Packard Bell computer Quick Start & Troubleshooting Manual
Packard Bell computer Quick Start & Troubleshooting Manual

Packard Bell computer Quick Start & Troubleshooting Manual

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Quick Start & Troubleshooting
Safety and Comfort .................................... 4
Safety Precautions ................................ 4
Health Precautions ............................... 4
The Keyboard and Mouse ................... 5
Remote Control (optional) .................... 7
Your Computer's Drives ....................... 8
Ports and Connectors ......................... 10
Upgrading your Computer.................. 13
First steps on the Net ............................... 15
Get Connected! ................................. 15
Network connections ......................... 16
Surf the Net! ...................................... 17
Windows Welcome Center................. 20
Setup my PC...................................... 20
Packard Bell Updator.......................... 23
Your Software .................................... 24
Guide
T
A B L E O F
3
4
C
O N T E N T S
Playing Multimedia Files .................... 25
Volume Controls................................ 27
Safe Computing....................................... 28
Maintenance ..................................... 28
Updates ............................................. 32
Security ............................................. 32
Windows Remote Assistance.............. 37
Diagnose & Repair ................................... 38
Top Troubleshooting Cases ................ 38
Restoration and Recovery......................... 52
Packard Bell Smart Restore................. 52
28
56
61
63
64
65

Table of Contents -

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Summary of Contents for Packard Bell computer

  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    Your Computer’s Drives ....... 8 Top Troubleshooting Cases ....38 Ports and Connectors ......10 Miscellaneous Troubleshooting ..44 Turning your Computer ON or OFF ... 11 Restoration and Recovery......52 Upgrading your Computer....13 Packard Bell Smart Restore....52 First steps on the Net .......
  • Page 2 No legal rights or entitlements may be obtained from descriptions made in this manual. Packard Bell B.V. reserves the right to revise or make changes or improvements to this product or documen- tation at any time without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or improvements.
  • Page 3: Important Information

    Packard Bell InfoCentre To discover more about your computer, please make sure you check , the electronic user‘s guide installed on your computer. You need to update the guide at least once online (see page 23 for details). Packard Bell Website Remember to visit www.packardbell.com often! Check out the Support section: it contains our online Trou-...
  • Page 4: Computer Basics

    (do not overload it with too many adapters). Cleaning your Computer Always unplug your computer from the power outlet before cleaning it;...
  • Page 5: Getting To Know Your Computer

    The Keyboard and Mouse Cordless Devices The cordless mouse and keyboard normally connect automatically as soon as you turn your computer on. However, if the cordless mouse and keyboard do not work after installation, you should try to manually establish communication with the receiver.
  • Page 6 8. Shift: Use simultaneously with a letter key to enter capital letters. 9. Esc: Cancels most current tasks. Multimedia Keys (on selected keyboards) 1. Activate Standby (sleep) mode. 2. Go to Packard Bell online services: Shopping, Support, Homepage. 3. Display your Favorites. 4. Launch Internet 5. Multimedia controls: play/pause, stop 6.
  • Page 7: Remote Control (Optional)

    Before starting (see page 25), prepare the remote control. 1. If your computer does not feature an internal infrared receiver, a USB receiver is required. If supplied, connect the USB receiver to a USB port on the computer. 2. Insert the batteries into the remote control; check the batteries are orien- tated correctly.
  • Page 8: Your Computer's Drives

    Your Computer’s Drives The drives described below are commonly used on Packard Bell computers. However, this does not mean that they are present on the computer you have purchased, nor that it is limited to these drives. To view Packard Bell InfoCentre...
  • Page 9 Recordable (R) or Re-Writable (RW) Drives In addition to reading data from compatible discs, the optical drive(s) provided with your computer may be able to write (or 'burn') information to appropriate discs. You can use these drives to duplicate your CDs, create your own music compilations, digital photo albums or keep a safe copy of your valuable data.
  • Page 10: Ports And Connectors

    Ports and Connectors The ports and connector types described below are commonly used on Packard Bell computers. However, this does not mean that they are present on the computer you have purchased, nor that it is limited to these InfoCentre ports.
  • Page 11: Turning Your Computer On Or Off

    Turning your Computer ON or OFF Turning your Computer ON 1. First, switch ON any devices connected to your computer (including a monitor) by pressing the main power button on these devices. 2. Then switch ON your computer by pressing the main power button.
  • Page 12 37. Sleep mode Click on the Sleep button to save your session and put the computer in a low-power state so that you may Power Options quickly resume working (see the section on page 13 for details).
  • Page 13: Upgrading Your Computer

    To help you find out the memory module that is best suited to your Packard Bell computer, you can use our online configurator on www.packardbell.com! The step-by-step configurator is your best pick to find the right module quickly and easily with no risk of error, at a competitive price.
  • Page 14 For information, please visit www.packardbell.com. If your warranty has expired, or if PB Care packs are not available in your area, don't worry, Packard Bell has the answer. Packard Bell has appointed Authorised Service Centers to provide you with high quality service! You will benefit from the service of experienced technicians, trained on your Packard Bell product.
  • Page 15: First Steps On The Net

    O M P U T IRST STEPS ON THE Get Connected! Using the Internet has become natural part of daily computing. To make it easier, Packard Bell has included tools to help you get started! Internet Service Provider To get connected, you need to register with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), which supplies the physical connection between your computer and the Internet.
  • Page 16: Network Connections

    Network Cable (RJ45) A network cable (also called RJ45 cable) is used to connect the host computer to the access point (see illus- tration below); this type of cable may also be used to connect peripheral devices to the access point.
  • Page 17: Surf The Net

    Access Point (router). Turning On/Off a WiFi Network Connection If your computer does not feature a ‘WiFi’ button, you may turn your wireless network on or off, or control what is shared over the network with the network management options.
  • Page 18 Packard Bell computer. Google Desktop provides full-text search over your email, files, music, photos, chats, Web pages you've viewed, and more. By making your computer searchable, Google Desktop puts your information easily within your reach and frees you from having to manually organise your files.
  • Page 19 Troubleshooter can help you find solutions in case you have a problem with your computer (may not be available in all countries). Search...
  • Page 20: Using Windows And Your Software

    OFTWARE Windows Welcome Center The first time you turn on your computer, the Welcome Center window opens. The Welcome Center introduces you to the new features and tools of Windows Vista. You can access the Welcome Center at any time by clicking on ‘Start’...
  • Page 21 The Recovery DVDs that you create will only contain the software that was originally on the hard disk of your computer when it left the factory. Your personal files and other software that you have installed will not be copied.
  • Page 22 3. The program will check that there is enough space available on the selected disk. If there is not enough space, either remove some files from the disk or use a disk with a higher capacity. 4. Remove the disk from your computer (using the remove hardware icon in the notification area) and label Recovery Backup 5.
  • Page 23: Packard Bell Updator

    , your electronic user’s guide contains information for your computer, giving you the help you need directly on your screen. You need to update this electronic user’s guide in order to have specific information for the computer you have purchased.
  • Page 24: Your Software

    Other buttons give you access to additional information, such as tutorials on performing day-to-day tasks and tips and information on using the Internet. Note: The number of categories and titles available may differ according to the computer you purchased. Remember to update your InfoCentre to have the latest information available! You should also make regular visits to www.packardbell.com and check out the Support...
  • Page 25: Playing Multimedia Files

    Setup Caution: If your computer includes a remote control (page 7) or TV tuner (page 11) they must be con- nected and active before starting the media program for the first time. The first time you start the media program, it will start a setup wizard, which will configure some basic Express setup settings.
  • Page 26 Why do I get a message that says my computer is missing a codec? If you get a message that says that your computer is missing a codec, it may be because you are using a file that was compressed using a codec 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.
  • Page 27: Volume Controls

    Volume Controls Apart from the volume controls on your computer, keyboard, monitor or speakers (depending on your equipment), you can also adjust the volume and balance of your speakers from Windows. Adjusting the Volume To adjust the volume, simply click on the Speaker icon located in the Notification Area, next to the clock.
  • Page 28: Helpdesk

    E L P D E S K OMPUTING To make the most of your new computer and ensure it runs smoothly for a long time, you should use the programs below and regularly perform the actions described in this guide.
  • Page 29 4. Click on the volume you want to defragment and click on Defragment to start. The whole process may Disk Defragmenter take several hours to complete. It is best not to use your computer while running the as any changes on your system may cause the process to restart. If you divided your hard disk in several partitions you should perform the same action for each partition.
  • Page 30 • To remove additional software titles, click on ‘Start’ > Control Panel > 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 31 3. To finish, click on Create. Undo the last restoration If the system fails after restoring the computer to a certain date, you can use this option to undo the resto- ration. Last Known Good Configuration Alternately, you can use to restore the system to your most recent settings that worked.
  • Page 32: Updates

    Spyware refers to generally unwanted programs that are downloaded onto your computer while connected to the Internet, often without you knowing it. Once it has infected your computer, it can snoop on your browsing activity, collect personal information, cause pop-up ads to appear, or even change the configuration of your computer.
  • Page 33 1. Keep your computer current with the latest patches and updates. One of the best ways to keep attackers away from your computer is to apply patches and other software fixes when they become available. By regularly updating your computer, you block attackers from being able to take advantage of software flaws (vulnerabilities) that they could otherwise use to break into your system.
  • Page 34 Note: You may activate your antivirus program through the Setup my PC application. 3. 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.
  • Page 35 Windows Security Center Windows provides a central area from where you can control the security settings of your computer, helping you to protect it from Internet attacks and ensuring that the latest security updates have been downloaded and installed on your computer.
  • Page 36 Windows Updates If you have an active Internet connection, Windows can check for important updates for your computer and install them automatically. These updates include security patches and program updates that can improve your computing experience and help protect your computer against new viruses and attacks.
  • Page 37: Windows Remote Assistance

    However, do not blame any computer problem on a virus! If you suspect your computer is infected, the first thing to do is update -if you have not already done so, and run your antivirus and anti-spyware software.
  • Page 38: Diagnose & Repair

    IAGNOSE EPAIR We all experience problems with our computer from time to time... Before calling us, please read the following. This troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and solve some common problems. Please note that the solutions proposed in either one of the cases below may not be limited to that specific case and may be used to solve other computer issues.
  • Page 39 Make sure that you have switched on both your computer and your monitor. Your computer is in suspend or power saving mode. 1. If the computer is in power saving mode, move the mouse or press a key on the keyboard to "wake up" the computer.
  • Page 40 1. Disconnect all external devices from your computer, except the monitor cable and the keyboard. 2. Try to restart your computer and check if it works correctly. 3. If it does not, restart your computer without the keyboard and mouse. If it solves your problem, please contact the Customer Contact Center.
  • Page 41 Press [F1] or [F2] when starting your computer to enter the BIOS. This controls the hardware of your computer. You should only enter the BIOS if you are an advanced user, or when asked to do so by a qualified technician.
  • Page 42 2. When the Packard Bell logo appears, press [F5] on your keyboard for a few seconds. If necessary, press [F8] to access the advanced startup options. 3. Use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode and press [Enter]. Last Known Good Configuration...
  • Page 43 It can undo harmful changes to your computer and restore its settings and performance, while saving your personal data files (such as documents, browsing history, drawings, favourites, or e-mails).
  • Page 44: Miscellaneous Troubleshooting

    Is your computer up-to-date? Malicious programs such as virus and spyware can infect your computer and cause some of your programs to malfunction. To fix this problem and avoid it in the future, make sure you run antivirus and anti-spyware regularly and get the latest updates.
  • Page 45 TV sets, mobile phones, other monitors, refrigerators, large stereo speakers, power adapters, hal- ogen lighting with built-in power supply or motor driven appliances. Faulty fluorescent light assemblies or the proximity to high voltage lines can also cause distorted images. Place your computer as far as possible from these sources.
  • Page 46 6. Your computer will not play audio CDs. a. Make sure that your computer sound is set up properly (see previous steps). b. Make sure that the disc's printed side is facing upward in the drive and that the disc is lying flat in the drive tray.
  • Page 47 After you have just performed your online subscription with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), it is recommended that you restart your computer to complete the Internet setup process. b. The first time you use your Internet connection, your account may not be accepted immediately.
  • Page 48 You may have a telephone or fax program running; These use the modem and make it unavailable for other applications: a. Close all programs that might use the modem (e.g. your telephone or fax software). b. Restart the computer. This will reset all connections. 5. The modem does not work at all. Smart Restore to easily reset and reinstall the faulty drivers (see page 52).
  • Page 49 1. You are not connected. To send and receive e-mails, you need to be connected to the Internet. Look for the computer icons at the lower right part of the Notification Area. Please see "When surfing the Internet, you get an error message"...
  • Page 50 Bell cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by adding hardware or software. Software Packard Bell Software To install, remove or reinstall a program originally included with your Packard Bell computer, you can use Smart Restore (see page 52).
  • Page 51 1. Check your computer's specifications (see page 50). 2. Internal hardware component If you wish to install an internal hardware component, it will be necessary to open your computer. For best results, an authorised service provider should perform such installation. For further information on...
  • Page 52: Restoration And Recovery

    Note: Some programs (such as Internet Explorer) may not be uninstalled. 1. Select Add or Remove a Packard Bell application or Add or Remove a Packard Bell driver from the list of tasks.
  • Page 53 Only pre-installed titles (e.g. DVD Player, CD writer) will function without addi- tional installation. If you were given a choice of languages when you first setup your computer, this choice is definitive. You may only recover the language chosen the first time you started the computer.
  • Page 54 The drive's busy light should blink to show that your computer is booting from the disc. Note: If your computer does not boot from the disc, restart your computer, press the F8 key when the Packard Bell logo appears and select the optical drive from the list. Alternatively see page 41 to learn how to set the BIOS to default settings.
  • Page 55 If a second physical hard disk drive is installed in your computer, files on this hard disk drive will not be removed. However, it is recommended that you backup personal data from all drives. Start the recovery process After you have selected the appropriate options, you...
  • Page 56: Packard Bell Limited Warranty

    The Customer will provide Packard Bell with the correct date of purchase in order to obtain the Warranty Period. In case of doubt, the Customer will provide Packard Bell with a copy of the proof of purchase (invoice or delivery note).
  • Page 57 − The use or installation of the Product is not in compliance with Packard Bell’s documentation; − The Product defect is due to any reason which in Packard Bell’s sole discretion is not a result of a defect in ma- terial or workmanship;...
  • Page 58 9, or in the Warranty & Service Sheet (if supplied), and have the following information available: − The serial number of the Product, which can be found on the back of your computer’s base unit, preceded by ‘S/N’.
  • Page 59 You and the CCC representative, You may be charged for any subsequent visits. Packard Bell reserves the right to refuse to provide the service to any location at which, to Packard Bell’s sole opinion, the safety of Packard Bell’s technical representative or the ability to provide the Service & Support described herein would be jeopardised.
  • Page 60 Packard Bell cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to the Product in total or in part, when it has been sent to Packard Bell by the Customer without complying with the procedures defined in sections 8 and 10 above.
  • Page 61: Regulatory Information

    Note for computers equipped with wireless controllers and wired modems: Hereby, Packard Bell B.V., declares that the wireless devices provided with this computer include a low power radio transmitter in full compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/05/ EC for Low Voltage, EMC and RF of the R&TTE.
  • Page 62 Only Ethernet LAN or RTC modem cable can have length exceeding 3 meters. Packard Bell recommends that you add a ferrite core round clip to each cable connecting your Packard Bell computer to a hardware device that has not been delivered with your computer.
  • Page 63: Environment

    Packaging is a good example to illustrate the efforts conducted by Packard Bell to limit its impact on the environment. Between 2001 and 2007, Packard Bell made considerable efforts to reduce the weight of its desktop computer boxes, as it went from 2.04 kg in 2001 to 1.12 kg in 2007.
  • Page 64: Software License

    Licenses. If the SOFTWARE is permanently installed on the hard disk or the storage device of a computer (other than a network server) and one person uses that computer more than 80% of the time it is in use, then that person may also use the SOFTWARE on a portable or home computer.
  • Page 65: Index

    HDMI ..........4 Health precautions ............28 Helpdesk ............ 48 Cable modem ............4, 61 Cables ........4 Cleaning your computer ............11 IEEE 1394 ............... 26 Codec ............. 6, 16 InfoCentre ......... 4 Computer environment ..........7, 11 Infrared receiver ............
  • Page 66 ....... 32, 33 Norton Internet Security Support ......... 38 Online Troubleshooter ........ 23 Packard Bell InfoCentre ............9 Optical drives ........19 Packard Bell Website ............. 11 S-Video Packard Bell .......... 50 System requirements ..........3, 23 InfoCentre ..........30, 43 System Restore ........

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