Quanta Computer 9550015318 User Manual

Right side
Checking out the docking s tation
Power button
PC Card slots
Headphone
jack
Microphone jack
Line in jack
Line out jack
PS/2 mouse port
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PS/2 keyboard port
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Component Icon Description
PC Card slots Insert Type I, II, and III PC Cards into these
slots.
Headphone jack Plug amplified speakers or headphones into
this jack.
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. While the
external microphone is connected, the built -in microphone is turned off.
Line in jack Connect an e x ternal audio sou rce (s uch a s a
stereo) to this jack so you can record sound on your notebook or play sound through the notebook speakers.
Line out jack Connect an amplified external audio device
(such as a stereo) to this jack so you can pla y your notebook audio through that device.
PS/2 mouse port Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.
PS/2 keyboard port Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.
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Power button Use this as an alternate power button.
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Connecting to the docking s tation
Connecting to the docking station
You can attach your notebook to the docking station while your notebook is off, on, or in Standby/Suspend mode.
Important When the notebook is dock ed, the doc king st ation must be
connected to AC power to function properly.
To dock your notebook:
1 Refer to th e dockin g statio ns packing materials for first-time setup
instructions.
2 Connect external devices to the docking station. 3 Lift the release latch on the docking station. 4 Align the connector holes on the bottom of your notebook with the
connector posts on the docking station, then pr ess down on the relea se latch until it snaps into place.
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Chapter 13: Using the Port Re plicator and Docking Sta tion
To undock your notebook:
1 Click Start, then select Eject PC or press the Docking Eject button on the
front of the docking station. The Eject PC menu item appears in the Start menu only while the notebook is docked.
2 Lift the release latch on the docking station until the notebook is
disconnected.
3 Lift the notebook off of the docking posts.
Adjusting audio settings
Your notebook is configured to use only its internal audio jacks and speakers, even while docked. To turn on the docking stations external speakers and audio jacks, if you have Windows Me, you must ch ange audio settings (the settings are changed automatically in Windows NT and Windows 2000). You can also configure the notebooks internal speakers (analog audio) to pass through the digital audio jack to the docking station.
To turn on the docking stations external speakers and audio jacks in Windows Me:
1 Double-click the speaker icon on the taskbar. The Volume Control dialog
box opens.
2 Click Advanced. The Advanced Controls for Volume Control dialog box
opens.
3 Click Docked Speakers for analog audio. The docking st ation au dio ja cks
are turned on.
- OR ­Click
Enable S/PDIF for digital audio. The docking station digital audio
jack is turned on.
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Installing a PCI c ard in the docking stat ion
Installing a PCI card in the doc king station
You can install one standard half-length PCI card in your docking station.
Important The PCI card bay cover is locked when the release latch
is down and the docking station is secured using the Kensington lock slot.
To install a PCI card:
1 Remove your notebook from the doc king station. 2 Unplug all cables, including the power cord. 3 Remove the screw on the back of the doc king station.
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4 Lift the release latch on the docking station, then slide the cover straight
back and lift it off.
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Installing a PCI c ard in the docking stat ion
5 If your card requires access for cables, push out the side panel cover and
store it in a safe place.
6 Remove the retaining screw from the card bracket in the card bay. 7 Install the PCI card in the card slot. 8 Secure the card by replacing the retaining screw.
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9 Replace the cover by setting it flat on the docking station and sliding it
forward into place. Do not tilt the cover.
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10 Replace the screw that secures the cover to the docking station.
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Networking Your Computer
Connecting your home, small office, or home office c omputers lets yo u share drives, printers, and a single Internet connection among the connected computers.
This chapter contains information about:
Benefits of a home, small office, or home office network
The Gateway Connected Home
Network connection types
Your networking shopping list
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Using a network
A network lets you:
Share a single Internet connection
Share computer drives
Share peripherals
Stream audio and video files
Play multi-player games
Sharing a single Internet connection
A network makes sharing the Internet easy. Each computer or Internet appliance that is connected to the network can share the same modem and telephone line or broadband connection and access the Internet at the same time. This saves on the cost of installing another telephone line for your second computer an d paying for a second In ternet Service Prov ider (ISP) account.
Important Most ISPs allow multiple users at the same time.
Sharing drives
With a network, you can copy files from computer to computer by copying and pasting or dragging and droppin g. You will no longer waste your time transferring files by using diskettes. In addition, you can map a drive from a computer on the network to a drive on another computer , and access the fil e as if it were located on the hard drive of the computer you are using.
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If you use America Online as your ISP, you can:
Log onto America Online through one of your screen nam es and the other computers can access the Internet using an Internet browser.
Upgrade your service to AOL for Home Networks. This servi ce allows mo re than on e of your scr een names t o be online through your home network at one time.
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Sharing peripherals
Each computer that is connected to the network can share the same peripherals, such as a printer . Select print from the computer you a re currently using and your file is automatically printed on your printer no matter where it is located on your network.
Streaming audio and video files
With a network, you can store audio files (such as the popular .MP3 files) and video files on any networked comput er, then play them on any of t he other computers or devices connected to your network, a process called streaming. Add a digital music player such as the Gateway Connected Music Player, and you can integrate your stereo system into your network as well.
Playing m ulti-play er games
With a home network, you can play multi-player games. Load a game like Microsoft Midtown Madness 2 on your computers, and in minutes, you and your friends can race in comp eting cars through the stre ets of San Francisco .
Using a network
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Introducing the Gate way Connected Home
The Gateway Connected Home connects all your computers and other devices so that you can share files, programs, peripherals, and much more from any computer in your house. The picture below shows an example Gateway Connected Home.
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Introducing the Gate way Connected Home
Components of a Gateway Connected Home
The Gateway Connected Home begins with two computers and a connection. From there, you can add computers and devi ces to fit your specific needs. You can connect:
Any or all of your connected computers to your Internet connection
simultaneously.
A Gateway Connected Touchpad to your
connected home so that more than one screen name can log onto America Online simultaneously.
Your notebook computer to your connected
home so you can share files and print at home.
A Gateway Connected Music Player to your connected home to play
audio files, located on any connected computer, a nywhere in your home, either through your stereo system or through powered speakers.
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Selecting a network connection
One of the biggest decisions you will need to make when creating your network is what type of connection you will use. Gateway supports both wired and wireless connections.
Wired connections
HPNA (Home Phoneline Networking Alliance) and Ethernet are two popular types of wired networks.
HPNA
Creating an HPNA network is as easy as knowing where your telephone jacks and computers are located. HPNA uses your home's standard telephone lines and telephone jacks instead of special cabling to connect computers. You can use your networked computers at the same time as you connect to your ISP, send a fax, or talk on your telephone. For the best performance, your computers or Internet appliances should have HPN A 2.0 network cards or jacks fo r connec ting to yo ur networ k.
Important If you have more than one telephone line in your home or
office, make sure that all the co mputers in your networ k are connected to jacks that share the same telephone number.
Ethernet or Fast Ethernet
Ethernet is a type of connection commonly use d in offices around the world. This type of connection can also be used to build small computer networks in the home. Ethernet is available at two different speeds: standard Ethernet, which runs at the same speed as HPNA2.0, and Fast Ethernet, which runs up to ten times faster. To create an Ethernet network, you or your electrician must install special cables in your home or office. Your computers or Internet appliances must have Ethernet cards or jacks for connecting to a 10 or 10/100 Ethernet switch or hub . If you are connecting just two computers, you can eliminate the switch or hub and use a special crossover cable.
Important Check local code requirements before installing Ethernet
cable or other wiring in your home or offi ce. Your municipality may require you to ob tain a permit and hire a licensed i nstaller .
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Broadband Internet co nnections
You can use your computer’s Ethernet or USB jack for more than just networking. Many broadband Internet connect ions, such as cable modems and DSL modems, connect to your computer’s Ethernet or USB jack. Typically, if one computer is connected to the Internet, other networked computers also access the Internet through the shared Internet connection. A broadband, versus dial-up, connection adds speed and an always on connection to your home network.
Wireless Connections
Instead of connecting your computers with wires, you can consider two types of wireless networks.
Important Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere
with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation regulations require w irel ess devices to be turned off while travel ing in an airplane . Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11b (al so known as wireless Ethernet or WiFi) communication devices are examples of devices that provide wireless communication.
Selecting a network conne ction
Important If your system came equipped with an internal radio
Wireless Ethernet
A wireless Ethernet network (also known as IEEE 802.11b or WiFi) exceeds the speed of either HPNA 2.0 or standard Ethernet. In addition, this type of network allows you the freedom to move about your home or office with your computer. For example, you can take your notebook computer from your home office to your patio without having a telephone or Ethernet jack available. Although you save on the cost of wiring, the higher cost of wireless Ethernet equipment may result in a wireless network costing more than a wired one.
frequency wir eless device, see Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information on page 281 for general wireless regulatory and safety guidelin es. To find out if your system has an internal wireless device, check the label (see Identifying your model on page 23).
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Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless method for creating a network. Like wireless Ethernet, Bluetooth allows your computer to send and receive data without wiring. However, unlike the wireless Ethernet, the range and speed of the Bluetooth connection are greatly reduced. Bluetooth is an ideal method for connecting a notebook computer, PDA, pager, cellular telephone, and printer that are all in close proximity.
Assessing your connection needs
To select the type of network that will work best for you, consider how you will use your network.
HPNA
An HPNA network is appropri ate if:
Your home, small office, or home office has a telephone jack with the
same telephone number in each room that has a device you want to connect
You have several Windows-based computers that are used for drive
sharing, printing to a single printer, or surfing the Internet
Ethernet
An Ethernet or Fast Ethernet network is appropriate if:
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Your notebook computer has one of the following:
An HPNA jack for connecting to a telephone jack
A USB port to connect to a HPNA adapter
Cost savings is more important than network speed
Your connection speed needs are less than 10000 Kbps (see Comparing
data transfer speed on page 208)
Y ou are building a new home, or your existing home already has Ethernet
cable installed in each room that has a device you want to connect
You are creating a network in an office or business
Network speed is more important than cost savings
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You have a combination of Windows-based computers and
non-Windows-based computers that are used for drive sharing, printing to a single printer, or surfing the Internet
Your notebook computer has an Ethernet jack for connecting to the
network
Wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.11b, WiFi)
A wireless Ethernet network is appropriate if:
You are looking for an alternative to using your telephone line or
installing cable for connectivity
Network speed and the ability to move about with your computer are
more important than cost savings
You have several Windows-based computers that are used for drive
sharing, printing to a single printer, or surfing the Internet
Your notebook computer has wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.11b) for
networking
Your connection speed needs are less than 11000 Kbps (see “Comparing
data transfer speed on page 208)
Selecting a network conne ction
Bluetooth
A Bluetooth network is appropriate if:
You are looking for an alternative to using your telephone line or
Your PDA, pager, cellular telephone, or printer has Bluetooth for
Your connection needs are less than 1000 Kbps (see Comparing data
installing cable for connectivity
networking
transfer speed on page 208)
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Comparing data transfer speed
When deciding between connection types, compare the different data transfer speeds provided by each to the pr ograms you plan to ru n on your network. The following table shows types of programs that you may run in your home or small office and the connection speed each require s.
Type of Program Speed Required
Voice over IP (VoIP) 5-20 Kbps Multiplayer Game 20-80 Kbps Dial-up Internet 24-56 Kbps MP3 Audio Streaming 80-200 Kbps Printer Sharing 80-200 Kbps Broadband Internet 100-1000 Kbps File Sharing 300-40000 Kbps MPEG Video Streaming 4000-8000 Kbps
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The following table shows the Gateway-supported network type and the maximum speed of each.
Connection Type Rated Maximum Speed
Bluetooth Wireless 1000 Kbps HPNA 2.0 Wired 10000 Kbps Ethernet Wired 10000 Kbps Wireless Ethernet
(IEEE 802.11b or WiFi)
Fast Ethernet Wired 100,000 Kbps
Wireless 11000 Kbps
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Selecting a network conne ction
When comparing the speed at which your network will need to run to the speed you can get from the connection type, you should consider which programs may run at the same time on your network.
For example, you have stored several MP3 audio files on your network. You typically play music on your Gateway Connected Music Player, and at the same time your teenager may play music on another computer. Play ing two MP3 audio files simultaneously requires 200 Kbps + 200 Kbps = 400 Kbps. If at the same time you are playi ng two MP3 audio files, you al so print a file to your printer, the speed required increases to 200Kbps+200Kbps+200Kbps=600Kbps.
A comparison of the two tables on the previous page shows that HPNA 2.0, Ethernet, and wireless Ethernet can handle most programs on a network. If you anticipate using a combination of programs that regularly exceed 10000 Kbps, you should consider installing Fast Ethernet for your connection.
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Network shopping list
Use the following shopping lists when purchasing equipment for your network.
HPNA
For an HPNA network you need:
An HPNA card installed in each
desktop computer
- OR ­An HPNA/V.90 co mbination card
installed in each desktop computer
- OR ­A USB HPNA adapter attach ed to
each desktop or notebook computer
HPNA card
USB HPNA adapter
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- OR ­A HPNA PC card installed in each notebook computer
Telephone cable going from each computer to the closest telephone jack
Important Your Gateway computer may already have a factor y installed
HPNA/V.90 combination card. All HPNA components should be HPNA 2.0. A mixture of
HPNA 1.0 and HPNA 2.0 components will result in your network running at a slower speed.
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Ethernet
For an Ethernet network you need:
An Ethernet card installed
in each desktop computer
- OR ­An Ethernet jack on each
desktop and notebook computer
- OR ­An Ethernet PC card installed in each notebook computer
An Ethernet hub or switch with enough ports for each computer and
device in the network (hubs are slightly cheaper than switches but may run slower than switches)
Ethernet cable going from each computer to the hub or switch
Network shopping list
Ethern et card and hub
Important All Ethernet components should be either standard Ethernet
(10 Mbps) or F ast Ethernet (100 Mbps). A mixture of Ethernet and Fast Ethernet components will result in your network running at the slower speed.
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Wireless Ethernet
For a wireless Ethernet network you need:
A wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.11b) PCI
card installed in each desktop computer
- OR ­A wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.11b) PC
card installed in each notebook computer that does not have wireless Ethernet built-in
A wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.11b)
Access Point if you want to connect your wireless Ethernet to the Internet
Wireless Ethernet PCI card
Bluetooth
For a Bluetooth network you need:
A Bluetooth PCI card installed in each
desktop computer
- OR ­A Bluetooth PC card installed in each
notebook computer that does not have Bluetooth built-in
Devices with Bluetooth, such as PDAs,
pagers, cellular telephones, and printers
Wireless Ethernet PC card
Wireless Ethernet Access Point
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For more information
For more information about the Gateway Connected Home or networking an office, discuss your particular needs with your Gateway Country Store representative. In addition, several books and Int ernet sites are dedicated to networking. Refer to these sources for more information about networking your home or office with HPNA, Ethernet, Wireless Ethernet, or Bluetooth.
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Maintaining Your Computer
This chapter provides basic information about maintaining your computer hardware and software.
Caring for y our computer
Here are ways to extend the life of your system:
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 a
carrying case.
Keep diskettes, modular drives, and your computer away from magnetic
fields. Magnetic fields can erase data on both diskettes and hard drives.
Never turn off your computer when the hard drive light is on because
data on the hard drive could be lost or corru pted.
Avoid subjecting your computer to extreme temperature changes. The
case and LCD panel can become very brittle and easy to break in cold temperatures and can melt or warp in high temperatures. Damage due to either extreme is not covered by your warranty. As a general rule, your computer is safest at temperatures that are comfortable for you.
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Keep all liquids away from your computer. Almost any liquid can result
in extremely expensive repairs that are not covered under your warranty.
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Avoid dusty or dirty work environments. Dust and dirt can clog the
internal mechanisms.
Set up a regular maintenance schedule according to the table below to
keep your computer running at its best.
Maintenance task Immediately
Monthly When needed See...
after purchase
Create an emergency diskette X page 217 Check for viruses X X page 219 Manage hard drive space X page 221 Clean up hard drives X X page 222 Scan hard drive for errors X X page 223 Defragment hard drive X X page 225 Back up files X X page 227 Recalibrate the battery X page 229 Clean computer case X page 230 Clean keyboard X page 231 Clean screen X page 231 Clean mouse X page 231
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Creating an emergenc y startup diskette
Creating an emergency startup diskette
An emergency startup diskette is a diskette that contains critical information that you need to start your computer if Windows fails to start. You should create a startup diskette as soon as you get your computer.
HelpSpot For more information on creating an emergency startup
diskette, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
To create an emergency startup diskette:
1 Click Start, then sel ect Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel
window opens.
2 Click/Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. The Add/Remove
Programs Properties dialog box opens.
3 Click the Startup Disk tab.
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4 Click Create Disk. A message tells you to label a new diskette and insert
it into the diskette drive.
5 Place a new, labeled diskette into the diskette drive. 6 Click OK. Windows copies files to the emergency startup diskette. 7 When Windows finishes copying files, remove the diskette from the
diskette drive.
8 You should write-protect the diskette, which will prevent the diskette
from being erased or infected by viruses, by sliding the tab that is at the top of the diskette to the up position.
Not write­protected
Write­protected
9 Store your emergency startup diskette in a safe place with your other
backup software media.
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Protecting your compute r from viruses
Protecting y our computer from viruses
A virus is a program that attaches itself to a file on a computer, then spreads from one computer to another. Viruses can damage data or cause your computer to malfunction. Some viruses go undetected for a period of time, because they are activated on a certain date.
Protect your computer from a virus by:
Using your Norton
are on diskettes, attached to e-mail messages, or downloaded from the Internet.
Checking all programs for viruses before installing them.
Disabling macros on suspicious Microsoft Word and Excel files. These
programs will warn you if a document that you are opening contains a macro that might have a virus.
HelpSpot For more information on protecting your computer from
®
AntiVirus program to check files and programs that
viruses, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
To scan for viruses:
1 Click Start, then select Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then Norton AntiVirus.
Norton AntiVirus opens.
2 Click Scan for Viruses. 3 Select the type of scan you want to make in the Scan area, then click
Run Scan Now.
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To remove a virus:
1 Find and remove the virus immediately using Norton AntiVirus. 2 Turn off your computer and leave it off for at least 30 seconds. 3 Turn on the computer and rescan for the virus.
You should periodically update your Norton AntiVirus program to pr otect against the latest viruses.
To update Norton AntiVirus:
1 Click Start, then select Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then LiveUpdate - Norton
AntiVirus
. The LiveUpdate wizard opens.
2 Follow the on-screen instructions to update your Norton AntiVirus
program with the latest virus protection files.
3 When the program is done updating, click Finish.
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Managing har d drive space
Windows provides several utilities you can use to manage your hard drive space and keep your hard drive running efficiently.
Checking har d drive space
In Windows, you can see a chart of the available hard drive space.
HelpSpot For more information on checking hard drive space,
double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
To check hard drive space:
1 Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens. 2 Right-click the drive that you want to c heck for a vailable file space, then
select
Properties. Drive space information appears.
Managing hard drive spa ce
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Using Disk Cleanup
Delete unneeded files, such as temporary Windows files, to free hard drive space.
HelpSpot For more information on using Disk Cleanup, double-click
the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
To use Windows Disk Cleanup program:
1 Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens. 2 Right-click the hard drive that you want to delete files from, then select
Properties. The System Properties dialog box opens at the General tab.
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3 Click Disk Cleanup. The Disk Cleanup dialog box opens. 4 Select the check box beside each file type you want to delete. For more
information about file types you can delete, read the descriptions in the Disk Cleanup di alog box.
5 Click OK, then click Yes.
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Scanning the hard drive f or errors
The ScanDisk program examines the hard drive for surface errors and file and folder problems. ScanDisk corrects these problems so that Windows and other programs run efficiently.
If you use your computer several hours every day, you probably want to run ScanDisk once a week. On the other hand, if you use your computer less frequently, once a month may be adequate. Also use ScanDisk if you encounter hard drive problems.
HelpSpot For more information on using ScanDisk, double-click the
HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
To run ScanDisk:
1 Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens. 2 Right-click the hard drive that you want to check for errors, then select
Properties. The System Properties dialog box opens.
3 Click the Tools tab.
Managing hard drive spa ce
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4 Click Check Now. The ScanDisk dialog box opens. 5 Select the options to use, then click Start. For help, press F1. ScanDisk
checks the drive for errors. This process may take several minutes.
6 Correct any problems that are found by following the on-screen
instructions. After ScanDisk has finished checking the drive for errors, it provides a summary of the problems that it found.
7 Click Close.
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Defragmenting the hard drive
When working with files, sometimes Windows divides the file information into pieces and stores them in different places on the hard drive. This is called fragmentation, and it is normal. In order for the 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.
The Disk Defragmenter program organizes the data on the drive so that each file is stored as one unit rather than multiple pieces scattered across different areas of the drive. Defragmenting the information stored on the drive can improve hard drive performance.
While the Disk Defragmenter prog ram is running, do not use yo ur keybo ard or mouse because using them may 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.
HelpSpot For more information on defragmenting your hard drive,
double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
Managing hard drive spa ce
To run Disk Defragmenter:
1 Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens. 2 Right-click the hard drive that you want to defragment, then select
Properties. The System Properties dialog box opens.
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3 Click the Tools tab.
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4 Click Defragment Now. 5 If Disk Defragmenter does not start automatically, c lick Start or
Defragment
Disk Defragmenter shows its progress on the screen. When finished, Disk Defragmenter asks if you want to quit the program.
.
6 If you want to defragment another drive, click No then follow the
on-screen instructions.
- OR ­If you do not want to defragment another drive, click
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Yes.
Backing up files
Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees space for new files on the hard drive. It also prot ects you from losing impo rtant information if the hard drive fails or you accidentally delete files.
You should back up your files regularly to diskettes or a writable CD, if you have a CD-R or CD-RW drive. Use diskettes or writable CDs to do pa rtial backups of selected files or folders. Use a backup device such as a CD-R, CD-RW, or Zip drive, or other high-capacity backup device to do a complete hard drive backup. If you do not have a high-capacity back up device and you want to purchase one, you can contact Gateway’s Add-on Sales department or visit our Web site at www.gateway.com.
Managing hard drive spa ce
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Using Maintenance Wizar d
The Maintenance Wizard lets you s chedule maintenance tasks such as running Disk Defragmenter and ScanDisk and deleting unnecessary files.
HelpSpot For more information on using the Maintenance Wizard,
double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
To start the Maintenance Wizard:
1 Click Start, then sel ect Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then
Maintenance Wizard. The Maintenance Wizard opens.
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2 Select the Maintenance Wizard options that suit your preferences.
Remember that your com puter must be on during scheduled maintenance tasks.
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Recalibrating the battery
If your notebook unexpectedly goes into Standby mode while you are using it but the battery charge is not low, you may need to recalibrate your battery. You should also recalibrate the battery once a year to maintain the accuracy of the battery gauge.
To recalibrate the battery:
1 Connect the AC adapter, then turn on your notebook. 2 As soon as it starts and you see a startup screen, press F2. The BIOS Setup
program opens.
3 Open the Advanced menu. 4 Highlight Battery Auto Learning, then select Enabled by pressing the
spacebar.
5 Open the Exit menu, then highlight Exit Saving Changes and press ENTER. 6 Select Yes, then press ENTER.
Recalibrating the ba ttery
The battery learning process begins and a screen opens showing you the progress. The entire process will take several hours.
Important Do not interrupt the battery recalibration process. If
recalibration is interrupted , you must start the process o ver again.
When the recalibration is done, the message Press [Esc} key to exit appears.
7 Press ESC. The battery meter now displays the accurate battery charge.
If the battery meters do not show an accurate charge, contact Gateway Technical Support.
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Cleaning your computer
Keeping your computer clean and the vents free from dust helps keep your system performing at its best. You may want to gather these items and put together a computer cleaning kit:
A soft cloth
An aerosol can of air that has a narrow, straw-like extension
Isopropyl alcohol
Cotton swabs
A CD/DVD drive cleaning kit
Cleaning the exterior
Warning When you shut down your computer, the power turns off,
but some electrical current still flow s through the compute r. To avoid possible injury from electrical shock, unplug the power cord and modem cable from the wall outlets.
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Always turn off the computer and other peripherals and remove the battery before cleaning any components.
Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean the computer and other parts of your system. Do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage the finish on your components.
Your computer is cooled by air drawn in through the vents on the case, so keep the vents free of dust. With the computer turned off and unplugged, brush the dust away from the vents with a damp cloth. Be careful not to drip any water into the vents. Do not attempt to clean dust from the inside of computer.
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Cleaning the keyboard
You should clean the keyboard occasionally to free it of dust and lint trapped under the keys. The easiest way to do this is to blow dirt from under the keys using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension.
If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off the computer and turn the unit upside down. Let the liquid drain, then let the keyboard dry before trying to use it again. If the keyboard does not work after it dries, you may need to replace it.
Cleaning the screen
Use a soft cloth and water to clean the screen. Squirt a little water on the cloth (never directly on the screen), and wipe the screen with the cloth.
Caution An LCD screen is made of specially coated glass and can
be scratched or damaged by abrasive or ammonia-based window cleaners.
Cleaning your comput er
Cleaning the mouse
If you have a mouse and the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the screen or becomes difficult to control precisely, then cleaning the mouse will likely improve its accuracy.
HelpSpot For a video demonstration on cleaning the mouse,
double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
To clean your mouse:
1 Turn the mouse upside down. 2 Rotate the retaining ring on the bottom of the mouse counter-clockwise.
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Chapter 15: Maintain ing Your Computer
3 Remove the retaining ring and mouse ball.
4 Remove any dust, lint, or dirt from the mouse ball with a soft cloth. 5 Clean the mouse rollers with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
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6 Replace the mouse ball and lock the retaining ring into place.
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Reinstalling Device Drivers
Device drivers are programs that control devices such as monitors, CD/DVD drives, and modems. Drivers translate information between computer devices and programs.
Drivers for your original computer hardware are installed at Gateway. If you install a new device, you need to install the drivers provided by the device manufacturer.
You should reinstall device drivers:
If directed to do so while troubleshooting
If you have reinstalled Windows NT 4.0
If you see a message indicating that there is a problem with a device d river
This chapter provides instructions for reinstalling device drivers in Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, and Windows NT 4.0. If you are not comfortable with the procedures covered in this chapter, seek help from a more experienced computer user or a computer service technician.
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Chapter 16: Reinstalling De vice Drivers
Reinstalling device driver s in Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000
If you just reinstalled Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000, the device drivers were automatically reinstalled. However, you need to reinstall device drivers if directed to do so while troubleshooting or if a message tells you that there is a problem with a device driver.
HelpSpot For more information on reinstalling device drivers,
double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
To reinstall Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000 device drivers:
1 Place Disc 1 of the System Restoration Kit into your CD/DVD drive. The
System Restoration Kit program starts. Go to Step 5.
- OR -
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If the program does not start automatically, go to Step 2.
2 Click Start, then select Run. The Run dialog box opens. 3 In the Open text box, type D:\RUNMENU.EXE (where D is the drive letter
of your CD/DVD drive).
4 Click OK. The System Restoration Kit program starts. 5 If the Welcome to the System Restoration Kit window opens, close it by
clicking
OK.
6 Click the Reinstall tab.
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Reinstalling devi ce drivers in Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000
7 Click A utoma tic Installation, then select multiple device drivers to reinstall.
- OR -
Manual Installation, then select a single device driver to reinstall.
Click
8 Click Install. 9 Follow any additional on-screen instructions. Depending on the driver
you are reinstalling, you may only need to restart your computer to complete the installation. However, if a setup wizard opens when you restart your computer, follow the on-screen instructions.
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Chapter 16: Reinstalling De vice Drivers
Updating device driver s in Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000
The Gateway System Restoration Kit contains a device driver update utility that works over the Internet. If you do not have an Internet Service Provider, the update utility works by direct dialing the device driver update service.
HelpSpot For more information on updating device drivers,
double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
Important If your system came equip ped with a wire less de vi ce , onl y
use the drivers approved for the country the device will be used in. See the Gateway System Restoration Kit or the Gateway Technical Suppor t Web site.
If your system came equi pped with an internal embedded wireless device, see Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information on page 281 for genera l wirele ss regul ator y and safety guidelines.To find out if your system has an intern al wirele ss device, check the label (see “Identifying your model on page 23).
To update Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000 device drivers:
1 Place Disc 1 of the System Restoration Kit into your CD/DVD drive. The
System Restoration Kit program starts. Go to Step 5.
- OR ­If the program does not start automatically, go to Step 2.
2 Click Start, then select Run. The Run dialog box opens. 3 In the Open text box, type D:\RUNMENU.EXE (where D is the drive letter
of your CD/DVD drive).
4 Click OK. The System Restoration Kit program starts. 5 If the Welcome to the System Restoration Kit window opens, close it by
clicking
OK.
6 Click the Update tab.
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Updating device drivers i n Windows 98 , Windows Me, or Windows 2000
7 Click Check Now. The Connect window opens. 8 Install available updated device drivers by following the on-scre en
instructions. Depending on the driver you are updating, you may only need to restart your computer to complete the installation. However, if a setup wizard opens when you restart your computer, follow the on-screen instructions.
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Chapter 16: Reinstalling De vice Drivers
Reinstalling Windows NT 4.0 de vice drivers
The Windows NT Driver Locator utility is a tool that lets you locate device drivers on Disc 1 of the System Restoration Kit. If you have problems with a hardware device or you have reinstalled Windows NT 4.0, use the CD and the procedures in this section to reinstall your computer hardware device drivers.
The process for reinstalling the Windows N T 4.0 device drivers includes:
Finding the locations of the device drivers. For more information, see
Locating Windows NT 4.0 drivers on page 238.
Reinstalling the device drivers. For more information, see “Reinstalling
Windows NT 4.0 video device drivers on page 240.
Reinstalling the Windows NT Service Pack. For more information, see
Reinstalling the Windows NT Service Pack on page 250.
Locating Windows NT 4.0 drivers
Use the Windows NT 4.0 Driver Locator utility to find the device drivers you need to reinstall. The utility is located on Disc 1 of the System Restoration Kit.
To locate the Windows NT drivers:
1 Place Disc 1 of the System Restoration Kit into your CD/DVD drive, then
restart your computer. The Gateway Boot Menu opens.
2 Select 2 Boot from CD-ROM. The Main Menu opens. 3 Select NT 4.0 Driver Locator , then press ENTER. The Windows NT 4.0 Driver
Locator utility opens and detects the hardware drivers.
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Reinstalling Windows NT 4.0 device driv ers
4 When prompted to do so, press any key to continue. The
Windows NT 4.0 Drivers List screen appears. The list shows the devices in your computer with the names and locations of each driver.
5 If you want to print the Windows NT 4.0 Drivers List (parallel port printers
only), press P. Make sure your printer is connected and turned on.
- OR ­If you do not want to print the
the contents of each device’s
Windows NT 4.0 Drivers List, write down
Name and Location fields.
6 Exit the program by pressing X. 7 Remove Disc 1 of the System Restoration Kit, then restart your computer. 8 Go to the next section for instructions to reinstall the drivers.
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Chapter 16: Reinstalling De vice Drivers
Reinstalling Window s NT 4.0 video device drivers
Use the instructions in this section to reinstall the drivers that support the video devices in your computer.
To reinstall the Windows NT 4.0 video device driver:
1 Make sure you ran the Windows NT 4.0 Locator utility to find the video
driver. For more information, see Locating Windows NT 4.0 drivers on page 238.
2 Place Disc 1 of the System Restoration Kit into your CD/DVD drive. 3 If the CD starts au tomatical ly, close the CD win dow. 4 If the driver location information for the video driver ends with a file
name (for example, setup.exe), go to Step 5.
- OR ­If the driver location information for your video card driver ends with
a backslash ( \), go to Step 10.
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5 Click Start, then select Run. The Run dialog box opens. 6 In the Open text box, type the drive letter (usually D:\ where D is the
drive letter of your CD/DVD drive), then type the driver loc ation (directory path) you found using the procedure in “Locating Windows NT 4.0 drivers on page 238.
7 Click OK. 8 Reinstal l your video driv er by follo wing the on-scr een instr uctio ns. You
have completed the driver reinstallation.
9 If required, go to Reinstalling Windows NT 4.0 audio device drivers on
page 243. Otherwise, go to Reinstalling the Windows NT Service Pack on page 250.
10 Click Start, then select Settings, the n Control Panel. The Control Panel
window opens.
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Reinstalling Windows NT 4.0 device driv ers
11 Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properti es dialog box opens. 12 Click the Settings tab.
13 Click Di splay Type. The Display Type dialog box opens. 14 Click Change. The Change Display dia log box opens. 15 Click Have Disk. The Install From Disk dialog box op ens. 16 Select the CD/DVD drive letter (usually drive D:\ where D is the letter
of the CD/DVD drive) in the
Copy manufa cturers file from list.
17 Click Browse, then select the directory that contains the video driver file
name you found when you ran the Windows NT 4.0 Locator utility.
18 Click the driver file name, select Open, then click OK. The Change Display
dialog box opens and shows the name of the display driver.
19 Click OK, then click Yes. The files copy to the hard drive and a message
tells you that the driver was successfully reinstalled and that you must restart your computer.
20 Click OK.
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Chapter 16: Reinstalling De vice Drivers
21 Remove Disc 1 of t he System Restoration Kit, then click Yes. After the
computer starts, a message asks you to change the display resolution settings.
22 Click OK. The Display Pro perties dialog box opens. 23 Select the desired color pallet from the Color palette list. 24 Slide the Desktop area slider to adjust display resolution to your p referred
setting.
25 Click Test, then click OK to make sure your settings work properly. 26 If the test screen showed properly, click Yes.
- OR ­If the test screen did not show properly, click
the settings, then test again.
No and make changes to
27 Click OK. 28 If required, go to Reinstalling Windows NT 4.0 audio device drivers on
page 243. Otherwise, go to Reinstalling the Windows NT Service Pack on page 250.
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