1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Gateway Manuals
  4. Desktop
  5. ZX2300
  6. Reference manual

Gateway ZX2300 Reference Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
REFERENCEGUIDE
®

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Gateway ZX2300

Summary of Contents for Gateway ZX2300

  • Page 1 REFERENCEGUIDE ®...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Accessing the online User Guide ......2 Gateway contact information ......3 Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity .
  • Page 4 Contents Chapter 4: Maintaining Your Computer ..25 Setting up a maintenance schedule ..... 26 Creating system recovery discs ..... 26 Caring for your computer .
  • Page 5 Technical support ........62 Before calling Gateway Customer Care ....62 Calling Customer Care .
  • Page 6 Contents...

  • 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

    CHAPTER 1: About This Reference 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.

  • Page 9: Microsoft Certificate Of Authenticity

    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. If you ever reinstall Windows from the installation DVD, you will need to enter these numbers to...
  • Page 10 CHAPTER 1: About This Reference...

  • Page 11: Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Computer

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

  • Page 12: Front

    CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Front Important Your computer’s hardware options , port locations, and indicators may vary from this illustration. Webcam Microphone Display screen Power button Touch Strip Optical disc drive Keyboard Component Icon Description Microphone Use to talk through when making Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls.

  • Page 13: Right

    Component Icon Description Optical disc drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and programs, watch DVDs, and store large files onto recordable discs (depending on drive type). This drive may be a CD, recordable CD, DVD, or recordable DVD. For more information about your drive, see “Identifying...
  • Page 14 CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Component Icon Description Volume wheel Adjust the volume. USB port Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB external drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into this port. Memory card Insert a memory card from a digital camera, reader MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other device into the memory card reader.

  • Page 15: Back

    Back Important Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this illustration. Back plane Speaker Speaker Cable management strap PS/2 mouse PS/2 Audio output Kensington Power Ethernet USB ports port keyboard jack lock slot connector (network) port...
  • Page 16 CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Component Icon Description Ethernet (network) Plug an Ethernet network cable or a device jack (such as a DSL or cable modem for a broadband Internet connection) into this jack. For more information, see “Learning about the Internet”...

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

    CHAPTER3 Setting Up and Getting Started • Preparing power connections • Connecting to a broadband modem or network • Starting your computer • Turning off your computer • Restarting (rebooting) your computer • Using the keyboard • Using the mouse •...

  • Page 18: Preparing Power Connections

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 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 19: Starting Your Computer

    Starting your computer To start your computer: Connect the power, network, mouse, and keyboard cables to your computer according to the setup poster. Press the power button on the front of your computer. If your computer does not turn on, check the power cable connections.

  • Page 20: Turning Off Your Computer

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Turning off your computer Warning When you turn off your computer, certain components in the power supply and system board remain energized. In order to remove all electrical power from your computer, unplug the power cord and modem cable from the wall outlets.

  • Page 21: Restarting (Rebooting) Your Computer

    Restarting (rebooting) your computer As a troubleshooting step, you may need to restart (reboot) your computer. To restart your computer: Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box opens. Click Restart. Your computer turns off, then turns on again.

  • Page 22: Using The Keyboard

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Using the keyboard The keyboard has several different types of keys and buttons. Your keyboard also has status indicators that show which keyboard feature is active. Function keys Audio playback keys Fn key Windows key Application Navigation keys...

  • Page 23: Using The Mouse

    Using the mouse Scroll wheel Right button 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 24 CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move through a document. This feature is not available in all programs. To... Do this... Move the pointer Move the mouse around. If you on the computer reach the edge of your mouse display...

  • Page 25: Using Optical Drives

    Using optical drives Features Your optical drive has the following basic components: Disc tray Eject button Loading an optical disc To insert an optical disc: Press the eject button on the optical disc drive. Important When you place a single-sided disc in the tray, make sure that the label side is facing up.

  • Page 26: Playing Discs

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Your drive type Use your drive for... is... Installing programs, playing audio CDs, playing DVDs, and accessing data. DVD+RW Installing programs, playing audio CDs, playing DVDs, accessing data, and recording video and data to CDs and DVD+R or DVD+RW discs.

  • Page 27: 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 28: Using The Memory Card Reader

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Using the memory card reader You can use the optional memory card reader to transfer pictures from a digital camera to your computer. You can also use the memory card reader to transfer data between your computer and a device that uses memory cards, such as a PDA, MP3 player, or cellular telephone.

  • Page 29: Adjusting The Brightness

    To insert a memory card: Insert the memory card into the appropriate memory card slot. To access a file on the memory card, click Start, then click My Computer. Double-click the drive letter (for example, the drive), then double-click the file name.

  • Page 30: Installing A Printer, Scanner, Or Other Device

    CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started To adjust the volume from Windows: Click ) on the taskbar. The volume control Volume slider opens. Click and drag the slider up to increase volume and down to decrease volume. To mute the volume, click Mute. To restore volume, click it again.

  • Page 31: Chapter 4: Maintaining Your Computer

    CHAPTER4 Maintaining Your Computer • Setting up a maintenance schedule • Caring for your computer • Cleaning your computer • Updating Windows • Managing hard drive space • Scheduling maintenance tasks • Moving from your old computer...

  • Page 32: Setting Up A Maintenance Schedule

    CHAPTER 4: Maintaining Your Computer Setting up a maintenance schedule Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule. Maintenance task Weekly Monthly When needed Create system recovery As soon as possible discs (one time only) Check for viruses Run Windows Update Manage hard drive space Clean up hard drives...

  • Page 33: Caring For Your Computer

    Caring for your computer To extend the life of your computer: • Be careful not to bump or drop your computer, and do not put any objects on top of it. The case, although strong, is not made to support extra weight.

  • Page 34: Cleaning Your Computer

    CHAPTER 4: 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 35: Cleaning The Keyboard

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

  • Page 36: Cleaning Optical Discs

    CHAPTER 4: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning optical discs Optical discs (CDs and DVDs) 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 37: Managing Hard Drive Space

    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. Checking hard drive space To check hard drive space: Shortcut Start ➧ My Computer ➧ right-click drive ➧ Properties Click Start then click My Computer.

  • Page 38: Deleting Unnecessary Files

    CHAPTER 4: Maintaining Your Computer Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file space, then click Properties. Drive space information appears. Deleting unnecessary files Delete unnecessary files, such as temporary files and files in the Recycle Bin, to free hard drive space. To delete unnecessary files: Shortcut Start ➧...

  • Page 39: Checking The Hard Drive For Errors

    Click to select the types of files you want to delete, then click OK. The types of files you indicated are deleted. Help For more information about keeping the hard drive free of unnecessary files, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type disk...

  • Page 40: Defragmenting The Hard Drive

    CHAPTER 4: Maintaining Your Computer Click Check Now, then click Start. Your drive is checked for errors. This process may take several minutes. Important Error checking cannot scan a drive while the drive is being used. If you try to check your hard drive for errors, you see a prompt asking you if you want to scan the hard drive later (the next time you restart your computer).

  • Page 41: Backing Up Files

    To defragment the hard drive: Disconnect your computer from the network. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Disk Defragmenter. The Disk Defragmenter dialog box opens. Click Defragment. This process may take hours to complete, depending on the size of the drive being defragmented.
  • Page 42 CHAPTER 4: Maintaining Your Computer To back up files: Click Start then click My Computer. The My Computer window opens. Right-click the drive that you want to back up, click Properties, then click the Tools tab. Click Backup Now. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a backup storage location and the files and folders to back up.

  • Page 43: Scheduling Maintenance Tasks

    Scheduling maintenance tasks Task Scheduler lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as running Disk Defragmenter and checking your drives for errors. Important Your computer must be on during scheduled tasks. If your computer is off, scheduled tasks will not run.

  • Page 44: Moving From Your Old Computer

    CHAPTER 4: 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.
  • Page 45 To find files in the documents folder: In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Documents. The My Documents window opens and displays many of your saved personal data files. Go to Step Double-click the C:\ drive icon. Double-click the My Documents folder. The My Documents window opens and displays many of your saved personal data files.
  • Page 46 CHAPTER 4: Maintaining Your Computer...

  • Page 47: Chapter5 Troubleshooting

    CHAPTER5 Troubleshooting • Safety guidelines • Try these steps first • Error messages • Internet and networking • Power • Display • Printing • Optical discs • Memory card reader • Mouse • Keyboard • Files • Memory • Audio •...

  • Page 48: Safety Guidelines

    CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting Safety guidelines While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines: Warning To avoid bodily injury, do not attempt to troubleshoot your computer problem if: • Power cords or plugs are damaged • Liquid has been spilled into your computer •...

  • Page 49: Error Messages

    Error messages Error message Action “Insufficient disk “You get an “Insufficient disk space” space” error message” on page “Data error” “You get a “Data error” message” on page “General failure “The hard drive cannot be accessed, reading drive C”...

  • Page 50: Internet And Networking

    CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting Internet and networking Internet If you do not find a solution to your problem in this section, the issue may be networking related. See “Networking” on page 46 for more information. You cannot connect to the Internet •...

  • Page 51: Modem (Cable Or Dsl)

    People are sending you e-mails, but you have not received them • Click the Receive or Send and Receive button in your e-mail program. This checks your mail server for incoming e-mail. • Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is set up correctly.

  • Page 52: Networking

    CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting Networking You cannot see the other computers on your network • If a network cable is connected to your computer, make sure that the other end is plugged into a network router, switch, hub, or other network device. •...

  • Page 53: Display

    • Test the outlet by plugging in a working device, such as a lamp. • Make sure that the power cord is free from cuts or damage, and replace any damaged cables. Display The screen is too dark •...

  • Page 54: Optical Discs

    CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting The printer is on but will not print • Make sure that the Print to file box is not checked in the Print dialog box. • If the printer you want to print to is not the default printer, make sure that you have selected it in the printer setup.

  • Page 55: Memory Card Reader

    An audio disc does not produce sound • Make sure that the Windows volume controls are turned up (and mute is turned off) and that any attached speakers are turned on and connected correctly. • Make sure that the disc is label side up, and make sure that the disc is clean and free from large scratches.

  • Page 56: Keyboard

    CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting The mouse works erratically • Clean the mouse by wiping the bottom with a clean, damp cloth. Make sure that the optical sensor is clean and free of debris. • You may be using the mouse on a transparent, reflective, metallic, or glossy surface.

  • Page 57: Files

    Files You get an “Insufficient disk space” error message • Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk Cleanup. For instructions, see “Deleting unnecessary files” on page Help For more information about file management, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type file management in the Search Help...
  • Page 58 CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting You get a “Data error” message • This may be the result of a defective area on the hard drive. To fix hard drive problems, run the error checking program. For instructions on fixing hard drive problems, “Checking the hard drive for errors”...

  • Page 59: Memory

    Correct any problems that are found by following the on-screen instructions. Click OK. Help For more information about checking the hard drive for errors, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type checking for disk errors in the Search Help box, then press E...

  • Page 60: Passwords

    CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting Passwords Your computer does not accept your password • Windows passwords are case-sensitive. Make sure that is turned off, then retype the password. Checking for device problems Faulty devices or corrupt device drivers can cause a variety of problems on your computer.

  • Page 61: Recovering Your System

    Problem solving may also involve reinstalling 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.

  • Page 62: Creating Recovery Discs

    To reinstall using discs, you must create the set of recovery discs beforehand. To create recovery discs: Click Start, All Programs, Gateway, then click Gateway Recovery Management. Gateway Recovery Management opens. To create recovery discs for the hard drive’s entire...
  • Page 63 The Create Backup Disc 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.

  • Page 64: Recovering Pre-Installed Software And Drivers

    To recover your pre-installed software and drivers: Click Start, All Programs, Gateway, then click Gateway Recovery Management. Gateway Recovery Management opens. - OR -...

  • Page 65: Returning Your System To Its Factory Condition

    “Recovering from your recovery discs” on page Recovering from within Windows XP To reinstall Windows XP and all pre-installed software and drivers: Click Start, All Programs, Gateway, then click Gateway Recovery Management. Gateway Recovery Management opens.
  • Page 66 Click 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 67 Click Restore system from factory default. Caution 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. Recovering from your recovery discs...

  • Page 68: Technical Support

    Calling Customer Care For the contact number, see your setup poster. The label on 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.

  • Page 69: Appendix A: Legal Notices

    APPENDIXA Legal Notices • Important safety information • Regulatory compliance statements • Environmental information • Notices...

  • Page 70: Important Safety Information

    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 71: 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 72: 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 73 When programming or making test calls to emergency numbers: • Remain on the line and briefly explain to the dispatcher the reason for the call. • Perform such activities in the off-peak hours such as early morning or late evenings.

  • Page 74: 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 75 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 76: 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 77: 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 78 APPENDIX A: Legal Notices...

  • Page 79: Index

    Index installing memory card removing memory card AC power connector slots accessories troubleshooting memory safety precautions card application key types of memory cards Audio supported audio audio in jack cleaning line in jack copying microphone jack inserting muting playing audio recording recording side speaker jack...
  • Page 80 Index to network dragging connections drivers audio in re-installing cable modem drives digital camera backing up files DSL modem Ethernet checking for errors external audio checking for free space headphone defragmenting keyboard line in optical microphone recordable CD mouse recordable DVD MP3 Jack troubleshooting network...
  • Page 81 PS/2 port troubleshooting Gateway USB port contact information keys model number brightness serial number LCD brightness Support keys and buttons Gateway Recovery Center application re-installing drivers audio playback re-installing programs re-installing software function mouse navigating hard drive Windows backing up files...
  • Page 82 Index cleaning checking hard drive space clicking double-clicking cleaning case moving pointer cleaning CD moving screen objects cleaning computer display opening files, folders, and programs cleaning computer screen pointer PS/2 port cleaning DVD right-clicking cleaning keyboard scroll wheel cleaning monitor selecting screen objects cleaning mouse troubleshooting...
  • Page 83 Gateway Recovery peripheral devices Center playing re-installing audio CD defaults drivers Plug and Play devices programs USB support for software pointer Windows...
  • Page 84 Index moving selecting troubleshooting scroll wheel cable modem CD drive security features display Kensington cable lock DSL modem serial number DVD drive setting up Ethernet network safety precautions files settings general guidelines transferring hard drive shortcut menus Internet connection accessing keyboard LCD panel shortcuts...
  • Page 85 Windows Product Key Code Windows Easy Transfer Windows key Windows Update wired Ethernet troubleshooting...
  • Page 86 Index...
  • Page 88 MU.W0900.007 - MAN ElvisEREC REF GDE R0 9/08 MU W 0 9 0 0 0 0 7...

Table of Contents