Gateway E-4610s User Manual

							www.gateway.com
95
Hard drive
You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message
Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk 
Cleanup. For instructions on deleting unnecessary files, 
see “Deleting unnecessary files” on page 77.
Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin 
icon, then clicking Empty Recycle Bin.
Save your files to another drive. If the hard drive is full, 
copy any files not regularly used to backup media, then 
delete them from the hard drive.
You see a “Data error” message
This may be the result of a defective area on the hard 
drive. To fix hard drive problems, run the error checking 
program. For instructions on fixing hard drive problems, 
see “Checking the hard drive for errors” on page 78.
The hard drive cannot be accessed, or you see a “General 
failure reading drive C” error message
If a diskette is in the diskette drive, eject it and restart 
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 107. Help
For more information about file management, click Start, then 
click Help and Support. Type the phrase file management in the 
Search Help box, then press E
NTER.
CautionAll deleted files will be lost when you empty the Recycle Bin.
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96
You see a “Non-system disk” or “disk error” error message
Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press 
ENTER.
Internet
See also “Modem (dial-up)” on page 99.
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 into 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 information, see “Modem (dial-up)” on 
page 99.
You see an “Unable to locate host” message and are unable 
to browse the Internet
This problem can occur when you have 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.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.
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97
Connecting to a Web site takes too long
Many factors can affect Internet performance:
The condition of the telephone lines in your residence or 
at your local telephone service
The condition of the Internet computers to which you 
connect and the number 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 you e-mail messages, but you have 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.
Keyb o ard
The keyboard does not work
Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged 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 works.
Reinstall the keyboard device driver.
A keyboard character keeps repeating or you see a 
“keyboard stuck” or “key failure” error message
Make sure that 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.
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98
Liquid spilled in the keyboard
If you spilled liquid in the keyboard, turn off your 
computer and unplug the keyboard. Clean the keyboard 
and turn it upside down to drain it. Let the keyboard dry 
before using it again. If the keyboard does not work after 
it dries, you may need to replace it.
Memory
You see a “Memory error” message
Use the Memory Diagnostic Tool to inspect your system 
memory.
  To run the Memory Diagnostic Tool:
Click (Start), type Memory Diagnostic Tool, 
then press ENTER. Click Restart now and check for 
problems. Your computer restarts and runs the 
memory diagnostics.
You see a “Not enough memory” error message
Close all programs, then restart your computer.
Memory card reader
Drive letters for the memory card slots do not appear in the 
Computer window
The memory card reader was temporarily uninstalled 
using the Remove Hardware icon in the system tray. 
Reboot your computer, and your card reader will be 
re-installed. 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
NTER.
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99
Modem (cable or DSL)
My computer cannot connect to the Internet.
Make sure that your modem is connected to the network 
jack.
See the documentation that came with your modem for 
additional troubleshooting information.
Modem (dial-up)
See also “Internet” on page 96.
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 correctly.
Make sure that your computer is connected to the 
telephone line and the telephone line has a dial tone.
Make sure that the modem cable is less than 6 feet 
(1.8 meters) long.
Remove any line splitters or surge protectors from your 
telephone line, then check for a dial tone by plugging a 
working telephone into the telephone wall jack.
If you have additional telephone services such as call 
waiting, call messaging, or voice mail, make sure that all 
messages are cleared and call waiting is disabled before 
using the modem. Contact your telephone service to get 
the correct code to temporarily disable the service. Also 
make sure that the modem dialing properties are set 
correctly.
  To check the dialing properties:
1Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The 
Control Panel window opens.
2Click Hardware and Sound, then click Phone and 
Modem Options. The Phone and Modem Options 
dialog box opens.
3If this is the first time you have accessed this 
category, the Location Information dialog box opens. 
Enter the information for your area, then click OK. Tip
For the location of your network jack, see your setup poster or 
“Back” on page 8.
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4Click the Dialing Rules tab, click the location from 
which you are dialing, then click Edit.
5Make sure that all settings are correct.
Disconnect any answering machine, fax machine, or 
printer that is on the same line as the modem. Do not 
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 as 1). 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 all screws in the telephone wall jack are 
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.
You cannot connect to the Internet
The ISP may be having technical difficulties. Contact 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 page 96. Help
For more information about dialing properties, click Start, then 
click Help and Support. Type the keyword dialing in the Search Help 
box, then press E
NTER.
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101
Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K
Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates 
over public telephone lines to 53K. Other factors, such as 
line noise, telephone service provider equipment, or ISP 
limitations, may lower the speed even further.
If your computer has a v.90 modem, the speed at which 
you can upload (send) data is limited to 33.6K. If your 
computer has a v.92 modem, the speed at which you can 
upload data is limited to 48K. Your ISP may not support 
48K uploads.
Your fax communications program only sends and receives 
faxes at 14,400 bps when you have a 56K modem
Current fax technology only supports a maximum send 
and receive rate of 14,400 bps.
The modem is not recognized by your computer
Make sure that the line connected to the modem 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:
1Close all open programs.
2Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The 
Control Panel window opens.
3Click Hardware and Sound, then click Phone and 
Modem Options. The Phone and Modem Options 
dialog box opens.
4If the Location Information dialog box opens, enter 
your location information, then click OK.
5Click the Modems tab, click your modem, then click 
Properties. The Modem Properties dialog box opens.
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6Click the Diagnostic tab, then click Query Modem. 
If information about the modem appears, the 
modem passed diagnostics. If no modem 
information is available, a white screen appears with 
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.
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. 
You 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 volume:
1Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The 
Control Panel window opens. 
2Click Hardware and Sound, then click Phone and 
Modem Options. The Phone and Modem Options 
dialog box opens.
3Click the Modems tab, click the modem you want to 
adjust, then click Properties.
4Click the Modem tab, then adjust the Speaker 
volume control.
5Click OK twice to close the Phone and Modem 
Options dialog box.
Monitor
See “Display” on page 92. Help
For more information about modem troubleshooting, click Start, 
then click Help and Support. Type the phrase modem 
troubleshooting in the Search Help box, then press E
NTER.
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103
Mouse
The mouse does not work
Make sure that the mouse cable is plugged in correctly.
Shut down and restart your computer.
Remove all extension cables and switch boxes.
Try a mouse you know is working to make sure that the 
mouse port works.
The mouse works erratically
If the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the 
screen or becomes difficult to control precisely, 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 interferes with your mouse. Try a different mouse 
pad.
Networks
You cannot connect to your company network
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 broadband modem 
or network” on page 15, your online User Guide, or 
“Ethernet” on page 93.
Passwords
Your computer does not accept your password
Make sure that CAPS LOCK is turned off, then retype the 
password. Help
For more information about network troubleshooting, click Start, then 
click Help and Support. Type the phrase network troubleshooting in the 
Search Help box, then press E
NTER.
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104
Power
Your computer will not turn on
Make sure that the power cord is connected to an 
AC power source and to your computer, and that your 
computer is turned on.
If your computer is plugged into a surge protector, 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 sure that the power cord is free from cuts or 
damage. Replace any damaged cables.
Printer
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 
AC power source.
The printer is on but will not print
Check the cable between the printer and your 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/offline button that you may need to press so 
the printer can start printing. Press the button to put the 
printer online.
Check the cable for bent or broken pins.
If the printer you want to print to is not the default 
printer, make sure that you have selected it in the printer 
setup.
  To  s e t  a  d e fa u l t  p ri n te r :
1Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The 
Control Panel window opens.
2Click Hardware and Sound, then click the Change 
Default Printer option under the Printers category. 
The Printer window opens.
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