eMachines EL1200 User Manual

Computer Reference Guide

Information for your safety and comfort

Safety instructions

Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

Turning the product off before cleaning

Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

Warnings

• Do not use this product near water.

• Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the product falls, it could be seriously damaged.

• Slots and openings are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register, or in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

• Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind onto or into the product.

• To avoid damage of internal components and to prevent battery leakage, do not place the product on a vibrating surface.

Using electrical power

• This product should be operated from the type of power indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.

• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where people will walk on the cord.

• If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total rating of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the fuse rating.

• Do not overload a power outlet, strip or receptacle by plugging in too many devices. The overall system load must not exceed 80% of the branch circuit rating. If power strips are used, the load should not exceed 80% of the power strip's input rating.

• This product's AC adapter is equipped with a three-wire grounded plug. The plug only fits in a grounded power outlet. Make sure the power outlet is properly grounded before inserting the AC adapter plug. Do not insert the plug into a non-grounded power outlet. Contact your electrician for details.

Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power outlet that is not properly grounded may result in electric shock and/or injury.

Note: The grounding pin also provides good protection from unexpected noise produced by other nearby electrical devices that may interfere with the performance of this product.

• Use the product only with the supplied power supply cord set. If you need to replace the power cord set, make sure that the new power cord meets the following requirements: detachable type, UL listed/CSA certified, type SPT-2, rated 7 A 125 V minimum, VDE approved or its equivalent, 4.6 meters (15 feet) maximum length.

Product servicing

Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel when:

• the power cord or plug is damaged, cut or frayed

• liquid was spilled into the product

• the product was exposed to rain or water

• the product has been dropped or the case has been damaged

• the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service

• the product does not operate normally after following the operating instructions

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.

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Telephone line safety

• Disconnect all telephone lines from the equipment when not in use and/or before servicing.

• To avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning, do not connect the telephone line to this equipment during lightning or thunderstorms.

Disposal instructions

Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding. To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protection of the global environment, please recycle.

Mercury advisory

For projectors or electronic products containing an LCD/CRT monitor or display: Lamp(s) inside this product contain mercury and must be recycled or disposed of according to local, state or federal laws. For more information, contact the Electronic Industries Alliance at www.eiae.org information, check www.lamprecycle.org

. For lamp-specific disposal

iii

ENERGY STAR is a government program (public/private partnership) that gives people the power to protect the environment in a cost effective way and without sacrificing quality or product features. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE). In the average home, 75% of all electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. ENERGY STAR qualified home electronic products in the off position use up to 50% less energy than conventional equipment. More information refers to http://www.energystar.gov and http://www.energystar.gov/powermangement.

Note: The statement above is applicable only to eMachines system with an ENERGY STAR sticker.

As an ENERGY STAR partner, eMachines Inc. has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.

This product has been shipped enabled for power management:

• Activate display’ Sleep mode within 15 minutes of user inactivity.

• Activate computer’s Sleep mode within 30 minutes of user inactivity.

• Wake the computer from Sleep mode by pushing power button.

• More power management settings can be done through Windows

power management.

Tips and information for comfortable use

Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use. Users are also at risk of physical injury after long hours of working in front of a computer. Long work periods, bad posture, poor work habits, stress, inadequate working conditions, personal health and other factors greatly increase the risk of physical injury.

Incorrect computer usage may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis or other musculoskeletal disorders. The following symptoms may appear in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or back:

• numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation

• aching, soreness or tenderness

• pain, swelling or throbbing

• stiffness or tightness

• coldness or weakness

If you have these symptoms, or any other recurring or persistent discomfort and/or pain related to computer use, consult a physician immediately and inform your company's health and safety department.

The following section provides tips for more comfortable computer use.

Finding your comfort zone

Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort. Observe the following tips:

• refrain from staying too long in one fixed posture

• avoid slouching forward and/or leaning backward

• stand up and walk around regularly to remove the strain on your leg muscles

• take short rests to relax your neck and shoulders

• avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders

• install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and within

comfortable reach

• if you view your monitor more than your documents, place the display at the

center of your desk to minimize neck strain

Taking care of your vision

Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare, excessive room lighting, poorly focused screens, very small typefaces and low-contrast displays could stress your eyes. The following sections provide suggestions on how to reduce eyestrain.

Eyes

• Rest your eyes frequently.

• Give your eyes regular breaks by looking away from the monitor and focusing on a distant point.

• Blink frequently to keep your eyes from drying out.

Display

• Keep your display clean.

• Keep your head at a higher level than the top edge of the display so your eyes point downward when looking at the middle of the display.

• Adjust the display brightness and/or contrast to a comfortable level for enhanced text readability and graphics clarity.

• Eliminate glare and reflections by:

• placing your display in such a way that the side faces the window or any

light source

• minimizing room light by using drapes, shades or blinds

• using a task light

• changing the display's viewing angle

• using a glare-reduction filter

• using a display visor, such as a piece of cardboard extended from the

display's top front edge

• Avoid adjusting your display to an awkward viewing angle.

• Avoid looking at bright light sources, such as open windows, for extended periods of time.

Developing good work habits

Develop the following work habits to make your computer use more relaxing and productive:

• Take short breaks regularly and often.

• Perform some stretching exercises.

• Breathe fresh air as often as possible.

• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body.

Warning! We do not recommend using the computer on a couch or bed. If this is unavoidable, work for only short periods, take breaks regularly, and do some stretching exercises.

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer . . . 1

About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 2: Setting Up and

Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . 7

Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive

strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . 9

Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . 11

Connecting a dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Using optical drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Loading an optical disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Identifying optical drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . 24

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

vii

Contents

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Expansion cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Optical disc drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Creating recovery discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . 48

Returning to a previous system condition . . . . . 49

Returning your system to its factory condition . 51

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Before calling Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices. 57

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

viii

Chapter 1

Checking Out Your

Computer

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer

About this guide

This guide includes information and maintenance instructions that are specific to your model of computer. Some illustrations in this guide may look different than your computer because hardware options and port locations may vary.

Front

Component Icon Description

DVD/CD drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs,

Memory card reader

Power button/power indicator

USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices

Microphone jack

Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an

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, recordable DVD, Blu-ray, or HD DVD drive.

Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other device into the memory card reader.

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.

(such as a USB external drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.

Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is color-coded pink.

external amplifier, or headphones into this jack. This jack is color-coded green.

Back

Important

Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may

vary from this illustration.

Component Icon Description

Kensington lock slot

Voltage switch The switch is preset at the factory.

Power connector Plug the power cord into this

PS/2 keyboard port

Monitor (VGA) port

USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices

Microphone jack (pink plug)

Headphone/analo g speakers jack (green plug)

-ORFront speakers jack

Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.

Make sure that this is set to the correct voltage for your area.

connector.

Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.

Plug a VGA (blue connector) monitor cable into this port.

(such as a USB Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.

Plug a microphone into this jack.

This jack is user configurable for one of the following: Headphone: Plug headphones or amplified speakers into this jack (Default). Stereo out: Plug your front left and right speakers into this jack.

PS/2 mouse port Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.

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.

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer

Component Icon Description

Center/subwoofer jack (orange plug) (optional)

Surround L/R speaker jack (black plug)

Audio in/side speaker jack (blue plug)

-ORSide speaker jack

ESATA port (optional)

Serial port (optional)

HDMI port (optional)

ESATA

HDMI

Plug your center speaker and subwoofer into this jack.

Plug your rear right and left speakers into this jack.

This jack is user configurable for 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.

Enables fast external disk access.

Connects to devices such as terminals and various peripherals.

Supports high definition digital video connections.

Chapter 2

Setting Up and

Getting Started

Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

Working safely and 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 leve.

• 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

Hands and arms

are parallel to the

floor

Screen is perpendicular to your line of sight

Feet are flat on the floor

Reducing eye strain

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.

• Set paper holders at the same height and

distance as the monitor.

• Avoid focusing your eyes on your

computer screen for long periods of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look around the room, and try to focus on distant objects.

Setting up your computer desk and chair

When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make sure that the desk is the appropriate height and the chair helps you maintain good posture.

Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

• 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.

• Position your chair so the keyboard is at

or slightly below the level of your elbow. This position lets your shoulders relax while you type.

• Adjust the chair height, adjust the

forward tilt of the seat, 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.

Sitting at your computer

• Avoid bending, arching, or angling your

wrists. Make sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type.

• Do not slouch forward or lean far back.

Sit with your back 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.

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive 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.

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. If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem.

During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your computer can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your computer and peripheral devices by connecting them to a absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your computer.

uninterruptible power supply

supplies battery power to your computer during a power failure. Although you cannot 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.

surge protector

(UPS)

, which

Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

Checking the voltage selection

Caution

If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system will be damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location before turning on your computer. In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115 volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when your computer is operating in the United States. In other areas of the world, such as Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at 50 Hz. If your computer is operating in an environment such as this, the voltage switch should be moved to 230.

The

power supply

computer, provides power to the system board, add-in cards, and peripheral devices. The power supply’s voltage selection for your location is typically set at the factory, but you can change it to match the electrical service available in your usage area (such as while in another country). Use the power selection switch on the back of your computer to set the voltage to 115V or 230V.

To set the voltage selection switch:

1 Disconnect your computer’s power cable. 2 Use a tool such as an opened paper clip

to slide the voltage selection switch to the correct voltage position. The switch is located on the back of your computer, near the power cable connector. For the location, see “Back” on page 3.

, a component built into your

Connecting to a broadband modem or network

Important

Your computer may be equipped with a built-in Ethernet (network) jack. For information about setting up a wired or wireless Ethernet network.

You can connect your computer to a cable or DSL (

broadband

Ethernet network.

To connect to a broadband modem or to an Ethernet network:

1 Insert one end of the network cable into

the network jack on the back of your computer. For the location, see “Back” on page 3.

2 Insert the other end of the network cable

into a cable modem, DSL modem, or network jack.

) modem or to a wired

Connecting a dial-up modem

Warning

To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line cord.

Your computer may have a 56K modem that you can use with a standard telephone line to connect to the internet or fax documents.

To connect the modem:

1 Insert one end of the modem cable into

the modem jack on the modem at the back of your computer. For the location, see “Back” on page 3.

Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

2 Insert the other end of the modem cable

into a telephone wall jack. (The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.)

3 If you want, you can connect a telephone

to the PHONE jack on the modem on the back of your computer.

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

1 Connect the power, network, mouse,

keyboard, and monitor cables to your computer according to the setup poster.

2 Press the power button on the front of

your computer. If your computer does not turn on, check the power cable connections.

Important

Your computer has a built-in, variable-speed fan. In addition, your computer uses a powerful processor which produces heat and has its own cooling fan. Both the system fan and processor fan can run at different speeds at times to ensure correct system cooling. You may notice an increase in the fan noise when the fan is running at high speed and a decrease in the fan noise when it switches to normal speed.

3 If you are starting your computer for the

first time, follow the on-screen instructions to select the language and time zone and to create your first user account.

4 Attach and turn on any USB or audio

peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, and speakers. If you need to attach a peripheral device to the parallel port, turn off your computer first. See the documentation that came with each device for its setup instructions.

5 To open your computer’s main menu,

click Start. From that menu, you can run programs and search for files. For more information on using your computer’s menus.

Waking up your computer

When you have not used your computer for several minutes, it may enter a power-saving mode called the power indicator on the power button flashes.

If your computer is in Standby mode, move the mouse, press a key on the keyboard, or press the power button to “wake” it up.

Standby

. While in Standby mode,

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. We recommend disconnecting the power cord and modem cable when your computer will not be used for long periods.

Important

If for some reason you cannot use the Shut Down option in Windows to turn off your computer, press and hold the power button for about five seconds, then release it.

To turn off your computer: 1 Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. 2 Click Turn Off. 3 If for some reason you cannot use

Windows to turn off your computer, press and hold the power button for about five seconds. The computer turns off.

4 To completely disconnect all power (such

as for servicing internal components), also disconnect the power cord.

Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

Restarting (rebooting) your computer

If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, you may need to restart (reboot) your computer.

To restart your computer:

1 Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. 2 Click Restart. 3 As a part of the regular startup process,

a program to check the disk status runs automatically. When the checks are finished, Windows starts.

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.

Editing buttons

Function keys

Enhanced keyboard

Audio playback buttons

Windows keys

Application key

Internet buttons

Navigation keys

Directional keys

Indicators

Numeric keypad

Standard keyboard

Function keys

Indicators

Navigation keys

Internet buttons

Directional

Windows keys Application

key

keys

Numeric keypad

Feature Icon Description

Editing buttons Press these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.

Function keys Press these keys to start program actions.

Each program uses different function keys for different purposes. See the program documentation to find out more about the function key actions.

Audio playback buttons

Internet buttons

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the

Indicators Show if your N

Press these buttons to play your audio files and to adjust the volume.

Press these buttons to launch your Internet home page, search, or e-mail programs.

beginning of a line, to the end of a line, up the page, down the page, to the beginning of a document, or to the end of a document.

UM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or

SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the corresponding key to activate the function.

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