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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 XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword defragmenting in the HelpSpot Search 
box  , then click the arrow. 
						

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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 
backup. For more information, see “Creating CDs” on page 97. If you do not 
have a high-capacity backup device and you want to purchase one, you can 
contact Gateway’s Add-on Sales department or visit our Accessory Store at 
accessories.gateway.com
.
Using the Scheduled Task Wizard
The Scheduled Task Wizard lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as 
running Disk Defragmenter and Error-checking.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about backing up files in 
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword saving files in the HelpSpot Search box 
, then click the arrow. 
						

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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, scheduled tasks will not run.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about using the Scheduled Tasks 
Wizard in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and 
Support.
Type the keyword Scheduled Task Wizard in the 
HelpSpot Search box  , then click 
the arrow. 
						

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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 cleaning any components.
Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean your computer and other parts of your 
system. Do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage the 
finish on components.
Your computer is cooled by air circulated through the vents on the case, so keep 
the vents free of dust. With your computer turned off and unplugged, brush 
the dust away from the vents with a damp cloth. Be careful not to drip any 
water into the vents. Do not attempt to clean dust from the inside of your 
computer.
Cleaning the keyboard
You should clean the keyboard occasionally by using an aerosol can of air with 
a narrow, straw-like extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys.
WarningWhen you shut down your computer, the power turns off, 
but some electrical current still flows through your 
computer. To avoid possible injury from electrical shock, 
unplug the power cord and modem cable from the wall 
outlets. 
						

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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 mouse
If you have a mouse and the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across 
the computer screen or becomes difficult to control precisely, cleaning the 
mouse will likely improve its accuracy.
Clean your optical mouse by wiping the bottom of the mouse with a damp 
lint-free cloth.
CautionThe computer screen is made of specially coated glass 
and can be scratched or damaged by abrasive or 
ammonia-based glass cleaners.
Help and 
SupportFor a video tutorial about cleaning the mouse in 
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword Video tutorials in the HelpSpot Search 
box  , then click the arrow.
Click Cleaning the mouse. 
						

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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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Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Computer
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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 Windows XP, click Start, then 
click Help and Support.
Type the keyword troubleshooting in the HelpSpot 
Search box  , then click the arrow.

See the Troubleshooting section of this guide.
If these steps do not resolve the problem, use the Gateway 
Restoration CDs to reinstall device drivers or programs.
If reinstalling device drivers or programs does not resolve 
the problem, reinstall Windows. 
						

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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 see a message indicating that there is a problem with a device driver
If you need to reinstall device drivers because you are directed to do so while 
troubleshooting or if a message tells you that there is a problem with a device 
driver, reinstall the device drivers by completing the following task.
If you just reinstalled Windows XP, the device drivers were automatically 
reinstalled.
If you are not comfortable with the procedures covered in this section, seek 
help from a more experienced computer user or a computer service technician.
To reinstall device drivers:
1Insert the red Gateway CD into the DVD drive. If the program starts 
automatically, go to Step 5.
- OR -
If the program does not start automatically, go to Step 2.
2Click Start, then click Run. The Run dialog box opens.
3In the Open text box, type d:\runmenu.exe (where d is the drive letter of 
your DVD drive).
4Click OK.