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8512032.book Page i Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 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 . . . . .
8512032.book Page ii Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM Contents Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer . . . . . . . 33 Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Removing the back panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Replacing the back panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Replacing the processor fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8512032.book Page iii Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Moving with Windows Easy Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Moving files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Chapter 6: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8512032.book Page iv Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM Contents Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Chapter 7: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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512032.book Page 2 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 1: About This Reference About this guide This guide includes information and maintenance instructions that are specific to your model of Gateway computer. Some illustrations in this guide may look different than your computer because hardware options and port locations may vary. For all other computer information, see the online User Guide. For more information For more information about your computer, visit Gateway’s Support page at www.
8512032.book Page 3 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Gateway contact information The label on the side of your computer case contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number. Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance. Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the side of your computer includes the product key code for your operating system.
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8512032.book Page 7 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Component Icon Description DVD/CD 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, or recordable DVD drive. To identify your drive type and for more information about your drive, see your user guide.
8512032.book Page 8 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Back Opening for cables Power connector Kensington lock slot Component Description Opening for cables Route the cables that are plugged into the side ports through this opening. Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector. Kensington lock slot Attach a cable lock to this slot to prevent unauthorized opening, modification, and theft of your computer.
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8512032.book Page 10 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Component Icon Description Display controls Press these buttons to adjust the screen image. Volume control Press to adjust the volume level of the built-in speakers. USB ports Plug a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device (such as a USB printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into one of these ports. For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other device” on page 31.
8512032.book Page 11 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Side port panel Important Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this illustration. Access the side port panel by removing the port cover on the right side of your computer.
8512032.book Page 12 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Component Icon Description Digital (DVI) video in port If you have a digital video (DVI) expansion card installed, connect its DVI out port to this DVI in port. Telephone jack (optional) Plug a telephone into this jack (optional). The modem cable must be connected to a wall jack for the telephone to be connected to this jack.
8512032.book Page 13 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Component Headphone/analog speakers jack (green plug) -ORFront speakers jack Icon Description If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, 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 information on configuring this jack, see “Configuring the audio jacks” on page 30.
8512032.book Page 14 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Component Icon Description Rear speaker jack (black plug) (optional) Plug your rear right and left speakers into this optional jack. For information on configuring this jack, see “Configuring the audio jacks” on page 30.
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8512032.book Page 16 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Working safely and comfortably Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain: • Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor. • Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye leve. • Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
8512032.book Page 17 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Reducing eye strain Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the monitor screen or shine directly into your eyes. • Position the computer desk and screen so you can avoid glare on your screen and light shining directly into your eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains on windows, and by installing a glare screen filter. • Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your computer in a dark room.
8512032.book Page 18 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 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.
8512032.book Page 19 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Connecting to a broadband modem or network Important Your computer may be equipped with a built-in Ethernet (network) jack. For information about setting up a wired or wireless Ethernet network, see the online User Guide. You can connect your computer to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network.
8512032.book Page 20 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Starting your computer To start your computer: 1 Connect the power, network, mouse, and keyboard cables to your computer according to the setup poster. 2 Press the power button on the front of your computer. If your computer does not turn on, check the power cable connections. Important Your computer has a built-in, variable-speed fan.
8512032.book Page 21 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Turning off your computer Warning When you turn off your computer, certain components in the power supply and system board remain energized. In order to remove all electrical power from your computer, unplug the power cord and modem cable from the wall outlets. We recommend disconnecting the power cord and modem cable when your computer will not be used for long periods.
8512032.book Page 22 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Restarting (rebooting) your computer If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, you may need to restart (reboot) your computer. To restart your computer: (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Restart. Your computer turns off, then turns on again.
8512032.book Page 23 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Using the keyboard Premium multimedia keyboard features The keyboard has several different types of keys and buttons. Your keyboard also has status indicators that show which keyboard feature is active.
8512032.book Page 24 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Feature Icon Description Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the corresponding key to activate the function. Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows Start menu. These keys can also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities like F (Find/Search), R (Run), and E (Computer).
8512032.book Page 25 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM 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.
8512032.book Page 26 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 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.
8512032.book Page 27 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM 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.
8512032.book Page 28 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Adjusting the volume You can adjust volume using the volume control buttons on the right side of your computer 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: • Press the + or - buttons on the right side of your computer.
8512032.book Page 29 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.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.
8512032.book Page 30 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 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 side 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.
8512032.book Page 31 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.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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8512032.book Page 34 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 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.
8512032.book Page 35 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Opening the case Your computer case provides easy access to internal components. Removing the back 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 back panel: 1 Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 34.
8512032.book Page 36 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 4 Pull both back panel release latches (one on each side of the case) toward the back of the case, then lift the back panel away from the case. Replacing the back panel To replace the back panel: 1 Slide the tabs on the top of the panel into the slots in the top of the case. Slots 2 Swing the lower part of the panel down and against the computer until it clicks into place.
8512032.book Page 37 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Replacing the processor fan You need to remove the processor fan to replace it or to access system components that are behind the fan. To replace the processor fan: 1 Remove the back panel by following the instructions in “Opening the case” on page 35. 2 Slide the processor fan’s release lever to the left. 3 Swing the top part of the fan away from the computer. 4 Rotate the fan down until it stops.
8512032.book Page 38 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 6 Slide the fan out of the computer. 7 Plug the new fan’s power cable into the system board. 8 Slide the new fan into the computer. Make sure that you line up the posts on the bottom with the guide slots inside the case. 9 Rotate the fan up until it lays flat against the computer and clicks into place. 10 Replace the back panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the back panel” on page 36.
8512032.book Page 39 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 4 If you are removing a DIMM from the memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module and remove it. - OR If you are adding a DIMM to an empty memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module bank. 5 Align the notches on the new DIMM with the notches on the memory module bank and press the module firmly into the bank until the module clicks into place.
8512032.book Page 40 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Replacing the power supply To replace the power supply: 1 Remove the back panel by following the instructions in “Opening the case” on page 35. 2 Remove the processor fan by following the instructions in “Replacing the processor fan” on page 37. 3 Unplug the power supply from the system board.
8512032.book Page 41 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 8 Replace the back panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the back panel” on page 36. Replacing the diskette drive To replace the diskette (floppy) drive: 1 Remove the back panel by following the instructions in “Opening the case” on page 35. 2 Remove the power supply by following the instructions in “Replacing the power supply” on page 40. You do not need to unplug the power supply from the system board.
8512032.book Page 42 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 4 Slide the diskette drive out (toward you) until it stops, then unplug the cables from the drive. 5 Return your computer to its upright position, then slide the diskette drive out the front of the computer.
8512032.book Page 43 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 2 Pull the optical drive release latch out (toward you). 3 Unplug the cables from the optical drive. 4 Return your computer to its upright position, then slide the optical drive out the front of the computer. 5 Slide the new drive into the computer from the front until the front of the drive is flush with the front of the computer, then slide the drive release lever forward (away from you) to lock the drive into place.
8512032.book Page 44 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Replacing the memory card reader To replace the memory card reader: 1 Remove the back panel by following the instructions in “Opening the case” on page 35. 2 Remove the power supply by following the instructions in “Replacing the power supply” on page 40. You do not need to unplug the power supply from the system board. 3 Pull the card reader release latch out (toward you).
8512032.book Page 45 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Replacing the hard drive To replace the hard drive: 1 Remove the back panel by following the instructions in “Opening the case” on page 35. 2 Unplug the cables from the hard drive. 3 Push the hard drive release lever to the left, then pull the lever out (toward you) as far as the lever will go. The lever pulls the hard drive out.
8512032.book Page 46 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 4 Grasp the hard drive itself, then pull it the rest of the way out of your computer. 5 Make sure the hard drive release lever is still fully extended, then slide the new hard drive all the way into the hard drive bay by pushing on the hard drive itself (not the lever). Make sure that you slide the drive in until it is flush with the edge of the hard drive bay. 6 Reconnect the cables to the drive.
8512032.book Page 47 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Adding or replacing an expansion card You can install a half-height PCI card, a full-height PCI card, or a video card in your computer. Installing a half-height expansion card To install a half-heght expansion card: 1 Remove the back panel by following the instructions in “Opening the case” on page 35. 2 Remove the PCI riser card assembly by pulling on its green handle.
8512032.book Page 48 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 4 Replace the PCI riser card by sliding it back into place. 5 Replace the back panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the back panel” on page 36. Installing a full-height expansion card To install a full-height expansion card: 1 Remove the back panel by following the instructions in “Opening the case” on page 35. 2 Remove the PCI riser card by pulling on its green handle.
8512032.book Page 49 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 4 Remove the metal EMI shield next to the slot you are adding a card to. The PCI card slot is the slot furthest from the riser card handle, and the graphics card slot is the slot closest to the handle. 5 Slide a PCI card into the PCI slot, or slide a graphics card into the graphics card slot. You can slightly seesaw the card end-to-end to help insert the card, but do not bend the card sideways.
8512032.book Page 50 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 6 Press the card retention lever down until it clicks into place. 7 Replace the PCI riser card by sliding it back into place. 8 Replace the back panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the back panel” on page 36. Replacing the BIOS battery Warning Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.
8512032.book Page 51 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 6 Locate the old battery on the system board and note its orientation. You will need to install the new battery the same way. Battery 7 Push the battery release tab. The battery pops out of the socket. 8 Make sure that the positive (+) side of the new battery is facing up, then press the battery into the socket until it snaps into place.
8512032.book Page 52 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer 3 Remove the processor fan by following the instructions in “Replacing the processor fan” on page 37. 4 Loosen the four screws that secure the heat sink to the processor, then remove the heat sink. The screws are captive screws, so they will not fall out of the heat sink. Heat sink screws Heat sink screws 5 Disconnect the power and data cables from the system board, noting their locations and orientation.
8512032.book Page 53 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 6 Remove the seven screws that secure the system board to the case. Screws Screws 7 Slide the system board to the right until it slides free from the case, then remove it completely from the case. 8 Slide the new system board into place, then replace the seven screws you removed previously. 9 Replace the heat sink and tighten the four captive screws.
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8512032.book Page 56 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Setting up a maintenance schedule Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule.
8512032.book Page 57 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com • Avoid subjecting your computer to extreme • • temperature changes. The case can become brittle and easy to break in cold temperatures and can melt or warp in high temperatures. Damage due to either extreme is not covered by your warranty. As a general rule, your computer is safest at temperatures that are comfortable for you. Keep all liquids away from your computer.
8512032.book Page 58 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning the exterior Warning When you shut down your computer, the power turns off, but some electrical current still flows through it. To avoid possible injury from electrical shock, unplug the power cord, modem cable, and network cable from the wall outlets. • Always turn off your computer and other peripheral devices before cleaning any components.
8512032.book Page 59 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Cleaning the mouse If the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the computer screen or becomes difficult to control precisely, cleaning the mouse will likely improve its accuracy. To clean the mouse: • Wipe the bottom of the mouse with a damp, lint-free cloth. Cleaning optical discs Optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs) get dirty from frequent handling.
8512032.book Page 60 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer For information on running Windows Update, see “Windows Update” in the online User Guide. Windows Update can also be controlled through the Windows Security Center. For more information, see “Protecting Your Computer” in the online User Guide. Help For more information about Windows Update, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type windows update in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
8512032.book Page 61 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 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.
8512032.book Page 62 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer 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.
8512032.book Page 63 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 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 dialog box opens. 3 Click to select the types of files you want to delete, then click OK. The types of files you indicated are deleted. Help For more information about keeping the hard drive free of unnecessary files, click Start, then click Help and Support.
8512032.book Page 64 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer 3 Click Check Now, then click Start. Your drive is checked for errors. This process may take several minutes. Important Error checking cannot scan a drive while the drive is being used, so if you try to check your hard drive for errors, you see a prompt asking you if you want to scan the hard drive later (the next time you restart your computer).
8512032.book Page 65 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 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. Help For more information about defragmenting the hard drive, click Start, then click Help and Support.
8512032.book Page 66 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer 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.
8512032.book Page 67 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com To start the Task Scheduler: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Task Scheduler. The Task Scheduler dialog box opens. 2 Click Create Basic Task for basic tasks or click Create Task for more complex tasks, then follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up and scheduling the task. Help For more information about scheduling tasks, click Start, then click Help and Support.
8512032.book Page 68 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer To move files and settings from your old computer: 1 If you want to transfer program settings to your new computer, install those programs on the new computer before running Windows Easy Transfer. Windows Easy Transfer copies only the software’s settings, not the software itself, to the new computer. 2 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Windows Easy Transfer.
8512032.book Page 69 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 3 Double-click the My Documents folder. The My Documents window opens and displays many of your saved personal data files. 4 Copy your personal data files to removable media or to another computer on your network. Finding other files Use Windows Find or Search to locate other personal data files. For more information, see the online User Guide.
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8512032.book Page 72 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Safety guidelines While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines: Warning Never remove your computer case cover while your computer is turned on and while the modem cable, network cable, and power cord are connected. Warning Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal components.
8512032.book Page 73 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com • If you added or removed peripheral devices, review the • installation procedures you performed and make sure that you followed each instruction. If an error occurs in a program, see the program’s printed documentation or the online help. Help For more information about troubleshooting, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type troubleshooting in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
8512032.book Page 74 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting • Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning optical discs” on page 59. • 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.
8512032.book Page 75 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com • DVDs and DVD drives contain regional codes that help control DVD title exports and help reduce illegal disc distribution. To be able to play a DVD, the disc’s regional code and your DVD drive’s regional code must match. The regional code on your DVD drive is determined by your computer’s delivery address. The regional code for the United States and Canada is 1. The regional code for Mexico is 4.
8512032.book Page 76 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting You see a “Disk is full” error message • Delete unnecessary files on the diskette. • Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the diskette drive. • Run Error Checking on the diskette. For more information, see “Checking the hard drive for errors” on page 63. You see a “Non-system disk” or “Disk error” error message • Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press ENTER.
8512032.book Page 77 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com The computer does not recognize an add-in Ethernet card • Shut down and restart your computer. • Make sure that you have installed the required software. For more information, see the documentation that came with your Ethernet card. • Reseat the card. For more information, about opening your computer case, see your hardware reference. For more information about your Ethernet card, see the documentation that came with your Ethernet card.
8512032.book Page 78 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Hard drive You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message • Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk Cleanup. For instructions on deleting unnecessary files, see “Deleting unnecessary files” on page 62. 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.
12032.book Page 79 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Internet See also “Modem (dial-up)” on page 81. You cannot connect to the Internet • If you are using a dial-up modem, make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. See your setup poster to make sure that the connections have been made correctly. - OR If you are using a cable or DSL modem, make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the Ethernet network jack and not the modem jack.
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8512032.book Page 81 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Liquid spilled in the keyboard • If you spilled liquid in the keyboard, turn off your computer and unplug the keyboard. Clean the keyboard and turn it upside down to drain it. Let the keyboard dry before using it again. If the keyboard does not work after it dries, you may need to replace it. Memory card reader Drive letters for the memory card slots do not appear in the My Computer window • Reboot your computer.
8512032.book Page 82 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting To check the dialing properties: 1 Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 2 Click Hardware and Sound, then click Phone and Modem Options. The Phone and Modem Options dialog box opens. 3 If this is the first time you have accessed this category, the Location Information dialog box opens. Enter the information for your area, then click OK.
8512032.book Page 83 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com You cannot connect to the Internet • The ISP may be having technical difficulties. Contact your ISP for technical support. • See if the modem works with a different communications program. The problem may be with just one program. • Review the troubleshooting information under “Internet” on page 79. Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates over public telephone lines to 53K.
8512032.book Page 84 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 4 Click the Modems tab, click your modem, then click Properties. The Modem Properties dialog box opens. 5 Click the Diagnostic tab, then click Query Modem. If information about the modem appears, the modem passed diagnostics. If no modem information is available, a white screen appears with no data, or if you get an error such as port already open or the modem has failed to respond, the modem did not pass diagnostics.
8512032.book Page 85 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com The computer is running but there is no picture • Adjust the brightness and contrast controls to the center position. 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.
8512032.book Page 86 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 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. Networks You cannot connect to your company network Every network is unique.
8512032.book Page 87 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.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 port. • Make sure that the printer is online.
8512032.book Page 88 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 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.
8512032.book Page 89 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Recovering your system Most computer problems can be solved by following the information in “Troubleshooting” on page 73 or in the technical support pages at www.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.
8512032.book Page 90 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 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.
8512032.book Page 91 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 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. 2 Click Applications and drivers external media, then click Next. The What would you like to do? dialog box opens. 3 Click Create system recovery discs, then click Next.
8512032.book Page 92 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 5 If you have enough blank discs of the specified type, click I have enough discs, then click Next. If you do not have enough discs, choose a different disc type, or click Cancel. The disc recording begins. Label the discs as they are completed. Important Use a permanent marker to label each disc “Software and Driver Recovery,” along with a short description of which computer the discs are for.
8512032.book Page 93 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 2 To recover software that was pre-installed, click Programs, then click Application recovery. - OR To recover device drivers that were pre-installed, click Hardware, then click Device driver recovery. 3 Click the software or driver you want to recover, then click Next.
8512032.book Page 94 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 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. To recover software and drivers using recovery discs: 1 Insert a software and driver recovery disc into a CD or DVD drive.
8512032.book Page 95 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 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. Using Microsoft System Restore Microsoft System Restore periodically takes “snapshots” of your system settings and saves them as restore points.
8512032.book Page 96 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting To restore using Microsoft System Restore: 1 Click (Start), Control Panel, System and Maintenance, then click Backup and Restore Center. The Backup and Restore Center opens. 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.
8512032.book Page 97 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 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. 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.
8512032.book Page 98 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 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. 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.
8512032.book Page 99 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com 2 Press the arrow keys on your keyboard to select Repair Your Computer, then press ENTER. Gateway System Recovery starts, and the System Recovery Options dialog box opens. 3 Select a language and keyboard layout, then click Next. 4 Click the User name box to select a Windows user account, click in the Password box and type the user account’s password (if any), then click Next. The System Recovery Options menu opens.
8512032.book Page 100 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 4 After Windows is completely re-installed, use your software and driver recovery discs to recover your computer’s pre-installed software and device drivers. For instructions, see “Recovering pre-installed software and drivers using recovery discs” on page 94.
8512032.book Page 101 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com • Have your customer ID, serial number, and order • number available, along with a detailed description of your problem, including the exact text of any error messages, and the steps you have taken. Make sure that your computer is nearby at the time of your call. The technician may have you follow troubleshooting steps.
8512032.book Page 102 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting Telephone numbers Gateway offers a wide range of customer service, Customer Care, and information services. Automated troubleshooting system Service description How to reach Use an automated menu system and your telephone keypad to find answers to common problems.
8512032.book Page 103 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Self-help If you have how-to questions about using your Gateway-supplied hardware or software, see the following resources: • The printed or online documentation that came with your hardware or software. In many cases, additional product information and online documentation for Gateway-supplied hardware can be found in our Web site's Documentation Library. • This Reference Guide and the online User Guide.
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8512032.book Page 106 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 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.
8512032.book Page 107 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Care during use Warning Do not use Gateway products in areas classified as hazardous locations. Such areas include patient care areas of medical and dental facilities, oxygen-laden environments, or industrial facilities. Warning To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line cord. • • • • • • • • • • Do not walk on the power cord or allow anything to rest on it. Do not spill anything on the system.
8512032.book Page 108 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM Appendix A: Legal Notices Regulatory compliance statements United States of America Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Unintentional emitter per FCC Part 15 This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
8512032.book Page 109 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Telecommunications per Part 68 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 47) (applicable to products fitted with USA modems) Your modem complies with Part 68 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 47) rules. On the computer or modem card is a label that contains the FCC registration number and Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) for this device. If requested, this information must be provided to the telephone company.
8512032.book Page 110 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM Appendix A: Legal Notices Before installing this equipment, users should make sure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection. In some cases, the inside wiring associated with a single-line individual service may be extended by means of a certified connector assembly.
8512032.book Page 111 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Lightning protection For added protection of any Gateway product during a lightning storm or when it is left unattended or unused for long periods of time, unplug the product from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. Power lines Warning When installing or realigning an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits. Contact with them could be fatal.
8512032.book Page 112 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 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.
8512032.book Page 113 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM www.gateway.com Trademark acknowledgments Gateway and the Black-and-White Spot Design are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gateway, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Intel, Intel Inside logo, and Pentium are registered trademarks and MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
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8512032.book Page 116 Tuesday, January 9, 2007 1:47 PM Index connections audio in 14 center speaker 13 digital camera 10, 12, 31 digital video camera 12, 13, 31 Ethernet 13, 19 external audio 13, 14 external speakers 13 Firewire 12, 13, 31 front speaker 13 headphone 13 i.
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