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Troubleshooting

Add-in cards

The computer does not recognize an add-in card

Shut down and restart your computer.

Make sure that you have installed the required software. For more information, see 
the documentation that came with your add-in card.

Audio

See 

“Sound” on page 83

.

Battery

See 

“Power” on page 81

.

CD or DVD drives

The computer does not recognize a disc or the CD or DVD drive

Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.

Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed or become scratched and cannot be 
read by the CD or DVD drive.

If you are trying to play a DVD, make sure that you have a DVD drive. To identify 
your drive type, see 

“Identifying drive types” on page 41

.

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 CDs or DVDs” on page 52

.

Make sure that the drive is configured correctly by following the instructions in the 
drive documentation.

Reinstall the device driver.

Summary of Contents for E-4300

Page 1: ...User Guide Gateway E 4300...

Page 2: ......

Page 3: ...ing safely 22 Reducing eye strain 22 Setting up your computer desk and chair 23 Setting up your computer and computer accessories 23 Sitting at your computer 23 Avoiding discomfort and injury from rep...

Page 4: ...47 Cleaning your computer 49 Cleaning the exterior 49 Cleaning the keyboard 50 Cleaning the monitor 50 Cleaning the mouse 50 Cleaning CDs or DVDs 52 Restoring your system 52 Preventing static electri...

Page 5: ...alling Ethernet cards and drivers 94 Making sure your broadband connection works 95 Naming the computers and the workgroup 95 Configuring the TCP IP protocol 96 Setting up a wireless Ethernet network...

Page 6: ...iv www gateway com...

Page 7: ...Chapter 1 1 Getting Help Using the Gateway Web site Using Help and Support Using Your Computer guide Using Do More With Gateway Using online help Contacting Gateway...

Page 8: ...and automated support Use Help and Support to answer questions about Windows and to help you quickly discover and use the many features of your Gateway computer To start Help and Support Click Start...

Page 9: ...Base These topics are located on the Microsoft Web site and contain the words you entered in the Search box You must be connected to the Internet to search for and access these topics To view a list...

Page 10: ...ccess most online help information by selecting a topic from a Help menu or by clicking a Help button You can search for information by viewing the help contents checking the index searching for a top...

Page 11: ...Checking Out Your Gateway Computer Identifying features Locating your computer serial number Locating the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity Locating the specifications for your computer Purchasing...

Page 12: ...r includes the following components CD DVD eject button CD DVD Recordable drive Power button power indicator Diskette drive Diskette eject button USB ports Headphone jack Microphone jack Zip drive mem...

Page 13: ...e optional diskette drive For more information see Using the diskette drive on page 36 Zip drive Use this drive to store larger files on Zip disks For more information see Using the Zip drive on page...

Page 14: ...oard port Parallel port Serial port Monitor port Audio input Line in jack Microphone jack Headphone speakers Line out jack Ethernet network jack Voltage switch Case cover shipping thumbscrew Kensingto...

Page 15: ...S 2 keyboard into this port Serial port Plug a serial device such as a digital camera into this port For more information see Installing a printer scanner or other peripheral device on page 34 Monitor...

Page 16: ...h as a digital camcorder into these 4 pin IEEE 1394 ports For more information see Installing a printer scanner or other peripheral device on page 34 Ethernet network jack Plug a 10 100 Ethernet netwo...

Page 17: ...ncludes the following components CD DVD Recordable drive Power button power indicator Diskette drive Zip drive memory card reader optional Diskette eject button USB ports Headphone jack Microphone jac...

Page 18: ...n page 36 Zip drive Use this drive to store larger files on Zip disks For more information see Using the Zip drive on page 38 Memory card reader optional Insert a memory card from a digital camera MP3...

Page 19: ...yboard port PS 2 mouse port Parallel port Serial port USB ports Monitor port Audio jacks Ethernet network jack Voltage switch Case cover shipping thumbscrew Kensington lock slot Monitor port optional...

Page 20: ...erial device such as a digital camera into this port For more information see Installing a printer scanner or other peripheral device on page 34 Monitor port Plug a monitor into this port Audio jacks...

Page 21: ...nstalling a printer scanner or other peripheral device on page 34 Ethernet network jack Plug a 10 100 Ethernet network cable or a device such as a DSL or cable modem for a broadband Internet connectio...

Page 22: ...16 www gateway com Desktop to tower conversion You can convert your case from desktop to tower configuration using the rotating foot included with your system...

Page 23: ...Locating your serial number The label on the side of your computer case contains information that identifies your computer serial number Gateway Technical Support will need this information if you ca...

Page 24: ...r computer includes the product key code for your operating system Finding your specifications For more information about your computer such as memory size memory type and hard drive size visit Gatewa...

Page 25: ...expensive but they print much faster than inkjet printers Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are printing large documents Storage Devices If you need additional storage space or...

Page 26: ...le power supplies A standby uninterruptible power supply UPS protects your computer from data loss during a total power failure A UPS uses a battery to keep your computer running temporarily during a...

Page 27: ...Getting Started Using your computer safely Protecting your computer from power source problems Turning your computer on and off Adjusting the volume Connecting the modem and network Installing periph...

Page 28: ...re on your screen and light shining directly into your eyes Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains on windows and by installing a glare screen filter on your monitor Use soft indirect lighting...

Page 29: ...r use a footrest to distribute your weight evenly on the chair and relieve pressure on the back of your thighs Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower curve of your spine You can use a p...

Page 30: ...nd peripheral devices The voltage selection for your location is typically set at the factory Use the power selection switch on the back of your computer to set the power supply to 115V or 230V To ver...

Page 31: ...ateway com To set the voltage selection switch Use a tool such as an opened paper clip to slide the voltage selection switch to the correct voltage position Micro Tower Mid Tower Voltage switch Voltag...

Page 32: ...ripheral devices such as printers or scanners and see the documentation that came with the device for setup instructions Important Your computer has a built in variable speed fan In addition your comp...

Page 33: ...luded on your hard drive To access this guide click Start All Programs then click Gateway Documentation Warning When you turn off your computer certain components in the power supply and system board...

Page 34: ...Press CTRL ALT DEL The Task Manager window opens 2 Click the Applications tab then click the program that is not responding 3 Click End Task 4 Click X in the top right corner of the Windows Task Mana...

Page 35: ...nt or to the end of a document Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK CAPS LOCK or SCROLL LOCK keys are activated Press the corresponding key to activate the function Windows keys Press one of these keys to...

Page 36: ...he end of a document Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK CAPS LOCK or SCROLL LOCK keys are activated Press the corresponding key to activate the function Windows keys Press this key to open the Windows S...

Page 37: ...rn off all sound My Documents Opens the My Documents folder You can customize this button to open another program Help Open online help You can customize this button to open another program E mail Ope...

Page 38: ...a standard telephone line To connect the modem 1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on the back of your computer 2 Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack...

Page 39: ...t Your computer is equipped with a built in Ethernet port For information about setting up a wired or wireless Ethernet network see Networking Your Computer on page 85 Tips Tricks You can use your com...

Page 40: ...ize such a device whenever you plug it into the appropriate port When you use an IEEE 1394 or USB device for the first time your computer will prompt you to install any software the device needs After...

Page 41: ...Chapter 4 35 Using Drives and Ports Using the diskette drive Using the Zip drive Using the memory card reader Using CD or DVD drives...

Page 42: ...kette drive uses 3 5 inch diskettes sometimes called floppy disks Diskettes are useful for storing files or transferring files to another computer Micro Tower Mid Tower Diskette slot Eject button Acti...

Page 43: ...he left if using your Micro Tower case vertically 2 To access a file on the diskette click Start then click My Computer Double click the drive letter for example the A drive then double click the file...

Page 44: ...transfer files between computers if both computers have internal Zip drives or if you have one external portable Zip drive To use a Zip disk 1 Insert the Zip disk into the Zip drive with the label fa...

Page 45: ...ntation that came with your computer for specific information on supported memory card types Memory card types The memory card reader supports some or all of the following card types Secure Digital Mu...

Page 46: ...urn off the computer while the card reader access indicator is blinking You could lose data Also remove the card from the reader before you turn off the computer Important Do not use the remove hardwa...

Page 47: ...ms playing audio CDs and accessing data CD RW drive Installing programs playing audio CDs accessing data and creating CDs DVD CD RW drive Installing programs playing audio CDs accessing data creating...

Page 48: ...to close the tray Important Some music CDs have copy protection software You may not be able to play these CDs on your computer Important When you place a single sided disc in the tray make sure that...

Page 49: ...burning program on your computer to copy tracks from a music CD to your hard drive copy or create data CDs and DVDs create music CDs create video DVDs and more Tips Tricks For more information about p...

Page 50: ...44 www gateway com...

Page 51: ...intaining Your Computer Caring for your computer Updating Windows Protecting your computer from viruses Cleaning your computer Restoring your system Opening the computer case Adding memory and replaci...

Page 52: ...puter for an extended period of time unplug AC power Updating Windows Windows Update is the online extension of Windows that helps you to keep your computer up to date Use Windows Update to choose upd...

Page 53: ...m to check files and programs that are on diskettes attached to e mail messages or downloaded from the Internet Checking all programs for viruses before installing them Disabling macros on suspicious...

Page 54: ...in the Scan for Viruses area then under Actions click Scan To remove a virus 1 If Norton AntiVirus finds a virus follow all on screen instructions to remove the virus 2 Turn off your computer and leav...

Page 55: ...air that has a narrow straw like extension Cotton swabs A CD or DVD drive cleaning kit Cleaning the exterior Always turn off your computer and other peripherals before cleaning any components Use a d...

Page 56: ...ard does not work after it dries you may need to replace it Cleaning the monitor To clean an LCD or flat panel display monitor use a soft cloth and water to clean the LCD screen Squirt a little water...

Page 57: ...the bottom of the mouse counter clockwise then remove the retaining ring and mouse ball 3 Remove any dust lint or dirt from the mouse ball with a soft cloth 4 Clean the mouse rollers with a cotton sw...

Page 58: ...CDs or DVDs that you created the Restore CDs or DVD that shipped with your computer or they are available on the hard drive If you need to restore your computer to the original configuration you can...

Page 59: ...from their antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them Do not lay components on the outside of antistatic bags because only the inside of the bags provide electrostatic protection Always hold...

Page 60: ...esidual power from your computer 4 If your case cover has a case cover shipping thumbscrew installed on the back of the case remove the screw For information about the location of the screw see Back o...

Page 61: ...55 www gateway com 7 Lift the side panel up 8 Lift the side panel away from the case...

Page 62: ...ll of the internal cables are arranged inside the case so they will not be pinched when you close the case 2 Align the door tabs into the case notches 3 Swing the side panel toward the case until the...

Page 63: ...make sure that you install the correct type of memory module for your computer Your computer uses DIMM memory To install or replace DIMM memory 1 Open the case by following the instructions in Openin...

Page 64: ...the module firmly into the bank The tabs on the sides of the memory module should secure the memory module automatically When the module is secure you hear a click 5 Close the case by following the in...

Page 65: ...d to install the new battery the same way 4 While pushing down on the battery release tab place the edge of a small flat head screwdriver under the battery and lift the battery up until it pops out of...

Page 66: ...t the power cord and modem network and all peripheral device cables 3 Press the power button to drain any residual power from your computer 4 Remove the two thumbscrews on the back of the case 5 Pull...

Page 67: ...anel toward the case until it is flush with the side of the case 4 Replace the thumbscrews 5 Reconnect the cables and power cord Removing the front bezel Some upgrading procedures may require you to r...

Page 68: ...62 www gateway com 3 Position the computer where you can grasp the front bottom edge of the bezel then pull the bezel out and away from the case...

Page 69: ...63 www gateway com To replace the front bezel 1 Align the latch pins with the computer latch holes 2 Press the bezel firmly into place...

Page 70: ...memory 1 Open the case by following the instructions in Opening the case on page 60 2 Find the memory module banks on your system board 3 If you are removing a DIMM from the memory module bank gently...

Page 71: ...is shown at the bottom of the System Properties dialog box in the General tab Replacing the system battery If the computer clock does not keep time or the settings in the BIOS Setup utility are not sa...

Page 72: ...the battery up until it pops out of the socket 5 Make sure that the positive side of the new battery is facing up then press the battery into the socket until it snaps into place 6 Close the case by...

Page 73: ...Chapter 6 67 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting typical hardware and software problems...

Page 74: ...surge protector make sure that it is turned on If a peripheral device such as a keyboard or mouse does not work make sure that all connections are secure Make sure that your hard drive is not full If...

Page 75: ...Try a different disc Occasionally discs are flawed or become scratched and cannot be read by the CD or DVD drive If you are trying to play a DVD make sure that you have a DVD drive To identify your dr...

Page 76: ...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 Shut down and restart your computer Clean the disc For more info...

Page 77: ...checking on the diskette For more information see Checking the hard drive for errors in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive To access this guide click Start All Programs the...

Page 78: ...the drive If the light stays on try restarting your computer DVD drives See CD or DVD drives on page 69 File management A file was accidentally deleted If a file was deleted while holding down the SH...

Page 79: ...ing program For instructions on fixing hard drive problems see Checking the hard drive for errors in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive To access this guide click Start All...

Page 80: ...nternet connection or your ISP is having technical difficulties Double check the URL or try a different URL If the error message still appears disconnect from the ISP connection and close your browser...

Page 81: ...y failure error message Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard Make sure that a key is not stuck Press each key to loosen a key that might be stuck then restart your computer Liquid spilled...

Page 82: ...ssaging 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 serv...

Page 83: ...nect call your telephone service The telephone line may be too noisy You cannot connect to the Internet The ISP may be having technical difficulties Contact your ISP for technical support See if the m...

Page 84: ...e modem passed diagnostics If no modem information is available a white screen appears with no data or if you get an error such as port already open or the modem has failed to respond the modem did no...

Page 85: ...cable for bent or damaged pins Reinstall the device driver Connect a monitor that you know works to your computer The color is not uniform Make sure that the monitor warms up for at least 30 minutes b...

Page 86: ...monitor documentation or turn off your computer and monitor leave them off for at least a half hour then restart your computer Change the display settings Move the monitor away from sources of electr...

Page 87: ...password Power Your computer will not turn on Make sure that your power cord is connected correctly to your computer If your computer is plugged into a surge protector make sure that the surge protec...

Page 88: ...rdware 2 Click Double click the Printers and Faxes icon The Printers and Faxes window opens 3 Right click the name of the printer you want to be the default printer then click Set as Default Printer R...

Page 89: ...s Make sure that the speakers are turned on Make sure that the volume controls are turned up For more information see Adjusting the volume on page 32 Make sure that mute controls are turned off For mo...

Page 90: ...84 www gateway com...

Page 91: ...Chapter 7 85 Networking Your Computer Introducing networking Creating an Ethernet network Testing your network Sharing your resources Troubleshooting your Ethernet network...

Page 92: ...py files from computer to computer by copying and pasting or dragging and dropping You will no longer waste your time transferring files by using recordable media In addition you can map a drive on a...

Page 93: ...h your computer is as important as network speed Your computer has wireless Ethernet for networking Using a wireless Ethernet network A wireless Ethernet network is ideal for creating a home or office...

Page 94: ...wireless Ethernet is already installed on your computers on page 91 Important Note any antenna placement constraints in the user guide of each type of wireless device in your network Network Type Spe...

Page 95: ...ontrol point for the network Attached to the access point is the cable or DSL modem that provides access to the Internet Each of the computers or Ethernet ready devices communicate with the access poi...

Page 96: ...net connection optional Tips Tricks To add the ability to access a wired Ethernet network to your wireless Ethernet network connect an access point to the router or use a router that has a built in ac...

Page 97: ...2 11b and IEEE 802 11g All wireless Ethernet components must use the same frequency A combination of IEEE 802 11a and IEEE 802 11b or IEEE 802 11a and IEEE 802 11g components will not work Some wirele...

Page 98: ...offices around the world and can be used to build computer networks in the home Ethernet Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet Ethernet is available at three different speeds Standard Ethernet runs at 10...

Page 99: ...he Internet Equipment you need for a router based wired Ethernet network For a wired Ethernet network you need Two or more computers with Ethernet jacks One router One broadband Internet connection op...

Page 100: ...s on the computers that do not have Ethernet already installed To order wired or wireless Ethernet PCI or PC cards visit the Accessories Store at accessories gateway com Use the documentation that com...

Page 101: ...sers on the network Use a computer name of up to 15 characters with no blank spaces Each computer name must be unique on your network All numeric computer names are not allowed Names must contain some...

Page 102: ...arily assign an IP address to a computer on the network IP Address Internet Protocol IP address is a number that uniquely identifies a computer on the network Subnet Mask Subnet mask is a number that...

Page 103: ...N connection setup click Create a new connection and follow the instructions in the New Connection Wizard 4 Click to select the Internet Protocol TCP IP check box in the This connection uses the follo...

Page 104: ...the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box 10 Click X to close the Network Connections window 11 Repeat this procedure for every computer on your network Where to go from here If you are setting...

Page 105: ...uctions in Setting up a network using a router on page 106 then go to Step 7 OR If you are not connecting any wired devices to your wireless access point router go to Step 2 2 Plug one end of a straig...

Page 106: ...ill not be able to connect to your network without knowing the name of your access point Channel In the United States you can specify any channel between 1 and 11 WEP To use WEP wired equivalent priva...

Page 107: ...Network and Internet Connections The Network and Internet Connections window opens 2 Click Double click Network Connections The Network Connections window opens 3 Right click the Wireless Network Con...

Page 108: ...s those used by the access point To configure computer settings with WEP security for an access point wireless Ethernet network 1 With the Wireless Network Connection window open click Change advanced...

Page 109: ...k key and Confirm network key boxes to match those set on the access point OR If the WEP network key is provided automatically then leave the check mark selected in The key is provided for me automati...

Page 110: ...ly happens when you set the access point s Allow Broadcast SSID to associate to No For more information see Configuring the access point on page 99 To manually add an access point wireless Ethernet ne...

Page 111: ...utomatically click to clear The key is provided for me automatically check box then type the network key settings in the Network key and Confirm network key boxes to match those set on the access poin...

Page 112: ...r can assign IP addresses to the computers on the network and can provide firewall protection for your network as well Help and Support For more information about configuring a wireless network click...

Page 113: ...3 Plug one end of a straight through network cable into any numbered port on the router except the WAN port The WAN port is used to connect the router to the DSL or cable modem and is identified by a...

Page 114: ...the following values in the appropriate fields Router Name and Domain Name Check with your ISP to see if entries are required in these fields and if so what entries are required Normally leaving the...

Page 115: ...n Internet connection on page 110 Check all physical cable connections Compare the status lights on the front of the router or access point with the patterns described in the router or access point li...

Page 116: ...rocedure uses the Windows XP New Connection Wizard and Internet Explorer The example screens show those screens that typically appear in the course of using the wizard If your Internet connection diff...

Page 117: ...111 www gateway com 3 Click the Connections tab 4 Click Setup The New Connection Wizard opens 5 Click Next The Network Connection Type screen opens...

Page 118: ...en opens 7 Click Set up my connection manually then click Next The Internet Connection screen opens 8 Click the type of Internet connection you are setting up then click Next 9 Click Finish 10 Repeat...

Page 119: ...es or folders If you want to share a drive or folder use the following instructions To share drives or folders 1 Make sure that each computer on your network has Windows file and printer sharing turne...

Page 120: ...ou have previously enabled remote file access and you want to share a drive or folder with others on the network network sharing click to select the Share this folder on the network check box type a s...

Page 121: ...click Control Panel The Control Panel window opens If your Control Panel is in Category View click Printers and Other Hardware 2 Click Double click the Printers and Faxes icon The Printers and Faxes w...

Page 122: ...es and folders are listed Mapping a network drive After a drive or folder on one computer is mapped as a drive on another computer the contents of the drive or folder can be accessed as if the drive w...

Page 123: ...to copy then browse to the file you want to copy 3 Click the file 4 Click Edit then click Copy 5 Double click the folder where you want to copy the file to click Edit then click Paste Printing files a...

Page 124: ...ormation To access any new network obtain information about the network such as the SSID password key and security settings to use and enter that information See Configuring computer settings for an a...

Page 125: ...number you assign between 0 and 254 The first N should be the same for all computers on your network and the second N should be different for all computers on your network The computer does not recog...

Page 126: ...oint Your wireless Ethernet network is running slower than you expect If your wireless Ethernet network is running slower than you expect you should check your network signal strength If you find the...

Page 127: ...ure that both the WAP and the WLAN in the computer have matching WEP keys You are in a wireless network but no available networks are listed in the Windows XP Wireless Networking utility If the networ...

Page 128: ...122 www gateway com...

Page 129: ...Appendix A 123 Safety Regulatory and Legal Information Safety information Regulatory statements Notices...

Page 130: ...n to install the appropriate outlet If you use an extension cord with this system make sure that the total ampere rating on the products plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the extension c...

Page 131: ...an outlet on a different circuit from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help Compliance Accessories The accessories associated with...

Page 132: ...ipment 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 t...

Page 133: ...ated by the supplier Any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment or equipment malfunctions may give the telecommunications company cause to request the user to disconnect the equipme...

Page 134: ...way com In no event will Gateway be liable for direct indirect special exemplary incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect or omission in this manual even if advised of the possibi...

Page 135: ...y replacing 59 65 bezel removing 61 broadband connection 33 86 95 connecting 10 15 C cable lock 10 14 cable modem 33 89 93 99 106 connecting 10 15 Caps Lock indicator 29 30 cards inserting memory card...

Page 136: ...lel 10 15 power 9 14 power cord 9 14 printer 7 9 10 12 14 15 PS 2 keyboard 9 14 PS 2 mouse 10 14 scanner 7 9 12 14 serial 9 14 side speaker 9 14 S Video TV out 14 telephone 9 14 USB 7 9 12 14 video ca...

Page 137: ...2 faxes troubleshooting 77 files opening shared 117 troubleshooting 72 finding Help and Support topics 3 specifications 18 Firewire port 10 12 15 34 folders sharing 113 function keys 29 30 G game mult...

Page 138: ...of Authenticity 18 LAN IP Address 108 laser printer 19 LCD panel troubleshooting 72 79 lights See indicators line in jack 9 14 line out jack 9 14 lock slot Kensington cable 10 14 M maintaining Micro T...

Page 139: ...10 15 networking games 87 sharing devices 86 sharing drives 86 sharing Internet connections 86 sharing printers 86 streaming audio 86 streaming video 86 New Connection Wizard 110 next button 31 Norton...

Page 140: ...general precautions 124 guidelines for troubleshooting 68 posture 23 reducing eye strain 22 setting up computer 23 static electricity 53 scanner installing 34 screen cleaning 50 troubleshooting 79 Sc...

Page 141: ...ning off computer 7 12 27 28 turning on computer 7 12 26 TV out S Video out jack 14 U uninterruptible power supply UPS 20 24 updating device drivers 46 Norton AntiVirus 47 Windows 46 UPS 20 24 USB por...

Page 142: ...136 www gateway com example 89 frequency 88 speed 88 troubleshooting 120 using 87 workgroup naming 95 working safely 22 Z Zip drive 19 identifying 38 using 38...

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