Quick Reference Guide

CHAPTER 11: Maintaining Your Computer
108
Cleaning the mouse
If the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the computer screen or becomes difficult
to control precisely, cleaning the mouse will likely improve its accuracy.
To clean the mouse:
• Wipe the bottom of the mouse with a damp, lint-free cloth.
Cleaning optical discs
Optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs) get dirty from frequent handling.
To clean an optical disc:
1 Wipe from the center to the edge, not around in a circle, using a product made especially
for the purpose.
Recovering your system
System recovery options
Most computer problems can be solved by following the information in “Troubleshooting” on
page 143 or at www.gateway.com. Problem-solving may also involve re-installing some or all
of the computer’s software (also called recovering or restoring your system). Gateway provides
everything you need to recover your system under most conditions.
• To recover specific files and software, see “Recovering specific files and software” on
page 108.
• To completely restore your system:
• If you can still run Windows, see “Recovering your system using Microsoft System
Restore” on page 109.
• If you cannot run Windows, see “Recovering your system using the Windows DVD” on
page 110
Recovering specific files and software
You can perform a partial recovery by recovering specific files, such as device drivers and most
pre-installed software. If you need to recover software that did not come pre-installed on your
system, you need to follow that software’s installation instructions.
To recover specific drivers and software:
1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Gateway Recovery. The Gateway Recovery
Center opens.
2 Click on the appropriate recovery option, then follow the on-screen instructions.