Gateway DX4640-UB201A, DX4200-UB001A, DX4640-UBC01A, DX4200-UB101A, DX4640-UB101A Reference Manual

®

REFERENCEGUIDE

i

Chapter 1: About This Reference . . . . . . . . . . . 1

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

Accessing the online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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

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

Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Using optical drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Loading an optical disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Identifying optical drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Playing discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Contents

Contents

ii

Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer. . . . . . . 33

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Removing the left side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Removing the right side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Replacing the side panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Replacing the color panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Adding or replacing an optical disc drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Replacing the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Adding or replacing an expansion card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . 51

Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Creating system recovery discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Cleaning the monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

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Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Transferring files and settings automatically . . . . . . . . . .65

Transferring files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Try these steps first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Internet and networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Expansion cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Checking for device problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Creating recovery discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . . . 91

Returning to a previous system condition . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Returning your system to its factory condition . . . . . . . .93

Technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Contents

iv

Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Calling Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Appendix A: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

CHAPTER1

1

About This Reference

• About this guide

• Accessing the online User Guide

• Gateway contact information

• Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

• For more information

CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

2

About this guide

This guide includes information and maintenance instructions
that are specific to your model of Gateway computer. Some
illustrations in this guide may look different than your
computer because hardware options and port locations may
vary. For all other computer information, see your online User
Guide.

For more information

For more information about your computer, visit Gateway’s
Support page at www.gateway.com

or the Web address shown
on your computer’s label. The Support page also has links to
additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.

Accessing the online User Guide

In addition to this guide, your User Guide has been included on
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.

Gateway contact information

See your setup poster for Customer Care contact information.
The label on the top of your computer contains information
that identifies your computer model and serial number.
Customer Care will need this information if you call for
assistance.

www.gateway.com

3

Microsoft Certificate of
Authenticity

The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the
back or side of your computer includes the product key code
for your operating system. If you ever reinstall Windows from
the installation DVD, you will need to enter these numbers to
activate Windows.

CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

4

CHAPTER2

5

Checking Out Your

Computer

• Front

• Back

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

6

Front

Important

Your computer’s hardware options , port locations, and indicators may

vary from this illustration.

Memory card reader

Optical disc drive

Microphone jack

Copy button

Optical disc drive
(optional)

IEEE 1394/

FireWire™ port

USB ports

Power button

Headphone jack

Wireless network connection indicator (green)Bluetooth activity indicator (blue)

IR learning indicator (red)IR sensor

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7

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
large files onto recordable discs (depending on
drive type). This drive may be a CD, recordable
CD, DVD, recordable DVD, or Blu-ray drive. For
more information about your drive, see

“Identifying optical drive types” on page 23.

Video, Audio left,
and Audio right
jacks (optional)

Connect your video camera to these jacks.

IEEE 1394 port Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire

®

)
devices (such as a digital camcorder) into this
6-pin IEEE 1394 port.

Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack.

Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an

external amplifier, or headphones into this
jack.

USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as

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

Copy button Press this button for fast, one-touch copying of

photos from your memory card to a folder on
your computer. The activity indicator inside
teh button lights while files are being copied.

Power button 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.

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 that this is set to the correct voltage for
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

Microphone jack

Rear surround speaker jack
Center/subwoofer jack

USB ports

Video card (optional)

Wireless network
card (optional)

IEEE 1394 port

TV tuner card (optional)

Case cover thumbscrew

HDMI jack (optional)

Monitor (VGA) port

DVI port (optional)

Modem jack (optional)

Telephone jack (optional)

HDMI jack (optional)

S/PDIF output jack

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HDMI jack Plug an HDMI cable into this jack and an

HDMI input jack on a TV or other A/V device.
HDMI carries a high-quality digital video
and digital audio signal.

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 30.

USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) 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 30.

S/PDIF output jack 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)

-OR­Front speakers 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.
For more information, see “Configuring the

audio jacks” on page 30.

DVI port (optional) Connect a DVI cable to this optional port and

to a DVI-capable display.

Modem jack
(optional)

Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more
information, see “Connecting a dial-up

modem” on page 16.

Case cover
thumbscrew

Remove this screw before opening the case.

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.

Component Icon Description

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

10

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
about the Internet” in the online User Guide.

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 30.

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 30.

Audio input (Line in)
jack (blue plug)

-OR­Side speaker 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.
For more information, see “Configuring the

audio jacks” on page 30.

Video card (optional) Plug a VGA or DVI monitor into the VGA

(blue) or DVI (white) port on this card, if
installed.

TV tuner card
(optional)

Plug a video tuner or antenna into this card,
if installed.

Wireless network
card (optional)

Lets you wirelessly connect to a
wireless-enabled network.

Telephone jack
(optional)

Plug the cord from your telephone into this
jack.

Component Icon Description

CHAPTER3

11

Setting Up and

Getting Started

• Working safely and comfortably

• Preparing power connections

• Connecting to a broadband modem or

network

• Connecting a dial-up modem

• Starting your computer

• Turning off your computer

• Restarting (rebooting) your computer

• Using the keyboard

• Using the mouse

• Using optical drives

• Using the memory card reader

• Adjusting the volume

• Configuring the audio jacks

• Installing a printer, scanner, or other device

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

12

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
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

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.

• 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.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

14

Sitting at your computer

• Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make

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

• Do n ot slo uch for ward or lea n far back . Sit with yo ur 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

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 surge protector,
which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from
reaching your computer.

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) 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.

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/cableTV jack.
During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem.

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15

Checking the voltage selection

The power supply, a component built into your 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 correctly for your location 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. To see the location, see

“Back” on page 8.

Connecting to a broadband
modem or network

You can connect your computer to a cable or DSL modem or
to a wired 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.

2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable

modem, DSL modem, or network jack.

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.

Important

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

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

16

Connecting a dial-up modem

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.

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 at the back of your computer.

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

1 Connect the power, network, mouse, and keyboard

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.

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 or serial ports,
turn off your computer first. See the documentation that
came with each device for its setup instructions.

Warning

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

telecommunications line cord.

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.

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17

5 To open your computer’s Start menu, click (Start).

From that menu, you can run programs and search for
files. For more information on using your computer’s
menus, see “Using Windows” and “Customizing
Windows” in your online User Guide.

Waking up your computer

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

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

Turning off your computer

Putting your computer into Sleep mode is the easiest way to
power down your computer. Although it does not turn your
computer completely off, it does turn off or slow down most
system operations to save power, and saves your desktop
layout so the next time you restore power, the programs are
laid out just as you left them. Waking your computer from a
Sleep state is much faster than turning on your computer after
it has been turned completely off.

Tip

For more information about changing the power button mode, see the

“Customizing” chapter in your online User Guide.

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 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.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

18

To put your computer to sleep:

1 Click (Start), then click (power). The computer

saves your session and partially shuts down to save
power.

2 To “wake” your computer, press a key on the keyboard

or press the power button. If the computer remains in
Sleep mode, press the power button.

To turn off your computer:

1 Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then

click Shut Down.

The computer turns off.

2 To completely disconnect all power (such as for servicing

internal components), also disconnect the power cord.

Restarting (rebooting) your
computer

As a troubleshooting step, you may need to restart (reboot)
your computer.

To restart your computer:

1 Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then

click Restart. Your computer turns off, then turns on
again.

- OR -

Press C

TRL+ALT+DELETE twice.

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19

2 If your computer does not turn off, press and hold the

power button until the computer turns off (about five
seconds), then press it again to turn the computer back
on.

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.

Feature Icon Description

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
keys

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

Windows key Press this key to open the Windows Start menu.

This key can also be used in combination with
other keys to open utilities like F (Find/Search),
R (Run), and E (Computer).

Fn key Press this key in combination with keys that have

alternate functions defined, such as the F9-F12
keys.

Windows key Application

key

Navigation keys Numeric keypad

Function keys

Audio playback keys

Fn key

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

20

Using the mouse

The mouse is a device that controls the pointer movement on
the computer display. This illustration shows the standard
mouse.

Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and help

assistants in Windows.

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor and to copy,

cut, and paste objects.

Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the

numeric keypad (NUM LOCK) is turned on.

Feature Icon Description

Scroll wheel

Left button

Right button

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21

As you move the mouse, the pointer (arrow) on the display
moves in the same direction.

You can use the left and right buttons on the mouse to select
objects on the display.

You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move through a
document. This feature is not available in all programs.

To... Do this...

Move the pointer
on the computer
display

Move the mouse around. If you
reach the edge of your mouse
pad and need to move the
mouse farther, lift the mouse
and place it in the middle of the
mouse pad, then continue
moving the mouse.

Select an object
on the computer
display

Position the pointer over the
object. Quickly press and
release the left mouse button.
This is called clicking.

Start a program
or open a file or
folder

Position the pointer over the
object. Quickly press and
release the left mouse button
twice. This is called
double-clicking.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

22

For more information about how to adjust the double-click
speed, pointer speed, right-hand or left-hand configuration,
and other mouse settings, see the “Customizing” chapter in
your online User Guide. For instructions on how to clean the
mouse, see “Cleaning the mouse” on page 55.

Access a
shortcut menu
or find more
information
about an object
on the display.

Position the pointer over the
object. Quickly press and
release the right mouse button
once. This is called
right-clicking.

Move an object
on the computer
display.

Position the pointer over the
object. Press the left mouse
button and hold it down. Move
(drag) the object to the
appropriate part of the
computer display. Release the
button to drop the object where
you want it. This is called
clicking and dragging.

To... Do this...

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23

Using optical drives

Features

Your optical drive has the following basic components:

Loading an optical disc

To insert an optical disc:

1 Press the eject button on the optical disc drive.

2 Place the disc in the tray with the label facing up.
3 Press the eject button to close the tray.

Identifying optical drive types

Your computer may contain one of the following drive types.
Press the drive’s eject button, then look on the front of the
drive’s disc tray for one or more of the following logos:

Important

When you place a single-sided disc in the tray, make sure that the
label side is facing up. If the disc has two playable sides, place the disc
so the name of the side you want to play is facing up.

If your optical drive has
this logo...

Your drive type
is...

Use your drive for...

CD

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, and accessing data.

CD-RW

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, accessing data, and
creating CDs.

Flip-down door Eject button

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

24

DVD/CD-RW

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, accessing data,
creating CDs, and playing DVDs.

DVD

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, playing DVDs, and
accessing data.

DVD+RW

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, playing DVDs,
accessing data, and recording
video and data to CDs and
DVD+R or DVD+RW discs.

DVD R/RW

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, playing DVDs,
accessing data, and recording
video and data to CDs and
DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, and
DVD-RW discs.

Double layer
DVD+RW

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, playing DVDs,
accessing data, and recording
video and data to CDs and
double layer DVD+R discs.
Note: To use the double layer
capability of the double layer
recordable DVD drive, the blank
DVDs you purchase must state
Double Layer, Dual Layer, or DL.
Using other types of blank
media will result in less
capacity.

DVD-RAM/-RW

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, playing DVDs,
accessing data, and recording
video and data to CDs and
DVD-RAM, DVD-R, or DVD-RW
discs.

Blu-ray Disc

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, playing DVDs,
playing Blu-ray Discs, accessing
data, and recording video and
data to CDs, DVD-RAM, DVD-R,
DVD-RW, and Blu-ray discs.

If your optical drive has
this logo...

Your drive type
is...

Use your drive for...

RECORDER