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8512243.book Page i Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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 . . . . .
8512243.book Page ii Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM Contents Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8512243.book Page iii Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . .
8512243.book Page iv Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM Contents Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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512243.book Page 2 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 1: About This Reference About this guide This guide includes information and maintenance instructions that are specific to your model of Gateway computer. Some illustrations in this guide may look different than your computer because hardware options and port locations may vary. For all other computer information, see your online User Guide. For more information For more information about your computer, visit Gateway’s Support page at www.uk.
8512243.book Page 3 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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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8512243.book Page 7 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 8 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Back Important Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this illustration.
8512243.book Page 9 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Component Icon Description Monitor (VGA) port Plug a VGA (blue connector) monitor cable into this port. IEEE 1394 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 33.
8512243.book Page 10 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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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8512243.book Page 12 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Working safely and comfortably Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain: • Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor. • Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye level. • Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
8512243.book Page 13 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 14 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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.
8512243.book Page 15 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 16 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Connecting a dial-up modem Warning To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line cord. Your computer may have a 56K modem that you can use with a standard telephone line to connect to the Internet or fax documents. To connect the modem: 1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on the modem at the back of your computer.
8512243.book Page 17 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 18 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started To put your computer to sleep: 1 Click (Start), then click (power). The computer saves your session and partially shuts down to save power. 2 To “wake” your computer, press a key on the keyboard or press the power button. If the computer remains in Sleep mode, press the power button. To turn off your computer: (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Shut Down. The computer turns off.
8512243.book Page 19 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com 2 If your computer does not turn off, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off (about five seconds), then press it again to turn the computer back on. 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.
8512243.book Page 20 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Feature Icon Description Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the beginning of a line, to the end of a line, up the page, down the page, to the beginning of a document, or to the end of a document. Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the corresponding key to activate the function.
8512243.book Page 21 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 22 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Using the mouse Scroll wheel Right button Left button The mouse is a device that controls the pointer movement on the computer 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.
8512243.book Page 23 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 24 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM 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.
8512243.book Page 25 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 26 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started If your optical drive has this logo... Your drive type is... Use your drive for... DVD-RAM/-RW Installing programs, playing audio CDs, playing DVDs, accessing data, and recording video and data to CDs and DVD-RAM, DVD-R, or DVD-RW discs.
8512243.book Page 27 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 28 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Creating discs Recording to optical discs You can use the disc burning program on your computer to copy tracks from a music CD to your hard drive, copy or create data discs, create music CDs, create video DVDs, and more. For more information about creating CDs and DVDs, see your online User Guide. Creating audio and video files You can create audio and music files, either from scratch or from music CDs.
8512243.book Page 29 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Memory card types The memory card reader supports several memory card types. To determine which types are supported by your card reader and the slots to use for each type of card, examine the face plate of the reader. Each slot is assigned a different drive letter (for example, the E: and F: drives), so data can be transferred from one memory card type to another.
8512243.book Page 30 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Using the diskette drive The optional diskette drive (not available on all systems) uses 3.5-inch diskettes (sometimes called floppy disks). Diskettes are useful for storing files or transferring files to another computer. (Your computer’s diskette drive may look different.
8512243.book Page 31 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com To adjust the volume from Windows: 1 Click (Volume) on the taskbar. The volume control slider opens. 2 Click and drag the slider up to increase volume and down to decrease volume. 3 To mute the volume, click (Mute). To restore volume, click it again. 4 To adjust device volume levels, click Mixer. The Volume Mixer dialog box opens, where you can click and drag sliders for individual devices.
8512243.book Page 32 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 5 Click X in the top-right corner of the window to close it. Help For more information about adjusting the volume, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type adjusting volume in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. Configuring the audio jacks If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, they are universal jacks. This means that they can be used for more than one purpose.
8512243.book Page 33 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com 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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8512243.book Page 36 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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.
8512243.book Page 37 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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 36.
8512243.book Page 38 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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 37. 2 Press the three bezel retention tabs, then swing the left side of the bezel away from the computer and remove it.
8512243.book Page 39 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 40 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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.
8512243.book Page 41 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 42 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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.
8512243.book Page 43 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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 37. 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.
8512243.book Page 44 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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 40. 7 Return your computer to its upright position.
8512243.book Page 45 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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 37. 2 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in “Removing the front bezel” on page 38.
8512243.book Page 46 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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.
8512243.book Page 47 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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 37. 2 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in “Removing the front bezel” on page 38.
8512243.book Page 48 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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 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.
8512243.book Page 49 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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 37. 2 Disconnect and label all hard drive cables, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive.
8512243.book Page 50 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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.
8512243.book Page 51 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 52 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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.
8512243.book Page 53 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 54 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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.
8512243.book Page 55 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 56 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 7 Locate the old battery on the system board and note its orientation. You will need to install the new battery the same way. Important Your computer’s battery location may vary from the illustration below. Battery release tab 8 Push the battery release tab. The battery pops out of the socket.
8512243.book Page 57 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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 37. 2 Remove all expansion cards by following the directions in “Adding or replacing an expansion card” on page 53. 3 Remove all memory modules by following the directions in “Installing memory” on page 43.
8512243.book Page 58 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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 51, 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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8512243.book Page 60 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Setting up a maintenance schedule Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule.
8512243.book Page 61 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 62 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning your computer Keeping your computer clean and the vents free from dust helps keep your computer performing at its best.
8512243.book Page 63 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Cleaning the keyboard You should occasionally clean the keyboard to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys. To clean the keyboard: 1 Use an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys. 2 If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off your computer and turn the keyboard upside down. Let the liquid drain, then let the keyboard dry before trying to use it again.
8512243.book Page 64 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning optical discs Optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs) get dirty from frequent handling. To clean an optical disc: 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.
8512243.book Page 65 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 66 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Managing hard drive space Windows provides several utilities you can use to check hard drive space, delete unnecessary files, defragment files, and back up files. Checking hard drive space To check hard drive space: Shortcut Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive Ö Properties 1 Click (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens.
8512243.book Page 67 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com 2 Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file space, then click Properties. Drive space information appears. Deleting unnecessary files Delete unnecessary files, such as temporary files and files in the Recycle Bin, to free hard drive space.
8512243.book Page 68 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer 2 Click one of the options: • My files only cleans only the folders for the currently logged in user. • Files from all users on this computer cleans all folders. The Disk Cleanup dilalog box opens. 3 Click to select the types of files you want to delete, then click OK. The types of files you indicated are deleted.
8512243.book Page 69 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com 3 Click Check Now, then click Start. Your drive is checked for errors. This process may take several minutes. Important Error checking cannot scan a drive while the drive is being used. If you try to check your hard drive for errors, you see a prompt asking you if you want to scan the hard drive later (the next time you restart your computer). If you see this prompt, click Schedule disc check.
8512243.book Page 70 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer To defragment the hard drive: 1 Disconnect your computer from the network. 2 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Disk Defragmenter. The Disk Defragmenter dialog box opens. 3 Click Defragment now. This process may take hours to complete, depending on the size of the drive being defragmented.
8512243.book Page 71 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com To back up files: 1 Click (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens. 2 Right-click the drive that you want to back up, click Properties, then click the Tools tab. 3 Click Backup Now, then click Run a file backup now. 4 Follow the on-screen instructions to select a backup storage location and the files and folders to back up. Help For more information about backing up files, click Start, then click Help and Support.
8512243.book Page 72 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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.
8512243.book Page 73 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Moving from your old computer Transferring files and settings automatically You can move your files, folders, software settings, and user account settings (such as display, Internet, and e-mail settings) from your old computer to your new one using Windows Easy Transfer, 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.
8512243.book Page 74 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Transferring files and settings manually You can manually transfer your personal data files by copying them to removable media, such as a writable disc, an external hard drive, a network location, or a flash drive. Finding your documents Many programs save your personal data files in the Documents or My Documents folder. Look in your old computer’s documents folder for personal data files.
8512243.book Page 75 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Finding other files Use Windows Find or Search to locate other personal data files. For more information, see “Using Windows” in your online User Guide. You can often identify different data file types by looking at the file’s extension (the part of the file name following the last period). For example, a document file might have a .DOC extension and a spreadsheet file might have an .XLS extension. File type File usually ends in..
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8512243.book Page 78 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Safety guidelines While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines: Warning Never open your computer case while your computer is turned on and while the modem cable, network cable, and power cord are connected. Warning Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal components.
12243.book Page 79 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Troubleshooting Troubleshooting topics are listed in alphabetical order. Add-in cards See “Expansion cards” on page 84. Audio See “Sound” on page 98. 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.
8512243.book Page 80 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM 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.
8512243.book Page 81 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 82 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting The diskette drive LED is lit continuously • Remove the diskette from the drive. If the light stays on, try restarting your computer. Display The screen resolution is not correct • Change the screen resolution from the Display Settings dialog box. For more information, see the “Customizing Windows” chapter in your online User Guide.
8512243.book Page 83 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 84 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Your Ethernet network is running slower than you expect • If your Ethernet network is running slower than you expect, check the speed of each Ethernet component. For best results, all Ethernet components should be standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100 Mbps), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000 Mbps).
8512243.book Page 85 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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 67. 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.
8512243.book Page 86 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 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.
8512243.book Page 87 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com People are sending you e-mail messages, but you have not received any mail • Click the receive button in your e-mail program. • Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is set up correctly. Contact your ISP for technical support. Keyboard The keyboard does not work • Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged in correctly. For more information, see your computer’s setup poster.
8512243.book Page 88 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Help For more information about Windows Media Center, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the phrase Media Center in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
8512243.book Page 89 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com • Screen resolution—Many TVs cannot display the high • • • resolution that your computer’s video signal uses, and may shift, scramble, or scroll the picture. For a better picture on a TV display, you may need to lower the computer’s screen resolution to 800 × 600 or 640 × 480. For more information about changing the screen resolution, see the “Customizing Windows” chapter in the online User Guide.
8512243.book Page 90 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting You want to change display settings to get better TV or DVD image quality • Adjust the display device brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation. For more information, see the Gateway support Web site at www.uk.gateway.com or see the display’s user guide. You need to burn programs that were recorded with your computer to a DVD using Media Center • Media Center saves recorded programs in the DVR-MS format.
8512243.book Page 91 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Memory Help For more information about troubleshooting memory errors, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the phrase memory error in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. You see a “Memory error” message • Use the Memory Diagnostic Tool to inspect your system memory. To run the Memory Diagnostic Tool: • Click (Start), type Memory Diagnostic Tool, then press ENTER. Click Restart now and check for problems.
8512243.book Page 92 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Modem (dial-up) See also “Internet” on page 85. 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. • Make sure that your computer is connected to the telephone line and the telephone line has a dial tone.
8512243.book Page 93 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com • 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. These lines do not work with your modem. Check for line noise (scratchy, crackling, or popping sounds).
8512243.book Page 94 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 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. The modem is not recognized by your computer • Make sure that the line connected to the modem is working and plugged into the appropriate port on your computer.
8512243.book Page 95 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com 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.
8512243.book Page 96 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting The mouse works erratically • If the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the computer display or becomes difficult to control precisely, cleaning the mouse will likely improve its accuracy. • Clean the mouse by wiping the bottom with a clean, damp cloth. Make sure that the optical sensor is clean and free of debris. • The mouse pad may have a printed or fabric pattern on it that interferes with your mouse.
8512243.book Page 97 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Printer The printer will not turn on • Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have an online/offline button that you may need to press. • Make sure that the power cable is plugged into an AC power source. The printer is on but will not print • Check the cable between the printer and your computer. Make sure that it is connected to the correct type of port. • Make sure that the printer is online.
8512243.book Page 98 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 3 Right-click the printer you want to use. If the menu shows a check mark next to Use Printer Offline, click Use Printer Offline to clear the check mark. • Wait until files have been printed before sending • additional files to the printer. If you print large files or many files at one time, you may want to add additional memory to the printer. See the printer documentation for instructions for adding additional memory.
8512243.book Page 99 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Recovering your system You can solve most computer problems by following the information in “Troubleshooting” on page 79 or in the technical support pages at www.uk.gateway.com. Problem solving may also involve re-installing some or all of the computer’s software (also called recovering or restoring your system). Gateway provides everything you need to recover your system under most conditions.
8512243.book Page 100 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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.
8512243.book Page 101 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com You should create a set of discs for recovering your pre-installed software and device drivers, in case you 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.
8512243.book Page 102 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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 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.
8512243.book Page 103 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 104 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM 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.
8512243.book Page 105 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 106 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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.
8512243.book Page 107 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 108 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Manually creating a restore point To manually create a restore point: (Start), Control Panel, System and Maintenance, then click Backup and Restore Center. The Backup and Restore Center opens. 1 Click 2 On the left side of the window, click Create a restore point or change settings, then click Next. The System Properties dialog box opens to the System Protection tab. 3 Click Create.
8512243.book Page 109 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 110 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 8 To perform a recovery with data backup (recommended), click Recovery with automatic data backup, then click Next. Important Before your hard drive is recovered, your personal files will be automatically backed up to c:\backup. - OR To perform a full factory recovery without data backup, click Full factory recovery, then click Next.
8512243.book Page 111 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com 3 When the prompt “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” appears, press any key on your keyboard. A list of valid boot devices appears. 4 Press the arrow keys to select the drive containing the Windows DVD, then press ENTER and follow the on-screen instructions. 5 After Windows is completely re-installed, use the software and driver recovery discs you created to recover your computer’s pre-installed software and device drivers.
8512243.book Page 112 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Warning To avoid bodily injury, do not attempt to troubleshoot your computer problem if: • Power cords or plugs are damaged • Liquid has been spilled into your computer • Your computer was dropped • The case was damaged Instead, unplug your computer and contact a qualified computer technician.
8512243.book Page 113 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Calling Customer Care 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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8512243.book Page 116 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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.
8512243.book Page 117 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com • • • • • • • • • • Do not walk on the power cord or allow anything to rest on it. Do not spill anything on the system. The best way to avoid spills is to avoid eating and drinking near your system. Some products have a replaceable CMOS battery on the system board. There is a danger of explosion if the CMOS battery is replaced incorrectly. Replace the battery with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.
8512243.book Page 118 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM APPENDIX A: Legal Notices FCC declaration of conformity Responsible party: Gateway, Inc. 7565 Irvine Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618 Phone: 800-846-2000 Caution Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Gateway could void the FCC compliance and negate your authority to operate the product. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
8512243.book Page 119 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Canada Industry Canada (IC) Unintentional emitter per ICES-003 This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of Industry Canada.
8512243.book Page 120 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM APPENDIX A: Legal Notices Television antenna connectors protection (for systems fitted with TV/cable TV tuner cards) External television antenna grounding Important The instructions are for the person who installs cable to the system. Gateway assumes you are qualified in the servicing of computer equipment and trained in recognizing hazards in products with electric shock.
8512243.book Page 121 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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.
8512243.book Page 122 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 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.
8512243.book Page 123 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.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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