Gateway E-4300 User Manual

User GuideGateway E-4300

4www.gateway.comOnline helpMany programs provide information online so you can research a topic or learn how to perform a task while you are using the

94www.gateway.comDetermining if wired Ethernet is already installed on your computersTo determine if wired Ethernet is already installed on your compu

95www.gateway.comMaking sure your broadband connection worksBefore you change anything about your home setup, make sure that your broadband connection

96www.gateway.comConfiguring the TCP/IP protocolA networking protocol is a language computers use to talk to each other. One of several available prot

97www.gateway.com3 Right-click Local Area Connection, then click Properties. The Local Area Connection Properties dialog box opens.- OR - If you do no

98www.gateway.com6 Click the General tab.7 Click Obtain an IP address automatically.8 Click OK to close the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dial

99www.gateway.comSetting up a wireless Ethernet networkSee the instructions that came with your access point or wireless access point router for initi

100www.gateway.com8 In the browser’s Address box, type http://192.168.1.1, then press ENTER.9 When prompted for a username and password, leave the use

101www.gateway.comConnecting to an access point networkAfter you have set up your wireless access point, you need to set up the network connection on

102www.gateway.comConfiguring computer settings for an access pointIf you are unable to connect to an access point in the Choose a wireless network li

103www.gateway.com3 Click to select the access point network in the Preferred networks box, then click Properties. The network properties dialog box o

Chapter 25Checking Out YourGateway Computer Identifying features Locating your computer serial number Locating the Microsoft Certificate of Authent

104www.gateway.comAdding an access pointIf an access point does not appear in the Available networks list, and you know the access point is turned on,

105www.gateway.com3 Click Add. The network properties dialog box opens.4 Type the name of the network in the Network name (SSID) box.5 Click the arrow

106www.gateway.comSetting up a wired Ethernet networkWe recommend using category 5, unshielded, twisted-pair cable (approximately 1/4” in diameter wit

107www.gateway.comIn addition to a router, you need a straight-through cable for each computer you want to connect to the network.To set up a network

108www.gateway.com5 For an Internet connection, plug a straight-through cable into the WAN port on the router and the other end into the Ethernet jack

109www.gateway.comTesting your networkNow that your home network is set up, log onto one of your computers and access a favorite Internet Web site.If

110www.gateway.comSharing your resourcesSharing an Internet connectionInternet sharing lets all computers on the network access the Internet at the sa

111www.gateway.com3 Click the Connections tab.4 Click Setup. The New Connection Wizard opens.5 Click Next. The Network Connection Type screen opens.

112www.gateway.com6 Click Connect to the Internet, then click Next. The Getting Ready screen opens.7 Click Set up my connection manually, then click N

113www.gateway.comAccessing the InternetTo access the Internet from your computer:1 Make sure that the router or access point is turned on.2 Open Inte

6www.gateway.comMicro TowerFrontYour computer includes the following components.CD/DVD eject buttonCD/DVD/Recordable drivePower button/ power indicato

114www.gateway.com3 Click the Sharing tab.4 If this is the first time you have shared a drive or folder, click Network Setup Wizard to enable remote a

115www.gateway.comUn-sharing drives, folders, and filesTo un-share drives or folders:1 In My Computer or Windows Explorer, right-click the drive or fo

116www.gateway.comViewing shared drives and foldersTo view shared drives and folders:1 Click Start, then click My Network Places. The My Network Place

117www.gateway.comOpening files across the networkTo open files across the network:1 Start the program for the file you want to open.2 Click File, the

118www.gateway.comConnecting to hotspotsA hotspot is a high-speed wireless Internet access point available in public locations such as airports, airli

119www.gateway.comTroubleshooting Your Ethernet networkWired Ethernet networkYou cannot see the other computers on your network Make sure that your E

120www.gateway.comWireless Ethernet networkYou turned the wireless on, but it takes a while to connect. When the wireless emitter is turned on, it au

121www.gateway.com3 Right-click Wireless Network Connection, then click Status. The Wireless Network Connection Status dialog box opens. The meter sho

122www.gateway.com

Appendix A123Safety, Regulatory, and LegalInformation Safety information Regulatory statements Notices

7www.gateway.comComponent Icon DescriptionCD/DVD/Recordable driveUse this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and programs, watch DVDs, and st

124www.gateway.comImportant safety informationYour Gateway system is designed and tested to meet the latest standards for safety of information techno

125www.gateway.comRegulatory compliance statementsUnited States of AmericaFederal Communications Commission (FCC) Unintentional emitter per FCC Part15

126www.gateway.comCalifornia Proposition 65 WarningTelecommunications per Part 68 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR47) (applicable to products f

127www.gateway.comCanadaIndustry Canada (IC) Unintentional emitter per ICES-003This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noi

128www.gateway.comNoticesCopyright © 2004 Gateway, Inc.All Rights Reserved14303 Gateway PlacePoway, CA 92064 USAAll Rights ReservedThis publication is

129www.gateway.comIndexAAC power connector 9, 14access pointadding 104configuring 99, 102connecting to 101mounting 99accessingInternet 113shared drive

130www.gateway.comclosingcomputer case 56, 61unresponsive program 28computersnaming 95configuringaccess point 99, 102router 108TCP/IP protocol 96conne

131www.gateway.comconnecting 10, 15DVDcleaning 52controlling play with keyboard 30drive 41inserting 42playing 43recording 43troubleshooting 69DVD driv

132www.gateway.comfront bezel 61memory 57, 64memory card 39peripheral devices 34printer 34scanner 34system battery 59, 65Internetaccessing 113broadban

133www.gateway.comport 9, 14troubleshooting 79mousecleaning 50PS/2 port 10, 14troubleshooting 80USB port 7, 9, 12, 14MP3 filestreaming 86MP3 playermem

8www.gateway.comBackYour computer includes the following components:Power connectorPS/2 mouse portPS/2 keyboard portParallel portSerial portMonitor po

134www.gateway.compower button 7, 12previous button 31printerdefault 82inkjet 19installing 34laser 19parallel port 10, 15sharing 86, 113, 115troublesh

135www.gateway.comTtape backup drive 19TCP/IP protocolconfiguring 96technical support 18telephone jack 9, 14testing network 109thumbscrews 9, 14troubl

136www.gateway.comexample 89frequency 88speed 88troubleshooting 120using 87workgroupnaming 95working safely 22ZZip drive 19identifying 38using 38

NSK DWL E4300 USR GDE R1 12/04

9www.gateway.comComponent Icon DescriptionPower connector Plug the power cord into this connector.Voltage switch Before turning on your computer, make

10www.gateway.comPS/2 mouse port Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.Kensington™ lock slotSecure your computer to an object by connecting a Kensington ca

11www.gateway.comMid TowerFront Your computer includes the following components.CD/DVD/Recordable drivePower button/power indicatorDiskette drive/Zip

12www.gateway.comComponent Icon DescriptionCD/DVD/Recordable driveUse this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and programs, watch DVDs, and s

13www.gateway.comBackYour computer includes the following components:Power connectorPS/2 keyboard portPS/2 mouse portParallel portSerial portUSB ports

14www.gateway.comComponent Icon DescriptionPower connector Plug the power cord into this connector.Voltage switch Before turning on your computer, mak

15www.gateway.comParallel port Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port. For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or

16www.gateway.comDesktop to tower conversionYou can convert your case from desktop to tower configuration using the rotating foot included with your s

17www.gateway.comLocating your serial numberThe label on the side of your computer case contains information that identifies your computer serial numb

18www.gateway.comMicrosoft Certificate of AuthenticityThe Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back or side of your computer inclu

19www.gateway.comAccessoriesTo order accessories, visit the Accessory Store at accessories.gateway.com.MemoryLarge programs, such as multimedia games

20www.gateway.comUSB flash driveUse a USB flash drive for storing files or transferring files to another computer.Uninterruptible power supplies A sta

Chapter 321Getting Started Using your computer safely Protecting your computer from power source problems Turning your computer on and off Adjusti

22www.gateway.comWorking safelyBefore using your computer, read the following recommendations for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoi

23www.gateway.comSetting up your computer desk and chairWhen you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make sure that the desk is the appropria

iwww.gateway.comContents1Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

24www.gateway.comAvoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition. Take breaks to change you

25www.gateway.comTo set the voltage selection switch: Use a tool such as an opened paper clip to slide the voltage selection switch to the correct vo

26www.gateway.comStarting your computerTo start your computer:1 Connect the cables to your computer. See the setup poster for setup instructions.2 Tur

27www.gateway.comWaking up your computerWhen you have not used your computer for several minutes or have not turned off your computer, it may enter a

28www.gateway.comRestarting (rebooting) your computerIf your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, you may have to close programs that

29www.gateway.comUsing the keyboardStandard keyboardThis keyboard is the basic model of keyboard available with your computer.Press these keys... To..

30www.gateway.comMultifunction keyboardThis keyboard is the full-featured model available with your computer.Press these keys...To...Function keys Sta

31www.gateway.comSpecial-function buttonsSpecial-function buttonsIcons Press to...Previous Return to the previous CD track or DVD chapter.Play/Pause S

32www.gateway.comAdjusting the volumeYou can use the volume controls to adjust the overall volume and the volume of specific sound devices in your com

33www.gateway.comConnecting to a wired Ethernet networkYour computer has a network jack that you can use to connect to a 10/100 wired Ethernet network

iiwww.gateway.com4 Using Drives and Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Using the d

34www.gateway.comInstalling a printer, scanner, or other peripheral deviceYour computer has one or more of the following ports: IEEE 1394 (also known

Chapter 435Using Drives and Ports Using the diskette drive Using the Zip drive Using the memory card reader Using CD or DVD drives

36www.gateway.comUsing the diskette drive The optional diskette drive uses 3.5-inch diskettes (sometimes called floppy disks). Diskettes are useful fo

37www.gateway.comTo use a diskette:1 Insert the diskette into the diskette drive with the label facing up (or to the left, if using your Micro Tower c

38www.gateway.comUsing the Zip driveIomega Zip drives, like diskette drives, use disks to store data. Zip disks can store 100 MB, 250 MB, or 750 MB of

39www.gateway.comUsing the memory card readerYou can use the optional memory card reader to transfer pictures from a digital camera to your computer.

40www.gateway.comTo remove a memory card: Wait for the media reader access indicator to stop blinking, then pull the card out of the slot.Caution Do

41www.gateway.comUsing the CD or DVD driveYou can use your computer to enjoy a wide variety of multimedia features.Identifying drive typesYour Gateway

42www.gateway.comInserting a CD or DVDTo insert a CD or DVD:1 Press the eject button on the CD or DVD drive.2 Place the disc in the tray with the labe

43www.gateway.comPlaying a CDUse the music program or Windows Media Player on your computer to: Play music CDs Create MP3 music files from your musi

iiiwww.gateway.comComputer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

44www.gateway.com

Chapter 545Maintaining Your Computer Caring for your computer Updating Windows Protecting your computer from viruses Cleaning your computer Resto

46www.gateway.comCaring for your computerTo extend the life of your computer: When transporting your computer, we recommend that you put it in the or

47www.gateway.comProtecting your computer from virusesA virus is a program that attaches itself to a file on a computer, then spreads from one compute

48www.gateway.com2 Click Scan for Viruses.3 Click the type of scan you want to make in the Scan for Viruses area, then under Actions, click Scan.To re

49www.gateway.comTo update Norton AntiVirus:1 Make sure that you are connected to the Internet.2 Click Start, All Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then cli

50www.gateway.comYour computer is cooled by air circulated through the vents on the case, so keep the vents free of dust. With your computer turned of

51www.gateway.com To clean your trackball mouse:1 Turn the mouse upside down.2 Rotate the retaining ring on the bottom of the mouse counter-clockwise,

52www.gateway.comCleaning CDs or DVDsWipe from the center to the edge, not around in a circle, using a product made especially for the purpose.Restori

53www.gateway.comPreventing static electricity dischargeThe components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also known

ivwww.gateway.com

54www.gateway.comMaintaining the Micro Tower caseOpening the caseTo open the case:1 Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity discharg

55www.gateway.com7 Lift the side panel up.8 Lift the side panel away from the case.

56www.gateway.comClosing the caseTo close the case:1 Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged inside the case so they will not be pinche

57www.gateway.comInstalling memoryWhen you upgrade the computer memory, make sure that you install the correct type of memory module for your computer

58www.gateway.com3 If you are removing a DIMM from the memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module and r

59www.gateway.comReplacing the system batteryIf the computer clock does not keep time or the settings in the BIOS Setup utility are not saved when you

60www.gateway.comMaintaining the Mid Tower caseOpening the caseTo open the case:1 Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity discharge”

61www.gateway.comClosing the caseTo close the case:1 Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged inside the case so they will not be pinche

62www.gateway.com3 Position the computer where you can grasp the front bottom edge of the bezel, then pull the bezel out and away from the case.

63www.gateway.comTo replace the front bezel:1 Align the latch pins with the computer latch holes.2 Press the bezel firmly into place.

Chapter 11Getting Help Using the Gateway Web site Using Help and Support Using Your Computer guide Using Do More With Gateway Using online help

64www.gateway.comInstalling memoryWhen you upgrade the computer memory, make sure that you install the correct type of memory module for your computer

65www.gateway.com4 Align the notches on the new DIMM with the notches on the memory module bank and press the module firmly into the bank. The tabs on

66www.gateway.com4 While pushing down on the battery release tab, place the edge of a small flat-head screwdriver under the battery and lift the batte

Chapter 667Troubleshooting Troubleshooting typical hardware and software problems

68www.gateway.comSafety guidelinesWhile troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines: Never remove your computer case cover while yo

69www.gateway.comTroubleshootingAdd-in cardsThe computer does not recognize an add-in card Shut down and restart your computer. Make sure that you h

70www.gateway.comAudio CD does not produce sound Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again. Some music CDs have copy protection sof

71www.gateway.comComputerThe computer will not start Make sure that the power cord is connected to an AC power source and your computer is turned on.

72www.gateway.com Run Error checking on the diskette. For more information, see “Checking the hard drive for errors” in Using Your Computer which has

73www.gateway.comHard driveYou see an “Insufficient disk space” error message Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk Cleanup. For in

2www.gateway.comHelp and SupportYour computer includes Help and Support, an easily accessible collection of help information, troubleshooters, and aut

74www.gateway.comInternetYou cannot connect to the Internet If you are using a dial-up modem, make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the mode

75www.gateway.com Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is set up correctly. Contact your ISP for technical support.K

76www.gateway.comMemory card readerDrive letters for the memory card slots do not appear in the My Computer window Reboot your computer.Modem (dial-u

77www.gateway.com Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBX line. These lines do not work with your modem. Check for line noise (

78www.gateway.com If the modem shares the telephone line with another device, make sure that the telephone line is not in use (for example, someone i

79www.gateway.com3 Click the modem you want to adjust, then click Properties.4 Click the Modem tab, then adjust the Speaker volume control.5 Click OK

80www.gateway.com You demagnetize the screen using the monitor’s degauss feature. For more information on degauss, see your monitor’s documentation.W

81www.gateway.comIf you have an optical mouse, clean the mouse by wiping the bottom with a clean, damp cloth. Make sure that the optical sensor is cle

82www.gateway.comThe printer is on but will not print Check the cable between the printer and your computer. Make sure that it is connected to the co

83www.gateway.com Wait until files have been printed before sending additional files to the printer. If you print large files or many files at one t

3www.gateway.comSearching for a topicTo search for a topic in Help and Support, type a word or phrase (keyword) in the Search box located at the top o

84www.gateway.com

Chapter 785Networking Your Computer Introducing networking Creating an Ethernet network Testing your network Sharing your resources Troubleshooti

86www.gateway.comIntroduction to networkingA network is a collection of computers and other devices that communicate with each other.Using a networkA

87www.gateway.comPlaying multi-player gamesWith a home network, you can play multi-player games. Load a game like Microsoft Racing Madness 2 on your c

88www.gateway.comWireless Ethernet speed and frequencyWireless Ethernet is available at two different speeds and at two different frequencies. The fol

89www.gateway.comThe most common way to set up a wireless Ethernet network is Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) using a wireless access point route

90www.gateway.comEquipment you need for an access point wireless Ethernet networkFor an access point wireless Ethernet network you need: Two or more

91www.gateway.comDetermining if wireless Ethernet is already installed on your computersTo determine if wireless Ethernet is already installed on your

92www.gateway.comWired Ethernet networkCreate a wired Ethernet network by using special wires to connect all the computers and devices on your network

93www.gateway.comExample router-based wired Ethernet networkThe following is an example of a wired Ethernet network. The network is made up of a route