Gateway GM5688E User manual

®
REFERENCEGUIDE
8512418.book Page a Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM

8512418.book Page b Friday, May 11, 2007 11:44 AM

i
Chapter 1: About This Reference . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About this guide . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. .2
Accessing the 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..12
Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . ..13
Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .13
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain ..14
Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .14
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . ..14
Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .15
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 . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .18
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .19
Premium multimedia keyboard features . . . .. . . . . . . . ..19
Elite multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .20
Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..22
Using optical drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..24
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..24
Loading an optical disc . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .24
Identifying optical drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..24
Playing discs . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .26
Contents
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Contents
ii
Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 27
Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 28
Memory card types . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 28
Using a memory card . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 28
Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 29
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 30
Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 31
Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . . . .. 32
Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer. . . . . . . 33
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. 34
Opening the case . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 34
Removing the side panel . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 35
Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 35
Closing the case . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 37
Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 37
Replacing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . 37
Replacing the color panel . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 38
Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 40
Adding or replacing an optical disc drive . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 43
Replacing the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 45
Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . 46
Replacing the heat sink and processor . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 49
Adding or replacing an expansion card . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 51
Replacing the system battery . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 52
Replacing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 54
Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . 57
Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 58
Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . 58
Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 59
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 60
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 60
Cleaning the monitor . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 60
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 61
Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 61
Updating Windows . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 62
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Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .62
Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . .62
Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..63
Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . .64
Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .64
Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..65
Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .66
Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .67
Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .68
Transferring files and settings automatically . . . . . . . . . .68
Transferring files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . ..69
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .72
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..72
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..73
Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .73
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..73
CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .73
Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .75
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..76
DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..76
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..77
Expansion cards . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .78
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..78
Floppy drive . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..78
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..79
Internet . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..79
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..81
Media Center . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .82
Memory . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..84
Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .85
Modem (cable or DSL) . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..85
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..85
Monitor . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .89
Mouse . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ..89
Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .90
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Contents
iv
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 90
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 90
Printer . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 91
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 92
Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. 93
Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . . . 94
Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 99
Recovering your system to its factory condition . . . . . 102
Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . . 103
Telephone support . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 104
Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . 105
Self-help . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . 106
Tutoring . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . 106
Training . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 107
Appendix A: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
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CHAPTER1
1
AboutThisReference
•Aboutthisguide
•AccessingtheonlineUserGuide
•Gateway contactinformation
•MicrosoftCertificateofAuthenticity
•For moreinformation
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CHAPTER 1: About This Reference
2
Aboutthisguide
This guide includesinformation and maintenance instructions
that are specific to your model of Gateway computer. Some
illustrations in this guide may look different than your
computer because hardware options and port locations may
vary. For all other computer information, see your online User
Guide.
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.
AccessingtheonlineUserGuide
Inadditiontothisguide,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 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 your operating system. If you ever reinstall Windows from
the installation DVD, you will need to enter these numbers to
activate Windows.
Technical Support
telephone number
Serial number
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4
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CHAPTER2
5
CheckingOutYour
Computer
•Front
•Back
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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer
6
Front
Memory card reader
DVD/CD drive
Microphone jack
Power button/
power indicator
DVD/CD drive
(optional)
Headphone jack
IEEE 1394/
FireWire™ port
USB ports
Video jack (optional)
Audio left jack
(optional)
Audio right jack
(optional)
Diskette or removable
hard drive (optional)
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Component Icon Description
Memory card
reader Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other
device into the memory card reader.
Optical disc 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 24.
IEEE 1394 port Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire®)
devices(suchasadigitalcamcorder)intothese
6-pin IEEE 1394 ports.
Diskette or
removable hard
drive (optional)
Use this drive to read from and write to 3.5"
diskettes, or use this bay to connect a
removable hard drive.
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.
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, or mouse) into these ports.
Video, Audio left,
and Audio right
jacks (optional)
Connect your video camera to these jacks.
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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer
8
Back
Important
Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this
illustration.
Component Icon Description
Voltage switch The switch is preset at the factory. Make
sure thatthisissettothecorrectvoltagefor
your area.
Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector.
PS/2 keyboard port Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.
PS/2 mouse port
PS/2 keyboard port
Voltage switch
Power connector
Ethernet (network) jack
Audio in/side speaker jack
Case cover thumbscrew
Headphone/front
speaker jack
Mic jack Surround L/R speaker jack
Center/subwoofer jack
USB ports
Video card (optional)
Wireless network antenna connectors
IEEE 1394 port
TV tuner card (optional)
Case cover thumbscrew
S/PDIF jack
(optional)
Monitor (VGA) port
Wireless network antenna (optional)
Audio card (optional)
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9
USB ports Plug USB (Universal SerialBus) devices
(such as a USB printer, scanner, camera,
keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. For
more information, see “Installing a printer,
scanner, or other device” on page 32.
S/PDIF output jack
(optional) Plug an optical cable from an amplifier or entertainment system into this jack for
digital sound.
Microphone jack
(pink plug) Plug a microphone into this jack.
Headphone/analog
speakers jack (green
plug)
-OR-
Front speakers jack
Thisjack isuser configurable for oneof the
following:
Headphone: Plug headphonesor amplified
speakers into this jack (Default).
Stereoout: Plug your front left and right
speakers into this jack.
For more information, see “Configuring the
audio jacks” on page 31.
Wireless network
antenna (optional)
and connectors
Connect this antenna to your wireless
network antenna card (optional).
Case cover
thumbscrew Removethisscrewbeforeopening thecase.
PS/2 mouse port Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.
Monitor (VGA) port Plug a VGA (blue connector) monitor cable
into this port.
IEEE 1394 port Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire™)
devices (such as a digital camcorder) into
this 6-pin IEEE 1394 port. For more
information, see “Installing a printer,
scanner, or other device” on page 32.
Ethernet (network)
jack Plug an Ethernet network cable or a device (such as a DSL or cable modem for a
broadband Internet connection) into this
jack. For more information, see “Learning
abouttheInternet”in the onlineUser Guide.
Center/subwoofer
jack (orange plug)
(optional)
Plug your center speaker and subwoofer
into this jack. For more information, see
“Configuring the audio jacks” on page 31.
Component Icon Description
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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer
10
Rear speaker jack
(black plug) Plug your rear right and left speakers into this jack. For more information, see
“Configuring the audio jacks” on page 31.
Audio input (Line in)
jack (blue plug)
-OR-
Side speaker jack
Thisjack isuser configurablefor one of the
following:
Stereo in: Plug an external audio input
source (such as a stereo) into this jack so
you can record sound on your computer
(Default).
Stereo out: Plug your side left and right
speakers into this jack.
For more information, see “Configuring the
audio jacks” on page 31.
Video card (optional) Plug a VGA (blue connector) or DVI (white
connector) monitorinto aport on this card,
if installed.
Audio card (optional) Plug speaker cables into this card, if
installed.
TV tuner card Plugavideotunerorantennaintothiscard,
if installed.
Modem jack
(optional, not shown) Plugamodemcableintothisjack.Formore information, see “Connecting a dial-up
modem” on page 16.
Telephone jack
(optional, not shown) Plug the cord from your telephone into this jack.
Component Icon Description
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CHAPTER3
11
SettingUpand
GettingStarted
•Workingsafelyandcomfortably
•Preparingpowerconnections
•Connectingtoabroadbandmodemor
network
•Connectingadial-upmodem
•Startingyourcomputer
•Turningoffyourcomputer
•Restarting(rebooting)yourcomputer
•Usingthekeyboard
•Usingthemouse
•Usingopticaldrives
•Usingthememorycardreader
•Usingthe diskettedrive
•Adjustingthevolume
•Configuringtheaudiojacks
•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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13
Reducingeyestrain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the
monitor screen or shine directly into your eyes.
•Position the computer desk and screen so you can avoid
glare on your screen and light shining directly into 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.
•Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for
longperiodsoftime.Every10or15minutes,lookaround
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
use the keyboard and touchpad. If the desk is not
adjustable or is too tall, consider using an adjustable
chair to control 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 to distribute your 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.
Preparingpowerconnections
Protectingfrompowersourceproblems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming
intoyourcomputercanincreasetofarabovenormallevelsand
cause data loss orsystem damage. Protectyour computerand
peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector,
which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from
reaching your computer.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power
toyourcomputerduringapowerfailure.Althoughyoucannot
run your computer for an extended period of time with a UPS,
a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your
work and shut down your computer normally.
Warning
Highvoltagescanenteryourcomputerthroughboththepowercordand
themodemconnection.Protectyourcomputerbyusingasurgeprotector. Ifyou
have a telephone 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.
During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem.
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