eMachines EL1200 Reference Manual
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eMachines EL1200 Reference Manual

Emachines el1200: reference guide
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Summary of Contents for eMachines EL1200

  • Page 1 Computer Reference Guide...

  • Page 3: Safety Instructions

    Information for your safety and comfort Safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Turning the product off before cleaning Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
  • Page 4 Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power outlet that is not properly grounded may result in electric shock and/or injury. Note: The grounding pin also provides good protection from unexpected noise produced by other nearby electrical devices that may interfere with the performance of this product.

  • Page 5: Disposal Instructions

    Disposal instructions Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding. To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protection of the global environment, please recycle. Mercury advisory For projectors or electronic products containing an LCD/CRT monitor or display: Lamp(s) inside this product contain mercury and must be recycled or disposed of according to local, state or federal laws.
  • Page 6 Note: The statement above is applicable only to eMachines system with an ENERGY STAR sticker. As an ENERGY STAR partner, eMachines Inc. has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. This product has been shipped enabled for power management: •...

  • Page 7: Finding Your Comfort Zone

    Finding your comfort zone Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort. Observe the following tips: • refrain from staying too long in one fixed posture •...
  • Page 8 Eyes • Rest your eyes frequently. • Give your eyes regular breaks by looking away from the monitor and focusing on a distant point. • Blink frequently to keep your eyes from drying out. Display • Keep your display clean. •...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Contents Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer . . . 1 About this guide ......2 Front .
  • Page 10 First steps ........26 Troubleshooting ......27 Add-in cards .

  • Page 11: Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer

    Chapter 1 Checking Out Your Computer...

  • Page 12: About This Guide

    Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer About this guide This guide includes information and maintenance instructions that are specific to your model of computer. Some illustrations in this guide may look different than your computer because hardware options and port locations may vary.

  • Page 13: Back

    Back Important Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this illustration. Component Icon Kensington lock slot Voltage switch Power connector PS/2 keyboard port Monitor (VGA) port USB ports Microphone jack (pink plug) Headphone/analo g speakers jack (green plug) -OR- Front speakers jack...
  • Page 14 Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer Component Icon Center/subwoofer jack (orange plug) (optional) Surround L/R speaker jack (black plug) Audio in/side speaker jack (blue plug) -OR- Side speaker jack ESATA port (optional) ESATA Serial port (optional) HDMI port (optional) HDMI Description Plug your center speaker and subwoofer into this jack.

  • Page 15: Chapter 2: Setting Up And Getting Started

    Chapter 2 Setting Up and Getting Started...

  • Page 16: Working Safely And Comfortably

    Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Working safely and comfortably Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain: • • • • Hands and arms are parallel to the floor Feet are flat on the floor...

  • Page 17: Reducing Eye Strain

    Reducing eye strain Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the monitor screen or shine directly into your eyes. Setting up your computer desk and chair When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make sure that the desk is the appropriate height and the chair helps you maintain good posture.

  • Page 18: Sitting At Your Computer

    Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started • • • • • • Sitting at your computer • • • • 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.

  • Page 19: Avoiding Discomfort And Injury From Repetitive

    Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain Preparing power connections Protecting from power source problems Warning High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord and the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge protector. If you have a telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a modem jack.

  • Page 20: Checking The Voltage Selection

    Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Checking the voltage selection Caution If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system will be damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location before turning on your computer. In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115 volts at 60 Hz.

  • Page 21: Connecting To A Broadband Modem Or Network

    Connecting to a broadband modem or network Important Your computer may be equipped with a built-in Ethernet (network) jack. For information about setting up a wired or wireless Ethernet network. You can connect your computer to a cable or DSL ( Ethernet network.

  • Page 22: Starting Your Computer

    Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Starting your computer To start your computer: Important Your computer has a built-in, variable-speed fan. In addition, your computer uses a powerful processor which produces heat and has its own cooling fan. Both the system fan and processor fan can run at different speeds at times to ensure correct system cooling.

  • Page 23: Waking Up Your Computer

    Waking up your computer When you have not used your computer for several minutes, it may enter a power-saving mode called the power indicator on the power button flashes. If your computer is in Standby mode, move the mouse, press a key on the keyboard, or press the power button to “wake”...

  • Page 24: Restarting (Rebooting) Your Computer

    Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Restarting (rebooting) your computer If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, you may need to restart (reboot) your computer. Using the keyboard The keyboard has several different types of keys and buttons.

  • Page 25: Standard Keyboard

    Standard keyboard Function keys Windows keys Feature Icon Editing buttons Function keys Audio playback buttons Internet buttons Navigation keys Indicators Navigation Indicators keys Directional Application keys Description Press these buttons to copy, cut, and paste. Press these keys to start program actions. Each program uses different function keys for different purposes.
  • Page 26 Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Feature Icon Windows keys Application key Directional keys Numeric keypad Description 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).

  • Page 27: Using The Mouse

    Using the mouse Right button Scroll wheel Left button mouse is a device that controls the pointer movement on the computer display. This illustration shows the standard mouse. pointer As you move the mouse, the (arrow) on the display moves in the same direction.
  • Page 28 Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started You can use the mouse to select objects on the display. You can use the through a document. This feature is not available in all programs. To... Do this... Move the pointer on the computer display Select an...

  • Page 29: Using Optical Drives

    Using optical drives Features Your optical drive has the following basic components: Loading an optical disc 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.
  • Page 30 Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started If your optical drive has this logo... RECORDER Your drive Use your drive for... type is... DVD/CD-RW Installing programs, playing audio CDs, accessing data, creating CDs, and playing DVDs. Installing programs, playing audio CDs, playing DVDs, and accessing data.
  • Page 31 If your optical drive has this logo... Your drive Use your drive for... type is... 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...

  • Page 32: Adjusting The Volume

    Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Adjusting the volume You can adjust volume using your speakers’ controls or the Windows volume controls. You can also adjust the volume of specific sound devices in your computer. To adjust the overall volume using hardware controls: •...

  • Page 33: Configuring The Audio Jacks

    Configuring the audio jacks If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, they are universal jacks. This means that they can be used for more than one purpose. For example, the blue jack on the computer can be a stereo in jack or a stereo out jack. To use the audio jacks for something other than the default audio device, you need to configure the audio jacks.

  • Page 34: Installing A Printer, Scanner, Or Other Device

    Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started Installing a printer, scanner, or other device Important Before you install a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device, see the device documentation and installation instructions. Your computer has one or more of the following ports: IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire parallel.

  • Page 35: Chapter 3 Troubleshooting

    Chapter 3 Troubleshooting...

  • Page 36: Safety Guidelines

    Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Safety guidelines While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines: Warning Never remove your computer case cover 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.

  • Page 37: Troubleshooting

    then click Help and Support. Type troubleshooting in the Search box, then press E Troubleshooting Troubleshooting topics are listed in alphabetical order. 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 •...

  • Page 38: Ethernet

    Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Ethernet You cannot see the other computers on your network Make sure that your Ethernet 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 •...

  • Page 39: Expansion Cards

    Your Ethernet network is running slower than you expect If your Ethernet network is running slower than • you expect, check the speed of each Ethernet component. For best results, all Ethernet components should be standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100 Mbps), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000 Mbps).

  • Page 40: Hard Drive

    Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Hard drive You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive • using Disk Cleanup. Start, then click Help and Support. Type file management in the Search box, then press E Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the •...

  • Page 41: Internet

    You see a “Non-system disk” or “disk error” error message Your hard drive may have become damaged. • Internet See also “Modem (dial-up)” on page You cannot connect to the Internet If you are using a dial-up modem, make sure that •...

  • Page 42: Keyboard

    Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Connecting to a Web site takes too long Many factors can affect Internet performance: The condition of the telephone lines in your • residence or at your local telephone service The condition of the Internet computers to which •...

  • Page 43: Memory

    Liquid spilled in the keyboard If you spilled liquid in the keyboard, turn off your • computer and unplug the keyboard. Clean the keyboard and turn it upside down to drain it. Let the keyboard dry before using it again. If the keyboard does not work after it dries, you may need to replace it.

  • Page 44: Modem (Dial-Up)

    Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Modem (dial-up) See also “Internet” on page Your modem does not dial or does not connect Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into • the modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. See your setup poster to make sure that the connections have been made correctly.
  • Page 45 Disconnect any answering machine, fax machine, • or printer that is on the same line as the modem. Do not connect these devices to the same telephone line as the modem. Make sure that you are not using a digital, •...
  • Page 46 Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates over public telephone lines to 53K. Other factors, such as line noise, telephone service provider equipment, or ISP limitations, may lower the speed even further.
  • Page 47 Click your modem, then click Properties. The dialog box opens. Click the Diagnostic tab, then click Query Modem. If information about the modem appears, the modem passed diagnostics. If no modem information is available, a white screen appears with no data, or if you get an error such as open respond...

  • Page 48: Monitor

    Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Monitor The screen resolution is not correct Change the screen resolution from the • Settings The computer is running but there is no picture Make sure that the monitor is plugged in and • turned on. If the monitor is turned on, the power LED should be lit.

  • Page 49: Mouse

    Mouse The mouse does not work Make sure that the mouse cable is plugged in • correctly. Shut down and restart your computer. • Remove all extension cables and switch boxes. • Try a mouse you know is working to make sure •...

  • Page 50: Optical Disc Drives

    Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Optical disc 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 •...

  • Page 51: Passwords

    A DVD movie will not play Make sure that you have a DVD drive. To identify • your drive type, see “Identifying optical drive types” on page 19. Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then • try again. Try a different disc.

  • Page 52: Printer

    Chapter 3: Troubleshooting If your computer is plugged into a surge • protector, make sure that the surge protector is connected securely to an electrical outlet, turned on, and working correctly. To test the outlet, plug a working device, such as a lamp, into the outlet and turn it on.
  • Page 53 Right-click the printer you want to be the default printer, then click Set as Default Printer. Reinstall the printer driver. See the guide that • came with your printer for instructions on installing the printer driver. You see a “Printer queue is full” error message Make sure that the printer is not set to work •...

  • Page 54: Sound

    Problem solving may also involve reinstalling some or all of the computer’s software (also called system). eMachines provides everything you need to recover your system under most conditions. Caution To prepare your computer for additional system recovery options, you should create a set of recovery discs as soon as possible.
  • Page 55 Perform minor fixes. If only one or two items of software or hardware have stopped working correctly, the problem may be solved by reinstalling the software or the device drivers. To recover software and drivers that were pre-installed at the factory, see “Recovering pre-installed software and drivers”...

  • Page 56: Creating Recovery Discs

    Windows operating system and factory-loaded software and drivers. To reinstall using discs, you must create the set of recovery discs beforehand. To create recovery discs: Click eMachines Recovery Management. Recovery Management (Start), All Programs, eMachines, then click opens. eMachines...
  • Page 57 To create recovery discs for the hard drive’s entire original contents, including Windows Vista and all factory-loaded software and drivers, click Create factory default disc. - OR - To create recovery discs for only the factory-loaded software and drivers, click Create driver and application backup disc.

  • Page 58: Recovering Pre-Installed Software And Drivers

    If you are recovering from your driver and application recovery disc, insert it into the disc drive, then go to Step 3 after the Application Recovery come pre-installed on your (Start), All Programs, eMachines, then click opens. main menu opens. eMachines eMachines...

  • Page 59: Returning To A Previous System Condition

    For more information about using Microsoft System Restore, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type windows system restore in the Search Help box, then press E eMachines Application main menu opens. for the item you want . In most cases of hard-to-resolve...
  • Page 60 Chapter 3: Troubleshooting To return to a restore point: Click Maintenance, then click Backup and Restore Center. Backup and Restore Center On the left side of the window, click Repair Windows using System Restore, then click Next. The Choose a restore point Click the restore point you want, click Next, then click Finish.

  • Page 61: Returning Your System To Its Factory Condition

    To reinstall Windows Vista and all pre-installed software and drivers: Click eMachines Recovery Management. Recovery Management Click the Restore tab, then click Restore system to factory default. The opens. “Recovering from your recovery (Start), All Programs, eMachines, then click opens. Confirm Restoration eMachines dialog box...
  • Page 62 Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard drive. Click Next to continue. Your hard drive’s original, factory-loaded contents are recovered. This process will take several minutes. eMachines Recovery screen shows you its progress. eMachines Recovery opens. +F10...
  • Page 63 Recovering from your recovery discs To reinstall Windows Vista and all pre-installed software and drivers: Turn on your computer, insert the first system recovery disc into your optical disc drive, then restart your computer. Caution Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard drive.

  • Page 64: Telephone Support

    If you did not purchase the hardware or software from eMachines, see the manufacturer’s documentation and technical support resources. If you have “how to” questions about using a •...

  • Page 65: Self-Help

    Self-help If you have eMachines-supplied hardware or software, see the following resources: The printed or online documentation that came • with your hardware or software. In many cases, additional product information and online documentation for eMachines-supplied hardware can be found in our Web site’s Documentation Library.
  • Page 66 Chapter 3: Troubleshooting...

  • Page 67: Appendix A: Regulations And Safety Notices

    Appendix A Regulations and safety notices...

  • Page 68: Fcc Notice

    Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices FCC notice 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.

  • Page 69: Declaration Of Conformity For Eu Countries

    Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Declaration of Conformity for EU countries Hereby, eMachines, declares that this PC series is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. Compliant with Russian regulatory certification...

  • Page 70: Notice For Australia

    Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices List of applicable countries EU member states as of May 2004 are: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta.

  • Page 71: Laser Compliance Statement

    Use of pulse dialing, when this equipment is connected to the same line as other equipment, may give rise to bell tinkle or noise and may also cause a false answer condition. Should such problems occur, the user should NOT contact the telecom Fault Service.

  • Page 72: Radio Device Regulatory Notice

    Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited. Radio device regulatory notice Note: Below regulatory information is for models with wireless LAN and/or Bluetooth only.

  • Page 73: The Fcc Rf Safety Requirement

    List of applicable countries EU member states as of May 2004 are: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta. Usage allowed in the countries of European Union, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
  • Page 74 Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices...

  • Page 75: Index

    Index AC power connector activity indicators indicators application key arrow keys audio audio in jack center speaker jack configuring jacks front speaker jack headphone jack line in jack line out jack microphone jack muting rear speaker jack side speaker jack subwoofer jack audio in jack audio playback buttons...
  • Page 76 DVD troubleshooting DSL modem connecting drive inserting troubleshooting DVD drive identifying See also optical drive troubleshooting editing buttons eMachines Recovery Center re-installing drivers re-installing programs re-installing software V08A1 Index ergonomics Ethernet jack Ethernet network connecting jack external audio jack faxes...
  • Page 77 jacks connections keyboard buttons features PS/2 port troubleshooting USB port keys and buttons application arrow audio playback directional editing function Internet mouse navigation numeric Windows LCD panel troubleshooting lights indicators line in jack line out jack memory troubleshooting microphone jack modem cable connecting...
  • Page 78 PS/2 port keyboard mouse rebooting computer recordable drive recovering defaults drivers programs software system Index with eMachines Recovery with Windows System re-installing defaults drivers programs software Windows with eMachines Recovery with Windows System resetting computer restarting computer restoring defaults...
  • Page 79 screen objects getting information moving selecting Scroll Lock indicator scroll wheel shortcut menus accessing shortcuts opening menu shutting down computer software re-installing sound adjusting controls muting speaker jack speakers configuring Standby mode starting computer programs starting computer surge protector technical support tips before contacting telephone support troubleshooting...
  • Page 80 Index wired Ethernet troubleshooting working safely Zip drive port...
  • Page 82 MU.NAE00.001 MAN EBOXER HW REF EN...

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