Gateway GM5688E Reference Manual
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Gateway GM5688E Reference Manual

Gateway desktop computer reference guide
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REFERENCEGUIDE
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Summary of Contents for Gateway GM5688E

  • Page 1 REFERENCEGUIDE ®...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Accessing the online User Guide ......2 Gateway contact information ......3 Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity .
  • Page 4 Creating discs ........27 Using the memory card reader .
  • Page 5 Networks ......... . 90 www.gateway.com...
  • Page 6 Telephone support ........104 Before calling Gateway Customer Care ... . . 104 Telephone numbers .

  • Page 7: Chapter 1: About This Reference

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

  • Page 8: About This Guide

    About this guide This guide includes information and maintenance instructions that are specific to your model of Gateway computer. Some illustrations in this guide may look different than your computer because hardware options and port locations may vary. For all other computer information, see your online User Guide.

  • Page 9: Gateway Contact Information

    Gateway contact information The label on the top of your computer contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number. Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you 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.
  • Page 10 CHAPTER 1: About This Reference...

  • Page 11: Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Computer

    CHAPTER2 Checking Out Your • Front • Back Computer...

  • Page 12: Front

    CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Front Memory card reader DVD/CD drive IEEE 1394/ FireWire™ port Diskette or removable hard drive (optional) Headphone jack Microphone jack Power button/ power indicator USB ports DVD/CD drive (optional) Video jack (optional) Audio left jack (optional) Audio right jack (optional)
  • Page 13 USB ports Video, Audio left, and Audio right jacks (optional) www.gateway.com Description Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other device into the memory card reader. Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install...

  • Page 14: Back

    CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Back Important Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this illustration. Voltage switch Power connector PS/2 keyboard port USB ports S/PDIF jack (optional) Mic jack Headphone/front speaker jack Wireless network antenna (optional) Component Icon Voltage switch...
  • Page 15 IEEE 1394 port Ethernet (network) jack Center/subwoofer jack (orange plug) (optional) www.gateway.com Description Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. For more information, see scanner, or other device” on page...
  • Page 16 CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Component Icon Rear speaker jack (black plug) Audio input (Line in) jack (blue plug) -OR- Side speaker jack Video card (optional) Audio card (optional) TV tuner card Modem jack (optional, not shown) Telephone jack (optional, not shown) Description Plug your rear right and left speakers into...

  • Page 17: Chapter 3: Setting Up And Getting Started

    CHAPTER3 Setting Up and Getting Started • Working safely and comfortably • Preparing power connections • Connecting to a broadband modem or network • Connecting a dial-up modem • Starting your computer • Turning off your computer • Restarting (rebooting) your computer •...

  • Page 18: Working Safely And Comfortably

    CHAPTER 3: 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: • Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor. •...

  • Page 19: Reducing Eye Strain

    • Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower curve of your spine. You can use a pillow or cushion to provide extra back support. www.gateway.com...

  • Page 20: Sitting At Your Computer

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Sitting at your computer • Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type. • Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your back straight so your knees, hips, and elbows form right angles when you work.

  • Page 21: Checking The Voltage Selection

    To connect to a broadband modem or to an Ethernet network: Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable modem, DSL modem, or network jack. www.gateway.com on the back of your computer.

  • Page 22: Connecting A Dial-Up Modem

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Connecting a dial-up modem Warning To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line cord. Your computer may have a 56K modem that you can use with a standard telephone line to connect to the Internet or fax documents.

  • Page 23: Waking Up Your Computer

    Sleep state is much faster than turning on your computer after it has been turned completely off. To put your computer to sleep: Click saves your session and partially shuts down to save power. www.gateway.com (Start), then click (Start). (power). The computer...

  • Page 24: Restarting (Rebooting) Your Computer

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started To “wake” your computer, press a key on the keyboard or press the power button. If the computer remains in Sleep mode, press the power button. To turn off your computer: Click click Shut Down. The computer turns off. To completely disconnect all power (such as for servicing internal components), also disconnect the power cord.

  • Page 25: Using The Keyboard

    Editing buttons Function keys Internet buttons Audio playback buttons Navigation keys Indicators www.gateway.com Audio playback buttons Navigation keys Application key Directional 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: Elite Multimedia Keyboard Features

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Feature Icon Windows keys Application key Directional keys Numeric keypad Elite multimedia keyboard features The keyboard has several different types of keys and buttons. Your keyboard also has status indicators that show which keyboard feature is active.
  • Page 27 Indicators Windows keys Application key Editing buttons Navigation keys Numeric keypad www.gateway.com Description Press this button to activate your computer’s Sleep (power-saving) mode. Press these keys to start program actions. Each program uses different function keys for different purposes. See the program documentation to find out more about the function key actions.

  • Page 28: Using The Mouse

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Using the mouse Scroll wheel Left button The mouse is a device that controls the pointer movement on 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.
  • Page 29 “Customizing” chapter in your online User Guide. For instructions on how to clean the mouse, see www.gateway.com Move the mouse around. If you reach the edge of your mouse pad and need to move the...

  • Page 30: Using Optical Drives

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Using optical drives Features Your optical drive has the following basic components: Loading an optical disc To insert an optical disc: Press the eject button on the optical disc drive. 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 31: Identifying Optical Drive Types

    Press the drive’s eject button, then Look on the front of the drive’s disc tray for one or more of the following logos: If your optical drive has this logo... www.gateway.com Your drive type Use your drive for... is... Installing programs, playing audio CDs, and accessing data.

  • Page 32: Playing Discs

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started If your optical drive has this logo... RECORDER Playing discs Playing a CD Important Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs on your computer. A standard compact disc (CD) can hold an entire album of digital songs and can be played on a CD player or your computer’s CD drive.

  • Page 33: Creating Discs

    Playing a DVD A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is similar to a standard CD but has greater data capacity. Because of this increased capacity, full-length movies, several albums of music, or several gigabytes of data can fit on a single disc. DVDs can be played on a DVD player or a DVD drive-equipped computer.

  • Page 34: Using The Memory Card Reader

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Copying optical discs You can copy optical discs to make backups of your data. For more information, see your online User Guide. Using the memory card reader You can use the optional memory card reader to transfer pictures from a digital camera to your computer.

  • Page 35: Using The Diskette Drive

    A: drive), then double-click the file name. To remove the diskette, make sure that the drive activity light is off, then press the eject button. www.gateway.com drive), then double-click the file name. Caution Do not remove the memory card or turn off the computer while...

  • Page 36: Adjusting The Volume

    CHAPTER 3: 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 37 To adjust device volume levels, click Mixer. The Volume Mixer dialog box opens, where you can click and drag sliders for individual devices. Adjust the Windows Sounds slider to change system sounds volume independently of general volume (such as the volume used for music and game sounds).

  • Page 38: Configuring The Audio Jacks

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 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.
  • Page 39 IEEE 1394 and USB ports support plug-and-play and hot-swapping, which means that your computer will usually recognize 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.
  • Page 40 CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started...

  • Page 41: Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer

    Upgrading Your Computer • Preventing static electricity discharge • Opening the case • Closing the case • Replacing the color panel • Installing memory • Adding or replacing an optical disc drive • Replacing the memory card reader • Adding or replacing a hard drive •...

  • Page 42: Preventing Static Electricity Discharge

    CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Preventing static electricity discharge Warning To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer and unplug the power cord and modem and network cables before opening the case. To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent holes of the power supply.

  • Page 43: Removing The Side Panel

    Loosen the two captive thumbscrews on the back edge of the side panel. (These screws cannot be removed.) Slide the side panel toward the back of your computer, then pull the panel away from your computer. www.gateway.com “Preventing static electricity...

  • Page 44: Removing The Front Bezel

    CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Removing the front bezel To remove the front bezel: Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page Press the three bezel retention tabs, then swing the left side of the bezel away from the computer and remove it. Tabs...

  • Page 45: Closing The Case

    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. Press the left side of the bezel firmly until the release tabs snap into place. www.gateway.com Tabs...

  • Page 46: Replacing The Side Panel

    CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Replacing the side panel To replace the side panel: Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged inside the computer so they will not be pinched when you close the computer. Slide the side panel toward the front of the computer until the back of the side panel is flush with the back of the computer.
  • Page 47 Press firmly on the lower left and lower right parts of the color panel to release the panel from the front 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.
  • Page 48 CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Slide the tabs of the new color panel up into the slots on the front bezel. Press firmly on the lower left and lower right parts of the color panel to engage the panel’s internal locking 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...

  • Page 49: Installing Memory

    - OR - If you are adding a DIMM to an empty memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module bank. www.gateway.com...
  • Page 50 CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Align the notches on the new DIMM with the notches on the memory module bank and press the module firmly into the bank. The tabs on the sides of the memory module should secure the memory module automatically.

  • Page 51: Adding Or Replacing An Optical Disc Drive

    You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive. Note any jumper settings on the old drive and set the jumper on the new drive to be the same. www.gateway.com Important The color and shape of your replacement drive’s front cover may Step 8.
  • Page 52 CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Remove the two drive retention screws. Slide the drive forward and out of the drive bay. Slide the new drive into the drive bay, line up the screw holes on the drive bay with the screw holes on the drive, then replace the two drive retention screws.

  • Page 53: Replacing The Memory Card Reader

    Slide the top bezel toward the front of the computer about 3/4 inch, then remove it from your computer. Remove the two screws that secure the card reader to the computer. www.gateway.com Important The color and shape of your replacement card reader’s front cover Screws...
  • Page 54 CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Unplug the cable from the back of the card reader, then slide the card reader toward the front of your computer. Slide the new card reader into place, then secure it with the two screws you removed previously. Plug the cable into the card reader.

  • Page 55: Adding Or Replacing A Hard Drive

    “Removing the side panel” on page Disconnect and label all hard drive cables, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive.) Disconnect the hard drive cage fan cable from the system board. www.gateway.com...
  • Page 56 CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Loosen the captive thumbscrew that secures the hard drive cage to the computer. (This screw cannot be removed.) Remove the hard drive cage from the computer. If you are replacing a drive, remove the screws that secure the hard drive to the hard drive cage, then slide the old hard drive out of the cage.

  • Page 57: Replacing The Heat Sink And Processor

    For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface. Unplug the heat sink fan cable from the system board. www.gateway.com Hard drive cage tabs Step “Recovering your system” on...
  • Page 58 CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Loosen the four captive screws that secure the heat sink and fan assembly to the system board, then remove the assembly and place it on a stable surface with the flat surface of the heat sink (the side with the thermal grease) up.

  • Page 59: Adding Or Replacing An Expansion Card

    If you are replacing an expansion card, disconnect any cables that are attached to the card, noting their locations and orientation. (You may need to reconnect the cables after you install the new card.) Open the card retention lever. www.gateway.com...

  • Page 60: Replacing The System Battery

    CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer If you are replacing an expansion card, remove the old card. You can slightly seesaw the card end-to-end to loosen the card, but do not bend the card sideways. card. Touching the contacts can cause electrostatic damage to the card. Install the new card into the expansion slot.
  • Page 61 To replace the battery: Restart your computer. During the restart, press and hold the F1 key. The main menu of the BIOS Setup utility opens. Write down all values in the menus and submenus, then exit from the utility.

  • Page 62: Replacing The System Board

    CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer Make sure that the positive (+) side of the new battery is facing 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. Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel”...
  • Page 63 Remove the eight system board screws. Lift the system board up and out of the case. Align the new system board on the screw holes in the case, then secure it into the case with the screws. If your replacement system board does not include a...
  • Page 64 CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer...

  • Page 65: Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer

    CHAPTER5 Maintaining Your • Setting up a maintenance schedule • Caring for your computer • Cleaning your computer • Updating Windows • Using BigFix • Managing hard drive space • Scheduling maintenance tasks • Moving from your old computer Computer...

  • Page 66: Setting Up A Maintenance Schedule

    CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Setting up a maintenance schedule Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule. Maintenance task Check for viruses Run Windows Update Manage hard drive space Clean up hard drives Scan hard drive for errors Defragment hard drive Back up files Clean computer case and...

  • Page 67: Caring For Your Computer

    Do not block the ventilation fan slots. If these slots are blocked, your computer may overheat, resulting in unexpected shutdown or permanent damage to the computer. • When storing your computer for an extended period of time, unplug AC power. www.gateway.com...

  • Page 68: Cleaning Your Computer

    CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning your computer Keeping your computer clean and the vents free from dust helps keep your computer performing at its best. You may want to gather these items and put together a computer cleaning kit: •...

  • Page 69: Cleaning The Monitor

    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 clean the mouse: • Wipe the bottom of the mouse with a damp, lint-free cloth. www.gateway.com...

  • Page 70: Cleaning Optical Discs

    CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning optical discs Optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs) get dirty from frequent handling. To clean an optical disc: Wipe from the center to the edge, not around in a circle, using a product made especially for the purpose. Updating Windows Windows Update helps you keep your computer up-to-date.

  • Page 71: Using Bigfix

    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 files. www.gateway.com (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System...

  • Page 72: Checking Hard Drive Space

    CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Checking hard drive space To check hard drive space: Click 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 (Start) then click Computer.

  • Page 73: Deleting Unnecessary Files

    Click to select the types of files you want to delete, then click OK. The types of files you indicated are deleted. unnecessary files, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type disk cleanup in the Search Help box, then press E www.gateway.com Shortcut Start Computer...

  • Page 74: Checking The Hard Drive For Errors

    CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Checking the hard drive for errors The Error-checking program examines the hard drive for physical flaws and file and folder problems. This program corrects file and folder problems and marks flawed areas on the hard drive so Windows does not use them. If you use your computer several hours every day, you probably want to run Error-checking once a week.

  • Page 75: Defragmenting The Hard Drive

    To defragment the hard drive: Disconnect your computer from the network. Click Tools, then click Disk Defragmenter. The Disk Defragmenter dialog box opens. www.gateway.com Help For more information about checking the hard drive for errors, (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System NTER...

  • Page 76: Backing Up Files

    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: Click window opens.

  • Page 77: Scheduling Maintenance Tasks

    Help and Support. Type task scheduler in the Search Help box, then press E www.gateway.com Help For more information about backing up files, click Start, then click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System...

  • Page 78: Moving From Your Old Computer

    CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Moving from your old computer Transferring files and settings automatically You can move your files, folders, software settings, and user account settings (such as display, Internet, and e-mail settings) from your old computer to your new one using Windows Easy Transfer, providing your old computer uses Windows XP or Windows Vista.

  • Page 79: Transferring Files And Settings Manually

    Double-click the Documents or My Documents folder. The My Documents window opens and displays many of your saved personal data files. Copy your personal data files to removable media or to another computer on your network. www.gateway.com (Start), then click Step Step...

  • Page 80: Finding Other Files

    CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer Finding other files Use Windows Find or Search to locate other personal data files. For more information, see “Using Windows” in your online User Guide. You can often identify different data file types by looking at the file’s extension (the part of the file name following the last period).

  • Page 81: Chapter6 Troubleshooting

    CHAPTER6 Troubleshooting • Safety guidelines • First steps • Troubleshooting • Recovering your system • Telephone support...

  • Page 82: Safety Guidelines

    Safety guidelines While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines: 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.

  • Page 83: Troubleshooting

    F2 while your computer restarts. Make sure that the IDE controllers are enabled. • Make sure that the drive is configured correctly by following the instructions in the drive documentation. • Reinstall the device driver. www.gateway.com “Identifying “Cleaning...
  • Page 84 An audio CD does not produce sound • Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again. • Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs on your computer. •...

  • Page 85: Diskette Drive

    Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press NTER • Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible. www.gateway.com “Checking the hard drive for errors” on 64. If errors are detected and corrected, try using “Checking the hard drive for errors” on...

  • Page 86: Display

    The diskette drive LED is lit continuously • Remove the diskette from the drive. If the light stays on, try restarting your computer. Display The screen resolution is not correct • Change the screen resolution from the Display Settings dialog box. For more information, see the “Customizing Windows”...

  • Page 87: Ethernet

    For more information, see the documentation that came with your Ethernet card. • Reseat the card. For more information about opening your computer case, see For more information about your Ethernet card, see the documentation that came with your Ethernet card. www.gateway.com “Opening the case” on page...

  • Page 88: 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 89: Hard Drive

    You see a “Non-system disk” or “disk error” error message • Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press NTER www.gateway.com Help For more information about file management, click Start, then NTER Caution All deleted files will be lost when you empty the Recycle Bin.

  • Page 90: Internet

    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 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 91: Keyboard

    “keyboard stuck” or “key 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. www.gateway.com...

  • Page 92: Media Center

    Media Center mode is available only on Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate versions. To view Media Center troubleshooting information that is not covered in this section, go to the Gateway support Web Site at www.gateway.com. Help For more information about Windows Media Center, click Start, then click Help and Support.
  • Page 93 • Quality of video cables—Poor quality or the incorrect type of video cables can cause problems and affect the video quality. Gateway recommends using high-quality video cables that can be purchased from www.gateway.com. Important Cable connections must be made correctly for optimal video quality.
  • Page 94 S-Video display device and automatically changes the display settings for the type of display device you are using. For more information, see the Gateway support Web site at www.gateway.com. You want to change display settings to get better TV or DVD image quality •...

  • Page 95: Memory

    The memory card reader was temporarily uninstalled using the Remove Hardware icon in the system tray. Reboot your computer, and your card reader will be re-installed. www.gateway.com NTER (Start), type Memory Diagnostic Tool, . Click Restart now and check for...

  • Page 96: Modem (Cable Or Dsl)

    Modem (cable or DSL) My computer cannot connect to the Internet. • Make sure that your modem is connected to the network jack. “Back” on page • See the documentation that came with your modem for additional troubleshooting information. Modem (dial-up) See also “Internet”...
  • Page 97 Click the Dialing Rules tab, click the location from which you are dialing, then click Edit. Make sure that all settings are correct. Help For more information about dialing properties, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword dialing in the Search Help...
  • Page 98 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. If your computer has a v.90 modem, the speed at which you can upload (send) data is limited to 33.6K.

  • Page 99: Monitor

    Click the Modem tab, then adjust the Speaker volume control. Click OK twice to close the Phone and Modem Options dialog box. Monitor “Display” on page www.gateway.com Help For more information about modem troubleshooting, click Start, (Start), then click Control Panel. The NTER...

  • Page 100: 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 that the mouse port works.

  • Page 101: Power

    To set a default printer: Click Control Panel window opens. Click Hardware and Sound, then click the Change Default Printer option under the Printers category. The Printer window opens. www.gateway.com (Start), then click Control Panel. The...
  • Page 102 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 •...

  • Page 103: Sound

    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. Caution To prepare your computer for additional system recovery options, you should create a set of software and driver recovery discs as soon as possible.

  • Page 104: Recovering Pre-Installed Software And Drivers

    You can recover pre-installed software and drivers from a set of recovery discs (you must create the discs) or by using Gateway Recovery Center. CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting “Recovering pre-installed software and 94. For instructions on reinstalling “Using Microsoft System Restore”...
  • Page 105 To create discs for recovering pre-installed software and drivers: Click (Start), All Programs, Gateway Recovery Center, then click Gateway Recovery Center. The Gateway Recovery Center opens. Click Applications and drivers external media, then click Next. The What would you like to do? dialog box opens.
  • Page 106 Insert a blank, recordable disc into a recordable disc drive, then click Next. If an AutoPlay dialog box opens, click the x in the upper-right corner to close it. A dialog box opens that tells you the number of blank discs you need to create a full set of recovery discs.
  • Page 107 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 “Recovering pre-installed software and drivers using recovery discs”...
  • Page 108 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 disc.
  • Page 109 Click Next. 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.

  • Page 110: Using Microsoft System Restore

    Using Microsoft System Restore Microsoft System Restore periodically takes “snapshots” of your system settings and saves them as restore points. In most cases of hard-to-resolve software problems, you can return to one of these restore points to get your system running again. Windows automatically creates an additional restore point each day, and also each time you install software or device drivers.
  • Page 111 On the left side of the window, click Repair Windows using System Restore, then click Next. The Choose a restore point dialog box opens. Click the restore point you want, click Next, then click Finish. A confirmation message box appears.

  • Page 112: Recovering Your System To Its Factory Condition

    On the left side of the window, click Create a restore point or change settings, then click Next. The System Properties dialog box opens to the System Protection tab. Click Create. The Create a restore point dialog box opens. Type a description for the restore point (such as the date and time), then click Create.
  • Page 113 To delete everything on your hard drive and re-install all factory software: If you can still run Windows: Click (Start), All Programs, Gateway Recovery Center, then click Gateway Recovery Center. The Gateway Recovery Center opens. Click Recovery, then click Next. Your computer restarts. If you cannot run Windows: Turn on or restart your computer.

  • Page 114: Recovering Your System Using The Windows Dvd

    Click Yes, then click Next. The Factory image recovery window opens, which shows you the progress of the system recovery. When recovery is finished, the Recovery is complete window opens. Click Finish, then click Restart. Your computer restarts in its original factory condition. You still need to reinstall any software that was not pre-installed on your computer.

  • Page 115: Telephone Support

    If you have recently installed hardware or software, make sure that you have installed it according to the instructions provided with it. If you did not purchase the hardware or software from Gateway, see the manufacturer’s documentation and technical support resources.

  • Page 116: Telephone Numbers

    Telephone numbers Gateway offers a wide range of customer service, Customer Care, and information services. Automated troubleshooting system Service description Use an automated menu system and your telephone keypad to find answers to common problems. Telephone numbers You can access the following services through your telephone...

  • Page 117: Self-Help

    Support. Type the keyword practice in the Search Help box, then press NTER Tutoring Answers by Gateway answers to all of your “How do I...” questions on Gateway computers. For more information, go to www.gateway.com/answers. Training Gateway provides the following computer-based training:...
  • Page 118 CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting...

  • Page 119: Appendix A: Legal Notices

    APPENDIXA • Important safety information • Regulatory compliance statements • Environmental information • Notices Legal Notices...
  • Page 120 Always follow these instructions to help guard against personal injury and damage to your Gateway system. Your Gateway system is designed and tested to meet the latest standards for safety of information technology equipment. However, to ensure safe use of this product, it is important that the safety instructions marked on the product and in the documentation are followed.

  • Page 121: Care During Use

    Care during use Warning Do not use Gateway products in areas classified as hazardous locations. Such areas include patient care areas of medical and dental facilities, oxygen-laden environments, or industrial facilities. Warning To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger (for example, No.

  • Page 122: Fcc Declaration Of Conformity

    Phone: 800-846-2000 Caution Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Gateway could void the FCC compliance and negate your authority to operate the product. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation of this device is subject to the following two conditions: (1)this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
  • Page 123 The termination on an interface may consist of any combination of devices subject only to the requirement that the sum of the Ringer Equivalence Numbers of all the devices does not exceed 5. www.gateway.com...

  • Page 124: Laser Safety Statement

    If an outside antenna or cable system is to be connected to your Gateway PC, make sure that the antenna or cable system is electrically grounded to provide some protection against voltage surges and static charges.
  • Page 125 Power lines 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 fatal. Do not locate the antenna near overhead light or power circuits, or where it could fall into such power lines or circuits.

  • Page 126: Environmental Information

    Gateway is not responsible for inaccurate information which may appear in this manual. For the latest product updates, consult the Gateway Web site at www.gateway.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 possibility of such damages.

  • Page 127: Macrovision Statement

    Gateway and the Black-and-White Spot Design are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gateway, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Intel, Intel Inside logo, and Pentium are registered trademarks and MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
  • Page 128 APPENDIX A: Legal Notices...

  • Page 129: Index

    Index AC power connector accessories safety precautions activity indicators See indicators application buttons application key arrow keys audio analog speaker jack 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...
  • Page 130 cleaning copying inserting playing audio recording troubleshooting CD drive adding identifying locating drive replacing See also optical drive troubleshooting cellular phone memory cards Certificate of Authenticity cleaning audio CD case computer screen keyboard LCD panel mouse screen cleaning CRT screen clicking closing computer case...
  • Page 131 User Guide double-clicking dragging drivers recovery discs re-installing drives backing up files www.gateway.com checking for errors checking for free space defragmenting diskette optical recordable CD recordable DVD troubleshooting DSL modem connecting troubleshooting cleaning copying...
  • Page 132 Gateway contact information model number serial number Support Gateway Recovery Center re-installing drivers re-installing programs re-installing software hard drive adding backing up files checking for errors checking for free space defragmenting deleting files and folders...
  • Page 133 BigFix checking for drive errors checking hard drive space cleaning case cleaning CD www.gateway.com cleaning computer display cleaning computer screen cleaning DVD cleaning keyboard cleaning monitor cleaning mouse cleaning optical disc defragmenting...
  • Page 134 mouse buttons changing settings cleaning clicking double-clicking moving pointer moving screen objects opening files, folders, and programs pointer PS/2 port right-clicking scroll wheel selecting screen objects troubleshooting USB port moving files from old computer pointer screen objects settings from old computer MP3 player memory cards multimedia...
  • Page 135 See memory rebooting computer recordable drive recording audio files optical discs recovering defaults drivers programs software system Windows with Gateway Recovery Center with Windows DVD with Windows System Restore recovery discs creating drivers programs software www.gateway.com using re-installing defaults...
  • Page 136 Support technical support automated Technical Support tips before contacting tutorial service telephone jack telephone support training classroom Gateway Learning Libraries Learn With Gateway transferring files from old computer settings from old computer troubleshooting add-in cards audio automated system cable modem...
  • Page 137 Web site connection speed Windows Media Center turning off computer turning on computer tutoring fee-based TV tuner card uninterruptible power supply (UPS) updating Windows USB port www.gateway.com video playing video jack voltage checking selection selection switch volume adjusting adjusting dial-up modem controls muting...
  • Page 138 Index...
  • Page 140 MAN GERSHWIN HW REF GDE R3 5/07...

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