Gateway Personal Computer GM5688E User Manual

REFERENCEGUIDE  
®
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Contents  
Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22  
Using optical drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24  
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24  
Loading an optical disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24  
Identifying optical drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24  
Playing discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26  
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Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28  
Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46  
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60  
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60  
Cleaning the monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60  
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61  
Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61  
Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62  
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Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66  
Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85  
Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85  
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85  
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89  
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89  
Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90  
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Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104  
Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106  
Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106  
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107  
Appendix A: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109  
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119  
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About this guide  
Accessing the online User Guide  
Gateway contact information  
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity  
For more information  
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CHAPTER 1: About This Reference  
About this guide  
This guide includes information and maintenance instructions  
that are specific to your model of Gateway computer. Some  
illustrations in this guide may look different than your  
computer because hardware options and port locations may  
vary. For all other computer information, see your online User  
Guide.  
For more information  
For more information about your computer, visit Gateways  
Support page at www.gateway.com or the Web address shown  
on your computers label. The Support page also has links to  
additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.  
Accessing the online User Guide  
In addition to this guide, your User Guide has been included on  
your hard drive. Your User Guide is an in-depth, easy-to-read  
manual that includes information on the following topics:  
Help and technical support  
Using and customizing Windows and other software  
Controlling audio and video settings  
Using the Internet  
Protecting your files  
Playing and recording media  
Networking  
To access your User Guide:  
Click (Start), All Programs, then click Gateway  
Documentation.  
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Gateway contact information  
The label on the top of your computer contains information  
that identifies your computer model and serial number.  
Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call  
for assistance.  
Serial number Technical Support  
telephone number  
Microsoft Certificate of  
Authenticity  
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the  
back or side of your computer includes the product key code  
for your operating system. If you ever reinstall Windows from  
the installation DVD, you will need to enter these numbers to  
activate Windows.  
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CHAPTER 1: About This Reference  
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CHAPTER2  
Checking Out Your  
Computer  
Front  
Back  
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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer  
Front  
Power button/  
Memory card reader  
power indicator  
USB ports  
DVD/ CD drive  
DVD/ CD drive  
(optional)  
IEEE 1394/  
FireWire™ port  
Video jack (optional)  
Diskette or removable  
hard drive (optional)  
Audio left jack  
(optional)  
Headphone jack  
Microphone jack  
Audio right jack  
(optional)  
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Component  
Icon  
Description  
Memory card  
reader  
Insert a memory card from a digital camera,  
MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other  
device into the memory card reader.  
Optical disc drive  
Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install  
games and programs, watch DVDs, and store  
large files onto recordable discs (depending on  
drive type). This drive may be a CD, recordable  
CD, DVD, recordable DVD, Blu-ray, or HD DVD  
drive. For more information about your drive,  
see “Identifying optical drive types” on  
page 24.  
®
IEEE 1394 port  
Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire )  
devices (such as a digital camcorder) into these  
6-pin IEEE 1394 ports.  
Diskette or  
removable hard  
drive (optional)  
Use this drive to read from and write to 3.5"  
diskettes, or use this bay to connect a  
removable hard drive.  
Headphone jack  
Plug powered, analog front speakers, an  
external amplifier, or headphones into this  
jack. This jack is color-coded green.  
Microphone jack  
Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is  
color-coded pink.  
Power  
button/ power  
indicator  
Press this button to turn the power on or off.  
You can also configure the power button to  
operate in Standby/ Resume mode or  
Hibernate mode. The power indicator lights  
when the computer is turned on.  
USB ports  
Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as  
a USB external drive, printer, scanner, camera,  
keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.  
Video, Audio left,  
and Audio right  
jacks (optional)  
Connect your video camera to these jacks.  
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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer  
Back  
Important  
Your computers hardware options and port locations may vary from this  
illustration.  
Voltage switch  
Case cover thumbscrew  
Power connector  
PS/ 2 mouse port  
Monitor (VGA) port  
PS/ 2 keyboard port  
IEEE 1394 port  
USB ports  
Ethernet (network) jack  
Center/ subwoofer jack  
Surround L/ R speaker jack  
S/ PDIF jack  
(optional)  
Mic jack  
Audio in/ side speaker jack  
Case cover thumbscrew  
Video card (optional)  
Audio card (optional)  
Headphone/ front  
speaker jack  
TV tuner card (optional)  
Wireless network antenna connectors  
Wireless network antenna (optional)  
Component  
Icon  
Description  
Voltage switch  
The switch is preset at the factory. Make  
sure that this is set to the correct voltage for  
your area.  
Power connector  
Plug the power cord into this connector.  
Plug a PS/ 2 keyboard into this port.  
PS/ 2 keyboard port  
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Component  
Icon  
Description  
USB ports  
Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices  
(such as a USB printer, scanner, camera,  
keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. For  
more information, see “Installing a printer,  
scanner, or other device” on page 32.  
S/ PDIF output jack  
(optional)  
Plug an optical cable from an amplifier or  
entertainment system into this jack for  
digital sound.  
Microphone jack  
(pink plug)  
Plug a microphone into this jack.  
Headphone/ analog  
speakers jack (green  
plug)  
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.  
-OR-  
Front speakers jack  
For more information, see “Configuring the  
audio jacks” on page 31.  
Wireless network  
antenna (optional)  
and connectors  
Connect this antenna to your wireless  
network antenna card (optional).  
Case cover  
Remove this screw before opening the case.  
Plug a PS/ 2 mouse into this port.  
thumbscrew  
PS/ 2 mouse port  
Monitor (VGA) port  
IEEE 1394 port  
Plug a VGA (blue connector) monitor cable  
into this port.  
Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire )  
devices (such as a digital camcorder) into  
this 6-pin IEEE 1394 port. For more  
information, see “Installing a printer,  
scanner, or other device” on page 32.  
Ethernet (network)  
jack  
Plug an Ethernet network cable or a device  
(such as a DSL or cable modem for a  
broadband Internet connection) into this  
jack. For more information, see “Learning  
about the Internet” in the online User Guide.  
Center/ subwoofer  
jack (orange plug)  
(optional)  
Plug your center speaker and subwoofer  
into this jack. For more information, see  
Configuring the audio jacks” on page 31.  
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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer  
Component  
Icon  
Description  
Rear speaker jack  
(black plug)  
Plug your rear right and left speakers into  
this jack. For more information, see  
Configuring the audio jacks” on page 31.  
Audio input (Line in)  
jack (blue plug)  
-OR-  
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.  
Side speaker jack  
For more information, see “Configuring the  
audio jacks” on page 31.  
Video card (optional)  
Plug a VGA (blue connector) or DVI (white  
connector) monitor into a port on this card,  
if installed.  
Audio card (optional)  
TV tuner card  
Plug speaker cables into this card, if  
installed.  
Plug a video tuner or antenna into this card,  
if installed.  
Modem jack  
(optional, not shown)  
Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more  
information, see Connecting a dial-up  
modem” on page 16.  
Telephone jack  
(optional, not shown)  
Plug the cord from your telephone into this  
jack.  
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Working safely and comfortably  
Preparing power connections  
Connecting to a broadband modem or  
network  
Connecting a dial-up modem  
Starting your computer  
Turning off your computer  
Restarting (rebooting) your computer  
Using the keyboard  
Using the mouse  
Using optical drives  
Using the memory card reader  
Using the diskette drive  
Adjusting the volume  
Configuring the audio jacks  
Installing a printer, scanner, or other device  
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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Working safely and  
comfortably  
Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines  
for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding  
discomfort and strain:  
Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor.  
Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of  
sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye  
level.  
Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.  
Keep ventilation openings clear of obstructions.  
Top of screen is not  
higher than eye level  
Screen is perpendicular to  
your line of sight  
Hands and arms are  
parallel to the floor  
Feet are flat on the floor  
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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.  
Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the  
monitor.  
Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for  
long periods of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look around  
the room, and try to focus on distant objects.  
Setting up your computer desk and chair  
When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make  
sure that the desk is the appropriate height and the chair helps  
you maintain good posture.  
Select a flat surface for your computer desk.  
Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands  
and arms are positioned parallel to the floor when you  
use the keyboard and touchpad. If the desk is not  
adjustable or is too tall, consider using an adjustable  
chair to control your arms height above the keyboard.  
Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes  
your weight evenly, and keeps your body relaxed.  
Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly below  
the level of your elbow. This position lets your shoulders  
relax while you type.  
Adjust the chair height, adjust the forward tilt of the seat,  
or use a footrest to distribute your weight evenly on the  
chair and relieve pressure on the back of your thighs.  
Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower  
curve of your spine. You can use a pillow or cushion to  
provide extra back support.  
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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.  
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive  
strain  
Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.  
Take breaks to change your position, stretch your  
muscles, and relieve your eyes.  
Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a  
variety of tasks.  
Preparing power connections  
Protecting from power source problems  
Warning  
High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord and  
the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge protector. If you  
have a telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a modem jack. If you  
have a cable modem, use a surge protector that has an antenna/ cable TV jack.  
During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem.  
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming  
into your computer can increase to far above normal levels and  
cause data loss or system damage. Protect your computer and  
peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector,  
which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from  
reaching your computer.  
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power  
to your computer during a power failure. Although you cannot  
run your computer for an extended period of time with a UPS,  
a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your  
work and shut down your computer normally.  
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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. In other areas of the world, such as  
Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at 50 Hz. If your computer is  
operating in an environment such as this, the voltage switch should be moved  
to 230.  
The power supply, a component built into your computer,  
provides power to the system board, add-in cards, and  
peripheral devices. The power supplys voltage selection for  
your location is typically set at the factory, but you can change  
it to match the electrical service available in your usage area  
(such as while in another country). Use the power selection  
switch on the back of your computer to set the voltage to 115V  
or 230V.  
To set the voltage selection switch:  
1
2
Disconnect your computers power cable.  
Use a tool such as an opened paper clip to slide the  
voltage selection switch to the correct voltage position.  
The switch is located on the back of your computer, near  
the power cable connector.  
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 your  
online User Guide.  
You can connect your computer to a cable or DSL modem or  
to a wired Ethernet network.  
To connect to a broadband modem or to an Ethernet  
network:  
1
Insert one end of the network cable into the network  
jack on the back of your computer.  
2
Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable  
modem, DSL modem, or network jack.  
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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.  
2
Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone  
wall jack. (The modem will not work with digital or PBX  
telephone lines.)  
3
If you want, you can connect a telephone to the PHONE  
jack on the modem at the back of your computer.  
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. In addition, your  
computer uses a powerful processor which produces heat and has its  
own cooling fan. Both the system fan and processor fan can run at  
different speeds at times to ensure correct system cooling. You may  
notice an increase in the fan noise when the fan is running at high speed  
and a decrease in the fan noise when it switches to normal speed.  
3
4
If you are starting your computer for the first time,  
follow the on-screen instructions to select the language  
and time zone and to create your first user account.  
Attach and turn on any USB or audio peripheral devices,  
such as printers, scanners, and speakers. If you need to  
attach a peripheral device to the parallel or serial ports,  
turn off your computer first. See the documentation that  
came with each device for its setup instructions.  
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5
To open your computers Start menu, click  
(Start).  
From that menu, you can run programs and search for  
files. For more information on using your computers  
menus, see Using Windows” and Customizing  
Windows” in your online User Guide.  
Waking up your computer  
Tip  
For more information about changing the power button mode, see the  
“Customizing” chapter in your online User Guide.  
When you have not used your computer for several minutes,  
it may enter a power-saving mode called Sleep. While in Sleep  
mode, the power indicator on the power button flashes.  
If your computer is in Sleep mode, move the mouse, press a  
key on the keyboard, or press the power button to “wake” it  
up. If the computer remains in Sleep mode, press the power  
button.  
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.  
Important  
If for some reason you cannot use the Shut Down option in Windows to  
turn off your computer, press and hold the power button for about five seconds,  
then release it.  
Putting your computer into Sleep mode is the easiest way to  
power down your computer. Although it does not turn your  
computer completely off, it does turn off or slow down most  
system operations to save power, and saves your desktop  
layout so the next time you restore power, the programs are  
laid out just as you left them. Waking your computer from a  
Sleep state is much faster than turning on your computer after  
it has been turned completely off.  
To put your computer to sleep:  
1
Click (Start), then click  
(power). The computer  
saves your session and partially shuts down to save  
power.  
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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started  
2
To wake” your computer, press a key on the keyboard  
or press the power button. If the computer remains in  
Sleep mode, press the power button.  
To turn off your computer:  
1
Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then  
click Shut Down. The computer turns off.  
2
To completely disconnect all power (such as for servicing  
internal components), also disconnect the power cord.  
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:  
1
Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then  
click Restart. Your computer turns off, then turns on  
again.  
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.  
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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.  
Function keys  
Indicators  
Editing buttons  
Internet buttons  
Audio playback buttons Navigation keys  
Internet buttons  
Application key Directional keys  
Numeric keypad  
Windows keys  
Feature  
Icon  
Description  
Editing buttons  
Function keys  
Press these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.  
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.  
Internet buttons  
Press these buttons to launch your Internet home  
page or search, or e-mail programs.  
Audio playback  
buttons  
Press these buttons to play your audio files and  
to adjust the volume.  
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.  
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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Feature  
Icon  
Description  
Windows keys  
Press one of these keys to open the Windows  
Start menu. These keys can also be used in  
combination with other keys to open utilities like  
F (Find/ Search), R (Run), and E (Computer).  
Application key  
Press this key to access shortcut menus and help  
assistants in Windows.  
Directional keys  
Numeric keypad  
Press these keys to move the cursor up, down,  
right, or left.  
Press these keys to type numbers when the  
numeric keypad (NUM LOCK) is turned on.  
Elite 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.  
Audio playback  
Sleep button Function keys  
Application buttons  
Indicators  
buttons  
Windows keys  
Application key  
Navigation keys Numeric keypad  
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Feature  
Icon  
Description  
Sleep button  
Press this button to activate your computers  
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.  
Application buttons  
Press these buttons to launch your Internet  
home page, search for files, or launch the  
calculator program.  
Audio playback  
buttons  
Press these buttons to play your audio files and  
to adjust the volume.  
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).  
Application key  
Press this key to access shortcut menus and  
help assistants in Windows.  
Editing buttons  
Navigation keys  
Press these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.  
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. Press  
the arrow keys to move the cursor.  
Numeric keypad  
Press these keys to type numbers when the  
numeric keypad (NUM LOCK) is turned on.  
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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.  
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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.  
Select an object  
on the computer  
display  
Position the pointer over the  
object. Quickly press and  
release the left mouse button.  
This is called clicking.  
Start a program  
or open a file or  
folder  
Position the pointer over the  
object. Quickly press and  
release the left mouse button  
twice. This is called  
double-clicking.  
Access a  
Position the pointer over the  
object. Quickly press and  
release the right mouse button  
once. This is called  
shortcut menu  
or find more  
information  
about an object  
on the display.  
right-clicking.  
Move an object  
on the computer  
display.  
Position the pointer over the  
object. Press the left mouse  
button and hold it down. Move  
(drag) the object to the  
appropriate part of the  
button to drop the object where  
you want it. This is called  
clicking and dragging.  
For more information about how to adjust the double-click  
speed, pointer speed, right-hand or left-hand configuration,  
and other mouse settings, see the Customizing” chapter in  
your online User Guide. For instructions on how to clean the  
mouse, see Cleaning the mouse” on page 61.  
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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Using optical drives  
Features  
Your optical drive has the following basic components:  
Flip-down door  
Activity indicator  
Eject button  
Loading an optical disc  
To insert an optical disc:  
1
Press the eject button on the optical disc drive.  
Important  
When you place a single-sided disc in the tray, make sure that the  
label side is facing up. If the disc has two playable sides, place the disc  
so the name of the side you want to play is facing up.  
2
3
Place the disc in the tray with the label facing up.  
Press the eject button to close the tray.  
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Identifying optical drive types  
Your computer may contain one of the following drive types.  
Press the drives eject button, then Look on the front of the  
drives disc tray for one or more of the following logos:  
If your optical drive has  
this logo...  
Your drive type  
is...  
Use your drive for...  
Installing programs, playing  
audio CDs, and accessing data.  
CD  
Installing programs, playing  
audio CDs, accessing data, and  
creating CDs.  
CD-RW  
Installing programs, playing  
audio CDs, accessing data,  
creating CDs, and playing DVDs.  
DVD/ CD-RW  
Installing programs, playing  
audio CDs, playing DVDs, and  
accessing data.  
DVD  
Installing programs, playing  
audio CDs, playing DVDs,  
accessing data, and recording  
video and data to CDs and  
DVD+R or DVD+RW discs.  
DVD+RW  
Installing programs, playing  
audio CDs, playing DVDs,  
accessing data, and recording  
video and data to CDs and  
DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, and  
DVD-RW discs.  
DVD R/ RW  
Installing programs, playing  
audio CDs, playing DVDs,  
accessing data, and recording  
video and data to CDs and  
double layer DVD+R discs.  
Note: To use the double layer  
capability of the double layer  
recordable DVD drive, the blank  
DVDs you purchase must state  
Double Layer, Dual Layer, or DL.  
Using other types of blank  
media will result in less  
Double layer  
DVD+RW  
capacity.  
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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started  
If your optical drive has  
this logo...  
Your drive type  
is...  
Use your drive for...  
Installing programs, playing  
audio CDs, playing DVDs,  
accessing data, and recording  
video and data to CDs and  
DVD-RAM, DVD-R, or DVD-RW  
discs.  
DVD-RAM/ -RW  
Blu-ray Disc  
HD-DVD  
RECORDER  
Installing programs, playing  
audio CDs, playing DVDs,  
playing Blu-ray Discs, accessing  
data, and recording video and  
data to CDs, DVD-RAM, DVD-R,  
DVD-RW, and Blu-ray discs.  
Installing programs, playing  
audio CDs, playing DVDs and  
HD-DVDs, accessing data, and  
recording video and data to  
CDs,DVD-RAM,DVD-R,DVD-RW,  
and HD-DVD discs.  
Playing discs  
Playing a CD  
Important  
Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to  
play these CDs on your computer.  
A standard compact disc (CD) can hold an entire album of  
digital songs and can be played on a CD player or your  
computers CD drive.  
Use a music program or Windows Media Player on your  
computer to:  
Play music CDs  
Create MP3 music files from your music CDs  
Edit music track information  
Use your music files to build a music library  
For more information about playing CDs, see your online User  
Guide.  
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Playing a DVD  
A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is similar to a standard CD but has  
greater data capacity. Because of this increased capacity,  
full-length movies, several albums of music, or several  
gigabytes of data can fit on a single disc. DVDs can be played  
on a DVD player or a DVD drive-equipped computer. For more  
information about playing DVDs, see your online User Guide.  
Playing a Blu-ray Disc  
Blu-ray Disc is a high-capacity optical disc that can store much  
more data than a DVD. A dual-layer Blu-ray Disc can hold 50 GB  
of files, about 23 hours of standard-definition video, or about  
nine hours of high-definition video. Blu-ray Discs can be played  
on a Blu-ray-compatible player or a Blu-ray drive-equipped  
computer. For more information about playing Blu-ray Discs,  
see your online User Guide.  
Playing an HD-DVD  
HD-DVD is a high-capacity optical disc that can store much  
more data than a DVD. A dual-layer HD-DVD can hold 30 GB of  
files, about 14 hours of standard-definition video, or about 5.5  
hours of high-definition video. HD-DVDs can be played on an  
HD-DVD-compatible player or an HD-DVD drive-equipped  
computer. For more information about playing HD-DVDs, see  
your online User Guide.  
Creating discs  
Recording to optical discs  
You can use the disc burning program on your computer to  
copy tracks from a music CD to your hard drive, copy or create  
data discs, create music CDs, create video DVDs, and more. For  
more information about creating CDs and DVDs, see your  
online User Guide.  
Creating audio and video files  
You can create audio and music files, either from scratch or  
from music CDs. You can also create video files from home  
video. For more information, see your online User Guide.  
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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Copying optical discs  
You can copy optical discs to make backups of your data. For  
more information, see your online User Guide.  
Using the memory card reader  
You can use the optional memory card reader to transfer  
pictures from a digital camera to your computer. You can also  
use the memory card reader to transfer data between your  
computer and a device that uses memory cards, such as a PDA,  
MP3 player, or cellular telephone. (Your computers memory  
card reader may look different.)  
Activity indicator  
Memory card reader slots  
Memory card types  
The memory card reader supports several memory card types.  
To determine which types are supported by your card reader  
and the slots to use for each type of card, examine the face  
plate of the reader. Each slot is assigned a different drive letter  
(for example, the E: and F: drives), so data can be transferred  
from one memory card type to another.  
Using a memory card  
Caution  
Before inserting a memory card into a slot, make sure that the slot is  
empty, or you could damage the card reader.  
To insert a memory card:  
1
Insert the memory card into the appropriate memory  
card slot.  
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2
To access a file on the memory card, click  
then click Computer. Double-click the drive letter (for  
example, the E: drive), then double-click the file name.  
(Start),  
To remove a memory card:  
Wait for the memory card reader access indicator to stop  
blinking, then pull the memory card out of the slot.  
Caution  
Do not remove the memory card or turn off the computer while  
the memory card reader access indicator is blinking. You could lose data.  
Also, remove the memory card from the reader before you turn off the  
computer.  
Important  
Do not use the remove hardware icon in the taskbar to remove  
the memory card, or you will have to restart the computer to re-enable  
the memory card reader.  
Using the diskette drive  
The optional diskette drive (not available on all systems) uses  
3.5-inch diskettes (sometimes called floppy disks). Diskettes are  
useful for storing files or transferring files to another computer.  
(Your computers diskette drive may look different.)  
Drive activity light  
Diskette slot  
Eject button  
To load a diskette:  
1
Insert the diskette into the diskette drive with the label  
facing up.  
2
To access a file on the diskette, click  
(Start), then click  
Computer. Double-click the diskette drive letter (for  
example, the A: drive), then double-click the file name.  
3
To remove the diskette, make sure that the drive activity  
light is off, then press the eject button.  
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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  
To adjust the overall volume using hardware controls:  
If you are using external speakers, turn the knob on the  
front of the speakers.  
-OR-  
Use the mute and volume control buttons on the  
keyboard. For more information, see “Using the  
keyboard” on page 19.  
To adjust the volume from Windows:  
1
Click  
(Volume) on the taskbar. The volume control  
slider opens.  
2
3
Click and drag the slider up to increase volume and down  
to decrease volume.  
To mute the volume, click  
click it again.  
(Mute). To restore volume,  
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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.  
Help  
For more information about adjusting the volume,clickStart, then  
click Help and Support. Type ad ju stin g volum e in the Search Help  
box, then press ENTER.  
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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.  
To configure the audio jacks:  
Shortcut  
Start Ö Control Panel Ö Hardware and Sound Ö Advanced  
1
2
3
Connect your audio device(s) to the computer audio  
jack(s).  
Click  
(Start), then click Control Panel. The Control  
Panel window opens.  
Click Hardware and Sound, Sound, the Playback tab,  
then click Configure.  
-OR-  
If your computer has the Realtek Sound Effect Manager  
installed, double-click the Sound Effect Manager  
icon  
on the taskbar. The Realtek dialog box opens.  
4
Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the audio  
jacks for your speaker setup.  
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. You use these ports to connect peripheral  
devices such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras to your  
computer. For more information about port locations, see  
Checking Out Your Computer” on page 5.  
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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.  
Help  
For more information about installing peripheral devices, click Start, then  
click Help and Support. Type in stallin g devices in the Search box, then  
press ENTER.  
Parallel and serial port devices are not plug-and-play. See the  
device documentation for detailed information and installation  
instructions.  
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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started  
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Upgrading Your Computer  
Preventing static electricity discharge  
Opening the case  
Closing the case  
Replacing the color panel  
Installing memory  
Adding or replacing an optical disc drive  
Replacing the memory card reader  
Adding or replacing a hard drive  
Replacing the heat sink and processor  
Adding or replacing an expansion card  
Replacing the system battery  
Replacing the system board  
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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.  
The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive  
to static electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).  
Before opening the computer case, follow these guidelines:  
Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most  
electronics stores) and attach it to a bare metal part of  
your computer.  
Turn off your computer.  
Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.  
Unplug the power cord and the modem and network  
cables.  
Caution  
ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge-sensitive  
components in your computer. Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines  
every time you open the computer case.  
Before working with computer components, follow these  
guidelines:  
Avoid static-causing surfaces such as carpeted floors,  
plastic, and packing foam.  
Remove components from their antistatic bags only  
when you are ready to use them. Do not lay components  
on the outside of antistatic bags because only the inside  
of the bags provide electrostatic protection.  
Always hold expansion cards by their edges or their  
metal mounting brackets. Avoid touching the edge  
connectors and components on the cards. Never slide  
expansion cards or components over any surface.  
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Opening the case  
Your computer case provides easy access to internal  
components.  
Removing the side panel  
Warning  
To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn  
off your computer, then unplug the power cord and modem cable before opening  
the case.  
To remove the side panel:  
1
Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity  
discharge” on page 34.  
2
Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power  
cord and modem, network, and all peripheral device  
cables.  
3
4
5
Press the power button for ten seconds to drain any  
residual power from your computer.  
Loosen the two captive thumbscrews on the back edge  
of the side panel. (These screws cannot be removed.)  
Slide the side panel toward the back of your computer,  
then pull the panel away from your computer.  
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CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer  
Removing the front bezel  
To remove the front bezel:  
1
Remove the side panel by following the instructions in  
“Removing the side panel” on page 35.  
2
Press the three bezel retention tabs, then swing the left  
side of the bezel away from the computer and remove it.  
Tabs  
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Closing the case  
Replacing the front bezel  
To replace the front bezel:  
1
Slide the tabs on the right side of the bezel into the slots  
on the right side of the computer.  
Tabs  
2
3
Swing the left side of the bezel in to insert the release  
tabs on the left side of the bezel into the slots on the left  
side of the computer.  
Press the left side of the bezel firmly until the release  
tabs snap into place.  
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CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer  
Replacing the side panel  
To replace the side panel:  
1
Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged  
inside the computer so they will not be pinched when  
you close the computer.  
2
3
Slide the side panel toward the front of the computer  
until the back of the side panel is flush with the back of  
the computer.  
Tighten the two thumbscrews on the back edge of the  
side panel, then reconnect the cables and power cord.  
Replacing the color panel  
To replace the color panel on the front bezel:  
Tip  
If you have difficulty removing the color panel, it may be easier  
to remove the front bezelfirst. (This procedure shows the bezelremoved.)  
To remove the front bezel, follow the instructions in Removing the front  
bezel” on page 35.  
1
Find the panel release lever inside the front bezels lower  
vent opening, then slide the lever to the left.  
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2
Press firmly on the lower left and lower right parts of the  
color panel to release the panel from the front bezel. You  
should press the two points against the computer until  
you hear or feel a click, which is the sound of the panels  
internal locking tabs unlocking.  
Press  
here  
Press  
here  
3
Swing the bottom of the panel away from the bezel and  
remove it. The panel should easily slide out.  
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CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer  
4
Slide the tabs of the new color panel up into the slots  
on the front bezel.  
5
Press firmly on the lower left and lower right parts of the  
color panel to engage the panels internal locking tabs.  
You should press the two points against the computer  
until you hear or feel a click, which is the sound of the  
panels internal locking tabs locking the panel partially  
into place.  
Press  
here  
Press  
here  
6
While pressing the bottom center of the color panel  
against the front bezel, slide the panel release lever back  
to the right. The color panel is now fully locked into place.  
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When you upgrade the computer memory, make sure that you  
install the correct type of memory module for your computer.  
Your computer uses DIMM memory.  
To install or replace DIMM memory:  
1
Remove the side panel by following the instructions in  
“Removing the side panel” on page 35.  
2
For more stability, place your computer on its side. To  
avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other  
non-abrasive surface.  
3
Find the memory module banks on your system board.  
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.  
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CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer  
5
6
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.  
Replace the side panel by following the instructions in  
Replacing the side panel” on page 37.  
7
8
9
Return your computer to its upright position.  
Reconnect the cables and the power cord.  
Turn on your computer. Windows starts and the  
Windows desktop appears.  
10 Click  
(Start), right-click Computer, then click  
Properties. The amount of memory in your computer  
is displayed.  
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Adding or replacing an optical  
disc drive  
Tools  
You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace a CD or DVD drive.  
To add replace an optical drive:  
1
Remove the side panel by following the instructions in  
“Removing the side panel” on page 35.  
2
Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in  
“Removing the front bezel” on page 35.  
Important  
The color and shape of your replacement drives front cover may  
vary from your original drive.  
3
4
If you are installing a new drive (not replacing an old  
one), remove the two drive retention screws in the drive  
bay, then go to Step 8. For the location of the screws, see  
the photo in Step 6.  
If you are replacing an existing drive, disconnect the  
cables from the drive, noting their locations and  
orientation. You will reconnect the cables after you  
install the new drive.  
Drive data cable  
Drive power cable  
5
Note any jumper settings on the old drive and set the  
jumper on the new drive to be the same.  
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CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer  
6
Remove the two drive retention screws.  
Drive retention screws  
7
Slide the drive forward and out of the drive bay.  
8
9
then replace the two drive retention screws.  
Reconnect the drive cables using your notes from Step 4,  
or according to the manufacturers instructions.  
10 Replace the front bezel by following the instructions in  
“Replacing the front bezel” on page 37.  
11 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in  
Replacing the side panel” on page 37.  
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Replacing the memory card  
reader  
Tools  
You need a Phillips screwdriver to replace the memory card reader.  
To replace the memory card reader:  
1
Remove the side panel by following the instructions in  
“Removing the side panel” on page 35.  
2
Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in  
“Removing the front bezel” on page 35.  
Important  
The color and shape of your replacement card readers front cover  
may vary from your original card reader.  
3
Slide the top bezel toward the front of the computer  
about 3/ 4 inch, then remove it from your computer.  
4
Remove the two screws that secure the card reader to  
the computer.  
Screws  
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CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer  
5
Unplug the cable from the back of the card reader, then  
slide the card reader toward the front of your computer.  
6
the two screws you removed previously.  
7
8
Plug the cable into the card reader.  
Place the top bezel on top of the computer, then slide  
bezel toward the back of the computer until it clicks into  
place.  
9
Reinstall the bezel by following the instructions in  
“Replacing the front bezel” on page 37.  
10 Reinstall the computer cases side panel by following the  
instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on page 37.  
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Adding or replacing a  
hard drive  
To add or replace a hard drive:  
Tools  
You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace a hard drive.  
1
2
Remove the side panel by following the instructions in  
“Removing the side panel” on page 35.  
Disconnect and label all hard drive cables, noting their  
locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables  
after you install the new drive.)  
3
Disconnect the hard drive cage fan cable from the  
system board.  
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CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer  
4
Loosen the captive thumbscrew that secures the hard  
drive cage to the computer. (This screw cannot be  
removed.)  
5
6
Remove the hard drive cage from the computer.  
If you are replacing a drive, remove the screws that  
secure the hard drive to the hard drive cage, then slide  
the old hard drive out of the cage.  
Hard drive screws (top)  
Hard drive screws (bottom)  
Hard drive screws (top)  
Hard drive screws (bottom)  
7
8
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.  
- OR -  
If you are adding a new drive, set the jumper as  
instructed by the drives user guide.  
Slide the new hard drive into the cage, then secure it to  
the cage using either the four screws you removed  
previously or mounting screws provided with your new  
drive.  
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9
Line up the tabs on the right side of the cage with the  
slots on the inside of the case, then slide the cage into  
the case.  
Hard drive cage tabs  
Slots on inside of case  
10 Tighten the cage thumbscrew, then plug the hard drive  
cage fan cable back into the system board.  
11 Connect the drive cables. If you are replacing a drive, use  
your notes from Step 2.  
12 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in  
13 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.  
14 Turn on your computer.  
15 If you are using the new hard drive as your primary  
drive, install Windows using the operating system DVD  
that came with your computer. For more information on  
restoring your system, see “Recovering your system” on  
page 93.  
Replacing the heat sink and  
processor  
Tools  
You need a Phillips screwdriver to replace the heat sink.  
To replace the heat sink and processor:  
1
Remove the side panel by following the instructions in  
“Removing the side panel” on page 35.  
2
For more stability, place your computer on its side. To  
avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other  
non-abrasive surface.  
3
Unplug the heat sink fan cable from the system board.  
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CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer  
4
Loosen the four captive screws that secure the heat sink  
and fan assembly to the system board, then remove the  
assembly and place it on a stable surface with the flat  
surface of the heat sink (the side with the thermal  
grease) up. (The four screws cannot be completely  
removed.)  
Screws (only one shown)  
5
Push the processor release lever down, lift it completely  
up, then lift the processor retention bracket.  
6
7
Remove the processor from the system board.  
Install the new processor onto the system board. Make  
sure that Pin 1 on the processor (indicated by the  
silk-screened arrow on the corner of the processor)  
aligns with Pin 1 on the processor socket (indicated by  
the absence of a pin hole in the processor socket), then  
return the retention bracket and lever to their locked  
position.  
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8
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, use rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol to  
surface that contacts the processor.  
Place the heat sink and fan assembly on the processor,  
then tighten the screws that secure it to the system  
board.  
10 Connect the heat sink fan cable to the system board.  
11 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in  
Replacing the side panel” on page 37.  
Adding or replacing an  
expansion card  
To add or replace an expansion card:  
1
Remove the side panel by following the instructions in  
“Removing the side panel” on page 35.  
2
If you are replacing an expansion card, disconnect any  
cables that are attached to the card, noting their  
locations and orientation. (You may need to reconnect  
the cables after you install the new card.)  
3
Open the card retention lever.  
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CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer  
4
If you are replacing an expansion card, remove the old  
card. You can slightly seesaw the card end-to-end to  
loosen the card, but do not bend the card sideways.  
Caution  
Do not touch the contacts on the bottom part of the expansion  
card. Touching the contacts can cause electrostatic damage to the card.  
5
6
Install the new card into the expansion slot. You can  
If you have just replaced an expansion card, reconnect  
the expansion card cables (if any) using your notes from  
Step 2. If you have added a new expansion card, connect  
its cables according to its user guide.  
7
8
Press the card retention lever back into place.  
Replace the side panel by following the instructions in  
Replacing the side panel” on page 37.  
Replacing the system battery  
Warning  
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the  
same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used  
batteries following the manufacturers instructions.  
If the computer clock does not keep time or the settings in the  
BIOS Setup utility are not saved when you turn off your  
computer, replace the system battery. Use a battery of the  
same size and voltage as the original battery that was in your  
computer.  
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To replace the battery:  
1
2
Restart your computer.  
During the restart, press and hold the F1 key. The main  
menu of the BIOS Setup utility opens.  
3
Write down all values in the menus and submenus, then  
Caution  
Any custom BIOS settings you have made will be lost when you  
remove the system battery. All settings will return to their factory  
defaults.  
4
5
Shut down your computer.  
Remove the side panel by following the instructions in  
“Removing the side panel” on page 35.  
6
7
For more stability, place your computer on its side. To  
avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other  
non-abrasive surface.  
Locate the old battery on the system board and note its  
orientation. You will need to install the new battery the  
same way.  
Important  
Your computers battery location may vary from the illustration  
below.  
Battery release tab  
8
Push the battery release tab. The battery pops out of the  
socket.  
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CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer  
9
Make sure that the positive (+) side of the new battery  
is facing up (usually the side that the battery type and  
model number are etched into), then press the battery  
into the socket until it snaps into place.  
10 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in  
Replacing the side panel” on page 37.  
11 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.  
12 Turn on your computer.  
13 While your computer starts, press and hold the F1 key.  
The main menu of the BIOS Setup utility opens.  
14 In the BIOS Setup utility, restore any settings that you  
wrote down in Step 3.  
15 Save all your settings and exit the BIOS Setup utility.  
Replacing the system board  
To replace the system board:  
1
2
3
4
Remove the side panel by following the instructions in  
“Removing the side panel” on page 35.  
Remove all expansion cards by following the directions  
in Adding or replacing an expansion card” on page 51.  
Remove all memory modules by following the directions  
in “Installing memory” on page 40.  
Disconnect all 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.)  
Tip  
You can label each cable with tape to make it easier to re-connect  
them later.  
5
Remove the four screws that secure the power supply to  
your computer, then slide it out of your computer.  
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6
Remove the eight system board screws.  
Screws  
7
8
Lift the system board up and out of the case.  
Align the new system board on the screw holes in the  
case, then secure it into the case with the screws.  
9
If your replacement system board does not include a  
processor remove the processor from the old system  
board by following the directions in “Replacing the heat  
sink and processor” on page 49, then install it and the  
heat sink into the new system board by following the  
directions in the same procedure.  
four screws to secure the power supply to the case.  
11 Connect all power and data cables using your notes from  
Step 4.  
12 Reinstall any memory modules you removed previously.  
13 Reinstall any expansion cards you removed previously.  
14 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in  
Replacing the side panel” on page 37.  
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CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer  
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Computer  
Setting up a maintenance schedule  
Caring for your computer  
Cleaning your computer  
Updating Windows  
Using BigFix  
Managing hard drive space  
Scheduling maintenance tasks  
Moving from your old computer  
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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer  
Setting up a maintenance  
schedule  
Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance  
schedule.  
Maintenance task  
Weekly  
Monthly  
When  
needed  
Check for viruses  
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Run Windows Update  
Manage hard drive space  
Clean up hard drives  
Scan hard drive for errors  
Defragment hard drive  
Back up files  
X
X
X
X
X
Clean computer case and  
peripheral devices  
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Caring for your computer  
To extend the life of your computer:  
Be careful not to bump or drop your computer, and do  
not put any objects on top of it. The case, although  
strong, is not made to support extra weight.  
When transporting your computer, we recommend that  
you put it in the original packaging materials.  
Keep your computer away from magnetic fields.  
Magnetic fields can erase data on hard drives.  
Never turn off your computer when the drive indicator  
is on because data on the hard drive could be lost or  
corrupted.  
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. When spilled  
onto computer components, almost any liquid can result  
in expensive repairs that are not covered under a  
standard warranty.  
Avoid dusty or dirty work environments. Dust and dirt  
can clog the internal mechanisms and can lead to  
permanent damage to the computer.  
Do not block the ventilation fan slots. If these slots are  
blocked, your computer may overheat, resulting in  
unexpected shutdown or permanent damage to the  
computer.  
When storing your computer for an extended period of  
time, unplug AC power.  
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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer  
Cleaning your computer  
Keeping your computer clean and the vents free from dust  
helps keep your computer performing at its best. You may  
want to gather these items and put together a computer  
cleaning kit:  
A soft, lint-free cloth  
An aerosol can of air that has a narrow, straw-like  
extension  
Cotton swabs  
An optical disc drive cleaning kit  
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.  
Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean your computer and  
other parts of your system. Do not use household  
abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage  
the finish on components.  
Your computer is cooled by air circulated through the  
vents on the case, so keep the vents free of dust. With  
your computer turned off and unplugged, brush the  
dust away from the vents with a damp cloth. Be careful  
not to drip any water into the vents.  
Cleaning the keyboard  
You should occasionally clean the keyboard to remove dust and  
lint trapped under the keys.  
To clean the keyboard:  
1
Use an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like  
extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the  
keys.  
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2
If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off your  
computer and turn the keyboard upside down. Let the  
liquid drain, then let the keyboard dry before trying to  
use it again. If the keyboard does not work after it dries,  
you may need to replace it.  
Cleaning the monitor  
Caution  
A flat-panel display is made of specially coated glass and can be scratched  
or damaged by abrasive or ammonia-based glass cleaners.  
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.  
To clean a CRT monitor, use a soft cloth and glass cleaner  
to clean the monitor screen. Squirt a little cleaner on the  
cloth (never directly on the screen), then wipe the screen  
with the cloth.  
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.  
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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer  
Cleaning optical discs  
Optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs) get dirty from  
frequent handling.  
To clean an optical disc:  
1
Wipe from the center to the edge, not around in a circle,  
using a product made especially for the purpose.  
Updating Windows  
Windows Update helps you keep your computer up-to-date.  
Use Windows Update to choose updates for your computers  
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. Windows Update scans your computer  
and provides you with a tailored selection of updates that  
apply only to the software and hardware on your computer.  
For information on running Windows Update, see “Windows  
Update” in your online User Guide. Windows Update can also  
be controlled through the Windows Security Center. For more  
information, see “Protecting Your Computer” in your online  
User Guide.  
Help  
For more information about Windows Update, click Start, then click Help  
and Support. Type w in d ows u p d ate in the Search Help box, then press  
ENTER.  
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Using BigFix  
BigFix monitors your computer for problems and conflicts. It  
automatically gathers information about the latest bugs,  
security alerts, and updates from BigFix sites on the Internet.  
Whenever BigFix detects a problem, it alerts you by flashing the  
blue taskbar icon. To fix the problem, click on that icon to open  
BigFix.  
To start BigFix:  
1
Click  
(Start), All Programs, Accessories, System  
Tools, then click BigFix.  
2
To learn more about BigFix, click Help, then click  
Tutorial.  
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.  
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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer  
Checking hard drive space  
To check hard drive space:  
Shortcut  
Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive Ö Properties  
1
Click  
(Start) then click Computer. The Computer  
window opens.  
2
Right-click the drive that you want to check for available  
file space, then click Properties. Drive space information  
appears.  
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Deleting unnecessary files  
Delete unnecessary files, such as temporaryfiles 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.  
2
3
Click one of the options:  
My files only cleans only the folders for the  
currently logged in user.  
Files from all users on this computer cleans all  
folders.  
The Disk Cleanup dilalog box opens.  
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. Type d isk  
clean up in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.  
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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer  
Checking the hard drive for errors  
The Error-checking program examines the hard drive for  
physical flaws and file and folder problems. This program  
corrects file and folder problems and marks flawed areas on  
the hard drive so Windows does not use them.  
If you use your computer several hours every day, you  
probably want to run Error-checking once a week. 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.  
2
Right-click the drive that you want to check for errors,  
click Properties, then click the Tools tab.  
3
4
Click Check Now, then click Start. Your drive is checked  
for errors. This process may take several minutes.  
Important  
Error checking cannot scan a drive while the drive is being used.  
If you try to check your hard drive for errors, you see a prompt asking  
you if you want to scan the hard drive later (the next time you restart  
your computer). If you see this prompt, click Schedule disc check.  
After Windows has finished checking the drive for errors,  
it provides a summary of the problems that it found.  
Correct any problems that are found by following the  
on-screen instructions.  
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5
Click OK.  
Help  
For more information about checking the hard drive for errors,  
click Start, then click Help and Support. Type ch eckin g for d isk  
errors in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.  
Defragmenting the hard drive  
When working with files, sometimes Windows divides the file  
information into pieces and stores them in different places on  
the hard drive. This is called fragmentation, and it is normal.  
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.  
Disk Defragmenter organizes the data on the drive so each file  
is stored as one unit rather than as multiple pieces scattered  
across different areas of the drive. Defragmenting the  
information stored on the drive can improve hard drive  
performance.  
While Disk Defragmenter is running, do not use your keyboard  
or mouse because using them may continuously stop and  
restart the defragmenting process. Also, if you are connected  
to a network, log off before starting Disk Defragmenter.  
Network communication may stop the defragmentation  
process and cause it to start over.  
Tip  
Because defragmenting a drive may take hours to complete (depending  
on the size of the drive being defragmented), consider starting the process when  
you will not need the computer for several hours.  
To defragment the hard drive:  
1
2
Disconnect your computer from the network.  
Click  
(Start), All Programs, Accessories, System  
Tools, then click Disk Defragmenter. The Disk  
Defragmenter dialog box opens.  
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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer  
3
Click Defragment now. This process may take hours to  
complete, depending on the size of the drive being  
defragmented.  
Help  
For more information about defragmenting the hard drive, click  
Start, then click Help and Support. Type defragm en tin g in the  
Search Help box, then press ENTER.  
Backing up files  
Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees  
space for new files on the hard drive. 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.  
If you do not have a high-capacity backup device and you want  
to purchase one, you can visit the Accessories Store at  
www.gateway.com.  
To back up files:  
1
Click  
(Start) then click Computer. The Computer  
window opens.  
2
Right-click the drive that you want to back up, click  
Properties, then click the Tools tab.  
3
Click Backup Now, then click Run a file backup now.  
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4
Follow the on-screen instructions to select a backup  
storage location and the files and folders to back up.  
Help  
For more information about backing up files, click Start, then click  
Help and Support. Type backu p in the Search Help box, then press  
ENTER.  
Scheduling maintenance tasks  
Task Scheduler lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as  
running Disk Defragmenter and checking your drives for  
errors.  
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.  
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. Type task sch ed u ler in the Search Help box,  
then press ENTER.  
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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer  
Moving from your old  
computer  
Transferring files and settings automatically  
You can move your files, folders, software settings, and user  
account settings (such as display, Internet, and e-mail settings)  
from your old computer to your new one using Windows Easy  
Transfer, providing your old computer uses Windows XP or  
Windows Vista.  
While using Windows Easy Transfer, you will not be able to run  
other tasks on the computers.  
Important  
If your old computer does not use Windows XP or Windows Vista, you  
must manually move your data by using a writeable disc, flash drive, or external  
hard drive.  
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 softwares settings, not the  
software itself, to the new computer.  
2
3
Click  
(Start), All Programs, Accessories, System  
Tools, then click Windows Easy Transfer. The Windows  
Easy Transfer dialog box opens.  
Click Next, click Start a new transfer, then follow the  
on-screen instructions to complete the transfer.  
Help  
For more information about transferring files, click Start, then  
click Help and Support. Type tran sferrin g files in the Search Help  
box, then press ENTER.  
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Transferring files and settings manually  
You can manually transfer your personal data files by copying  
them to removable media, such as a writable disc, an external  
hard drive, a network location, or a flash drive.  
Finding your documents  
Many programs save your personal data files in the Documents  
or My Documents folder. Look in your old computers  
documents folder for personal data files.  
To find files in the documents folder:  
1
In Windows Vista, click  
(Start), then click  
Documents. The Documents folder opens and displays  
many of your saved personal data files. Go to Step 4.  
- OR -  
In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Documents.  
The My Documents window opens and displays many of  
your saved personal data files. Go to Step 4.  
- OR -  
In Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000,  
double-click the My Computer icon on the desktop. Go  
to the next step.  
2
3
Double-click the C:\ drive icon.  
Double-click the Documents or 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.  
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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer  
Finding other files  
Use Windows Find or Search to locate other personal data files.  
For more information, see “Using Windows” in your online User  
Guide.  
You can often identify different data file types by looking at  
the files extension (the part of the file name following the last  
period). For example, a document file might have a .DOC  
extension and a spreadsheet file might have an .XLS extension.  
File type  
File usually ends in...  
Documents  
Spreadsheets  
Pictures  
.DOC, .TXT, .RTF, .HTM, .HTML, .DOT  
.XLS, .XLT, .TXT  
.JPG, .BMP, .GIF, .PDF, .PCT, .TIF, .PNG, .EPS  
.MPEG, .MPG, .AVI, .GIF, .MOV  
.WAV, .CDA, .MP3, .MID, .MIDI, .WMA  
Movies  
Sound and music  
To find files using Find or Search:  
1
In Windows Vista, click  
(Start), then click Search. The  
Search Results window opens.  
- OR -  
In Windows XP, click Start, then click Search. The Search  
Results window opens.  
- OR -  
In Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000, click  
Start, Find or Search, then click For Files or Folders.  
The Search Results window opens.  
2
3
Type the filename you want to search for, then  
press ENTER. The search results are displayed.  
To learn about more search options, click Help.  
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Safety guidelines  
First steps  
Troubleshooting  
Recovering your system  
Telephone support  
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CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting  
Safety guidelines  
While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety  
guidelines:  
Warning  
Never open your computer case while your computer is turned on and  
while the modem cable, network cable, and power cord are connected.  
Warning  
Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal  
components. For more information about preventing damage from static  
electricity, see Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 34.  
Warning  
To avoid bodily injury, do not attempt to troubleshoot your computer  
problem if:  
Power cords or plugs are damaged  
Liquid has been spilled into your computer  
Your computer was dropped  
The case was damaged  
Instead, unplug your computer and contact a qualified computer technician.  
First steps  
If you have problems with your computer, try these things first:  
Make sure that the power cord is connected to your  
computer and an AC power outlet and that the power  
outlet is supplying power.  
If you use a power strip or surge protector, make sure  
that it is turned on.  
If a peripheral device does not work, make sure that all  
connections are secure.  
Make sure that your hard drive is not full.  
If an error message appears on the screen, write down  
the exact message. The message may help Customer  
Care in diagnosing and fixing the problem.  
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 programs  
printed documentation or the online help.  
Help  
For more information about troubleshooting, clickStart, then click  
Help and Support. Type the keyword/ phrase trou blesh ootin g in the  
Search Help box, then press ENTER.  
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Troubleshooting  
Troubleshooting topics are listed in alphabetical order.  
Add-in cards  
See “Expansion cards” on page 78.  
Audio  
See “Sound” on page 92.  
CD or DVD drives  
drive  
Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.  
Try a different disc. Occasionally, discs are flawed or  
become scratched and cannot be read by the CD or DVD  
drive.  
If you are trying to play a DVD, make sure that you have  
optical drive types” on page 24.  
Your computer may be experiencing some temporary  
memory problems. Shut down and restart your  
computer.  
Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may  
not be able to play these CDs on your computer.  
Clean the disc. For more information, see Cleaning  
optical discs” on page 61.  
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.  
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An audio CD does not produce sound  
Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.  
Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may  
not be able to play these CDs on your computer.  
Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For  
more information, see Adjusting the volume” on  
page 30.  
more information, see Adjusting the volume” on  
page 30.  
If you have external speakers attached, make sure that  
the speakers are turned on and that the cables are  
connected correctly and securely.  
Clean the disc. For more information, see Cleaning  
optical discs” on page 61.  
Reinstall the appropriate device drivers.  
Make sure that you have a DVD drive. To identify your  
drive type, see “Identifying optical drive types” on  
page 24.  
Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.  
Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed or  
become scratched and cannot be read by the DVD drive.  
Clean the disc. For more information, see Cleaning  
optical discs” on page 61.  
Shut down and restart your computer.  
Make sure that the DVD program has been installed on  
your computer.  
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 discs regional  
code and your DVD drives regional code must match.  
The regional code on your DVD drive is determined by  
your computers delivery address. The regional code for  
the United States and Canada is 1. The regional code for  
Mexico is 4. Your DVD drives regional code must match  
the regional code for the disc. The regional code for the  
disc is on the disc, disc documentation, or disc  
packaging.  
If the DVD movie does not play, the discs regional code  
and your DVD drives regional code may not match.  
Reinstall the device driver.  
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Diskette drive  
The diskette drive is not recognized  
Shut down and restart your computer.  
You cannot save a file to diskette or you see the message  
“disk is full or write-protected”  
Make sure that the write-protection tab on the  
upper-right corner of the diskette is down (unprotected).  
Delete unnecessary files on the diskette and try again.  
Make sure that the diskette you are using is  
IBM-compatible.  
Try a different diskette. 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 64. If errors are detected and corrected, try using  
the diskette again.  
You see an Access Denied” or “Write protect” error  
message  
Move the write-protection tab in the upper-right corner  
of the diskette down (unprotected).  
The diskette may be full. Delete unnecessary files on the  
diskette and try again.  
Make sure that the diskette you are using is  
IBM-compatible.  
Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed  
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 64.  
You see a “Non-system disk” or “Disk error” error message  
Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press  
ENTER.  
Make sure that the diskette you are using is  
IBM-compatible.  
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The diskette drive LED is lit continuously  
Remove the diskette from the drive. If the light stays on,  
try restarting your computer.  
Display  
The screen resolution is not correct  
Change the screen resolution from the Display Settings  
dialog box. For more information, see the “Customizing  
Windows” chapter in your online User Guide.  
The computer is running, but there is no picture  
Adjust the brightness and contrast controls to the center  
position.  
If you are using an external display:  
Check the cable for bent or damaged pins.  
Make sure that the display is plugged in and turned  
on. If the display is turned on, the power LED should  
be lit.  
Make sure that the video cable is connected to the  
video port on your computer.  
Connect an external display that you know works to  
your computer.  
Reinstall the device driver.  
The color is not uniform  
Make sure that the display warms up for at least  
30 minutes before making a final judgment about color  
uniformity.  
The text on the display is dim or difficult to read  
Adjust the brightness and contrast controls.  
Change the display settings. For more information, see  
the Customizing” chapter in your online User Guide.  
For more information about display types, see your display and  
video card documentation.  
Help  
For more information about changing the screen resolution, click Start,  
then click Help and Support. Type the phrase screen resolu tion in the  
Search Help box, then press ENTER.  
DVD drives  
See “CD or DVD drives” on page 73.  
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Ethernet  
You cannot see the other computers on your network  
Make sure that your Ethernet cable is plugged into the  
Ethernet jack on your computer. Make sure that the  
other end is plugged into a network router, switch, hub,  
or other network device.  
Make sure that all computers are plugged into a  
powered electrical outlet and turned on.  
Make sure that the router (if you are using one) is  
plugged into a powered electrical outlet and turned on.  
Most routers have lights that indicate they are working.  
For more information, see the documentation that came  
with your router.  
If you are using a router, try rebooting it by unplugging  
its power cord, waiting five seconds, then plugging it  
back in.  
Make sure that all computers on your network have the  
same workgroup name.  
Make sure that all computers are using the same Subnet  
Mask.  
If you assigned IP addresses to the computers, make sure  
that all computers have different IP addresses. For home  
networks, IP addresses should be 192.168.N.N where N  
is a number you assign between 0 and 254. The first N  
should be the same for all computers on your network  
and the second N should be different for all computers  
on your network.  
The computer does not recognize an Ethernet expansion  
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 “Opening the case” on page 34.  
For more information about your Ethernet card, see the  
documentation that came with your Ethernet card.  
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Your Ethernet network is running slower than you expect  
If your Ethernet network is running slower than you  
expect, check the speed of each Ethernet component.  
For best results, all Ethernet components should be  
standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or  
10/ 100 Mbps), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or  
10/ 100/ 1000 Mbps). A mixture of Ethernet, Fast  
Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet components will result in  
your network running at the slowest component speed.  
Expansion cards  
The computer does not recognize an expansion 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 expansion card.  
Reseat the card.  
File management  
Help  
For more information about restoring deleted files, click Start, then click  
Help and Support. Type the keyword/ phrase System Restore in the Search  
Help box, then press ENTER.  
A file was accidentally deleted  
If a file was deleted while holding down the SHIFT key, the file  
cannot be restored.  
To restore deleted files:  
1
2
Double-click the Recycle Bin icon.  
Right-click the file you want to restore, then click  
Restore. The file is restored to the place where it was  
originally deleted from.  
If the Recycle Bin was emptied before you try to restore  
a file, the file cannot be restored.  
You need to restore your computer to a working condition  
See “Recovering your system” on page 93.  
Floppy drive  
See “Diskette drive” on page 75.  
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Hard drive  
You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message  
Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk  
Cleanup. For instructions on deleting unnecessary files,  
see “Deleting unnecessary files” on page 64.  
Help  
For more information about file management, click Start, then  
click Help and Support. Type the phrase file m an agem en t in the  
Search Help box, then press ENTER.  
Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin  
icon, then clicking Empty Recycle Bin.  
Caution  
All deleted files will be lost when you empty the Recycle Bin.  
Save your files to another drive. If the hard drive is full,  
copy any files not regularly used to backup media, then  
delete them from the hard drive.  
You see a “Data error” message  
This may be the result of a defective area on the hard  
drive. To fix hard drive problems, run the error checking  
program. For instructions on fixing hard drive problems,  
see Checking the hard drive for errors” on page 64.  
The hard drive cannot be accessed, or you see a “General  
failure reading drive Cerror message  
If a diskette is in the diskette drive, eject it and restart  
your computer.  
If your computer has been subjected to static electricity  
or physical shock, you may need to reinstall the  
operating system. See “Recovering your system” on  
page 93.  
You see a “Non-system disk” or “disk error” error message  
Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press  
ENTER.  
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Internet  
See also “Modem (dial-up)” on page 85.  
You cannot connect to the Internet  
If you are using a dial-up modem, make sure that the  
modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not  
the Ethernet network jack. See your setup poster to  
make sure that the connections have been made  
correctly.  
- 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. See your setup poster to  
make sure that the connections have been made  
correctly.  
Make sure that your account with your Internet service  
provider (ISP) is set up correctly. Contact your ISP  
technical support for help.  
Make sure that you do not have a problem with your  
modem. For more information, “Modem (dial-up)” on  
page 85.  
Help  
For more information about troubleshooting Internet  
connections, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the phrase  
trou blesh ootin g con n ection s in the Search Help box, then press  
ENTER.  
You see an “Unable to locate host” message and are unable  
to browse the Internet  
This problem can occur when you have typed a URL (Web  
address) incorrectly, you have lost your Internet  
connection, or your ISP is having technical difficulties.  
Double-check the URL or try a different URL. If the error  
message still appears, disconnect from the ISP  
connection and close your browser, then reconnect and  
open the browser. If you still get the error, your ISP may  
be having technical difficulties.  
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Connecting to a Web site takes too long  
Many factors can affect Internet performance:  
The condition of the telephone lines in your residence or  
at your local telephone service  
The condition of the Internet computers to which you  
connect and the number of users accessing those  
computers  
The complexity of graphics and multimedia on Web  
pages  
Having multiple Web browsers open, performing  
multiple downloads, and having multiple programs  
open on your computer  
People are sending you e-mail messages, but you have not  
received any mail  
Click the receive button in your e-mail program.  
Make sure that your account with your Internet service  
provider (ISP) is set up correctly. Contact your ISP for  
technical support.  
Keyboard  
The keyboard does not work  
Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged in  
correctly. For more information, see your computers  
setup poster.  
Remove all extension cables and switch boxes.  
Clean the keyboard by using an aerosol can of air with  
a narrow, straw-like extension to remove dust and lint  
trapped under the keys.  
Try a keyboard that you know works to make sure that  
the keyboard port works.  
Reinstall the keyboard device driver.  
A keyboard character keeps repeating or you see a  
“keyboard stuck” or “key failure” error message  
Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard.  
Make sure that a key is not stuck. Press each key to  
loosen a key that might be stuck, then restart your  
computer.  
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Liquid spilled in the keyboard  
If you spilled liquid in the keyboard, turn off your  
computer and unplug the keyboard. Clean the keyboard  
and turn it upside down to drain it. Let the keyboard dry  
before using it again. If the keyboard does not work after  
it dries, you may need to replace it.  
Media Center  
This section only covers problems relating to Media Center  
mode. Media Center mode is available only on Windows Vista  
Home Premium and Ultimate versions. To view Media Center  
troubleshooting information that is not covered in this section,  
go to the Gateway support Web Site at www.gateway.com.  
Help  
For more information about Windows Media Center, click Start, then click  
Help and Support. Type the phrase Med ia Cen ter in the Search Help box,  
then press ENTER.  
The Media Center video display looks bad on your TV  
Many factors, such as the display type, quality of the video  
source, type of connection used, quality ofvideo cables, display  
device screen resolution, size of TV, age of the TV, or the type  
of TV (interlaced or progressive scan), can affect the video  
quality significantly:  
Display typeThe Media Center is best viewed on  
computer displays. Other types of display devices,  
including retail TVs, may provide lower quality video. If  
you did not order a display device when you purchased  
your computer, a progressive scan display device with a  
VGA input is the best choice.  
Quality of video sourceThe quality of the video  
signal coming into the computer has an affect on the  
video quality. The video displayed from Media Center is  
only as good as the source video signal. Cable, digital  
cable, and satellite usually provide better quality than an  
antenna.  
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Type of connection usedYou can connect the  
computer video output to a TV. However, the connection  
type has an affect on the video quality. The Media Center  
has two video outputs:  
VGA—If your TV includes a VGA port, connect the VGA  
cable from the computers VGA (monitor) port to the  
TV’s VGA In port for the best quality. Many TVs do not  
have a VGA port.  
S-VideoIf your TV does not have a VGA port, but  
includes an S-Video port, connect the S-Video cable  
from the computers 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  
computer functions, however, is not as good as VGA  
output. S-Video display output is not optimized for  
computer video display.  
Quality of video cablesPoor quality or the incorrect  
type of video cables can cause problems and affect the  
video quality. Gateway recommends using high-quality  
video cables that can be purchased from  
www.gateway.com.  
Important  
Cable connections must be made correctly for optimal video  
quality. A loose cable connection can lower video quality.  
Screen resolutionMany TVs cannot display the high  
resolution that your computers video signal uses, and  
may shift, scramble, or scroll the picture. For a better  
picture on a TV display, you may need to lower the  
computers screen resolution to 800 × 600 or 640 × 480.  
For more information about changing the screen  
resolution, see the “Customizing Windows” chapter in  
the online User Guide.  
Size of display deviceSmall computer displays for  
standard computer applications are generally not  
optimized for motion video playback. Although they  
offer excellent resolutions and refresh rates, they are  
designed to make static white backgrounds with black  
text look readable. Some small display devices do not  
make colorful motion video look its best. Generally,  
video will look better on a larger display device.  
Age of the TVNewer TVs usually have more advanced  
features, produce a better quality picture, and support  
higher screen resolutions. The Media Center video  
display will likely be better on a newer model TV.  
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Type of TV (interlaced or progressive scan)  
Many CRT (tube) TVs use interlaced video. Interlaced  
video displays a video frame with two passes of  
alternating scan lines. The TV screen first displays the  
video image odd lines one at a time, sequentially from  
top to bottom, then it fills in the other half of the video  
image with the even lines. Because most TVs use this  
interlaced method to display the picture on the screen,  
a standard interlaced analog TV will most likely flicker  
when displaying thin lines and small text. An interlaced  
video display device will produce a lower quality display,  
especially when viewing and using the computer  
functions.  
Progressive scan video displays a video frame with one  
pass of sequential scan lines. A progressive scan TV  
displays the entire picture, drawn sequentially from top  
to bottom, without the odd/ even interlacing. This results  
in a fuller, sharper picture and better display quality for  
viewing and using the computer functions. The  
progressive scan picture is also brighter and easier on  
your eyes.  
You need to configure your computer to output to a TV  
Your computer detects whether you are using a VGA or  
an S-Video display device and automatically changes the  
display settings for the type of display device you are  
using. For more information, see the Gateway support  
Web site at www.gateway.com.  
You want to change display settings to get better TV or DVD  
image quality  
Adjust the display device brightness, contrast, hue, and  
saturation. For more information, see the Gateway  
support Web site at www.gateway.com or see the  
displays user guide.  
You need to burn programs that were recorded with your  
computer to a DVD using Media Center  
Media Center saves recorded programs in the DVR-MS  
format. You can burn a DVR-MS file to a DVD with DVD  
recording (burning) software and with Media Center  
itself.  
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You want to play recorded programs on other computers  
A DVR-MS file recorded to DVD can be replayed on  
another computer running Media Center or on any  
computer that has a DVD player and DVD decoder  
software (such as WinDVD). The non-Media Center  
computer must also have at least Windows XP with  
Service Pack (SP) 1 or 2, Windows Media Player 9 or later,  
and the Windows patch Q810243 Update.  
You get a “Download Error” message when Media Center  
tries to update the Program Guide  
You must be connected to the Internet to update the  
Program Guide. Make sure that your Internet account is  
set up and connected to the computer. For information  
about manually updating the Program Guide, see your  
online User Guide.  
Memory  
Help  
For more information about troubleshooting memory errors, click Start,  
then click Help and Support. Type the phrase m em ory error in the Search  
Help box, then press ENTER.  
You see a “Memory error” message  
Use the Memory Diagnostic Tool to inspect your system  
memory.  
To run the Memory Diagnostic Tool:  
Click  
(Start), type Mem ory Diagn ostic Tool,  
then press ENTER. Click Restart now and check for  
problems. Your computer restarts and runs the  
memory diagnostics.  
You see a “Not enough memory” error message  
Close all programs, then restart your computer.  
Memory card reader  
Drive letters for the memory card slots do not appear in the  
Computer window  
The memory card reader was temporarily uninstalled  
using the Remove Hardware icon in the system tray.  
Reboot your computer, and your card reader will be  
re-installed.  
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Modem (cable or DSL)  
My computer cannot connect to the Internet.  
Make sure that your modem is connected to the network  
jack.  
Tip  
For the location of your network jack, see your setup poster or  
“Back” on page 8.  
See the documentation that came with your modem for  
additional troubleshooting information.  
Modem (dial-up)  
See also “Internet” on page 79.  
Your modem does not dial or does not connect  
Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the  
modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. See your  
setup poster to make sure that the connections have  
been made correctly.  
Make sure that your computer is connected to the  
telephone line and the telephone line has a dial tone.  
Make sure that the modem cable is less than 6 feet  
(1.8 meters) long.  
Remove any line splitters or surge protectors from your  
telephone line, then check for a dial tone by plugging a  
working telephone into the telephone wall jack.  
If you have additional telephone services such as call  
waiting, call messaging, or voice mail, make sure that all  
messages are cleared and call waiting is disabled before  
using the modem. Contact your telephone service to get  
the correct code to temporarily disable the service. Also  
make sure that the modem dialing properties are set  
correctly.  
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.  
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4
5
Click the Dialing Rules tab, click the location from  
which you are dialing, then click Edit.  
Make sure that all settings are correct.  
Help  
For more information about dialing properties, click Start, then  
click Help and Support. Type the keyword dialin g 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. These lines do not work with your modem.  
Check for line noise (scratchy, crackling, or popping  
sounds). Line noise is a common problem that can cause  
the modem to connect at a slower rate, abort  
downloads, or even disconnect. The faster the modem,  
the less line noise it can tolerate and still work correctly.  
Listen to the line using your telephone. Dial a single  
number (such as 1). When the dial tone stops, listen for  
line noise. Wiggle the modem cable to see if that makes  
a difference. Make sure that the connectors are free from  
corrosion and all screws in the telephone wall jack are  
secure.  
You can also call your telephone service and have the  
telephone line checked for noise or low line levels.  
Try another telephone line (either a different telephone  
number in your house or a telephone line at a different  
location). If you can connect on this line, call your  
telephone service.  
Try connecting with the modem at a lower connection  
speed. If reducing the connect speed lets you connect,  
call your telephone service. The telephone line may be  
too noisy.  
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.  
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CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting  
Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K  
Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates over  
public telephone lines to 53K. Other factors, such as line noise,  
telephone service provider equipment, or ISP limitations, may  
lower the speed even further.  
If your computer has a v.90 modem, the speed at which you  
can upload (send) data is limited to 33.6K. If your computer has  
a v.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  
and receive rate of 14,400 bps.  
The modem is not recognized by your computer  
Make sure that the line connected to the modem is  
working and plugged into the appropriate port on your  
computer. To make sure that the connections have been  
made correctly, see your setup poster or Connecting a  
dial-up modem” on page 16.  
If the modem shares the telephone line with another  
device, make sure that the telephone line is not in use  
(for example, someone is on the telephone, or another  
modem is in use).  
Use the modem cable that came with your computer.  
Some telephone cables do not meet required cable  
standards and may cause problems with the modem  
connection.  
Shut down and restart your computer.  
Run Windows modem diagnostics.  
To run modem diagnostics:  
1
2
Close all open programs.  
Click  
(Start), then click Control Panel. The  
Control Panel window opens.  
3
Click Hardware and Sound, then click Phone and  
Modem Options. The Phone and Modem Options  
dialog box opens.  
4
5
If the Location Information dialog box opens, enter  
your location information, then click OK.  
Click the Modems tab, click your modem, then click  
Properties. The Modem Properties dialog box opens.  
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6
Click the Diagnostic tab, then click Query Modem.  
If information about the modem appears, the  
modem passed diagnostics. If no modem  
information is available, a white screen appears with  
no data, or if you get an error such as port already  
open or the modem has failed to respond, the modem  
did not pass diagnostics.  
Help  
For more information about modem troubleshooting, click Start,  
then click Help and Support. Type the phrase m od em  
trou blesh ootin g 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. Handshaking is a digital getting  
acquainted” conversation between the two modems that  
establishes connection speeds and communication protocols.  
You may hear unusual handshaking sounds when the modems  
first connect. If the handshaking sounds are too loud, you can  
turn down the modem volume.  
To turn down the modem volume:  
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
4
5
Click the Modems tab, click the modem you want to  
adjust, then click Properties.  
Click the Modem tab, then adjust the Speaker  
volume control.  
Click OK twice to close the Phone and Modem  
Options dialog box.  
Monitor  
See “Display” on page 76.  
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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.  
The mouse works erratically  
If the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the  
computer display or becomes difficult to control  
precisely, cleaning the mouse will likely improve its  
accuracy.  
Clean the mouse by wiping the bottom with a clean,  
damp cloth. Make sure that the optical sensor is clean  
and free of debris.  
The mouse pad may have a printed or fabric pattern on  
it that interferes with your mouse. Try a different mouse  
pad.  
Networks  
You cannot connect to your company network  
Every network is unique. Contact your company computer  
department or network administrator for help. For more  
information about setting up a network in your home, see  
Connecting to a broadband modem or network” on page 15,  
your online User Guide, or “Ethernet” on page 77.  
Help  
For more information about network troubleshooting, click Start, then  
click Help and Support. Type the phrase n etw ork trou blesh ootin g in the  
Search Help box, then press ENTER.  
Passwords  
Your computer does not accept your password  
Make sure that CAPS LOCK is turned off, then retype the  
password.  
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Power  
Your computer will not turn on  
Make sure that the power cord is connected to an  
AC power source and to your computer, and that your  
computer is turned on.  
If your computer is plugged into a surge protector, make  
sure that the surge protector is connected securely to a  
power outlet, turned on, and working correctly. To test  
the outlet, plug a working device, such as a lamp, into  
the outlet and turn it on.  
Make sure that the power cord is free from cuts or  
damage. Replace any damaged cables.  
Printer  
The printer will not turn on  
Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have  
an online/offline button that you may need to press.  
Make sure that the power cable is plugged into an  
AC power source.  
The printer is on but will not print  
Check the cable between the printer and your computer.  
Make sure that it is connected to the correct type of port.  
Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have  
an online/offline button that you may need to press so  
the printer can start printing. Press the button to put the  
printer online.  
Check the cable for bent or broken pins.  
If the printer you want to print to is not the default  
printer, make sure that you have selected it in the printer  
setup.  
To set a default printer:  
1
Click  
(Start), then click Control Panel. The  
Control Panel window opens.  
2
Click Hardware and Sound, then click the Change  
Default Printer option under the Printers category.  
The Printer window opens.  
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3
Right-click the printer you want to be the default  
printer, then click Set as Default Printer.  
Reinstall the printer driver. See the guide that came with  
your printer for instructions on installing the printer  
driver.  
You see a “Printer queue is full” error message  
Make sure that the printer is not set to work offline.  
To make sure that the printer is not set to work offline:  
1
2
3
Click  
(Start), then click Control Panel. The  
Control Panel window opens.  
Click Hardware and Sound, then click the Printers  
category. The Printers window opens.  
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.  
You see a “Printer is out of paper” error message  
After adding paper, make sure that the printer is online. Most  
printers have an online/offline button that you need to press  
after adding paper.  
Help  
For more information about printer troubleshooting, click Start, then click  
Help and Support. Type the phrase p rin ter trou blesh ooter in the Search  
Help box, then press ENTER.  
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Sound  
You are not getting sound from the speakers  
Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For  
more information, see Adjusting the volume” on  
page 30.  
information, see Adjusting the volume” on page 30.  
If you are using external speakers:  
Make sure that the speakers are turned on.  
See the speaker setup poster to check your speaker  
connections.  
Make sure that the universal jacks are configured  
correctly. For more information, see Configuring the  
audio jacks” on page 31.  
Help  
For more information about sound troubleshooting, click Start, then click  
Help and Support. Type the phrase soun d trou blesh ooter in the Search  
Help box, then press ENTER.  
Recovering your system  
You can solve most computer problems 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 computers  
software (also called recovering or restoring your system).  
Gateway provides everything you need to recover your system  
under most conditions.  
Caution  
To prepare your computer for additional system recovery options, you  
should create a set of software and driver recovery discs as soon as possible. For  
instructions, see Preparing for software and device driver recovery” on page 94.  
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If only one or two items of software or hardware have  
stopped working correctly, the problem may be solved  
by re-installing the software or the hardware drivers. To  
recover software and drivers that were pre-installed at  
the factory, see “Recovering pre-installed software and  
drivers” on page 94. For instructions on reinstalling  
software and drivers that were not pre-installed, see  
If re-installing software or drivers does not help, then the  
problem may be solved by returning your system to a  
previous state when everything was working correctly.  
For instructions, see “Using Microsoft System Restore” on  
page 99.  
If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to  
return your system to factory condition, see “Recovering  
your system to its factory condition” on page 102.  
If you upgrade or exchange your hard drive or if your hard  
drive is completely erased or corrupted, your only option for  
system recovery may be to reinstall Windows from the  
Windows DVD, then recover your pre-installed software and  
computer must have a DVD-compatible drive to use these  
options.)  
To re-install Windows using the Windows DVD, see  
“Recovering your system using the Windows DVD” on  
page 103.  
To re-install your pre-installed software and device  
drivers using recovery discs, see “Recovering  
pre-installed software and drivers using recovery discs”  
on page 97.  
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 softwares installation  
instructions.  
You can recover pre-installed software and drivers from a set  
of recovery discs (you must create the discs) or by using  
Gateway Recovery Center.  
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Preparing for software and device driver recovery  
You can usually recover your pre-installed software and drivers  
from your hard drive. However, if you ever re-install Windows  
from the Windows DVD or install a new hard drive, you need  
to recover your pre-installed software and drivers using a set  
of software and driver recovery discs. Because these discs do  
not come with your computer, you should create your own set.  
Caution  
Although you may not be expecting to need recovery discs, we  
recommend that you prepare for any eventuality and create a set of recovery  
discs while you have the opportunity.  
You should create a set of discs for recovering your  
pre-installed software and device drivers, in case you need to  
use them later for a complete system recovery. (Your computer  
must have a recordable disc drive to perform this procedure.)  
To create discs for recovering pre-installed software  
and drivers:  
1
Click  
(Start), All Programs, Gateway Recovery  
Center, then click Gateway Recovery Center. The  
Gateway Recovery Center opens.  
2
3
Click Applications and drivers external media, then  
click Next. The What would you like to do? dialog box  
opens.  
Click Create system recovery discs, then click Next.  
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4
Insert a blank, recordable disc into a recordable disc  
drive, then click Next. If an AutoPlay dialog box opens,  
click the x in the upper-right corner to close it.  
A dialog box opens that tells you the number of blank  
discs you need to create a full set of recovery discs.  
5
If you have enough blank discs ofthe 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. If you are recording multiple discs, as you remove each disc from the  
drive, use the marker to label each disc 1 of x, 2 of x, 3 of x, and so on.  
Tip  
After a recovery disc is created, your computer names the disc  
Recovery13 for disc 1 of a 3-disc set, Recovery23 for disc 2, and so on.  
6
7
If multiple discs are required, insert the additional blank  
disks when prompted.  
When the process is finished, the Congratulations!  
window opens.  
8
9
Click Finish.  
Remove your final disc, then label all of the discs and  
store them in a safe place.  
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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.  
Important  
If you have recently reinstalled Windows or installed a new hard  
drive, and your Start menu does not contain Gateway Recovery Center  
as an option, you must recover your software and drivers using software  
and driver recovery discs you have created. For instructions, see  
“Recovering pre-installed software and drivers using recovery discs” on  
page 97.  
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.  
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CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting  
3
Click the software or driver you want to recover, then  
click Next.  
Recovering pre-installed software and drivers using  
recovery discs  
If you created a multiple-disc set of recovery discs, each disc  
contains a unique set of software and drivers. If a recovery disc  
does not offer the software or driver you need to recover, try  
another disc.  
To recover software and drivers using recovery discs:  
1
Insert a software and driver recovery disc into a CD or  
DVD drive. If an AutoPlay dialog box appears,  
click Run Grc_Vista.exe. If an AutoPlay dialog box does  
not appear and Gateway Recovery Center does not start,  
open Computer and run the file Grc_Vista.exe on the  
disc.  
The Gateway Recovery Center starts.  
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2
To recover pre-installed software, click Application  
recovery, then click the software you want to recover.  
- OR -  
To recover pre-installed device drivers, click Device  
driver recovery, then click the type of driver you want  
to recover.  
3
4
Click Next.  
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.  
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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. You can also create a restore point manually. For  
instructions, see “Manually creating a restore point” on  
page 101.  
Help  
For more information about using Microsoft System Restore, click Start,  
then click Help and Support. Type w in d ows system restore in the Search  
Help box, then press ENTER.  
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.  
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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
4
Click the restore point you want, click Next, then click  
Finish. A confirmation message box appears.  
Click Yes. Your system is restored using the restore point  
you specified. This process may take several minutes,  
and may restart your computer.  
Manually creating a restore point  
To manually create a restore point:  
1
Click  
(Start), Control Panel, System and  
Maintenance, then click Backup and Restore Center.  
The Backup and Restore Center opens.  
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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
5
Type a description for the restore point (such as the date  
and time), then click Create. The restore point is created.  
Click OK.  
Recovering your system to its factory condition  
If your computers 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. If you can  
access important files on your hard drive, back them up now.  
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To delete everything on your hard drive and re-install all  
factory software:  
1
If you can still run Windows:  
a
Click  
(Start), All Programs, Gateway Recovery  
Center, then click Gateway Recovery Center. The  
Gateway Recovery Center opens.  
b
Click Recovery, then click Next. Your computer  
restarts.  
2
3
If you cannot run Windows:  
a
Turn on or restart your computer.  
b
While the computer is starting up, repeatedly press  
F8 until the Recovery Options screen opens. If  
Windows starts to load instead, restart the computer  
and try again.  
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.  
4
5
Select a language and keyboard layout, then click Next.  
Click the User name box to select a Windows user  
account, click in the Password box and type the user  
accounts password (if any), then click Next. The System  
Recovery Options menu opens.  
6
Click Restore Application. The Welcome to Gateway  
System Recovery window opens.  
7
8
Click Next.  
To perform a recovery with data backup  
(recommended), click Recovery with automatic data  
backup, then click Next.  
Important  
Before your hard drive is recovered, your personal files will be  
automatically backed up to c:\backup.  
- OR -  
To perform a full factory recovery without data backup,  
click Full factory recovery, then click Next.  
Caution  
Continuing with the full factory recovery will delete everything on  
your hard drive. Make sure that you have backed up any important files  
you want to save.  
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9
Click Yes, then click Next. The Factory image recovery  
window opens, which shows you the progress of the  
system recovery.  
When recovery is finished, the Recovery is complete  
window opens.  
10 Click Finish, then click Restart. Your computer restarts  
in its original factory condition. You still need to reinstall  
any software that was not pre-installed on your  
computer.  
If you selected Recovery with automatic data backup  
in Step 8, you can find your backed up files in c:\backup.  
Recovering your system using the  
Windows DVD  
Windows Vista operating system DVD. You also need to recover  
your computers pre-installed software and device drivers.  
To completely re-install Windows:  
1
If you can still run Windows, back up your personal files,  
and create a set of software and driver recovery discs (if  
you have not already done so). For instructions, see To  
create discs for recovering pre-installed software  
and drivers:” on page 94.  
2
3
4
5
Insert the Windows DVD into one of your computers  
DVD-capable drives, then turn on or restart your  
computer.  
When the prompt Press any key to boot from CD or DVD”  
appears, press any key on your keyboard. A list of valid  
Press the arrow keys to select the drive containing the  
Windows DVD, then press ENTER and follow the on-screen  
instructions.  
After Windows is completely re-installed, use the  
software and driver recovery discs you created to  
recover your computers pre-installed software and  
device drivers. For instructions, see “Recovering  
pre-installed software and drivers using recovery discs”  
on page 97.  
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Telephone support  
Before calling Gateway Customer Care  
If you have a technical problem with your computer, follow  
these recommendations before contacting Gateway Customer  
Care:  
Make sure that your computer is connected correctly to  
a grounded AC outlet that is supplying power. If you use  
a surge protector, make sure that it is turned on.  
If a peripheral device, such as a keyboard or mouse, does  
not appear to work, make sure that all cables are  
plugged in securely.  
If you have recently installed hardware or software,  
make sure that you have installed it according to the  
instructions provided with it. If you did not purchase the  
hardware or software from Gateway, see the  
manufacturers documentation and technical support  
resources.  
If you have “how to” questions about using a program,  
see:  
Online Help  
Printed documentation  
The Microsoft Windows documentation  
The software publishers Web site  
See the troubleshooting section of this chapter.  
Warning  
To avoid bodily injury, do not attempt to troubleshoot your  
computer problem if:  
Power cords or plugs are damaged  
Liquid has been spilled into your computer  
Your computer was dropped  
The case was damaged  
Instead, unplug your computer and contact a qualified computer  
technician.  
Have your customer ID, serialnumber, 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.  
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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.  
800-846-2118  
(US and Canada)  
Telephone numbers  
You can access the following services through your telephone  
to get answers to your questions:  
Resource  
Service description  
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.  
(See “Before calling Gateway  
Customer Care” on page 104  
before calling)  
Gateway Customer Care  
telephone numbers vary by  
country or region. See the  
label on the front or side of  
your computer.  
TDD Customer Care (for hearing  
impaired) is available:  
Weekdays 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.  
Pacific Time  
Weekends 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.  
Pacific Time  
605-232-2191  
Sales,  
Get information about available  
systems, pricing, orders, billing  
statements, warranty service, or  
other non-technical issues.  
800-846-2000 (US)  
888-387-7752 (Canada)  
accounting,  
and  
warranty  
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Self-help  
If you have how-to questions about using your  
Gateway-supplied hardware or software, see the following  
resources:  
The printed or online documentation that came with  
your hardware or software. In many cases, additional  
product information and online documentation for  
Gateway-supplied hardware can be found in our Web  
site's Documentation Library.  
This Reference Guide and your online User Guide.  
The software publishers Web site.  
Help  
For more how-to information about Windows, click Start, then click Help  
and Support. Type the keyword practice in the Search Help box, then press  
ENTER.  
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.  
Select from several  
www.gateway.com/ training  
easy-to-use learning libraries.  
Online  
More than 450 online courses  
www.learnwithgateway.com  
Training from are available from  
Learn With  
Gateway  
Learn With Gateway. All you  
have to do is go online and log  
in. You select the subject  
matter, and the learning  
format (self-paced tutorials or  
virtual classrooms), all from  
the comfort of your computer.  
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Important safety information  
Regulatory compliance statements  
Environmental information  
Notices  
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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.  
Setting up your system  
Read and follow all instructions marked on the product and in the documentation before  
you operate your system. Retain all safety and operating instructions for future use.  
Do not use this product near water or a heat source such as a radiator.  
Set up the system on a stable work surface.  
The product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the  
rating label.  
If your computer has a voltage selector switch, make sure that the switch is in the proper  
position for your area. The voltage selector switch is set at the factory to the correct  
voltage.  
Openings in the computer case are provided for ventilation. Do not block or cover these  
openings. Make sure you provide adequate space, at least 6 inches (15 cm), around the  
system for ventilation when you set up your work area. Never insert objects of any kind  
into the computer ventilation openings.  
Some products are equipped with a three-wire power cord to make sure that the product  
is properly grounded when in use. The plug on this cord will fit only into a  
grounding-type outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into  
an outlet, contact an electrician to install the appropriate outlet.  
If you use an extension cord with this system, make sure that the total ampere rating  
on the products plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the extension cord  
ampere rating.  
If your system is fitted with a TV Tuner, cable, or satellite receiver card, make sure that  
the antenna or cable system is electrically grounded to provide some protection against  
voltage surges and buildup of static charges.  
Replacement parts and accessories  
Use only replacement parts and accessories recommended by Gateway.  
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Care during use  
Warning  
Do not use Gateway products in areas classified as hazardous locations.  
Such areas include patient care areas of medical and dental facilities,  
oxygen-laden environments, or industrial facilities.  
Warning  
To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger (for example, No.  
24 AWG ) UL-listed or CSA-certified telecommunication line cord for your dialup  
modem connection.  
Do not walk on the power cord or allow anything to rest on it.  
Do not spill anything on the system. The best way to avoid spills is to avoid eating and  
drinking near your system.  
Some products have a replaceable CMOS battery on the system board. There is a danger  
of explosion if the CMOS battery is replaced incorrectly. Replace the battery with the  
same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of batteries  
according to the manufacturers instructions.  
When the computer is turned off, a small amount of electrical current still flows through  
the computer. To avoid electrical shock, always unplug all power cables and modem  
cables from the wall outlets before cleaning the system.  
Unplug the system from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified personnel if:  
The power cord or plug is damaged.  
Liquid has been spilled into the system.  
The system does not operate properly when the operating instructions are followed.  
The system was dropped or the cabinet is damaged.  
The system performance changes.  
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. This equipment generates, uses, and can  
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,  
may cause harmful interference to radio or television reception. However, there is no guarantee  
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause  
interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment  
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
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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. These accessories are required to be used in order  
to ensure compliance with FCC rules.  
FCC declaration of conformity  
Responsible party:  
Gateway, Inc.  
7565 Irvine Center Drive  
Irvine, CA 92618  
Phone: 800-846-2000  
Caution  
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Gateway could void  
the FCC compliance and negate your authority to operate the product.  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation of this device is subject to the  
following two conditions: (1)this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device  
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.  
California Proposition 65 Warning  
Warning  
This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of  
California to cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm.  
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.  
A telephone line cord with a modular plug is required for use with this device. The modem is  
designed to be connected to the telephone network or premises wiring using a compatible  
modular jack which is Part 68-compliant. See installation instructions for details.  
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  
(5.0). 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.  
If this device causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in  
advance that temporary discontinuance of service may be required. The telephone company may  
request that you disconnect the equipment until the problem is resolved.  
The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures  
that could affect the operation of this equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will  
provide advance notice in order for you to make necessary modifications to maintain  
uninterrupted service.  
This equipment cannot be used on telephone company-provided coin service. Connection to party  
line service is subject to state tariffs. Contact the state public utility commission or public service  
commission for information.  
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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.  
The United States Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful for any person  
to use a computer or other electronic device to send any message via a telephone fax machine  
unless such message clearly contains, in a margin at the top or bottom of each transmitted page  
or on the first page of the transmission, the date and time it is sent, an identification of the  
business, other entity, or other individual sending the message, and the telephone number of the  
sending machine or such business, other entity, or individual. Refer to your fax communication  
software documentation for details on how to comply with the fax-branding requirement.  
Canada  
Industry Canada (IC) Unintentional emitter per ICES-003  
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital  
apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of Industry Canada.  
Le présent appareil numérique német pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites  
applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage  
radioélectrique édicté par Industrie Canada.  
Telecommunications per Industry Canada CS-03 (for  
products fitted with an IC-compliant modem)  
The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the  
equipment meets certain telecommunications network protective, operation, and safety  
requirements. The Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the users’  
satisfaction.  
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. The customer  
should be aware that compliance with the above conditions may not prevent degradation of  
service in some situations.  
Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized Canadian maintenance facility  
designated by the supplier. Any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or  
equipment malfunctions, may give the telecommunications company cause to request the user  
to disconnect the equipment.  
Warning  
To avoid electrical shock or equipment malfunction do not attempt to  
make electrical ground connections by yourself. Contact the appropriate  
inspection authority or an electrician, as appropriate.  
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.  
The termination on an interface may consist of any combination of devices subject only to the  
requirement that the sum of the Ringer Equivalence Numbers of all the devices does not exceed 5.  
113  
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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. The laser devices in these components are classified as “Class 1 Laser  
Products” under a US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Radiation Performance  
Standard. Should the unit ever need servicing, contact an authorized service location.  
Television antenna connectors protection (for  
systems fitted with TV/ cable TV tuner cards)  
External television antenna grounding  
Important  
The instructions are for the person who installs cable to the system.  
Gateway assumes you are qualified in the servicing of computer equipment and  
trained in recognizing hazards in products with electric shock.  
If an outside antenna or cable system is to be connected to your Gateway PC, make sure that the  
antenna or cable system is electrically grounded to provide some protection against voltage surges  
and static charges.  
Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/ NFPSA 70, provides information with regard to  
proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an  
antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge unit,  
connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.  
Cable distribution system should be grounded (earthed) in accordance with ANSI/ NFPA 70, the  
National Electrical Code (NEC), in particular Section 820.93, Grounding of Outer Conductive Shield  
of a Coaxial Cable.  
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.  
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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.  
7
6
5
4
3
1
2
Antenna and satellite grounding  
Reference  
Grounding component  
1
2
Electric service equipment  
Power service grounding electrode system  
(NEC Art 250, Part H)  
3
4
5
6
7
Ground clamps  
Grounding conductors (NEC Section 810-21)  
Antenna discharge unit (NEC Section 810-20)  
Ground clamp  
Antenna lead-in wire  
115  
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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.  
To prevent releases of harmful substances into the environment and to maximize the use of our  
natural resources, Gateway provides the following information on how you can responsibly recycle  
or reuse most of the materials in your end of life” product.  
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (commonly known as WEEE) should never  
be disposed of in the municipal waste stream (residential garbage collection). The  
“Crossed-Out Waste Bin” label affixed to this product is your reminder to dispose of  
your end of life” product properly.  
Substances such as glass, plastics, and certain chemical compounds are highly  
recoverable, recyclable, and reusable. You can do your part for the environment by  
following these simple steps:  
When your electrical or electronic equipment is no longer useful to you, “take it back”  
to your local or regional waste collection administration for recycling.  
In some cases, your end of life” product may be “traded in” for credit towards the  
purchase of new Gateway equipment. Call Gateway to see if this program is available  
in your area.  
If you need further assistance in recycling, reusing, or trading in your end of life”  
product, you may contact us at the Customer Care number listed in your products user  
guide and we will be glad to help you with your effort.  
Finally, we suggest that you practice other environmentally friendly actions by understanding and  
using the energy-saving features of this product (where applicable), recycling the inner and outer  
packaging (including shipping containers) this product was delivered in, and by disposing of or  
recycling used batteries properly.  
With your help, we can reduce the amount of natural resources needed to produce electrical and  
electronic equipment, minimize the use of landfills for the disposal of end of life” products, and  
generally improve our quality of life by ensuring that potentially hazardous substances are not  
released into the environment and are disposed of properly.  
Notices  
Copyright © 2007 Gateway, Inc.  
All Rights Reserved  
7565 Irvine Center Drive  
Irvine, CA 92618 USA  
All Rights Reserved  
This publication is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of it may be  
reproduced or transmitted by any means or in any form, without prior consent in writing from  
Gateway.  
The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate. However,  
changes are made periodically. These changes are incorporated in newer publication editions.  
Gateway may improve and/or change products described in this publication at any time. Due to  
continuing system improvements, Gateway is not responsible for inaccurate information which  
may appear in this manual. For the latest product updates, consult the Gateway Web site at  
www.gateway.com. In no event will Gateway be liable for direct, indirect, special, exemplary,  
incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any defect or omission in this manual, even  
if advised of the possibility of such damages.  
In the interest of continued product development, Gateway reserves the right to make  
improvements in this manual and the products it describes at any time, without notices or  
obligation.  
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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. All other product names  
mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only, and may be the trademarks or  
registered trademarks of their respective companies.  
Macrovision statement  
If your computer has a DVD-compatible drive and an analog  
TV Out port, the following paragraph applies:  
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of  
certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and  
other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by  
Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless  
otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is  
prohibited.  
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Index  
A
Blu-ray  
recording 27  
Blu-ray drive  
broadband  
AC power connector  
accessories  
8
safety precautions 111  
activity indicators  
See indicators  
connection 15  
modem 15  
application buttons 21  
application key 20, 21  
arrow keys 20, 21  
audio  
broadband connection  
buttons  
See keys and buttons  
analog speaker jack  
audio in jack 10  
center speaker jack  
configuring jacks 31  
front speaker jack  
headphone jack  
line in jack 10  
line out jack  
microphone jack 7, 9  
muting 30  
rear speaker jack 10  
recording 27  
S/ PDIF jack  
side speaker jack 10  
subwoofer jack  
troubleshooting 92  
9
9
C
9
connecting  
9
troubleshooting 85  
Caps Lock indicator 19, 21  
9
card reader  
7
installing memory card 28  
replacing expansion 51  
slots 28  
troubleshooting add-in  
card 78  
77  
9
9
audio CD  
cleaning 61  
audio in jack 10  
audio jacks  
audio playback buttons 19, 21  
7
troubleshooting expansion  
card 85  
TV tuner 10  
B
backing up files 66  
types of memory cards  
supported 28  
battery  
replacing 52  
case  
bezel  
closing 37  
removing 35  
replacing 37  
opening 34  
CD  
BigFix 62  
119  
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Index  
cleaning 61  
connections  
copying 27  
inserting 24  
audio in 10  
9
playing audio 26  
recording 27  
troubleshooting 73  
center speaker  
9
CD drive  
dial-up modem 10, 16  
digital camera 7, 9, 32  
digital video camera 7, 9, 32  
adding 43  
identifying 25  
locating drive  
replacing 43  
See also optical drive  
troubleshooting 73  
7
9
cellular phone  
memory cards 28  
Certificate of Authenticity  
cleaning  
3
line in 9, 10  
audio CD 61  
case 60  
CD 61  
computer screen 60  
DVD 61  
keyboard 60  
LCD panel 60  
mouse 61  
screen 60  
microphone 7, 9  
network 9, 15  
power  
8
cleaning CRT screen 60  
clicking 23  
closing  
PS/ 2 keyboard  
8
PS/ 2 mouse  
9
computer case 37  
front bezel 37  
unresponsive program 18  
side speaker 10  
color panel  
telephone 10  
replacing 38  
video camera 7, 9  
CompactFlash 28  
configuring  
audio jacks 31  
speakers 31  
connecting  
copying  
CDs and DVDs 27  
CRT screen  
cleaning 60  
Customer Service  
Accounting 106  
Sales 106  
cable modem 15  
dial-up modem 16  
DSL modem 15  
PS/ 2 keyboard  
PS/ 2 mouse  
to Ethernet network 9, 15  
to Internet  
8
9
9
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Warranty 106  
D
default printer  
setting 91  
defragmenting hard drive 65  
deleting files and folders 64  
DVD 25  
optical 24  
recordable CD 25  
troubleshooting 73, 75, 76,  
79  
dial-up modem 16  
adjusting volume 89  
connecting 10  
DSL modem 15  
diagnostics 88  
connecting  
9
dialing properties 86  
troubleshooting 85  
troubleshooting connection  
speed 87  
troubleshooting 85  
DVD  
cleaning 61  
drive 25  
digital audio out  
digital camera  
9
playing 26  
locating USB port 7, 9  
recording 27  
troubleshooting 73, 76  
digital video camera  
locating IEEE 1394 port 7, 9  
DIMM  
See memory  
identifying 25  
directional keys 20, 21  
Disk Cleanup 64  
Disk Defragmenter 65  
See also optical drive  
diskette  
troubleshooting 75  
E
diskette drive  
7
identifying 29  
troubleshooting 75  
using 29  
Error-checking 64  
display  
Ethernet jack  
cleaning 60  
troubleshooting 76  
connecting 15  
jack 15  
documentation  
User Guide  
2
adding 51  
double-clicking 23  
dragging 23  
drivers  
recovery discs 94, 97  
re-installing 93, 94  
drives  
replacing 51  
external audio jack 9, 10  
F
backing up files 66  
CD 25  
fan  
variable-speed 16  
121  
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Index  
faxes  
troubleshooting 88  
files  
HD DVD drive  
HD-DVD  
recording 27  
backing up 66  
deleting 64  
finding 70  
opening 23  
transferring 69  
troubleshooting 78  
types 69  
heat sink  
hot-swapping 32  
finding  
files 70  
files and folders 69  
Firewire port 7, 9, 32  
I
IEEE 9  
folders  
opening 23  
IEEE 1394 port 7, 9, 32  
fragmentation 65  
front bezel  
removing 37  
replacing 37  
function keys 19, 21  
indicators  
Caps Lock 19, 21  
numeric keypad 19, 21  
Scroll Lock 19, 21  
installing  
G
battery 52  
Gateway  
devices 32  
contact information  
3
digital camera 32  
digital video camera 32  
front bezel 35  
model number  
serial number  
Support  
3
3
2
Gateway Recovery Center  
peripheral devices 32  
printer 32  
scanner 32  
system battery 52  
re-installing drivers 96  
re-installing programs 96  
re-installing software 96  
H
Internet  
troubleshooting 79, 87  
hard drive  
adding 46  
backing up files 66  
checking for errors 64  
checking for free space 63  
defragmenting 65  
J
jacks  
audio left  
audio right  
See connections  
video  
7
deleting files and folders 64  
7
removable  
7
replacing 46  
7
scanning for errors 64  
troubleshooting 79  
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cleaning computer display  
K
60  
keyboard  
cleaning computer screen  
buttons 19, 20  
cleaning 60  
features 19, 20  
PS/ 2 port  
8
troubleshooting 81  
USB port 7, 9  
keys and buttons  
application 20, 21  
arrow 20, 21  
extending computer life 58  
audio playback 19, 21  
directional 20, 21  
editing 19, 21  
function 19, 21  
Internet 19, 21  
mouse 22  
media card reader  
media reader  
7
See memory card reader  
memory  
navigation 19, 21  
numeric 20, 21  
sleep 21  
replacing 40  
troubleshooting 84  
Windows 20, 21  
inserting card 28  
7
L
labels  
locating  
6
Microsoft Certificate of  
memory card types  
replacing 45  
Authenticity  
3
model number  
serial number  
LCD panel  
cleaning 60  
troubleshooting 76  
3
3
using 28  
Memory Stick 28  
lights  
See indicators  
Authenticity  
model number  
3
line in jack 9, 10  
line out jack  
3
9
M
dial-up 16  
DSL 15  
maintenance  
backing up files 66  
BigFix 62  
checking for drive errors 64  
checking hard drive space  
62  
cleaning case 60  
cleaning CD 61  
jack 16  
modem jack 10  
monitor  
cleaning 60  
troubleshooting 76  
123  
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Index  
mouse  
buttons 22  
indicator 19, 21  
changing settings 23  
cleaning 61  
O
clicking 23  
double-clicking 23  
moving pointer 22, 23  
moving screen objects 23  
opening files, folders, and  
programs 23  
files 23  
folders 23  
shortcut menu 23  
pointer 22  
PS/ 2 port  
9
right-clicking 23  
scroll wheel 23  
eject hole 24  
selecting screen objects 23  
troubleshooting 89  
USB port 7, 9  
inserting disc 24  
using 24  
moving  
files from old computer 68,  
69  
P
pointer 22, 23  
screen objects 23  
settings from old computer  
68  
Pad Lock indicator 19, 21  
parallel port 32  
password  
MP3 player  
memory cards 28  
multimedia  
troubleshooting 90  
PDA  
adjusting volume 30  
playing Blu-ray 27  
playing DVD 26  
playing HD-DVD 27  
using Windows Media  
Player 26, 27  
peripheral devices 32  
playing  
Blu-ray Disc 27  
HD-DVD 27  
MultiMediaCard 28  
muting sound 30  
Plug and Play devices  
N
pointer  
navigation keys 19, 21  
network  
ports  
jack 9, 15  
troubleshooting 77, 90  
See connections  
power  
non-technical support  
Accounting 106  
Sales 106  
Warranty 106  
numeric keypad 20, 21  
button  
connector  
Hibernate mode  
indicator  
source problems 14  
7
8
7
7
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Standby/ Resume  
7
re-installing  
troubleshooting 90  
turning off computer 17  
turning on computer 16  
drivers 93, 94  
power button  
7
programs 93, 94  
power supply 15  
printer  
with Gateway Recovery  
Center 96  
with Windows DVD 103  
installing 32  
setting default 91  
troubleshooting 91  
USB port 7, 9  
programs  
removable hard drive  
removing files and folders 64  
resetting computer 18  
7
closing unresponsive 18  
opening 23  
recovery discs 94, 97  
re-installing 93, 94  
restarting computer 18  
PS/ 2 port  
restoring  
keyboard  
8
mouse  
9
drivers 93, 94  
software 93, 94  
R
RAM  
See memory  
rebooting computer 18  
Restore 99  
recordable drive  
recording  
7
audio files 27  
optical discs 27  
recovering  
Resume mode  
defaults 102  
right-clicking 23  
drivers 93, 94  
programs 93, 94  
software 93, 94  
system 93  
S
Windows 93  
with Gateway Recovery  
Center 96  
with Windows DVD 103  
with Windows System  
Restore 99  
general precautions 110  
guidelines for  
troubleshooting 72  
posture 13  
reducing eye strain 12  
setting up computer 13  
sitting at computer 12, 13  
static electricity 34  
recovery discs  
creating 94  
drivers 94, 97  
programs 94, 97  
software 94, 97  
125  
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Index  
scanner  
installing 32  
screen  
troubleshooting 76  
screen objects  
Standby mode  
system battery  
replacing 52  
system board  
getting information 23  
moving 23  
selecting 23  
Scroll Lock indicator 19, 21  
scroll wheel 23  
Secure Digital 28  
system identification label  
3
serial number  
serial port 32  
setting up  
3
T
Task Schdeuler 67  
techinal support  
safety precautions 110  
settings  
transferring 68, 69  
shortcut menus  
accessing 23  
Support  
2
automated  
troubleshooting  
tutorial service 106  
shortcuts  
opening menu 23  
shutting down computer 17, 18  
side panel  
telephone jack 10  
telephone support 104  
removing 35  
replacing 35  
training  
sleep button 21  
sleep mode 17  
using 17  
SmartMedia 28  
software  
recovery discs 94, 97  
re-installing 93, 94  
sound  
Learn With Gateway 107  
files from old computer 68,  
adjusting 30  
controls 30  
muting 30  
68  
troubleshooting 92  
add-in cards 73, 78  
audio 92  
speaker jack  
analog  
9
9
automated system 105  
cable modem 85  
cards 73, 78  
center  
rear 10  
side 10  
CD drive 73, 76  
dial-up modem 85  
dial-up modem speed 87  
speakers  
configuring 31  
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diskette drive 75  
display 76  
DSL modem 85  
DVD drive 73, 76  
Ethernet network 77  
faxes 88  
files 78  
general guidelines 72  
hard drive 79  
V
video  
voltage  
Internet connection 79, 87  
keyboard 81  
LCD panel 76  
memory 84  
controls 30  
memory card reader 85  
monitor 76  
mouse 89  
network 77, 90  
passwords 90  
power 90  
waking computer 17  
Windows  
printer 91  
3
safety guidelines 72  
screen 76  
screen area 76  
screen resolution 76  
sound 92  
technical support 104  
telephone support 104  
Web site connection speed  
80  
Windows Easy Transfer 68  
Windows key 20, 21  
Windows Media Center  
troubleshooting 82  
Windows System Restore 93  
Windows Update 62  
wired Ethernet  
Windows Media Center 82  
troubleshooting 77  
turning off computer 7, 17, 18  
turning on computer 7, 16  
tutoring  
X
fee-based 106  
TV tuner card 10  
Z
U
Zip drive 66  
uninterruptible power supply  
(UPS) 14  
updating  
Windows 62  
UPS 14  
USB port 7, 9, 32  
127  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Index  
128  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
MAN GERSHWIN HW REF GDE R3 5/07  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  

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