Gateway m275 User Manual

							231
Managing hard drive space
www.gateway.com
Checking the hard drive for errors
The Error-checking program examines the hard drive for physical flaws and file 
and folder problems. This program corrects file and folder problems and marks 
flawed areas on the hard drive so Windows does not use them.
If you use your convertible tablet PC several hours every day, you probably want 
to run Error-checking once a week. If you use your convertible tablet PC less 
frequently, once a month may be adequate. Also use Error-checking if you 
encounter hard drive problems.
To check the hard drive for errors:
1Click/Tap Start, then click/tap My Computer. The My Computer window 
opens.
2Right-click/Button-tap the hard drive that you want to check for errors, 
for example Local Disk (C:), then click/tap 
Properties. The Properties dialog 
box opens.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about keeping the hard drive space 
free of unnecessary files, click/tap Start, then click/tap 
Help and Support.
Type the keyword disk cleanup in the Search box 
, then click/tap the arrow. 
						

							232
Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Gateway M275
www.gateway.com
3Click/Tap the To o l s tab.
4Click/Tap Check Now.
5Click/Tap the options you want to use, then click/tap Start. For help, press 
F1. Windows checks the drive for errors. This process may take several 
minutes. After Windows has finished checking the drive for errors, it 
provides a summary of the problems that it found.
6Correct any problems that are found by following the on-screen 
instructions.
7Click/Tap OK.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about checking the hard drive for 
errors, click/tap Start, then click/tap Help and Support.
Type the keyword checking for disk errors in the Search 
box  , then click/tap the arrow. 
						

							233
Managing hard drive space
www.gateway.com
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 your convertible tablet PC 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 each file is 
stored as one unit rather than as 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 program is running, do not use your keyboard 
or mouse because using them may continuously 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.
To defragment the hard drive:
1Click/Tap Start, then click/tap My Computer. The My Computer window 
opens.
2Right-click/Button-tap the hard drive that you want to defragment, for 
example Local Disk (C:), then click/tap 
Properties. The Properties dialog box 
opens. 
						

							234
Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Gateway M275
www.gateway.com
3Click/Tap the To o l s tab.
4Click/Tap Defragment Now.
5If Disk Defragmenter does not start automatically, click/tap 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/Tap Close or Ye s, then click/tap the X in the top-right corner to close 
the Disk Defragmenter window.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about defragmenting the hard drive, 
click/tap Start, then click/tap Help and Support.
Type the keyword defragmenting in the Search box 
, then click/tap the arrow. 
						

							235
Managing hard drive space
www.gateway.com
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 
recordable drive) or to diskettes (if you have a diskette drive). Use a backup 
device, such as a recordable drive or Zip drive, to do a complete hard drive 
backup. For more information, see “Creating CDs using Nero Express” on 
page 125. 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 the 
Accessories 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, click/tap 
Start, then click/tap Help and Support.
Type the keyword saving files in the Search box 
, then click/tap the arrow. 
						

							236
Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Gateway M275
www.gateway.com
To start the Scheduled Task Wizard:
1Click/Tap Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click/tap 
Scheduled Tasks. The Scheduled Tasks window opens.
2Double-click/Double-tap the Add Scheduled Task icon. The Scheduled Task 
Wizard opens.
3Click/Tap Next, then click/tap the task or program you want to schedule 
and follow the on-screen instructions to customize the task.
ImportantYour convertible tablet PC must be on during scheduled 
tasks. If your convertible tablet PC is off, scheduled tasks 
will not run.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about using the Scheduled Tasks 
Wizard, click/tap Start, then click/tap Help and Support.
Type the keyword Scheduled Task Wizard in the Search 
box  , then click/tap the arrow. 
						

							237
Cleaning your convertible tablet PC
www.gateway.com
Cleaning your convertible 
tablet PC
Keeping your convertible tablet PC clean and the vents free from dust helps 
keep your convertible tablet PC performing at its best. You may want to gather 
these items and put together a convertible tablet PC 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 convertible tablet PC and other peripherals, then remove 
the battery before cleaning any components.
Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean your convertible tablet PC and other parts 
of your convertible tablet PC. Do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners because 
they can damage the finish on components.
Your convertible tablet PC is cooled by air circulated through the vents on the 
case, so keep the vents free of dust. With your convertible tablet PC 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 convertible tablet PC.
WarningWhen you shut down your convertible tablet PC, the power 
turns off, but some electrical current still flows through your 
convertible tablet PC. To avoid possible injury from 
electrical shock, unplug the power cord and modem cable 
from the wall outlets. 
						

							238
Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Gateway M275
www.gateway.com
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.
If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off your convertible tablet PC and turn 
your convertible tablet PC 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 convertible tablet PC screen
Use the special cleaning cloth included with your convertible tablet PC to wipe 
away dust and fingerprints. Dampen the cloth with water or a mild window 
glass cleaner solution but never spray anything directly on the surface. 
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. 
						

							239
Cleaning your convertible tablet PC
www.gateway.com
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 
						

							240
Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Gateway M275
www.gateway.com