Gateway 400 series User Manual

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Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Computer
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3Click the To o l s tab.
4Click Defragment Now.
5If Disk Defragmenter does not start automatically, click Defragment or Start.
Disk Defragmenter shows its progress on the computer display. When 
finished, Disk Defragmenter asks if you want to quit the program.
6Click Close or Ye s, then click the X in the top-right corner to close the Disk 
Defragmenter window.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about defragmenting the hard drive 
in Windows...

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Managing hard drive space
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Backing up files
Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees space for new 
files on the hard drive. It also protects you from losing important information 
if the hard drive fails or you accidentally delete files.
You should back up your files regularly to a writable CD (if you have a 
DVD/CD-RW drive), or to diskettes (if you have a diskette drive). Use a backup 
device, such as a DVD/CD-RW drive or Zip drive, to do a complete hard drive...

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To start the Scheduled Task Wizard:
1Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Scheduled 
Ta s k s
. The Scheduled Tasks window opens.
2Double-click the Add Scheduled Task icon. The Scheduled Task Wizard 
opens.
3Click Next, then click the task or program you want to schedule and follow 
the on-screen instructions to customize the task.
ImportantYour computer must be on during scheduled tasks. If your 
computer is off,...

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Cleaning your computer
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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, lint-free cloth

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

Isopropyl alcohol

Cotton swabs

A CD or DVD drive cleaning kit
Cleaning the exterior
Always turn off your computer and other peripherals, then remove the battery 
before...

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If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off your 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 computer screen
Use a soft cloth and water to clean the computer screen. Squirt a little water 
on the cloth (never directly on the screen), and wipe the screen with the cloth.
Cleaning the...

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Cleaning your computer
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To clean your trackball mouse:
1Turn the mouse upside down.
2Rotate the retaining ring on the bottom of the mouse counter-clockwise, 
then remove the retaining ring and mouse ball.
3Remove any dust, lint, or dirt from the mouse ball with a soft cloth.
4Clean the mouse rollers with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
5Replace the mouse ball and lock the retaining ring into place.
Mouse rollers 

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14
199
Restoring
Software
Read this chapter to learn how to:

Reinstall device drivers

Update device drivers

Reinstall programs

Reinstall Windows 

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Chapter 14: Restoring Software
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Using the Restoration CDs 
Use the Gateway Restoration CDs to reinstall device drivers, your operating 
system, and other programs that were preinstalled at the factory.
ImportantBefore you try to fix a problem by reinstalling software from 
your Gateway Restoration CDs, make sure that you have 
tried these steps first:

Use the diagnostics and troubleshooting tools found in 
HelpSpot. For more information about diagnostics and 
troubleshooting tools in...

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Reinstalling device drivers
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Reinstalling device drivers 
Device drivers are programs that control devices such as the computer display, 
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...