Quick Start & Troubleshooting Guide T ABLE OF C ONTENTS Product Registration 2 Important Information 3 Computer Basics 4 Safety and Comfort ...................................................... 4 Safety Precautions ................................................ 4 Health Precautions ................................................ 5 Getting to Know your Computer.................................. 6 Control Devices (Keyboard/Mouse) ...................... 6 Volume Controls..............................
P R OD U C T R EGISTRATION When using your computer for the first time, it is recommended that you immediately register it. This will give you access to some useful benefits, such as: • Faster service from our trained representatives • Membership in the Gateway community: receive promotions and participate in customer surveys • The latest news from Gateway Hurry and register, as other advantages await you! How to Register During the initial startup of your computer, a window will invite you to register.
I MPOR TANT I NFORMATION Thank you for purchasing a Gateway computer! This guide has been designed to introduce you to the features of your computer and assist in your computing experience. It will also help you maintain your computer and troubleshoot in case you encounter a problem. To make the most of your computer, Gateway recommends you perform the actions described below before you start working with your computer.
C OMPUTER B AS IC S SAFETY AND COMFORT Safety Precautions Please follow the guidelines below to use your computer comfortably and to avoid health problems. Computer Environment Make sure that the computer: • Is used on a stable surface, stand or table. A fall can seriously damage the computer. • Is not used on a surface that vibrates, or used when taking part in sport, exercise or other activities in a dynamic environment.
Servicing your Computer Do not attempt to service your computer yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR COMPUTER Control Devices (Keyboard/Mouse) Cordless Devices The cordless mouse and keyboard normally connect automatically as soon as you turn your computer on. However, if the cordless mouse and keyboard do not work after installation, you should try to manually establish communication with the receiver. Note: The Keyboard/Mouse and Receiver shown below may not be the same as the Keyboard/Mouse supplied with your computer.
Keyboard The keyboard is used to enter text or commands. The functions of the keys depend on the program you are using. The keyboard displayed in this guide is just an example. The layout of your keyboard may vary slightly. For a full description of your keyboard, please refer to InfoCentre. 1 2 3 10 9 4 8 7 11 6 5 6 1. Numbers: Used to enter numbers and special characters. Press Shift simultaneously for characters on the top and press Ctrl+Alt for characters on the right. 2.
Volume Controls Apart from the volume controls on your computer, keyboard, monitor or speakers (depending on your equipment), you can also adjust the volume and balance of your speakers from Windows. Adjusting the Volume To adjust the volume, simply click on the Speaker icon located in the Notification Area, next to the clock. Drag the slider up or down to adjust the volume. Click on the small speaker icon to mute the volume. Click again to resume playback.
Your Computer’s Drives The drives described below are commonly used on Gateway computers. However, this does not mean that they are present on the computer you have purchased, nor that it is limited to these drives. To view documentation specific to the model you have purchased, please check Gateway InfoCentre. Memory Card Reader Memory cards are used in a wide selection of digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players and mobile phones.
Disc Compatibility for Recordable Drives • DVD±RW Writer: DVD±RW drives (or DVD Dual drives) can write to recordable CDs, recordable DVDs ('-' or '+'). • Double-Layer DVD-RW Writer: Double-Layer DVD-RW drives (or DVD+R9 DL drives) can write to recordable CDs and single- or double-layer recordable DVDs. • Blu-ray Combo Drive: Blu-ray Combo drives can write to recordable CDs, all 'standard' recordable DVDs (but not 'HD' DVDs) and may read from (but not write to) Blu-ray discs.
Modem - An internal fax/data modem connects you to the Internet over a dial-up connection. A network port looks very similar to a modem port; they are often found near each other. The network port is slightly larger than the modem port. Warning: In thunderstorm conditions, make sure that you disconnect all your connection cables; unplug the modem from the telephone line, the TV port from the aerial socket and any network cable.
Turning your Computer ON or OFF Turning your Computer ON 1. First, switch ON any devices connected to your computer (including a monitor) by pressing the main power button on these devices. 2. Then switch ON your computer by pressing the main power button. To share the family computer and have your own system settings every time you turn on the computer, you can set up accounts for each user. You can access and modify your accounts at any > Control Panel > User Accounts and Family Safety.
Forced Shutdown If your computer doesn’t respond, then try using the Task Manager. This utility provides information about your system’s performance and displays details about programs and processes running on your computer. To do so, press the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys simultaneously and select Start Task Manager. Click on the Applications tab, select the task that you want to end and click on End Task. Warning: If your computer still does not respond, press the computer power button to turn your computer off.
quicker than burning a CD or DVD! High capacity drives are also ideal for storing your favorite music, photos and videos and take them with you everywhere you go! Recycling You just bought a new computer and wonder what you can do with your old equipment? Don't just throw it out! Gateway encourages you to recycle! Most computer equipment contains hazardous materials, which are best kept out of landfills. Through recycling, many materials used in computers can be recovered and used again.
I NTERNET AND S OFTWARE USING WINDOWS AND YOUR SOFTWARE Gateway computers include software to help you use your computer; the programs and categories available on your computer depend on the model purchased. Most of this software is ’pre-installed’ and ready to be used; however some software may be provided on a CD or DVD and must first be installed if you wish to use it. To do so, insert the installation CD or DVD.
Gateway Recovery Management To prepare your computer for system recovery options, you should create a set of recovery discs as soon as possible. Recovery discs take some time to create, but for long-term reliability, the effort is worth it. Creating recovery discs If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods, you may need to reinstall the Windows operating system and factory-loaded software and drivers.
3. Insert a blank disc into the drive indicated in the Burn to list, then click Next. The first disc begins recording, and you can watch its progress on the screen. When the disc finishes recording, the drive ejects it. 4. Remove the disc from the drive and mark it with a permanent marker. Important: Write a unique, descriptive label on each disc, such as ‘Windows Recovery Disc 1 of 2’ or ‘Apps/Drivers Recovery disc’. 5. If multiple discs are required, insert a new disc when prompted, then click OK.
The updates will be downloaded from Gateway and automatically installed on your computer. Your updated version of InfoCentre will contain detailed specific information on your computer’s configuration. The My Computer button contains all the technical information about your computer's components and useful tips on how to upgrade your computer. Other buttons give you access to additional information, such as tutorials on performing day-to-day tasks and tips and information on using the Internet.
Note: If you have an Internet connection, the Guide (Electronic Program Guide) allows you to view a list of current TV shows. This shows channel and network information, as well as the title, description and scheduled broadcast time of shows. Cyberlink PowerDVD If your computer is equipped with a Blu-ray drive, you may watch Blu-ray movies with PowerDVD. You may start PowerDVD by inserting a Blu-ray disc and waiting for the program to start automatically.
FIRST STEPS ON THE NET Protecting your computer It is vital to protect your computer from viruses and attacks over the Internet (see Internet Security Offer on page 15 and Security on page 28). An comprehensive Internet security program is proposed when you first start your computer. You should activate this protection as soon as possible, certainly before you connect to the Internet. Choose an ‘Internet Service Provider’ Using the Internet has become a natural part of daily computing.
Network connections A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computers (for example, within an office building or home) that share a common communications line and resources. When you set up a network, you can share files, peripheral devices (such as a printer) and an Internet connection. You can set up a LAN using wired technologies (such as Ethernet) or wireless technologies (such as WiFi or Bluetooth).
Diagram of a working network 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Access point/router Desktop computer Modem Printer Portable computer PDA/Smartphone Network cables (RJ45) 4 5 1 3 7 2 6 Ad-Hoc internet sharing The Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) feature of Microsoft Windows allows you to share a single Internet connection with multiple computers. Built-in support for IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs (WLANs) allows you to create an ad-hoc wireless network.
Surf the Net! To surf the Internet, you need a program called an Internet browser. Internet Explorer provides an easy and secure web browsing experience. As soon as you have your Internet access installed and you are connected, click on the Internet Explorer shortcut located on the Windows desktop and take your Internet experience to a new level! Internet Explorer features The image below shows the Internet Explorer browser’s start page.
manually organize your files. Google Desktop also helps you gather new information from the Internet with Sidebar and Google Gadgets, visually appealing mini-applications that can display anything such as your new email, the local weather forecast to personalized news. With Google Desktop, you get personalized information when you want it, right on your computer’s desktop. Simply click on the Google Desktop search icon to start the program. Note: To learn more about Google™ products and features, visit www.
H ELPDESK SAFE COMPUTING To make the most of your new computer and ensure it runs smoothly for a long time, you should use the programs below and regularly perform the actions described in this guide. Maintenance Recommended maintenance tasks There are several tasks you should perform periodically (about once per month) to ensure your computer stays in good health: Error Checking Using the Check Disk tool regularly prevents your system from getting unreliable and information getting lost.
1. Perform a Disk Cleanup and close all open programs. 2. Click on Start > Computer. Right-click on the OS icon and select Properties. 3. Click on Tools and Defragment now.... 4. Click on the volume you want to defragment and click on Defragment to start. The whole process may take several hours to complete. It is best not to use your computer while running the Disk Defragmenter as any changes on your system may cause the process to restart.
Windows System Restore. System Restore monitors the changes to your computer and automatically creates restore points to revert to a previous time if necessary. It can undo harmful changes to your computer and restore its settings and performance, while saving your personal data files (such as documents, browsing history, drawings, favorites, or emails). Note: When you restore your computer you will need to reinstall any programs you installed after the restore point was created.
1. Click on Restore my computer to an earlier time, and then click on Next. 2. Select from the calendar the date when the restore point was created and click on Next. All the restore points that were created on the selected date are listed by name in the list box to the right of the calendar. 3. In the confirmation screen, click on Next to restore the computer to the selected date and time.
Definitions What is a Virus? Malicious software, typically called ‘viruses’, are programs designed to infect and damage computers. Most viruses are transmitted over the Internet, emails or malicious Web sites. A typical virus will replicate and pass itself undetected to multiple computers. Other forms of nuisance, such as Trojan horses, worms or spam can infect your computer in various ways, using up resources or clogging up a network.
Protect your computer with security software. Several types of security software are necessary for basic online security. Security software essentials include firewall and antivirus programs. A firewall is usually your computer's first line of defense-it controls who and what can communicate with your computer online.
✓ Pay attention to privacy policies on Web sites and in software. It is important to understand how an organization might collect and use your personal information before you share it with them. ✓ Guard your email address. Spammers and phishers sometimes send millions of messages to email addresses that may or may not exist in hopes of finding a potential victim. Responding to these messages or even downloading images ensures you will be added to their lists for more of the same messages in the future.
Windows Firewall Windows has a firewall that protects your computer when connected to the Internet. It stops programs from accessing the Internet without your permission. Certain program need access to the Internet to function properly, or even function at all. If this is the case, you will usually be asked to allow access when you install a program, or the first time you use it. To check firewall > Control Panel > System settings, click on Start and Security > Windows Firewall.
User Account Control The User Accounts control panel can help prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. User Accounts will ask you for permission or an administrator password before performing actions that could potentially affect your computer's operation or that change settings that affect other users. When you see a User Account message, read it carefully, and then make sure the name of the action or program that's about to start is one that you intended to start.
H E L P DE S K DIAGNOSE & REPAIR We all experience problems with our computer from time to time... Before calling the Customer Contact Centre, please read the following. This troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and solve some common problems. Please note that the solutions proposed in either one of the cases below may not be limited to that specific case and may be used to solve other computer issues.
A screen saver may be active. 1. Press a key to reactivate the display. 2. If you wish to change the screen saver properties: a. Close all open programs, with the exception of Windows. b. Right-click on an empty spot on the Windows desktop. c. Select Personalize from the menu. d. Click on the Screen saver icon. e. Adjust the screen saver properties and the energy saving features to your needs. Check your Installation poster. 1. Check the power cord connections between your computer and the power outlets.
Check InfoCentre to learn more about your computer. Don’t forget to download your InfoCentre updates! Depending on your warranty conditions, you might not be allowed to open the chassis by yourself. Please refer to your Warranty & Service Sheet (if supplied) before proceeding. If you are sure you want to proceed, please first touch the ground to prevent electrostatic damages and unplug the power cord before opening the chassis. Check USB ports.
Start with the Last Known Good Configuration. This option will restore the system settings that were in effect the last time the computer started successfully. This may cause your computer to lose data that you have entered the last time you used it. 1. Switch your computer and monitor on. 2. When the Gateway logo appears, press F8 on your keyboard to access the advanced startup options. 3. Use the arrow keys to highlight Last Known Good Configuration and press Enter. Uninstall software.
Device Manager 1. Open the Device Manager (Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Device Manager). This allows you to view the status of your hardware devices. 2. If you see any “!” or “?” signs in front of a device name, going back to a previous version of that driver may help: 1. Right-click on your device and select Properties. 2. Click on the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver. Go back to previous restore point with System Restore.
If your computer cannot display the Windows desktop: Restart your computer, press the Alt+F10 key upon start-up when the Gateway logo appears to start the Recovery Program. Miscellaneous Troubleshooting Keyboard & Mouse My Keyboard Does Not Work 1. The numeric keypad is disabled When the Num Lock key is active, the numeric keypad can be used to enter numbers, like the keyboard of a calculator.
3. The controller properties may not be properly set up. If the pointer moves with difficulty, too quickly or too slowly, or if double clicking does not work all the time, try adjusting the properties of your controller. > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Mouse. a. Click on Start b. Click on the different tabs to access the properties and modify how the mouse acts. c. Click on Apply to confirm your settings then on OK to close the window. Display The Display Is Not Centred or Gets Wavy 1.
a. Click on the speaker icon on the right side of the Notification Area to make the volume control bar appear. b. If you cannot see this icon, go to the Control Panel to display it. c. If this icon has "disappeared", click on the arrow in the Notification Area and then on the icon to display it (to reduce clutter in the Notification Area, icons that have not been used in a while are hidden). 4. Your computer's volume control settings need adjusting. a. Click on the speaker icon in the Notification Area. b.
When you subscribe, your ISP usually provides connection details (user name, password, server phone number, email address, etc.). Check these details and restore your Internet settings, following the procedure given by your ISP. 5. Your account with your Internet Service Provider has been terminated or your ISP server is unavailable. Contact your ISP and check the access conditions to their Internet server. 6. You have moved and your dialling location has changed. > Control a.
When Surfing the Internet, You Get an Error Message 1. You are not connected. a. Look at the lower right part of the Notification Area. b. If you cannot see the connection bars , right click on the Task Bar at the bottom of your screen and choose Properties. Click on the Customize button in the Notification area section. Place a tick in the box in front of Always show all icons and notifications on the taskbar and then OK. c.
The printer has generated an error message The printer is not connected properly No power is supplied to the printer See your printer's manual for information about resolving error messages. Check that the cables are securely connected to the printer and computer. Use a grounded AC power outlet (or power strip). Remember to shut down your computer and printer before disconnecting or reconnecting any cables. Plug the printer into a different wall socket.
3. Uninstalling a program a. Click on Start > Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. b. Select the program you want to uninstall. c. Click on Uninstall/Change to start the program’s uninstall process. Hardware Before purchasing a new hardware device, check that it can be used on your computer. 1. Check your computer's specifications (see Check your computer's specifications on page 44). 2.
H ELPDESK RECOVERING YOUR SYSTEM If the troubleshooting steps (page 34) did not help fix your problem, you can run the Gateway Recovery Management program. This will restore your computer to the same state as when you purchased it, while giving you an option to retain all settings and personal data for later retrieval. To recover your system 1. Create recovery discs as soon as you can. You can use these discs later for recovering your system from significant hardware and software problems.
3. Click on Contents. A list of software and device drivers opens. 4. Click on the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want to reinstall. Returning to a previous system condition Microsoft System Restore periodically takes ’snapshots’ of your system settings and saves them as restore points.
Returning your system to its factory condition If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods, you may need to reinstall everything to return your system to its factory condition. You can reinstall using either your hard drive or the recovery discs you have created. Caution: This complete recovery deletes everything on your hard drive, then reinstalls Windows and all software and drivers that were pre-installed on your system.
R EGULATORY I NF ORMATION WIRELESS DEVICES Caution: Wireless devices are not user-serviceable. Do not modify them in any way. Modification to a wireless device will void the authorization to use it. Contact Gateway for service information. Caution: The transmitting device embedded in this computer may not be used with any antenna other than the one provided with the computer. Warning: Using wireless devices while flying in aircraft is prohibited.
The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) is used to determine the number of devices which may be connected to the telephone line. Excessive RENs on a telephone line may result in the devices not ringing in response to an incoming call. In most areas, the sum of RENs should not exceed five (5). To be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to a line, as determined by the total RENs, contact the local telephone company.
Users should make sure, for their own protection, that the electrical ground connections of the power utility, telephone lines, and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas. The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned to each terminal device provides an indication of the maximum number of terminals allowed to be connected to a telephone interface.
Remote Earths To prevent electrical shock, connect all local (individual office) computers and computer support equipment to the same electrical circuit of the building wiring. If you are unsure, check the building wiring to avoid remote earth conditions. Building Supply Only connect the equipment to a building supply that is in accordance with current wiring regulations in your country. In the U.K., these are the IEE regulations.
The optical devices installed in your computer are designed for use solely as components of such electronic product and therefore do not comply with the appropriate requirements of Code of Federal Regulation Sec. 1040.10 and Sec. 1040.11 for COMPLETE laser products. Because exposure to laser radiation is extremely hazardous, under no circumstances should the user attempt to disassemble the laser device.
E NVIRONMENT GATEWAY’S COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Environment has been at the heart of our products. Gateway is committed to limit the environmental impact of its products during product lifecycle. Starting at design phase, with a very strict procurement policy, maximum attention is given to electronic components in order to limit their weight in heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury, etc. Suppliers are asked, for each part of any product, to respect all regulations.
S OFTWARE L I C E N S E Note: Most of the software applications are already preinstalled on your Gateway computer. They are ready to use or to set up. However, some titles require a CD or DVD to run. You will find these discs in your computer's packaging. Gateway License Agreement (CD and/or DVD Products). This copy of the original is your proof of license. Please treat it as valuable property. Important! Read carefully before installing the software. The following License Agreement applies to you.
I ND EX A Aerial ................................................................... 11 Audio CDs ....................................................... 18, 41 Audio ports........................................................... 11 Autoplay............................................................... 19 B Backups................................................................ 13 Batteries............................................................... 54 Battery disposal................................
Monitor................................................................ 34 Mouse.............................................................. 6, 39 Multimedia files .................................................... 18 N Network connections ............................................ 21 Norton Internet Security.................................. 28, 30 O Optical drives ......................................................... 9 P Pointer.................................................................