Maintaining Your Computer

    This chapter provides basic information about maintaining your computer hardware and software.

Caring for your computer

    Here are ways to extend the life of your system:

Be careful not to bump or drop your computer, and do not put any objects on top of it. The case, although strong, is not made to support extra weight.
When transporting your computer, we recommend that you put it in a carrying case.
Keep diskettes, modular drives, and your computer away from magnetic fields. Magnetic fields can erase data on both diskettes and hard drives.
Never turn off your computer when the hard drive light is on because data on the hard drive could be lost or corrupted.
Avoid subjecting your computer to extreme temperature changes. The case can become very brittle and easy to break in cold temperatures and can melt or warp in high temperatures. Damage due to either extreme is not covered by your warranty. As a general rule, your computer is safest at temperatures that are comfortable for you.
Keep all liquids away from your computer. Almost any liquid can result in extremely expensive repairs that are not covered under your warranty.
Avoid dusty or dirty work environments. Dust and dirt can clog the internal mechanisms.
Set up a regular maintenance schedule according to the table below to keep your computer running at its best.

Maintenance task Immediately after purchase Monthly When needed
See...

Create an emergency diskette

X

Check for viruses

X

X

Manage hard drive space

X

Clean up hard drives

X

X

Scan hard drive for errors

X

X

Defragment hard drive

X

X

Back up files

X

X

Recalibrate the battery

X

Clean computer case

X

Clean keyboard

X

Clean screen

X

Clean mouse

X

Creating an emergency startup diskette

    An emergency startup diskette is a diskette that contains critical information that you need to start your computer if Windows fails to start. You should create a startup diskette as soon as you get your computer.

HelpSpot

For more information on creating an emergency startup diskette, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

To create an emergency startup diskette:

    1. Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

    2. Click/Double-click Add/Remove Programs. The Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box opens.

    3. Click the Startup Disk tab.

    1. Click Create Disk. A message tells you to label a new diskette and insert it into the diskette drive.

    2. Place a new, labeled diskette into the diskette drive.

    3. Click OK. Windows copies files to the emergency startup diskette.

    4. When Windows finishes copying files, remove the diskette from the diskette drive.

    5. You should write-protect the diskette, which will prevent the diskette from being erased or infected by viruses, by sliding the tab that is at the top of the diskette to the up position.
    1. Store your emergency startup diskette in a safe place with your other backup software media.

 

Protecting your computer from viruses

    A virus is a program that attaches itself to a file on a computer, then spreads from one computer to another. Viruses can damage data or cause your computer to malfunction. Some viruses go undetected for a period of time, because they are activated on a certain date.

    Protect your computer from a virus by:

Using your Norton ® AntiVirus program to check files and programs that are on diskettes, attached to e-mail messages, or downloaded from the Internet.
Checking all programs for viruses before installing them.
Disabling macros on suspicious Microsoft Word and Excel files. These programs will warn you if a document that you are opening contains a macro that might have a virus.

HelpSpot

For more information on protecting your computer from viruses, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

To scan for viruses:

    1. Click Start, then select Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then Norton AntiVirus. Norton AntiVirus opens.

    2. Click Scan for Viruses.

    3. Select the type of scan you want to make in the Scan area, then click Run Scan Now.

 

To remove a virus:

    1. Find and remove the virus immediately using Norton AntiVirus.

    2. Turn off your computer and leave it off for at least 30 seconds.

    3. Turn on the computer and rescan for the virus.

     

You should periodically update your Norton AntiVirus program to protect against the latest viruses.

To update Norton AntiVirus:

    1. Click Start, then select Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then LiveUpdate - Norton AntiVirus. The LiveUpdate wizard opens.

    2. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your Norton AntiVirus program with the latest virus protection files.

    3. When the program is done updating, click Finish.

 

Managing hard drive space

    Windows provides several utilities you can use to manage your hard drive space and keep your hard drive running efficiently.

Checking hard drive space

    In Windows, you can see a chart of the available hard drive space.

HelpSpot

For more information on checking hard drive space, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

To check hard drive space:

    1. Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.

    2. Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file space, then select Properties. Drive space information appears.

 

Using Disk Cleanup

    Delete unneeded files such as temporary Windows files to free hard drive space.

HelpSpot

For more information on using Disk Cleanup, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

To use Windows Disk Cleanup program:

    1. Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.

    2. Right-click the hard drive that you want to delete files from, then select Properties. The System Properties dialog box opens at the General tab.

    1. Click Disk Cleanup. The Disk Cleanup dialog box opens.

    2. Select the check box beside each file type you want to delete. For more information about file types you can delete, read the descriptions in the Disk Cleanup dialog box.

    3. Click OK, then click Yes.

 

Scanning the hard drive for errors

    The ScanDisk program examines the hard drive for surface errors and file and folder problems. ScanDisk corrects these problems so that Windows and other programs run efficiently.

    If you use your computer several hours every day, you probably want to run ScanDisk once a week. On the other hand, if you use your computer less frequently, once a month may be adequate. Also use ScanDisk if you encounter hard drive problems.

HelpSpot

For more information on using ScanDisk, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

To run ScanDisk:

    1. Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.

    2. Right-click the hard drive that you want to check for errors, then select Properties. The System Properties dialog box opens.

    3. Click the Tools tab.

    1. Click Check Now. The ScanDisk dialog box opens.

    2. Select the options to use, then click Start. For Help, press F1. ScanDisk checks the drive for errors. This process may take several minutes.

    3. Correct any problems that are found by following the on-screen instructions. After ScanDisk has finished checking the drive for errors, it provides a summary of the problems that it found.

    4. Click Close.

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 the computer 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 that each file is stored as one unit rather than 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 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.

HelpSpot

For more information on defragmenting your hard drive, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

To run Disk Defragmenter:

    1. Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.

    2. Right-click the hard drive that you want to defragment, then select Properties. The System Properties dialog box opens.

    3. Click the Tools tab.

    1. Click Defragment Now.

    2. If Disk Defragmenter does not start automatically, click Start or Defragment.
      Disk Defragmenter shows its progress on the screen. When finished, Disk Defragmenter asks if you want to quit the program.
    1. If you want to defragment another drive, click No then follow the on-screen instructions.
      - OR -

      If you do not want to defragment another drive, click Yes.

       

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 diskettes or a writable CD, if you have a CD-R or CD-RW drive. Use diskettes or writable CDs to do partial backups of selected files or folders. Use a backup device such as a CD-R, CD-RW, or Zip drive, or other high - capacity backup device to do a complete hard drive backup. 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 our Web site at www.gateway.com.

    Gateway GoBack (available on selected models) also provides file recovery features for files that have been lost in the last few days.

HelpSpot

For more information on Gateway GoBack, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

Using Maintenance Wizard

    The Maintenance Wizard lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as running Disk Defragmenter and ScanDisk and deleting unnecessary files.

HelpSpot

For more information on using the Maintenance Wizard, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

To start the Maintenance Wizard:

    1. Click Start, then select Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then Maintenance Wizard. The Maintenance Wizard dialog box opens.
    1. Select the Maintenance Wizard options that suit your preferences. Remember that your computer must be on during scheduled maintenance tasks.

 

Recalibrating the battery

    If your notebook unexpectedly goes into Standby mode while you are using it but the battery charge is not low, you may need to recalibrate your battery. You should also recalibrate the battery once a year to maintain the accuracy of the battery gauge.

To recalibrate the battery:

    1. Connect the AC power adapter, then turn on your notebook.

    2. When you see the startup screen, press F2. The BIOS Setup program opens.

    3. Press the left arrow key until you select the Security menu.

    4. Press the down arrow key until you select the Battery Auto-Learning option (set by default to disabled).

    5. Press Enter. A small settings window opens.

    6. Press the down arrow key to select Enabled.

    7. Press Enter. The option is set to Enabled.

    8. Press the left arrow key until you select Exit.

    9. Press the down arrow key until you select Exit Saving Changes. The battery recalibration program begins.
      After your battery has been recalibrated, the notebook recharges the battery. Recharging may take 12-24 hours. After the battery finishes recharging, the battery gauge displays the accurate battery charge. If the battery gauge does not show an accurate charge, contact technical support.

Important

Do not interrupt the battery recalibration process. If recalibration is interrupted, you must start the process over again.

    1. Follow the on-screen instructions to exit the battery recalibration program.

 

Cleaning your computer

    Keeping your computer 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 cloth
An aerosol can of air that has a narrow, straw-like extension
Isopropyl alcohol
Cotton swabs
A CD drive cleaning kit

Cleaning the exterior

Warning

When you shut down your computer, the power turns off, but some electrical current still flows through the computer. To avoid possible injury from electrical shock, unplug the power cord and modem cable from the wall outlets.

    Always turn off the computer and other peripherals before cleaning any components, and remove the battery.

    Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean the computer and other parts of your system. Do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage the finish on your components.

    Your computer is cooled by air drawn in through the vents on the case, so keep the vents free of dust. With the computer 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 the computer.

Cleaning the keyboard

    You should clean the keyboard occasionally to free it of dust and lint trapped under the keys. The easiest way to do this is to blow dirt from under the keys using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension.

    If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off the computer and turn the unit 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 screen

    Use a soft cloth and water to clean the screen. Squirt a little water on the cloth (never directly on the screen), and wipe the screen with the cloth.

Caution

An LCD screen is made of specially coated glass and can be scratched or damaged by abrasive or ammonia-based window cleaners.

Cleaning the mouse

    If you have a mouse and the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the screen or becomes difficult to control precisely, then cleaning the mouse will likely improve its accuracy.

HelpSpot

For a video demonstration on cleaning the mouse, double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.

To clean your mouse:

    1. Turn the mouse upside down.

    2. Rotate the retaining ring on the bottom of the mouse counter-clockwise.
    1. Remove the retaining ring and mouse ball.

    1. Remove any dust, lint, or dirt from the mouse ball with a soft cloth.

    2. Clean the mouse rollers with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
    1. Replace the mouse ball and lock the retaining ring into place.