Gateway Personal Computer SZSL95IN0XXXXXXXX User Manual
Reference  
Guide  
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Contents  
Chapter 1: About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1  
About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
Accessing your online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3  
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3  
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started . . . 5  
Checking out your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6  
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6  
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7  
Sides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  
Power module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10  
Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11  
Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12  
Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . .13  
Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13  
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . .13  
Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14  
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . .14  
Connecting power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15  
Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . . .16  
Setting up the keyboard and mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17  
Installing keyboard batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17  
Installing mouse batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18  
Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19  
Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20  
Turning off and restarting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20  
Using the keyboard and mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22  
Syncing the keyboard and mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22  
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23  
Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24  
Using the remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26  
Installing remote control batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26  
Understanding the remote control buttons . . . . . . . . . . .28  
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Storing the remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30  
Using the DVD-RW drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30  
Loading a disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30  
Ejecting an optical disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31  
Playing discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31  
Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33  
Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33  
Connecting peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34  
Connecting the TV tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34  
Connecting the Web cam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39  
Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . 41  
Connecting the dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41  
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42  
Chapter 3: Upgrading Your Computer. . . . . . . 45  
Opening and closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46  
Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48  
Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50  
Adding or replacing Mini PCI cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51  
Replacing the DVD-RW drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52  
Installing or replacing the graphics card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55  
Changing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56  
Chapter 4: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . 59  
Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60  
Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61  
Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61  
Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62  
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62  
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64  
Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64  
Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65  
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Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65  
Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66  
Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67  
Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68  
Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69  
Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71  
Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72  
Transferring files and settings automatically . . . . . . . . . .72  
Transferring files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73  
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75  
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76  
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76  
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77  
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77  
CD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77  
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77  
DVD-RW drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78  
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79  
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80  
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81  
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82  
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83  
Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83  
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84  
Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85  
Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85  
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85  
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89  
Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89  
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89  
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90  
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90  
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91  
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91  
Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92  
Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . . .93  
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Contents  
Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98  
Recovering your system to its factory condition . . . . . 101  
Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . . 102  
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103  
Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103  
Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104  
Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104  
Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105  
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105  
Appendix A: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107  
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117  
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CHAPTER1  
About This Guide  
• About this guide  
• Accessing your online User Guide  
• Gateway contact information  
• Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity  
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CHAPTER 1: About This Guide  
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 may vary. For all other  
computer information, see your online User Guide.  
For more information  
For more information about your computer, visit Gateway’s  
Support page at www.gateway.com or the Web address shown  
on your computer’s label. The Support page also has links to  
additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.  
Accessing your 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 labelon the bottom ofyour computer contains information  
that identifies your computer model and serial number.  
Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call  
for assistance.  
S/N:  
SZSL95IN0XXXXXXXX  
Serial number and  
Customer Care  
telephone number  
Microsoft Certificate of  
Authenticity  
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the  
bottom 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.  
Microsoft Certificate of  
Authenticity  
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CHAPTER 1: About This Guide  
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CHAPTER2  
Setting Up and  
Getting Started  
• Checking out your computer  
• Working safely and comfortably  
• Preparing power connections  
• Connecting to a broadband modem or  
network  
• Setting up the keyboard and mouse  
• Starting your computer  
• Turning off and restarting your computer  
• Using the keyboard and mouse  
• Using the remote control  
• Using the DVD-RW drive  
• Using the memory card reader  
• Connecting peripheral devices  
• Adjusting the volume  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Checking out your computer  
Front  
Web cam port  
Display  
IR sensor  
IR activity/ RF sync  
indicator  
DVD-RW drive  
Data ports  
Power indicator  
NXT SoundVu acoustic front panel  
(replaces conventional speakers)  
Component  
Web cam port  
IR sensor  
Description  
Connect the optional Web cam to this port.  
Detects signals from the remote control. Do not block.  
IR activity/ RF sync Indicates when the computer is receiving IR signals from the  
indicator  
remote control and when the computer is syncing with the  
wireless (RF) keyboard and mouse.  
Data ports  
Display  
For more detail, see “Sides” on page 8.  
This 19-inch TFT display has 1400 × 900 resolution, displays  
16.2 million colors, and has an 850:1 contrast ratio.  
DVD-RW drive  
For more detail, see “Sides” on page 8.  
Power indicator  
The Gateway logo indicates when power is on (glowing) and  
when power is on Standby (flashing).  
NXT™ SoundVu™  
acoustic front  
panel  
This panel is advanced, patented technology developed by  
Authentic using NXT technology. Because the panel itself  
vibrates and creates sound, no speakers are needed.  
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Back  
Web cam port  
Power button  
Slide-out  
Cable lock slot  
support stand  
Component  
Description  
Web cam port  
Power button  
Connect the optional Web cam to this port.  
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. For more information, see your  
online User Guide.  
Slide-out support  
stand  
Supports your computer in an upright position and helps  
maintain the viewing angle. As you push the top of the  
screen back or pull it forward, this support stand  
automatically adjusts to maintain that angle. For more  
information on adjusting the viewing angle, see “Setting up  
your computer desk and chair” on page 13  
Cable lock slot  
Attach a cable lock to this slot, then attach the cable to a  
solid object like a desk or table to prevent your computer  
from being stolen or opened.  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Sides  
Memory card reader  
Power/ data cable  
IEEE 1394/ FireWire™ port  
USB ports  
Headphone jack  
Slide-out support stand  
Microphone jack  
Slot-load DVD-RW drive  
Power button  
Power/ data cable  
Slide-out support stand  
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Component  
Description  
Power/ data cable  
Connects your computer to the power module. This cable  
must be connected before you connect the module to  
AC power. For more information, see “Connecting power”  
on page 15.  
Slide-out support  
stand  
Supports your computer in an upright position and helps  
maintain the viewing angle. As you push the top of the  
screen back or pull it forward, this support stand  
automatically adjusts to maintain that angle. For more  
information on adjusting the viewing angle, see “Reducing  
eye strain” on page 12.  
Memory card  
reader  
Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player,  
PDA, cellular telephone, or other device into the memory  
card reader. For a complete list of supported memory cards,  
see “Using the memory card reader” on page 32.  
™
IEEE 1394 port  
USB ports  
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 41.  
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 41.  
Headphone jack  
Plug powered, analog front speakers, an external amplifier,  
or headphones into this jack.  
Microphone jack  
DVD-RW drive  
Plug a microphone into this jack.  
Use this DVD-RW drive to listen to audio CDs, install games  
and programs, watch DVDs, and write large files onto  
recordable discs.  
Power button  
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.  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Power module  
Optical digital  
audio out jack  
Coaxial digital  
audio out jack  
Ethernet network jack  
IR blaster port  
USB ports  
USB ports  
Power/ data cable connector  
Component  
Description  
Ethernet (network)  
jack  
Plug an Ethernet network cable or a device (such as a DSL  
or cable modem for a broadband Internet connection)  
into this jack. For more information, see “Learning about  
the Internet” in your online User Guide.  
IR blaster port  
Plug the IR blaster into this port. The IR blaster lets you  
position an IR emitter on your set-top box (tuner), so the  
computer’s Media Center remote can change the tuner’s  
channel for viewing and scheduled recording.  
Optical digital audio  
out jack  
Plug an optical digital audio cable into this jack and into  
an optical Audio In jack on an amplifier or  
entertainment system for digital sound.  
Coaxial digital audio  
out jack  
Plug a coaxial digital audio cable into this jack and into  
a coaxial Audio In jack on an amplifier or entertainment  
system for digital sound.  
USB ports  
Plug a USB device into these ports.  
Power/ data cable  
connector  
Plug your computer’s power/ data cable into this  
connector.  
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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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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Reducing eye strain  
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the  
screen or shine directly into your eyes.  
•
Position the computer desk and computer so you can  
avoid bright reflections and glare. 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  
display.  
Avoid focusing your eyes on your display for long  
periods of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look around the  
room, and try to focus on distant objects.  
•
Stand up your computer so the slide-out support stand  
extends out the back for stability. Your computer is  
stable through a 10° range of motion, from nearly  
upright (leaning back 5°) to noticeably tilted (leaning  
back 15°).  
The support stand helps maintain the viewing angle that  
you set. As you push the top of the screen back or pull  
it forward, the stand automatically adjusts to maintain  
that angle.  
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Setting up your computer desk and chair  
Follow these guidelines for good ergonomic workstation  
design:  
•
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 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 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 arm’s 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 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.  
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.  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Preparing power connections  
Protecting from power source problems  
Warning  
High voltages can enter your computer through both the power/ data  
cable and the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge  
protector. If you have a telephone or DSL 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.  
Warning  
The AC power module contains peripheral expansion components that  
need to connect to the system before to AC power is connected. Make sure that  
you connect power components in the following order:  
• Plug the power/ data cable into the power module.  
• Plug the AC power cable into the power module and into an AC power outlet.  
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Connecting power  
To connect power:  
1
Plug your computer’s power/ data cable into the  
power/ data connector on the power module. Make sure  
that the cable’s clips lock into place.  
2
Plug the provided AC power cable into the power  
module, then plug the power cable into an AC power  
outlet. We recommend using a surge protector.  
3
To disconnect the power/ data cable from the power  
module, press inward on the two connector latches, then  
pull the plug away from the module.  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Connecting to a broadband  
modem or network  
Important  
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 Ethernet  
network jack on the power module.  
2
Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable  
modem, DSL modem, or network jack.  
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Setting up the keyboard and  
mouse  
Installing keyboard batteries  
Before using your wireless keyboard, you must install the two  
batteries that came with it.  
Warning  
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the  
same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used  
batteries following the manufacturer’s instructions.  
To install the keyboard batteries:  
1
2
3
Turn the keyboard over, then open the battery cover.  
Insert two AA batteries according to the diagram inside  
the battery compartment, then close the battery cover.  
Your wireless keyboard is synced with your computer at  
the factory. However, if the keyboard does not work after  
installing new batteries, re-sync the keyboard with the  
computer by following the instructions in “Syncing the  
keyboard and mouse” on page 22.  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Installing mouse batteries  
Before using your mouse, you must install the two batteries  
that came with it.  
Warning  
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the  
same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used  
batteries following the manufacturer’s instructions.  
To install the mouse batteries:  
1
Turn the mouse over and remove the battery cover (if  
installed) by prying it up using a thin object (such as your  
fingernail).  
Pry up here  
2
3
Insert two AA batteries according to the diagram inside  
the battery compartment, then install the battery cover.  
Your wireless mouse is synced with your computer at the  
factory. However, if the mouse does not work after  
installing new batteries, re-sync the mouse with the  
computer by following the instructions in “Syncing the  
keyboard and mouse” on page 22.  
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Starting your computer  
To start your computer:  
1
Connect the power and network (if applicable) cables to  
your computer according to the setup poster and  
“Connecting power” on page 15.  
2
Press the power button on the back of your computer.  
If your computer does not turn on, check the  
power/ data cable connection.  
3
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.  
Tip  
If your computer and mouse do not work, see “Syncing the  
keyboard and mouse” on page 22.  
4
5
To open your computer’s Start menu, click  
(Start).  
From that menu, you can run programs and search for  
files. For more information on using your computer’s  
menus, see “Using Windows” and “Customizing  
Windows” in your online User Guide.  
After your computer has been set up, attach and turn on  
any USB or audio peripheral devices, such as printers,  
scanners, and speakers. See the documentation that  
came with each device for its setup instructions.  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
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.  
Turning off and restarting your  
computer  
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 module from the power outlet,  
then unplug the modem or network cable. We recommend disconnecting the  
power/ data cable and modem and network cables when your computer will not  
be used for long periods of time.  
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. It also 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.  
2
To “wake” your computer, press a key on the keyboard  
or press the power button.  
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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/ data  
cord from the power module.  
Restarting (rebooting) your computer  
If your computer does not respond to any input, you may need  
to restart (reboot) your computer.  
To restart your computer:  
•
Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then  
click Restart. Your computer turns off, then turns on  
again.  
•
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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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Using the keyboard and mouse  
Syncing the keyboard and mouse  
To sync your keyboard and mouse with your computer:  
1
Insert a stiff wire (such as a straightened paper clip) into  
the wireless sync button hole on the top of your  
computer (to the left of the Web cam’s mini USB port).  
The RF sync indicator (the red LED) above the Gateway  
logo on the front of your computer turns on.  
Sync button  
hole  
2
Press the sync button on the bottom of your keyboard  
until your computer’s RF sync indicator flashes. Your  
keyboard is now synced with your computer.  
Sync button  
(keyboard)  
3
Repeat Step 2, but with your mouse instead of the  
keyboard.  
Sync button  
(mouse)  
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Using the keyboard  
Navigation keys  
System control keys  
Function keys  
Multimedia controls  
Wrist rest  
Main keyboard  
Directional keys  
Numeric keypad  
Feature  
Description  
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.  
System control  
keys  
Press BRIGHT to adjust the screen brightness by cycling  
through the available brightness settings. Press SLEEP to put  
your computer into the Sleep power-saving mode.  
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.  
Multimedia  
controls  
Press these keys to play your audio files and to adjust the  
volume. Press MUTE and VOL to adjust volume, and press  
EJECT to eject the disc from the slot-load DVD-RW drive.  
Wrist rest  
While typing, you can rest your wrist on this acrylic surface.  
Main keyboard  
Press these keys to type numbers and letters and to format  
text.  
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.  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Storing your keyboard  
You can move your keyboard out of the way by standing it  
upright and sliding it against your computer. Do not lean it  
against the screen.  
Using the mouse  
Mouse components  
Scroll stripe  
(functions as a scroll wheel)  
Right button  
Left button  
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Controlling the mouse  
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. You can use the scroll stripe (the stripe  
between the left and right mouse buttons) 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  
computer display. Release the  
button to drop the object  
where you want it.This is called  
clicking and dragging.  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
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 63.  
Using the remote control  
The Media Center remote control is an optional accessory.  
Installing remote control batteries  
Before using your remote control, you must install the two  
batteries that came with it.  
Warning  
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the  
same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used  
batteries following the manufacturer’s instructions.  
To install the remote control batteries:  
1
Turn the remote control over, then remove the battery  
cover.  
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2
Insert two AA batteries according to the diagram inside  
the battery compartment, then replace the battery  
cover.  
Important  
While loading the batteries into the remote control, do not press  
any buttons or the remote may not work. If the remote does not work  
with fresh batteries installed, remove a battery for five seconds, then  
re-insert the battery while making sure that no buttons are being  
pressed.  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Understanding the remote control buttons  
Your Media Center remote control lets you record and play  
back media on your computer. It also lets you turn your  
computer on and off.  
Power  
Pause  
Stop  
Record  
Rewind  
Skip to previous  
Media Center Home  
back  
Fast forward  
Skip to next  
info  
Menu navigation  
ok (Select)  
mute  
Channel  
Volume  
guide  
DVD menu  
Play recorded TV  
Play live TV  
DVD subtitles  
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Button  
Description  
Power  
Puts the computer into Sleep mode, and “wakes” the  
computer.  
Record  
Press for one-touch recording of the currently selected  
video source.  
Rewind  
Rewinds the currently playing media.  
Skip to previous  
Skips to the start of the currently playing track or chapter,  
then skips to the previous track or chapter.  
Media Center Home  
back  
Opens Windows Vista Media Center.  
In a setup menu, goes back one menu level.  
Menu navigation  
(arrows)  
Moves up, down, left, and right through menus and  
settings.  
Volume  
Play recorded TV  
Play live TV  
Pause  
Changes volume.  
Plays programs you have recorded using Media Center.  
Plays live TV programs.  
Pauses the currently playing media.  
Stops the currently playing media.  
Fast forwards the currently playing media.  
Skips to the next track or chapter.  
Displays the current track or chapter information.  
Selects the currently highlighted menu item.  
Mutes all sound.  
Stop  
Fast forward  
Skip to next  
info  
ok  
mute  
guide  
Opens the program guide, where you can select  
programs to watch and record.  
Channel  
Changes channel.  
DVD menu  
DVD subtitles  
Opens the DVD’s own main menu  
Turns the DVD’s subtitles on and off.  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
If your remote stops working, try the following:  
•
•
Restart your computer.  
Replace its batteries with new ones. For directions, see  
“Installing remote control batteries” on page 26.  
Storing the remote control  
Your remote control is designed so that you can store it  
upright, taking up less desk space.  
Using the DVD-RW drive  
Loading a disc  
To load a disc:  
•
Insert the disc partially into the disc slot. The drive pulls  
the disc in.  
Important  
When you place a single-sided disc in the tray, make sure that the  
label side is facing the front (towards you). If the disc has two playable  
sides, place the disc so the name of the side you want to play is facing  
the front.  
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Ejecting an optical disc  
To eject an optical disc:  
•
Press the Eject key on the keyboard.  
- OR -  
In Windows Explorer, right-click the optical drive icon,  
then click Eject.  
- OR -  
In your media playback software, click an equivalent  
“eject” command. For help, see the media playback  
software’s documentation or online help.  
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  
computer’s DVD-RW 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.  
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 your computer’s DVD-RW drive. For more  
information about playing DVDs, see your online User Guide.  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Creating discs  
Recording to optical discs  
You can use the disc burning program on your computer to  
copy tracks from a music CD to your hard drive, copy or create  
data discs, create music CDs, create video DVDs, and more. For  
more information about creating CDs and DVDs, see your  
online User Guide.  
Creating audio and video files  
You can create audio and music files, either from scratch or  
from music CDs. You can also create video files from home  
video. For more information, see your online User Guide.  
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 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.  
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Memory card types  
The memory card reader supports several memory card types:  
•
•
•
•
xD-Picture Card™  
Secure Digital™ (SD)  
MultiMediaCard™ (MMC)  
Memory Stick™ (MS) and MS Pro  
Using a memory card  
Caution  
Before inserting a memory card into the slot, make sure that the slot is  
empty, or you could damage the card reader.  
To insert and remove a memory card:  
1
2
Insert the memory card into the memory card slot.  
To access a file on the memory card, click (Start),  
then click Computer. Double-click the drive letter (for  
example, the E: drive), then double-click the file name.  
3
To remove a memory card, just pull it out of the slot.  
Caution  
Do not remove the memory card or turn off the computer while  
the memory card reader is writing files to or reading files from the card.  
You could lose data. Also, remove the memory card from the reader  
before you turn off the computer.  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Connecting peripheral devices  
After your computer is set up and operating normally, connect  
and set up additional devices you want to use.  
Connecting the TV tuner  
The TV tuner is an optional accessory. You can connect the  
optional TV tuner to provide audio and video input and output  
to a television or video recording device.  
Composite video in  
Left stereo in  
S-VIDEO in  
IR sensor  
Right stereo in  
Power on indicator  
RF (antenna)  
FM (antenna)  
mini USB (connect to  
computer)  
Component  
Description  
Power on indicator  
Turns on when the mini USB port is receiving  
power from the computer.  
IR sensor  
Receives signals from the Media Center remote  
control. Do not block.  
S-Video in jack  
Connect an S-Video source to this jack to receive  
an S-Video signal.  
Composite video in  
jack (A/ V IN)  
Connect a composite video source to this RCA jack  
to receive a composite video signal.  
Left/ Right stereo in  
jacks (A/ V IN)  
Connect left and right stereo cables to these RCA  
jacks to receive two-channel stereo from your  
video source.  
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Component  
Description  
RF (antenna) jack  
Connect the wire whip antenna to this jack to  
receive broadcast TV signals, or connect the  
“F-type” adapter to the coaxial cable from a video  
source and connect the cable here.  
FM (antenna) jack  
Mini USB port  
Connect the FM radio “Y” wire antenna to this jack  
for FM radio reception.  
Connect the included mini USB cable to this port  
and to your computer so the TV tuner can send  
the video signals it receives to your computer.  
To connect the TV tuner:  
1
Connect the provided USB cable to the TV tuner’s USB  
port and an available USB port on your computer or  
power module.  
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2
To receive broadcast TV signals, connect the included TV  
whip antenna to the RF (antenna) jack on the TV tuner.  
- OR -  
To receive broadcast TV signals or video from an antenna  
that uses coaxial cable, connect the included “F-type”  
antenna adapter to the coaxial antenna cable, then  
connect the cable to the RF (antenna) jack on the  
TV tuner.  
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3
To view video from a tuner (such as cable or satellite TV)  
or another wired video source (such as a DVD player):  
•
Connect the included “F-type”antenna adapter to the  
video source’s coaxial cable, then connect the cable  
to the RF (antenna) jack on the TV tuner.  
- OR -  
Connect an S-Video cable to the video source’s  
S-Video Out jack and the TV tuner’s S-VIDEO (in)  
jack. You also need to connect the appropriate audio  
cables to the video source and to the TV tuner’s red  
and white A/ V IN audio jacks or to one of the  
computer power module’s digital audio jacks.  
- OR -  
Connect a video RCA cable to the video source’s  
Video Out jack and the TV tuner’s yellow A/ V IN  
video jack. You also need to connect the appropriate  
audio cables to the video source and to the TV tuner’s  
red and white A/ V IN audio jacks or to one of the  
computer power module’s digital audio jacks.  
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4
To receive broadcast FM radio signals, connect the  
included FM wire antenna to the FM jack on the TV tuner,  
then extend the antenna as tall as you can into a “Y”  
shape.  
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Connecting the Web cam  
The Web cam is an optional accessory, which may not have  
been included in your packaging. The Web cam can take still  
photos and video. The Web cam also comes with an optional  
base and cable for desktop use.  
Microphone  
Activity indicator  
Camera lens  
Mini USB plug  
Component  
Description  
Camera lens  
No-focus lens can keep everything in focus,  
from a few inches away to infinity.  
Activity indicator  
Microphone  
Indicates the camera is active.  
Records audio for video chat sessions.  
Plugs directly into the top of your computer.  
Mini USB plug  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
To connect the Web cam:  
1
Insert the mini USB plug on the bottom of the Web cam  
into the mini USB port on top of your computer.  
2
3
Start your video recording or video chat software to see  
the Web cam image on your screen.  
Adjust the angle of the Web cam so you can see yourself  
clearly.  
Tip  
The brighter the camera’s subject, the clearer the Web cam’s  
image will be. If you use your Web cam in a dimly lit room, consider  
adding desktop lighting that will help illuminate your face.  
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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 IEEE 1394 (Firewire®) and USB ports. 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 6.  
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.  
Connecting the dial-up modem  
The dial-up modem USB dongle is an optional accessory.  
Modem jack  
USB plug  
Component  
Modem jack  
USB plug  
Description  
Plug a modem cable into this jack.  
Plug this into any available USBport on your  
computer or the power module.  
To connect the dial-up modem:  
1
Plug a modem cable into the modem jack on the modem  
dongle and into a telephone wall jack.  
2
Plug the modem dongle into an available USB port on  
your computer or the power module.  
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CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
Adjusting the volume  
You can adjust volume using Windows volume controls. You  
can also adjust the volume of specific sound devices in your  
computer.  
To adjust the overall volume using hardware controls:  
•
Press the volume or mute control buttons on the  
keyboard. For more information, see “Using the  
keyboard” on page 23.  
-OR-  
Press the volume or mute control buttons on the Media  
Center remote control. For more information, see “Using  
the remote control” on page 26.  
-OR-  
If you are using external speakers, turn the knob on the  
front of the speakers.  
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 × 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 2: Setting Up and Getting Started  
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CHAPTER3  
Upgrading Your Computer  
• Opening and closing the case  
• Installing memory  
• Adding or replacing a hard drive  
• Replacing the DVD-RW drive  
• Installing or replacing the graphics card  
• Changing the system battery  
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CHAPTER 3: Upgrading Your Computer  
Opening and closing the case  
Your computer case provides easy access to internal  
components for upgrading and maintenance.  
To open and close the case:  
1
Turn off your computer.  
Warning  
To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving  
parts, turn off your computer and unplug the power/ data 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 computer or power supply.  
2
3
Unplug the power/ data cable from the power module,  
unplug any devices from the computer, then press and  
hold the power button for two seconds to drain any  
residual power from your computer.  
Observe all precautions for protecting your computer  
from electrostatic discharge (ESD):  
Caution  
ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge-sensitive  
components in your computer. Prevent ESD damage by following these  
ESD guidelines every time you open the computer case.  
•
•
Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most  
electronics stores) and attach it to bare metal (such  
as a metal desk or lamp). Avoid static-causing  
surfaces such as carpeted floors, plastic, and packing  
foam.  
If a grounding wrist strap is not available, frequently  
touch a bare metal object while working.  
Remove new components (such as memory  
modules) 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.  
4
5
Disconnect the optional Web cam from the top of the  
computer.  
Caution  
If you do not remove the optional Web cam, it will get damaged  
when you open the computer’s back panel.  
Place the computer face-down on a soft, non-marring  
surface. Be careful of the acrylic (glass-like) surface of the  
front, because it can easily become scratched.  
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6
Slide the two panel release latches toward each other,  
then lift the bottom of the back panel 90° until it is  
vertical.  
Release latches  
A small support bar on the right corner near the hinge  
holds the panel upright.  
Support bar  
7
To close the case, make sure that all components, wires,  
and cables have been returned to their correct locations,  
then slowly close the panel while making sure no wires  
become pinched under the panel edges.  
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CHAPTER 3: Upgrading Your Computer  
Installing memory  
When you upgrade the computer memory, make sure that you  
install the correct type of memory module for your computer,  
or it will not fit into the memory slot. Your computer uses  
notebook (SO-DIMM) memory.  
To install or replace memory:  
1
Open the back panel by following the instructions in  
“Opening and closing the case” on page 46. The  
computer should be face-down on a soft, stable,  
non-marring surface before continuing.  
2
Find the memory module banks on your system board.  
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3
If you are removing an old module from a memory slot,  
spread the two metal tabs away from the sides of the  
memory module. The module flips up at a 30° angle.  
If you are removing a module from the lower memory  
slot, you must first remove the module from the upper  
slot.  
Upper memory slot  
Lower memory slot  
4
5
Pull the old memory module out of the slot.  
Slide the new module into an available memory slot at  
a 30° angle, then press it down until it clicks into place.  
6
7
8
9
Close the back panel by following the instructions in  
“Opening and closing the case” on page 46.  
Return your computer to its upright position, then  
reconnect all cables.  
Turn on your computer. Windows starts and the  
Windows desktop appears.  
Click  
(Start), right-click Computer, then click  
Properties. The amount of memory now installed in  
your computer is displayed.  
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CHAPTER 3: Upgrading Your Computer  
Adding or replacing a  
hard drive  
Your computer supports only SATA hard drives. The unique  
hard drive mounting system for your computer requires no  
cables, latches, locks, or visible connectors.  
To add or replace a hard drive:  
1
2
Open the back panel by following the instructions in  
“Opening and closing the case” on page 46. The  
computer should be face-down on a soft, stable,  
non-marring surface before continuing.  
If you are replacing a drive, slide the old drive out of the  
drive bay, then slide the new one into the empty bay.  
Caution  
When installing a new drive into a drive bay, insert it with the label  
side of the drive against the computer, and the drive connectors pointing  
toward the bottom of the drive bay.  
Hard drive bay 2  
(secondary)  
Hard drive bay 1  
(primary)  
- OR -  
If you are adding a drive, slide the new drive into the  
secondary hard drive bay.  
3
4
Close the back panel by following the instructions in  
“Opening and closing the case” on page 46, then stand  
your computer up and reconnect all cables.  
Turn on your computer.  
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5
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 92.  
Adding or replacing  
Mini PCI cards  
Tools  
• Phillips screwdriver  
To add or replace a Mini PCI card:  
1
Open the back panel by following the instructions in  
“Opening and closing the case” on page 46. The  
computer should be face-down on a soft, stable,  
non-marring surface before continuing.  
2
3
Locate the Mini PCI card slots.  
If you are replacing a card, remove the two screws that  
secure the old card to the case, remove any antenna  
cables attached to the card, then pull the card out of the  
card slot.  
Mini PCI card slot 2  
Mini PCI card slot 1  
Card screws  
Antenna cables  
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4
Slide the new card into an available card slot at a 30°  
angle, then press it down until the holes in the card line  
up with the screw holes in the case.  
5
6
Secure the card to the case using the two screws you  
removed previously (if you are replacing a card) or the  
two screws provided with the new card.  
If the new card is a wireless networking card, attach the  
antenna cables to the appropriate antenna connectors  
on the card. For a card with three connectors, the black  
cable should attach to the connector on the right, the  
blue cable in the middle, and the gray cable on the left.  
7
8
Close the back panel by following the instructions in  
“Opening and closing the case” on page 46.  
Return your computer to its upright position, then  
reconnect all cables.  
Replacing the DVD-RW drive  
Tools  
• Phillips screwdriver  
To replace the DVD-RW drive:  
1
Turn on your computer, eject any disc in the DVD-RW  
drive, then turn off your computer.  
Warning  
Hazardous high voltage exists inside the computer. Make sure that  
you have disconnected all power before continuing. Touch only the  
components indicated within these instructions.  
Caution  
If you do not eject the disc from the drive, it may become stuck  
in the drive after you lay the computer face-down in the next step.  
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2
3
Open the back panel by following the instructions in  
“Opening and closing the case” on page 46. The  
computer should be face-down on a soft, stable,  
non-marring surface before continuing.  
Remove the three screws that secure the ventilation  
shroud to the inside of the case, then remove the shroud.  
Shroud screws  
Warning  
Hazardous high voltage exists behind the ventilation shroud.  
Remove only when replacing the DVD-RW drive, and touch only the  
components indicated within these instructions.  
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CHAPTER 3: Upgrading Your Computer  
4
Remove the single screw that secures the DVD-RW drive,  
then slide the drive out of the computer.  
DVD-RW drive screw  
5
6
Slide the new drive into the drive slot, then secure it to  
the computer using the screw you removed in Step 4.  
Close the back panel by following the instructions in  
“Opening and closing the case” on page 46, then  
reconnect all cables.  
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Installing or replacing the  
graphics card  
Your computer has either a graphics card installed or a spacer  
(a placeholder for the graphics card slot) installed. If the spacer  
is installed, your computer’s system board provides the  
graphics abilities for your system.  
Tools  
• Phillips screwdriver  
To install or replace the graphics card:  
1
Open the back panel by following the instructions in  
“Opening and closing the case” on page 46. The  
computer should be face-down on a soft, stable,  
non-marring surface before continuing.  
2
If the computer has been running within the last few  
minutes, allow the graphics card cool down for about  
five minutes before continuing.  
Warning  
The graphics card may be extremely hot. Touching the graphics  
card while hot may result in physical injury. Allow the graphics card to  
cool before continuing.  
3
Remove the two screws that secure the graphics card or  
graphics card spacer to the computer.  
Screws  
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4
Lift the end of the graphics card or spacer to about a 30°  
angle, then slide it out of the card slot.  
5
6
Slide the new graphics card into the card slot at a 30°  
angle, then secure it to the computer using the two  
screws you removed previously.  
Close the back panel by following the instructions in  
“Opening and closing the case” on page 46, then  
reconnect all cables.  
Changing the system battery  
Warning  
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the  
same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used  
batteries following the manufacturer’s instructions.  
If the computer clock does not keep time or the settings in the  
BIOS Setup utility are not saved when you turn off your  
computer, replace the system battery. Use a battery of the  
same size and voltage as the original battery that was in your  
computer.  
To replace the battery:  
1
2
Restart your computer.  
During the restart, press and hold the F2 key. The main  
menu of the BIOS Setup utility opens.  
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3
Write down any custom values that have been set in the  
menus and submenus, then exit from the utility.  
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.  
Open the back panel by following the instructions in  
“Opening and closing the case” on page 46. The  
computer should be face-down on a soft, stable,  
non-marring surface before continuing.  
6
Locate the old battery on the system board and note its  
orientation (you will need to install the new battery the  
same way), then gently pry the battery up using a small,  
flat-blade screwdriver. The battery pops out of the  
socket.  
Carefully pry with screwdriver here  
7
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.  
8
9
Reconnect all external cables and the power/ data cable.  
Turn on your computer.  
10 While your computer starts, press and hold the F2 key.  
The main menu of the BIOS Setup utility opens.  
11 In the BIOS Setup utility, restore any settings that you  
wrote down in Step 3.  
12 Save all your settings and exit the BIOS Setup utility.  
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CHAPTER 3: Upgrading Your Computer  
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CHAPTER4  
Maintaining Your  
Computer  
• Setting up a maintenance schedule  
• Caring for your computer  
• Changing batteries  
• Cleaning your computer  
• Updating Windows  
• Using BigFix  
• Managing hard drive space  
• Scheduling maintenance tasks  
• Moving from your old computer  
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CHAPTER 4: 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.  
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.  
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 internal mechanisms, can reduce heat  
dissipation, and can lead to permanent damage to the  
computer.  
•
•
Do not block the ventilation fan slots on the bottom of  
your computer. If these slots are blocked, your computer  
may overheat, resulting in unexpected shutdown or  
permanent damage to the computer.  
When storing your computer for a long period of time,  
unplug AC power.  
Changing batteries  
With normal use, the batteries in your keyboard, mouse, and  
Media Center remote control should last several months. When  
the device behaves erratically, try changing its batteries to  
restore its performance.  
For instructions on installing batteries, see “Setting up the  
keyboard and mouse” on page 17 and “Installing remote  
control batteries” on page 26.  
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CHAPTER 4: 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/ data 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 soft, lint-free cloth to wipe dust from your  
computer and other parts of your system. Do not use  
household abrasive or solvent cleaners such as alcohol,  
ammonia, hexane, thinner, oils, or glass cleaner, because  
they can damage the finish on the acrylic covering for  
the computer, the mouse, the keyboard, and the remote  
control.  
To clean fingerprints or oily blemishes, use a cloth  
dampened (not soaking wet) with a mild  
soap-and-water solution.  
Caution  
Do not use glass cleaner, ammonia-based, or alcohol-based  
cleaners, because they will damage the acrylic coatings.  
•
Your computer is cooled by air circulated through the  
vents on the bottom and top of 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  
vacuum or a damp cloth.  
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Cleaning the keyboard  
You should occasionally clean the keyboard to remove dust and  
lint trapped under the keys.  
To clean the keyboard:  
1
2
Use an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like  
extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the  
keys.  
If you spill liquid on the keyboard, 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 mouse  
If the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the  
computer screen or becomes difficult to control precisely,  
cleaning the mouse will likely improve its accuracy.  
To clean the mouse:  
•
Wipe the bottom of the mouse with a damp, lint-free  
cloth.  
Cleaning optical discs  
Optical discs (CDs and DVDs) get dirty from frequent handling.  
To clean an optical disc:  
•
Wipe from the center to the edge, not around in a circle,  
using a product made especially for the purpose.  
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CHAPTER 4: Maintaining Your Computer  
Updating Windows  
Windows Update helps you keep your computer up-to-date.  
Use Windows Update to choose updates for your computer’s  
operating system, software, and hardware. New content is  
added to the site regularly, so you can always get the most  
recent updates and fixes to protect your computer and keep  
it running smoothly. 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.  
Using BigFix  
Your computer may have BigFix installed (not available in some  
locations). 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.  
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Managing hard drive space  
Windows provides several utilities you can use to check hard  
drive space, delete unnecessary files, defragment files, and  
back up files.  
Checking hard drive space  
To check hard drive space:  
Shortcut  
Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive Ö Properties  
1
Click  
(Start) then click Computer. The Computer  
window opens.  
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CHAPTER 4: Maintaining Your Computer  
2
Right-click the drive that you want to check for available  
file space, then click Properties. Drive space information  
appears.  
Deleting unnecessary files  
Delete unnecessary files, such as 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.  
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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.  
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.  
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CHAPTER 4: Maintaining Your Computer  
3
Click Check Now, then click Start. Your drive is checked  
for errors. This process may take several minutes.  
Important  
Error checking cannot scan a drive while the drive is being used.  
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.  
4
5
Correct any problems that are found by following the  
on-screen instructions.  
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.  
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To defragment the hard drive:  
1
Disconnect your computer from the network.  
2
Click  
(Start), All Programs, Accessories, System  
Tools, then click Disk Defragmenter. The Disk  
Defragmenter dialog box opens.  
3
Click Defragment now. This process may take hours to  
complete, depending on the size of the drive being  
defragmented.  
Help  
For more information about defragmenting the hard drive, click  
Start, then click Help and Support. 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. Use a backup device, such as a recordable disc drive, to  
do a complete hard drive backup.  
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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
4
Click Backup Now, then click Run a file backup now.  
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.  
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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 4: 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 software’s 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 computer’s  
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 4: 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 file’s extension (the part of the file name following the last  
period). For example, a document file might have a .DOC  
extension and a spreadsheet file might have an .XLS extension.  
File type  
File usually ends in...  
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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CHAPTER5  
Troubleshooting  
• Safety guidelines  
• First steps  
• Troubleshooting  
• Recovering your system  
• Telephone support  
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CHAPTER 5: 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/ data cable are connected.  
Warning  
Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal  
components. For more information about preventing damage from static  
electricity, see “Opening and closing the case” on page 46.  
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/ data cord is connected to the  
power module and that the power module is connected  
to an AC power outlet.  
•
•
Make sure 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 program’s  
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.  
Audio  
See “Sound” on page 91.  
CD drive  
Display  
See “DVD-RW drive” on page 78.  
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. To adjust brightness, press the Bright key on  
the keyboard.  
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 controls. To adjust brightness,  
press the Bright key on the keyboard.  
•
Change the display settings. For more information, see  
the “Customizing” chapter in your online User Guide.  
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.  
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CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting  
DVD-RW drive  
The computer does not recognize a disc in the optical disc  
drive  
•
Make sure that the disc label is facing front (facing you),  
then try inserting it again.  
•
Try a different disc. Occasionally, discs are flawed or  
become scratched and cannot be read by the DVD-RW  
drive.  
•
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 63.  
An audio CD does not produce sound  
•
•
•
Make sure that the disc label is facing front (facing you),  
then try inserting it 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 42.  
•
•
Make sure that the mute controls are turned off. For  
more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on  
page 42.  
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 63.  
Shut down and restart your computer.  
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A DVD movie will not play  
•
•
•
Make sure that the disc label is facing front (facing you),  
then try inserting it 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 63.  
•
•
Shut down and restart 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 disc’s regional  
code and your DVD drive’s regional code must match.  
The regional code on your DVD drive is determined by  
your computer’s delivery address. The regional code for  
the United States and Canada is 1. The regional code for  
Mexico is 4. Your DVD drive’s 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 disc’s regional code  
and your DVD drive’s regional code may not match.  
Ethernet  
See your online User Guide for more information on setting up  
a network.  
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You cannot see the other computers on your network  
•
Make sure that your Ethernet cable is plugged into your  
computer’s power module. 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 restarting 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.  
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.  
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, because it was not sent to the Recycle Bin.  
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To restore deleted files:  
1
Double-click the Recycle Bin icon. The list of recently  
deleted files opens.  
2
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 92.  
•
Hard drive  
You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message  
•
Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk  
Cleanup. For instructions on deleting unnecessary files,  
see “Deleting unnecessary files” on page 66.  
Help  
For more information about file management, click Start, then  
click Help and Support. Type 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 67.  
The hard drive cannot be accessed, or you see a “General  
failure reading drive C” error message  
•
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 92.  
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CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting  
Internet  
See also “Modem (dial-up)” on page 85.  
You cannot connect to the Internet  
•
If you are using the dial-up modem USB dongle, make  
sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem  
jack on the dongle and not the Ethernet network jack on  
the power module.  
•
•
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.  
Connecting to a Web site takes too long  
Many factors can affect Internet performance:  
•
If you are using a dial-up connection, 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  
•
The programs that run automatically at startup. Run a  
virus scan and spyware scan.  
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People are sending you e-mail messages, but you have not  
received any mail  
•
Click the Receive or Send/ 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  
•
•
•
Re-sync the keyboard by following the instructions in  
“Syncing the keyboard and mouse” on page 22.  
Install new batteries by following the instructions in  
“Installing keyboard batteries” on page 17.  
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.  
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.  
Liquid spilled in the keyboard  
•
If you spilled liquid in 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.  
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CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting  
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.  
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.  
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.  
•
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Memory card reader  
The drive letters for the memory card slot does 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.  
Modem (cable or DSL)  
My computer cannot connect to the Internet.  
•
Make sure that your modem is connected to the network  
jack on the power module.  
•
See the documentation that came with your modem for  
additional troubleshooting information.  
Modem (dial-up)  
See also “Internet” on page 82.  
Your modem does not dial or does not connect  
•
If you are using the dial-up modem USB dongle, make  
sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem  
jack on the dongle and not the Ethernet network jack on  
the power module.  
•
•
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. The longer the cable, the more static  
may be on the line.  
•
•
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.  
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2
3
Click Hardware and Sound, then click Phone and  
Modem Options. The Phone and Modem Options  
dialog box opens.  
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.  
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.  
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•
•
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 82.  
Your dial-up modem dongle 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. The speed at which you can  
upload data is limited to 48K.  
The modem is not recognized by your computer  
•
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 a modem cable instead of a telephone cable. 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
4
Click Hardware and Sound, then click Phone and  
Modem Options. The Phone and Modem Options  
dialog box opens.  
If the Location Information dialog box opens, enter  
your location information, then click OK.  
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5
6
Click the Modems tab, click your modem, then click  
Properties. The Modem Properties dialog box opens.  
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.  
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Mouse  
The mouse does not work  
•
Re-sync your mouse with the computer by following the  
instructions in “Syncing the keyboard and mouse” on  
page 22.  
•
•
Replace the old batteries with new batteries.  
Shut down and restart your computer.  
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.  
The surface under the mouse may be transparent or  
glossy, which interferes with mouse operation. Use a  
mouse pad.  
Replace the old batteries with new batteries.  
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 16,  
your online User Guide, or “Ethernet” on page 79.  
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 module 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/ data cable is free from cuts  
or damage. Replace any damaged cables.  
Printer  
The printer will not turn on  
•
Make sure that the power cable is plugged into an  
AC power source.  
The printer is on but will not print  
•
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.  
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.  
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You see a “Printer queue is full” error message  
•
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.  
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.  
Remote control  
You just installed the batteries, but the remote control does  
not work.  
•
While loading the batteries into the remote control, do  
not press any buttons or the remote may not work. If the  
remote does not work with fresh batteries installed,  
remove a battery for five seconds, then re-insert the  
battery while making sure that no buttons are being  
pressed.  
Sound  
You are not getting sound from the internal NXT SoundVu  
speakers  
•
Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For  
more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on  
page 42.  
•
Make sure that mute controls are turned off. For more  
information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 42.  
You are not getting sound from your external speakers  
•
Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For  
more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on  
page 42.  
•
•
Make sure that mute controls are turned off. For more  
information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 42.  
See the speaker setup poster to check your speaker  
connections.  
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Recovering your system  
You can solve most computer problems by following the  
information in “Troubleshooting” on page 77 or in the technical  
support pages at www.gateway.com. Problem solving may  
also involve re-installing some or all of the computer’s  
software (also called recovering or restoring your system).  
Gateway provides everything you need to recover your system  
under most conditions.  
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 93.  
•
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 93. For instructions on reinstalling  
software and drivers that were not pre-installed, see  
that product’s documentation or support Web site.  
•
•
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 98.  
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 101.  
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  
device drivers using recovery discs that you created. Your  
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 102.  
•
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.  
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Recovering pre-installed software and drivers  
You can perform a partial recovery by recovering the software  
and device drivers that were pre-installed at the factory. If you  
need to recover software that did not come pre-installed on  
your system, you need to follow that software’s installation  
instructions.  
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.  
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.  
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2
Click Applications and drivers external media, then  
click Next. The What would you like to do? dialog box  
opens.  
3
4
Click Create system recovery discs, then click Next.  
Insert a blank, recordable disc into a recordable disc  
drive, then click Next. If an AutoPlay dialog box opens,  
click the × 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
If multiple discs are required, insert the additional blank  
disks when prompted.  
When the process is finished, the Congratulations!  
window opens.  
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7
8
Click Finish.  
Remove your final disc, then label all of the discs and  
store them in a safe place.  
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 -  
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To recover device drivers that were pre-installed, click  
Hardware, then click Device driver recovery.  
3
Click the software or driver you want to recover, then  
click Next.  
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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.  
2
To recover pre-installed software, click Application  
recovery, then click the software you want to recover.  
- OR -  
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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.  
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 100.  
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.  
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To restore using Microsoft System Restore:  
1
Click  
(Start), Control Panel, System and  
Maintenance, then click Backup and Restore Center.  
The Backup and Restore Center opens.  
2
On the left side of the window, click Repair Windows  
using System Restore, then click Next. The Choose a  
restore point dialog box opens.  
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.  
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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.  
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.  
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Recovering your system to its factory condition  
If your computer’s problems are not solved by any of the other  
recovery options, you may need to recover its hard drive to its  
factory condition. This process is called a factory recovery.  
Caution  
A complete factory recovery deletes everything on your hard drive, then  
reinstalls Windows and any pre-installed software and device drivers. If you can  
access important files on your hard drive, back them up now.  
To delete everything on your hard drive and re-install all  
factory software:  
1
2
3
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.  
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  
account’s password (if any), then click Next. The System  
Recovery Options menu opens.  
6
7
Click Restore Application. The Welcome to Gateway  
System Recovery window opens.  
Click Next.  
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8
To perform a recovery with data backup  
(recommended), click Recovery with automatic data  
backup, then click Next.  
Important  
Before your hard drive is recovered, your personal files will be  
automatically backed up to c:\backup.  
- OR -  
To perform a full factory recovery without data backup,  
click Full factory recovery, then click Next.  
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.  
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  
If you install a new hard drive or completely re-format your  
original hard drive, you must recover your system using the  
Windows Vista operating system DVD. You also need to recover  
your computer’s 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 93.  
2
Insert the Windows DVD into one of your computer’s  
DVD-capable drives, then turn on or restart your  
computer.  
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3
4
5
When the prompt “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD”  
appears, press any key on your keyboard. A list of valid  
boot devices appears.  
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 computer’s pre-installed software and  
device drivers. For instructions, see “Recovering  
pre-installed software and drivers using recovery discs”  
on page 97.  
You can also run Windows Update for the latest Windows  
patches. For more information, see “Updating Windows”  
on page 64.  
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 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  
manufacturer’s 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 publisher’s Web site  
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•
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  
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.  
Telephone numbers  
To reach Customer Care, refer to the telephone number on your  
computer’s Customer Care label.  
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 publisher’s 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.  
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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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APPENDIXA  
Legal Notices  
• 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 dial-up  
modem connection.  
•
•
Do not walk on the power/ data cable 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 manufacturer’s 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/ data cable 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:  
•
•
•
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.  
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APPENDIX A: Legal Notices  
FCC declaration of conformity  
Responsible party:  
Gateway, Inc.  
7565 Irvine Center Drive  
Irvine, CA 92618  
Phone: 800-846-2000  
Caution  
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Gateway could void  
the FCC compliance and negate your authority to operate the product.  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. 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.  
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.  
110  
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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 n’émet 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.  
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.  
111  
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APPENDIX A: Legal Notices  
Television antenna connectors protection (for  
systems fitted with TV/ cable TV tuner cards)  
External television antenna grounding  
Important  
The instructions are for the person who installs cable to the system.  
Gateway assumes you are qualified in the servicing of computer equipment and  
trained in recognizing hazards in products with electric shock.  
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  
113  
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APPENDIX A: Legal Notices  
Environmental information  
Mercury warning  
The lamp(s) in this display contain mercury. Dispose according to local,  
state, and federal law.  
Hg  
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 shown on your systems  
Customer Care label. 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.  
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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.  
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.  
NXT acoustic sound panel  
are registered trademarks of New Transducers. All patent rights  
reserved.  
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Index  
cards 85  
A
case  
accessories  
opening and closing 46  
safety precautions 108  
CD  
arrow keys 23  
audio  
cleaning 63  
copying 32  
ejecting 31  
inserting 30  
playing 31  
recording 32  
troubleshooting 78  
coaxial digital jack 10  
headphone jack  
microphone jack  
muting 42  
optical digital jack 10  
recording 32  
9
9
CD drive  
troubleshooting 78  
Certificate of Authenticity  
S/ PDIF jack 10  
troubleshooting 91  
3
audio playback buttons 23  
cleaning  
case 62  
B
CD or DVD 63  
keyboard 63  
mouse 63  
backing up files 69  
battery  
replacing CMOS 56  
replacing system 56  
closing case 47  
connecting  
BigFix 64  
Bright button 23  
broadband 10, 16  
cable modem 16  
dialup modem 41  
DSL modem 16  
to Ethernet network 10, 16  
to Internet 10  
buttons  
See keys and buttons  
to network 10, 16  
TV tuner 34  
C
cable  
connections  
antenna 34  
power/ data  
cable modem 10, 16  
troubleshooting 85  
9
auxiliary audio 34  
cable modem 16  
composite video 34  
dial-up modem 41  
digital audio 34  
digital camera 9, 41  
DSL modem 16  
Ethernet 10, 16  
Firewire 9, 41  
card reader 9, 32  
cards  
inserting memory card 33  
installing graphics card 55  
installing Mini PCI cards 51  
memory card slot 32  
supported memory cards  
33  
headphone  
i.Link  
IEEE 1394  
9
9
troubleshooting memory  
9
117  
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Index  
keyboard 17  
microphone  
modem 41  
mouse 18  
network 10, 16  
power 15  
DVD-RW 9, 30  
9
optical 9, 30  
troubleshooting 78, 81  
DSL modem 16  
connecting 10  
troubleshooting 85  
printer  
9
9
DVD  
scanner  
cleaning 63  
copying 32  
inserting 30  
playing 31  
recording 32  
troubleshooting 78  
S-Video 34  
USB 9  
video camera  
Web cam 39  
9
copying  
CDs and DVDs 32  
creating discs 32  
DVD drive  
9
ejecting disc 31  
inserting disc 30  
playing disc 31  
troubleshooting 78  
D
default printer 90  
defragmenting hard drive 68  
deleting files and folders 66  
E
ejecting discs 31  
electrostatic discharge (ESD) 46  
ergonomics 11  
Error-checking 67  
Ethernet 10  
Ethernet network  
connecting 16  
jack 16  
dial-up modem  
adjusting volume 88  
connecting 41  
diagnostics 87  
dialing properties 85  
troubleshooting 85  
troubleshooting connection  
speed 87  
digital audio out 10  
digital camera port  
directional keys 23  
Disk Cleanup 66  
9
F
files  
backing up 69  
deleting 66  
finding 74  
opening 25  
transferring 73  
troubleshooting 80  
types 73  
Disk Defragmenter 68  
display  
adjusting angle 12  
documentation  
User Guide  
2
drivers  
finding files and folders 73  
Firewire port 9, 41  
recovery discs 93, 97  
re-installing 92, 93  
folders  
drives  
opening 25  
backing up files 69  
checking for errors 67  
checking for free space 65  
defragmenting 68  
fragmentation 68  
function keys 23  
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Mini PCI card 51  
peripheral devices 41  
printer 41  
scanner 41  
Web cam 39  
G
Gateway  
contact information  
3
Customer Care  
2
3
3
model number  
serial number  
Internet  
troubleshooting 82, 87  
Technical Support  
2
Gateway Recovery Center  
J
creating recovery discs 93  
re-installing software 95  
jacks  
See connections  
graphics card  
installing 55  
K
H
keyboard  
cleaning 63  
hard drive  
installing batteries 17  
keys 23  
adding 50  
backing up files 69  
storing 24  
checking for errors 67  
checking for free space 65  
defragmenting 68  
syncing 22  
troubleshooting 83  
deleting files and folders 66 keys and buttons  
replacing 50  
scanning for errors 67  
troubleshooting 81  
keyboard 23  
mouse 25  
headphone jack  
9
Hibernate mode 7, 9  
high voltage 52  
L
labels  
Microsoft Certificate of  
Authenticity  
model number  
serial number  
LCD panel  
troubleshooting 77  
3
hot-swapping 41  
3
3
I
IEEE 1394 port 9, 41  
indicators  
IR activity  
6
M
power  
6
maintenance  
backing up files 69  
BigFix 64  
RF sync  
6
TV tuner 34  
Web cam 39  
checking for drive errors 67  
checking hard drive space  
65  
inserting discs 30  
installing  
batteries 17, 61  
devices 41  
digital camera 41  
graphics card 55  
hard drive 50  
memory 48  
cleaning case 62  
cleaning CDs and DVDs 63  
cleaning keyboard 63  
cleaning mouse 63  
defragmenting 68  
119  
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Index  
deleting files 66  
syncing 22  
extending computer life 61  
suggested schedule 60  
using Task Scheduler 71  
troubleshooting 89  
moving  
files from old computer 72,  
media reader  
See memory card reader  
73  
pointer 25  
screen objects 25  
settings from old computer  
72  
memory  
adding 48  
installing 48  
troubleshooting 84  
MP3 player  
memory cards 32  
multimedia  
memory card reader  
inserting card 33  
9
locating  
8
adjusting volume 42  
playing discs 31  
using Windows Media  
Player 31  
removing card 33  
supported cards 33  
using 32  
Memory Stick 33  
microphone jack  
MultiMediaCard 33  
muting sound 42  
9
Microsoft Certificate of  
Authenticity  
3
N
network  
Microsoft System Restore 98  
jack 10, 16  
troubleshooting 79, 89  
Mini PCI card  
replacing 51  
NXT SoundVu  
6
model number  
3
modem  
O
cable 16  
dialup 41  
DSL 16  
opening  
case 46  
files 25  
folders 25  
programs 25  
shortcut menu 25  
monitor  
troubleshooting 77  
mouse  
buttons 25  
changing settings 26  
cleaning 63  
optical audio connection 10  
optical connection 10  
clicking 25  
double-clicking 25  
installing batteries 18  
moving pointer 18, 24, 25  
moving screen objects 25  
opening files, folders, and  
programs 25  
P
password 89  
PDA  
memory cards 32  
peripheral devices 41  
playing discs 31  
Plug and Play devices  
support for 41  
pointer 25  
right-clicking 25  
scroll stripe 25  
scroll wheel 25  
selecting screen objects 25  
pointer  
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moving 25  
ports  
See connections  
programs 93, 97  
software 93, 97  
using 97  
re-installing  
power  
See recovering  
button 7, 9  
connecting 14  
Hibernate mode 7, 9  
remote control  
buttons 28  
indicator  
6
changing batteries 26  
storing 30  
using 26  
source problems 14  
Standby/ Resume 7, 9  
troubleshooting 90  
turning off 20  
removing files and folders 66  
resetting computer 21  
restarting computer 21  
turning on 19  
power/ data cable  
9
restoring  
printer  
See recovering  
installing 41  
setting default 90  
troubleshooting 90  
Resume mode 7, 9  
right-clicking 25  
USB port  
programs  
9
S
closing unresponsive 21  
opening 25  
recovery discs 93, 97  
re-installing 92, 93  
S/ PDIF out 10  
safety  
avoiding repetitive strain  
13  
general precautions 108  
guidelines for  
troubleshooting 76  
high voltage 52  
posture 13  
reducing eye strain 12  
setting up computer 13  
sitting at computer 11, 13  
static electricity 46  
R
RAM  
See memory  
rebooting 21  
recording  
audio files 32  
discs 32  
recovering  
scanner  
defaults 101  
files from Recycle Bin 80  
programs 92  
software 92, 93  
system 92  
with Gateway Recovery  
Center 95  
with Windows DVD 102  
with Windows System  
Restore 98  
installing 41  
screen  
troubleshooting 77  
screen objects 25  
scroll stripe 24, 25  
scroll wheel 24, 25  
Secure Digital 33  
serial number  
setting up  
3
recovery discs 93  
creating 93  
safety precautions 108  
settings  
drivers 93, 97  
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Index  
transferring 72, 73  
shortcut menus  
accessing 25  
shortcuts  
opening menu 25  
shutting down 20, 21  
Sleep button 23  
sleep mode 20  
SmartMedia 33  
software  
from old computer 72  
troubleshooting  
audio 91  
cable modem 85  
CD drive 78  
dial-up modem 85  
dial-up modem speed 87  
DSL modem 85  
DVD drive 78  
Ethernet network 79  
files 80  
general guidelines 76  
hard drive 81  
Internet connection 82, 87  
keyboard 83  
LCD panel 77  
memory 84  
memory card reader 85  
monitor 77  
mouse 89  
recovery discs 93, 97  
re-installing 92, 93  
sound  
adjusting 42  
controls 42  
muting 42  
troubleshooting 91  
SoundVu  
stand  
6
network 79, 89  
passwords 89  
power 90  
slide-out 7, 9  
Standby mode 7, 9  
starting  
printer 90  
computer 7, 9, 19  
programs 25  
static electricity 46  
surge protector 14  
safety guidelines 76  
screen 77  
sound 91  
technical support 103  
Web site connection speed  
82  
syncing  
keyboard and mouse 22  
Windows Media Center 83  
system battery  
replacing 56  
system identification label  
turning off computer 7, 9, 20, 21  
turning on computer 7, 9, 19  
3
tutoring  
fee-based 104  
T
TV tuner  
Task Scheduler 71  
technical support 2, 103  
connecting 34  
tips before contacting 103  
U
training  
uninterruptible power supply  
(UPS) 14  
updating Windows 64  
UPS 14  
CD 105  
classroom 105  
GatewayLearning Libraries  
105  
Learn with Gateway 105  
USB port 9, 41  
transferring  
files from old computer 73  
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V
video  
playing 31  
volume  
adjusting 42  
adjusting dial-up modem  
88  
controls 42  
muting 42  
troubleshooting 91  
W
waking computer 20  
Web cam  
connecting 39  
Windows  
Product Key Code  
3
Windows Easy Transfer 72  
Windows Media Center  
troubleshooting 83  
Windows System Restore 92  
creating restore point 100  
Windows Update 64  
wired Ethernet  
troubleshooting 80  
working safely 11  
X
xD 33  
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Index  
124  
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MAN MOZART HW REF GDE R2 10/ 07  
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