Gateway E-4620 User manual

®
REFERENCEGUIDE
8512733.book Page a Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM

8512733.book Page b Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM

i
Chapter 1: About This Reference . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About this guide . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. .2
Accessing your online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .2
Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .3
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. .3
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Computer. . . . . 5
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .6
Back . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. .8
Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started . . 11
Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .12
Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..13
Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . ..13
Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .14
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain ..14
Positioning the computer case . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..14
Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .14
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . ..14
Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . .. . . . .15
Connecting a dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..16
Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .16
Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . .17
Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..17
Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .19
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .20
Premium multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Elite multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .21
Standard keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..23
Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..24
Using optical drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..26
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..26
Loading an optical disc . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . .26
Identifying optical drive types . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..27
Contents
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Contents
ii
Playing discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 28
Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 30
Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . .. 30
Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 30
Using a memory card . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 31
Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 32
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 33
Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer. . . . . . . 37
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Opening and closing the case . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. 39
Removing and installing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 40
Replacing an optical or diskette drive, or a card reader . . . 42
Replacing the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 46
Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 48
Adding or replacing an expansion card . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 50
Replacing the front fan . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 52
Replacing the front I/O board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 55
Replacing the processor . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 57
Replacing the system battery . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . 60
Replacing the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . 62
Replacing the system board . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . 64
Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . 69
Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . 70
Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . 71
Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 72
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. 72
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . .. 73
Cleaning the monitor . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 73
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 73
Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 74
Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 74
Using BigFix . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 75
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iii
Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..76
Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..76
Deleting unnecessary files . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .77
Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .78
Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..79
Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . .81
Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..82
Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..83
Transferring files and settings automatically . . . . . . . . ..83
Transferring files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Safety guidelines . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .88
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..88
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..89
Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .89
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..89
CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .89
Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .91
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..92
DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .92
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..93
Expansion cards . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .94
File management . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..94
Floppy drive . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..94
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..95
Internet . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..96
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .97
Memory . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..98
Memory card reader . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..98
Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..99
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..99
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . .102
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . .103
Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .103
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . .103
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . .104
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Contents
iv
Printer . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 104
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 106
Recovering your system . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . 107
Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . . 108
Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 114
Recovering your system to its factory condition . . . . . 117
Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . . 118
Telephone support . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 119
Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . 120
Self-help . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . 120
Tutoring . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 121
Training . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . 121
Appendix A: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
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CHAPTER1
1
AboutThisReference
•Aboutthisguide
•AccessingyouronlineUserGuide
•Gateway contactinformation
•MicrosoftCertificateofAuthenticity
•For moreinformation
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CHAPTER1: About This Reference
2
Aboutthisguide
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, seeyour online User
Guide.
Formoreinformation
For more information about your computer, visit Gateway’s
Supportpageatwww.gateway.comortheWebaddressshown
on your computer’s label. The Support page also has links to
additionalGatewaydocumentationanddetailedspecifications.
AccessingyouronlineUser
GuideInaddition tothisguide,yourUser Guide hasbeen includedon
your hard drive. Your User Guide is an in-depth, easy-to-read
manual that includes information on the following topics:
•Help and technical support
•Using and customizing Windows and other software
•Controlling audio and video settings
•Using the Internet
•Protecting your files
•Playing and recording media
•Networking
To access your User Guide:
•Click (Start), All Programs, then click Gateway
Documentation.
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3
Gatewaycontactinformation
The label on the top or side 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.
MicrosoftCertificateof
Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the
back or side of your computer includes the product key code
for youroperating system. If you ever reinstall Windows from
the installation DVD, you will need to enter these numbers to
activate Windows.
9004394
Online support:
Tech Support Phone: (U.S.)
(Canada)
Tech Support Hours:
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CHAPTER1: About This Reference
4
8512733.book Page 4 Friday, September 21, 2007 4:47 PM

CHAPTER2
5
CheckingOutYour
Computer
•Front
•Back
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CHAPTER2: Checking Out Your Computer
6
Front
DVD/CD drive
Headphone jack
Memory card reader or
diskette drive (optional)
Microphone jack
Power button/ power
indicator
USB ports (optional)
IEEE 1394 port (optional)
Hard drive activity
indicator
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7
Component Icon Description
Memory card
reader or diskette
drive (optional)
Insert a memory card from a digital camera,
MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other
device into the memory card reader. Insert a
3.5"diskette(floppy) to read from and write to.
Power
button/power
indicator
Press this button to turn the power on or off.
You can also configure the power button to
operate in Standby/Resume mode or
Hibernate mode. The power indicator lights
when the computer is turned on.
USB ports PlugUSB(Universal Serial Bus)devices(suchas
a USB external drive, printer, scanner, camera,
keyboard,ormouse)intotheseports.Formore
information, see “Installing a printer, scanner,
or other device” on page34.
(IEEE 1394) port
(optional) Plug a IEEE1394 (also known as FireWire™) device (such as a digital camcorder) into this
6-pin port.
DVD/CD drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install
games and programs, watch DVDs, and store
largefilesontorecordablediscs(dependingon
drivetype).ThisdrivemaybeaCD,recordable
CD, DVD, recordable DVD, Blu-ray, or HD DVD
drive. For more information about your drive,
see “Identifying optical drive types” on
page 27.
Harddriveactivity
indicator When lit, indicates hard drive activity.
Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an
external amplifier, or headphones into this
jack. This jack is color-coded green.
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is
color-coded pink.
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CHAPTER2: Checking Out Your Computer
8
Back
Telephonejack(optional)
PS/2 mouse port PS/2 keyboard port
Audio (line) in/side
speaker jack
Ethernet (network) jack
Lineout(headphones)/
front speaker jack
Microphone jack
USB ports
Modem (line) jack
(optional)
Monitor (VGA) port
Parallel port
Serial port
Voltage switch
Cover release lever
Power connector
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9
Component Icon Description
Cover release lever Pullthislatchouttoreleasetheaccesspanel.
Voltage switch Makesurethisswitchispositionedcorrectly
for the power in your area.
Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector.
Audio (line) in/side
speaker jack (blue) Pluganexternalaudioinputsource(suchas a stereo) into this jack so you can record
sound on your computer. For 5.1surround
sound, plug the surround sound side
speakers to this jack.
Ethernet (network)
jack Plug an Ethernet network cable or a device (such as a cable or DSL modem) into this
jack. For more information, see “Learning
abouttheInternet”inyouronlineUserGuide
and“Connectingtoabroadbandmodemor
network” on page 15.
Parallel port Plug a parallel device (such as a printer)
into this port.
PS/2 mouse port
(green) Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.
Modem (line) jack
(optional) Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more information, see “Connecting a dial-up
modem” on page 16.
Line out
(headphones)/front
speaker jack (green)
Plugheadphonesoramplifiedspeakersinto
this jack. For 5.1 surround sound, plug the
surround sound front speaker to this jack.
Microphone jack
(pink) Plug a microphone into this jack.
USB ports Plug USB(Universal Serial Bus)devices(such
asa USBprinter,scanner,camera, keyboard,
or mouse) into these ports. For more
information, see “Installing a printer,
scanner, or other device” on page34.
Monitor (VGA) port Plug a VGA monitor cable into this port.
Serial port Plug a serial device into this port.
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CHAPTER2: Checking Out Your Computer
10
PS/2 keyboard port
(purple) Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.
Telephone jack
(optional) Plug your telephone into this jack.
Component Icon Description
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CHAPTER3
11
Setting Up and Getting
Started
•Workingsafelyandcomfortably
•Preparingpowerconnections
•Connectingtoabroadbandmodemor
network
•Connectingadial-upmodem
•Startingyourcomputer
•Turningoffyourcomputer
•Restarting(rebooting)yourcomputer
•Usingthekeyboard
•Usingthe mouse
•Usingopticaldrives
•Usingthememorycardreader
•Using the diskette drive
•Adjustingthevolume
•Installingaprinter,scanner,orotherdevice
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CHAPTER3: Setting Up and Getting Started
12
Workingsafelyand
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.
•Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of
sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye
level.
•Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
•Keep ventilation openings clear of obstructions.
Top of screen is not
higher than eye level
Feet are flat on the floor
Hands and arms are
parallel to the floor
Screen is perpendicular to
your line of sight
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Reducingeyestrain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the
screen or shine directly into your eyes.
•Position the computer desk and monitor so you can
avoidglareonyourscreenandlightshiningdirectlyinto
your eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains
on windows and by installing a glare screen filter.
•Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use
your computer in a dark room.
•Setpaperholdersatthesameheightanddistanceasthe
monitor.
•Avoidfocusingyoureyesonyourscreenforlongperiods
of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look around the room,
and try to focus on distant objects.
Settingupyourcomputerdeskandchair
When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make
surethatthedeskistheappropriateheightandthechairhelps
you maintain good posture.
•Select a flat surface for your computer desk.
•Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands
and arms are positioned parallel to the floor when you
usethekeyboardandmouse.Ifthedeskisnotadjustable
oristootall,considerusinganadjustablechairtocontrol
your arm’s height above the keyboard.
•Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes
your weight evenly, and keeps your body relaxed.
•Positionyourchairsothekeyboardisatorslightlybelow
thelevelofyourelbow.Thispositionletsyourshoulders
relax while you type.
•Adjustthechairheight,adjusttheforwardtiltoftheseat,
or use a footrest todistributeyour weight evenly on the
chair and relieve pressure on the back of your thighs.
•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.
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CHAPTER3: Setting Up and Getting Started
14
Sittingatyourcomputer
•Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make
sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type.
•Donotslouchforwardorleanfarback.Sitwithyourback
straight so your knees, hips, and elbows form right
angles when you work.
•Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.
•Avoid twisting your torso or neck.
Avoidingdiscomfortandinjuryfromrepetitive
strain •Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.
•Take breaks to change your position, stretch your
muscles, and relieve your eyes.
•Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a
variety of tasks.
Positioningthecomputercase
Position the computer case in a location that is easyfor you to
reach. Your case can be positioned either horizontally or
vertically.Withthecaseinaverticalorientation,youcanrotate
the support base on bottom for more stability.
Preparingpowerconnections
Protectingfrompowersourceproblems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming
intoyourcomputercanincreasetofarabovenormallevelsand
cause data lossor systemdamage. Protectyour computerand
peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector,
which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from
reaching your computer.
Warning
Highvoltagescanenteryourcomputerthroughboththepowercordand
themodemconnection.Protectyourcomputerbyusingasurgeprotector.Ifyou
have a telephone or DSL modem, use a surge protector that has a modem jack.
If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector that has an antenna/cableTV
jack.Duringanelectricalstorm,unplugboththesurgeprotectorandthemodem.
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