Quick Reference Guide

CHAPTER 13: Troubleshooting
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Safety guidelines
While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines:
First steps
If you have problems with your computer, try these things first:
• Make sure that the power cord is connected to your computer and an AC outlet and that
the AC outlet is supplying power.
• If you use a power strip or surge protector, make sure that it is turned on.
• If a peripheral device (such as a keyboard or mouse) does not work, make sure that all
connections are secure.
• Make sure that your hard drive is not full.
• If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. The message
may help Gateway Customer Care in diagnosing and fixing the problem.
• If you added or removed peripheral devices, review the installation procedures you
performed and make sure that you followed each instruction.
• If an error occurs in a program, see the program’s printed documentation or the online help.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting topics are listed in alphabetical order.
Audio
See “Sound” on page 156.
Warning
Never remove your computer case cover while your computer is turned
on and while the modem cable, network cable, and power cord are connected.
Warning
Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal
components. For more information about preventing damage from static
electricity, see “Preventing static electricity discharge” in your hardware
reference.
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.
Help
For more information about troubleshooting, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type the keyword/phrase troubleshooting in the Search Help box,
then click E
NTER.