Gateway DX440X Reference Manual Download

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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer

Checking hard drive space

To check hard drive space:

Click (Start) then click Computer. The Computer
window opens.

Right-click the drive that you want to check for available
file space, then click Properties. Drive space information
appears.

Shortcut

Start

Computer

right-click drive

Properties

8512418.book Page 64 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM

Summary of Contents for DX440X

Page 1: ... REFERENCEGUIDE 8512418 book Page a Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 2: ...8512418 book Page b Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 3: ...rom repetitive strain 14 Preparing power connections 14 Protecting from power source problems 14 Checking the voltage selection 15 Connecting to a broadband modem or network 15 Connecting a dial up modem 16 Starting your computer 16 Waking up your computer 17 Turning off your computer 17 Restarting rebooting your computer 18 Using the keyboard 19 Premium multimedia keyboard features 19 Elite multi...

Page 4: ...g the side panel 37 Replacing the color panel 38 Installing memory 40 Adding or replacing an optical disc drive 43 Replacing the memory card reader 45 Adding or replacing a hard drive 46 Replacing the heat sink and processor 49 Adding or replacing an expansion card 51 Replacing the system battery 52 Replacing the system board 54 Chapter 5 Maintaining Your Computer 57 Setting up a maintenance sched...

Page 5: ...ngs automatically 68 Transferring files and settings manually 69 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting 71 Safety guidelines 72 First steps 72 Troubleshooting 73 Add in cards 73 Audio 73 CD or DVD drives 73 Diskette drive 75 Display 76 DVD drives 76 Ethernet 77 Expansion cards 78 File management 78 Floppy drive 78 Hard drive 79 Internet 79 Keyboard 81 Media Center 82 Memory 84 Memory card reader 85 Modem cable...

Page 6: ...crosoft System Restore 99 Recovering your system to its factory condition 102 Recovering your system using the Windows DVD 103 Telephone support 104 Before calling Gateway Customer Care 104 Telephone numbers 105 Self help 106 Tutoring 106 Training 107 Appendix A Legal Notices 109 Index 119 8512418 book Page iv Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 7: ...1 1 About This Reference About this guide Accessing the online User Guide Gateway contact information Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity For more information 8512418 book Page 1 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 8: ...address shown on your computer s label The Support page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications Accessing the online User Guide In addition to this guide your User Guide has been included on your hard drive Your User Guide is an in depth easy to read manual that includes information on the following topics Help and technical support Using and customizing Wind...

Page 9: ... call for assistance Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back or side of your computer includes the product key code for your operating system If you ever reinstall Windows from the installation DVD you will need to enter these numbers to activate Windows Technical Support telephone number Serial number 8512418 book Page 3 Friday May 1...

Page 10: ...CHAPTER 1 About This Reference 4 8512418 book Page 4 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 11: ...CHAPTER2 5 Checking Out Your Computer Front Back 8512418 book Page 5 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 12: ... Microphone jack Power button power indicator DVD CD drive optional Headphone jack IEEE 1394 FireWire port USB ports Video jack optional Audio left jack optional Audio right jack optional Diskette or removable hard drive optional 8512418 book Page 6 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 13: ...or removable hard drive optional Use this drive to read from and write to 3 5 diskettes or use this bay to connect a removable hard drive Headphone jack Plug powered analog front speakers an external amplifier or headphones into this jack This jack is color coded green Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack This jack is color coded pink Power button power indicator Press this button to t...

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 front speaker jack Mic jack Surround L R speaker jack Center subwoofer jack USB ports Video card optional Wireless network antenna connectors IEEE 1394 port TV tuner card optional Case cover thumbscrew...

Page 15: ...antenna optional and connectors Connect this antenna to your wireless network antenna card optional Case cover thumbscrew Remove this screw before opening the case PS 2 mouse port Plug a PS 2 mouse into this port Monitor VGA port Plug a VGA blue connector monitor cable into this port IEEE 1394 port Plug IEEE 1394 also known as Firewire devices such as a digital camcorder into this 6 pin IEEE 1394 ...

Page 16: ...side left and right speakers into this jack For more information see Configuring the audio jacks on page 31 Video card optional Plug a VGA blue connector or DVI white connector monitor into a port on this card if installed Audio card optional Plug speaker cables into this card if installed TV tuner card Plug a video tuner or antenna into this card if installed Modem jack optional not shown Plug a ...

Page 17: ...ng a dial up modem Starting your computer Turning off your computer Restarting rebooting your computer Using the keyboard Using the mouse Using optical drives Using the memory card reader Using the diskette drive Adjusting the volume Configuring the audio jacks Installing a printer scanner or other device 8512418 book Page 11 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 18: ...rallel 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 Feet are flat on the floor Hands and arms are parallel to the floor Screen is perpendicular to your line of sight 8512418...

Page 19: ...sk is the appropriate height and the chair helps you maintain good posture Select a flat surface for your computer desk Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands and arms are positioned parallel to the floor when you use the keyboard and touchpad If the desk is not adjustable or is too tall consider using an adjustable chair to control your arm s height above the keyboard Use an adjusta...

Page 20: ...nto 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 e...

Page 21: ... to a wired Ethernet network To connect to a broadband modem or to an Ethernet network 1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack on the back of your computer 2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable modem DSL modem or network jack Caution If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly your system will be damaged Make sure this switch is set correctly for your...

Page 22: ...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 4 Attach and turn on any USB or audio peripheral devices such as printers scanners and speakers If you need to attach a peripheral device to the parallel or serial ports turn off your computer first See the documentation tha...

Page 23: ... and saves your desktop layout so the next time you restore power the programs are laid out just as you left them Waking your computer from a Sleep state is much faster than turning on your computer after it has been turned completely off To put your computer to sleep 1 Click Start then click power The computer saves your session and partially shuts down to save power Tip For more information abou...

Page 24: ...servicing internal components also disconnect the power cord Restarting rebooting your computer If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input you may need to restart reboot your computer To restart your computer 1 Click Start click the arrow next to the lock icon then click Restart Your computer turns off then turns on again 2 If your computer does not turn off press and hold the po...

Page 25: ...Press these buttons to launch your Internet home page or search or e mail programs Audio playback buttons Press these buttons to play your audio files and to adjust the volume Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the beginning of a line to the end of a line up the page down the page to the beginning of a document or to the end of a document Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK CAPS L...

Page 26: ... other keys to open utilities like F Find Search R Run and E Computer Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows Directional keys Press these keys to move the cursor up down right or left Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the numeric keypad NUM LOCK is turned on Feature Icon Description Function keys Navigation keys Indicators Windows ...

Page 27: ... or SCROLL LOCK keys are activated Press the corresponding key to activate the function Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows Start menu These keys can also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities like F Find Search R Run and E Computer Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows Editing buttons Press these buttons to c...

Page 28: ...n 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 Scroll wheel Left button Right button 8512418 book Page 22 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 29: ...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 shortcut menu or find more information about an object on the display Position...

Page 30: ...tical disc drive 2 Place the disc in the tray with the label facing up 3 Press the eject button to close the tray Important When you place a single sided disc in the tray make sure that the label side is facing up If the disc has two playable sides place the disc so the name of the side you want to play is facing up Flip down door Eject button Activity indicator 8512418 book Page 24 Friday May 11 ...

Page 31: ...ams playing audio CDs playing DVDs and accessing data DVD RW Installing programs playing audio CDs playing DVDs accessing data and recording video and data to CDs and DVD R or DVD RW discs DVD R RW Installing programs playing audio CDs playing DVDs accessing data and recording video and data to CDs and DVD R DVD RW DVD R and DVD RW discs Double layer DVD RW Installing programs playing audio CDs pl...

Page 32: ...ms playing audio CDs playing DVDs accessing data and recording video and data to CDs and DVD RAM DVD R or DVD RW discs Blu ray Disc Installing programs playing audio CDs playing DVDs playing Blu ray Discs accessing data and recording video and data to CDs DVD RAM DVD R DVD RW and Blu ray discs HD DVD Installing programs playing audio CDs playing DVDs and HD DVDs accessing data and recording video ...

Page 33: ... ray Discs see your online User Guide Playing an HD DVD HD DVD is a high capacity optical disc that can store much more data than a DVD A dual layer HD DVD can hold 30 GB of files about 14 hours of standard definition video or about 5 5 hours of high definition video HD DVDs can be played on an HD DVD compatible player or an HD DVD drive equipped computer For more information about playing HD DVDs...

Page 34: ...er may look different Memory card types The memory card reader supports several memory card types To determine which types are supported by your card reader and the slots to use for each type of card examine the face plate of the reader Each slot is assigned a different drive letter for example the E and F drives so data can be transferred from one memory card type to another Using a memory card T...

Page 35: ... the diskette into the diskette drive with the label facing up 2 To access a file on the diskette click Start then click Computer Double click the diskette drive letter for example the A drive then double click the file name 3 To remove the diskette make sure that the drive activity light is off then press the eject button Caution Do not remove the memory card or turn off the computer while the me...

Page 36: ... you are using external speakers turn the knob on the front of the speakers OR Use the mute and volume control buttons on the keyboard For more information see Using the keyboard on page 19 To adjust the volume from Windows 1 Click Volume on the taskbar The volume control slider opens 2 Click and drag the slider up to increase volume and down to decrease volume 3 To mute the volume click Mute To r...

Page 37: ... 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 game sounds Help For more information aboutadjustingthe volume click Start then click Help and Support Type adjusting volume in the Search Help box then press ENTER 8512418 book Page 31 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 38: ...omputer has the Realtek Sound Effect Manager installed double click the Sound Effect Manager icon on the taskbar The Realtek dialog box opens 4 Follow the on screen instructions to configure the audio jacks for your speaker setup Installing a printer scanner or other device Your computer has one or more of the following ports IEEE 1394 also known as Firewire Universal Serial Bus USB serial and par...

Page 39: ...l 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 play See the device documentation for detailed information and installation instructions Help For more information about installing peripheral devices click Start then click Help and Support Type installing devices in the S...

Page 40: ...CHAPTER 3 Setting Up and Getting Started 34 8512418 book Page 34 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 41: ...the color panel Installing memory Adding or replacing an optical disc drive Replacing the memory card reader Adding or replacing a hard drive Replacing the heat sink and processor Adding or replacing an expansion card Replacing the system battery Replacing the system board 8512418 book Page 33 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 42: ...antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them Do not lay components on the outside of antistatic bags because only the inside of the bags provide electrostatic protection Always hold expansion cards by their edges or their metal mounting brackets Avoid touching the edge connectors and components on the cards Never slide expansion cards or components over any surface Warning To avoid exposure...

Page 43: ...eral device cables 3 Press the power button for ten seconds to drain any residual power from your computer 4 Loosen the two captive thumbscrews on the back edge of the side panel These screws cannot be removed 5 Slide the side panel toward the back of your computer then pull the panel away from your computer Warning To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts turn off your ...

Page 44: ...he front bezel 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in Removing the side panel on page 35 2 Press the three bezel retention tabs then swing the left side of the bezel away from the computer and remove it Tabs 8512418 book Page 36 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 45: ...bezel into the slots on the right side of the computer 2 Swing the left side of the bezel in to insert the release tabs on the left side of the bezel into the slots on the left side of the computer 3 Press the left side of the bezel firmly until the release tabs snap into place Tabs 8512418 book Page 37 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 46: ...ten the two thumbscrews on the back edge of the side panel then reconnect the cables and power cord Replacing the color panel To replace the color panel on the front bezel 1 Find the panel release lever inside the front bezel s lower vent opening then slide the lever to the left Tip If you have difficulty removing the color panel it may be easier to remove the front bezel first This procedure show...

Page 47: ...t bezel You should press the two points against the computer until you hear or feel a click which is the sound of the panel s internal locking tabs unlocking 3 Swing the bottom of the panel away from the bezel and remove it The panel should easily slide out Press here Press here 8512418 book Page 39 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 48: ... tabs You should press the two points against the computer until you hear or feel a click which is the sound of the panel s internal locking tabs locking the panel partially into place 6 While pressing the bottom center of the color panel against the front bezel slide the panel release lever back to the right The color panel is now fully locked into place Press here Press here 8512418 book Page 40...

Page 49: ...5 2 For more stability place your computer on its side To avoid scratching the case place it on a towel or other non abrasive surface 3 Find the memory module banks on your system board 4 If you are removing a DIMM from the memory module bank gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module and remove it OR If you are adding a DIMM to an empty memory module bank gently pull th...

Page 50: ...n the module is secure you hear a click 6 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in Replacing the side panel on page 37 7 Return your computer to its upright position 8 Reconnect the cables and the power cord 9 Turn on your computer Windows starts and the Windows desktop appears 10 Click Start right click Computer then click Properties The amount of memory in your computer is display...

Page 51: ...o to Step 8 For the location of the screws see the photo in Step 6 4 If you are replacing an existing drive disconnect the cables from the drive noting their locations and orientation You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive 5 Note any jumper settings on the old drive and set the jumper on the new drive to be the same Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace a C...

Page 52: ...es on the drive then replace the two drive retention screws 9 Reconnect the drive cables using your notes from Step 4 or according to the manufacturer s instructions 10 Replace the front bezel by following the instructions in Replacing the front bezel on page 37 11 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in Replacing the side panel on page 37 Drive retention screws 8512418 book Page 4...

Page 53: ...g the front bezel on page 35 3 Slide the top bezel toward the front of the computer about 3 4 inch then remove it from your computer 4 Remove the two screws that secure the card reader to the computer Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to replace the memory card reader Important The color and shape of your replacement card reader s front cover may vary from your original card reader Screws 8512...

Page 54: ...emoved previously 7 Plug the cable into the card reader 8 Place the top bezel on top of the computer then slide bezel toward the back of the computer until it clicks into place 9 Reinstall the bezel by following the instructions in Replacing the front bezel on page 37 10 Reinstall the computer case s side panel by following the instructions in Replacing the side panel on page 37 8512418 book Page ...

Page 55: ...e side panel on page 35 2 Disconnect and label all hard drive cables noting their locations and orientation You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive 3 Disconnect the hard drive cage fan cable from the system board Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace a hard drive 8512418 book Page 47 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 56: ...the cage 7 If you are replacing a drive note any jumper settings on the old drive and set the jumper on the new drive to be the same OR If you are adding a new drive set the jumper as instructed by the drive s user guide 8 Slide the new hard drive into the cage then secure it to the cage using either the four screws you removed previously or mounting screws provided with your new drive Hard drive ...

Page 57: ...ng the new hard drive as your primary drive install Windows using the operating system DVD that came with your computer For more information on restoring your system see Recovering your system on page 93 Replacing the heat sink and processor To replace the heat sink and processor 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in Removing the side panel on page 35 2 For more stability place ...

Page 58: ...or release lever down lift it completely up then lift the processor retention bracket 6 Remove the processor from the system board 7 Install the new processor onto the system board Make sure that Pin 1 on the processor indicated by the silk screened arrow on the corner of the processor aligns with Pin 1 on the processor socket indicated by the absence of a pin hole in the processor socket then ret...

Page 59: ...it to the system board 10 Connect the heat sink fan cable to the system board 11 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in Replacing the side panel on page 37 Adding or replacing an expansion card To add or replace an expansion card 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in Removing the side panel on page 35 2 If you are replacing an expansion card disconnect any cable...

Page 60: ...ack into place 8 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in Replacing the side panel on page 37 Replacing the system battery 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 Caution Do no...

Page 61: ...r computer on its side To avoid scratching the case place it on a towel or other non abrasive surface 7 Locate the old battery on the system board and note its orientation You will need to install the new battery the same way 8 Push the battery release tab The battery pops out of the socket Caution Any custom BIOS settings you have made will be lost when you remove the system battery All settings ...

Page 62: ...ave all your settings and exit the BIOS Setup utility Replacing the system board To replace the system board 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in Removing the side panel on page 35 2 Remove all expansion cards by following the directions in Adding or replacing an expansion card on page 51 3 Remove all memory modules by following the directions in Installing memory on page 40 4 ...

Page 63: ...d processor on page 49 then install it and the heat sink into the new system board by following the directions in the same procedure 10 Slide the power supply back into the case then install the four screws to secure the power supply to the case 11 Connect all power and data cables using your notes from Step 4 12 Reinstall any memory modules you removed previously 13 Reinstall any expansion cards ...

Page 64: ...CHAPTER 4 Upgrading Your Computer 56 8512418 book Page 56 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 65: ...ting up a maintenance schedule Caring for your computer Cleaning your computer Updating Windows Using BigFix Managing hard drive space Scheduling maintenance tasks Moving from your old computer 8512418 book Page 57 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 66: ...ance schedule Maintenance task Weekly Monthly When needed Check for viruses X X X Run Windows Update X X Manage hard drive space X Clean up hard drives X X Scan hard drive for errors X X Defragment hard drive X X Back up files X X X Clean computer case and peripheral devices X 8512418 book Page 58 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 67: ...nd 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 warra...

Page 68: ...ecause they can damage the finish on components Your computer is cooled by air circulated through the vents on the case so keep the vents free of dust With your computer turned off and unplugged brush the dust away from the vents with a damp cloth Be careful not to drip any water into the vents Cleaning the keyboard You should occasionally clean the keyboard to remove dust and lint trapped under t...

Page 69: ... screen with the cloth To clean a CRT monitor use a soft cloth and glass cleaner to clean the monitor screen Squirt a little cleaner on the cloth never directly on the screen then wipe the screen with the cloth Cleaning the mouse If the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the computer screen or becomes difficult to control precisely cleaning the mouse will likely improve its accuracy To...

Page 70: ...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 S...

Page 71: ...lerts you by flashing the blue taskbar icon To fix the problem click on that icon to open BigFix To start BigFix 1 Click Start All Programs Accessories System Tools then click BigFix 2 To learn more about BigFix click Help then click Tutorial Managing hard drive space Windows provides several utilities you can use to check hard drive space delete unnecessary files defragment files and back up file...

Page 72: ...1 Click Start then click Computer The Computer window opens 2 Right click the drive that you want to check for available file space then click Properties Drive space information appears Shortcut Start Ö Computer Ö right click drive Ö Properties 8512418 book Page 64 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 73: ...lders for the currently logged in user Files from all users on this computer cleans all folders The Disk Cleanup dilalog box opens 3 Click to select the types of files you want to delete then click OK The types of files you indicated are deleted Shortcut Start Ö Computer Ö right click drive Ö Properties Ö Disk Cleanup Help For more information about keeping the hard drive free of unnecessary files...

Page 74: ...t then click Computer The Computer window opens 2 Right click the drive that you want to check for errors click Properties then click the Tools tab 3 Click Check Now then click Start Your drive is checked for errors This process may take several minutes After Windows has finished checking the drive for errors it provides a summary of the problems that it found 4 Correct any problems that are found...

Page 75: ...t 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 To defragment the hard drive 1 Disconnect your computer from the network 2 Click Start All Programs Accessories System Tools ...

Page 76: ... recordable drive Use a backup device such as a recordable disc drive to do a complete hard drive backup If you do not have a high capacity backup device and you want to purchase one you can visit the Accessories Store at www gateway com To back up files 1 Click Start then click Computer The Computer window opens 2 Right click the drive that you want to back up click Properties then click the Tool...

Page 77: ... 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 backing up files click Start then click Help and Support Type backup in the Search Help box then press ENTER Important Your computer must be on during scheduled tasks If your computer is off schedu...

Page 78: ...l 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 Start All Programs Accessories System Tools then click Windows Easy Transfer The Windows Easy Transfer dialog box opens 3 Click Next click Start a new transfer then follow the on screen instructions to complete the t...

Page 79: ...hen 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 Double click the C drive ...

Page 80: ...ws 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 Type the filename you want to search for then press ENTER The search results are displayed 3 To learn about more ...

Page 81: ...CHAPTER6 71 Troubleshooting Safety guidelines First steps Troubleshooting Recovering your system Telephone support 8512418 book Page 71 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 82: ... you followed each instruction If an error occurs in a program see the program s printed documentation or the online help Warning Never open your computer case while your computer is turned on and while the modem cable network cable and power cord are connected Warning Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal components For more information about preventing damage from s...

Page 83: ...entify your drive type see Identifying optical drive types on page 24 Your computer may be experiencing some temporary memory problems Shut down and restart your computer Some music CDs have copy protection software You may not be able to play these CDs on your computer Clean the disc For more information see Cleaning optical discs on page 61 Restart your computer then enter the BIOS Setup utility...

Page 84: ...ure that the disc label is facing up then try again Try a different disc Occasionally discs are flawed or become scratched and cannot be read by the DVD drive Clean the disc For more information see Cleaning optical discs on page 61 Shut down and restart your computer Make sure that the DVD program has been installed on your computer DVDs and DVD drives contain regional codes that help control DVD...

Page 85: ...u see an Access Denied or Write protect error message Move the write protection tab in the upper right corner of the diskette down unprotected The diskette may be full Delete unnecessary files on the diskette and try again Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM compatible Try a different diskette Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the diskette drive You see a Disk is...

Page 86: ... sure that the video cable is connected to the video port on your computer Connect an external display that you know works to your computer Reinstall the device driver The color is not uniform Make sure that the display warms up for at least 30 minutes before making a final judgment about color uniformity The text on the display is dim or difficult to read Adjust the brightness and contrast contro...

Page 87: ...s on your network have the same workgroup name Make sure that all computers are using the same Subnet Mask If you assigned IP addressesto 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 ...

Page 88: ...rmation see the documentation that came with your expansion card Reseat the card File management A file was accidentally deleted If a file was deleted while holding down the SHIFT key the file cannot be restored To restore deleted files 1 Double click the Recycle Bin icon 2 Right click the file you want to restore then click Restore The file is restored to the place where it was originally deleted...

Page 89: ...m For instructions on fixing hard drive problems see Checking the hard drive for errors on page 64 The hard drive cannot be accessed or you see a General failure reading drive C error message If a diskette is in the diskette drive eject it and restart your computer If your computer has been subjected to static electricity or physical shock you may need to reinstall the operating system See Recover...

Page 90: ...cal support for help Make sure that you do not have a problem with your modem For more information Modem dial up on page 85 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 ...

Page 91: ...r Internet service provider ISP is set up correctly Contact your ISP for technical support Keyboard The keyboard does not work Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged in correctly For more information see your computer s setup poster Remove all extension cables and switch boxes Clean the keyboard by using an aerosol can of air with a narrow straw like extension to remove dust and lint trapped...

Page 92: ...used quality ofvideo cables display device screen resolution size of TV age of the TV or the type of TV interlaced or progressive scan can affect the video quality significantly Display type The Media Center is best viewed on computer displays Other types of display devices including retail TVs may provide lower quality video If you did not order a display device when you purchased your computer a...

Page 93: ...esolution Many TVs cannot display the high resolution that your computer s video signal uses and may shift scramble or scroll the picture For a better picture on a TV display you may need to lower the computer s screen resolution to 800 600 or 640 480 For more information about changing the screen resolution see the Customizing Windows chapter in the online User Guide Size of display device Small ...

Page 94: ...ut the odd even interlacing This results in a fuller sharper picture and better display quality for viewing and using the computer functions The progressive scan picture is also brighter and easier on your eyes You need to configure your computer to output to a TV Your computer detects whether you are using a VGA or an S Video display device and automatically changes the display settings for the t...

Page 95: ...uide see your online User Guide Memory 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 Memory Diagnostic 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 com...

Page 96: ...elephone 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 ...

Page 97: ...Make sure that the connectors are free from corrosion and all screws in the telephone wall jack are secure You can also call your telephone service and have the telephone line checked for noise or low line levels Try another telephone line either a different telephone number in your house or a telephone line at a different location If you can connect on this line call your telephone service Try co...

Page 98: ...appropriate port on your computer To make sure that the connections have been made correctly see your setup poster or Connecting a dial up modem on page 16 If the modem shares the telephone line with another device make sure that the telephone line is not in use for example someone is on the telephone or another modem is in use Use the modem cable that came with your computer Some telephone cables...

Page 99: ...ear 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 Click the Modems tab click the modem you want to adjust ...

Page 100: ...debris The mouse pad may have a printed or fabric pattern on it that interferes with your mouse Try a different mouse pad Networks You cannot connect to your company network Every network is unique Contact your company computer department or network administrator for help For more information about setting up a network in your home see Connecting to a broadband modem or network on page 15 your onl...

Page 101: ...eed to press Make sure that the power cable is plugged into an AC power source The printer is on but will not print Check the cable between the printer and your computer Make sure that it is connected to the correct type of port Make sure that the printer is online Many printers have an online offline button that you may need to press so the printer can start printing Press the button to put the p...

Page 102: ...t to use If the menu shows a check mark next to Use Printer Offline click Use Printer Offline to clear the check mark Wait until files have been printed before sending additional files to the printer If you print large files or many files at one time you may want to add additional memory to the printer See the printer documentation for instructions for adding additional memory You see a Printer is...

Page 103: ... problems by following the information in Troubleshooting on page 73or 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 Help For more information about sound troubleshooting click Sta...

Page 104: ...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 Windo...

Page 105: ...ivers in case you need to use them later for a complete system recovery Your computer must have a recordable disc drive to perform this procedure To create discs for recovering pre installed software and drivers 1 Click Start All Programs Gateway Recovery Center then click Gateway Recovery Center The Gateway Recovery Center opens 2 Click Applications and drivers external media then click Next The ...

Page 106: ... completed 6 If multiple discs are required insert the additional blank disks when prompted 7 When the process is finished the Congratulations window opens 8 Click Finish 9 Remove your final disc then label all of the discs and store them in a safe place Important Use a permanent marker to label each disc Software and Driver Recovery along with a shortdescription of which computer the discs are fo...

Page 107: ... Application recovery OR To recover device drivers that were pre installed click Hardware then click Device driver recovery 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...

Page 108: ...y 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 di...

Page 109: ... recover pre installed device drivers click Device driver recovery then click the type of driver you want to recover 3 Click Next 4 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 8512418 book Page 99 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 110: ...ch day and also each time you install software or device drivers You can also create a restore point manually For instructions see Manually creating a restore point on page 101 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 Help For more information about using Microsoft System Re...

Page 111: ... A confirmation message box appears 4 Click Yes Your system is restored using the restore point you specified This process may take several minutes and may restart your computer Manually creating a restore point To manually create a restore point 1 Click Start Control Panel System and Maintenance then click Backup and Restore Center The Backup and Restore Center opens 8512418 book Page 101 Friday ...

Page 112: ... The restore point is created 5 Click OK 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 softw...

Page 113: ...ialog box opens 4 Select a language and keyboard layout then click Next 5 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 Click Restore Application The Welcome to Gateway System Recovery window opens 7 Click Next 8 To perform a recovery with data backup recommende...

Page 114: ...vice drivers To completely re install Windows 1 If you can still run Windows back up your personal files and create a set of software and driver recovery discs if you have not already done so For instructions see To create discs for recovering pre installed software and drivers on page 94 2 Insert the Windows DVD into one of your computer s DVD capable drives then turn on or restart your computer ...

Page 115: ...r 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 See the troubleshooting section of this chapter Have your customer ID serialnumber and order number available along with a detailed description of your problem including the exact text of any...

Page 116: ...and software issues www gateway com answers Gateway Customer Care Talk to a Gateway Customer Care representative about a non tutorial technical support question See Before calling Gateway Customer Care on page 104 before calling TDD Customer Care for hearing impaired is available Weekdays 8 00 a m 10 00 p m Pacific Time Weekends 8 00 a m 7 00 p m Pacific Time Gateway Customer Care telephone number...

Page 117: ...to www gateway com answers Training Gateway provides the following computer based training 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 Resource Service description For more information Gateway Learning Libraries A variety of courses and tutorials are available on CD Select from several easy...

Page 118: ...CHAPTER 6 Troubleshooting 108 8512418 book Page 108 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 119: ...APPENDIXA 109 Legal Notices Important safety information Regulatory compliance statements Environmental information Notices 8512418 book Page 109 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 120: ...ings 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 Someproductsareequippedwithathree wirepowercordtomakesurethattheproduct 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...

Page 121: ...nts United States of America FederalCommunicationsCommission FCC UnintentionalemitterperFCCPart 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 f...

Page 122: ...he 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 sh...

Page 123: ...k 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 thefacilitiesofthelocaltelecommunicationscompany Theequipmentmustalsobeinstalledusing anacceptablemethod of connection In somecases theinsidewiring associatedwith asing...

Page 124: ...e 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 Lightningprotection Fo...

Page 125: ...en 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 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 Antenna and satellite grounding 851241...

Page 126: ...standingand 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 ...

Page 127: ...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 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 c...

Page 128: ...APPENDIX A Legal Notices 118 8512418 book Page 118 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 129: ...ns 19 21 B backing up files 66 battery replacing 52 bezel removing 35 replacing 37 BigFix 62 Blu ray playing 27 recording 27 Blu ray drive locating drive 7 broadband connection 15 modem 15 broadband connection connecting 9 buttons See keys and buttons C cable modem 15 connecting 9 troubleshooting 85 Caps Lock indicator 19 21 card reader 7 cards adding expansion 51 inserting memory card 28 installi...

Page 130: ...15 PS 2 keyboard 8 PS 2 mouse 9 to Ethernet network 9 15 to Internet 9 to network 9 15 connections analog speakers 9 audio in 10 cable modem 15 center speaker 9 dial up modem 10 16 digital camera 7 9 32 digital video camera 7 9 32 DSL modem 15 Ethernet 9 15 external audio 9 10 external speakers 9 Firewire 7 9 32 front speaker 9 headphone 7 9 i Link 7 9 IEEE 1394 7 9 keyboard 7 8 9 line in 9 10 lin...

Page 131: ...Guide 2 double clicking 23 dragging 23 drivers recovery discs 94 97 re installing 93 94 drives backing up files 66 CD 25 checking for errors 64 checking for free space 63 defragmenting 65 diskette 29 DVD 25 optical 24 recordable CD 25 recordable DVD 25 troubleshooting 73 75 76 79 DSL modem 15 connecting 9 troubleshooting 85 DVD cleaning 61 copying 27 drive 25 inserting 24 playing 26 recording 27 t...

Page 132: ...ng for free space 63 defragmenting 65 deleting files and folders 64 removable 7 replacing 46 scanning for errors 64 troubleshooting 79 HD DVD drive locating 7 HD DVD playing 27 recording 27 headphone jack 7 9 heat sink replacing 49 Hibernate mode 7 hot swapping 32 I IBM Microdrive 28 IEEE 9 IEEE 1394 port 7 9 32 indicators Caps Lock 19 21 Num Lock 19 21 numeric keypad 19 21 power 7 Scroll Lock 19 ...

Page 133: ...62 cleaning case 60 cleaning CD 61 cleaning computer display 60 cleaning computer screen 60 cleaning DVD 61 cleaning keyboard 60 cleaning monitor 60 cleaning mouse 61 cleaning optical disc 61 defragmenting 65 deleting files 64 extending computer life 58 suggested schedule 58 using Task Scheduler 67 media card reader 7 media reader See memory card reader memory adding 40 installing 40 replacing 40 ...

Page 134: ...navigation keys 19 21 network jack 9 15 troubleshooting 77 90 non technical support Accounting 106 Sales 106 Warranty 106 numeric keypad 20 21 indicator 19 21 O opening computer case 34 files 23 folders 23 front bezel 35 programs 23 shortcut menu 23 optical connection 9 optical drive eject button 24 eject hole 24 indicator 24 inserting disc 24 locating drive 7 using 24 P Pad Lock indicator 19 21 p...

Page 135: ...ng 94 drivers 94 97 programs 94 97 software 94 97 using 97 re installing defaults 102 drivers 93 94 programs 93 94 software 93 94 Windows 93 with Gateway Recovery Center 96 with Windows DVD 103 with Windows System Restore 99 removable hard drive 7 removing files and folders 64 resetting computer 18 restarting computer 18 restoring defaults 102 drivers 93 94 files from Recycle Bin 78 programs 93 94...

Page 136: ...center 9 rear 10 side 10 speakers configuring 31 Standby mode 7 starting computer 7 16 programs 23 static electricity 34 surge protector 14 system battery replacing 52 system board replacing 54 system identification label 3 T Task Schdeuler 67 techinal support Support 2 technical support automated troubleshooting 105 Technical Support 106 tips before contacting 104 tutorial service 106 telephone j...

Page 137: ... turning off computer 7 17 18 turning on computer 7 16 tutoring fee based 106 TV tuner card 10 U uninterruptible power supply UPS 14 updating Windows 62 UPS 14 USB port 7 9 32 V video playing 26 27 video jack 7 voltage checking selection 15 selection switch 15 volume adjusting 30 adjusting dial up modem 89 controls 30 muting 30 troubleshooting 92 W waking computer 17 Windows Product Key Code 3 Win...

Page 138: ...128 Index 8512418 book Page 128 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 139: ...8512418 book Page 129 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

Page 140: ...MAN GERSHWIN HW REF GDE R3 5 07 8512418 book Page 130 Friday May 11 2007 11 44 AM ...

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Gateway DX440X, Reference Manual

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