Turning off your computer ........ 18 Using the optical drive........18 Recovery To insert a disc into your computer's Gateway Recovery Management ....66 optical drive:..........19 Creating recovery discs......66 Taking care of your optical discs ....19 Recovering your system ........69 Upgrading your computer Types of recovery........
Gateway desktop series user’s guide All Rights Reserved. Original Issue: 22 March 2012 Visit registration.gateway.com and discover the benefits of being a customer of Gateway. Remark: All images are for reference purposes only. Actual configuration may vary. Table of Contents - 3...
When using your computer for the first time, it is recommended that you register it. This gives you access to some useful benefits, such as: • Faster service from our trained representatives. • Membership in the Gateway community: receive promotions and participate in customer surveys. • The latest news from Gateway.
Another option Another way to register your Gateway product is to visit our website at registration.gateway.com. Choose your country and follow the simple instructions. After registering, you will be sent a confirmation email with important information that you should keep in a safe place.
Page 6
Having these items to hand when contacting us will ensure better and quicker service. Gateway website Remember to visit www.gateway.com - Check out the support section for up-to-date information, help, drivers and downloads. Warranty and contact information You can find information about the warranty for your computer and how to contact technical support in your computer’s Warranty.
O M P U T E R A S I C S AFETY AND COMFORT Safety precautions Please follow the guidelines below to use your computer comfortably and to avoid health problems. Computer environment Make sure that the computer: • Is used on a stable surface, stand or table. A fall can seriously damage the computer.
Page 8
Cables Make sure that: • Cables are not strained and that there is no risk of people walking or tripping over them. • Other devices do not crush the cables. • The power cable is connected to the computer before connecting the power cable to the AC power outlet.
Page 9
• If dust has accumulated inside your computer, do not use a vacuum cleaner to remove it. • If you spill liquid on your computer or any device attached to it, switch it off immediately, unplug the power cord and make sure it is completely dry before switching it on again.
Note: Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions, since improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition. Health precautions •...
Page 11
actions. To reduce your risk of developing these disorders, type with your wrists straight and your hands and wrists floating above the keyboard. If you experience periods of pain, tingling, numbness or other discomfort, please contact your doctor. • We advise that parents monitor the use of games by their children. If you or your child experience any of the following symptoms: dizziness, blurred vision, eye or muscle twitches, loss of consciousness, disorientation, any involuntary movement or convulsion, IMMEDIATELY...
E T T I N G U P Y O U R C O M P U T E R RRANGING A COMFORTABLE WORK AREA Working safely and comfortably begins with the arrangement of your work space and the proper use of equipment. For this reason, it is very important to take time and think about how you are going to arrange your work area.
Positioning your PC Take note of the following when selecting a location for your computer: • Do not put your computer near any equipment that might cause electromagnetic or radio frequency interference, such as radio transmitters, televisions, copy machines or heating and air-conditioning equipment.
Positioning your monitor Place your monitor at a comfortable viewing distance, usually 50 to 60 cm away. Adjust the display in such a way that the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. Positioning your keyboard The location of the keyboard is a very important factor for your posture.
Page 15
• Adjust its position to allow enough space for movement without making you stretch or lean over. • Use your arm to move the mouse. Do not rest your wrist on the table when moving the mouse. Setting up your computer - 15...
S I N G Y O U R C O M P U T E R ONNECTING THE COMPUTER Setting up your computer is easy. For the most part, you only have four things to connect: the mouse, the keyboard, the monitor, and the power cable.
Connect a monitor To connect a monitor, simply plug the monitor cable into the appropriate port located on the rear panel of your computer. Note: The type of connection can vary. Use a cable that matches both your monitor and your computer. Refer to the monitor manual for additional instructions and information.
URNING ON YOUR COMPUTER After making sure that you have properly set up the system, applied power, and connected all the necessary peripherals, you can now power on the system. Important: Make sure that the power cable is properly plugged into an electrical outlet.
To insert a disc into your computer's optical drive: 1. Press the optical drive’s eject button. 2. When the disc tray slides open, place the disc gently on the tray. Make sure that the label or title side of the disc is facing upward. When holding a disc, hold it by the edges to avoid leaving smudges or fingerprints.
P G R A D I N G Y O U R C O M P U T E R XPANDING THROUGH OPTIONS Your computer offers you many options for a complete computing experience. Connectivity options Ports allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer. For instructions on how to connect different external devices to the computer, read the following section.
Page 21
If the card contains some files, the Windows Auto Play window may appear (this depends on the contents of the card) and ask you if you wish to use a program to access the contents of the card. Select an option here if it is appropriate, otherwise select Cancel.
Page 22
Built-in networking The built-in networking allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based network. Connect an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet (RJ-45) port on the chassis of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network. Universal Serial Bus (USB) The USB port is a high-speed serial bus which allows you to connect USB peripherals without taking up system resources.
Page 23
Certain computers may include one or more USB 3.0 ports. These resemble standard USB ports, except they include additional internal connections and are blue. You may use USB 3.0 compatible devices with these ports to benefit from faster transfer speeds. Video port Connect to a monitor with a VGA or DVI port (the type of connection supported depends on your computer’s configuration).
Page 24
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (only for certain models) HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an industry- supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, and A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV), over a single cable.
O F T W A R E SING INDOWS AND YOUR SOFTWARE Gateway computers include software to help you use your computer; the programs and categories available on your computer depend on the model purchased. Most of this software is ’pre-installed’ and ready to be used;...
One or more media programs are installed on your computer, Windows Media Player and optionally Windows Media Center are provided by Microsoft. Other media programs may have been installed by Gateway to provide an improved media experience. 26 - Software...
Page 27
Windows Media Player Windows Media Player may be used to play MP3 or WMA audio files, CDs or most video files. Note: It is not recommended that you use Windows Media Player to play DVD movies. Other media players (such as Windows Media Center) provide additional playback options.
The first time you start the media program, it will start a setup wizard, which will configure some basic settings. If available, select the Express setup option, you may then configure additional options as needed. Note: If you have an Internet connection, the Guide (Electronic Program Guide) allows you to view a list of current TV shows.
want to play it. If Windows asks you to select a DVD player, we recommend that you always choose the DVD player included with your software collection (e.g. PowerDVD or Windows Media Player). Playing downloaded files Downloaded files may work with the media programs installed on your computer, or may require specific programs.
that Windows or the media player does not include by default. In many cases, you can download and install the missing codec by clicking on the Web Help button in the error message. Please also see Windows Help and Support for more information. Playing DVD movies You can play DVD movies on your computer.
Region code Country or region People's Republic of China Note: To change region code, insert a DVD movie of a different region into the DVD drive. Playing Blu-ray movies If your computer is equiped with a Blu-ray disc drive, you can play Blu-ray movies on your computer.
N T E R N E T IRST STEPS ON THE NET Protecting your computer It is vital to protect your computer from viruses and attacks over the Internet (see Internet security offer on page 25 and Security on page 40). A comprehensive Internet security program is offered when you first start your computer.
Page 33
Connection types Depending your computer model, your location your communication needs, you have several ways to connect to the Internet. Dial-up Some computers include a telephone dial-up (‘modem’) connector. This allows you to connect to the Internet using your telephone line. With a dial- up connection, you cannot use the modem and the telephone simultaneously on a single phone line.
Cable A cable connection provides fast and always-on Internet service via a cable television line. This service is generally available in large cities. You can use your telephone and watch cable TV at the same time you are connected to the Internet. Network connections A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computers (for example, within an office building or home) that share a common communications line and...
Page 35
Also you can share an internet connection with other computers in your home. Installation speed and simplicity Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and easy and eliminates the need to pull cables through walls and ceilings. Components of a wireless LAN To set up your Wireless network at home you need to have the following: Access point (router) Access points (routers) are two-way transceivers that broadcast data into...
Page 36
Wireless adapter This is connected to the computer that you wish to connect to your network, there are different types of wireless adapter available, the most common are: USB WiFi adapter: Connects to a free USB port on your computer. Wireless Expansion Card: This card is installed inside your computer in an available expansion slot.
Turning on/off a wireless network connection If your computer has wireless access, but does not feature a Communication button, you may turn your wireless network on or off, or control what is shared over the network with the network management options.
Page 38
2. Back and Forward buttons: Navigate through pages you have already visited. 3. Address bar: Type in an Internet address (e.g. www.gateway.com) and press the Enter key on your keyboard, this will take you directly to the address you typed.
Page 39
Gateway is dedicated to provide you with on-going personalized support. Check out our Support section to get help tailored to your needs. www.gateway.com is your portal to a world of online activities and services: visit us regularly for the latest information and downloads!
Security You are probably eager to explore everything the Internet has to offer. In order for you to be safe online, Gateway has pre-installed Symantec’s award-winning Norton Internet Security™ on your computer. Norton Internet Security runs quietly in the background to block today’s complex threats and protect your identity when you shop, bank, or browse online.
Page 41
activity, collect personal information, cause pop-up ads to appear, or even change the configuration of your computer. Spyware consumes resources on your computer; it can slow down your Internet connection or entire computer system, and even cause crashes. Spyware is sometimes used by unscrupulous companies to monitor and track the sites you visit on the Internet so as to determine your web-surfing habits and display targeted pop-up ads on your screen.
Page 42
game connecting to a multi-player server or an encyclopaedia making a content update). How to protect your computer Cybercrime prevention can be straight-forward - when armed with a little technical advice and common sense, many attacks can be avoided. In general, online criminals are trying to make their money as quickly and easily as possible.
Page 43
A complete version of Norton Internet Security™ is pre-installed on your Gateway system. It includes a free trial subscription to protection updates. Make sure you Activate it! Internet - 43...
Page 44
Choose strong passwords and keep them safe Passwords are a fact of life on the Internet today; we use them for everything from ordering flowers and online banking to logging into our favorite airline Web site to see how many miles we have accumulated. The following tips can help make your online experiences secure: •...
Page 45
goods. Since not divulging any personal information is rarely possible, the following list contains some advice for how to share personal information safely online: • Keep an eye out for phony email messages. Things that indicate a message may be fraudulent are misspellings, poor grammar, odd phrasing, Web site addresses with strange extensions, Web site addresses that are entirely numbers where there are normally words, and anything else out of the ordinary.
Page 46
connection is the small lock icon in the bottom of your web browser (usually the right-hand corner). • Pay attention to privacy policies on Web sites and in software. It is important to understand how an organization might collect and use your personal information before you share it with them.
Page 47
Review bank and credit card statements regularly The impact of identity theft and online crimes can be greatly reduced if you can catch it shortly after your data is stolen or when the first use of your information is attempted. One of the easiest ways to get the tip-off that something has gone wrong is by reviewing the monthly statements provided by your bank and credit card companies for anything out of the ordinary.
Page 48
Alternatively, if a security alert been reported Notification Area, next to the clock) then you can click on the notification balloon or double-click on the small Security Alert icon. The Action Center indicates the status and settings used for important applications that protect your computer.
Page 49
Certain programs need access to the Internet to function properly, or even to function at all. If this is the case, you will usually be asked to allow access when you install a program, or the first time you check firewall settings, click on Start >...
Page 50
updates include security patches and program updates that can improve your computing experience and help protect your computer against new viruses and attacks. Windows Defender Windows Defender helps protect your computer against malicious and unwanted software, such as spyware and adware. Windows Defender is installed and turned on by default.
Page 51
User Account Control The User Accounts control panel can help prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. User Accounts will ask you for permission or an administrator password before performing actions that could potentially affect your computer's operation or that change settings that affect other users.
Page 52
Internet Explorer security settings Internet sites use small files called cookies to keep track of user preferences and information. You can adjust your Internet browser's security settings to determine how much -or how little- information you are willing to accept from a Web site. To access Internet Explorer security settings: 1.
• physical errors, which may occur on your hard disk as it wears out over time. 1. Click on Start > Computer. Right-click on the Gateway (C:) icon and select Properties. 2. Click on Tools and Check Now in the Error-checking section.
Page 54
Bin and other temporary files that you may safely delete. 1. Click on Start > Computer. Right-click on the Gateway icon and select Properties. 2. Select the General tab and click on the Disk Cleanup button (next to the diagram of the disk drive.
Page 55
1. Perform a Disk Cleanup and close all open programs. 2. Click on Start > Computer. Right-click on the Gateway icon and select Properties. 3. Click on Tools and Defragment now..4. Click on the volume you want to...
Page 56
Check the remaining free space on your hard disk drive 1. Click on Start > Computer. 2. Right-click on the Gateway icon and select Properties. 3. The Hard Disk Properties window displays the amount of used space and free space on your hard disk.
Page 57
2. Uninstall the programs you no longer use: Click on Start > Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. 3. Archive files on an external hard disk drive, recordable CDs or DVDs (if your computer is equipped with a CD or DVD writer) and delete them from the hard disk.
Page 58
Windows System Restore. System Restore monitors changes to your computer and automatically creates restore points that store your computer’s configuration each time a major change occurs (such as installing programs). It can undo harmful changes to your computer and restore settings and performance without removing your personal data files (such as documents, browsing history, photos, favorites, or emails).
Page 59
If you cannot access the Windows desktop: 1. Press the Alt+F10 key upon start-up when the Gateway logo appears. This will open the Recovery Program. 2. Select Windows System Restore and click Next. Your computer will automatically restart and open System Restore.
Create a Restore Point Windows creates restore points automatically at regularly scheduled times or before certain programs or drivers are installed. This option allows you to create your own restore points when you need to. 1. Click Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System. Click on System protection in the sidebar and then click the Create...
Page 61
• Perform updates when prompted by Windows Action Center. • Use Microsoft Windows Automatic Updates. • Run Windows Update. Internet security Norton Internet Security, combined with other security applications can protect your computer from Internet attacks and ensure that the latest security updates have been downloaded and installed on your computer.
Windows Remote Assistance Remote Assistance allows a Windows user to temporarily take over a remote Windows computer over a network or the internet to resolve issues. Remote Assistance makes it possible to diagnose and repair problems with a computer without personally visiting it. You can access Remote Assistance by clicking on Start >...
R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S The following questions indicate possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer and each is followed by easy answers and solutions.
Page 64
If pressing a key does not work, you can restart your computer. If there is still nothing on the screen, check cables and connections: • Make sure the monitor is connected to a power outlet and that it is turned on. •...
Page 65
System cannot read hard disk or optical disc drive information. Check the following: • Make sure you are using the correct type of disk. • Make sure the disc is inserted into the drive correctly. • Check if the disc is clean and unscratched. •...
E C O V E R Y ATEWAY ECOVERY ANAGEMENT Gateway Recovery Management is only available with a preinstalled Windows operating system. If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods, you may need to reinstall the Windows operating system and factory-loaded software and drivers.
Page 67
2. To create recovery discs for the hard drive’s entire original contents, including Windows 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 Drivers and Applications Backup Disc. Important: We recommend that you create each type of recovery disc as soon as possible.
Page 68
The Create Factory Default Backup dialog box opens. This dialog box tells you the number of blank, recordable discs you will need to complete the recovery discs. Make sure that you have the required number of identical, blank discs ready before continuing. 68 - Recovery...
5. If multiple discs are required, insert a new disc when prompted, then click OK. Continue until the process is complete. ECOVERING YOUR SYSTEM If Gateway support did not help fix your problem, you can use the Gateway Recovery Management program. This will restore your computer Recovery - 69...
Page 70
to the same state as when you purchased it, while giving you an option to retain all settings and personal data for later retrieval. To recover your system: 1. 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.
- OR - If you are recovering from your driver and application recovery backup, insert it into the disc drive, then go to Step 3 after the Gateway Application Recovery main menu opens. 2. Click on the Restore tab, then click Reinstall Drivers or Applications.
Page 72
3. Click on Contents. A list of software and device drivers opens. 4. Click on the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want to reinstall. Returning to a previous system condition Microsoft System Restore periodically takes ’snapshots’...
Page 73
Help: 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 Enter. To return to a restore point: 1. Click on Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Action Center, then click on Recovery.
Page 74
4. Click on OK. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then continues by copying files to your hard drive. This process may take a while, but a Gateway Recovery Management screen shows you its progress. When the recovery has finished, a dialog box prompts you to restart your computer.
Page 75
Recovering from the hard drive during startup To reinstall Windows and all pre-installed software and drivers: 1. Turn on your computer, then press Alt+F10 during startup. Gateway Recovery Management opens. 2. Click on Restore system from factory default. Caution: Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard drive.
Page 76
6. Your computer will restart. 3. During startup, press F12 to open the boot menu. The boot menu allows you to select which device to start from, such as the hard drive or an optical disc. 4. Use your arrow keys to select the line CDROM/DVD (this line may start with ’IDE 1...’), then press Enter.
Caution: Wireless devices are not user-serviceable. Do not modify them in any way. Modification to a wireless device will void the authorization to use it. Contact Gateway for service information. Caution: The transmitting device embedded in this computer may not be used with any antenna other than the one provided with the computer.
Page 78
Warning: Using wireless devices while flying in aircraft is prohibited. Switch off all devices before boarding an aircraft; they may be dangerous to the operation of the aircraft, disrupt communications, and even be illegal. (FCC) I FCC P EDERAL OMMUNICATIONS OMMISSION NTENTIONAL EMITTER PER Low power, Radio transmitter type devices (radio frequency (RF) wireless communication...
Page 79
ADIO DEVICE REGULATORY NOTICE Note: Regulatory information below is for models with wireless LAN and/or Bluetooth only. General This product complies with the radio frequency and safety standards of any country or region in which it has been approved for wireless use. Depending on configuration, this product may or may not contain wireless radio devices (such as wireless LAN and/or Bluetooth modules).
Page 80
Departments in which the use of the 2400 - 2483.5 MHz band is permitted with an EIRP of less than 100 mW indoors and less than 10 mW outdoors: 01 Ain Orientales 25 Doubs 59 Nord 75 Paris 02 Aisne 26 Drome 60 Oise 82 Tarn et Garonne...
Page 81
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and/or other reproductive harm. For additional information regarding this product warning, go to www.gateway.com/prop65. ERCURY WARNING THE LAMP IN THIS DISPLAY CONTAINS MERCURY. DISPOSE ACCORDING TO LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL LAW.
Page 82
The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures that could affect the operation of this equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will provide advance notice in order for you to make necessary modifications to maintain uninterrupted service. This equipment cannot be used on telephone company-provided coin service.
Page 83
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 of the device. ICES-003 NINTENTIONAL EMITTER PER This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of Industry Canada.
Page 84
Users should make sure, for their own protection, that the electrical ground connections of the power utility, telephone lines, and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas. The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned to each terminal device provides an indication of the maximum number of terminals allowed to be connected to a telephone interface.
Page 85
Please see http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/rtte/implem.htm for the latest country list. ODIFICATIONS TO THE RODUCT CE Marking Gateway cannot be held responsible for unauthorized modifications made by the user and the consequences thereof, which may alter the conformity of the product with the CE Marking. Radio frequency interference The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorised modifications to this equipment.
Page 86
Remote earths To prevent electrical shock, connect all local (individual office) computers and computer support equipment to the same electrical circuit of the building wiring. If you are unsure, check the building wiring to avoid remote earth conditions. Building supply Only connect the equipment to a building supply that is in accordance with current wiring regulations in your country.
Page 87
Only Ethernet LAN or RTC modem cable can have length exceeding 3 metres. Gateway recommends that you add a ferrite core round clip to each cable connecting your computer to a hardware device that was not included with your computer.
Page 88
ASER OMPLIANCE TATEMENT The optical devices are tested and certified to be compliant with International Electrotechnical Commission IEC60825-1 and European EN60825-1 standards for Class 1 laser products. Class 1 laser products are not considered hazardous. The optical devices are designed such that there is never human access to laser radiation above a Class 1 level during normal operation or prescribed maintenance conditions.
UR COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Environment has been at the heart of our products. Gateway is committed to limit the environmental impact of its products during product life cycle. Starting at design phase, with a very strict procurement policy, maximum attention is given to electronic components in order to limit their weight in heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury, etc.
Page 90
The crossed-out dustbin logo is there to remind you that these products must be sorted separately for disposal. These rules concern all Gateway products and also all accessories, such as keyboard, mouse, speakers, remote control, etc. When you have to dispose of such products, make sure that they are correctly recycled by checking with your local authority, or by returning your old equipment to your retailer if you are replacing it.
Page 91
The more energy we can save through higher energy efficiency, the more we reduce greenhouse gases and the risks of climate change. More information refers to www.energystar.gov or www.energystar.gov/powermanagement. - Note: The statement above is applicable only to Gateway system with an ENERGY STAR sticker. Gateway ENERGY STAR qualified products: - Produce less heat and reduce cooling loads in warmer climates.
The following License Agreement applies to you. This is a legal agreement between you (either individual or an entity) and Gateway By installing the software you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this...
Page 93
2. Copyright The SOFTWARE is owned by Gateway or its suppliers and is protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provision. Therefore, you must treat the SOFTWARE like any other copyrighted material (e.g. a book or musical recording) except that you may transfer the CD and/or DVD disc portion of the SOFTWARE, if any, to a single hard disk provided you keep the original solely for backup or archival purposes.
Page 94
GPL or write to the free Software Foundation, Inc. and request a copy. The address of the Free Software Foundation, Inc is: 59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA, 02111-1307, USA. For a period of three (3) years as commencing from your receipt of this software, you may obtain a complete machine-readable copy of the source code for the Free Software under the terms of the GPL without charge except for the cost of media, shipping, and handling, upon a written request to us.
N D E X Audio CDs ..........27 Autoplay..........28 Batteries ..........90 Blu-ray ..........28, 31 battery disposal ........90 Browser..........37 Cables ..........8, 86 Computer environment ......7 Cleaning your computer ......8 connections Codec............. 29 network..........22 Disk Cleanup..........
Page 96
63 Gateway Recovery Management Program..26 HDD (Hard Disk Drive) Health precautions......... 10 Free space........54 Helpdesk..........53 Management........56 Interference ..........85 Firewall ........41, 48 Internet Internet Service Provider (ISP) ....32 Connection......... 32, 33 LAN (Local Area Network) .....
Page 98
Update User Account Control......51 Windows automatic updates..49, 61 Warranty........... 6 Windows Action Center ..... 47, 61 Welcome Center ........25 Windows automatic updates ..49, 61 WiFi ............34 Windows Defender ......50 Windows Windows Media Center ..... 26, 27 System Restore .......
Need help?
Do you have a question about the SX2885 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers