Gateway DX4200 Reference Manual Download Page 64

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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer

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:

Click (

Start

) then click

Computer

. The

Computer

window opens.

Shortcut

Start

Computer

right-click drive

Properties

Summary of Contents for DX4200

Page 1: ...REFERENCEGUIDE...

Page 2: ......

Page 3: ...r 14 Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain 14 Preparing power connections 14 Protecting from power source problems 14 Checking the voltage selection 15 Connecting to a broadband modem...

Page 4: ...ls 39 Replacing the color panel 40 Installing memory 41 Adding or replacing an optical disc drive 43 Replacing the memory card reader 45 Adding or replacing a hard drive 47 Adding or replacing an expa...

Page 5: ...irst 70 Error messages 71 Internet and networking 72 Internet 72 Modem cable or DSL 73 Modem dial up 74 Networking 76 Power 77 Display 77 Printing 78 Optical discs 79 Memory card reader 80 Mouse 80 Ke...

Page 6: ...Contents iv Before calling Gateway Customer Care 96 Calling Customer Care 96 Appendix A Legal Notices 97 Index 107...

Page 7: ...CHAPTER1 1 About This Reference About this guide Accessing the online User Guide Gateway contact information Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity For more information...

Page 8: ...detailed specifications Accessing the online User Guide In addition to this guide your User Guide has been included on your hard drive Your User Guide is an in depth easy to read manual that includes...

Page 9: ...e Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back or side of your computer includes the product key code for your operating system If you ever reinstall Windows from the installation DVD...

Page 10: ...CHAPTER 1 About This Reference 4...

Page 11: ...CHAPTER2 5 Checking Out Your Computer Front Back...

Page 12: ...icators may vary from this illustration Memory card reader Optical disc drive Microphone jack Copy button Optical disc drive optional IEEE 1394 FireWire port USB ports Power button Headphone jack Wire...

Page 13: ...camera to these jacks IEEE 1394 port Plug IEEE 1394 also known as Firewire devices such as a digital camcorder into this 6 pin IEEE 1394 port Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack Headphone...

Page 14: ...2 keyboard port Plug a PS 2 keyboard into this port PS 2 mouse port PS 2 keyboard port Voltage switch Power connector Ethernet network jack Audio in side speaker jack Case cover thumbscrew Headphone f...

Page 15: ...rtainment system into this jack for digital sound Microphone jack pink plug Plug a microphone into this jack Headphone analog speakers jack green plug OR Front speakers jack This jack is user configur...

Page 16: ...s on page 30 Audio input Line in jack blue plug OR Side speaker jack This jack is user configurable for one of the following Stereo in Plug an external audio input source such as a stereo into this ja...

Page 17: ...broadband modem or network Connecting a dial up modem Starting your computer Turning off your computer Restarting rebooting your computer Using the keyboard Using the mouse Using optical drives Using...

Page 18: ...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...

Page 19: ...r make sure that the desk is the appropriate height and the chair helps you maintain good posture Select a flat surface for your computer desk Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands and...

Page 20: ...l 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 prote...

Page 21: ...You can connect your computer to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network To connect to a broadband modem or to an Ethernet network 1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network j...

Page 22: ...on check the power cable connections 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...

Page 23: ...computer completely off it does turn off or slow down most system operations to save power and saves your desktop layout so the next time you restore power the programs are laid out just as you left t...

Page 24: ...on 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 compone...

Page 25: ...ram actions Each programusesdifferentfunctionkeysfordifferent purposes See the program documentation to find out more about the function key actions Audio playback keys Press these keys to play your a...

Page 26: ...n shows the standard mouse Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor and to copy cut and paste objects...

Page 27: ...r 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 movi...

Page 28: ...on page 55 Access a shortcut menu or find more information about an object on the display Position the pointer over the object Quickly press and release the right mouse button once This is called righ...

Page 29: ...wing drive types Press the drive s eject button then look on the front of the drive s disc tray for one or more of the following logos Important When you place a single sided disc in the tray make sur...

Page 30: ...rams playing audio CDs playing DVDs accessing data and recording video and data to CDs and double layer DVD R discs Note To use the double layer capability of the double layer recordable DVD drive the...

Page 31: ...pacity full length movies several albums of music or several gigabytes of data can fit on a single disc DVDs can be played on a DVD player or a DVD drive equipped computer For more information about p...

Page 32: ...m 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 infor...

Page 33: ...memory card into the appropriate memory card slot 2 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 fil...

Page 34: ...ing hardware controls If you are using external speakers turn the knob on the front of the speakers OR Use the mute and volume control buttons on the keyboard For more information see Using the keyboa...

Page 35: ...5 Click in the top right corner of the window to close it Tip Adjust the Windows Sounds slider to change system sounds volume independently of general volume such as the volume used for music and gam...

Page 36: ...lick Configure OR If your computer has the Realtek Sound Effect Manager installed double click the Sound Effect Manager icon on the taskbar The Realtek dialog box opens 4 Follow the on screen instruct...

Page 37: ...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 Parallel and serial port devices are not plug and...

Page 38: ...CHAPTER 3 Setting Up and Getting Started 32...

Page 39: ...tic electricity discharge Opening the case Closing the case Replacing the color panel Installing memory Adding or replacing an optical disc drive Replacing the memory card reader Adding or replacing a...

Page 40: ...e components from their antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them Do not lay components on the outside of antistatic bags because only the inside of the bags provide electrostatic protection...

Page 41: ...cord and modem network and all peripheral device cables 3 Press the power button for ten seconds to drain any residual power from your computer 4 Remove the two thumbscrews on the back edge of the lef...

Page 42: ...ving the left side panel on page 35 2 Remove the two Phillips screws on the back edge of the right side panel 3 Slide the side panel toward the back of your computer then pull the panel away from your...

Page 43: ...age 35 and Removing the right side panel on page 36 2 Press the three bezel release tabs on the left side of the computer then swing the left side of the bezel slightly away from the computer Tip The...

Page 44: ...lace the front bezel 1 Slide the tabs on the bezel into the slots on the front of the computer until the tabs snap into place 2 Replace the side panels that you removed previously by following the ins...

Page 45: ...ched when you close the computer 2 Slide the side panels toward the front of the computer until the backs of the side panels are flush with the back of the computer 3 Secure the right side panel with...

Page 46: ...lace the color panel on the front bezel 1 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in Removing the front bezel on page 37 2 Press the lower panel release tabs up and press the upper panel...

Page 47: ...u upgrade the computer memory make sure that you install the correct type of memory module for your computer Your computer uses DIMM memory To install or replace a memory module 1 Remove the left side...

Page 48: ...module with the notch in the memory slot and press the module firmly into the slot The tabs on the sides of the memory slot should secure the memory module automatically 6 Replace the side panel by f...

Page 49: ...cation of the screws see the photo in Step 5 3 If you are replacing an existing drive disconnect the cables from the drive noting their locations and orientation You will reconnect the cables after yo...

Page 50: ...p 3 or according to the manufacturer s instructions 9 Replace the front bezel by following the instructions in Replacing the front bezel on page 38 10 Replace the side panels by following the instruct...

Page 51: ...lease tab is in the top of the case between the power supply and the optical drive 3 Slide the top bezel toward the back of the computer about 3 4 inch then remove it from your computer Tools You need...

Page 52: ...lide the new card reader into place then secure it with the screw you removed previously 7 Plug the appropriate cables into the card reader 8 Place the top bezel on top of the computer then slide the...

Page 53: ...nd label all hard drive cables noting their locations and orientation You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive 3 If you are replacing a drive remove the screws that secure the har...

Page 54: ...lowing the instructions in Replacing the side panels on page 39 8 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord 9 Turn on your computer 10 If you are using the new hard drive as your primary drive...

Page 55: ...ert the card but do not bend the card sideways 6 If you have just replaced an expansion card reconnect the expansion card cables if any using your notes from Step 2 If you have added a new expansion c...

Page 56: ...CHAPTER 4 Upgrading Your Computer 50...

Page 57: ...aining Your Computer Setting up a maintenance schedule Caring for your computer Cleaning your computer Updating Windows Using BigFix Managing hard drive space Scheduling maintenance tasks Moving from...

Page 58: ...discs as soon as possible For instructions see Creating recovery discs on page 89 Maintenance task Weekly Monthly When needed Create system recovery discs As soon as possible one time only Check for v...

Page 59: ...ase 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...

Page 60: ...y components Use a damp lint free cloth to clean your computer and other parts of your system Do not use household abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage the finish on components Your co...

Page 61: ...an LCD flat panel monitor use a soft cloth and water to clean the screen Dampen the cloth never apply liquid directly to the screen then wipe the screen with the cloth To clean a CRT monitor use a sof...

Page 62: ...e 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 selec...

Page 63: ...gs 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...

Page 64: ...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 1 Click Start then click Comput...

Page 65: ...pears Deleting unnecessary files Delete unnecessary files such as temporary files and files in the Recycle Bin to free hard drive space To delete unnecessary files 1 Click Start All Programs Accessori...

Page 66: ...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 y...

Page 67: ...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...

Page 68: ...iles 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 accidental...

Page 69: ...click Properties then click the Tools tab 3 Click Backup Now then click Run a file backup now 4 Follow the on screen instructions to select a backup storage location and the files and folders to back...

Page 70: ...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...

Page 71: ...mputer install those programs on the new computer before running Windows Easy Transfer Windows Easy Transfer copies only the software s settings not the software itself to the new computer 2 Click Sta...

Page 72: ...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 Th...

Page 73: ...rch 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 Windo...

Page 74: ...CHAPTER 5 Maintaining Your Computer 68...

Page 75: ...messages Internet and networking Power Display Printing Optical discs Memory card reader Mouse Keyboard Files Memory Audio Passwords Expansion cards Media Center Checking for device problems Recoveri...

Page 76: ...iquid has been spilled into your computer Your computer was dropped The case was damaged Instead unplug your computer and contact a qualified computer technician Warning Never open your computer case...

Page 77: ...ing drive C error message on page 82 Operating system not found See You get an Operating system not found error message on page 82 Unable to locate host See You see an Unable to locate host message an...

Page 78: ...ection problems Contact your ISP technical support to determine whether the Internet outage is widespread a problem they are trying to solve You see an Unable to locate host message and are unable to...

Page 79: ...e sending e mail to A valid e mail address consists of a user name the symbol and the Internet domain name of the Internet service provider ISP or company that hosts that user E mail addresses never c...

Page 80: ...To check the dialing properties 1 Click Start type modem then press ENTER 2 If the Location Information dialog box opens enter the information for your area then click OK 3 Click the Dialing Rules ta...

Page 81: ...use problems with the modem connection Restart your computer Run Windows modem diagnostics To run modem diagnostics 1 Click Start type modem then press ENTER 2 Click the Modems tab then click Properti...

Page 82: ...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 sh...

Page 83: ...s see your online User Guide The computer is on but there is no picture Make sure that the computer is not in Standby power saving mode Make sure that the monitor is connected to a power outlet and to...

Page 84: ...e that the power cable is plugged into an AC power source The printer is on but will not print Make sure that the Print to file box is not checked in the Print dialog box If the printer you want to pr...

Page 85: ...Update the device driver For instructions see Checking for device problems on page 87 Your computer may be experiencing some temporary memory problems Restart your computer An audio disc does not prod...

Page 86: ...memory card reader may have been temporarily uninstalled using the Remove Hardware icon in the system tray Restart your computer and it will recognize the card reader again Mouse The mouse does not wo...

Page 87: ...dry for several hours before using it again If the keyboard does not work after it dries you may need to replace it Files You get an Insufficient disk space error message Delete unnecessary files fro...

Page 88: ...ur computer has been subjected to static electricity or physical shock you may need to reinstall the operating system See Recovering your system on page 88 You get an Operating system not found error...

Page 89: ...ing the on screen instructions 5 Click OK Memory You see a Memory error message Run the Memory Diagnostic Tool Click Start type Memory Diagnostic Tool then press ENTER Click Restart now and check for...

Page 90: ...ers are turned on and check the speaker connections See your speakers user guide for more troubleshooting tips Make sure that your computer s universal audio jacks are configured correctly For more in...

Page 91: ...connections Loose cables can lower video quality Check all cable connections Display type The Media Center is best viewed on computer displays Other types of display devices including TVs may provide...

Page 92: ...nformation see the display s user guide You need to burn programs that were recorded with your computer to a DVD using Media Center Media Center saves recorded programs in the DVR MS format You can bu...

Page 93: ...em or a failed condition 3 Click the symbol to the left of the device type to expand the list of devices The faulty device is marked with a yellow problems or red failed icon 4 To update the device dr...

Page 94: ...over software and drivers that were pre installed at the factory see Recovering pre installed software and drivers on page 91 For instructions on reinstalling software and drivers that were not pre in...

Page 95: ...ecovery discs 1 Click Start All Programs Gateway then click Gateway Recovery Management Gateway Recovery Management opens 2 To create recovery discs for the hard drive s entire original contents inclu...

Page 96: ...ve indicated in the Burn to list then click Next The first disc begins recording and you can watch its progress on the screen When the disc finishes recording the drive ejects it 4 Remove the disc fro...

Page 97: ...New device drivers If you need to recover device drivers that did not come pre installed on your computer follow the instructions for updating drivers in Checking for device problems on page 87 To re...

Page 98: ...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...

Page 99: ...your system to its factory condition You can reinstall using either your hard drive or the recovery discs you have created If you can still run Windows Vista see Recovering from within Windows Vista...

Page 100: ...click Start A dialog box displays information about the hard drive that the operating system will be recovered to 4 Click OK The recovery process begins by restarting your computer then continues by c...

Page 101: ...pre installed software and drivers 1 Turn on your computer insert the first system recovery disc into your optical disc drive then restart your computer 2 During startup press F10 to open the boot me...

Page 102: ...ot 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 Its online Help Its printe...

Page 103: ...APPENDIXA 97 Legal Notices Important safety information Regulatory compliance statements Environmental information Notices...

Page 104: ...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...

Page 105: ...ory compliance statements United States of America FederalCommunicationsCommission FCC UnintentionalemitterperFCCPart 15 This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B d...

Page 106: ...ed 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...

Page 107: ...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 sh...

Page 108: ...nding 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 C...

Page 109: ...treme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits Contact with them could be fatal Reference Grounding component 1 Electric service equipment 2 Power service grounding elec...

Page 110: ...llyfriendlyactionsbyunderstandingand using the energy saving features of this product where applicable recycling the inner and outer packaging including shipping containers this product was delivered...

Page 111: ...ay be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies Macrovisionstatement If your computer has a DVD compatible drive and an analog TV Out port the following paragraph applies T...

Page 112: ...APPENDIX A Legal Notices 106...

Page 113: ...rding 26 Blu ray drive locating drive 7 broadband connection 15 modem 15 broadband connection connecting 10 C cable modem 15 connecting 10 troubleshooting 73 card reader 7 cards adding expansion 48 in...

Page 114: ...30 DSL modem 15 Ethernet 10 15 external audio 9 10 external speakers 9 Firewire 7 9 30 front speaker 9 headphone 7 9 i Link 7 9 IEEE 1394 7 9 31 keyboard 7 8 9 line in 9 10 line out 9 microphone 7 9...

Page 115: ...leshooting 79 DVD drive adding 43 identifying 24 replacing 43 See also optical drive troubleshooting 79 E electrostatic discharge ESD 34 ergonomics 12 Error checking 60 83 Ethernet jack 10 Ethernet ne...

Page 116: ...right 7 See connections video 7 K keyboard buttons 19 cleaning 55 features 19 PS 2 port 8 troubleshooting 81 USB port 7 9 keys and buttons application 20 audio playback 19 Fn 19 function 19 mouse 21 n...

Page 117: ...ng 55 clicking 21 double clicking 21 moving pointer 20 21 moving screen objects 22 opening files folders and programs 21 pointer 21 PS 2 port 9 right clicking 22 scroll wheel 21 selecting screen objec...

Page 118: ...opening 21 re installing 88 91 PS 2 port keyboard 8 mouse 9 R RAM See memory rebooting computer 18 recordable drive 7 recording audio files 26 optical discs 26 recovering defaults 93 drivers 88 91 pro...

Page 119: ...using 18 software re installing 88 91 sound adjusting 28 controls 28 muting 28 speaker jack analog 9 center 10 rear 10 side 10 speakers configuring 30 Standby mode 7 starting computer 7 16 programs 2...

Page 120: ...computer 7 16 TV tuner card 10 U uninterruptible power supply UPS 14 updating Windows 56 UPS 14 USB port 7 9 30 V video HDMI jack 9 playing 25 video jack 7 voltage checking selection 15 selection swit...

Page 121: ......

Page 122: ...MAN GERSHWIN 3 EREC REF GDE R2 9 08...

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