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8512418.book Page i Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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 . .
8512418.book Page ii Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM Contents Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjusting the volume . . . . . .
8512418.book Page iii Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8512418.book Page iv Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM Contents Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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512418.book Page 2 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.gateway.
8512418.book Page 3 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Gateway contact information The label on the top of your computer contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number. Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance.
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8512418.book Page 7 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Component Icon Description Memory card reader Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other device into the memory card reader. Optical disc drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and programs, watch DVDs, and store large files onto recordable discs (depending on drive type). This drive may be a CD, recordable CD, DVD, recordable DVD, Blu-ray, or HD DVD drive.
8512418.book Page 8 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Back Important Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this illustration.
8512418.book Page 9 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Component Icon Description USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other device” on page 32. S/PDIF output jack (optional) Plug an optical cable from an amplifier or entertainment system into this jack for digital sound. Microphone jack (pink plug) Plug a microphone into this jack.
8512418.book Page 10 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Component Icon Description Rear speaker jack (black plug) Plug your rear right and left speakers into this jack. For more information, see “Configuring the audio jacks” on page 31.
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8512418.book Page 12 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Working safely and comfortably Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain: • Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor. • Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye level. • Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
8512418.book Page 13 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 14 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 15 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 16 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Connecting a dial-up modem Warning To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line cord. Your computer may have a 56K modem that you can use with a standard telephone line to connect to the Internet or fax documents. To connect the modem: 1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on the modem at the back of your computer.
8512418.book Page 17 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com 5 To open your computer’s Start menu, click (Start). From that menu, you can run programs and search for files. For more information on using your computer’s menus, see “Using Windows” and “Customizing Windows” in your online User Guide. Waking up your computer Tip For more information about changing the power button mode, see the “Customizing” chapter in your online User Guide.
8512418.book Page 18 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 2 To “wake” your computer, press a key on the keyboard or press the power button. If the computer remains in Sleep mode, press the power button. 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.
8512418.book Page 19 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com 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.
8512418.book Page 20 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Feature Icon Description Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows Start menu. These keys can also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities like F (Find/Search), R (Run), and E (Computer). Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows. Directional keys Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, right, or left.
8512418.book Page 21 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com 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.
8512418.book Page 22 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Using the mouse Scroll wheel Right button Left button The mouse is a device that controls the pointer movement on the computer 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.
8512418.book Page 23 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move through a document. This feature is not available in all programs. To... Do this... Move the pointer on the 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.
8512418.book Page 24 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Using optical drives Features Your optical drive has the following basic components: Flip-down door Activity indicator Eject button Loading an optical disc To insert an optical disc: 1 Press the eject button on the optical disc drive. Important When you place a single-sided disc in the tray, make sure that the label side is facing up.
8512418.book Page 25 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Identifying optical drive types Your computer may contain one of the following drive types. Press the drive’s eject button, then Look on the front of the drive’s disc tray for one or more of the following logos: If your optical drive has this logo... Your drive type is... Use your drive for... CD Installing programs, playing audio CDs, and accessing data.
8512418.book Page 26 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started If your optical drive has this logo... Your drive type is... Use your drive for... DVD-RAM/-RW Installing programs, playing audio CDs, playing DVDs, accessing data, and recording video and data to CDs and DVD-RAM, DVD-R, or DVD-RW discs.
8512418.book Page 27 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Playing a DVD A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is similar to a standard CD but has greater data capacity. Because of this increased capacity, full-length movies, several albums of music, or several gigabytes of data can fit on a single disc. DVDs can be played on a DVD player or a DVD drive-equipped computer. For more information about playing DVDs, see your online User Guide.
8512418.book Page 28 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Copying optical discs You can copy optical discs to make backups of your data. For more information, see your online User Guide. Using the memory card reader You can use the optional memory card reader to transfer pictures from a digital camera to your computer.
8512418.book Page 29 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com 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. To remove a memory card: • Wait for the memory card reader access indicator to stop blinking, then pull the memory card out of the slot. Caution Do not remove the memory card or turn off the computer while the memory card reader access indicator is blinking.
8512418.book Page 30 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 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.
8512418.book Page 31 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com 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.
8512418.book Page 32 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 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.
8512418.book Page 33 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com IEEE 1394 and USB ports support plug-and-play and hot-swapping, which means that your computer will usually recognize such a device whenever you plug it into the appropriate port. When you use an IEEE 1394 or USB device for the first time, your computer will prompt you to install any software the device needs. After doing this, you can disconnect and reconnect the device at any time.
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8512418.book Page 34 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 35 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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 34.
8512418.book Page 36 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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 35. 2 Press the three bezel retention tabs, then swing the left side of the bezel away from the computer and remove it.
8512418.book Page 37 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 38 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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. 3 Tighten the two thumbscrews on the back edge of the side panel, then reconnect the cables and power cord.
8512418.book Page 39 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 40 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 41 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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 35. 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.
8512418.book Page 42 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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 37. 7 Return your computer to its upright position.
8512418.book Page 43 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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 35. 2 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in “Removing the front bezel” on page 35.
8512418.book Page 44 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 45 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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 35. 2 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in “Removing the front bezel” on page 35.
8512418.book Page 46 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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 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.
8512418.book Page 47 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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 35. 2 Disconnect and label all hard drive cables, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive.
8512418.book Page 48 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 49 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 50 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 51 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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, use rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol to remove the old thermal grease, then 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.
8512418.book Page 52 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 53 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com To replace the battery: 1 Restart your computer. 2 During the restart, press and hold the F1 key. The main menu of the BIOS Setup utility opens. 3 Write down all values in the menus and submenus, then exit from the utility. Caution Any custom BIOS settings you have made will be lost when you remove the system battery. All settings will return to their factory defaults. 4 Shut down your computer.
8512418.book Page 54 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 9 Make sure that the positive (+) side of the new battery is facing up (usually the side that the battery type and model number are etched into), then press the battery into the socket until it snaps into place. 10 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on page 37. 11 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord. 12 Turn on your computer.
8512418.book Page 55 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com 6 Remove the eight system board screws. Screws Screws 7 Lift the system board up and out of the case. 8 Align the new system board on the screw holes in the case, then secure it into the case with the screws.
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8512418.book Page 58 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Setting up a maintenance schedule Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule.
8512418.book Page 59 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 60 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning your computer Keeping your computer clean and the vents free from dust helps keep your computer performing at its best.
8512418.book Page 61 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com 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. If the keyboard does not work after it dries, you may need to replace it. 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.
8512418.book Page 62 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning optical discs Optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs) get dirty from frequent handling. To clean an optical disc: 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.
8512418.book Page 63 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Using BigFix 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. To start BigFix: (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click BigFix.
8512418.book Page 64 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer 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.
8512418.book Page 65 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com 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.
8512418.book Page 66 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Checking the hard drive for errors The Error-checking program examines the hard drive for physical flaws and file and folder problems. This program corrects file and folder problems and marks flawed areas on the hard drive so Windows does not use them. If you use your computer several hours every day, you probably want to run Error-checking once a week.
8512418.book Page 67 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com 5 Click OK. Help For more information about checking the hard drive for errors, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type checking for disk errors in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. 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.
8512418.book Page 68 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer 3 Click Defragment now. This process may take hours to complete, depending on the size of the drive being defragmented. Help For more information about defragmenting the hard drive, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type defragmenting in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. Backing up files Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees space for new files on the hard drive.
8512418.book Page 69 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com 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. Type backup in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. Scheduling maintenance tasks Task Scheduler lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as running Disk Defragmenter and checking your drives for errors.
8512418.book Page 70 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 5: 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.
8512418.book Page 71 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 72 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Finding other files Use Windows Find or Search to locate other personal data files. For more information, see “Using Windows” in your online User Guide. You can often identify different data file types by looking at the file’s extension (the part of the file name following the last period). For example, a document file might have a .DOC extension and a spreadsheet file might have an .XLS extension.
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8512418.book Page 72 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Safety guidelines While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines: Warning Never open your computer case while your computer is turned on and while the modem cable, network cable, and power cord are connected. Warning Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal components.
8512418.book Page 73 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Troubleshooting Troubleshooting topics are listed in alphabetical order. Add-in cards See “Expansion cards” on page 78. Audio See “Sound” on page 92. CD or DVD drives The computer does not recognize a disc or the CD or DVD drive • Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again. • Try a different disc. Occasionally, discs are flawed or become scratched and cannot be read by the CD or DVD drive.
8512418.book Page 74 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting An audio CD does not produce sound • Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again. • Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs on your computer. • Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 30. • Make sure that the mute controls are turned off. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 30.
12418.book Page 75 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Diskette drive The diskette drive is not recognized • Shut down and restart your computer. You cannot save a file to diskette or you see the message “disk is full or write-protected” • Make sure that the write-protection tab on the upper-right corner of the diskette is down (unprotected). • Delete unnecessary files on the diskette and try again. • Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible. • Try a different diskette.
8512418.book Page 76 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting The diskette drive LED is lit continuously • Remove the diskette from the drive. If the light stays on, try restarting your computer. Display The screen resolution is not correct • Change the screen resolution from the Display Settings dialog box. For more information, see the “Customizing Windows” chapter in your online User Guide.
8512418.book Page 77 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Ethernet You cannot see the other computers on your network • Make sure that your Ethernet cable is plugged into the Ethernet jack on your computer. Make sure that the other end is plugged into a network router, switch, hub, or other network device. • Make sure that all computers are plugged into a powered electrical outlet and turned on.
8512418.book Page 78 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Your Ethernet network is running slower than you expect • If your Ethernet network is running slower than you expect, check the speed of each Ethernet component. For best results, all Ethernet components should be standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100 Mbps), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000 Mbps).
8512418.book Page 79 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Hard drive You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message • Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk Cleanup. For instructions on deleting unnecessary files, see “Deleting unnecessary files” on page 64. Help For more information about file management, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the phrase file management in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
8512418.book Page 80 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Internet See also “Modem (dial-up)” on page 85. You cannot connect to the Internet • If you are using a dial-up modem, make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. See your setup poster to make sure that the connections have been made correctly.
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8512418.book Page 82 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Liquid spilled in the keyboard • If you spilled liquid in the keyboard, turn off your computer and unplug the keyboard. Clean the keyboard and turn it upside down to drain it. Let the keyboard dry before using it again. If the keyboard does not work after it dries, you may need to replace it. Media Center This section only covers problems relating to Media Center mode.
8512418.book Page 83 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com • Type of connection used—You can connect the computer video output to a TV. However, the connection type has an affect on the video quality. The Media Center has two video outputs: • VGA—If your TV includes a VGA port, connect the VGA cable from the computer’s VGA (monitor) port to the TV’s VGA In port for the best quality. Many TVs do not have a VGA port.
8512418.book Page 84 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting • Type of TV (interlaced or progressive scan) Many CRT (tube) 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.
8512418.book Page 85 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com You want to play recorded programs on other computers • A DVR-MS file recorded to DVD can be replayed on another computer running Media Center or on any computer that has a DVD player and DVD decoder software (such as WinDVD). The non-Media Center computer must also have at least Windows XP with Service Pack (SP) 1 or 2, Windows Media Player 9 or later, and the Windows patch Q810243 Update.
8512418.book Page 86 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Modem (cable or DSL) My computer cannot connect to the Internet. • Make sure that your modem is connected to the network jack. Tip For the location of your network jack, see your setup poster or “Back” on page 8. • See the documentation that came with your modem for additional troubleshooting information. Modem (dial-up) See also “Internet” on page 79.
8512418.book Page 87 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com 4 Click the Dialing Rules tab, click the location from which you are dialing, then click Edit. 5 Make sure that all settings are correct. Help For more information about dialing properties, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword dialing in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. • Disconnect any answering machine, fax machine, or • • printer that is on the same line as the modem.
8512418.book Page 88 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates over public telephone lines to 53K. Other factors, such as line noise, telephone service provider equipment, or ISP limitations, may lower the speed even further. If your computer has a v.90 modem, the speed at which you can upload (send) data is limited to 33.6K. If your computer has a v.
8512418.book Page 89 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com 6 Click the Diagnostic tab, then click Query Modem. If information about the modem appears, the modem passed diagnostics. If no modem information is available, a white screen appears with no data, or if you get an error such as port already open or the modem has failed to respond, the modem did not pass diagnostics. Help For more information about modem troubleshooting, click Start, then click Help and Support.
8512418.book Page 90 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 91 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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 computer is plugged into a surge protector, make • sure that the surge protector is connected securely to a power outlet, turned on, and working correctly. To test the outlet, plug a working device, such as a lamp, into the outlet and turn it on.
8512418.book Page 92 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 3 Right-click the printer you want to be the default printer, then click Set as Default Printer. • Reinstall the printer driver. See the guide that came with your printer for instructions on installing the printer driver. You see a “Printer queue is full” error message • Make sure that the printer is not set to work offline. To make sure that the printer is not set to work offline: 1 Click (Start), then click Control Panel.
8512418.book Page 93 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Sound You are not getting sound from the speakers • Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 30. • Make sure that mute controls are turned off. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 30. • If you are using external speakers: • Make sure that the speakers are turned on. • See the speaker setup poster to check your speaker connections.
8512418.book Page 94 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting • If only one or two items of software or hardware have • • stopped working correctly, the problem may be solved by re-installing the software or the hardware drivers. To recover software and drivers that were pre-installed at the factory, see “Recovering pre-installed software and drivers” on page 94.
8512418.book Page 95 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Preparing for software and device driver recovery You can usually recover your pre-installed software and drivers from your hard drive. However, if you ever re-install Windows from the Windows DVD or install a new hard drive, you need to recover your pre-installed software and drivers using a set of software and driver recovery discs. Because these discs do not come with your computer, you should create your own set.
8512418.book Page 96 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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 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.
8512418.book Page 97 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Recovering pre-installed software and drivers using Gateway Recovery Center To recover specific drivers and software: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Gateway Recovery Center, then click Gateway Recovery Center. The Gateway Recovery Center opens.
8512418.book Page 98 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 3 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.
8512418.book Page 99 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com 2 To recover pre-installed software, click Application recovery, then click the software you want to recover. - OR To recover pre-installed device drivers, click Device driver recovery, then click the type of driver you want to recover. 3 Click Next. 4 If the software or driver is not shown on the list, and you have a multiple-disc set of recovery discs, close Gateway Recovery Center and try another disc.
8512418.book Page 100 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 101 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com 2 On the left side of the window, click Repair Windows using System Restore, then click Next. The Choose a restore point dialog box opens. 3 Click the restore point you want, click Next, then click Finish. A confirmation message box appears. 4 Click Yes. Your system is restored using the restore point you specified. This process may take several minutes, and may restart your computer.
8512418.book Page 102 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 103 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com To delete everything on your hard drive and re-install all factory software: 1 If you can still run Windows: a Click (Start), All Programs, Gateway Recovery Center, then click Gateway Recovery Center. The Gateway Recovery Center opens. b Click Recovery, then click Next. Your computer restarts. 2 If you cannot run Windows: a Turn on or restart your computer.
8512418.book Page 104 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 9 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. 10 Click Finish, then click Restart. Your computer restarts in its original factory condition. You still need to reinstall any software that was not pre-installed on your computer.
8512418.book Page 105 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Telephone 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 a grounded AC outlet that is supplying power. If you use a surge protector, make sure that it is turned on.
8512418.book Page 106 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Telephone numbers Gateway offers a wide range of customer service, Customer Care, and information services. Automated troubleshooting system Service description How to reach Use an automated menu system and your telephone keypad to find answers to common problems.
8512418.book Page 107 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com Self-help If you have how-to questions about using your Gateway-supplied hardware or software, see the following resources: • The printed or online documentation that came with your hardware or software. In many cases, additional product information and online documentation for Gateway-supplied hardware can be found in our Web site's Documentation Library. • This Reference Guide and your online User Guide.
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8512418.book Page 110 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 111 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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 (for example, No. 24 AWG ) UL-listed or CSA-certified telecommunication line cord for your dialup modem connection.
8512418.book Page 112 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM APPENDIX A: Legal Notices • • • • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver Connect the equipment to an outlet on a different circuit from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Compliance accessories: The accessories associated with this equipment are: shielded video cable when an external monitor is connected.
8512418.book Page 113 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM www.gateway.com When programming or making test calls to emergency numbers: • Remain on the line and briefly explain to the dispatcher the reason for the call. • Perform such activities in the off-peak hours such as early morning or late evenings.
8512418.book Page 114 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM APPENDIX A: Legal Notices Laser safety statement Warning Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified in this manual may result in hazardous radiation exposure. To prevent exposure to laser beams, do not try to open the enclosure of a CD or DVD drive. All Gateway systems equipped with CD and DVD drives comply with the appropriate safety standards, including IEC 825.
8512418.book Page 115 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 116 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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.
8512418.book Page 117 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM 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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