Restoring Files and Software

    This chapter helps resolve simple problems like recovering a deleted file to more complex problems like getting your computer operating again when it is not working properly.

    Gateway GoBack and the System Restoration CD are two important tools available to help you recover from computer problems.

    If you have Windows 98, use Gateway GoBack when you have deleted a file that you want to recover. Or, if you have trouble starting Windows when you recently added software to your computer, use Gateway GoBack to return your hard drive to a previous working configuration. For more information about recovering files, see Using Gateway GoBack.

    If Gateway GoBack does not help you resolve the problem, and you have tried other troubleshooting solutions described in Troubleshooting, then you may have to reinstall Windows. Find out more about the reinstallation options in the Reinstalling Windows 98 or Windows 95 or Reinstalling Windows NT.

Using Gateway GoBack

Before you use Gateway GoBack

    If you have never used Gateway GoBack before, double-click the GoBack icon on your desktop, then click Watch a short video to learn more about Gateway GoBack and how to use it on the Gateway GoBack main menu. This short video explains what Gateway GoBack is and how to use it to correct computer problems.

Recovering a file

    Use Gateway GoBack to recover a deleted file or restore a previous version of a file.

To recover a file using the File Recovery window:

    1. Double-click the GoBack icon on your desktop.
      The Gateway GoBack main menu opens.
    1. Click Recover a deleted file, or get back an earlier version of a file in the Gateway GoBack main menu.
      The Gateway GoBack File Recovery window opens.
    1. From the File menu, select the hard drive where the file you want to recover was located.
    2. Select the file that you want to recover.
    3. Click Recover To .
    4. Save the recovered file to a new location on the hard drive.

Reverting to a previous hard drive configuration

    If your computer has stopped working properly, use Gateway GoBack to revert the computer to its previously working condition. If you suspect the problem is caused by a computer virus, use your antivirus program to scan for and remove the virus before using Gateway GoBack.

To revert your hard drive:

    1. Double-click the GoBack icon on your desktop.
      The Gateway GoBack main menu opens.
    1. Click Revert your entire hard disk to a time in the past, or view your hard drive as it was before in the Gateway GoBack main menu.
      The Gateway GoBack Drive window opens.
    1. From the File menu, select the hard drive that you want to revert.
    2. Review the event list to see what was happening on your computer.
      The events in the list have icons next to them that identify the event. See "Working with the Event List" in the online help for information about the event icons.
    1. Use the calendar and clock to select a time to which you want to revert your hard drive.
      Gateway GoBack selects the safe point that is nearest to that time.
    1. Click Revert Drive .
      Gateway GoBack restarts your computer and sets your hard drive to the selected time.

What to do when your computer does not start

    If your computer crashes or Windows has trouble starting, you can use Gateway GoBack to return your computer to its previously working condition.

To revert your hard drive so you can start Windows:

    1. Start your computer.
      During startup, the Gateway GoBack Screen appears.
    1. Press the spacebar.
      The Gateway GoBack Boot Menu appears.
    1. Click Revert Drive .
      Gateway GoBack searches the hard drive for safe points, then a dialog box displays the safe points.
    1. Select the safe point that Gateway GoBack selects.
      - OR -
      Select a time before or after the recommended time.
      Gateway GoBack asks you if you want to proceed.

        Caution

        If you have more than one hard drive protected by Gateway GoBack, all of these hard drives revert to the same point.

      1. Click Yes .
        Gateway GoBack reverts your hard drive and restarts your computer.
      1. If your computer does not start correctly, repeat this procedure and revert your hard drive to an earlier safe point so that you can start your computer.

    Disabling Gateway GoBack

      You can disable Gateway GoBack using the Gateway GoBack Boot Menu or in Windows using Gateway GoBack. Disable Gateway GoBack before you:

    Reload or upgrade Windows.
    Start your computer with an alternate operating system and access files on your hard drive.
    Use the System Restoration CD to partition or format your drive.
    Use the System Restoration CD to recover your computer.

      Caution

      When you disable Gateway GoBack, all of the information about your computer that Gateway GoBack has been tracking is discarded. You will only be able to revert your hard drive or retrieve files from the information that Gateway GoBack creates after it is enabled again. No information will be available before the time that you disabled Gateway GoBack.

      To disable Gateway GoBack using the Gateway GoBack Boot Menu:

        1. Start up your computer.
        2. When the Gateway GoBack screen appears, press the spacebar.
        3. Click Disable GoBack . Gateway GoBack is disabled.

      To disable Gateway GoBack in Windows:

        1. Double-click the GoBack icon on your desktop.
          The Gateway GoBack main menu opens.
        1. Click Options .
        2. Click Disable GoBack . Gateway GoBack is disabled.

        After you disable Gateway GoBack, a message appears each time you turn on your computer to remind you that Gateway GoBack is disabled. It also provides you with the option to enable Gateway GoBack. When you select the option to enable Gateway GoBack, the program is enabled and begins tracking the changes that are made to the hard drive.

      Clearing Gateway GoBack history

        If you do not want anyone to see what has been on your computer (for example, when you are working on confidential documents) you can clear your Gateway GoBack history.

          Caution

          When you clear your Gateway GoBack history file, the data is deleted and you will not be able to restore the information.

        To clear your Gateway GoBack history:

          1. Double-click the GoBack icon on your desktop.
            The Gateway GoBack main menu opens.
          1. Click Options .
          2. Click the History tab.
          3. Click Clear GoBack History .

        Starting your computer using a diskette

          Some programs and games require you to start your computer using a special startup diskette, or boot diskette. Gateway GoBack lets you use these startup diskettes and still maintain Gateway GoBack protection.

        To start your computer using a diskette:

          1. Start your computer.
            During startup, the Gateway GoBack screen appears.
          1. Insert the program or game diskette into the diskette drive.
            The Gateway GoBack boot menu opens.
          1. Click Boot from floppy .
            Your computer uses the diskette to start.

              Caution

              If you start your computer with a diskette, you need to select the Boot from floppy option in Gateway GoBack or you will not be able to access your Gateway GoBack-protected hard drives.

          Reinstalling Gateway GoBack

            If you want to adjust the amount of space allocated to Gateway GoBack or change the location where Gateway GoBack stores this information, you need to uninstall and reinstall Gateway GoBack.

          To uninstall Gateway GoBack:

            1. Click Start , then select Settings , then Control Panel .
            2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
              The Add/Remove Programs dialog box opens.
            1. Select GoBack from the list, then click Add/Remove .
            2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
              Gateway GoBack restarts your computer.

                Caution

                If you reinstall Gateway GoBack, all of the information about your computer that Gateway GoBack has been tracking is discarded. You will only be able to revert your hard drive or retrieve files from the information that Gateway GoBack creates after it is reinstalled again. No information will be available before the time that you disabled Gateway GoBack.

            To reinstall Gateway GoBack:

              1. Follow the instructions To uninstall Gateway GoBack:.
              2. Follow the instructions that came with the System Restoration CD to reinstall Gateway GoBack.
                The online setup wizard guides you through the installation process. After Gateway GoBack is installed, an icon appears on your desktop and in the status area of your taskbar.

              During installation, you need to set aside part of your hard drive so that Gateway GoBack can store data. If you selected Easy Install when you installed Gateway GoBack, you set aside approximately 10 percent of your hard drive for Gateway GoBack to use. Approximately one week's data can be stored with this setting. However, the amount of drive information that Gateway GoBack can store depends on how much you use the computer, so you may need to set aside a larger area of your hard drive to store one week of data.

              You can check how far back you can revert your hard drive or retrieve a file in the Gateway GoBack Drive window.

            Updating your Gateway GoBack software

              Gateway GoBack can automatically check the Internet for updates to the program.

            To have Gateway GoBack check for updates:

              1. Double-click the GoBack icon on your desktop.
                The Gateway GoBack main menu opens.
              1. Click Options .
              2. Click the Internet tab.
              3. Select Periodically check the Internet for important GoBack information or updates .

              On the Internet tab you can either click View Updates to view information about the latest updates or click Visit the Gateway Web site to view Gateway's home page.

            Getting help

              If you need more information on how to use Gateway GoBack, you can access Gateway GoBack online help by:

            Clicking Help in the Gateway GoBack main menu.
            Selecting a help option from the Help menu in the Gateway GoBack Drive window.

            Backing up your computer

              Using tape drives and large-capacity disk drives to back up the information on your computer can offer additional protection from losing your computer files. Because Gateway GoBack uses your hard drive to store file information, GoBack cannot be used when you have a mechanical problem with the hard drive.

            Using disk compression utilities

              Gateway GoBack is not supported on drives compressed with a disk-level compression utility such as DriveSpace or DoubleSpace. Gateway GoBack is compatible with file-level compression utilities such as PKZIP, WINZIP, and ARJ.

            Using Norton Speed Disk

              If you run Norton Speed Disk, make sure that the hidden and system files are marked as "unmovable" in the performance option.

            To mark hidden and system files as unmovable:

              1. In the Norton Speed Disk window, select Properties , then Options .
                The Options window opens.
              1. Click Customize .
              2. Click the Unmovables tab.
              3. Select the Hidden and System check boxes.
              4. Save your changes by clicking OK .

            Reinstalling Windows 98 or Windows 95

              If you have tried Gateway GoBack or other troubleshooting solutions described in Troubleshooting and they do not help you resolve your computer problems, then you should reinstall Windows.

              The System Restoration CD steps you through reinstalling Windows 98 or Windows 95. It automatically reinstalls the hardware device drivers and some software. The remaining software is installed using the CDs that came with your computer. To reinstall Windows 98 or Windows 95 you have three installation options:

            Delete Windows and reinstall . This option deletes Windows from the hard drive and reinstalls Windows.
            Format the hard drive and reinstall Windows . This option formats drive C:\ of the hard drive and reinstalls Windows. Try this option if the Delete Windows and reinstall option does not correct problems with Windows. All files on drive C:\ are deleted. Be sure to back up all important files before using this option.
            Install Windows . This option installs Windows over the current Windows installation and may correct Windows problems and get Windows working correctly by replacing files that are missing or corrupt.

              You need these items during the installation:

            System Restoration CD
            Windows 98 or Windows 95 CD
            Windows 98 or Windows 95 Product Key/ID located on the front
            of the Windows 98 or Windows 95 manual

            To reinstall Windows 98 or Windows 95 and the device drivers:

              1. With the System Restoration CD in CD/DVD drive, restart your computer.
                The Gateway System Restoration CD Boot Menu opens.
              1. Select 2 Boot from CD-ROM .
                A message may appear telling you that you must disable Gateway GoBack to use the System Restoration CD .
              1. Press D .
                A warning tells you that GoBack will be disabled. You will have an opportunity to enable GoBack again after you use the System Restoration CD .
              1. Press D .
                GoBack is disabled, the computer restarts, and you can use the System Restoration CD .
              1. Select 2 Boot from CD-ROM .
                The System Restoration CD Main Menu appears.
              1. Select Install Windows 95 or Install Windows 98 , then press Enter .
              2. Select one of the three installation options for installing Windows, then press Enter .

                  Important

                  If you select the Format the hard drive and reinstall Windows option, drive C:\ will be erased. Back up important files before selecting this option.

                • Follow the on-screen instructions.
                  The on-screen instructions step you through the operating system and device drivers installation.

              Reinstalling Windows NT

                To reinstall Windows NT you will:

              Delete the bootable partition. The bootable partition contains the files your computer uses when you turn it on.
              Reinstall Windows NT

                You need these items during the installation:

              Windows NT Workstation CD
              Windows NT Service Pack CD
              Windows NT Product ID, located on the front of the Windows NT manual.
              Windows NT Workstation Start Here guide for additional information about reinstalling Windows NT

              To delete the bootable partition:

                Important

                Deleting the bootable partition erases all files from the hard drive. Back up important files before deleting the bootable partition.

                  1. Place the System Restoration CD in the CD/DVD drive.
                    If you have an additional recordable/rewritable CD drive, make sure you do not put the System Restoration CD in it.
                  1. Restart your computer.
                  2. Select 2 Boot from CD-ROM .
                    The Main Menu opens.
                  1. Select Exit program .
                    The DOS prompt appears.
                  1. Type fdisk , then press Enter .
                    A message appears explaining large disk support using the FAT32 file system. Use, the FAT16 file system boot partition for the Windows NT operating system.
                  1. Type N , then press Enter .
                    The FDISK Options menu opens.
                  1. Type 3 , then press Enter .
                    The Delete DOS Partition or Logical DOS Drive menu opens and a warning message appears.
                  1. If there is one partition on the hard drive, Type 1 , then press Enter .
                    - OR -
                    If there is more than one partition on the hard drive, delete the extended and logical partitions before deleting the primary DOS partition. Delete partitions in the following order of priority:
                Delete Non-DOS Partition
                Delete Logical DOS Drive(s) in the Extended DOS Partition
                Delete Extended DOS Partition
                Delete Primary DOS Partition
                  1. If a volume label was assigned to the partition, type it when prompted, then press Enter . The volume label is case sensitive. Make sure you type it exactly as shown on the screen.
                    - OR -
                    If no volume label was assigned, press Enter .
                  1. Type Y , then press Enter .
                    The partition is deleted.
                  1. Exit FDISK by pressing Esc three times.
                    A DOS prompt appears.

                To reinstall Windows NT:

                  1. With the System Restoration CD in CD/DVD drive, restart your computer.
                    The Gateway System Restoration CD Boot Menu opens.
                  1. Select 2 Boot from CD-ROM .
                    The Main Menu opens.
                  1. Read the on-screen information, then press F1 to continue.
                    The system tells you that you are about to partition your hard drive.
                  1. Press F1 .
                    The Partitioning Options menu opens.
                  1. Select Partition Using FAT16 , then press Enter .
                    The system asks you if you want to partition your hard drive automatically.
                  1. Press F1 , then follow the on-screen instructions.
                    Your computer restarts and the Gateway System Restoration CD Boot Menu opens.
                  1. Select 2 Boot from CD-ROM .
                    The system formats the drive and starts the auto-detect devices utility.
                  1. Press F1 .
                    The Main Menu opens.
                  1. Place the Windows NT Workstation CD in the CD/DVD drive and restart your computer.
                    The Windows NT Workstation menu opens.
                  1. Press Enter .
                    Follow the remaining on-screen instructions and refer to the installation section in the Windows NT Workstation Start Here manual to select proper options throughout the installation process.
                  1. When prompted, remove the Windows NT Workstation CD, then press Enter .
                    Your computer restarts.
                  1. When prompted, select NT 4.0 Operating System , then press Enter .
                  2. Complete the remaining Windows NT Setup screens.
                  3. When the Setup Option dialog box opens, select the type of Windows load you want: Typical , Portable , Compact , or Custom .
                    We recommend that you select Typical .
                  1. When the Display Properties dialog box opens, skip the display adjustments by clicking OK .
                  2. When prompted, remove the Windows NT Workstation CD, then click Restart .
                    Your computer restarts Windows NT. When your computer restarts, the screen may display at 640 ×  480. This corrects itself after the proper display driver is reinstalled.
                  1. After you have reinstalled the operating system, go to Reinstalling Windows NT device drivers and Reinstalling Windows NT Service Pack CD.

                Reinstalling programs

                  If you are having problems running a program or if you have reinstalled your operating system, you can reinstall software from the System Restoration CD and the program CDs. Follow the installation instructions on each CD.

                  The System Restoration CD also contains electronic documents that you can view or reinstall on your computer. See the insert included with the CD for information about viewing or reinstalling these electronic documents.

                To reinstall software from the System Restoration CD:

                  1. Place the System Restoration CD in your CD/DVD drive. The System Restoration CD program starts.
                    If the program does not start automatically, double-click the My Computer icon, double-click your CD/DVD drive icon, then double-click the cow-spotted box icon.
                  1. Click the Software or Applications tab.
                    Backup software is available on both tabs.
                  1. Select the software you want to reinstall.
                    Depending on the software you are reinstalling, you may only need to restart your computer to complete the reinstallation. However, for some reinstallations, you may also need to use a setup wizard after your computer restarts. If a setup wizard opens when you restart your computer, follow the on-screen instructions.

                To reinstall an program from a CD:

                  1. Place the program CD in your CD/DVD drive.
                  2. Complete the reinstallation by following the instructions included with the CD.