Gateway GT5448E User Manual

REFERENCEGUIDE

®

Contents

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

About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Accessing the online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Computer . . . . . 5

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started . . 11

Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . 14

Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . 15 Connecting a dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Premium multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Elite multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . . . 26

i

Contents

Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer . . . . . . . 29

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Replacing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Adding or replacing a CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Replacing the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Replacing the front fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Replacing the rear fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Replacing the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Replacing the heat sink and processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Replacing the I/O board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Adding or replacing an expansion card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Replacing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer. . . . . . 59

Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Cleaning the monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

ii

www.gateway.com
Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . 69
Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 70
Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 71
Moving with Windows Easy Transfer . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 71
Moving files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 72
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . 75
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 76
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 76
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 77
Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 77
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 77
CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 77
Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 79
DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 80
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 80
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 81
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 82
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 83
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 84
Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 85
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 88
Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 88
Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 89
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 89
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 92
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 94
Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 94
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 94
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 95
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 95
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 96
Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 97
Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . .	. . . . 98
Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . 104
Recovering your system to its factory condition	. . . . 107
Recovering your system using the Windows DVD	. . . 108

iii

Contents

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Chapter 7: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

iv

CHAPTER1

About This Reference

•About this guide

•Accessing the online User Guide

•Gateway contact information

•Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

•For more information

1

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 the online User Guide.

For more information

For more information about your computer, visit Gateway’s Support page at support.gateway.com or the Web address shown on your computer’s label. The Support page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.

Accessing the online User

Guide

In addition to this guide, the User Guide has been included on your hard drive. The User Guide is an in-depth, easy-to-read manual that includes information on the following topics:

•Help and technical support

•Using and customizing Windows and other software

•Controlling audio and video settings

•Using the Internet

•Protecting your files

•Playing and recording media

•Maintaining

To access the User Guide:

•Click (Start), All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

2

www.gateway.com

Gateway contact information

The label on the side of your computer case contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number. Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance.

Online support:

Tech Support Phone: (U.S.) (Canada)

Tech Support Hours:

9004394

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.

3

CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

4

CHAPTER2

Checking Out Your

Computer

•Front

•Back

5

Front

Optical disc drive

USB port (optional)

Microphone jack

Headphone jack

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Optical disc drive bay

Diskette drive (optional)

Memory card reader (optional)

Power button/power indicator

Hard drive indicator

USB ports (optional)

IEEE 1394 ports (optional)

Component	Icon		Description
Optical disc drive			Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install
			games and programs, watch DVDs, and store
			large files onto recordable discs (depending
			on drive type). This drive may be a CD,
			recordable CD, DVD, recordable DVD, Blu-ray,
			or HD DVD drive. For more information about
			your drive, see the online User Guide.
USB ports			Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such
			as a USB external drive, printer, scanner,
			camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.
Microphone jack			Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is
			color-coded pink.

6

					www.gateway.com
Component	Icon				Description
Headphone jack					Plug powered, analog front speakers, an
					external amplifier, or headphones into this
					jack. This jack is color-coded green.
Diskette drive					Use this drive to read from and write to 3.5"
(optional)					diskettes.
Memory card					Insert a memory card from a digital camera,
reader (optional)					MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other
					devices into the memory card reader.
Power					Press this button to turn the power on or off.
button/power					You can also configure the power button to
indicator					operate in Standby/Resume mode or
					Hibernate mode. The power indicator lights
					when the computer is turned on.
Harddriveactivity					Lights when the hard drive is active.
indicator
IEEE 1394 ports					Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire®)
					devices (such as a digital camcorder) into
					these 6-pin IEEE 1394 ports.

7

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Back

Important

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

Your computer includes the following components.

Power connector

Voltage switch

Case cover thumbscrew

Headphone/front

speaker jack

Audio in/side speaker jack

Microphone jack

Surround left/right speaker jack

S/PDIF jack (optional)

Ethernet (network) jack

Center/subwoofer jack

USB ports

IEEE 1394/FireWire™ port

PS/2 mouse port

PS/2 keyboard port

S-Video out jack (optional)

Video card (optional)

TV tuner (optional)

Telephone jack

Modem (line) jack

Case cover thumbscrew

Component	Icon	Description
Power connector		Plug the power cord into this
		connector.
Case thumbscrew		Remove this screw before opening
		the case.

8

www.gateway.com

Component	Icon						Description
Audio input (Line in)							Thisjackisuserconfigurableforone
jack (blue plug)							of the following:
-OR-							Stereo in: Plug an external audio
Side speaker jack							input source (such as a stereo) into
							this jack so you can record sound on
							your computer (Default).
							Stereo out: Plug your side left and
							right speakers into this jack.
							For more information, see
							“Configuring the audio jacks” on
							page 26.
Surround/Rear							Plug your rear right and left
speaker jack							speakers into this jack.
(black plug)							For more information, see
							“Configuring the audio jacks” on
							page 26.
Ethernet (network)							Plug an Ethernet network cable or a
jack							device (such as a DSL or cable
							modem for a broadband Internet
							connection) into this jack. For more
							information, see “Learning about
							the Internet” in the online User
							Guide.
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 26.
PS/2 mouse port							Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.
S-Video out jack							Plug a TV into this optional jack.
(optional)
TV tuner (optional)							Plug a video tuner or antenna into
							this optional jack.
Telephone jack							Plug the cord from your telephone
(optional)							into this jack.
Voltage switch							The switch is preset at the factory.
							Make sure that this is set to the
							correct voltage for your area.

9

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Component	Icon		Description
Headphone/analog			Thisjackisuserconfigurableforone
speakers jack (green			of the following:
plug)			Headphone: Plug headphones or
-OR-			amplified speakers into this jack
Front speakers jack			(Default).
			Stereo out: Plug your front left and
			right speakers into this jack.
			For more information, see
			“Configuring the audio jacks” on
			page 26.
Microphone jack			Plug a microphone into this jack.
(pink plug)
S/PDIF output jack			Plug an optical cable from an
(optional)			amplifier or entertainment system
			into this jack for digital sound.
Center/subwoofer			Plug your center speaker and
jack			subwoofer into this jack.
(orange			For more information, see
plug)(optional)			“Configuring the audio jacks” on
			page 26.
USB ports			Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus)
			devices (such as a USB Iomega™
			Zip™ drive, printer, scanner,
			camera, keyboard, or mouse) into
			these ports. For more information,
			see “Installing a printer, scanner, or
			other device” on page 26.
PS/2 keyboard port			Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.
Video card (optional)			Plug a VGA (blue connector) or DVI
			(white connector) monitor into a
			port on this card, if installed.
Modem jack			Plug a modem cable into this jack.
(optional)			For more information, see
			“Connecting a dial-up modem” on
			page 16.

10

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

•Adjusting the volume

•Configuring the audio jacks

•Installing a printer, scanner, or other device

11

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 screen so it is perpendicular to your line of sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye leve.

•Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.

•Keep ventilation openings clear of obstructions.

Top of screen is not higher than eye level

Screen is perpendicular to your line of sight

Hands and arms are parallel to the floor

Feet are flat on the floor

12

www.gateway.com

Reducing eye strain

Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the monitor screen or shine directly into your eyes.

•Position the computer desk and screen so you can avoid glare on your screen and light shining directly into your eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains on windows, and by installing a glare screen filter.

•Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your computer in a dark room.

•Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the monitor.

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

Setting up your computer desk and chair

When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make sure that the desk isthe 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.

13

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 elbowsform right angles when you work.

•Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.

•Avoid twisting your torso or neck.

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain

•Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.

•Take breaks to change your position, stretch your muscles, and relieve your eyes.

•Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a variety of tasks.

Preparing power connections

Protecting from power source problems

Warning

High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord and the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge protector. If you have a telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem.

During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your computer can increase to far above normal levels and cause data lossorsystem damage. Protect yourcomputer 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 toyourcomputerduring apowerfailure.Althoughyoucannot run your computer for an extended period of time with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your work and shut down your computer normally.

14

www.gateway.com

Checking the voltage selection

Caution

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

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

To set the voltage selection switch:

1Disconnect your computer’s power cable.

2Use a tool such as an opened paper clip to slide the voltage selection switch to the correct voltage position. The switch is located on the back of your computer, near the power cable connector.

Connecting to a broadband modem or network

Important

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

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

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

1Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack on the back of your computer.

2Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable modem, DSL modem, or network jack.

15

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Connecting a dial-up modem

Warning

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

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

To connect the modem:

1Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on the modem at the back of your computer.

2Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack. (The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.)

3If you want, you can connect a telephone to the PHONE jack on the modem on the back of your computer.

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

1Connect the power, network, mouse, and keyboard cables to your computer according to the setup poster.

2Press 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.

3If 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.

4Attach and turn on any USB or audio peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, and speakers. If you need to attach a peripheral device to the parallel or serial ports, turn off your computer first. See the documentation that came with each device for its setup instructions.

16

www.gateway.com

5To open your computer’s main menu, click (Start). From that menu, you can run programs and search for files. For more information on using your computer’s menus, see “Using Windows” and “Customizing Windows” in the online User Guide.

Waking up your computer

Tip

For more information about changing the power button mode, see the “Customizing” chapter in the online User Guide.

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.

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 fasterthanturning on yourcomputerafter it has been turned completely off.

17

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

To put your computer to sleep:

1Click (Start), then click (power). The computer saves your session and partially shuts down to save power.

2To “wake” your computer, press a key on the keyboard or press the power button.

To turn off your computer:

1Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Shut Down. The computer turns off.

2To completely disconnect all power (such as for servicing internal components), also disconnect the power cord.

Restarting (rebooting) your computer

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

To restart your computer:

1Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Restart. Your computer turns off, then turns on again.

18

www.gateway.com

2If your computer does not turn off, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off (about five seconds), then press it again to turn the computer back on.

Using the keyboard

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

Indicators

Editing buttons

Internet buttons

Audio playback buttons Navigation keys

Internet buttons

	Windows keys	Application key Directional keys Numeric keypad
Feature	Icon	Description
Editing buttons		Press these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.
Function keys		Press these keys to start program actions. Each
		program uses different function keys for
		different purposes. See the program
		documentation to find out more about the
		function key actions.
Internet buttons		Press these buttons to launch your Internet
		home page, search, or e-mail programs.
Audio playback		Press these buttons to play your audio files and
buttons		to adjust the volume.

19

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Feature	Icon			Description
Navigation keys				Press these keys to move the cursor to 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.
Indicators				Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or
				SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the
				corresponding key to activate the function.
Windows keys				Press one of these keys to open the Windows
				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).
Application key				Press this key toaccess shortcut menus andhelp
				assistants in Windows.
Directional keys				Press these keys to move the cursor up, down,
				right, or left.
Numeric keypad				Press these keys to type numbers when the
				numeric keypad (NUM 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 Function keys				Internet buttons			Audio playback		Indicators
							buttons

Windows keys

Application key

Navigation keys Numeric keypad

20

				www.gateway.com
Feature	Icon			Description
Sleep button				Press this button to activate your computer’s
				Sleep (power-saving) mode.
Function keys				Press these keys to start program actions.
				Each program uses different function keys for
				different purposes. See the program
				documentation to find out more about the
				function key actions.
Application buttons				Press these buttons to launch your Internet
				home page, search for files, or launch the
				calculator program.
Audio playback				Press these buttons to play your audio files
buttons				and to adjust the volume.
Indicators				Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or
				SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the
				corresponding key to activate the function.
Windows keys				Press one of these keys to open the Windows
				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).
Application key				Press this key to access shortcut menus and
				help assistants in Windows.
Editing buttons				Press these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.
Navigation keys				Press these keys to move the cursor to 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				Press these keys to type numbers when the
				numeric keypad (NUM LOCK) is turned on.

21

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Using the mouse

Scroll wheel

Right button

Left button

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

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

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

22

www.gateway.com

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

To...	Do this...
Move the				Move the mouse around. If you
pointer on the				reach the edge of your mouse
computer				pad and need to move the
display				mouse farther, lift the mouse
				and place it in the middle of the
				mouse pad, then continue
				moving the mouse.
Select an object				Position the pointer over the
onthecomputer				object. Quickly press and
display				release the left mouse button.
				This is called clicking.
Start a program				Position the pointer over the
or open a file or				object. Quickly press and
folder				release the left mouse button
				twice. This is called
				double-clicking.
Access a				Position the pointer over the
shortcut menu				object. Quickly press and
or find more				release the right mouse button
information				once. This is called
about an object				right-clicking.
on the display.
Move an object				Position the pointer over the
onthecomputer				object. Press the left mouse
display.				button and hold it down. Move
				(drag) the object to the
				appropriate part of the
				computer display. Release the
				button to drop the object
				whereyou wantit.Thisiscalled
				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 the online User Guide. For instructions on how to clean the mouse, see “Cleaning the mouse” on page 63.

23

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

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 19.

To adjust the volume from Windows:

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

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

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

24

www.gateway.com

4To 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).

5Click X 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 ENTER.

25

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

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.

To configure the audio jacks:

Shortcut

Start Ö Control Panel Ö Hardware and Sound Ö Sound Ö click the device Ö Configure

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

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

3Click 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.

4Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the audio jacks for your speaker setup.

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 one or more of the following ports: IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire®), Universal Serial Bus (USB), serial, and parallel. 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.

26

www.gateway.com

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 ENTER.

Parallel and serial port devices are not plug-and-play. See the device documentation for detailed information and installation instructions.

27

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

28

CHAPTER4

Upgrading Your Computer

•Preventing static electricity discharge

•Opening and closing the case

•Installing memory

•Replacing the system battery

•Adding or replacing a CD or DVD 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 board

29

CHAPTER 4: 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 componentsinsideyourcomputerareextremelysensitive 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.

30

www.gateway.com

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:

1Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 30.

2Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power cord and modem, network, and all peripheral device cables.

3Press the power button for ten seconds to drain any residual power from your computer.

4Remove the two thumbscrews on the side panel cover.

Thumbscrews

5Swing the side panel away from the back of your computer, then pull the panel off.

31

CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer

Removing the front bezel

To remove the front bezel:

•Press the three bezel retention tabs, then swing the right side of the front bezel away from the computer and remove it.

Tabs

Closing the case

Replacing the front bezel

To replace the front bezel:

1Slide the tabs on the left side of the bezel into the slots in the left side of the computer.

2Swing the right side of the bezel in to insert the tabs on the right side of the bezel into the slots on the right side of the computer.

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

32

www.gateway.com

Replacing the side panel

To replace the side panel:

1Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged inside the computer so they will not be pinched when you close the computer.

2Insert the front edge of the side panel into the inside front edge of the computer, then swing the side panel in toward the back of the computer to secure it into place.

Thumbscrews

3Replace the side panel thumbscrews.

4Reconnect the cables and power cord.

33

CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer

Installing memory

Whenyouupgradethe computermemory,make sure thatyou install the correct type of memory module for your computer. Your computer uses DIMM memory.

To install or replace DIMM memory:

1Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 31.

2For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.

3Find the memory module banks on your system board.

4If 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.

34

www.gateway.com

5Align the notches on the new DIMM with the notches on the memory module bank and press the module firmly into the bank. The tabs on the sides of the memory module should secure the memory module automatically. When the module is secure, you hear a click.

6Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on page 33.

7Return your computer to its upright position.

8Reconnect the cables and the power cord.

9Turn on your computer. Windows starts and the Windows desktop appears.

10Click (Start), right-click Computer, then click Properties. The amount of memory in your computer is displayed.

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 following the manufacturer’s instructions.

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:

1Restart your computer.

2During the restart, press and hold the F1 key. The main menu of the BIOS Setup utility opens.

3Write down all the values in the menus and submenus, then exit from the utility.

4Shut down your computer.

35

CHAPTER 4: Upgrading Your Computer

5Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 31.

6For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.

Important

Your computer’s battery location may vary from the illustration

below.

7Locate the old battery on the system board and note its orientation. You will need to install the new battery the same way.

8Push the battery release tab. The battery pops out of the socket.

Battery Battery release tab

9Make sure that the positive (+) side of the new battery is facing up, then press the battery into the socket until it snaps into place.

10Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on page 33.

11Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.

12Turn on your computer.

13While your computer starts, press and hold the F1 key. The main menu of the BIOS Setup utility opens.

14In the BIOS Setup utility, restore any settings that you wrote down in Step 3.

15Save all your settings and exit the BIOS Setup utility.

36