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8511861.book Page i Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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 . . . . . 5 Front . . . .
8511861.book Page ii Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM Contents Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer . . . . . . . 29 Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8511861.book Page iii Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Moving with Windows Easy Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Moving files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Chapter 6: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8511861.book Page iv Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM Contents Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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511861.book Page 2 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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 the online User Guide. For more information For more information about your computer, visit Gateway’s Support page at support.
8511861.book Page 3 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Gateway contact information The label on the side of your computer case contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number. Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance. Onlin Tech e supp Supp Tech Supp ort: ort Phon ort e: Hour s: (U.S.) (Can ada) 900439 4 Online support: Tech Support Phone: (U.S.
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8511861.book Page 7 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Component Icon Description Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an external amplifier, or headphones into this jack. This jack is color-coded green. Diskette drive (optional) Use this drive to read from and write to 3.5" diskettes. Memory card reader (optional) Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other devices into the memory card reader.
8511861.book Page 8 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Back Important Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this illustration. Your computer includes the following components.
8511861.book Page 9 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Component Icon Description Audio input (Line in) jack (blue plug) -ORSide speaker jack This jack is user configurable for one of the following: Stereo in: Plug an external audio input source (such as a stereo) into this jack so you can record sound on your computer (Default). Stereo out: Plug your side left and right speakers into this jack. For more information, see “Configuring the audio jacks” on page 26.
8511861.book Page 10 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Component 10 Icon Description Headphone/analog speakers jack (green plug) -ORFront speakers jack This jack is user configurable for one of the following: Headphone: Plug headphones or amplified speakers into this jack (Default). Stereo out: Plug your front left and right speakers into this jack. For more information, see “Configuring the audio jacks” on page 26.
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8511861.book Page 12 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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 leve. • Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
8511861.book Page 13 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 14 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 15 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 16 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 17 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com 5 To open your computer’s main 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 the online User Guide. Waking up your computer Tip For more information about changing the power button mode, see the “Customizing” chapter in the online User Guide.
8511861.book Page 18 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM 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. To turn off your computer: 1 Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Shut Down. The computer turns off.
8511861.book Page 19 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.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.
8511861.book Page 20 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM 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.
8511861.book Page 21 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 22 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 23 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 24 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 25 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 26 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 27 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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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8511861.book Page 30 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 31 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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 30.
8511861.book Page 32 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Removing the front bezel To remove the front bezel: • Press the three bezel retention tabs, then swing the right side of the front bezel away from the computer and remove it. Tabs Closing the case Replacing the front bezel To replace the front bezel: 1 Slide the tabs on the left side of the bezel into the slots in the left side of the computer.
8511861.book Page 33 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com 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 Insert the front edge of the side panel into the inside front edge of the computer, then swing the side panel in toward the back of the computer to secure it into place. Thumbscrews 3 Replace the side panel thumbscrews.
8511861.book Page 34 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Installing memory When you upgrade the computer memory, make sure that you install the correct type of memory module for your computer. Your computer uses DIMM memory. To install or replace DIMM memory: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 31. 2 For more stability, place your computer on its side.
8511861.book Page 35 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com 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 33. 7 Return your computer to its upright position.
8511861.book Page 36 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 5 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 31. 6 For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface. Important Your computer’s battery location may vary from the illustration below. 7 Locate the old battery on the system board and note its orientation.
8511861.book Page 37 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Adding or replacing a CD or DVD drive Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace a CD or DVD drive. To add replace a CD or DVD drive: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 31. 2 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in “Removing the front bezel” on page 32.
8511861.book Page 38 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 6 Remove the two drive retention screws, then slide the drive forward and out of the drive bay. Drive retention screws 7 Slide the new drive into the drive bay, line up the screw holes on the drive bay with the screw holes on the drive, then replace the two drive retention screws. Drive retention screws 8 Reconnect the drive cables using your notes from Step 4, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8511861.book Page 39 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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 31. 2 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in “Removing the front bezel” on page 32.
8511861.book Page 40 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 5 Slide the new card reader into the bay from the front of the case. Screws 6 Use the screws you removed previously to secure the card reader to the bay. 7 Connect the new card reader’s data cable to the system board. 8 Reinstall the bezel by following the instructions in “Replacing the front bezel” on page 32.
8511861.book Page 41 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com 3 Disconnect the drive cables, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive.) 4 Pull the front fan assembly away from the system board, then remove it.
8511861.book Page 42 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 5 Disconnect the fan cable from the system board. 6 Remove the hard drive bay screw. Hard drive bay screw 7 Remove the hard drive bay from your computer. You may need to work the bay out of your computer by rocking the bay back and forth.
8511861.book Page 43 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com 8 If you are replacing an old drive, remove the four screws that secure the hard drive to the hard drive bay, then remove the hard drive from the bay. Screws Screws - OR If you are adding a new drive (not replacing an old one), remove the four screws (two on each side) from the empty hard drive bay. 9 If you are replacing a drive, note any jumper settings on the old drive and set the jumper on the new drive to be the same.
8511861.book Page 44 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 11 Slide the drive bay back into your computer, making sure that the tabs on the bottom of the bay align with and slide into the slots on the bottom of your computer. Hard drive bay mounting slots 12 Secure the drive bay to your computer using the screw you removed previously. 13 Connect the drive cables. If you are replacing a drive, use your notes from Step 3.
8511861.book Page 45 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Replacing the front fan Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to replace the front fan. To replace the front fan: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 31. 2 Pull the front fan away from the system board, then remove it. 3 Disconnect the fan cable from the system board.
8511861.book Page 46 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 5 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on page 33. Replacing the rear fan Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to replace the rear fan. To replace the rear fan: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 31. 2 Disconnect the fan from the system board.
8511861.book Page 47 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com 3 Remove the four screws on the outside of the case that secure the fan to the back of the case, then remove the fan. Screws Screws 4 Place the new fan on the back of your computer, then replace the screws that secure it to the back cover. 5 Reconnect the fan cable to the system board. 6 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on page 33.
8511861.book Page 48 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 3 Remove the three screws that secure the power supply to your computer. Screws 4 Slide the power supply away from the back of your computer, then pull it down and remove it. 5 Install the new power supply into the case, then install the three screws to secure the power supply to the case. 6 Reconnect the power supply cables using your notes from Step 2.
8511861.book Page 49 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com 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. 3 Pull the front fan away from the system board, then remove it. 4 Disconnect the fan cable from the system board. Important The location of the fan connection may vary, so make sure that you trace the fan cable from the fan to the system board.
8511861.book Page 50 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 5 Loosen the four screws that secure the heat sink to the system board, then remove the heat sink and place it on a stable surface with the flat surface of the heat sink (the side with the thermal grease) up. Screws Screws 6 Release the processor by pushing down on the lever, and then lifting it completely up. 7 Remove the processor from the system board.
8511861.book Page 51 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com 9 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, then re-apply a small bead of thermal grease to the surface that contacts the processor. 10 Place the heat sink on the processor, then tighten the screws that secure it to the system board. 11 Connect the fan cable to the system board, then insert the fan into place.
8511861.book Page 52 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 4 Remove the screw that secures the I/O panel to your computer, then remove the I/O panel from your computer. Screw 5 Insert the new I/O panel into your computer, then replace the screw. 6 Connect the I/O panel cable to the new I/O panel. 7 Replace the front bezel by following the instructions in “Replacing the front bezel” on page 32.
8511861.book Page 53 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com 4 Open the card retention lever. Card retention lever 5 Remove the old expansion 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. 6 Install the new card into the expansion slot.
8511861.book Page 54 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Replacing the system board To replace the system board: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 31. 2 Disconnect any expansion card cables from the cards and from the system board, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you reinstall the cards.
8511861.book Page 55 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com 5 Pull the front fan away from the system board, then remove it. 6 Disconnect the fan cable from the system board. Important The location of the fan connection may vary, so make sure that you trace the fan cable from the fan to the system board.
8511861.book Page 56 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 7 Find the memory module banks on your system board. 8 Gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory modules, then remove them. 9 Disconnect the power and data cables from the system board, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new board.) 10 Remove the three screws that secure the power supply to your computer.
8511861.book Page 57 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com 12 Remove the seven system board screws. Screws Screws 13 Lift the system board up and out of the case. 14 Align the new system board on the screw holes in the case, then secure it into the case with the screws. 15 If your replacement system board does not include a processor, go to Step 16. -ORIf your replacement system board includes a processor, go to Step 21.
8511861.book Page 58 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 17 Release the processor from the old system board by pushing down on the lever, then lifting it completely up. 18 Remove the processor from the old system board.
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8511861.book Page 60 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Setting up a maintenance schedule Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule.
8511861.book Page 61 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com • Avoid subjecting your computer to extreme • • temperature changes. The case can become brittle and easy to break in cold temperatures and can melt or warp in high temperatures. Damage due to either extreme is not covered by your warranty. As a general rule, your computer is safest at temperatures that are comfortable for you. Keep all liquids away from your computer.
8511861.book Page 62 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning the exterior Warning When you shut down your computer, the power turns off, but some electrical current still flows through it. To avoid possible injury from electrical shock, unplug the power cord, modem cable, and network cable from the wall outlets. • Always turn off your computer and other peripheral devices before cleaning any components.
8511861.book Page 63 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Cleaning the monitor Caution A flat-panel display is made of specially coated glass and can be scratched or damaged by abrasive or ammonia-based glass cleaners. To clean the monitor: • To clean an LCD flat panel monitor, use a soft cloth and • water to clean the screen. Dampen the cloth (never apply liquid directly to the screen), then wipe the screen with the cloth.
8511861.book Page 64 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Updating Windows Windows Update helps you keep your computer up-to-date. Use Windows Update to choose updates for your computer’s operating system, software, and hardware. New content is added to the site regularly, so you can always get the most recent updates and fixes to protect your computer and keep it running smoothly.
8511861.book Page 65 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Checking hard drive space To check hard drive space: Shortcut Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive Ö Properties 1 Click (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens. 2 Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file space, then click Properties. Drive space information appears.
8511861.book Page 66 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Deleting unnecessary files Delete unnecessary files, such as temporary files and files in the Recycle Bin, to free hard drive space. To delete unnecessary files: Shortcut Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive Ö Properties Ö Disk Cleanup 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Disk Cleanup. The Disk Cleanup dialog box opens.
8511861.book Page 67 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com If you use your computer several hours every day, you probably want to run Error-checking once a week. If you use your computer less frequently, once a month may be adequate. Also use Error-checking if you encounter hard drive problems. To check the hard drive for errors: 1 Click (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens.
8511861.book Page 68 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Defragmenting the hard drive When working with files, sometimes Windows divides the file information into pieces and stores them in different places on the hard drive. This is called fragmentation, and it is normal. In order for your computer to use a file, Windows must search for the pieces of the file and put them back together. This process slows the hard drive performance.
8511861.book Page 69 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Backing up files Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees space for new files on the hard drive. It also protects you from losing important information if the hard drive fails or you accidentally delete files. You should back up your files regularly to a writable optical disc (if you have a recordable drive). Use a backup device, such as a recordable disc drive, to do a complete hard drive backup.
8511861.book Page 70 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM 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.
8511861.book Page 71 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Moving from your old computer Moving with Windows Easy Transfer You can move your files, folders, software settings, and user account settings (such as display, Internet, and e-mail settings) from your old computer to your new one using Windows Easy Transfer, providing your old computer uses Windows XP or Windows Vista. While using Windows Easy Transfer, you will not be able to run other tasks on the computers.
8511861.book Page 72 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Moving 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.
8511861.book Page 73 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com File type File usually ends in... Documents .DOC, .TXT, .RTF, .HTM, .HTML, .DOT Spreadsheets .XLS, .XLT, .TXT Pictures .JPG, .BMP, .GIF, .PDF, .PCT, .TIF, .PNG, .EPS Movies .MPEG, .MPG, .AVI, .GIF, .MOV Sound and music .WAV, .CDA, .MP3, .MID, .MIDI, .WMA To find files using Find or Search: 1 In Windows Vista, click (Start), then click Search. The Search Results window opens.
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8511861.book Page 76 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Safety guidelines While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines: Warning Never remove your computer case cover while your computer is turned on and while the modem cable, network cable, and power cord are connected. Warning Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal components.
8511861.book Page 77 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com • If you added or removed peripheral devices, review the • installation procedures you performed and make sure that you followed each instruction. If an error occurs in a program, see the program’s printed documentation or the online help. Help For more information about troubleshooting, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type troubleshooting in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
8511861.book Page 78 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting • Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning optical discs” on page 63. • Restart your computer, then enter the BIOS Setup utility • • by pressing and holding F2 while your computer restarts. Make sure that the IDE controllers are enabled. Make sure that the drive is configured correctly by following the instructions in the drive documentation. Reinstall the device driver.
11861.book Page 79 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com • DVDs and DVD drives contain regional codes that help control DVD title exports and help reduce illegal disc distribution. To be able to play a DVD, the disc’s regional code and your DVD drive’s regional code must match. The regional code on your DVD drive is determined by your computer’s delivery address. The regional code for the United States and Canada is 1. The regional code for Mexico is 4.
8511861.book Page 80 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting You see a “Disk is full” error message • Delete unnecessary files on the diskette. • Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the diskette drive. • Run Error Checking on the diskette. For more information, see “Checking the hard drive for errors” on page 66. You see a “Non-system disk” or “Disk error” error message • Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press ENTER.
8511861.book Page 81 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com The computer does not recognize an add-in Ethernet card • Shut down and restart your computer. • Make sure that you have installed the required software. For more information, see the documentation that came with your Ethernet card. • Reseat the card. For more information, about opening your computer case, see your hardware reference.
8511861.book Page 82 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Hard drive You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message • Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk Cleanup. For instructions on deleting unnecessary files, see “Deleting unnecessary files” on page 66. Help For more information about file management, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type file management in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
8511861.book Page 83 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Internet See also “Modem (dial-up)” on page 89. 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 hardware reference or setup poster to make sure that the connections have been made correctly.
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8511861.book Page 85 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Liquid spilled in the keyboard • If you spilled liquid in the keyboard, turn off your computer and unplug the keyboard. Clean the keyboard and turn it upside down to drain it. Let the keyboard dry before using it again. If the keyboard does not work after it dries, you may need to replace it. Media Center To view Media Center troubleshooting information that is not covered in this section, go to the Gateway support Web Site at www.
8511861.book Page 86 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting • S-Video—If your TV does not have a VGA port, but • • • • 86 includes an S-Video port, connect the S-Video cable from the Media Center computer’s S-Video Out port to the TV’s S-Video In port. S-Video display quality is usually good for TV images. The display quality for the Media Center computer functions, however, is not as good as VGA output. S-Video display output is not optimized for computer video display.
8511861.book Page 87 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com • Type of TV (interlaced or progressive scan) Many TVs use interlaced video. Interlaced video displays a video frame with two passes of alternating scan lines. The TV screen first displays the video image odd lines one at a time, sequentially from top to bottom, then it fills in the other half of the video image with the even lines.
8511861.book Page 88 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting You want to know whether you can play recorded programs on other computers • Yes, you can. A DVR-MS file recorded to DVD can be replayed on another Media Center computer or on a non-Media Center computer that has a DVD player and DVD decoder software (such as WinDVD).
8511861.book Page 89 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Modem (cable or DSL) • See the documentation that came with your modem for additional troubleshooting information. Modem (dial-up) See also “Internet” on page 83. 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 hardware reference or setup poster to make sure that the connections have been made correctly.
8511861.book Page 90 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Help For more information about dialing properties, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type dialing in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. • Disconnect any answering machine, fax machine, or • • printer that is on the same line as the modem. Do not connect these devices to the same telephone line as the modem. Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBX line.
8511861.book Page 91 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com If your computer has a v.90 modem, the speed at which you can upload (send) data is limited to 33.6K. If your computer has a v.92 modem, the speed at which you can upload data is limited to 48K. Your ISP may not support 48K uploads. Your fax communications program only sends and receives faxes at 14,400 bps when you have a 56K modem • Current fax technology only supports a maximum send and receive rate of 14,400 bps.
8511861.book Page 92 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Help For more information about modem troubleshooting, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type modem troubleshooting in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. The modem is noisy when it dials and connects When your modem tries to connect to another modem, it begins handshaking.
8511861.book Page 93 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com • Reinstall the device driver. • Connect a monitor that you know works to your computer. The color is not uniform • Make sure that the monitor warms up for at least 30 minutes before making a final judgment about color uniformity. • Make sure that: • Non-shielded speakers are not placed too close to the monitor.
8511861.book Page 94 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Help For more information about changing the screen resolution, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type screen resolution in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. 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.
8511861.book Page 95 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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 an electrical outlet, turned on, and working correctly. To test the outlet, plug a working device, such as a lamp, into the outlet and turn it on.
8511861.book Page 96 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting • 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. The Control Panel window opens. 2 Click Hardware and Sound, then click the Printers category.
8511861.book Page 97 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Help For more information about sound troubleshooting, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type sound troubleshooter in the Search Help box, then press ENTER. Recovering your system Most computer problems can be solved by following the information in “Troubleshooting” on page 143 or in the technical support pages at www.gateway.com.
8511861.book Page 98 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM 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.
8511861.book Page 99 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com You should create a set of discs for recovering your pre-installed software and device drivers, in case you will need to use them later for a complete system recovery. (Your computer must have a recordable disc drive to perform this procedure.) To create discs for recovering pre-installed software and drivers: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Gateway Recovery Center, then click Gateway Recovery Center. The Gateway Recovery Center opens.
8511861.book Page 100 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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 will need to create a full set of recovery discs. 5 If you have enough blank discs of the specified type, click I have enough discs, then click Next.
8511861.book Page 101 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 102 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 4 Click the software or driver you want to recover, then click Next. Recovering pre-installed software and drivers using recovery discs If you created a multiple-disc set of recovery discs, each disc contains a unique set of software and drivers. If a recovery disc does not offer the software or driver you need to recover, try another disc.
8511861.book Page 103 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com 2 To recover pre-installed software, click Application recovery, click the software you want to recover, then click Next. - OR To recover pre-installed device drivers, click Device driver recovery, click the type of driver you want to recover, then click Next. 3 If the software or driver is not shown on the list, and you have a multiple-disc set of recovery discs, close Gateway Recovery Center and try another disc.
8511861.book Page 104 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 105 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 106 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 107 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Recovering your system to its factory condition If your computer’s problems are not solved by any of the other recovery options, you may need to recover its hard drive to its factory condition. This process is called a factory recovery. Caution A complete factory recovery deletes everything on your hard drive, then reinstalls Windows and any pre-installed software and device drivers.
8511861.book Page 108 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 8 Click Yes, then click Next. The Factory image recovery window opens, which shows you the progress of the system recovery. When recovery is finished, the Recovery is complete window opens. 9 Click Finish, then click Restart. Your computer restarts into its original factory condition.
8511861.book Page 109 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com • Make sure that your computer is connected correctly to • • • a grounded AC outlet that is supplying power. If you use a surge protector, make sure that it is turned on. If a peripheral device, such as a keyboard or mouse, does not appear to work, make sure that all cables are plugged in securely.
8511861.book Page 110 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Telephone numbers You can access the following services through your telephone to get answers to your questions: Resource Service description How to reach Answers by Gateway Get tutorial assistance for hardware and software issues. www.gateway.com/answers Gateway Customer Care Talk to a Gateway Customer Care representative about a non-tutorial technical support question.
8511861.book Page 111 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM www.gateway.com Tutoring Answers by GatewaySM is a telephone service that provides answers to all of your “How do I...” questions on Gateway computers. For more information, go to www.gateway.com/answers. Training Gateway provides the following computer-based training: Resource Service description For more information Gateway Learning Libraries A variety of courses and tutorials are available on CD.
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8511861.book Page 114 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 115 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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 telecommunications line cord. • • • • • • • • • • Do not walk on the power cord or allow anything to rest on it.
8511861.book Page 116 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 117 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 118 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 119 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 120 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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.
8511861.book Page 121 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 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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8511861.book Page 124 Monday, December 18, 2006 11:20 AM Index speakers 26 connecting modem 16 PS/2 keyboard 10 PS/2 mouse 9 to Ethernet network 9, 15 to Internet 9 to network 9, 15 connections audio in 9 center speaker 10 digital camera 6, 10, 26 digital video camera 7, 9, 26 Ethernet 9, 15 external audio 9, 10 external speakers 10 Firewire 7, 9, 26 front speaker 10 headphone 10 i.
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