Gateway m505 User Manual

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Managing hard drive space
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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...

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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...

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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 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...

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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 notebook must be on during scheduled tasks. If your 
notebook is off,...

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Cleaning your notebook
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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...

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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 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...

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Cleaning your notebook
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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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14
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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. 

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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.
Reinstalling device drivers
Device drivers are programs that control devices such as the computer display, 
DVD/CD-RW drives, and modems. Drivers translate information between 
computer devices and programs.
Drivers for your original notebook hardware are installed at Gateway. If you...