Gateway FX542X User Manual

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REFERENCE GUIDE

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

Video card ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started . . 13

Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . .16

Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . . .17

Connecting a dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Premium multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Elite multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Using optical drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Loading an optical disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Identifying optical drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Playing discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Contents

Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Chapter 4: Advanced Hardware Setup . . . . . . 35

Setting up dual video cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Setting up multiple monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Setting up RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

About RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

RAID 0 for performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

RAID 1 for security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

RAID 5 and 10 for both performance and security . . . . 41

Preparing your computer for RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Configuring RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Getting help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Chapter 5: Upgrading Your Computer. . . . . . . 45

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Replacing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Adding or replacing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Adding or replacing an optical disc drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Replacing the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Replacing the front fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Replacing the rear fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Replacing the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Replacing the heat sink and processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Replacing the I/O board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

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Adding or replacing an expansion card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Replacing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Chapter 6: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . 81

Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Cleaning the monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Transferring files and settings automatically . . . . . . . . . .95

Transferring files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Try these steps first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Internet and networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Printing 108

iii

Contents

Optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Expansion cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Checking for device problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Creating recovery discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . . 121

Returning to a previous system condition . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Returning your system to its factory condition . . . . . . 123

Technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Calling Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Appendix A: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

CHAPTER1

About This Reference

• About this guide

• Accessing your online User Guide

• Gateway contact information

• Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

• For more information

CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

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

or the Web address shown

Accessing your 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:

• 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.

www.gateway.com

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.

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

• Front

• Back

CHAPTER2

Checking Out Your

Computer

Front

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Optical disc drive

Additional drive bay

Memory card reader and USB port (optional)

Power button/ power indicator

Hard drive indicator

IEEE 1394 ports

USB ports

Headphone jack Microphone jack

Component Icon Description

Optical disc drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install

Additional drive bay

Memory card reader (optional)

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 27.

Install any 5.25-inch device into this bay, such as an additional optical drive, a removable hard drive, or a system monitor display.

Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other devices into the memory card reader. For more information, see “Using the memory card

reader” on page 30.

www.gateway.com

Component Icon Description

Power button/power indicator

Hard drive indicator

IEEE 1394 ports Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire®)

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

Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an

Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is

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.

Lights when the hard drive is active.

devices (such as a digital camcorder) into these 6-pin IEEE 1394 ports. For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other

device” on page 34.

a USB external drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. For mo re information, see “Installing a printer, scanner,

or other device” on page 34.

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

color-coded pink.

Back

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Important

Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this

illustration.

Cover release lever

Case cover thumbscrew

Cable lock slot

Surround left/right jack

Audio in/side speaker jack

Ethernet (network) jacks

PS/2 mouse port

Expansion slot cover

thumbscrew

Telephone jack (optional)

Power connector

Center/Subwoofer jack S/PDIF (optical audio) jack

Microphone jack Headphone/Front speaker jack

USB ports

IEEE 1394 port

PS/2 keyboard port

Video card (number and type vary)

Modem jack (optional)

Component Icon Description

Cover release lever Lift this lever to open the computer cover.

Case cover thumbscrew

Cable lock slot Attach a cable lock to this slot, then attach

Remove this screw before opening the case.

the cable to a solid object like a desk or table to prevent your computer from being stolen.

www.gateway.com

Component Icon Description

Surround left/right jack (black)

Plug your rear right and left speakers into this jack. This jack is disabled when an audio expansion card is installed. For more information, see “Configuring the

audio jacks” on page 33.

Audio in (Line in) jack (blue)

-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. This jack is disabled when an audio expansion card is installed. For more information, see “Configuring the audio

jacks” on page 33.

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 your online User Guide and “Connecting to a broadband

modem or network” on page 17.

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

Expansion slot cover thumbscrew

Remove this screw and open the expansion slot cover to unlock the expansion cards.

Tel e phon e jack (optional)

Plug the cord from your telephone into this jack.

Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector.

Center/subwoofer jack (orange)

Plug your center speaker and subwoofer into this jack. This jack is disabled when an audio expansion card is installed. For more information, see “Configuring the

audio jacks” on page 33.

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 a microphone into this jack. This jack is disabled when an audio expansion card is installed.

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Component Icon Description

Headphone/analog speakers jack (green)

-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. This jack is disabled when an audio expansion card is installed. For more information, see “Configuring the audio

jacks” on page 33.

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 34.

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 34.

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

Video card Plug a monitor into a port on this card. If the

card is a high-performance video card, the expansion slot opening above the card may be occupied by the card’s ventilation fan.

Modem jack (optional)

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

modem” on page 17.

Video card ports

S-Video out jack DVI ports

If your computer came with high-end video cards installed (number and type may vary), you can connect multiple monitors for a multi-screen panel array, or you can enable the SLI connection between the two cards so that both cards work as a single card, delivering ultra-high frame rates for your single gaming monitor. For more information on configuring your cards, see “Setting up dual video cards” on page 36.

www.gateway.com

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

CHAPTER3

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

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 monitor so the screen 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

Hands and arms are

parallel to the floor

Screen is perpendicular to your line of sight

Feet are flat on the floor

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Reducing eye strain

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

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

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/cableTV 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 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.

www.gateway.com

Connecting to a broadband modem or network

Important

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

You can connect your computer to a broadband (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.

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 to 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, connect a telephone to the PHONE jack on

the modem at the back of your computer.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

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.

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. See the documentation that came with each device for its setup instructions.

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

Tip

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

“Customizing” chapter in your online User Gu ide.

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, move the mouse, 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.

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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.

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.

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.

CHAPTER 3: 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 yo ur compu te r:

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

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

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.

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Using the keyboard

Premium multimedia keyboard features

The keyboard has several different types of keys and buttons. Your keyboard also has status indicators that show which keyboard feature is active.

Function keys

Editing buttons Internet buttons Audio playback buttons Internet buttons

Windows keys

Application key Directional keys Numeric keypad

Navigation keys

Indicators

Feature Icon Description

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

Function keys Press these keys to start program actions. Each

Internet buttons Press these buttons to launch your Internet home

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

page, search for files, or launch your e-mail program.

Audio playback buttons

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the

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

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.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Feature Icon Description

Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or

Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows

Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and help

Directional keys Press these keys to move the cursor up, down,

Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the

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

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

assistants in Windows.

right, or left.

numeric keypad (N

UM LOCK) is turned on.

Elite multimedia keyboard features

The keyboard has several different types of keys and buttons. Your keyboard also has status indicators that show which keyboard feature is active.

Sleep button Application buttons

Function keys

Audio playback

buttons

Indicators

Windows keys Application key Numeric keypad

Navigation keys

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Feature Icon Description

Sleep button Press this button to activate your computer’s

Function keys Press these keys to start program actions. Each

Application buttons Press these buttons to launch your Internet

Audio playback buttons

Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or

Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows

Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and

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

Sleep (power-saving) mode.

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

home page, search for files, or launch the calculator program.

Press thes e buttons to pl ay your audio files and to adjust the volume.

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

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

help assistants in Windows.

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the

Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the

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. Press the arrow keys to move the cursor.

numeric keypad (N

UM LOCK) is turned on.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Using the mouse

Scroll wheel

Left button

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

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

Right button

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

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...

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Move the pointer on the screen

Select an object on the screen

Start a program or open a file or folder

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

Move an object on the screen.

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.

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

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

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

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 screen. Release the button to drop the object where you want it. This is called clicking and dragging.

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 85.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Using optical drives

Features

Your optical drive has the following basic components:

Activity indicator (location varies)

Loading an optical disc

To insert an optical disc:

1 Press the eject button on the optical disc drive.

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.

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

(location varies)

Eject buttonManual eject hole

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Identifying optical drive types

Your computer may contain one of the following drive types. Look on the front of the drive for one or more of the following logos:

If your optical drive has this logo...

Your drive type is...

CD-RW

DVD/CD-RW

DVD

DVD+RW

DVD R/RW

Use your drive for...

Installing programs, playing audio CDs, and accessing data.

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

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

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

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

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 blan k DVDs you purchase must state Double Layer, Dual Layer, or DL. Using other types of blank media will result in less capacity.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

If your optical drive has this logo...

RECORDER

Playing discs

Playing a CD

Important

Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to

play these CDs on your computer.

A standard compact disc (CD) can hold an entire album of digital songs and can be played on a CD player or your computer’s CD drive.

Use a music program or Windows Media Player on your computer to:

• Play music CDs

• Create MP3 music files from your music CDs

• Edit music track information

• Use your music files to build a music library

For more information about playing CDs, see your online User Guide.

Your drive type is...

DVD-RAM/-RW

Blu-ray Disc

Use your drive for...

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.

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.

Playing a DVD

A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is similar to a standard CD but has greater data capacity. Because of this increased capacity, full-length movies, several albums of music, or several gigabytes of data can fit on a single disc. DVDs can be played on a DVD player or a DVD drive-equipped computer. For more information about playing DVDs, see your online User Guide.

Playing a Blu-ray Disc

Blu-ray Disc is a high-capacity optical disc that can store much more data than a DVD. A dual-layer Blu-ray Disc can hold 50 GB of files, about 23 hours of standard-definition video, or about nine hours of high-definition video. Blu-ray Discs can be played on a Blu-ray-compatible player or a Blu-ray drive-equipped computer. For more information about playing Blu-ray Discs, see your online User Guide.

Creating discs

Recording to optical discs

You can use the disc burning program on your computer to copy tracks from a music CD to your hard drive, copy or create data discs, create music CDs, create video DVDs, and more. For more information about creating CDs and DVDs, see your online User Guide.

Creating audio and video files

You can create audio and music files, either from scratch or from music CDs. You can also create video files from home video. For more information, see your online User Guide.

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Copying optical discs

You can copy optical discs to make backups of your data. For more information, see your online User Guide.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Using the memory card reader

You can use the optional memory card reader to transfer pictures from a digital camera to your computer. You can also use the memory card reader to transfer data between your computer and a device that uses memory cards, such as a PDA, MP3 player, or cellular telephone. (Your computer’s memory card reader may look different.)

Memory card reader slots Activity indicator

Memory card types

The memory card reader supports several memory card types. To determine which types are supported by your card reader and the slots to use for each type of card, examine the face plate of the reader. Each slot is assigned a different drive letter (for example, the E: and F: drives) so data can be transferred from one memory card type to another.

Using a memory card

Caution

Before inserting a memory card into a slot, make sure that the slot is

empty, or you could damage the card reader.

To insert a memory card:

1 Insert the memory card into the appropriate memory

card slot.

2 To access a file on the memory card, click (Start),

then click Computer. Double-click the drive letter (for example, the

E: drive), then double-click the file name.

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To remove a memory card:

• Wait for the mem ory c ard rea der acc ess ind ica tor to stop

blinking, then pull the memory card out of the slot.

Caution

Do not remove the memory card or turn off the computer while the memory card reader access indicator is blinking. You could lose data. Also, remove the memory card from the reader before you turn off the computer.

Important

Do not use the remove hardware icon in the taskbar to remove the memory card, or you will have to restart the computer to re-enable the memory card reader.

Adjusting the volume

You can adjust volume using your speakers’ controls or the Windows volume controls. You can also adjust the volume of specific sound devices in your computer.

To adjust the overall volume using hardware controls:

• If you are using external speakers, turn the knob on the

front of the speakers.

-OR-

Use the mute and volume control buttons on the keyboard. For more information, see “Using the

keyboard” on page 21.

To adjust the volume from Windows:

1 Click (Volume) on the taskbar. The volume control

slider opens.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

2 Click and drag the slider up to increase volume and down

to decrease volume.

3 To mute the volume, click (Mute). To restore volume,

click it again.

4 To adjust device volume levels, click Mixer. The Volume

Mixer dialog box opens, where you can click and drag

sliders for individual devices.

Tip

Adjust the Windows Sounds slider to change system sounds volume independently of general volume (such as the volume used for music and game sounds).

5 Click × in the top-right corner of the window to close it.

Help

For more information about adjusting the volume, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type adjusting volume in the Search Help box, then press E

NTER.

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Configuring the audio jacks

If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, they are universal jacks. This means that they can be used for more than one purpose. For example, the blue jack on the computer can be a stereo in jack or a stereo out jack. To use the audio jacks for something other than the default audio device, you need to configure the audio jacks. For a description of the default audio jack setup, see “Back” on page 8.

Important

If an audio expansion card is installed in your computer, then the

computer’s built-in audio jacks are disabled.

To configure the audio jacks:

Shortcut

Start Ö Control Panel Ö Hardware and Sound Ö Advanced

1 Connect your audio device(s) to the computer audio

jack(s).

2 Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control

Panel window opens.

3 Click Hardware and Sound, Sound, the Playback tab,

then click Configure.

-OR-

If your computer has the Realtek Sound Effect Manager installed, double-click the Sound Effect Manager icon on the taskbar. The Realtek dialog box opens.

4 Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the audio

jacks for your speaker setup.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Installing a printer, scanner, or other device

Important

Before you install a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device, see the

device documentation and installation instructions.

Your computer has IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire®) ports and Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports. You use these ports to connect peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras to your computer. For more information about port locations, see “Checking Out Your Computer” on page 5.

IEEE 1394 and USB ports support plug-and-play and hot-swapping, which means that your computer will usually recognize such a device whenever you plug it into the appropriate port. When you use an IEEE 1394 or USB device for the first time, your computer will prompt you to install any software the device needs. After doing this, you can disconnect and reconnect the device at any time.

Help

For more information about installing peripheral devices, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type installing devices in the Search Help box, then press E

NTER.

CHAPTER4

Advanced Hardware Setup

• Setting up dual video cards

• Setting up multiple monitors

• Setting up RAID

CHAPTER 4: Advanced Hardware Setup

Setting up dual video cards

If your computer has two high-end graphics cards installed, you can enable the SLI connection between two cards so that both cards work as a single card, delivering ultra-high frame rates for a single gaming monitor.

To set up the single-monitor SLI connection:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Opening the case” on page 47.

2 Verify that you have multiple SLI video cards installed in

your computer and that the SLI bridge cable is connecting the two. If you ordered the computer with two graphics cards, the bridge cable is already installed.

SLI bridge cable

3 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Closing the case” on page 50.

4 Connect your monitor to the upper right DVI port.

DVI port for single monitor

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5 Right-click on the Windows desktop, then click NVIDIA

Control Panel. The NVIDIA Control Panel View Selection

dialog box opens (this dialog box opens only the first time that you open the NVIDIA Control Panel).

6 Click Advanced Settings, then click OK. The NVIDIA

Control Panel opens.

CHAPTER 4: Advanced Hardware Setup

7 In the Select a Task list on the left side of the control

panel, under 3D Settings, click Set SLI configuration. The Set SLI Configuration screen opens.

8 Click Enable SLI technology (recommended), then

click Apply. If the Applications Shutdown Required message box opens, click Yes.

A message appears on the screen notifying you that SLI is enabled.

Setting up multiple monitors

If your computer came with a high-end graphics card installed (number and type may vary), you can connect multiple monitors for a multi-screen panel array. To set up multiple monitors, see the “Customizing Windows” chapter in your online User Guide.

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Setting up RAID

About RAID

RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive/ Independent Disks) lets your computer use multiple hard drives more efficiently. Your computer supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10.

RAID 0 for performance

RAID 0 lets your computer see multiple hard drives as a single drive. This type of RAID can increase file access speeds, which is important if you work with video editing, sound editing, and high-performance games. RAID 0 is also an affordable way to increase your total file storage capacity.

How it increases performance

The more drives you have in your RAID 0 array, the faster the potential drive reading performance. All hard drives have limitations on how fast they can read and write files. If half a file is stored on one RAID 0 drive and the other half on another RAID 0 drive, each drive only has to read half of the file. So, the entire file is accessed by the computer up to twice as fast (using a two-drive RAID 0 array). In a three-drive RAID 0 array, if the file is evenly distributed among the drives, each drive must read only a third of the file, and so on. If the entire file happens to be stored on only one of the drives, the file is accessed at the same speed as if it were on a standard hard drive setup. Dividing up files between multiple hard drives is called striping.

In the following graphic, each letter represents a unique block of data, and each column represents a separate hard drive.

RAID 0

A C E

B D F

CHAPTER 4: Advanced Hardware Setup

How it makes file storage cheaper

Because RAID 0 lets your computer see multiple hard drives as a single drive, you can install several lower capacity (less expensive) drives and have the same single-drive storage simplicity and capacity as a larger, more expensive hard drive.

Drawbacks

Unfortunately, RAID 0 lets multiple drives behave as one in another way. If part of the array fails (such as a hard drive crashing), the entire array fails. Because the drives are treated like a single drive, parts of files (including operating system files) can be spread across several drives, leaving the computer with only file fragments if one drive fails. Regular and frequent backups are critical.

Another drawback is that RAID 0 treats each hard drive as if it has the storage capacity of the smallest drive in the array. So if you have three drives (300 GB, 250 GB, and 200 GB) in a RAID 0 array, your computer only recognizes 600 GB total capacity.

RAID 1 for security

RAID 1 maintains a complete copy of all files on each physical hard drive in the array. Maintaining simultaneous, complete copies of files across multiple hard drives is called mirroring. If a drive fails, the mirrored drive takes over and acts as the primary drive.

In the following graphic, each letter represents a unique block of data, and each column represents a separate hard drive.

File reading performance (seek time) is increased using the same methods that RAID 0 uses, although writing speed is the same as if writing to a single hard drive.

RAID 1

A B C

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Drawback

RAID 1 treats the entire array as a single drive with the storage capacity of the smallest physical drive in the array. So if you have two drives (300 GB and 250 GB) in a RAID 1 array, your computer only recognizes a single drive with 250 GB total capacity.

RAID 5 and 10 for both performance and security

Understanding RAID 5

RAID 5 uses striping (at the file level) with on-the-fly error correction across all drives. Because of this error correction, small file read/write errors can be quickly and automatically fixed without a significant drop in system performance. RAID 5 offers good performance and data redundancy. This array preserves your files if a drive fails.

RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information (error-checking information) across multiple drives. Striping across drives improves overall performance, and the parity information provides data protection. Because of the error-correction capabilities, if a drive fails, the data can be quickly and automatically fixed.

In the following graphic, each letter represents a unique block of data, and the number next to each letter represents which copy of the data files are stored on that drive. The “P” next to a letter represents parity (error-checking) information, and each column represents a separate hard drive.

RAID 5

A1 B1 CP

A2 BP C1

AP B2 C2

Understanding RAID 10

RAID 10 (also called RAID 1+0 or RAID 1&0) contains sets of RAID 1 mirrors acting as drives within a RAID 0 striping array. With this setup, the array could survive one drive failure in each mirrored array.

CHAPTER 4: Advanced Hardware Setup

In the following graphic, each letter represents a unique block of data, and each column represents a separate hard drive.

RAID 0

RAID 1

A C E

Drawback

A RAID 5 array is treated as one drive with the capacity of all but one of the drives added together.

RAID 10 treats the entire array as a single drive with twice the storage capacity of the smallest drive. So if you have four drives (350GB, 300GB, 250GB, and 200GB) in a RAID10 array, your computer recognizes a single drive with 400 GB total capacity.

A C E

B D F

Preparing your computer for RAID

Setting up RAID on your computer can involve two major steps, depending on how your computer has been configured.

Important

If your computer came from the factory with RAID already set up, your computer is ready to use, and you do not need to perform any of these steps.

To prepare your computer for RAID:

1 Configure the RAID arrays. See the Array Manager User

Guide or “Configuring RAID” on page 43.

2 Install the operating system from the Windows disc that

came with your computer.

RAID 1

B D F

Configuring RAID

Creating a RAID volume

Because RAID can be configured so many ways, this procedure covers only the basics. This procedure assumes that no RAID has been defined yet.

To cre ate a RAID volume:

1 Install additional hard drives as needed for your RAID

plan. For instructions on installing hard drives, see

“Adding or replacing a hard drive” on page 57.

2 Start (or restart) your computer, then press F9 during

startup. The MediaShield Utility (RAID setup) screen opens.

3 To create a new array, set RAID Mode to Striping (for

RAID 0), then select drives on the left and click Add to add the drives to the array.

4 Press F7, then press Y. The new array is created. 5 Press CTRL+X to exit the utility. Your computer restarts. 6 Install the operating system from the Windows disc that

came with your computer.

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Deleting a RAID volume

Deleting a RAID volume deletes all files on that volume, including operating system files. Before deleting a RAID volume, make sure that all important files have been backed up.

To delete a RAID volume:

1 Start (or restart) your computer, then press F9 during

startup. The MediaShield Utility (RAID setup) screen opens.

2 Press the arrow keys to highlight the RAID volume you

want to delete, then press ENTER. The Array Detail screen opens.

Caution

If your computer has the operating system installed on a RAID, deleting the RAID will remove the operating system, and you will not be able to start your computer into Windows.

3 Press D to delete the array. In this screen, you can also

press C to clear (delete all data from) the array.

Getting help

For more information on RAID concepts, configuration, and maintenance, search for RAID FAQ information on the Gateway Technical Support Web site (www.gateway.com Internet search engine to search for:

• RAID

• configuring RAID

• RAID tutorials

• RAID levels

CHAPTER 4: Advanced Hardware Setup

) or use an

CHAPTER5

Upgrading Your Computer

• Preventing static electricity discharge

• Opening the case

• Closing the case

• Adding or replacing memory

• Adding or replacing an optical disc drive

• Replacing the memory card reader

• Adding or replacing a hard drive

• Replacing the front fan

• Replacing the rear fan

• Replacing the power supply

• Replacing the heat sink and processor

• Replacing the I/O board

• Adding or replacing an expansion card

• Replacing the system battery

• Replacing the system board

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

Preventing static electricity discharge

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer and unplug the power cord and modem and network cables before opening the case.

To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent holes of the power supply.

The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Before opening the computer case, follow these guidelines:

• Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most

electronics stores) and attach it to a bare metal part of your computer.

• Turn off your computer.

• Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.

• Unplug the power cord and the modem and network

cables.

Caution

ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge-sensitive components in your computer. Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you open the computer case.

Before working with computer components, follow these guidelines:

• Avoid static-causing surfaces such as carpeted floors,

plastic, and packing foam.

• Remove components from their antistatic bags only

when you are ready to use them. Do not lay components on the outside of antistatic bags because only the inside of the bags provide electrostatic protection.

• Always hold expansion cards by their edges or their

metal mounting brackets. Avoid touching the edge connectors and components on the cards. Never slide expansion cards or components over any surface.

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Opening the case

Your computer case provides easy access to internal components.

Removing the side panel

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer, then unplug the power cord and modem cable before opening the case.

To remove the side panel:

1 Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity

discharge” on page 46.

2 Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power

cord and modem, network, and all peripheral device cables.

3 Press the power button for ten seconds to drain any

residual power from your computer.

4 Remove the security tape (if any) on the rear edge of the

side panel.

5 Remove the case cover thumbscrew on the side panel.

Thumbscrew

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

6 Lift the cover release lever, then swing the side panel

away from the computer.

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Removing the front bezel

To remove the front bezel:

• Push on the three spring tabs, grasp the right side of the

front bezel, then pull the bezel out and away from the case.

Spring tabs

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

Closing the case

Replacing the front bezel

To replace the front bezel:

1 Insert the tabs on the left side of the bezel into the slots

in the left side of the computer.

Tabs and slots

2 Swing the right side of the bezel in so the tabs on the

right side of the bezel go into the slots on the right side of the computer.

3 Press the right side of the bezel firmly until it snaps into

place.

Replacing the side panel

To replace the side panel:

1 Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged

inside the computer so they will not be pinched when you close the computer.

Important

Your computer hardware options and port locations may vary

from this illustration.

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2 Insert the bottom edge of the side panel into the inside

bottom edge of the computer, then swing the side panel in toward the top of the computer to secure it into place.

3 Replace the side panel thumbscrew. 4 Reconnect the cables and power cord.

Adding or replacing memory

When you upgrade the computer memory, make sure that you install the correct type of memory module for your computer. Your computer uses DIMM memory.

To install or replace DIMM memory:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Removing the side panel” on page 47.

2 For more stability, place your computer on its side. To

avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

3 Find the memory module banks on your system board.

DIMM 3

DIMM 1 DIMM 2

DIMM 0

4 If you are removing a DIMM from the memory module

bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module and remove it.

- OR -

If you are adding a DIMM to an empty memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module bank.

5 Align the notches on the new DIMM with the notches on

the memory module bank, then press the module firmly into the bank. The tabs on the sides of the memory module should snap into place to secure the memory module.

Caution

Make sure that you install modules of the same type into both slots

of a memory channel (bank).

6 Return your computer to its upright position. 7 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Replacing the side panel” on page 50.

8 Reconnect the cables and the power cord.

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9 Turn on your computer. Windows starts and the

Windows desktop appears.

10 Click (Start), right-click Computer, then click

Properties. The amount of memory in your computer

is displayed.

Adding or replacing an optical disc drive

To add or replace an optical disc drive:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Removing the side panel” on page 47.

2 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in

“Removing the front bezel” on page 49.

Important

The color and shape of your replacement drive's front cover may

vary from your original drive.

3 If you are installing a new drive, slide the drive release

latch toward the back of the computer, then go to Step 7.

- OR -

If you are replacing an existing drive, disconnect the cables from the drive, noting their locations and orientation. You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive.

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

4 Remove the drive thumbscrew from the optical drive.

Drive thumbscrew

5 Slide the drive release latch toward the back of the

computer to release the drive.

6 Slide the drive forward and out of the drive bay.

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7 If you are replacing a drive, note any jumper settings on

the old drive and set the jumpers on the new drive to be the same. If you are installing a new drive, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

8 Slide the new drive into the drive bay, line up the

thumbscrew hole on the drive bay with the screw hole on the drive, then slide the drive release latch toward the front of the computer to lock the drive into place. You do not need to replace the thumbscrew because it was originally installed for shipping purposes.

9 Connect the drive cables using your notes from Step 3.

If you are installing a new drive, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

10 Replace the front bezel by following the instructions in

“Replacing the front bezel” on page 50.

11 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Replacing the side panel” on page 50.

Replacing the memory card reader

To replace the memory card reader:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Removing the side panel” on page 47.

2 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in

“Removing the front bezel” on page 49.

3 Disconnect the memory card reader cables, noting their

locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new memory card reader.)

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

4 Remove the thumbscrew holding the card reader in the

drive bay.

Thumbscrew

5 Slide the card reader out of the case.

6 Slide the new card reader into the bay from the front of

the case, then slide the drive release latch forward to lock the drive into place. You do not need to replace the thumbscrew because it was originally installed for shipping purposes.

Important

The color and shape of your replacement reader's front cover may

vary from your original reader.

7 Connect the new card reader cables, using your notes

from Step 3.

8 Replace the front bezel by following the instructions in

“Replacing the front bezel” on page 50.

9 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Replacing the side panel” on page 50.

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Adding or replacing a hard drive

To add or replace a hard drive:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Removing the side panel” on page 47.

2 Slide the drive slot’s release latch toward you to unlock

it (or it may already be unlocked).

3 If you are adding a new drive, go to Step 6.

- OR -

If you are replacing an existing drive, go to the next step.

4 Disconnect the drive cables, noting their locations and

orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new drive.)

SATA power cable SATA data cable

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

5 Remove the hard drive by sliding it out of the drive bay.

6 Slide the new drive into the drive bay, then secure it in

the drive bay by sliding the drive release latch back.

7 If you are replacing a drive, reconnect the drive cables

using your notes from Step 4. If you are installing a new drive, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting it to the system board.

You can also refer to the following figure for SATA port assignments:

SATA 6 port SATA 5 port SATA 4 port SATA 3 port

SATA 1 port SATA 2 port

8 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Replacing the side panel” on page 50.

9 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.

10 Tu rn on your compu ter.

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11 If you installed a new primary drive:

• Format and partition the drive according to the

manufacturer’s instructions.

• Install Windows using the operating system DVD that

came with your computer. For more information on restoring your system, see “Recovering your system”

on page 118.

Replacing the front fan

To replace the front fan:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Removing the side panel” on page 47.

2 Remove the fan cover by holding cables out of the way

and pulling the cover away from the computer.

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

3 Disconnect the fan cable from the system board. The

location of the fan connection may vary, so trace the fan cable from the fan to the system board.

Front fan connector

4 Remove the fan mount by pressing in on the flat area (1)

near the front, then rotating the fan mount (2) back.

5 Slide the old fan out of the fan mount.

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6 Slide the new fan into the fan mount.

Caution

Be careful not to catch the wires connecting the power button to the system board when rotating the fan mount. A notch has been provided for routing these wires.

7 Insert the tabs on the rear of the fan mount into the slots

provided, then rotate the mount into place. The mount should lock into place.

8 Reconnect the fan cable to the system board. 9 Replace the fan cover.

10 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Replacing the side panel” on page 50.

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

Replacing the rear fan

Tools

You need a Phillips screwdriver to replace the rear fan.

To replace the rear fan:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Removing the side panel” on page 47.

2 Disconnect the fan cable from the system board. The

location of the fan connection may vary, so trace the fan cable from the fan to the system board.

Rear fan connector

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3 Remove the four screws that secure the fan to the inside

back of the computer, then remove the fan from inside the computer. Note the orientation of the fan and install the new fan the same way.

Screws

4 Insert the new fan into the computer and line it up with

the screw holes on the back of the computer, then replace the screws that secure it to the back of the computer.

5 Reconnect the fan cable to the system board. 6 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Replacing the side panel” on page 50.

7 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord. 8 Turn on your compute r.

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

Replacing the power supply

Tools

You need a Phillips screwdriver and a Torx® or “star” driver (size T15) to replace the power supply. A slotted (flat) screwdriver can be used in place of the Torx driver, but it must be the 7/64" (3 mm) size, and you must be very careful while applying torque so that the screw head does not get stripped.

To replace the power supply:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Removing the side panel” on page 47. Make sure that

you disconnect the power cable.

2 Disconnect the power supply cables from all

components (such as hard drives, optical and diskette drives, and the system board), noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new power supply.)

3 Remove the three Phillips screws that secure the power

supply to the power supply bracket.

Phillips screws

Tor x

screws

4 Use a Torx (“star”) T15 driver to remove the two Torx

screws that secure the power supply bracket to the computer, then slide the bracket down and off the computer.

5 Slide the power supply and cables out the back of the

computer.

6 Insert the new power supply and cables into the case

through the opening in the back of the computer.

7 Slide the power supply bracket into place, then secure it

into place using the two Torx screws you removed previously.

8 Secure the power supply to the power supply bracket

using the three Phillips screws you removed previously.

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9 Reconnect the power supply cables using your notes

from Step 2.

10 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Replacing the side panel” on page 50.

Replacing the heat sink and processor

Tools

You need a Phillips screwdriver to replace the heat sink.

To replace the heat sink and processor:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Removing the side panel” on page 47.

2 For more stability, place your computer on its side. To

avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.

3 Remove the fan cover by holding cables out of the way

and pulling the cover away from the computer.

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

4 Loosen the four screws that secure the heat sink to the

system board, then remove the heat sink. (The screws cannot be completely removed.)

Caution

The heat sink has Thermal Interface Material (TIM) located on the bottom of it. Use caution when you remove the old heat sink or unpack the new heat sink so you do not damage the TIM.

Screws

5 Release the processor by pushing down on the lever,

then lifting the lever completely up.

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6 Remove the processor from the system board. 7 Install the new processor onto the system board making

sure that Pin 1 on the processor (indicated by the silk-screened arrow on the corner of the processor) aligns with Pin 1 on the processor socket (indicated by the absence of a pin hole in the processor socket), then return the lever to its locked position.

8 Wipe the old thermal paste off the bottom of the heat

sink, then apply a new bead of thermal paste about the size of half a pea.

9 Place the heat sink on the system board, then tighten the

screws that secure it to the system board.

10 Replace the fan cover. 11 Return your computer to its upright position. 12 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Replacing the side panel” on page 50.

Replacing the I/O board

Tools

You need a Phillips screwdriver to replace the I/O board.

To replace the front I/O board:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Removing the side panel” on page 47.

2 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in

“Removing the front bezel” on page 49.

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

3 Remove the screw that secures the front I/O assembly

to the computer, then remove the I/O assembly.

Screw

4 Remove the screw that secures the front I/O panel board

to the computer, then remove the I/O panel board by pushing it toward the back of the computer.

Screw

5 Disconnect the cable from the old I/O panel board and

connect it to the new I/O panel board.

6 Insert the new I/O panel board into the computer, then

replace the screw.

7 Place the front I/O assembly onto the computer, then

replace the screw.

8 Replace the front bezel by following the instructions in

“Replacing the front bezel” on page 50, then replace the

side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the

side panel” on page 50.

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Adding or replacing an expansion card

To add or replace an expansion card:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Removing the side panel” on page 47.

Important

Your computer hardware options and port locations may vary

from the illustrations below.

2 Loosen the thumbscrew on the expansion card cover.

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

3 Open the expansion card cover.

4 For more stability, place your computer on its side. To

avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.

5 If you are replacing a card, disconnect any cables that

are attached to the card, noting their locations and orientation. (You may have to reconnect the cables after you install the new card.)

Graphics card power cables (high-end cards only)

SLI bridge cable

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6 Remove the old expansion card (if necessary). You can

slightly seesaw the card end-to-end to loosen it, but do not bend the card sideways.

To remove a card (such as a video card) from the PCI Express slot, press the card release lever before trying to remove the card.

Caution

Do not touch the contacts on the bottom part of the expansion

card. Touching the contacts can cause electrostatic damage to the card.

7 Install the new card into the expansion slot. You can

slightly seesaw the card end-to-end to help insert the card, but do not bend the card sideways.

Refer to the following illustration for help:

PCI

PCIe×16

PCI

PCIe×16

PCI

8 Reconnect the expansion card cables (if any) using your

notes from Step 5, or, if you are adding a new card, follow the manufacturers instructions.

9 Tighten the thumbscrew on the expansion card cover. 10 Return your computer to its upright position. 11 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Replacing the side panel” on page 50.

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

Replacing the system battery

Warning

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 local hazardous materials regulations.

If the computer clock does not keep time or the settings in the BIOS Setup utility are not saved when you turn off your computer, replace the system battery. Use a battery of the same size and voltage as the original battery that was in your computer.

To replace the battery:

1 Restart your computer. 2 During the restart, press and hold the F2 key. The main

menu of the BIOS Setup utility opens.

3 Write down all the values in the menus and submenus,

then exit from the utility.

4 Shut down your computer. 5 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Removing the side panel” on page 47.

6 For more stability, place your computer on its side. To

avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.

7 Locate the old battery on the system board and note its

orientation. You will need to install the new battery the same way.

Important

Your computer’s battery location may vary from the illustration

below.

Battery

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8 Pry the battery out of the socket.

Caution

Make sure that you do not damage any nearby components while

prying the battery out of its socket.

9 Make sure that the positive (+) side of the new battery

is facing up, then press the battery into the socket until it snaps into place.

10 Return your computer to its upright position. 11 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Replacing the side panel” on page 50.

12 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord. 13 Tu r n o n your compute r. 14 Open the BIOS Setup utility. 15 In the BIOS Setup utility, restore any settings that you

wrote down in 3.

16 Save all your settings and exit the BIOS Setup utility.

Replacing the system board

Tools

You need a Phillips screwdriver to replace the system board.

To replace the system board:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Removing the side panel” on page 47.

2 For more stability, place your computer on its side. To

avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.

3 Disconnect any cables that are attached to any

expansion cards, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the cards on the new board.)

4 Remove the expansion cards by following the

instructions in “Adding or replacing an expansion card”

on page 69. You can slightly seesaw a card end-to-end

to loosen it, but do not bend a card sideways.

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

5 Remove the fan cover by holding cables out of the way

and pulling the cover away from the computer.

6 Find the memory module banks on your system board.

7 Gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the

memory modules, then remove them.

Caution

The heat sink has thermal paste located on the bottom of it. Use caution when you remove the old heat sink so you do not damage the thermal paste. If you damage the thermal paste, you must apply a new bead of paste to the heat sink when re-installing it.

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8 Loosen the four screws that secure the heat sink to the

system board, then remove the heat sink. (These screws cannot be completely removed.)

Screws

9 Disconnect the power and data cables from the system

board, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new board.)

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

10 Remove the seven system board screws.

Screws

11 Lift the system board up and out of the case. 12 Align the new system board on the standoffs and secure

it into the computer case with the screws.

13 If your replacement system board does not include a

processor, go to Step 14.

-OR-

If your replacement system board includes a processor, go to Step 17 .

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14 Release the processor from the old system board by

pushing down on the lever, then lifting the lever completely up.

15 Remove the processor from the old system board. 16 Install the processor onto the new system board making

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

17 Connect the power and data cables using your notes

from Step 9, or use the following graphic as a guide..

AUX power

(Front)

IEEE1394 Front USBFan

Fan IEEE1394

IDE Power Fan (rear) Front panel audio

SATA 6 SATA 5 SATA 4

SATA 3

SATA 1 SATA 2

Card reader

18 Place the heat sink over the processor, then tighten the

screws that secure it to the system board.

19 Align the notches on the memory modules with the

notches on the memory module banks and press the modules firmly into the banks. The tabs on the sides of the memory modules should secure the memory modules automatically. When a module is secure, you hear a click.

Caution

Do not touch the contacts on the bottom part of the expansion card. Touching the contacts can cause electrostatic damage to the card.

20 Install the expansion cards into the expansion slots. You

can slightly seesaw a card end-to-end to help insert the card, but do not bend the card sideways. For more details, see “Adding or replacing an expansion card” on

page 69.

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21 Reconnect the expansion card cables using your notes

from Step 3.

22 Install the fan cover by following the directions in

“Replacing the heat sink and processor” on page 65.

23 Return your computer to its upright position. 24 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Replacing the side panel” on page 50.

CHAPTER 5: Upgrading Your Computer

CHAPTER6

Maintaining Your

Computer

• Setting up a maintenance schedule

• Caring for your computer

• Cleaning your computer

• Updating Windows

• Using BigFix

• Managing hard drive space

• Scheduling maintenance tasks

• Moving from your old computer

CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer

Setting up a maintenance schedule

Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule.

Maintenance task Weekly Monthly When

Check for viruses X X X

Run Windows Update X X

Manage hard drive space X

Clean up hard drives X X

Scan hard drive for errors X X

Defragment hard drive X X

Back up files X X X

Clean computer case and peripheral devices

needed

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Caring for your computer

To extend the life of your computer:

• Be careful not to bump or drop your computer, and do

not put any objects on top of it. The case, although strong, is not made to support extra weight.

• When transporting your computer, we recommend that

you put it in the original packaging materials.

• Keep your computer away from magnetic fields.

Magnetic fields can erase data on hard drives.

• Never turn off your computer when the drive indicator

is on because data on the hard drive could be lost or corrupted.

• Avoid subjecting your computer to extreme temperature

changes. The case can become brittle and easy to break in cold temperatures and can melt or warp in high temperatures. Damage due to either extreme is not covered by your warranty. As a general rule, your computer is safest at temperatures that are comfortable for you.

• Keep all liquids away from your computer. When spilled

onto computer components, almost any liquid can result in expensive repairs that are not covered under a standard warranty.

• Avoid dusty or dirty work environments. Dust and dirt

can clog the internal mechanisms and can lead to permanent damage to the computer.

• Do not block the ventilation fan slots. If these slots are

blocked, your computer may overheat, resulting in unexpected shutdown or permanent damage to the computer.

• When storing your computer for an extended period of

time, unplug AC power.

CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer

Cleaning your computer

Keeping your computer clean and the vents free from dust helps keep your computer performing at its best. You may want to gather these items and put together a computer cleaning kit:

• A soft, lint-free cloth

• An aerosol can of air that has a narrow, straw-like

extension

• Cotton swabs

• An optical disc drive cleaning kit

Cleaning the exterior

Warning

When you shut down your computer, the power turns off, but some electrical current still flows through it. To avoid possible injury from electrical shock, unplug the power cord, modem cable, and network cable from the wall outlets.

• Always turn off your computer and other peripheral

devices before cleaning any components.

• Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean your computer and

other parts of your system. Do not use household abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage the finish on components.

• Your computer is cooled by air circulated through the

vents on the case, so keep the vents free of dust. With your computer turned off and unplugged, brush the dust away from the vents with a damp cloth. Be careful not to drip any water into the vents.

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Cleaning the keyboard

You should occasionally clean the keyboard to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys.

To clean the keyboard:

1 Use an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like

extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys.

2 If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off your

computer and turn the keyboard upside down. Let the liquid drain, then let the keyboard dry before trying to use it again. If the keyboard does not work after it dries, you may need to replace it.

Cleaning the monitor

Caution

A flat-panel screen is made of specially coated glass and can be scratched

or damaged by abrasive or ammonia-based glass cleaners.

To clean the monitor:

• To clean an LCD flat panel monitor, use a soft cloth and

water to clean the screen. Dampen the cloth (never apply liquid directly to the screen), then wipe the screen with the cloth.

• To clean a CRT monitor, use a soft cloth and glass cleaner

to clean the monitor screen. Squirt a little cleaner on the cloth (never directly on the screen), then wipe the screen with the cloth.

Cleaning the mouse

If the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the computer screen or becomes difficult to control precisely, cleaning the mouse will likely improve its accuracy.

To clean the mouse:

• Wipe the bottom of the mouse with a damp, lint-free

cloth.

CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer

Cleaning optical discs

Optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs) get dirty from frequent handling.

To clean an optical disc:

1 Wipe from the center to the edge, not around in a circle,

using a product made especially for the purpose.

Updating Windows

Windows Update helps you keep your computer up-to-date. Use Windows Update to choose updates for your computer’s operating system, software, and hardware. New content is added to the site regularly, so you can always get the most recent updates and fixes to protect your computer and keep it running smoothly. Windows Update scans your computer and provides you with a tailored selection of updates that apply only to the software and hardware on your computer.

For information on running Windows Update, see “Windows Update” in your online User Guide. Windows Update can also be controlled through the Windows Security Center. For more information, see “Protecting Your Computer” in your online User Guide.

Help

For more information about Windows Update, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type windows update in the Search Help box, then press E

NTER.

Using BigFix

BigFix may be installed on your computer. BigFix monitors your computer for problems and conflicts. It automatically gathers information about the latest bugs, security alerts, and updates from BigFix sites on the Internet. Whenever BigFix detects a problem, it alerts you by flashing the blue taskbar icon. To fix the problem, click on that icon to open BigFix.

To start BigFix:

1 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System

Tools, then click BigFix.

2 To learn more about BigFix, click Help, then click

Tutorial.

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CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer

Managing hard drive space

Windows provides several utilities you can use to check hard drive space, delete unnecessary files, defragment files, and back up files.

Checking hard drive space

To check hard drive space:

Shortcut

Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive Ö Properties

1 Click (Start), then click Computer. The Computer

window opens.

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2 Right-click the drive that you want to check for available

file space, then click Properties. Drive space information appears.

Deleting unnecessary files

Delete unnecessary files, such as temporary files and files in the Recycle Bin, to free hard drive space.

To delete unnecessary files:

Shortcut

Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive Ö Properties Ö

Disk Cleanup

1 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System

Tools, then click Disk Cleanup. The Disk Cleanup Options

dialog box opens.

CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer

2 Click one of the options:

• My files only cleans only the folders for the

currently logged in user.

• Files from all users on this computer cleans all

folders.

The Disk Cleanup Options dialog box opens.

3 Click to select the types of files you want to delete, then

click OK. The types of files you indicated are deleted.

Help

For more information about keeping the hard drive free of unnecessary files, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type disk cleanup in the Search Help box, then press E

Checking the hard drive for errors

The Error-checking program examines the hard drive for physical flaws and file and folder problems. This program corrects file and folder problems and marks flawed areas on the hard drive so Windows does not use them.

If you use your computer several hours every day, you probably want to run Error-checking once a week. If you use your computer less frequently, once a month may be adequate. Also use Error-checking if you encounter hard drive problems.

To check the hard drive for errors:

1 Click (Start), then click Computer. The Computer

window opens.

2 Right-click the drive that you want to check for errors,

click Properties, then click the Tools tab.

NTER.

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3 Click Check Now, then click Start. Your drive is checked

for errors. This process may take several minutes.

Important

Error checking cannot scan a drive while the drive is being used, so if you try to check your hard drive for errors, you see a prompt asking you if you want to scan the hard drive later (the next time you restart your computer). If you see this prompt, click Schedule disc check.

After Windows has finished checking the drive for errors, it provides a summary of the problems that it found.

4 Correct any problems that are found by following the

on-screen instructions.

5 Click OK.

Help

For more information about checking the hard drive for errors, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type checking for disk errors in the Search Help box, then press E

Defragmenting the hard drive

When working with files, sometimes Windows divides the file information into pieces and stores them in different places on the hard drive. This is called fragmentation, and it is normal. In order for your computer to use a file, Windows must search for the pieces of the file and put them back together. This process slows the hard drive performance.

Disk Defragmenter organizes the data on the drive so each file is stored as one unit rather than as multiple pieces scattered across different areas of the drive. Defragmenting the information stored on the drive can improve hard drive performance.

While Disk Defragmenter is running, do not use your keyboard or mouse because using them may continuously stop and restart the defragmenting process. Also, if you are connected to a network, log off before starting Disk Defragmenter. Network communication may stop the defragmentation process and cause it to start over.

NTER.

Tip

Because defragmenting a drive may take hours to complete (depending on the size of the drive being defragmented), consider starting the process when you will not need the computer for several hours.

CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer

To defragment the hard drive:

1 Disconnect your computer from the network. 2 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System

Tools, then click Disk Defragmenter. The Disk Defragmenter dialog box opens.

3 Click Defragment now. This process may take hours to

complete, depending on the size of the drive being defragmented.

Help

For more information about defragmenting the hard drive, click

Start, then click Help and Support. Type defragmenting in the Search Help box, then press E

NTER.

Backing up files

Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees space for new files on the hard drive. It also protects you from losing important information if the hard drive fails or you accidentally delete files.

You should back up your files regularly to a writable optical disc (if you have a recordable drive). Use a backup device, such as a recordable disc drive, to do a complete hard drive backup.

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To back up files:

1 Click (Start), then click Computer. The Computer

window opens.

2 Right-click the drive that you want to back up, click

Properties, then click the Tools tab.

3 Click Backup Now, then click Run a file backup now. 4 Follow the on-screen instructions to select a backup

storage location and the files and folders to back up.

Help

For more information about backing up files, click Start, then click

Help and Support. Type backup in the Search Help box, then press E

NTER.

CHAPTER 6: Maintaining Your Computer

Scheduling maintenance tasks

Task Scheduler lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as running Disk Defragmenter and checking your drives for errors.

Important

Your computer must be o n during scheduled tasks. If your computer is off,

scheduled tasks will not run.

To start the Task Scheduler:

1 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System

Tools, then click Task Scheduler. The Task Scheduler dialog box opens.

2 Click Create Basic Task for basic tasks or click Create

Task for more complex tasks, then follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up and scheduling the task.

Help

For more information about scheduling tasks, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type task scheduler in the Search Help box, then press E

NTER.

Gateway FX542X User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

About This Reference

About this guide

For more information

To access your User Guide:

Gateway contact information

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

Front

Back

Video card ports

Working safely and comfortably

Reducing eye strain

Setting up your computer desk and chair

Sitting at your computer

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain

Preparing power connections

Protecting from power source problems

Connecting to a broadband modem or network

Connecting a dial-up modem

To connect the modem:

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

Waking up your computer

Turning off your computer

To put your computer to sleep:

To turn off your computer:

Restarting (rebooting) your computer

To restart yo ur compu te r:

Using the keyboard

Premium multimedia keyboard features

Elite multimedia keyboard features

Using the mouse

Using optical drives

Features

Loading an optical disc

To insert an optical disc:

Identifying optical drive types

Playing discs

Playing a CD

Playing a DVD

Playing a Blu-ray Disc

Creating discs

Recording to optical discs

Creating audio and video files

Copying optical discs

Using the memory card reader

Memory card types

Using a memory card

To insert a memory card:

To remove a memory card:

Adjusting the volume

To adjust the overall volume using hardware controls:

To adjust the volume from Windows:

Configuring the audio jacks

To configure the audio jacks:

Installing a printer, scanner, or other device

Advanced Hardware Setup

Setting up dual video cards

To set up the single-monitor SLI connection:

Setting up multiple monitors

Setting up RAID

About RAID

RAID 0 for performance

How it increases performance

How it makes file storage cheaper

Drawbacks

RAID 1 for security

Drawback

RAID 5 and 10 for both performance and security

Understanding RAID 5

Understanding RAID 10

Drawback

Preparing your computer for RAID

To prepare your computer for RAID:

Configuring RAID

Creating a RAID volume