Gateway m305 User Manual
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221 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 notebook 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: 1In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer window opens. - OR - In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens. 2Right-click the hard drive that you want to defragment, for example Local Disk (C:), then click Properties. The Properties dialog box opens.
222 Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Notebook www.gateway.com 3Click the Tools 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 Help and Support Search box , then click the arrow.
223 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. 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 113. 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 in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword saving files in the Help and Support Search box , then click the arrow.
224 Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Notebook www.gateway.com 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 notebook must be on during scheduled tasks. If your notebook 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 Help and Support Search box , then click the arrow.
225 Cleaning your notebook www.gateway.com Cleaning your notebook Keeping your notebook 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 notebook and other peripherals, then remove the battery before cleaning any components. Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean your notebook and other parts of your system. Do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage the finish on components. Your notebook is cooled by air circulated through the vents on the case, so keep the vents free of dust. With your notebook 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 notebook. 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 notebook, the power turns off, but some electrical current still flows through your notebook. To avoid possible injury from electrical shock, unplug the power cord and modem cable from the wall outlets.
226 Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Notebook www.gateway.com If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off your notebook and turn your notebook 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. WarningThe 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 Help and Support Search box , then click the arrow. Click Cleaning the mouse.
227 Cleaning your notebook 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
228 Chapter 13: Maintaining Your Notebook www.gateway.com
14 229 Restoring Software Read this chapter to learn how to: ■Reinstall device drivers ■Update device drivers ■Reinstall programs ■Reinstall Windows If you are not comfortable with the procedures covered in this chapter, seek help from a more experienced computer user or a computer service technician.
230 Chapter 14: Restoring Software www.gateway.com 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 Help and Support. For more information about diagnostics and troubleshooting tools in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword troubleshooting in the Help and Support Search box , then click the arrow. ■Run System Restore. For more information about System Restore in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword System Restore in the Help and Support Search box , then click the arrow. ■See the Troubleshooting chapter 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.