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8513152.book Page i Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Contents Chapter 1: About This Reference . . . . . . . . . . . 1 About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Accessing the online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 eMachines contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Computer . .
8513152.book Page ii Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Contents Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8513152.book Page iii Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8513152.book Page iv Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Contents Technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Before calling Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Calling Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Appendix A: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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513152.book Page 2 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 1: About This Reference About this guide This guide includes information and maintenance instructions that are specific to your model of eMachines computer. Some illustrations in this guide may look different than your computer because hardware options and port locations may vary. For all other computer information, see your online User Guide. For more information For more information about your computer, visit the eMachines Support page at www.
8513152.book Page 3 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com eMachines contact information See your setup poster for Customer Care contact information. The label on the top of your computer contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number. Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance.
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8513152.book Page 7 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Component Icon Description Optical disc drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and programs, watch DVDs, and store large files onto recordable discs (depending on drive type). This drive may be a CD, recordable CD, DVD, recordable DVD, Blu-ray, or HD DVD drive. For more information about your drive, see “Identifying optical drive types” on page 23.
8513152.book Page 8 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Computer Back Important Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this illustration.
8513152.book Page 9 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Component Icon Description Microphone jack (pink plug) Plug a microphone into this jack. Headphone/ speaker jack (green plug) Plug headphones or speakers into this jack. Telephone jack (optional) Plug the cord from your telephone into this jack. Case thumbscrew Remove this screw before opening the case. PS/2 mouse port Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.
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8513152.book Page 12 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Working safely and comfortably Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain: • Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor. • Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye level. • Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
8513152.book Page 13 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Reducing eye strain Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the monitor screen or shine directly into your eyes. • Position the computer desk and screen so you can avoid glare on your screen and light shining directly into your eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains on windows, and by installing a glare screen filter. • Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your computer in a dark room.
8513152.book Page 14 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Sitting at your computer • Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type. • Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your back • • straight so your knees, hips, and elbows form right angles when you work. Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs. Avoid twisting your torso or neck.
8513152.book Page 15 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Checking the voltage selection Caution If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system will be damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location before turning on your computer. In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115 volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when your computer is operating in the United States.
8513152.book Page 16 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Connecting a dial-up modem Warning To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line cord. Your computer may have a 56K modem that you can use with a standard telephone line to connect to the Internet or fax documents. To connect the modem: 1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on the modem at the back of your computer.
8513152.book Page 17 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com 5 To open your computer’s Start menu, click (Start). From that menu, you can run programs and search for files. For more information on using your computer’s menus, see “Using Windows” and “Customizing Windows” in your online User Guide. Waking up your computer Tip For more information about changing the power button mode, see the “Customizing” chapter in your online User Guide.
8513152.book Page 18 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started To put your computer to sleep: 1 Click (Start), then click (power). The computer saves your session and partially shuts down to save power. 2 To “wake” your computer, press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button. To turn off your computer: 1 Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Shut Down. The computer turns off.
8513152.book Page 19 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Restarting (rebooting) your computer If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, you may need to restart (reboot) your computer. To restart your computer: (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Restart. Your computer turns off, then turns on again.
8513152.book Page 20 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Using the keyboard The keyboard has several different types of keys and buttons. Your keyboard also has status indicators that show which keyboard feature is active. Audio playback buttons Function keys Windows key Indicators Windows key Navigation keys Application key Numeric keypad Feature Description Function keys Press these keys to start program actions.
8513152.book Page 21 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Using the mouse Right button Left button Scroll wheel The mouse is a device that controls the pointer movement on the computer display. This illustration shows the standard mouse. As you move the mouse, the pointer (arrow) on the display moves in the same direction.
8513152.book Page 22 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started You can use the left and right buttons on the mouse to select objects on the display. You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move through a document. This feature is not available in all programs. To... Do this... Move the pointer on the computer display Move the mouse around.
8513152.book Page 23 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Using optical drives Features Your optical drive has the following basic components: Flip-down door Activity indicator Eject button Loading an optical disc To insert an optical disc: 1 Press the eject button on the optical disc drive. Important When you place a single-sided disc in the tray, make sure that the label side is facing up.
8513152.book Page 24 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started If your optical drive has this logo... Your drive type is... Use your drive for... DVD/CD-RW Installing programs, playing audio CDs, accessing data, creating CDs, and playing DVDs. DVD Installing programs, playing audio CDs, playing DVDs, and accessing data. DVD+RW Installing programs, playing audio CDs, playing DVDs, accessing data, and recording video and data to CDs and DVD+R or DVD+RW discs.
8513152.book Page 25 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Playing discs Playing a CD Important Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs on your computer. A standard compact disc (CD) can hold an entire album of digital songs and can be played on a CD player or your computer’s CD drive.
8513152.book Page 26 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Creating discs Recording to optical discs You can use the disc burning program on your computer to copy tracks from a music CD to your hard drive, copy or create data discs, create music CDs, create video DVDs, and more. For more information about creating CDs and DVDs, see your online User Guide. Creating audio and video files You can create audio and music files, either from scratch or from music CDs.
8513152.book Page 27 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Memory card types The memory card reader supports several memory card types. To determine which types are supported by your card reader and the slots to use for each type of card, examine the face plate of the reader. Each slot is assigned a different drive letter (for example, the E: and F: drives), so data can be transferred from one memory card type to another.
8513152.book Page 28 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started To adjust the overall volume using hardware controls: • If you are using external speakers, turn the knob on the front of the speakers. -ORUse the mute and volume control buttons on the keyboard. For more information, see “Using the keyboard” on page 20. To adjust the volume from Windows: (Volume) on the taskbar. The volume control slider opens.
8513152.book Page 29 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com 4 To adjust device volume levels, click Mixer. The Volume Mixer dialog box opens, where you can click and drag sliders for individual devices. Tip Adjust the Windows Sounds slider to change system sounds volume independently of general volume (such as the volume used for music and game sounds). 5 Click X in the top-right corner of the window to close it.
8513152.book Page 30 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started 2 Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 3 Click Hardware and Sound, Sound, the Playback tab, then click Configure. -ORIf your computer has the Realtek Sound Effect Manager installed, double-click the Sound Effect Manager icon on the taskbar. The Realtek dialog box opens. 4 Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the audio jacks for your speaker setup.
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8513152.book Page 32 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer Preventing static electricity discharge Warning To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer and unplug the power cord and modem and network cables before opening the case. To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent holes of the power supply.
8513152.book Page 33 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Removing the side panel Warning To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer, then unplug the power cord and modem cable before opening the case. To remove the side panel: 1 Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 32. 2 Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power cord and modem, network, and all peripheral device cables.
8513152.book Page 34 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer 2 Press the three bezel retention tabs, then swing the left side of the bezel away from the computer and remove it.
8513152.book Page 35 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Closing the case Replacing the front bezel To replace the front bezel: 1 Slide the tabs on the right side of the bezel into the slots on the right side of the computer. Tabs 2 Swing the left side of the bezel in to insert the release tabs on the left side of the bezel into the slots on the left side of the computer. 3 Press the left side of the bezel firmly until the release tabs snap into place.
8513152.book Page 36 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer Replacing the side panel To replace the side panel: 1 Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged inside the computer so they will not be pinched when you close the computer. 2 Slide the side panel toward the front of the computer until the back of the side panel is flush with the back of the computer.
8513152.book Page 37 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com 2 Press firmly on the lower left and lower right parts of the color panel to release the panel from the front bezel. You should press the two points against the computer until you hear or feel a click, which is the sound of the panel’s internal locking tabs unlocking. Press here 3 Swing the bottom of the panel away from the bezel and remove it. The panel should easily slide out.
8513152.book Page 38 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer 4 Slide the tabs of the new color panel up into the slots on the front bezel. 5 Press firmly on the lower left and lower right parts of the color panel to engage the panel’s internal locking tabs. You should press the two points against the computer until you hear or feel a click, which is the sound of the panel’s internal locking tabs locking the panel partially into place.
8513152.book Page 39 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com 4 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 remove it. - OR If you are adding a DIMM to an empty memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory module bank. 5 Align the notches on the new DIMM with the notches on the memory module bank and press the module firmly into the bank.
8513152.book Page 40 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer Adding or replacing an optical disc drive Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace an optical drive. To add replace an optical drive: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 33. 2 Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in “Removing the front bezel” on page 33.
8513152.book Page 41 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com 6 Remove the two drive retention screws. Drive retention screws 7 Slide the drive forward and out of the drive bay. 8 Slide the new drive into the drive bay, line up the screw holes on the drive bay with the screw holes on the drive, then replace the two drive retention screws. 9 Reconnect the drive cables using your notes from 4, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8513152.book Page 42 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer Replacing the media panel The media panel on the front of your computer can contain various features, including headphone and microphone jacks, USB ports, and memory card reader slots. The features included on your computer’s media panel may vary from that shown. Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to replace the media panel.
8513152.book Page 43 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com 4 While holding the retention tab out, rotate the bezel upward and away from the computer. 5 On the left side of the case, remove the screw that secures the media panel to the computer. Screw 6 Take note of where the media panel’s cables are connected to the system board, then disconnect the cables from the system board.
8513152.book Page 44 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer 7 Remove the cables from the cable clip on the bottom of the case. Cable clip 8 Remove the media panel from your computer. 9 Guide the cables of the new media panel through the hole in the front of the case, then slide the new media panel into place. 10 Secure the media panel with the screw you removed previously, then snap the panel’s bezel into place.
8513152.book Page 45 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Adding or replacing a hard drive Important The number and type of hard drives in your computer may vary from that shown. To add or replace a hard drive: Tools You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace a hard drive. 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 33. 2 Disconnect and label all hard drive cables, noting their locations and orientation.
8513152.book Page 46 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer 3 Loosen the captive thumbscrew that secures the hard drive cage to the computer. (This screw cannot be removed.) Hard drive cage thumbscrew 4 Remove the hard drive cage from the computer. 5 If you are replacing a drive, remove the screws that secure the hard drive to the hard drive cage, then slide the old hard drive out of the cage.
8513152.book Page 47 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com 8 Line up the tabs on the right side of the cage with the slots on the inside of the case, then slide the cage into the case. Hard drive cage tabs Slots on inside of case 9 Tighten the cage thumbscrew, then plug the hard drive cage fan cable back into the system board. 10 Connect the drive cables. If you are replacing a drive, use your notes from 2.
8513152.book Page 48 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer 3 Unplug the heat sink fan cable from the system board. Processor fan cable 4 Loosen the four captive screws that secure the heat sink and fan assembly to the system board, then remove the assembly and place it on a stable surface with the flat surface of the heat sink (the side with the thermal grease) up. (The four screws cannot be completely removed.
8513152.book Page 49 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com 5 Push the processor release lever down, lift it completely up, then lift the processor retention bracket. 6 Remove the processor from the system board. 7 Install the new processor onto the system board.
8513152.book Page 50 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer Adding or replacing an expansion card To add or replace an expansion card: 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page 33. 2 If you are replacing an expansion card, disconnect any cables that are attached to the card, noting their locations and orientation. (You may need to reconnect the cables after you install the new card.) 3 Open the card retention lever.
8513152.book Page 51 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com 5 Install the new card into the expansion slot. You can slightly seesaw the card end-to-end to help insert the card, but do not bend the card sideways. 6 If you have just replaced an expansion card, reconnect the expansion card cables (if any) using your notes from 2. If you have added a new expansion card, connect its cables according to its user guide. 7 Press the card retention lever back into place.
8513152.book Page 52 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer 7 Locate the old battery on the system board and note its orientation. You will need to install the new battery the same way. Important Your computer’s battery location may vary from the illustration below. Battery release tab 8 Push the battery release tab. The battery pops out of the socket.
8513152.book Page 53 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com 3 Remove all memory modules by following the directions in “Installing memory” on page 38. 4 Disconnect all the power and data cables from the system board, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new board.) Tip You can label each cable with tape to make it easier to re-connect them later.
8513152.book Page 54 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer 11 Connect all power and data cables using your notes from 4. 12 Reinstall any memory modules you removed previously. 13 Reinstall any expansion cards you removed previously. 14 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on page 36.
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8513152.book Page 56 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer Setting up a maintenance schedule Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule.
8513152.book Page 57 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Caring for your computer To extend the life of your computer: • 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 the original packaging materials. • Keep your computer away from magnetic fields. Magnetic fields can erase data on hard drives.
8513152.book Page 58 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning your computer Keeping your computer clean and the vents free from dust helps keep your computer performing at its best.
8513152.book Page 59 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Cleaning the keyboard You should occasionally clean the keyboard to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys. To clean the keyboard: 1 Use an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys. 2 If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off your computer and turn the keyboard upside down. Let the liquid drain, then let the keyboard dry before trying to use it again.
8513152.book Page 60 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer Cleaning optical discs Optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs) get dirty from frequent handling. To clean an optical disc: • Wipe from the center to the edge, not around in a circle, using a product made especially for the purpose. Updating Windows Windows Update helps you keep your computer up-to-date. Use Windows Update to choose updates for your computer’s operating system, software, and hardware.
8513152.book Page 61 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Using BigFix BigFix monitors your computer for problems and conflicts. It automatically gathers information about the latest bugs, security alerts, and updates from BigFix sites on the Internet. Whenever BigFix detects a problem, it alerts you by flashing the blue taskbar icon. To fix the problem, click on that icon to open BigFix. To start BigFix: (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click BigFix.
8513152.book Page 62 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer Checking hard drive space To check hard drive space: Shortcut Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive Ö Properties 1 Click (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens. 2 Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file space, then click Properties. Drive space information appears.
8513152.book Page 63 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Deleting unnecessary files Delete unnecessary files, such as temporary files and files in the Recycle Bin, to free hard drive space. To delete unnecessary files: Shortcut Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive Ö Properties Ö Disk Cleanup 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Disk Cleanup. The Disk Cleanup dialog box opens.
8513152.book Page 64 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer To check the hard drive for errors: 1 Click (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens. 2 Right-click the drive that you want to check for errors, click Properties, then click the Tools tab. 3 Click Check Now, then click Start. Your drive is checked for errors. This process may take several minutes. Important Error checking cannot scan a drive while the drive is being used.
8513152.book Page 65 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Disk Defragmenter 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 Disk Defragmenter is running, do not use your keyboard or mouse because using them may continuously stop and restart the defragmenting process.
8513152.book Page 66 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer You should back up your files regularly to a writable optical disc (if you have a recordable drive). Use a backup device, such as a recordable disc drive, to do a complete hard drive backup. To back up files: 1 Click (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens. 2 Right-click the drive that you want to back up, click Properties, then click the Tools tab.
8513152.book Page 67 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com To start the Task Scheduler: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Task Scheduler. The Task Scheduler dialog box opens. 2 Click Create Basic Task for basic tasks or click Create Task for more complex tasks, then follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up and scheduling the task. Help For more information about scheduling tasks, click Start, then click Help and Support.
8513152.book Page 68 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer To move files and settings from your old computer: 1 If you want to transfer program settings to your new computer, install those programs on the new computer before running Windows Easy Transfer. Windows Easy Transfer copies only the software’s settings, not the software itself, to the new computer. 2 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Windows Easy Transfer.
8513152.book Page 69 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com 4 Copy your personal data files to removable media or to another computer on your network. Finding other files Use Windows Find or Search to locate other personal data files. For more information, see “Using Windows” in your online User Guide. You can often identify different data file types by looking at the file’s extension (the part of the file name following the last period). For example, a document file might have a .
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8513152.book Page 72 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 6: Troubleshooting Safety guidelines While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines: Warning To avoid bodily injury, do not attempt to troubleshoot your computer problem if: • Power cords or plugs are damaged • Liquid has been spilled into your computer • Your computer was dropped • The case was damaged Instead, unplug your computer and contact a qualified computer technician.
8513152.book Page 73 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Error messages Error message Action “Insufficient disk space” See “You get an “Insufficient disk space” error message” on page 83. “Data error” See “You get a “Data error” message” on page 84. “General failure reading drive C” See “The hard drive cannot be accessed, or you see a “General failure reading drive C” error message” on page 84.
8513152.book Page 74 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 6: Troubleshooting Internet and networking Internet If you do not find a solution to your problem in this section, the issue may be networking related. See “Networking” on page 78 for more information. You cannot connect to the Internet • If you are using a cable or DSL modem, make sure that the modem cable is securely plugged into the Ethernet network jack. See more troubleshooting at “Modem (cable or DSL)” on page 75.
8513152.book Page 75 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com People are sending you e-mails, but you have not received them • Click the Receive or Send and Receive button in your e-mail program. This checks your mail server for incoming e-mail. • Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is set up correctly. Contact your ISP for technical support. E-mails you send are returned as undeliverable • Check the spelling of the e-mail address you are sending e-mail to.
8513152.book Page 76 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 6: Troubleshooting Modem (dial-up) See also “Internet and networking” on page 74. Your modem does not dial or does not connect • Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. • Make sure that your computer is connected to the telephone line and the telephone line has a dial tone.
8513152.book Page 77 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com You cannot connect to the Internet • The ISP may be having technical difficulties. Contact your ISP for technical support. • Review the troubleshooting information under “Internet and networking” on page 74. Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates over public telephone lines to 53K.
8513152.book Page 78 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 6: Troubleshooting 3 Click the Modem tab, then adjust the Speaker volume control. 4 Click OK twice to close the dialog boxes. Networking You cannot see the other computers on your network • If a network cable is connected to your computer, make sure that the other end is plugged into a network router, switch, hub, or other network device. • Make sure that the other computers are turned on.
13152.book Page 79 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Power Your computer will not turn on • Make sure that the power cord is connected to an AC power source and to your computer, and that your computer is turned on. If your power cables are connected to a power strip, make sure it is turned on. • Test the outlet by plugging in a working device, such as • a lamp. Make sure that the power cord is free from cuts or damage, and r eplace any damaged cables.
8513152.book Page 80 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 6: Troubleshooting The color is not uniform • Make sure that the display warms up for at least 30 minutes before making a final judgment about color uniformity. The text on the display is dim or difficult to read • Adjust the brightness and contrast controls. • Change the display settings. For instructions, see your online User Guide. • For more information about display types, see your display and video card documentation.
8513152.book Page 81 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com • Reinstall the printer driver. See your printer’s user guide for instructions. • Wait until files have been printed before sending additional files to the printer. • If you print large files or many files at one time, you may • want to add additional memory to the printer. See the printer documentation for instructions on adding additional memory. Contact your printer manufacturer’s technical support.
8513152.book Page 82 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 6: Troubleshooting • The regional code of the movie disc may not match your • • drive’s regional code. Play only discs with a regional code for your region. The DVD regional code for the United States and Canada is 1, and the regional code for Mexico is 4. The Blu-ray regional code for North and South America is A, although many (if not most) Blu-ray movies are region-free. Update the device driver.
8513152.book Page 83 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Keyboard The keyboard does not work • Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged in correctly. • Clean the keyboard by using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys. • Try a keyboard that you know works to make sure that the keyboard port works. Liquid spilled in the keyboard • Turn off your computer and unplug the keyboard.
8513152.book Page 84 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 6: Troubleshooting A file was accidentally deleted • If a file was deleted while holding down the SHIFT key, or if the Recycle Bin has been emptied since the file was deleted, the file cannot be restored. To restore deleted files: 1 Double-click the Recycle Bin icon. 2 Right-click the file you want to restore, then click Restore. The file is restored to the place where it was originally deleted from.
8513152.book Page 85 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Checking the hard drive for errors Use Error-checking if you encounter hard drive problems. Error-checking examines the hard drive for file and folder problems, then corrects the data problems that it finds. To check the hard drive for errors: (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens. 1 Click 2 Right-click the drive that you want to check for errors, click Properties, then click the Tools tab.
8513152.book Page 86 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 6: Troubleshooting You see a “Not enough memory” error message • Close all programs, then restart your computer. • If you continue to receive this error message, consider adding more memory to your computer. Audio You are not getting sound from the speakers • Make sure that the volume controls are turned up and not muted. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 28.
8513152.book Page 87 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Expansion cards The computer does not recognize an expansion card • Restart your computer. • Make sure that you have installed the required software. For more information, see your expansion card’s documentation. • Remove the card from your computer’s expansion slot, then reinstall the card. Media Center This section only covers problems relating to Media Center mode.
8513152.book Page 88 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 6: Troubleshooting • Screen resolution—Many TVs cannot display the high • • resolution that your computer’s video signal uses, and may shift, scramble, or scroll the picture. For a better picture on a TV display, you may need to lower the computer’s screen resolution to 800 × 600 or 640 × 480. For more information about changing the screen resolution, see your online User Guide.
8513152.book Page 89 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Checking for device problems Faulty devices or corrupt device drivers can cause a variety of problems on your computer. Checking the condition of system devices and the status of their drivers can help pinpoint the problem. To check for device problems: (Start), type device manager, then press ENTER. Device Manager opens. 1 Click 2 Examine the list of computer device types.
8513152.book Page 90 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 6: Troubleshooting Recovering your system You can solve most computer problems by following the information in “Troubleshooting” on page 71 or in the technical support pages at www.emachines.com. Problem solving may also involve reinstalling some or all of the computer’s software (also called recovering or restoring your system). eMachines provides everything you need to recover your system under most conditions.
8513152.book Page 91 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Creating recovery discs If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods, you may need to reinstall the Windows operating system and factory-loaded software and drivers. To reinstall using discs, you must create the set of recovery discs beforehand. To create recovery discs: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, eMachines, then click eMachines Recovery Management. eMachines Recovery Management opens.
8513152.book Page 92 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 6: Troubleshooting The Create Backup Disc dialog box opens. This dialog box tells you the number of blank, recordable discs you will need to complete the recovery discs. Make sure that you have the required number of identical, blank discs ready before continuing. 3 Insert a blank disc into the drive indicated in the Burn to list, then click Next. The first disc begins recording, and you can watch its progress on the screen.
8513152.book Page 93 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Recovering pre-installed software and drivers As a troubleshooting step, you may need to reinstall the software and device drivers that came pre-installed on your computer from the factory. You can recover using either your hard drive or the backup discs you have created. • New software—If you need to recover software that did not come pre-installed on your computer, you need to follow that software’s installation instructions.
8513152.book Page 94 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 6: Troubleshooting 3 Click Contents. A list of software and device drivers opens. 4 Click the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want to reinstall. Returning to a previous system condition Microsoft System Restore periodically takes “snapshots” of your system settings and saves them as restore points.
8513152.book Page 95 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com 2 On the left side of the window, click Repair Windows using System Restore, then click Next. The Choose a restore point dialog box opens. 3 Click the restore point you want, click Next, then click Finish. A confirmation message box appears. 4 Click Yes. Your system is restored using the restore point you specified. This process may take several minutes, and may restart your computer.
8513152.book Page 96 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 6: Troubleshooting Recovering from within Windows Vista To reinstall Windows Vista and all pre-installed software and drivers: 1 Click (Start), All Programs, eMachines, then click eMachines Recovery Management. eMachines Recovery Management opens. 2 Click the Restore tab, then click Restore system to factory default. The Confirm Restoration dialog box opens. 3 Click Yes, then click Start.
8513152.book Page 97 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Recovering from the hard drive during startup To reinstall Windows Vista and all pre-installed software and drivers: 1 Turn on your computer, then press ALT+F10 during startup. eMachines Recovery Management opens. 2 Click Restore system from factory default. Caution Continuing the process will erase all files on your hard drive. 3 Click Next to continue. Your hard drive’s original, factory-loaded contents are recovered.
8513152.book Page 98 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Chapter 6: Troubleshooting Technical support Before calling Customer Care If you have a technical problem with your computer, follow these recommendations before contacting Customer Care: • Make sure that your computer is connected correctly to an AC power outlet that is supplying power. If you use a surge protector or power strip, make sure that it is turned on.
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8513152.book Page 100 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Appendix A: Legal Notices Important safety information Warning Always follow these instructions to help guard against personal injury and damage to your eMachines system. Your eMachines system is designed and tested to meet the latest standards for safety of information technology equipment. However, to ensure safe use of this product, it is important that the safety instructions marked on the product and in the documentation are followed.
8513152.book Page 101 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com • • • • • • • • • • Do not walk on the power cord or allow anything to rest on it. Do not spill anything on the system. The best way to avoid spills is to avoid eating and drinking near your system. Some products have a replaceable CMOS battery on the system board. There is a danger of explosion if the CMOS battery is replaced incorrectly. Replace the battery with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.
8513152.book Page 102 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Appendix A: Legal Notices FCC declaration of conformity Responsible party: Gateway, Inc. 7565 Irvine Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618 Phone: 800-846-2000 Caution Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Gateway could void the FCC compliance and negate your authority to operate the product. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
8513152.book Page 103 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Canada Industry Canada (IC) Unintentional emitter per ICES-003 This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of Industry Canada.
8513152.book Page 104 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Appendix A: Legal Notices Television antenna connectors protection (for systems fitted with TV/cable TV tuner cards) External television antenna grounding Important The instructions are for the person who installs cable to the system. eMachines assumes you are qualified in the servicing of computer equipment and trained in recognizing hazards in products with electric shock.
8513152.book Page 105 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Power lines Warning When installing or realigning an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits. Contact with them could be fatal. Do not locate the antenna near overhead light or power circuits, or where it could fall into such power lines or circuits.
8513152.book Page 106 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Appendix A: Legal Notices Environmental information The product you have purchased contains extracted natural resources that have been used in the manufacturing process. This product may contain substances known to be hazardous to the environment or to human health.
8513152.book Page 107 Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:57 PM www.emachines.com Trademark acknowledgments eMachines, Gateway, and the Black-and-White Spot Design are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gateway, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Intel, Intel Inside logo, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Microsoft, MS and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
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