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CHAPTER

2

5

Checking Out Your

Computer

Front

Back

8512041.book  Page 5  Friday, December 15, 2006  5:08 PM

Summary of Contents for GM5416

Page 1: ...REFERENCEGUIDE 8512041 book Page a Friday December 15 2006 5 08 PM...

Page 2: ...8512041 book Page b Friday December 15 2006 5 08 PM...

Page 3: ...y from 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 16 Connecting a dial up...

Page 4: ...ng an expansion card 47 Replacing the system battery 49 Replacing the system board 51 Chapter 5 Maintaining Your Computer 53 Setting up a maintenance schedule 54 Caring for your computer 54 Cleaning y...

Page 5: ...oard 78 Media Center 79 Memory 82 Memory card reader 82 Modem cable or DSL 83 Modem dial up 83 Monitor 86 Mouse 88 Networks 88 Passwords 88 Power 88 Printer 89 Sound 90 Recovering your system 91 Recov...

Page 6: ...Contents iv Self help 104 Tutoring 105 Training 105 Chapter 7 Legal Notices 107 Index 117 8512041 book Page iv Friday December 15 2006 5 08 PM...

Page 7: ...About This Reference About this guide Accessing the online User Guide Gateway contact information Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity For more information 8512041 book Page 1 Friday December 15 200...

Page 8: ...dress 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 the User...

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 s...

Page 10: ...CHAPTER 1 About This Reference 4 8512041 book Page 4 Friday December 15 2006 5 08 PM...

Page 11: ...CHAPTER2 5 Checking Out Your Computer Front Back 8512041 book Page 5 Friday December 15 2006 5 08 PM...

Page 12: ...store large files onto recordable discs depending on drive type This drive may be a CD recordable CD DVD recordable DVD Blu ray or HD DVD drive For more information about your drive see the online Us...

Page 13: ...microphone into this jack This jack is color coded pink Power button power indicator Press this button to turn the power on or off You can also configure the power button to operate in Standby Resume...

Page 14: ...2 keyboard into this port Telephone jack 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 speak...

Page 15: ...tal 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 configurable for one of the following Headphone...

Page 16: ...on page 27 Audio in side speaker 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 j...

Page 17: ...roadband 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 Adjusting the volume Configu...

Page 18: ...lel 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 leve Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest Keep ventilation...

Page 19: ...s 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 paralle...

Page 20: ...o 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...

Page 21: ...lide the voltage selection switch to the correct voltage position The switch is located on the back of your computer near the power cable connector To see its location see Back on page 8 Caution If yo...

Page 22: ...e to connect to the internet or fax documents To connect the modem 1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on the modem at the back of your computer To see its location see Back on pag...

Page 23: ...r files For more information on using your computer s menus see Using Windows Vista and Customizing Windows in the online User Guide Waking up your computer When you have not used your computer for se...

Page 24: ...omputer press a key on the keyboard or press the power button 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...

Page 25: ...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 pow...

Page 26: ...documentation to find out more about the function key actions Internet buttons Press these buttons to launch your Internet home page search or e mail programs Audio playback buttons Press these button...

Page 27: ...enu 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...

Page 28: ...CAPS LOCK 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 com...

Page 29: ...isplay 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 objec...

Page 30: ...ing the mouse Select an object on the computer display Position the pointer over the object Quickly press and release the left mouse button This is called clicking Start a program or open a file or fo...

Page 31: ...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 20 To adjust the volume from...

Page 32: ...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 game sounds Help Fo...

Page 33: ...the audio jacks 1 Connect your audio device s to the computer audio jack s 2 Click Start then click Control Panel The Control Panel window opens 3 Click Hardware and Sound Sound the Playback tab then...

Page 34: ...ce whenever you plug it into the appropriate port When you use an IEEE 1394 or USB device for the first time your computer will prompt you to install any software the device needs After doing this you...

Page 35: ...color panel Installing memory Replacing the system battery Adding or replacing an optical disc drive Replacing the memory card reader Adding or replacing a hard drive Replacing the heat sink and proc...

Page 36: ...istatic 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 card...

Page 37: ...evice 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 remo...

Page 38: ...front bezel 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in Removing the side panel on page 31 2 Press the three bezel retention tabs then swing the left side of the bezel away from the compu...

Page 39: ...el 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 Pre...

Page 40: ...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...

Page 41: ...ezel 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...

Page 42: ...bs 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 t...

Page 43: ...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 remo...

Page 44: ...he module is secure you hear a click 6 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in Replacing the side panel on page 34 7 Return your computer to its upright position 8 Reconnect the cables...

Page 45: ...o 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...

Page 46: ...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 followi...

Page 47: ...he front bezel on page 32 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 To...

Page 48: ...d previously 7 Plug the cable back 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 b...

Page 49: ...ide panel on page 31 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...

Page 50: ...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 d...

Page 51: ...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 91...

Page 52: ...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 o...

Page 53: ...heat sink fan cable to the system board 11 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in Replacing the side panel on page 34 Adding or replacing an expansion card To add or replace an expan...

Page 54: ...s 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 card connect its cables according to its user...

Page 55: ...hold the F1 key The main menu of the BIOS Setup utility opens 3 Write down all values in the menus and submenus then exit from the utility 4 Shut down your computer Warning Danger of explosion if bat...

Page 56: ...cing up usually the side that the battery type and model number are etched into then press the battery into the socket until it snaps into place 10 Replace the side panel by following the instructions...

Page 57: ...er and data cables from the system board noting their locations and orientation You will reconnect the cables after you install the new board 5 Remove the four screws that secure the power supply to y...

Page 58: ...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...

Page 59: ...g 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 8512041 b...

Page 60: ...mmend that you put it in the original packaging materials Keep your computer away from magnetic fields Magnetic fields can erase data on hard drives Never turn off your computer when the drive indicat...

Page 61: ...rk environments Dust and dirt can clog the internal mechanisms and can lead to permanent damage to the computer Do not block the ventilation fan slots If these slots are blocked your computer may over...

Page 62: ...ts Cleaning the keyboard You should occasionally clean the keyboard to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys To clean the keyboard 1 Use an aerosol can of air with a narrow straw like extension...

Page 63: ...ouse pointer begins moving erratically across the computer screen or becomes difficult to control precisely cleaning the mouse will likely improve its accuracy To clean the mouse Wipe the bottom of th...

Page 64: ...ion see Protecting Your Computer in the online User Guide Using BigFix BigFix monitors your computer for problems and conflicts It automatically gathers information about the latest bugs security aler...

Page 65: ...art 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 Computer...

Page 66: ...ialog 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 Checking the hard drive for errors The Error checking program examine...

Page 67: ...inutes 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 by following the on screen instructions 5 Clic...

Page 68: ...ay 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 a...

Page 69: ...t 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...

Page 70: ...eduler dialog box opens 2 Click Create Basic Task for basic tasks or click Create Task for more complex tasks then follow the on screen instructions to finish setting up and scheduling the task Import...

Page 71: ...w 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 Tool...

Page 72: ...s 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...

Page 73: ...nd 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 search o...

Page 74: ...CHAPTER 5 Maintaining Your Computer 68 8512041 book Page 68 Friday December 15 2006 5 08 PM...

Page 75: ...CHAPTER6 69 Troubleshooting Safety guidelines First steps Troubleshooting Recovering your system Telephone support 8512041 book Page 69 Friday December 15 2006 5 08 PM...

Page 76: ...exact message The message may help Gateway Customer Care in diagnosing and fixing the problem Warning Never remove your computer case cover while your computer is turned on and while the modem cable...

Page 77: ...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...

Page 78: ...sure that the mute controls are turned off For more information see Adjusting the volume on page 25 Make sure that the speaker cables are connected correctly and securely Shut down and restart your c...

Page 79: ...skette or you see the message disk is full or write protected Make sure that the write protection tab on the upper right corner of the diskette is down unprotected Delete unnecessary files on the disk...

Page 80: ...ernet cable is plugged into the Ethernet jack on your computer Make sure that the other end is plugged into a router Make sure that all computers are plugged into a powered electrical outlet and turne...

Page 81: ...hernet 10 Mbps Fast Ethernet 100 Mbps or 10 100 Mbps or Gigabit Ethernet 1000 Mbps or 10 100 1000 Mbps A mixture of Ethernet Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet components will result in your network r...

Page 82: ...ge This may be the result of a defective area on the hard drive To fix hard drive problems run the Error checking program For instructions on fixing hard drive problems see Checking the hard drive for...

Page 83: ...l support for help Make sure that you do not have a problem with your modem For more information Modem dial up on page 83 You see an Unable to locate host message and are unable to browse the Internet...

Page 84: ...nternet 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 informati...

Page 85: ...y 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 Media Center computer a progressive scan display dev...

Page 86: ...cannot display the high resolution of your computer and may shift scramble or scroll the picture For a better picture on a TV display you may need to lower the Media Center screen resolution to 800 60...

Page 87: ...This results in a fuller sharper picture and better display quality for viewing and using the Media Center computer functions The progressive scan picture is also brighter and easier on your eyes You...

Page 88: ...me DVD player You get a Download Error message when the Media Center tries to update the Program Guide You must be connected to the Internet to update the Program Guide Make sure that your Internet ac...

Page 89: ...ephone 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...

Page 90: ...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 telepho...

Page 91: ...modem cable that came with your computer Some telephone cables do not meet cable standards and may cause problems with the connection Shut down and restart your computer Run Windows modem diagnostics...

Page 92: ...k the modem you want to adjust then click Properties 4 Click the Modem tab then adjust the Speaker volume control 5 Click OK twice to close the Phone and Modem Options dialog box Monitor The screen re...

Page 93: ...allows more light to pass through the screen for brighter colors and greater luminescence The damper wire is a critical part of the overall monitor design and does not negatively affect the monitor s...

Page 94: ...debris 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 ne...

Page 95: ...it is connected to the correct 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 p...

Page 96: ...tional memory You see a Printer is out of paper error message After adding paper make sure that the printer is online Most printers have an online offline button that you need to press after adding pa...

Page 97: ...ive 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 dr...

Page 98: ...very Center Preparing for software and device driver recovery You can usually recover your pre installed software and drivers from your hard drive However if you ever re install Windows from the Windo...

Page 99: ...e 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...

Page 100: ...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...

Page 101: ...pplication recovery 3 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 driv...

Page 102: ...ch disc contains a unique set of software and drivers If a recovery disc does not offer the software or driver you need to recover try another disc To recover software and drivers using recovery discs...

Page 103: ...To recover pre installed device drivers click Device driver recovery click the type of driver you want to recover then click Next 3 If the software or driver is not shown on the list and you have a m...

Page 104: ...r system running again Windows automatically creates an additional restore point each day and also each time you install software or device drivers You can also create a restore point manually For ins...

Page 105: ...nt click Next then click Finish A confirmation message box appears 4 Click Yes Your system is restored using the restore point you specified Manually creating a restore point To manually create a rest...

Page 106: ...lick Next The System Properties dialog box opens to the System Protection tab 3 Click Create The Create a restore point dialog box opens 4 Type a description for the restore point such as the date and...

Page 107: ...ecovery starts and the System Recovery Options dialog 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...

Page 108: ...ert the Windows DVD into one of your computer s DVD capable drives then restart your computer 2 When the prompt Press any key to boot from CD or DVD appears press any key on your keyboard A list of va...

Page 109: ...ction of this chapter Have your customer ID serial number and order number available along with a detailed description of your problem including the exact text of any error messages and the steps you...

Page 110: ...nd 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...

Page 111: ...eway Learning Libraries A variety of courses and tutorials are available on CD Select from several easy to use learning libraries www gateway com training Online Trainingfrom Learn With Gateway More t...

Page 112: ...CHAPTER 6 Troubleshooting 106 8512041 book Page 106 Friday December 15 2006 5 08 PM...

Page 113: ...AppendixA 107 Legal Notices Important safety information Regulatory compliance statements Environmental information Notices 8512041 book Page 107 Friday December 15 2006 5 08 PM...

Page 114: ...providedfor ventilation Do not block or cover these openings Make sure you provide adequate space at least 6 inches 15 cm around the system for ventilation when you set up your work area Never insert...

Page 115: ...cables and modem cables from the wall outlets before cleaning the system Unplug the system from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified personnel if The power cord or plug is damaged Liquid h...

Page 116: ...eparation between the equipment and receiver Connectthe equipmenttoanoutletonadifferentcircuitfromthattowhichthereceiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help...

Page 117: ...ervice Connection to party line service is subject to state tariffs Contact the state public utility commission or public service commission for information When programming or making test calls to em...

Page 118: ...ponents are classified as Class 1 Laser Products under a US Department of Health and Human Services DHHS Radiation Performance Standard Should the unit ever need servicing contact an authorized servic...

Page 119: ...ch power lines or circuits Warning When installing or realigning an outside antenna system extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits Contact with them could be fa...

Page 120: ...nderstanding and using the energy saving features of this product where applicable recycling the inner and outer packaging including shipping containers this product was delivered in and by disposing...

Page 121: ...istered trademarks of their respective companies Macrovision statement If your computer has a DVD compatible drive and an analog TV Out port the following paragraph applies This product incorporates c...

Page 122: ...Appendix A Legal Notices 116 8512041 book Page 116 Friday December 15 2006 5 08 PM...

Page 123: ...l removing 32 replacing 33 Blu ray 6 broadband connection connecting 10 buttons See keys and buttons C cable modem 16 connecting 10 Caps Lock indicator 21 22 cards adding expansion 47 replacing expans...

Page 124: ...USB 7 9 video camera 7 9 Zip drive 7 9 Customer Service Accounting 104 Sales 104 Warranty 104 D default printer 89 defragmenting hard drive 62 deleting files and folders 60 digital audio out 9 digita...

Page 125: ...ormation 3 H hard drive adding 43 backing up files 63 checking for errors 60 checking for free space 59 defragmenting 62 deleting files and folders 60 replacing 43 scanning for errors 60 troubleshooti...

Page 126: ...ouse 57 defragmenting 62 deleting files 60 suggested schedule 54 using Scheduled Task Wizard 64 memory adding 37 installing 37 replacing 37 troubleshooting 82 memory card reader locating 6 replacing 4...

Page 127: ...7 source problems 14 Standby Resume 7 troubleshooting 88 turning off computer 18 turning on computer 17 power button 7 printer default 89 installing 28 parallel port 9 troubleshooting 89 USB port 7 9...

Page 128: ...d troubleshooting 103 Technical Support 104 tips before contacting 102 tutorial service 104 telephone support 102 training CD 105 classroom 105 Gateway Learning Libraries 105 Learn With Gateway 105 tr...

Page 129: ...ly UPS 14 updating Windows 58 UPS 14 USB port 7 9 28 V volume adjusting 25 adjusting modem 86 controls 25 muting 25 troubleshooting 90 W Windows key 21 22 Windows Media Center troubleshooting 79 Windo...

Page 130: ...124 Index 8512041 book Page 124 Friday December 15 2006 5 08 PM...

Page 131: ...8512041 book Page 125 Friday December 15 2006 5 08 PM...

Page 132: ...MAN GERSHWIN HW REF GDE R1 12 06 8512041 Back fm Page 126 Monday December 18 2006 9 37 AM...

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