Gateway Computer Basics User Manual Download Page 75

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Troubleshooting

This chapter provides some solutions to common computer problems. Use the
information to troubleshoot and correct typical hardware and software issues.

If the suggestions in this chapter do not correct the problem, see “Getting
Help” on page 19, for more information about how to get help.

07334.book Page 71 Friday, December 29, 2000 10:23 AM

Summary of Contents for Computer Basics

Page 1: ...line help 23 Gateway Web site 24 4 Windows Basics 25 About the Windows environment 26 Desktop components 27 Window components 29 Using the Start menu 30 Working with files and folders 31 About drives...

Page 2: ...g the Windows utilities using HelpSpot 53 8 Customizing Your Computer 55 Adjusting the screen and desktop settings 56 Adjusting your settings using HelpSpot 58 Changing the mouse settings 60 Power man...

Page 3: ...83 Mouse 84 Power 86 Printer 86 ScanDisk 87 Sound 87 Before calling for technical support 88 Technical support resources 89 A Safety Regulatory and Legal Information 91 Index 103 07334 book Page iii...

Page 4: ...iv 07334 book Page iv Friday December 29 2000 10 23 AM...

Page 5: ...ics This chapter helps you get started with your new computer by Providing an introduction to your computer features Describing the basic operation of your computer 07334 book Page 1 Friday December 2...

Page 6: ...on the computer and the keyboard Computer front CD drive tray CD drive activity light Headphone jack volume control CD drive headphone jack Power button Power indicator light CD eject button CD drive...

Page 7: ...ntrols 3 Computer back Mouse port Monitor port Printer LPT port USB ports Keyboard port Modem jack Microphone jack Power cable connector Speakers jack 07334 book Page 3 Friday December 29 2000 10 23 A...

Page 8: ...CK or SCROLL LOCK keys are activated Additional keys move the cursor up the page down the page to the beginning home or to the end of a document Windows keys open the Windows Start menu Application ke...

Page 9: ...your computer 3 Turn on any peripherals speakers printers scanners etc When the computer is finished starting the Windows desktop screen appears 4 If you are starting your computer for the first time...

Page 10: ...to your computer 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 your computer down normally War...

Page 11: ...n screen This illustration shows the standard Gateway mouse As you move the mouse the pointer arrow on the screen moves in the same direction You can use the left and right buttons on your mouse to se...

Page 12: ...n is called clicking Start a program or open a file folder Position the pointer over the object Quickly press and release the left mouse button twice This action is called double clicking Access a sho...

Page 13: ...ter desk and monitor so that you can avoid glare on your screen and light shining directly into your eyes Reduce bright light by installing shades or curtains on windows Use soft indirect lighting in...

Page 14: ...can use a foot rest to adjust the height of your knees and remove the pressure on the back of your thighs Adjust the back of the chair so that it supports the lower curve of your spine You can also us...

Page 15: ...train Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition Take breaks so that you can change your position stretch your muscles and relieve your eyes Find ways to break up the work day scheduling a var...

Page 16: ...12 Computer Basics 07334 book Page 12 Friday December 29 2000 10 23 AM...

Page 17: ...r helps you get started with your new computer by walking you through the initial Windows Welcome screens Set up your system by following the Setup poster then start your computer 07334 book Page 13 F...

Page 18: ...s Welcome window opens 2 Click Next on the first Windows Welcome window An optional mouse tutorial opens 3 You may complete or skip the mouse tutorial 4 Click to select your time zone from the list th...

Page 19: ...want to register online then click Next After completing the registration process the Get connected to the Internet window opens OR Do not register you copy of Windows by selecting No I do not want to...

Page 20: ...r system purchase you should follow the instructions in your Internet Offer Pack OR If a special Internet offer was not included with your system purchase you can sign up for the America Online or Gat...

Page 21: ...17 9 Click Finish to complete the Windows setup and start using your computer 07334 book Page 17 Friday December 29 2000 10 23 AM...

Page 22: ...18 Getting Started 07334 book Page 18 Friday December 29 2000 10 23 AM...

Page 23: ...you about additional information resources available to help you use your computer If these resources do not provide the information you need technical support resources are available 07334 book Page...

Page 24: ...et of Help files troubleshooters instructional videos and automated support Use HelpSpot to answer questions about Windows and to help you quickly discover and use the many features of your Gateway co...

Page 25: ...licking a link performing a search or browsing the index 3 To watch an introductory video about HelpSpot click Gateway Videos on the main HelpSpot page then click the Introduction to HelpSpot video li...

Page 26: ...tting Help 4 To learn about how to work with documents and programs use your mouse and much more click the Getting Started link on the HelpSpot main page 07334 book Page 22 Friday December 29 2000 10...

Page 27: ...e you are using the program Most online help information can be accessed by selecting a topic from a Help menu or by clicking a Help button You can search for information by viewing the help contents...

Page 28: ...eway Web site at www gateway com for Technical documentation and product manuals Technical tips and support Hardware drivers A glossary of computer terms Frequently asked questions FAQs For more infor...

Page 29: ...basic information on how to Work on the Windows desktop Work with document and program windows Manage files and folders Use shortcuts For more detailed information about Windows see HelpSpot 07334 bo...

Page 30: ...of the desktop as your personalized work space where you open programs and perform other tasks Your desktop may be different from the example shown below depending on how your computer is set up My C...

Page 31: ...because it is on the desktop Double click My Documents to view your personal files and folders The My Computer icon provides access to drives and other computer controls Double click the My Computer...

Page 32: ...AOL icon to dial one of the services The Start button provides access to programs files help for WIndows and other programs and computer tools and utilities Click the Start button then open a file or...

Page 33: ...horizontal bar at the top of a window that shows the name of the program and document Clicking the minimize button reduces the active window to a button on the taskbar Clicking the program button in t...

Page 34: ...tart menu click the Start button on the lower left of the Windows desktop The Start menu opens showing you the first level of menu items When you move the mouse pointer over any menu item that has an...

Page 35: ...and throw away information in a file cabinet About drives Drives are like file cabinets because they hold many files and folders A computer almost always has more than one drive Each drive has a lette...

Page 36: ...1 Double click the My Computer icon on the desktop The My Computer window opens 2 Double click the drive or folder for example Local Disk C where you want to put the new folder The drive or folder win...

Page 37: ...This chapter provides basic information about your Gateway computer Read this chapter to find out how to Use the CD drive Adjust the volume Create save and print documents 07334 book Page 33 Friday D...

Page 38: ...a features such as making recordings and listening to audio CDs Inserting a CD To insert a CD 1 Press the CD drive eject button The CD drive tray opens 2 Insert the CD in the tray with the label up CD...

Page 39: ...s or a program for program CDs Find out more about how to work with a particular program by reading its online help or by using HelpSpot Important When you place a CD in the tray make sure that the la...

Page 40: ...select the Mute check box OR If you have external speakers turn the volume control on the front of the speakers To adjust specific volume levels 1 Double click the speaker icon on the taskbar The Volu...

Page 41: ...uch as Microsoft Excel Microsoft Works and Microsoft Publisher For more information about using a program select Help on the menu bar Creating a new document To create a new document 1 Click Start the...

Page 42: ...Save in drop down box type the new file name then click Save Opening a document To view revise or print an existing document you need to open it Open the document from the program it was created in To...

Page 43: ...s to a network printer For more information about installing or using your printer refer to the printer documentation To print a document in Microsoft Word 1 Make sure that the printer is turned on an...

Page 44: ...40 Using Your Computer 07334 book Page 40 Friday December 29 2000 10 23 AM...

Page 45: ...on about the Internet and the World Wide Web and tells you how to set up Gateway netSM or America Online AOL Internet services so that you can send and receive e mail and access other Internet resourc...

Page 46: ...servers If you have a modem jack on your computer you have a modem An Internet Service Provider a service that provides access to the Internet through an ISP server When you connect to an ISP the ISP...

Page 47: ...e Internet and access your e mail services Accessing your Internet account To connect to your Gateway net or AOL Internet account 1 Double click the Connect to Gateway net or America Online icon The C...

Page 48: ...nly text but animations music and other multimedia features A group of related Web pages is called a Web site You can access Web sites to shop track investments read the news download programs and muc...

Page 49: ...address called a URL for universal Resource Locator in the browser address bar for example www gateway com then click GO on the browser address bar OR On your home page or another Web page click a lin...

Page 50: ...er address bar OR Click on links on a Web page to navigate to the Web site containing the file that you want to download 3 Create a folder where you want to store the file on your computer 4 Click the...

Page 51: ...ess is assigned when you sign up for an account with an ISP For example a person with an account with the Gateway net ISP might have an e mail address that is similar to this one Sending e mail To sen...

Page 52: ...ing Gateway net or AOL 1 Connect to your Gateway net or AOL account 2 Click Read Mail OR Click Read For more information about managing and organizing your e mail messages see the online help in your...

Page 53: ...and software Use the following table to set up the best maintenance schedule Maintenance task Immediately after purchase Monthly When needed Back up files X X Scan hard drive X X Defragment hard drive...

Page 54: ...ecause they are activated on a certain date or time Protect your computer from a virus by Obtaining an anti virus program to check files and programs that are on diskettes attached to e mail messages...

Page 55: ...pieces and stores them in different places on the hard drive This is called fragmentation and it is normal But for the hard drive to use a file it must search for all the pieces of the file and this s...

Page 56: ...moving 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 b...

Page 57: ...t all of these Windows utilities and maintenance steps along with instructions on how to use them To run Windows utilities 1 Start HelpSpot For instructions on how to start HelpSpot see HelpSpot on pa...

Page 58: ...ur Computer 3 For more information about a Windows Utility as well as information on how to start the Windows Utilities click the Utility topic you are interested in 07334 book Page 54 Friday December...

Page 59: ...tomizing your computer by adding new hardware devices and changing settings in Windows You can Change screen and display settings Change the background and screen saver Adjust the mouse settings Insta...

Page 60: ...r depths for optimum appearance on your monitor For example simple color drawings may appear adequately in 256 colors while full range photographs usually need 24 bit True Color which renders millions...

Page 61: ...eved from other sources Selecting a screen saver An image may get burned in on your monitor screen if you leave your computer on for long periods of time without using it You should use a screen saver...

Page 62: ...t contains instructions for changing display settings To adjust Windows settings 1 Start HelpSpot For instructions on how to start HelpSpot see HelpSpot on page 20 2 Under the Learning Using section c...

Page 63: ...desktop settings 59 3 For more information about a Windows setting as well as information on how to customize your settings click the customizing topic you are interested in 07334 book Page 59 Friday...

Page 64: ...ol Panel window opens 2 If you do not see the Mouse icon click view all Control Panel options 3 Double click the Mouse icon The Mouse Properties dialog box opens 4 Click one of the tabs to change your...

Page 65: ...Once in Standby your computer reduces or turns the power off to most devices except memory However the information in the memory is not saved to the hard drive If power is interrupted the information...

Page 66: ...or create a custom power scheme Advanced power settings let you assign different power saving modes to the power button Hibernate mode also called save to disk writes all current memory RAM informati...

Page 67: ...ustom power scheme by clicking Save As and typing in a name for the scheme 5 Apply the changes by clicking OK To change advanced power management settings 1 Click Start then select Settings then Contr...

Page 68: ...Hibernate mode 1 Click Start then select Settings then Control Panel The Control Panel window opens 2 If you do not see the Power Options icon click view all Control Panel options 3 Double click the P...

Page 69: ...e support check box then click Apply Hibernate mode is now an option you can select in the Advanced tab 6 Click the Advanced tab 7 Select Hibernate as one of the advanced power settings then save the...

Page 70: ...eans that you usually can use a USB device by just plugging it into the USB connector Windows establishes communication between your computer and the device automatically Parallel and serial port peri...

Page 71: ...tall the device drivers For more information see Reinstalling device drivers on page 68 If the options above do not correct the problem you can use the Gateway PC Recovery CDs to reinstall Windows and...

Page 72: ...device driver To reinstall device drivers 1 Place Disc 2 of the Gateway PC Recovery CD into your CD drive The Gateway PC Recovery program starts Go to Step 5 OR If the program does not start automati...

Page 73: ...from the Gateway PC Recovery CD and the program CDs Follow the installation instructions on each CD To reinstall a program from the Gateway PC Recovery CD 1 Place Disc 2 of the Gateway PC Recovery CD...

Page 74: ...rt your computer to complete the installation However if a setup wizard opens when you restart your computer follow the on screen instructions To reinstall a program from a CD 1 Place the program CD i...

Page 75: ...problems Use the information to troubleshoot and correct typical hardware and software issues If the suggestions in this chapter do not correct the problem see Getting Help on page 19 for more informa...

Page 76: ...e dangerous Also opening the monitor voids the warranty First steps Try these things first before going to the following sections Make sure the power cable is connected to your computer and an AC outl...

Page 77: ...peaker cables Make sure they are connected properly and securely Click the speaker icon in the lower right corner of the taskbar and make sure the volume controls are turned up Make sure mute controls...

Page 78: ...er to the edge not around in a circle using a product made especially for the purpose Computer The computer will not start Make sure the power cable is connected to an AC power source and the computer...

Page 79: ...ve your files to another disk or drive If the hard drive is full copy any files not regularly used to backup media then delete them from the hard drive The hard drive cannot be accessed or you receive...

Page 80: ...L Web address incorrectly 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...

Page 81: ...on the keyboard turn off the computer and turn the unit 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 n...

Page 82: ...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 the connectors are free...

Page 83: ...s and dial up network DUN connections by accessing the gateway your way dial up server The server also contains drivers patches and updates for current Gateway hardware and software The server provide...

Page 84: ...modem diagnostics Reinstall the device driver For instructions see Reinstalling device drivers on page 68 To run modem diagnostics 1 Close all open programs 2 Click Start then select Settings then Co...

Page 85: ...haking sounds when the modems first connect If the handshaking sounds are too loud you can turn the modem volume down To turn down the modem volume 1 Click Start then select Settings then Control Pane...

Page 86: ...ct the Dial Up Networking check box then click OK twice The System Settings Change dialog box opens 10 Click Yes The computer restarts If you are asked to insert a CD from the System Restoration Kit d...

Page 87: ...ct a working monitor to your computer The text on the display is dim or difficult to read Adjust the brightness and contrast controls Move the monitor away from sources of electrical interference such...

Page 88: ...lling device drivers on page 68 The mouse works erratically Clean the mouse If the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the screen or becomes difficult to control precisely then cleaning the...

Page 89: ...r dirt from the mouse ball with a soft cloth 5 Clean the mouse rollers with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol 6 Replace the mouse ball and lock the retaining ring into place 07334 book Page 85...

Page 90: ...er and the computer Make sure it is connected to the proper port Check the connector and cable for bent or broken pins Reinstall the printer driver Use the manual that came with your printer for instr...

Page 91: ...ors on the hard drive to minimize data loss To prevent ScanDisk from running when you start your computer make sure you always shut down by selecting Shut Down from the Start menu Sound You are not ge...

Page 92: ...that you have installed it according to the instructions provided with it If you did not purchase the hardware or software from Gateway refer to the manufacturer documentation and technical support r...

Page 93: ...695 by minute World Wide Web Access a variety of online information about Gateway its products and its software and hardware manufacturers www gateway com support E mail support services Get help by s...

Page 94: ...265 4357 Canada 800 848 8990 US Sales accounting and warranty Get information about available systems pricing orders billing statements warranty service or other non technical issues 800 846 2000 US...

Page 95: ...or 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 prov...

Page 96: ...ount 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...

Page 97: ...r Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help Compliance Accessories The...

Page 98: ...ent 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 tele...

Page 99: ...or 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 authori...

Page 100: ...European approval for connection to the analogue Public Switched Telephone Networks PSTNs of TE excluding TE supporting voice telephony services in which network addressing if provided is by means of...

Page 101: ...reto and conforms to the standards set by the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Information Technology Equipment aimed at preventing radio interference in such residential areas When used...

Page 102: ...et up to make automatic calls to the Telecom 111 Emergency Service Some parameters required for compliance with Telecom s Telepermit requirements are dependent on the equipment PC associated with this...

Page 103: ...ng 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 grou...

Page 104: ...unding electrode system NEC Art 250 Part H 3 Ground clamps 4 Grounding conductors NEC Section 810 21 5 Antenna discharge unit NEC Section 810 20 6 Ground clamp 7 Antenna lead in wire 2 1 5 3 7 6 4 Ant...

Page 105: ...rk Acknowledgments AnyKey black and white spot design CrystalScan Destination EZ Pad EZ Point Field Mouse Solo TelePath Vivitron stylized G design and You ve got a friend in the business slogan are re...

Page 106: ...102 07334 book Page 102 Friday December 29 2000 10 23 AM...

Page 107: ...pplying a color scheme 57 selecting a screen saver 57 dial up networking installing components 82 installing full program 82 reinstalling 82 Disk Defragmenter cautions when using 51 description 51 doc...

Page 108: ...keyboard features 4 keys 4 M maintenance defragmenting 51 scanning for hard drive errors suggested schedule 49 modem description 42 troubleshooting 77 monitor controls 56 mouse changing settings 60 O...

Page 109: ...ent Care 89 e mail 89 FaxBack support 89 resources 88 89 tips before contacting 88 tutorial service 89 World Wide Web 89 troubleshooting audio 87 CD drive 73 computer startup 74 files 75 hard drive 75...

Page 110: ...106 07334 book Page 106 Friday December 29 2000 10 23 AM...

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