Gateway E4500d Manual

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Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer
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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Cleaning your computer
Cleaning CDs or DVDs
Wipe from the center to the edge, not around in a circle, using a product made especially 
for the purpose.
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Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer
Restoring your system
Microsoft System Restore
If your computer is not working correctly after you install a program or change a setting 
in the Control Panel, you may need to use Microsoft System Restore to restore the computer 
to an earlier configuration.
To run Microsoft System Restore:
1Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click System Restore.
2Follow the on-screen instructions.
Reinstalling programs and drivers
If a program or device on your computer is not working correctly, you may need to reinstall 
your program or driver.
To reinstall your program or driver:
1Click Start, All Programs, System Recovery, then click Application & Driver Recovery.
2Follow the on-screen instructions.
Help and Support For more information about System Restore, click Start, then click 
Help and Support. Type the keyword System Restore in the 
HelpSpot Search box  , then click the arrow.
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Restoring your system
Restoring your computer to the original configuration
If Windows does not start or if the two previous procedures do not correct the problem, 
you may need to restore your computer to the original configuration.
To restore your computer to the original configuration:
1Turn on your computer, then press F11.
2Follow the on-screen instructions.
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Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer
Preventing static electricity discharge
The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also 
known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Before opening the computer case, follow these guidelines:
■Turn off your computer.
■Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores) and attach it to 
a bare metal part of your computer.
■Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.
■Unplug the power cord and the modem and network cables.
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 to use 
them. Do not lay components on the outside of antistatic bags because only the 
inside 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.
Wa rn i n g To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, 
turn off your computer and unplug the power cord and modem and 
network cables before opening the case.
Caution ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge-sensitive 
components in your computer. Prevent ESD damage by following 
ESD guidelines every time you open the computer case.
Wa rn i n g To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent 
holes of the power supply.
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Opening the case
Opening the case
Your computer case provides easy access to internal components.
Removing the side panel
To remove the side panel:
1Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 50.
2Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power cord and modem, network, 
and all peripheral device cables.
3Press the power button to drain any residual power from your computer.
4Remove the thumbscrew from the side panel cover. For the location of the 
thumbscrew, see “Back” on page 10.
5Squeeze the cover release lever to the side to release the cover.
Wa rn i n g To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, 
turn off your computer, then unplug the power cord, modem cable, 
and network cable before opening the case.
Cover 
release lever
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Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer
6Swing the side panel away from the computer, then lift the panel away from the 
computer.
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Opening the case
Removing the front bezel
To remove the front bezel:
1After removing the side panel, press the three black plastic tabs (positions indicated 
by the arrows) to release the right side of the bezel.
2Swing the right side of the bezel out to until the left side of the bezel can be disengaged 
from the left side of the computer, then remove the bezel.
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Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer
Replacing the front bezel
To replace the front bezel:
1Engage the tabs on the left side of the bezel with the slots in the left side of the 
computer.
2Swing the right side of the bezel in to engage the tabs on the right side of the bezel 
with the slots on the right side of the computer.
3Press the right side of the bezel firmly until it snaps into place.
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Closing the case
Closing the case
Replacing the side panel
To replace the side panel:
1Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged inside the case so they will not 
be pinched when you close the case.
2Engage 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.
3Replace the side panel thumbscrews.
4Reconnect the cables and power cord.
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