable back into the system board. 11 Connect the drive cables. If you are replacing a drive, use your notes from Step 2.
8512041.book Page 46 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 4 Loosen the four captive screws that secure the heat sink and fan assembly to the system board, then remove the assembly and place it on a stable surface with the flat surface of the heat sink (the side with the thermal grease) up. (The four screws cannot be completely removed.) Screws (only one shown) 5 Push the processor release lever down, lift it completely up, then lift the processor retention bracket.
8512041.book Page 47 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 8 If this is a new heat sink, remove the strip on the heat sink that covers the gray thermal grease. If you are re-using a heat sink, re-apply a small bead of thermal grease (about the size of a pea) to the surface that contacts the processor. 9 Place the heat sink and fan assembly on the processor, then tighten the screws that secure it to the system board. 10 Connect the heat sink fan cable to the system board.
8512041.book Page 48 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 4 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. 5 Install the new card into the expansion slot.
8512041.book Page 49 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Replacing the system battery Warning Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries following the manufacturer’s instructions. If the computer clock does not keep time or the settings in the BIOS Setup utility are not saved when you turn off your computer, replace the system battery.
8512041.book Page 50 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 5 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 31. 6 For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface. 7 Locate the old battery on the system board and note its orientation. You will need to install the new battery the same way.
8512041.book Page 51 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Replacing the system board To replace the system board: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 31. 2 Remove all expansion cards by following the directions in “Adding or replacing an expansion card” on page 47. 3 Remove all memory modules by following the directions in “Installing memory” on page 37.
8512041.book Page 52 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 9 If your replacement system board does not include a processor remove the processor from the old system board by following the directions in “Replacing the heat sink and processor” on page 45, then install it and the heat sink into the new system board by following the directions in the same procedure. 10 Slide the power supply back into the case, then install the four screws to secure the power supply to the case.
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8512041.book Page 54 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Setting up a maintenance schedule Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule.
8512041.book Page 55 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com • Avoid subjecting your computer to extreme • • temperature changes. The case can become brittle and easy to break in cold temperatures and can melt or warp in high temperatures. Damage due to either extreme is not covered by your warranty. As a general rule, your computer is safest at temperatures that are comfortable for you. Keep all liquids away from your computer.
8512041.book Page 56 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning the exterior Warning When you shut down your computer, the power turns off, but some electrical current still flows through it. To avoid possible injury from electrical shock, unplug the power cord, modem cable, and network cable from the wall outlets. • Always turn off your computer and other peripheral devices before cleaning any components.
8512041.book Page 57 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Cleaning the monitor Caution A flat-panel display is made of specially coated glass and can be scratched or damaged by abrasive or ammonia-based glass cleaners. To clean the monitor: • To clean an LCD flat panel monitor, use a soft cloth and • water to clean the screen. Dampen the cloth (never apply liquid directly to the screen), then wipe the screen with the cloth.
8512041.book Page 58 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer 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. New content is added to the site regularly, so you can always get the most recent updates and fixes to protect your computer and keep it running smoothly.
8512041.book Page 59 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 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. 2 Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file space, then click Properties. Drive space information appears.
8512041.book Page 60 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Deleting unnecessary files Delete unnecessary files, such as temporary files and files in the Recycle Bin, to free hard drive space. To delete unnecessary files: Shortcut Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive Ö Properties Ö Disk Cleanup 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Disk Cleanup. The Disk Cleanup dialog box opens.
8512041.book Page 61 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com If you use your computer several hours every day, you probably want to run Error-checking once a week. If you use your computer less frequently, once a month may be adequate. Also use Error-checking if you encounter hard drive problems. To check the hard drive for errors: 1 Click (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens.
8512041.book Page 62 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Defragmenting the hard drive When working with files, sometimes Windows divides the file information into pieces and stores them in different places on the hard drive. This is called fragmentation, and it is normal. In order for your computer to use a file, Windows must search for the pieces of the file and put them back together. This process slows the hard drive performance.
8512041.book Page 63 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 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.
8512041.book Page 64 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 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.
8512041.book Page 65 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Moving from your old computer Moving with Windows Easy Transfer 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. While using Windows Easy Transfer, you will not be able to run other tasks on the computers.
8512041.book Page 66 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Moving files and settings manually You can manually transfer your personal data files by copying them to a network location or 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.
8512041.book Page 67 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com File type File usually ends in... Documents .DOC, .TXT, .RTF, .HTM, .HTML, .DOT Spreadsheets .XLS, .XLT, .TXT Pictures .JPG, .BMP, .GIF, .PDF, .PCT, .TIF, .PNG, .EPS Movies .MPEG, .MPG, .AVI, .GIF, .MOV Sound and music .WAV, .CDA, .MP3, .MID, .MIDI, .WMA To find files using Find or Search: 1 In Windows Vista, click (Start), then click Search. The Search Results window opens.
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8512041.book Page 70 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Safety guidelines While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines: Warning Never remove your computer case cover 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.
8512041.book Page 71 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com • If you added or removed peripheral devices, review the • installation procedures you performed and make sure that you followed each instruction. If an error occurs in a program, see the program’s printed documentation or the online help. Help For more information about troubleshooting, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type troubleshooting in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
8512041.book Page 72 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting • Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning optical discs” on page 57. • Restart your computer, then enter the BIOS Setup utility • • by pressing and holding F2 while your computer restarts. Make sure that the IDE controllers are enabled. Make sure that the drive is configured correctly by following the instructions in the drive documentation. Reinstall the device driver.
8512041.book Page 73 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com • DVDs and DVD drives contain regional codes that help control DVD title exports and help reduce illegal disc distribution. To be able to play a DVD, the disc’s regional code and your DVD drive’s regional code must match. The regional code on your DVD drive is determined by your computer’s delivery address. The regional code for the United States and Canada is 1. The regional code for Mexico is 4.
8512041.book Page 74 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting You see a “Disk is full” error message • Delete unnecessary files on the diskette. • Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the diskette drive. • Run Error Checking on the diskette. For more information, see “Checking the hard drive for errors” on page 60. You see a “Non-system disk” or “Disk error” error message • Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press ENTER.
8512041.book Page 75 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com The computer does not recognize an add-in Ethernet card • Shut down and restart your computer. • Make sure that you have installed the required software. For more information, see the documentation that came with your Ethernet card. • Reseat the card. For more information, about opening your computer case, see your hardware reference.
8512041.book Page 76 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 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 60. Help For more information about file management, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type file management in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
8512041.book Page 77 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Internet See also “Modem (dial-up)” on page 83. 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. - OR If you are using a cable or DSL modem, make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the Ethernet network jack and not the modem jack.
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12041.book Page 79 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 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. Media Center To view Media Center troubleshooting information that is not covered in this section, go to the Gateway support Web Site at www.
8512041.book Page 80 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting • S-Video—If your TV does not have a VGA port, but • • • • 80 includes an S-Video port, connect the S-Video cable from the Media Center computer’s S-Video Out port to the TV’s S-Video In port. S-Video display quality is usually good for TV images. The display quality for the Media Center computer functions, however, is not as good as VGA output. S-Video display output is not optimized for computer video display.
8512041.book Page 81 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com • Type of TV (interlaced or progressive scan) Many TVs use interlaced video. Interlaced video displays a video frame with two passes of alternating scan lines. The TV screen first displays the video image odd lines one at a time, sequentially from top to bottom, then it fills in the other half of the video image with the even lines.
8512041.book Page 82 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting You want to know whether you can play recorded programs on other computers • Yes, you can. A DVR-MS file recorded to DVD can be replayed on another Media Center computer or on a non-Media Center computer that has a DVD player and DVD decoder software (such as WinDVD).
8512041.book Page 83 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Modem (cable or DSL) • See the documentation that came with your modem for additional troubleshooting information. Modem (dial-up) See also “Internet” on page 77. 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 network jack. See your setup poster to make sure that the connections have been made correctly.
8512041.book Page 84 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Help For more information about dialing properties, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type 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. Do not connect these devices to the same telephone line as the modem. Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBX line.
8512041.book Page 85 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 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.92 modem, the speed at which you can upload data is limited to 48K. Your ISP may not support 48K uploads. Your fax communications program only sends and receives faxes at 14,400 bps when you have a 56K modem • Current fax technology only supports a maximum send and receive rate of 14,400 bps.
8512041.book Page 86 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting The modem is noisy when it dials and connects When your modem tries to connect to another modem, it begins handshaking. Handshaking is a digital “getting acquainted” conversation between the two modems that establishes connection speeds and communication protocols. You may hear unusual handshaking sounds when the modems first connect. If the handshaking sounds are too loud, you can turn down the modem volume.
8512041.book Page 87 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com The color is not uniform • Make sure that the monitor warms up for at least 30 minutes before making a final judgment about color uniformity. • Make sure that: • Non-shielded speakers are not placed too close to the monitor. • The monitor is not positioned too close to another monitor, electric fan, fluorescent light, metal shelf, or laser printer. • You demagnetize the screen using the monitor’s degauss feature.
8512041.book Page 88 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 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.
8512041.book Page 89 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com • If your computer is plugged into a surge protector, • make sure that the surge protector is connected securely to an electrical 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. Make sure that the power cord is free from cuts or damage. Replace any damaged cables. Printer The printer will not turn on • Make sure that the printer is online.
8512041.book Page 90 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 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. The Control Panel window opens. 2 Click Hardware and Sound, then click the Printers category. The Printers window opens. 3 Right-click the printer you want to use.
8512041.book Page 91 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Help For more information about sound troubleshooting, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type sound troubleshooter in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. Recovering your system Most computer problems can be solved by following the information in “Troubleshooting” on page 143 or in the technical support pages at www.gateway.com.
8512041.book Page 92 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 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.
8512041.book Page 93 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com You should create a set of discs for recovering your pre-installed software and device drivers, in case you will need to use them later for a complete system recovery. (Your computer must have a recordable disc drive to perform this procedure.) To create discs for recovering pre-installed software and drivers: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Gateway Recovery Center, then click Gateway Recovery Center. The Gateway Recovery Center opens.
8512041.book Page 94 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 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. A dialog box opens that tells you the number of blank discs you will need to create a full set of recovery discs. 5 If you have enough blank discs of the specified type, click I have enough discs, then click Next.
8512041.book Page 95 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Recovering pre-installed software and drivers using Gateway Recovery Center To recover specific drivers and software: (Start), All Programs, Gateway Recovery Center, then click Gateway Recovery Center. The Gateway Recovery Center opens.
8512041.book Page 96 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 4 Click the software or driver you want to recover, then click Next. 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.
8512041.book Page 97 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com 2 To recover pre-installed software, click Application recovery, click the software you want to recover, then click Next. - OR To recover pre-installed device drivers, click Device driver recovery, click the type of driver you want to recover, then click Next. 3 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.
8512041.book Page 98 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 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.
8512041.book Page 99 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 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.
8512041.book Page 100 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 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. The Create a restore point dialog box opens. 4 Type a description for the restore point (such as the date and time), then click Create. The restore point is created. 5 Click OK.
8512041.book Page 101 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 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.
8512041.book Page 102 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 8 Click Yes, then click Next. The Factory image recovery window opens, which shows you the progress of the system recovery. When recovery is finished, the Recovery is complete window opens. 9 Click Finish, then click Restart. Your computer restarts into its original factory condition.
8512041.book Page 103 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com • Make sure that your computer is connected correctly to • • • a grounded AC outlet that is supplying power. If you use a surge protector, make sure that it is turned on. If a peripheral device, such as a keyboard or mouse, does not appear to work, make sure that all cables are plugged in securely.
8512041.book Page 104 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Telephone numbers You can access the following services through your telephone to get answers to your questions: Resource Service description How to reach Answers by Gateway Get tutorial assistance for hardware and software issues. www.gateway.com/answers Gateway Customer Care Talk to a Gateway Customer Care representative about a non-tutorial technical support question.
8512041.book Page 105 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 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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8512041.book Page 108 Friday, December 15, 2006 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.
8512041.book Page 109 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Care during use Warning Do not use Gateway products in areas classified as hazardous locations. Such areas include patient care areas of medical and dental facilities, oxygen-laden environments, or industrial facilities. Warning To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line cord. • • • • • • • • • • Do not walk on the power cord or allow anything to rest on it.
8512041.book Page 110 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM Appendix A: Legal Notices Regulatory compliance statements United States of America Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Unintentional emitter per FCC Part 15 This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
8512041.book Page 111 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Telecommunications per Part 68 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 47) (applicable to products fitted with USA modems) Your modem complies with Part 68 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 47) rules. On the computer or modem card is a label that contains the FCC registration number and Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) for this device. If requested, this information must be provided to the telephone company.
8512041.book Page 112 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM Appendix A: Legal Notices Before installing this equipment, users should make sure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection. In some cases, the inside wiring associated with a single-line individual service may be extended by means of a certified connector assembly.
8512041.book Page 113 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM www.gateway.com Lightning protection For added protection of any Gateway product during a lightning storm or when it is left unattended or unused for long periods of time, unplug the product from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. 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.
8512041.book Page 114 Friday, December 15, 2006 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.
8512041.book Page 115 Friday, December 15, 2006 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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8512041.book Page 118 Friday, December 15, 2006 5:08 PM Index configuring audio jacks 27 speakers 27 connecting modem 16 PS/2 keyboard 8 PS/2 mouse 9 to Ethernet network 10, 16 to Internet 10 to network 10, 16 connections audio in 10 center speaker 10 digital camera 7, 9, 28 digital video camera 7, 9, 28 Ethernet 10, 16 external audio 9, 10 external speakers 9 Firewire 7, 9, 28 front speaker 9 headphone 9 i.
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