Intel DQ965MT User Manual

REFERENCEGUIDE

®

Contents

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

Chapter 3: Setting U p and Getting Started . . 11

Working safely and comf ortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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

Positioning the computer case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Premium multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Elite multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Standard keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

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

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

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

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

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

i

Contents

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

Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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

Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

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

Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer. . . . . . . 35

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Opening and closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Removing and installing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

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

Replacing an optical or disk ette drive, or a card reader . . . 43

Replacing the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Adding or replacing an expansion card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Replacing the front fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Replacing the rear fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Replacing the front I/O board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Replacing the processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Replacing the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Replacing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . 61

Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Cleaning the monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

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Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Transferring files and settings automatically . . . . . . . . . .75

Transferring files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Expansion cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Floppy drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

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Contents

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Recovering pre-installed softw are and drivers . . . . . . . 100

Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Recovering your system to its factory condition . . . . . 109

Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . . 110

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Appendix A: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

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

iv

CHAPTER1

About This R eference

• About this guide

• Accessing your online Us er Guide

• Gateway contact information

• Micro soft C ertificat e of Aut henticity

• For more information

1

CHAPTER1: About This Reference

About this guide

This guide incl udes information and mainte nance instructions
that are specific to your model of Gateway computer. Some
illustration s in th is guid e may look different tha n your
computer because hardware options and port locations may
vary. For all other computer information, see your online User
Guide.

For more inf ormation

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 Gatew a y documentation and de tailed specifications.

or the Web addre ss show n

Acces sing your online User

Guide

In addition to this guide, your User Guide has been included on
your hard drive. Your User Gu id e 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 rec ording media

• Networking

To a c c es s yo u r User Gu ide:

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

Documentation.

2

www.gateway.com

Gate wa y contac t infor mation

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

Micr osof t Cer tificate 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

CHAPTER1: About This Reference

4

• Front

• Back

CHAPTER2

Checking Out Y our

Computer

5

Front

DVD/CD drive

Memo r y c a rd re a de r

or diskette drive

(optional)

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Power
button/power
indicator

Hard drive activity
indicator

6

USB po rt s

Microphone jack
Headphone jack

www.gateway.com

Component Icon Description

DVD/CD d rive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install

Memory card
reader or diskette
drive (optional)

USB ports Plug USB (Uni versalSerialBus) devices (s uch as

Power
button/power
indicator

Hard drive activ ity
indicator

Microph one j ack Plug a mi cropho ne in to thi s jack . This jack is

games and programs, watch DVDs, and store
large file s onto r ecordable di scs (depen ding on
drive ty pe). This dri v e may be a CD , recor dable
CD, DV D, re co rd ab le DVD, B lu - ray , o r H D DVD
drive. For more information about your drive,
see “Iden tifying optical drive types” on

page 27.

Insert a me mory card from a digita l came ra,
MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other
device into the m emor y card re ader. Insert a

3.5" diskett e (floppy) to read from and write to.

a USB external dri ve, printer, scanner, camera,
keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. For more
information, see “Installing a printer, scanner,

or other device ” on page 33.

Press this button to turn the power on or off.
You can also configure the power button to
operate in Sleep mode or Hibernate mode. The
power indicator lights when the computer is
turned on.

When lit, indicates hard drive activity.

color-coded pink.

Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an

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

7

Back

t

Power connector

Voltage switch

Case cover

thumbscrew

Audio (line) in/side

speaker jack

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Line ou t
(headphones)/
front s pe aker ja ck

Microphone jack

Ethernet (network) jack

Parallel port

PS/2 mouse port

Modem (line) jack

(optional)

Case cover

thumbscrew

USB por ts

Monitor (VGA)
port

Serial port

PS/2 keyboard por

Telephone jack
(optional)

Expansion card ba y
cover

8

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Component Icon Description

Power co nn ecto r Plug the power cord into this connector.
Voltage switch Make sur e this sw itc h is p osit ioned cor rec tl y

Case cover
thumbscrew

Audio (line) in/side
speaker jack (blue)

Ethernet (network)
jack

Parallel po rt Plug a paralle l de vice (su ch as a printer)

PS/2 mouse port
(green)

Modem (line) jack
(optional)

for the power in your area. For more
information, see “Checking the voltage

selection” on page15.

Remove these thumbscrews to open the side
panel of th e case.

Plug an ext er nal audi o input sour ce (suc h as
a stereo) into this jack so you can record
sound on your computer. For 5.1 surround
sound, plug the surround sound side
speakers to this jack.

Plug an Ethernet network cable or a device
(such as a cable or DSL modem) into this
jack. For more information, see “Learning
about the Int ernet” in y our online User Guide
and “Conne ct ing t o a br oa dband modem or

network” on page16.

into this port.

Plug a PS/2 mo use into this po rt.

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

modem” on page 16.

Line o ut
(headphones)/front
speaker jack (green)

Microphone jack
(pink)

USB ports Plug USB (Uni v ersalSerial Bu s) de vi ces (such

Monitor (VGA) port Plug a VGA monitor cable into this port.
Serial po rt Plug a serial device into this port.

Plug headphone s or amplified speak ers int o
this jack. For 5.1 surround sound, plug the
surround sound front speaker to this jack.

Plug a microphone into this jack.

as a USB printer, scanner, camera, keyboard,
or mouse) into th ese port s. For more
information, see “Installing a printer,

scanner, or other device” on page33.

9

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Component Icon Description

PS/2 keyboard port
(purple)

Telephone jack
(optional)

Expansion card bay
cover

Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.

Plug your telephone into this jack.

Install additional P CI exp ansion ca rds in one
of these available slots.

10

CHAPTER3

Setting Up and Getting

Started

• Working saf ely and comf ort ably

• Preparing po wer connec tions

• Connecting to a br oadband modem or

network

• Connecting a dial-up modem

• Starting your comput er

• T urning of f y our computer

• Rest arting (rebooting) y our computer

• Using the keyboard

• Using the mouse

• Using optical driv es

• Using the memory card reader

• Using the diskette drive

• Adjusting the volume

• Installing a printer, scanner , or ot her de vice

11

CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started

Wo rking safel y and comfortably

Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines
for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding
discomfort and strain:

• Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor.

• Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of

sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye
level.

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

• Keep ventilation openings clear of obstructions.

Top of screen is not
higher than eye level

Hands and arms are

parallel to the floor

Screen is perpendicular to
your line of si ght

12

Feet are flat on the floor

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Reduc ing e y e 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 yo ur s cr een and li ght shining direc tl y int o
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 f ocusing y our eye s on your screen f or long periods

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

Setting up your comp uter de sk and chair

When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make
sure that the desk is the appropriat e 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 ke yboard and mouse . If the desk is not adjustable
or is too tall, consider usi ng an adjustable chair t o 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 y our chair s o the k ey board is at or slig htly below

the lev el of y our elbow . Thi s position lets y our s houlders
relax while you type.

• Adjust the chair height, adjust the f orward tilt of the s eat,

or use a footrest t o distribute your weight evenly on the
chair and relieve pressure on the back of your thighs.

• Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower

curve of your spine. You can use a pillow or cushion to
provide extra back support.

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CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started

Sitting at y our comput er

• 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.

Av oiding discomf or t and injury fr om r epetitiv e 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.

Po sitioning the comput er cas e

Position the computer case in a location that is easy for you to
reach. Your case can be positioned either horizontally or
verticall y. With the cas e in a v e rtica l orientat ion, y ou ca n ro tate
the support base on bottom for more stability.

Preparing po wer connec tions

Prot ecting f rom po wer s ource pr oblems

Warning

High voltages c a n e nter your co mputer through both t he power c ord and
the modem conne ction. Pro tect y ou r com puter by using a surge protec tor. If you
have a telephone or DSL 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 electrica l storm, unplu g both the su rge protecto r and the modem.

During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming
into your computer can incr ease to f ar above normal levels and
cause data loss or s y stem damage. Protec t y our comput er and
peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector,
which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from
reaching your computer.

14

www.gateway.com

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power
to your computer dur ing a pow er f ailure . Although y ou cannot
run your computer for an extended period of time wi t h a UPS,
a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your
work and shut down your computer normally.

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 fo r 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 23 0 .

The power sup ply, a component built into your computer,
provides power to the system board, add-in cards, and
peripheral devices. The power supply’s voltage selection for
your location is ty picall y se t at t he f ac t ory, 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 t he back of your computer to set the voltage to 115V
or 230V. To verify that your system has the correct setting for
your area, check the voltage selection switch.

To set the voltage selection switch:

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

voltage selection switch to the correct voltage position.
The switc h is locat ed on the back of y our computer, near
the power cable connector.

15

CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started

Connec ting to a br oadband modem or netw ork

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.

Y ou 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 Eth ernet

network:

1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network

jack .

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

modem, DSL modem, or network jack.

Connec ting a dial-up modem

16

Warning

To reduce the ri sk of fire, use only N o. 26 AWG or l arger
telecommunications l ine cord.

Your computer may have a 56K modem that you can use with
a st an dard tel ep ho ne li ne to co nn ect to th e I nte rnet or fax
documents.

To connect the modem:

1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem

jack at the back of your computer.

2 Insert the other end of the modem cable into a t elephone

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

3 If you want, connect a te lephone to the PHONE jack at

the back of your computer.

www.gateway.com

Starting y our 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 variable-speed fan, which can run at
different speeds at times to ensure correct system cooling. You may
notice an increas e 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 you r 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 periphera l 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 f irst. 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 Gui de.

Waking up y our comput er

Tip

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

“Customizing Windows” chapter in your online User G ui de.

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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CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started

T ur ning off y our 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 re ason you cannot use the Shut Down option in Windows to
turn off y our c ompu ter, press an d hold the power button for about five seconds,
then re le ase 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 fas ter t han turning on your computer af t er
it has been turned completely off.

To put your computer in Sleep (power-saving) mode:

1 Click Start, Shut Down, then click Standby.
2 To “wake” your computer, press a key on the keyboard.

If the computer remains in Sleep mode, pre ss the po wer
button.

18

To turn off your computer:

• Click Start, Shut Down, then click Shut Down again.

Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.

Important

To completely disconnect all power (such as for servicing internal

components ), al so discon nect the power cord.

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Re starting (rebooting) y our computer

To r e s ta r t yo u r co m p u te r :

• Click Start, Shut Down, then click Restart. Your

computer turns off, then turns on again.

- OR ­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.

As a part of the regula r start up process , a prog ram to
check the disk status runs automatically. When the
checks are finished, Windows starts.

Using t he ke yboar d

Premium multimedia k e yboard featur es

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

Editi ng b u ttons Inter ne t b utto ns Audi o p layb ac k bu tton s Inter ne t b utto ns

Windows keys

Application key Directional keys Numeric keypad

Navigation keys

Indicators

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CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started

Feature Icon Description

Editing bu ttons Press these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.
Function keys Press these keys to start program actions. Each

Internet b uttons Press these buttons to launch your Internet home

Audio playback
buttons

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the

Indicators Show if your N

Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows

Application key Press t his key to access s hor tcut menus and help

Directional keys Press these keys to move th e curs or up, down,

program u ses diff erent func tion k eys f or diff erent
purposes. See the program documentation to
find out more about the function key actions.

page, search, or e-mail programs.
Press these buttons to play your audio files and

to ad jus t the vol um e.

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

UM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or SCROLL LOCK

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

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

assistants in Windows.

right, o r left.

Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the

numeric keypad (NUMLOCK) is turned on.

20

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Elite multi media ke yboar d featur es

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

Feature Icon Description

Sleep button Press this button to activate your computer’s

Function key s Press these k e ys to start progr am actions. Each

Application buttons Press these b utton s to lau nch you r In ternet

Audio playback
buttons

Indicators Show if yo ur NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or

Windows keys Press on e of th ese keys to op en th e Wi ndo ws

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 these buttons to play your audio files and
to ad jus t the vol um e.

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

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

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CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started

Feature Icon Description

Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the

Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the

help assistants in Windows.

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 th e curs or.

numeric keypad (NUMLOCK) is turned on.

Standard key board features

Function keys Navigation keys Indicator s

Windows keys A pplication key Directional keys Numeric keypad

Feature Description

Function keys Press these keys to start program actions. Each program

Navigati on keys Press these keys to move the curs or to th e b eg in ni n g o f

Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or SCROLL LOCK keys are

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

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.

activated. P ress the co rrespo ndin g key to activate the
function.

22

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Feature Description

Windows keys Press to open th e Wi ndows Start menu. These keys can

Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and help

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

Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the numeric

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

assistants in Windows.

left.

keypad ( NUM LOCK ) is turned on.

Using t he mouse

Scroll wheel

Righ t b utto n

Left bu tton

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

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CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started

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

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

You can use the scroll w h eel on the mouse to move through a
document. This feature is not available in a ll program s.

To... Do this...

Move the point er
on the screen

Select an object
on the screen

Start a program
or open a file or
folder

24

Move the mouse around. If yo u
reach the edge of your mouse
pad and need to move the
mouse farther, l ift 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.

To... Do this...

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

Move an object
on the screen.

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 Windows”
chapter in your online User Guide. For in structio ns on how to
clean the mouse, see “Cleaning the mouse” on page65.

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 ob ject to th e
appropriate part of the screen.
Release th e button to drop the
object where you w ant it. This is
called clicking and dragging.

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CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started

Using optical dr iv es

Features

Your optical drive has the following basic components:

Manual eject

Disc tray

Loading an optical disc

To insert an optical disc:

1 Press the eject button on the optical disc drive.

hole

Eject b utto nActivity indicator

26

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.

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Identifying optical driv e types

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

If your optical drive has
this logo...

Y our drive type
is...

CD

CD-RW

DVD/CD-RW

DVD

DVD+RW

DVD RW/ R

Use your drive for...

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, and accessing data.

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, accessing data, and
creatin g CDs .

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, accessing data,
creating CDs, and pla y in g D VDs.

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 o r DV D+ RW di sc s.

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 d is cs .

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 doub le layer
capability of the double layer
recordable DVD drive, the blank
DVDs you purchase must sta te
Double Layer, Dual Layer , or DL.
Using other types of blank
media will result in less
capacity.

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CHAPTER3 : 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.

Y our drive type
is...

DVD-RAM/-RW

Blu-ray Disc

HD-DVD

Use your drive for...

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, playing DVDs,
accessing data, and recording
video and data to CDs and
DVD- RA M, DVD -R , o r DV D- RW
discs.

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

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, playing DVDs and
HD-DVDs, accessing data, and
recording vi deo an d data to
CDs, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, D VD-RW,
and HD-DVD discs.

28

A standard CD (compact disc) 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 WindowsMedia Player on your
computer to:

• Play mus ic 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.

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Playing a DVD

A DVD (Digital Versat ile Di sc) is simi lar t o a standard CD but ha s
greater data capacity. Because of this increased capacity,
full-length movies, several albums of music, or seve ral
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 Gu id e.

Playing a Blu-ray Disc

A Blu-ray Disc is a high-capacity optical disc that can store
much more data than a DVD . Adual-layer Blu-ray Disc can hold
50GB of files, about 23 hou rs 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 mor e infor mation about playing
Blu-ray Discs, see your onlin e Use r G u id e.

Play ing an HD-D VD

A HD-DVD is a high-capacity optical disc that can store much
more data than a DVD. A dual-layer HD-DVD can hold 30 GB of
files, about 1 4hours of standard-definition video, or about 5.5
hours of high-definition video. HD-DVDs can be played on an
HD-DVD-compatible player or an HD-DVD drive-equipped
computer. For more information about playing HD-DVDs, see
your online User Gui de.

29

Creating discs

Recording t o 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, cr eate music CDs, create video D VDs, and more. For
more information about creating CDs and DVDs, see your
online User G uid e.

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 mo re informat ion, se e your on line User Gu ide.

Copying optical discs

You can copy optical discs to make backups of your data. For
more informati on, see your on line Use r G uid e.

CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started

Using t he 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 devic e that use s memory cards, such as a PD A,
MP3 player, or cellular telephone. (Your memory card reader
may be different than the one shown.)

Memory card slot

Memory card slot

30

Memory card slot

Activity indicator

Memory card slot

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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 o f t he reader. E ac h sl ot is assigned a different drive letter
(for example, E: and F:), 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 memor y card into the a ppropri ate memo ry

card slot.

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

click M y Computer. Doub le-click the dr iv e (f or ex ample,
the

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

To remove a memory card:

• Wait for the memory card reader activity indicator 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 indicat or is blinking. You could lose data.
Also, rem ove th e me mo ry ca rd from the rea der be fore you tu rn off th e
computer.

Important

Do not use the Safely 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.

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CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started

Using t he disk ett e dri ve

The opt io n a l diskette drive uses 3 .5 -i n ch d i s kettes (so met i m es
called flo ppy di sk s) . Diskettes are useful for storing files or
transferring fil es to anothe r com puter.

Drive activity light Eject buttonDiskette slot

To load a diskette:

1 Inse rt t he d is kette in to th e di skette drive with the la bel

facing up.

2 To access a file on the diskette, clickStart, then click

My Computer. Double-click the diskette drive (for
example, the A: drive), then double-click the file name.

3 To remove the diskett e , make sure that the drive activity

lig ht i s o ff, the n p ress the eje ct b utto n.

Adjusting t he volume

You can adjust volume using your speakers’ controls, your
keyboard 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 usin g exter nal speakers, turn the knob on the

front of the speakers.

-OR­Use th e m ute and vo lum e c on tro l b utto ns o n the

keyboard. For more informa tion, see “Using the

keyb oa rd ” on pa g e 19.

32

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To adjust the volume from Windows:

1 Double-click the speaker icon on the taskbar. The volume

control slider opens.

2 Click and drag the slider up to increase v olume and down

to de creas e vo lu me.

3 To mute the volume, click Mute. To re store volume, click

it again.

4 Click × in the top -ri g ht co rne r o f the wi nd ow to clo se i t.

Installing a print er , s canner , or other de vice

Important

Before yo u 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
serial, and parallel. Use these ports to connect peripheral
devices s uch a s pr int ers, s canners, and digital camer a s t o y our
computer. For more information about port locatio ns, see

“Checking Out Your Computer” on page 5.

IEEE 1394 and USBports support plug-and-play and
hot-swapping, which means tha t your computer will usually
recognize such a device whenever you plug it into the
appropriate port. W hen you u se an IEEE13 94 or USB device for
the first time, your computer will prompt you to install any
soft war e th e de vice needs. Aft er doi ng th is, y ou can d isco nnec t
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 pressE

Parallel and serial port devices are not plug-and-play. See the
device d ocumentation f or de tailed inf ormation and installation
instructions.

NTER.

®

), Universal Serial Bus (USB),

33

CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started

34

CHAPTER4

Upgrading Your C omputer

• Prev enting static electric ity discharge

• Opening and closing the ca se

• Remov ing and installing the f ront bez el

• Installing memory

• Replac ing an optical or disk et te dri v e or a

card reader

• Replac ing the hard dr iv e

• Adding or replacing an e xpansion card

• Replacing the front fan

• Replacing t he rear f an

• Replac ing t he fr ont I/O boar d

• Replac ing the proce ssor

• Replacing t he syst em batt ery

• Replac ing the pow er suppl y

• Replacing t he syst em board

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CHAPTER4: Upgrading Your Computer

Pre v enting static electric ity discharge

Warning

To a v oid expo sur e t o danger ou s elec tri cal vol tages and mo v ing 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 extremel y 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.

• T ouch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.

• Unplug the power cord and the modem and network

cables.

Caution

ESD can perman ently damage electrostatic discharge -sensi tive
components in your computer. Prevent ES D d ama ge by foll owing ESD guidelines
every time you open the computer case.

36

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 t o us e them. Do not lay components
on the outside of antistatic bags becau s e onl y t he i nsid e
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 and clo sing the cas e

Your computer case provides easy access to internal
components.

Warning

To a v oid expo sur e to danger ou s elec trica l volt ages and mo v ing parts, t urn
off yo ur comput er , t hen unp lug the power cor d and modem cable bef or e openin g
the cas e.

Important

Some details of your computer, such as available ports, may differ from
those s h own .

To remove the side panel:

1 Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity

discharge” on page36.

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 Lay the computer down flat, then remov e the c ase cov er

thumbscr ew s f rom the side panel cover. For the location
of the thumbscrews, see “Back” on page 8.

Tip

To avoid scratching the case, place it on a towel or other

non-abrasive surface.

5 Slide the side panel toward the back of the computer,

then lift it up and away from the computer.

To replace the side panel:

1 Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged

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

2 Insert the panel tabs into the front of the case, then

swing the side panel toward the back of the computer
to secure it into place.

3 Replace the case cover thumbs cre ws, then reconnect the

cables and power cord.

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CHAPTER4: Upgrading Your Computer

Re mov ing and installing the fr ont bez el

To r e m ov e t h e fr o n t be z e l:

1 After removing the side panel, press the three black

plastic tabs (positions indicated b y the arr ows) t o releas e
the right side of the bezel. (Case shown upright for
clarity.)

38

2 Swing the right side of the bezel out until the left side

of the bezel comes away from the left side of the
computer, then remove the bezel.

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To replace the front bezel:

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

in the left sid e of the computer.

39

CHAPTER4: Upgrading Your Computer

2 Swing 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.

40

3 Press t he right side of the bezel firmly until it sna ps into

place.

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Installing memory

When you upgrade the comput er memory , mak e sure t hat 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

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37.

2 Find the memory module banks on your system board.

3 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.

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CHAPTER4: Upgrading Your Computer

4 Align the notches on the new DIMM with the not c hes 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 modul e is secure, you hear a
click.

5 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37.

6 Return your computer to its upright position.
7 Reconnect the cables and the power cord.
8 Turn on your computer. Windows starts and the

Windows desktop appears.

9 Click Start, right-click My Computer, then click

Properties. The amount of memory in your computer

is displayed.

42

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Re placing an optical or disk ett e dri ve or a card r eader

Throughout this procedure, “drive” is used to indicate either a
drive or a memory card reader.

To replace a drive or card reader:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37.

2 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in

“Removing and installing the front bezel” on page38,

then place the computer in an upright position.

Important

The color and shape of your replacement component's front cover

may vary from your original component.

3 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 component. (CD/DVD drive shown.)

- OR ­If you are installing a new drive, go to Step 5.

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CHAPTER4: Upgrading Your Computer

4 Slide the drive release latch toward the back of the

computer to the Unlock position, then slide the drive
forward and out of the drive bay.

5 Slide the new drive into the dri ve bay , t hen slide the drive

release latch toward the front of the computer to the
Lock pos it io n.

6 Reconnect the drive cables using the notes you took

previously.

7 Replace the front bezel, then replace the side panel.

Re placing the har d driv e

To replace the hard drive:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37.

2 If you are adding a new drive, go to Step6. If you are

replacing an existing drive, go to the next step.

44

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3 Disconnect the drive cables, noting their locations and

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

4 Press the the drive release lat ch in tow ard the driv e , then

slide the drive out of the drive bay.

45

CHAPTER4: Upgrading Your Computer

5 Remove the hard drive.

6 Slide the new drive into the dri ve bay , t hen slide the drive

release latch back.

7 If you are adding a drive, connect the drive cables to the

new drive according to the drive’s documentation.

- OR ­If you are replacing a drive, reconnect the drive cables

using the notes you took previously.

8 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37, then return

your computer to an upright position.

9 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.

46

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C

Adding or r eplacing an expansion car d

To add or replace an expansion card:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37.

2 Open the card retention lever.

ard retention lever

3 If you are replacing an expansion card, go to the next

step. If you are adding a new expansion card, go to
Step 6.

4 Disconnect any cables that are attached to the card,

noting their locations and orientation. (You may need to
reconnect the cables after you install the new card.)

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CHAPTER4: Upgrading Your Computer

5 Remove t he old expansion card. You can slightly seesa w

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

Caution

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

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

6 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.

7 Reconnect the expansion card cables (if any) using the

notes you took previously or the manufacturer’s
instructions.

8 Replace the side panel, then return the computer to an

upright position.

9 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.

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Re placing the f ront f an

To replace the front fan:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37.

2 Remove the fan by p ull in g i t away from the syste m

board.

3 Disconnect the fan cable from the system board.

4 Connect the new fan cable to the system board, then

insert the new fan into place.

5 Replace the side panel, then return the computer to an

upright position.

6 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.

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CHAPTER4: Upgrading Your Computer

Re placing the r ear fan

Tools

Phillips screwdriver

To replace the rear fan:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37.

2 Disconnect the fan from the system board.

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3 Remove th e fou r screws th a t s ecu r e t he fa n to th e ba c k

of the case, then remove the fan.

Screws

Screws

4 Place the new fan on the back of the computer, then

repl a c e the sc rews t h at secure it to th e b a c k of the c as e.

5 Reconnect the fan cable to the system board.

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6 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37.

7 Replace the side panel, then return the computer to an

upright position.

8 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.

Re placing the f ront I/O board

Important

The color and shape of your replacement component's front cover

may vary from your original component.

To replace the front I/O panel:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37.

2 Remove the bezel by following the instructions in

“Removing and installing the front bezel” on page38.

3 Disconnect the cable from the I/O panel.

4 Remove the screw that secures the I/ O pane l to the

computer, then remove the I/O panel from the
computer.

Screw

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CHAPTER4: Upgrading Your Computer

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

replace the screw.

6 Connect the I/O panel cable to the new I/O panel.
7 Replace the front bezel by following the instructions in

“Removing and installing the front bezel” on page38.

8 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37.

Re placing the pr ocess or

Tools

Phillips screwdriver

To replace the heat sink and processor:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37.

2 Remove the fan by p ull in g i t away from the syste m

board.

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3 Disconnect the fan cable from the system board.

Caution

The heat sink has thermal paste 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 thermal paste.

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

system bo ard , th en rem ove th e h ea t s in k.

Screws

Screws

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CHAPTER4: Upgrading Your Computer

5 Release the proces sor by pushing down on the le ver and

then lifting it com pletely up.

6 Remove the processor from the system boa rd.
7 Install the new pr oces sor ont o th e sy st em board mak ing

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

screws that secure it to the system bo ard.

9 Connect the fan cable to the system board, then insert

the fa n i nto pl ac e.

10 Replace the side panel.

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Re placing the s yst em batt ery

Warning

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrect ly replaced. R eplace only with the
same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used
batteries following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Caution

Any custom BIOS settings you have made will be lost when you remove
the system battery. All settings will return to their factory defaults.

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 restar t, pr e ss and hold F2. The main menu of

the BIOSSetup utility opens.

3 Write do w n all v alue s in th e menus and submenu s, t he n

exit from the utility.

Caution

Any custom BIOS settings you have made will be lost when you
remove the system batte ry. All settings will return to their factory
defaults.

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

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37.

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

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

Battery release tab

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CHAPTER4: Upgrading Your Computer

7 Push the battery release tab. The battery pops out of the

socket.

8 Make su re t ha t the po si tive ( +) s id e o f th e new b atte r y

is faci n g up , th e n p ress th e ba tte r y i n to the so c ket u n t il
it snaps into place.

9 Replace the side panel, then return the computer to an

upright position.

10 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.
11 Tu r n on y o ur co mput e r.
12 O pen the BIOS Setup utility.
13 In the BIOS Setup utility, restore any settings that you

wrote down previously.

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

Re placing the po wer suppl y

To replace the power supply:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37.

2 Disconnect the power supply cables from all

components (such as hard drives, CD or DVD 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 screws that secure the power supply

to the computer.

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Screws

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4 Slide the power supply away from the back of the

computer, then pull it down and remove it.

5 Install the new power supply into the case, then install

the three screws to secure the po wer supply to the case.

6 Reconnect the power supply cables using your notes

from Ste p 2.

7 Replace the side panel, then return the computer to an

upright position.

8 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.

Re placing the s yst em board

To replace the system board:

1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in

“Opening and closing the case” on page 37.

2 Remove all expansion cards by following the directions

in “Adding or replacing an expansion card” on page 47.

3 Remove the front fan by following the directions in

“Replacing the fron t fan” on page 49.

4 Remove the memory from your computer by following

the directions in “Installing memory” on page41.

5 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.)

6 Remove the power supply by f ol lo wing the directions in

“Replacing the power supply” on page 56.

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CHAPTER4: Upgrading Your Computer

7 Remove the seven system boa rd screws.

Screws

Screws

8 Lift the system board up and out of the case.
9 Align the new system board on the screw holes in the

case, then secure it i nto the c ase with the screws.

10 If your replacement system board does not include a

proc essor, go to the next ste p.

-OR­If your replacement system board includes a processor,

go to Step 16.

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Caution

The heat sink has thermal paste located on the bottom of it. Use
caution when yo u r e move the old heat sink or unpack t he new heat sink
so you do not damage the thermal paste.

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

system bo ard , th en rem ove th e h ea t s in k.

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12 Release the processor from the old system board by

pushing down on t he le ve r and then lif ting it compl et ely
up.

13 Remove the processor from the old system board.
14 Install the pr oces sor ont o the new s y st em 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.

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

screws that secure it to the system bo ard.

16 I ns ta ll the powe r s upp ly into th e ca se, th en ins ta ll the

three screws to secure the power supply to the case.

17 Connect the power and data cables using the notes you

took previously.

18 Connect the fan cable to the system board, then insert

the fa n i nto pl ac e.

19 Install the memory you removed previously.
20 Reinstall any expansion cards you removed, using the

notes you took previously.

21 Replace the side panel, then return the computer to an

upright position.

22 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.

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CHAPTER4: Upgrading Your Computer

60

CHAPTER5

Maintaining Y our

Computer

• Setting up a maint enance schedule

• Caring f or your comput er

• Cleaning y our comput er

• Updating Windo ws

• Using BigFix

• Managing hard dri ve space

• Scheduling maintenance tasks

• Moving f rom y our old comput er

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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer

Set ting up a mainten ance 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 ha rd drive X X
Back up files X X X
Clean computer case and

peripheral devices

needed

X

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Caring f or y our 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 m aterials.

• 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 y our computer to extreme temperature

changes. The case can become brittle and easy to break
in cold tempe ratures and can me lt or warp in high
temperatures. Damage due to either extreme is not
covered by your warranty. As a g eneral rule, your
computer is saf e st at t emperatur es that ar e comf ortab le
for yo u.

• Keep all liquids away from your computer. When spilled

onto computer components, almost any l iquid 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 in tern al m ech an ism s a nd can le ad to
permanent damage to your computer.

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

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

• When storing your computer for an extended period of

time, unplug ACpower.

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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer

Cleaning y our comput er

Keeping your computer clean and the vents free from dust
helps keep your computer performing at its best. You may
want to g athe r thes e ite ms an d p ut toge the r a co mpu ter
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 t he ex terior

Warning

When you shut down yo ur 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 finis h on c ompon ents.

• 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 vent s with a d amp cl o t h . B e careful
not to d rip any water in to th e v ent s.

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Cleaning t he ke y board

Y ou should occasionally clean the k ey board to r emove 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 ke y board doe s not work af t er it dries,
you may need to replaceit.

Cleaning t he monitor

Caution

A flat-pa nel monit or is made of spec iall y coat ed glas s and can be scrat ched

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 t o clean the scr een. Dampen the cloth (nev er apply
liquid directly to the screen), then wipe the screen with
the cloth.

• T o clean a CR T monitor, use a soft clot h and glass c leaner

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

Cleaning t he mouse

If the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the
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.

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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer

Cleaning optical dis cs

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

To clean an optical disc :

• Wipe from the center t o the edge, not around in a circ le,

using a product made especially for the purpose.

Updating Windo ws

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 Gu ide.

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Help

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

E

NTER.

Using BigF ix

Your computer may have BigFix software installed. 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 det ects a problem, it alerts you b y flashing the
blue taskbar icon. T o fix the problem, c lic k on that icon t o open
BigFix.

To s t a rt B i g Fi x :

1 Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Syste m Too ls ,

then click BigFix.

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

Tutorial.

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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer

Managing hard dr iv e space

Windows provides seve ral utilities you can use to check drive
space, and to delete, defragment, and back up files.

Checking hard driv e space

To check hard drive space:

1 Click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer

wind ow o pe ns.

2 Right-click t he dri v e t hat you w ant t o c heck for available

file space , then c lick Properties. Drive space information
appears.

Deleting unnece ssary files

Delete unnece ssary file s, such a s temporary f iles and file s in the
Recycle Bin, to free hard drive space.

To delete unnecessary files:

1 Click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer

wind ow o pe ns.

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2 Right-click the hard drive that you want to delete files

from (f or e xa mple , Loc al Disk (C:)), then click Properties.
The Properties dialog box opens at the General tab.

3 Click Disk Cleanup. The Disk Cleanup dialog box opens.
4 Make sure that the check box beside each file type you

want to delete is selected. For more information about
file types you can delet e, read the de scriptions in the Disk
Cleanup dialog box.

5 Click OK, then click Yes.

Checking the hard dri ve f or 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 yo ur computer several hours every day, you
probably want to run Error-checking once a week. If you use
your computer less f requently , 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 My Computer. The My Computer

wind ow o pe ns.

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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer

2 Right-click t he driv e that you want to c heck f or errors (f or

example, Local Disk (C:)), then click Properties. The
Properties dialog box opens.

3 Click the Tools tab.

4 Click Check Now, c lic k the options y ou w ant to u se , then

click Start. For help , p ress F1. Windows checks the drive
for errors. This process m ay take several minu tes.

After Windo ws has finished checking the driv e for err ors,
it provides a summary of the problems that it found.

5 Correct any problems that are found by following the

on-screen instructions.

6 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 Hel p box, then press E

Defragme nting the hard dr iv e

When working wi th files, sometimes Windows divides the file
information in to pieces and stores them in different places on
the hard drive. This is cal led 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.

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NTER.

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Disk Defragmenter organi z e s the data on the dri v e so eac h file
is stored as one unit rather than as mul tiple 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 us e y our 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.

Tip

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

To defragment the hard drive:

1 Disconnect your computer from the network.
2 Click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer

wind ow o pe ns.

3 Right-click the hard drive that you want to defragment

(for example, Local Disk (C:)), then click Properties. The
Properties dialog box opens.

4 Click the Tools tab.

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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer

5 Click Defragment now. If Disk Defragmenter does not

start automatic ally, click Defragment.
Disk Defrag menter s hows its p rogress on the displ ay.

When finished, Disk Defragmenter asks if you want to
quit the program.

6 Click Close, then click the X in th e to p- rig ht cor ne r to

close the Disk Defragmenter wind ow.

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

Backing up file s

Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees
space for new files on the hard drive. It also protec ts you from
losing import ant 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 hav e a re cordable drive). Use a backup dev ice , such
as a recordable disc drive, to do a complete hard drive backup.

Help

For more information about defragmenting the hard drive, click

NTER.

Scheduling maint enance ta sks

The Scheduled Task Wizard lets you schedule maintenance
tasks such as running Disk Defragmenter and Error-checking.

To start the Scheduled Task Wizard:

1 Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Syst em Too l s,

then click Scheduled Tasks. The Scheduled Tasks
wind ow o pe ns.

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2 Double-click the Add Scheduled Task icon. The

Scheduled Task Wizard opens.

3 Click Next, then click the task or program you want to

schedule.

4 Follow the on-screen instructions to customize the task.

Mov ing fr om your old computer

T r ansf erring f iles and s ettin gs aut omatically

You can move your files, folders, software settings, and user
account settings (such as displa y, Internet, and e-mail settings)
from your old computer to your new one using the Files and
Settings T ransf er Wi zard . Files can be transf erred a utomatica lly
to it as long as your old computer has Windows95, 98, 98SE,
Me, NT 4.0, or XP.

Important

If your old computer’s Windows version is not compatible with automatic
transfe r , you must manual ly mo v e y our data b y us ing a writ e able disc , fla sh dri v e ,
or external hard drive.

While using these transfer utilities, you will not be able to run
other tasks on the computers.

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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer

To move files and settings from your old computer:

1 Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Syste m Too ls ,

then click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

2 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the

transfer.

T r ansf erri ng files an d set tings manu ally

Y ou can manu ally transfer your personal data files by copying
them to removable media, such as a writable disc, an external
hard drive, a network location, or a flash drive.

Finding your documents

Many programs save your personal data files in the
My Documents folder. Look in your old computer’s documents
fold e r for p er so n al d at a fi le s .

To find files in the documents folder:

1 In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Documents.

The My Documents window opens and display s many of
your saved personal data files. Go to 4.

- OR ­In Windows98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000,

double-click the My Computer icon on the desktop. Go
to the next step.

2 Double-click the C:\ drive icon.
3 Double-click the My Documents folder. The My

Documents window opens and displays many of your
saved personal data files.

4 Copy your personal data files to removable media or to

another computer on your network.

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Finding other files

Use Window s Find or S earc h t o locate other person al data file s.
For mor e inf or matio n, see “Usi ng Wi ndow s” in y our o nline User
Guide.

You can often identify different data file types by looking at
the file’s extension (the part of the file name following the last
period). For example, a document file might have a .DOC
extension and a spr eadsheet fi le might hav e an .XL S ex t ension.

File type File usually ends in...

Documents .DOC, .TXT, .RTF, .HTM, .HTML, .DOT
Spreadsheets .XLS, .XLT, .TXT
Pictures .JPG, .BMP, .GIF, .PDF, .PCT, .TIF, .PNG, .EPS
Movies .MPEG, .MPG, .AVI, .GIF, .MOV
Sound and music .WAV, .CDA, .MP3, .MID, .MIDI, .WMA

To find files using Find or Search:

1 In Windows XP, click Start, the n clic k Search. The Search

Results window opens.

- OR ­In Windows98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000, click

Start, Find or Search, then click For Fil es o r Folde rs.
The Sea rch Results window opens.

2 Type the filename or part of a filename you want to

search for, then press E
displayed.

3 To learn about more search options, click Help.

NTER. The search results are

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CHAPTER 5: Maintaining Your Computer

76

CHAPTER6

Troubleshooting

• Safety guidelines

• First steps

• Troubleshooting

• Reco veri ng your s yst em

• T elephone support

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CHAPTER6: Troubleshooting

Saf ety guideline s

While troublesho oting your computer, follow these safety
guidelines:

Warning

Never open your computer case while your computer is turned on and

while the modem cable, network cable, and power cord are connected.

Warning

Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal
components. For more information about preventing damage from static
electricity, see “Preventing static electricity discharge” on page36.

Warning

To avoid bodily injury, do not attempt to troubleshoot your computer
problem if:

• Power cords or plugs are damaged

• Liquid has been spilled into your computer

• Your computer was dropped

• The case was damaged

Instead, unplug your computer and contact a qualified computer technician.

First step s

80

If yo u ha v e pr obl ems w it h y our c ompu te r, try thes e t hing s fi rst :

• Make s ure tha t th e p ower co rd i s c on necte d to you r

computer and an ACpower outlet and that the power
outlet is supplying power.

• If you use a power strip or surge protector, make sure

that it is turned o n.

• If a peripheral device does not work, make sure that all

connections are secure.

• Make sure that your hard drive is not full.

• If an error message appea rs on the screen, write down

the exact message. The message m ay help Customer
Care in diagnosing and fixing the problem.

• If you added or remove d peripheral devices, review the

installation procedures you performed and make sure
that you followed each instruction.

• If an error occurs in a program, see the program’s

printed documentation or the online help.

Help

For more inf ormation about tr oubleshooting, cli ck Start, then c lick

Help and Support. Type troubleshooting in the Search Help box,

then press E

NTER.

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Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting topics are listed in alphabetical order.

Add-in cards

See “Expansion cards” on page86.

Audio

See “Sound” on page 97.

CD or DVD driv es

The computer does not recognize a disc or the CD or DVD drive

• Make sure that the di sc label is f acing up, then try again.

• Try a different disc. Occasionally, discs are flawed or

become scratc hed and cannot be read b y t he CD or DVD
drive.

• If you are trying to play a DVD, make sure that you have

a DVD drive. T o identify your dri v e type, see “Identifying

optical drive types” on page 27.

• Your computer may be experiencing some temporary

memory problems. Shut down and restart your
computer.

• Some music CDs hav e copy prot ection sof tware . Y ou may

not be able to play these CDs on your computer.

• Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning

optical discs” on page66.

• Restart your computer, then enter the BIOS Setup utility

by pressing and holding F2 while your computer
restarts. Make sure that the IDE controllers are enabled.

• Make sure that th e drive is co nfigured c orrectly by

following the instructions in the drive documentation.

• Reinstall the device driver.

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CHAPTER6: Troubleshooting

An audio CD d oes not prod uce sound

• Make sure that the di sc label is f acing up, then try again.

• Some music CDs hav e copy prot ection sof tware . Y ou may

not be able to play these CDs on your computer.

• Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For

more informat ion, see “A d j u s t i ng t h e v o l u m e ” o n

page 32.

• Make s ure th at the mu te co nt rol s a re t urn ed off. Fo r

more informat ion, see “A d j u s t i ng t h e v o l u m e ” o n

page 32.

• If you have external speakers attached, make sure that

the speakers are turned on and that the cables are
connected correctly and securely.

• Shut down and restart your computer.

• Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning

optical discs” on page66.

• Reinstall the appropriate device drivers.

A DVD movie will not play

• Make sure that you have a DVD drive. To identify your

drive type, see “Cleaning opt ical discs” on page 66.

• Make sure that the di sc label is f acing up, then try again.

• Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed or

become scratched and cannot be read by the DVD drive.

• Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning

optical discs” on page66.

• Shut down and restart your computer.

• Make sure that th e DVD progra m h as bee n i nst al led o n

your computer.

• DVDs and DVD drives contain regio nal c odes tha t help

control DVD title exports and help reduce illegal disc
distribution. To be able to play a DVD, the disc’s regional
code and your DVD drive’s regional code must match.

The regional code on your DVD drive is determined by
your computer’s deli v e ry addre ss. The regional code for
the United States and Canada is1. The regional code f or
Mexico is4. Your DVD drive’s regional code must match
the regional code for the disc. The regional code for the
disc is on the disc, disc documentation, or disc
packaging.

If the DVD movie does not play, the disc’s regional code
and your DVD drive’s regional code may not match.

• Reinstall the device driver.

82

Diske tt e driv e

The diskette drive is not recognized

• Shut down and restart your computer.

You cannot save a file to diskette or you see the message “disk is full or write-protecte d”

• Make sure that the write-protection tab on the

• The disket t e ma y be full. Delete unneces sary files on t he

• Make su re th at th e di skette you are u sing is

• T ry a dif fer ent disk et te . Occa sionall y disk et te s are fla wed

• Run Error- checking on the diskette. For more

You see an “Access Denied” or “Write protect” error message

• Make sure that the write-protection tab on the

• The disket t e ma y be full. Delete unneces sary files on t he

• Make su re th at th e di skette you are u sing is

• T ry a dif fer ent disk et te . Occa sionall y disk et te s are fla wed

www.gateway.com

upper-right corner of the disk et te is do wn (unprote ct ed).
diskette and try again.
IBM-compatible.
and cannot be read by the diskette drive.
information, see “Checking the h ard drive for errors” on

page 69. If errors are detected and corrected, try using

the d is kette ag a in.

upper-right corner of the disk et te is do wn (unprote ct ed).
diskette and try again.
IBM-compatible.
and cannot be read by the diskette drive.

You see a “Disk is full” error message

• Delete unnecessary files on the diskette.

• T ry a dif fer ent disk et te . Occa sionall y disk et te s are fla wed

and cannot be read by the diskette drive.

• Run Error- checking on the diskette. For more

information, see “Checking the h ard drive for errors” on

page 69. If errors are detected and corrected, try using

the d is kette ag a in.

You see a “Non-system disk” or “Disk error” error message

• Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press

NTER.

E

• Make su re th at th e di skette you are u sing is

IBM-compatible.

83

Display

CHAPTER6: Troubleshooting

The diskette drive LED is lit continuously

• Remov e the diskette from the drive. If the lig ht stays on,

try restarting your computer.

The screen resolution is not correct

• Change the scree n resoluti on from the Display Settings

dialog box. For more information, see the “Customizing
Windows” chapter in your online User Gui de.

The computer is running, but there is no picture

• Adjust the monitor’s brightnes s and contra st contr ols to

the center positio n.

• Check the cable for bent or damaged pins.

• Make sur e th at t he m onit o r is pl ugge d in an d tur ned on.

If th e m o n ito r is t u rn e d on , th e pow e r L E D s h o u ld b e l i t .

• Make sure that the video cable is connected to the video

port on your computer.

• Connect a monitor that you know works to your

computer.

• Reinstall the device driver.

The color is not uniform

The text on the screen is dim or difficult to read

For more information about monitor types, see your monitor
and video card documentation.

then cl ick Help and Support. Type screen res olution in the Search Help
box, then press E

DVD drives

84

• Make s ure th at th e m on ito r wa rms up for a t l eas t

30 minutes before making a final judgment about color
uniformity.

• Adjust the monitor’s brightness and contrast controls.

• Change the display settings. For more information, see

the “Customizing Windows” chapter in your online User
Guide.

Help

For more information about changing the screen resolution, click Start,

NTER.

• See “CD or DVD drives” on page 81.

Ethernet

www.gateway.com

You cannot see the other computers on your network

• Make sure that your Ethernet cable is plugged into the

Ethernet jack on y our computer, as shown in your setup
poster. Make sure that the other end is plugged into a
network router, switch, hub, or other network device.

• Make sure that all computers are plugged into a

powered electrical outlet and turned on.

• Make sure that the router (if you are using one) is

plugged into a powered electrical outlet and turned on.
Most routers have lights that indicate they are working.
For more information, see the documentation that came
with your router.

• If you are using a router, try rebooting it by unplugging

its power cord, waiting five seconds, then plugging it
back in.

• Make sure that all comput ers on your network have the

same workgroup name.

• Make sure that all computers are using the same Subnet

Mask.

• If you assigned IP addresses to the computers, make sure

that all computers have diff erent IP addres ses. For home
networks, IP addresses should be 192.168.N.N where N
is a number you assign between 0 and 254. The first N
should be the same for all computers on your network
and the second N should be different for all computers
on your network.

The computer does not recognize an Ethernet expansion card

• Shut down and restart your computer.

• Make sure that y ou hav e installed the required sof tware .

For more inf ormation, see t he documentation t hat came
with your Ethernet card.

• Reseat the card. For mo re informat ion ab out resea ting

the card, see “Adding or replacing an expansion card” on

page 47. For more information about your Ethernet card,

see the documentation that came with your Ethernet
card.

85

Your Ethernet network is running slower than you expect

• If your Ethernet network is running slower than you

expect, check the speed of each Ethernet component.
For best results, all Ethernet components should be
standard Ethernet ( 10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or
10/100Mbps) , or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or
10/100/1000 Mbps). A mixture of Ethernet, Fast
Ethernet, and Gigabit Et herne t components w ill r esult in
your network running at the slowest component speed.

Expansion cards

The computer does not recognize an expansion card

• Shut down and restart your computer.

• Make sure that y ou hav e installed the required sof tware .

For more infor mation, see the doc umentation that came
with your expansion card.

• Reseat the card. For more informati on, see “Adding or

replacing an expansion card” on page 47 .

File management

CHAPTER6: Troubleshooting

Help and Support. Type the keywor d/phra se System Re store in th e Search
Help box, then press E

A file was accidentally deleted

If a file was deleted while holding down the S
cannot be restored.

To restore deleted files:

1 Double-click the Recycle Bin icon.
2 Righ t-cli ck the f ile you wan t to resto re, th en cli ck

You need to restore your computer to a working condition

• See “Recovering your system” on page98.

Floppy drive

See “Diskette drive” on page83.

86

Help

For more information about restoring deleted files, click Start, then click

NTER.

HIFT key, the file

Restore. The file is restored to the place where it was
originally deleted from.

If the Recycle Bin was emptied before you try to restore
a file, the file ca nnot b e restored.

Hard driv e

You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message

You see a “Data error” message

www.gateway.com

• Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk

Cleanup. For instructions on deleting unnecessary files,
see “ Deletin g unnec essary fil es” on pag e 68.

Help

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

NTER.

• Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bi n

icon, then clicking Empty Recycle Bin.

Caution

All deleted files will be lost when you empty the Recycle Bin.

• Save your files to another drive. If the hard drive is full,

copy any files not regularly used to backu p media, then
del ete th em fro m the hard drive.

• This may be the result of a defective area on the hard

drive. To fix hard drive problems, run the error checking
program. For instr uctions on fixing har d dri v e problems,
see “Checking the hard drive for errors” on page69.

The hard drive cannot be accessed, or you see a “General failure reading drive C” error message

• If a d iskette is in the dis kette drive, eject it an d res tar t

your computer.

• If your computer has been subjected to static electricity

or physical shock, you may need to reinstall the
operating system. See “Recovering your system” on

page 98.

87

Internet

CHAPTER6: Troubleshooting

You see a “Non-system disk” or “disk error” error message

• Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press

NTER.

E

See also “Modem (dial-up) ” on page 91.

You cannot connect to the Internet

• If you are using a dial-up modem, make sure that the

modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not
the Ethernet network jack. See your setup poster to
make sure that the connections have been made
correctly.

- OR ­If you are using a cable or DSL modem, make sure that

the modem cable is plugged i nto the Ethernet network
jack and not the modem jack. See your setup poster to
make sure that the connections have been made
correctly.

• Make sure that your account with your Internet service

provider (ISP) is set up correctly. Contact your ISP
technical support for help.

• Make sure that you do not have a problem with your

modem. For more inf ormation, see “Modem (dial-up)” on

page 91.

88

Help

For more information about troubleshooting Internet
connections, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the phrase
troubleshooting connections in the Search Help box, then press
E

NTER.

You see an “Unable to locate host” message and are unable to browse the Internet

• This problem can occur when you ha ve typed a URL (Web

address) incorrectly, you have lost your Internet
connection, or your ISP is having technical difficulties.
Double-check the URL or try a different URL. If the error
message still appears, disconnect from the ISP
connection and close your browser, then reconnect and
open the browser. If you still get the error, your ISP may
be having technical difficulties.

Keyboard

www.gateway.com

Connecting to a Web site takes too long

Many factors can affect Internet performance:

• The condition of the telephone lines in y our r esidence or

at your local telephone service

• The condition of the Internet computers to which you

connect and the num ber of users accessing those
computers

• The complexity of graphics and multimedia on Web

pages

• Having multiple Web browsers open, performing

multiple downloads, and having multiple programs
open on your computer

People are sending yo u e-mail messages, but you ha v e not received any mail

• Click the receive button in your e-mail program.

• Make sure that your account with your Internet service

provider (ISP) is set up correctly. Contact your ISP for
technical support.

The keyboard does not work

• Make s ure th at the keyboa rd c ab le is p lu gg ed in

correctly. For more information, see your computer’s
setup poster.

• Remove all extension cables and switch boxes.

• Clean the keyboard by using an aerosol can of air with

a narrow, straw-like extension to remove dust and lint
trapped under the keys.

• Try a keyboard that you know works to make sure that

the keyboard port wor ks.

• Reinstall the keyboard device driver.

A keyboard character keeps repeating or you see a “keyboard stuck” or “key failure” error message

• Make sure th at nothing is resting on the keyboard.

• Make sure that a key is not stuck. Press each key to

loosen a key that might be stuck, then restart your
computer.

89

CHAPTER6: Troubleshooting

Liquid spilled in the keyboard

• If you spilled liquid in the keyboard, turn off your

computer and unplug the key boar d. Cl ean the k eyboard
and tur n i t up s id e down t o dr a i n i t. L et the ke yboard dry
before using it again. If the ke yboard does not work aft er
it dries, you may need to replace it.

Memory

Help

For more information about troubleshooting memory errors, click Start,
then click Help and Support. Type the phrase memory error in the Search
Help box, then press E

You see a “Not enough memory” error me ssage

• Close all programs, then restart your computer.

Memory card reader

Driv e lett ers f or the mem ory card sl ots do not appea r in the Computer window

• The memory card reader was temporarily uninstalled

using the Safely remove hardware icon in the system
tray . Reboot y our computer , and your card r eader will be
re-installed.

NTER.

Modem (cable or D SL)

My computer cannot connect to the Inte rnet.

• Make sure that y our modem is connected to the ne twork

jack. For the location of your network jack, see your
setup poster or “Back” on page8.

• See the documentation that came with your modem for

additional troubleshooting information.

90

Modem (dial-up)

See also “Internet” on page 88.

Your modem does not dial or does not connect

• Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the

modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. See your
setup poster to make sure that the connections have
been made co rrectly.

• Make sure that your computer is connecte d to the

telephone line and the telephone line has a dial tone.

• Make s ure th at th e m od em ca ble i s le ss th an 6 feet

(1.8 meters) long.

• Remove any line splitters or surge protectors from you r

telephone line, then check for a dial tone by plugging a
working telephone into the telepho ne wall jack.

• If you have additional telephone services such as call

waiting, call me ss aging, or v oice mail, mak e sur e that al l
message s are c lear ed and c all waiting is disabled befor e
using the modem. Contact your t elephone service t o get
the correct code to temporarily disable the service. Also
make sure that the modem dialing properties are set
correctly.

www.gateway.com

To check the dialing properties:

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control

Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in
Category V iew, click P rin t ers and Other Hardw ar e.

2 Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options

icon, then click the Dialing Rules tab.

3 Click the location from which you are dialing, then

click Edit.

4 Make sure that all settin gs are co rrect.

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CHAPTER6: Troubleshooting

• Disconnect any answering machine, fax machine, or

prin ter tha t i s o n th e sa me li ne as th e m od em . D o n ot
connect these devices to the same telephone line as the
modem.

• Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or

PBX line. These lines do not work with your modem.

• Check for line noise (scratchy, crackling, or popping

sounds). Line noise is a common problem that can cause
the modem to connect at a slower rate, abort
downloads, or even disconnect. The faster the modem,
the less line noise it can tolerate and still work correctly.

Listen to the line using your telephone. Dial a single
number (such as1). When the dial tone stops, listen for
line noise. Wiggle the modem cable to see if that makes
a difference. Make sure that the connectors are free from
corrosion and a ll screws in the telepho ne wall jack a re
secure.

You can also call your telephone service and have the
telephone line checked for noise or low line levels.

• Try another telephone line (either a different telephone

number in your house or a telephone line at a different
location). If you can connect on this line, call your
telephone service.

• Try connecting with the modem at a lower connection

speed. If reducing the connect speed lets you connect,
call your telephone service. The telephone line may be
too noisy.

92

You cannot connect to the Internet

• The ISP may be hav ing technical diff iculties. Contac t your

ISP for technical support.

• See if the modem works with a different

communications program. The problem may be with
just one program.

• Review the troubleshooting information under

“Internet” on page88.

Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K

• Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates

over public te lephone lines t o 5 3K. Other f ac t ors, such a s
line noise, telephone service pro vider equipment, or ISP
limitations, may lower the speed even further.

If yo ur computer has a v.90 modem, the s peed at which
you can upload (send) data is limited to 33.6K. If your
computer has a v .92 modem, the speed at which y ou can
upload data is limited to 48K. Your ISP may not support
48K uploads.

www.gateway.com

Yo ur fax c ommunications progr am only sends and re ceiv es faxes a t 14,4 00 bp s wh en yo u have a 56K m ode m

• Current fax technology only supports a maximum send

and receive rate of 14,400 bps.

The modem is not recognized by your computer

• Make s ure th at the li ne c on ne cted to th e m od em is

working and plugged into the appropriate port on your
computer . To make sure that the connections have been
made correctly, see your setup poster or “Connecting a

dial-up modem” on page 16.

• If the modem shares the telephone line with another

device, make sure that the telephone line is not in use
(for example, someone is on the telephone, or another
modem is in use).

• Use the modem cable that came with your computer.

Some telephone cables do not meet required cable
standards and may cause problems with the modem
connection.

• Shut down and restart your computer.

• Run Windows modem diagnostics.

To run modem diagnostics:

1 Close all open programs.
2 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control

Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in
Category V iew, click P rin t ers and Other Hardw ar e.

3 Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options

icon, then click the Modems tab.

4 Click y our modem, then c lick Properties. The Modem

Properties dialog box opens.

5 Click the Diagnostic tab, then click Query Modem.

If information about the modem appears, the
modem passed diagnostics. If no modem
infor mation is a v ailabl e , a w hit e sc re en appears w ith
no data, or if you get an error such as port already
open or the modem has failed to respond, the modem
did not pass diagnostics.

93

CHAPTER6: Troubleshooting

The modem is noisy when it dials and connects

When your modem tries to connect to another modem, it
begins handshaking. Handshaking is a digital “getting
acquainted” conversation between the two modems that
establishes connection speeds and communication protocols.
Y ou may hear unusual handshaking sounds when the modems
first connect. If the handshaking sounds are too loud, you can
turn down the modem volume.

To turn down the modem volu me:

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control

Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in
Category V iew, click P rin t ers and Other Hardw a re.

2 Click/Double-click the Phone and Modem Options

icon, then click the Modems tab.

3 Click the modem you want to adjust, then click

Properties.

4 Click the Modem tab, then adjust the Speaker

volume control.

5 Click OK twice to close the Phone and Modem

Options dialog box.

Monitor

Mouse

94

See “Display” on page 84.

The mouse does not work

• Make sure that the mo use cab le i s plu gge d in correctly.

• Shut down and restart your computer.

• Remove all extension cables and switch boxes.

• T ry a mou se you know is working to make sure that the

mouse port works.

The mouse works erratically

Networks

You cannot connect to your company network

click Help and Support. Type network troublesh ooting in the Search
Help box, then press E

www.gateway.com

• If the mouse pointer begins mov ing erratically ac ross the

screen or becomes difficult to contr ol prec isel y, cleaning
the mouse will likely improve its accuracy.

Clean the mouse by wiping the bottom with a clean,
damp cloth. Make sure that the optical sensor is clean
and free of debris.

• The mouse pad may have a printed or fabric pattern on

it that interfer es wit h y our mou se. T ry a different mouse
pad.

• Every network is unique. Contact your company

computer department or network administrator for
help. For more information about setting up a network
in your home, see “Connecting to a broadban d modem

or network” on page16, your online User Guid e, or
“Ethernet” on page85.

Help

For more information about network troubleshooting, click Start, then

NTER.

Passwords

Your computer does not accept your password

Power

Your computer will not turn on

• Make sure that CAPS LOCK is turned off, then retype the

password.

• Make s ure th at th e p owe r c ord is co nne cted to a n

ACpower source and to your computer, and that your
computer is turned on.

• If you r computer is plugged int o a s urge prot ec t or, make

sure that the surge protector is connected securely to a
power outlet, turned on, and working correctly. To test
the outlet, plug a working device, such as a lamp, into
the outlet and turn it on.

• Make s ure th at the powe r c ord is free from cu ts o r

damage. Replace any damaged cables.

95

Printer

CHAPTER6: Troubleshooting

The printer will not turn on

• Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have

an online/offline button that you may need to press.

• Make sure that the power cable is plugged into an

ACpower source.

The printer is on but will not print

• Check the cable between the printer and y our computer .

Make sure that it is connected to the correct type of port.

• Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have

an online/offl ine button that you may need to press so
the printer can start printing. Pres s the but t on to put t he
printer online.

• Check the cable for bent or broken pins.

• If the printer you want to print to is not the default

printer , mak e sure t hat you ha ve s elect ed it in the printer
setup.

To s e t a d e f a u l t p r i n te r :

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control

Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in
Category V iew, click P rin t ers and Other Hardw a re.

2 Click/Double-c lick the Printers and Faxes icon. The

Printers and Faxes wind ow op ens .

3 Right-click t he name of the print er you want to be the

default printer, then click Set as Default Printer.

96

• Reinstall t he pr int er dri v er. See the guide that came wit h

your printer for instructions on installing the printer
driver.

You see a “Printer queue is full” error message

• Make s ure th at th e p rinte r is not set to work offli ne.

T o mak e sure that the pr inter is not set to w ork off line:

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control

Panel window opens. If your Control Panel is in
Category V iew, click P rin t ers and Other Hardw a re.

2 Click/Double-c lick the Printers and Faxes icon. The

Printers and Faxes wind ow op ens .