Troubleshooting

    This chapter gives possible solutions to common problems. If the suggestions in this chapter do not fix your problem, see "Getting Help" or double-click the QuickAnswers icon on the Windows desktop.

Safety guidelines

    While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines:

Never open the memory bay cover while your computer is turned on.
Make sure you are properly grounded before accessing internal components such as memory modules. For more information about preventing damage from static electricity, see "Preventing static electricity."

First steps

    If you have problems with your computer, try these things first:

Make sure the power adapter is connected to your computer and an AC outlet and that the AC outlet is supplying power.
If a peripheral such as the keyboard, mouse, or printer does not work, make sure all connections are secure.
Make sure that your hard drive is not too full. For information on freeing up hard drive space, see "Hard drive."
If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. The message may help technical support in diagnosing and fixing the problem.
If you added or removed computer components, review the installation procedures you performed and make sure you followed each instruction.
If an error occurs in a program, consult its online Help and printed documentation.
On the Windows desktop, double-click the QuickAnswers icon for additional troubleshooting information.

    Warning

    Do not attempt to troubleshoot your computer problem if power cords or plugs are damaged, if your computer was dropped, or if the cabinet was damaged. Instead, unplug your computer and contact a qualified computer technician.

    Troubleshooting

    BIOS

    You receive a "Divide overflow error" message.

    You need to make a change in the BIOS Setup menu.
        1. During startup, enter BIOS Setup by pressing F2. A message opens that reads "Warning! The CMOS checksum is invalid. Default values will be loaded."
        2. On the Exit menu, select Save changes and exit, then press Enter.

    Boot order

    You need to boot the system to diskette or CD-ROM.

      To change the boot order:

        1. During startup, enter BIOS Setup by pressing F2.
        2. In the Boot menu, change the Boot sequence or Boot Device Priority setting to place the boot device you want first on the list.
        3. On the Exit menu, select Exit Saving Changes, then press Enter.

    CD/DVD drive

    The CD/DVD drive will not read discs.

    The disc may not be properly seated in the tray. When you place a disc in the tray, make sure that you press the disc firmly onto the spindle so the retaining clips hold the disc in place.

    The DVD player will not play certain DVDs.

    DVD disks and drives contain regional codes that help control DVD title exports and help reduce illegal disc distribution. To be able to play a DVD disc, the disc's regional code and your DVD drive's regional code must match. The regional code on your system's DVD drive is determined by the computer's delivery address. The regional code for the disc is on the disc, disc documentation, or packaging.

    Device conflicts

    You have added a new device, such as a PC Card, to the computer and now your computer has problems.

    Make sure that the device you installed is not causing a system resource (IRQ) conflict. You can check your computer's IRQ usage in the Device Manager. Use this information to help determine which IRQs to disable if you need to free up resources for a new device.
        To check IRQ usage:
        1. Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
        2. Double-click the System icon, then click the Device Manager tab. The Device Manager opens.
        3. Click Computer, then click Properties. The Computer Properties dialog box opens and displays the IRQs and their hardware assignments.
        To free IRQ resources:
        1. Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
        2. Double-click the System icon, then click the Device Manager tab.
        3. Check the device properties for a resource conflict. A device with a resource conflict appears as a black exclamation point within a yellow circle .
        4. Remove the device you are trying to install.
        5. Determine which one of your ports you can temporarily disable. For example, you could disable the IR or serial port.
        6. In the Device Manager, double-click Ports, click the port you want to disable, then click Properties.
        7. In the Device usage area, select the Disabled in this hardware profile check box, then click OK.
        8. When you are finished using the device, return to the Device Manager and enable the port by clicking to clear the Disabled in this hardware profile check box.

    Diskette Drive

    You receive an "Access Denied" or "Write protect error" message.

    Make sure the write protection tab is moved over the hole on the back of the diskette. For more information on write protecting diskettes, see See "To create an emergency startup diskette:".
    Try saving to a new file or diskette.

    You receive a "Data error" message.

    This may be a result of a defective area on the disk. To fix disk problems run the ScanDisk program. For more information about using this utility, see "Scanning the hard drive for errors".

    You receive a "Non-system disk or disk error" message.

    Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press Enter.

    File management

    A file was accidentally deleted.

      To restore deleted files:

        1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon.
        2. Right-click the file you want to restore, then select Restore. The file is restored. If the file was deleted at a DOS prompt, it cannot be restored except by using Gateway GoBack.

    You receive a "Bad command or file name" error message.

    Make sure you typed the correct command.
    Make sure the correct drive letter was specified, then retry.
    The boot sector may have been altered by a virus. Try running your virus scan program. For more information about this utility, see "Protecting your computer from viruses".

    Hard drive

    The hard drive cannot be accessed.

    The system may be attempting to start from the diskette drive first.
        To fix the boot order:
        1. During startup, enter BIOS Setup by pressing F2.
        2. In the Boot menu, change the Boot sequence or Boot Device Priority setting to place Hard Drive or 1st Hard Drive first on the list.
        3. On the Exit menu, select Exit Saving Changes, then press Enter.
        4. To boot from a diskette, follow Steps 1-3 above, but change the Boot sequence or Boot Device Priority setting to place Diskette Drive or Removable Devices first on the list.
    If your computer has been subjected to static electricity or physical shock, you may need to reinstall the operating system.

    You receive a "Data error" message.

    This may be a result of a defective area on the disk. To fix disk problems run the ScanDisk program. For more information about using this utility, see "Scanning the hard drive for errors".

    You receive a "General failure reading drive C:" error message.

    Try restarting by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del a few times.
    If drive C: still doesn't work, contact Gateway. See "Technical support resources" for contact information.

    You receive an "Insufficient disk space" error message.

    Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon, then selecting Empty Recycle Bin from the pop-up menu.
    Delete unnecessary files from the disk. To delete unnecessary files, see "Deleting unnecessary files".
    If possible, save your files to another disk or drive.
    If the hard drive is full, copy any files not regularly used to diskettes or other backup media, then delete them from the hard drive.

    You receive a "Non-system disk or disk error" message.

    The hard drive may have been damaged. Contact Gateway Client Care for further help.

    When you start your computer, it runs ScanDisk.

      The computer probably had its power interrupted or was improperly shut down. Windows automatically runs ScanDisk at startup when it senses that the computer was improperly shut down. ScanDisk fixes errors on the hard drive to minimize data loss. To prevent ScanDisk from running when you start your computer, make sure you always shut down by selecting Shut Down from the Start menu.

    Internet

    When you open your Web browser, you receive the message "Unable to locate host" and you are unable to browse the Internet.

      This problem can occur when you've typed a URL (Web address) incorrectly, lost your Internet connection, or the ISP is having technical difficulties.

      Double-check the URL or try a different URL. If the error message still appears, disconnect the ISP connection and close your browser. Then reconnect and open the browser. If you still get the error, your ISP may be the source of the problem.

    People are sending you e-mail, but you haven't been receiving any messages.

      You may need to click on the Send and Receive button on your e-mail program.

    After installing another Internet service provider's software, your connection to gateway.net doesn't work.

      Another Internet service provider's software can conflict with gateway.net's software. Do not use gateway.net and another Internet service on the same computer.

    Keyboard

    You receive a "Keyboard stuck or key failure" error message.

    Remove any objects resting on the keyboard.
    If the keyboard is clear, press each key to loosen a key that might be stuck, then restart the computer.

    Memory

    You receive a "Memory size error" message.

        To have your system recognize the amount of memory installed:
        1. During startup, enter BIOS Setup by pressing F2. When the computer enters the BIOS Setup program, it automatically recognizes the amount of installed memory.
        2. On the Exit menu, select Save changes and exit, then press Enter.

    You receive a "Memory error" message.

    Make sure the memory modules are inserted correctly and securely on the system board. For instructions on inserting memory modules, see "Adding or replacing memory modules."

    You receive a "Not enough memory" error message.

    Close any programs you are not using and restart the system.

    Modems

    You do not get a dial tone.

    Make sure the phone cable is going directly from the wall jack to the modem port.
    Make sure no other devices are plugged into the same line as the modem.
    Make sure you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBX line. They do not work with this modem.
    Unplug all other telephones, surge protectors, caller ID boxes, splitters, answering machines, and fax machines in the house.
    Unplug the line going from the modem port to the wall port and plug in the telephone to the wall port. If there is no dial tone, you have a bad phone line and will need to contact your telephone company.
    Try connecting the modem to a phone line with a separate number.
    Reinstall the modem drivers. For more information on reinstalling drivers, see "Reinstalling device drivers."

    Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K.

      Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates over public telephone lines to 53K. Other factors, such as line noise, telephone service provider equipment, or ISP limitations, may lower the speed even further. Upload speeds (sending data out your computer) are limited to 33.6K.

      If you have a second phone line, the telephone company may have split the bandwidth of the existing line. If this is the case, you will usually not be able to connect at speeds higher than 28.8K.

      You can also try the following:

    Run a line test. For instructions on running a line test, see "To test line noise:".
    Reinstall Dial-Up Networking. For instructions, see "To reinstall dial-up networking:".
    Reinstall your browser.
    Reinstall the modem drivers.

    Your fax communications software says that your maximum send and receive speed is only 14,400 bps, but you have a 56K modem.

      Current fax technology only supports a maximum send and receive rate of 14,400 bps.

    You want to turn the modem volume down and do not want to hear the "handshaking" noises.

      When your modem tries to connect to another modem, it begins handshaking. Handshaking is a digital "getting acquainted" conversation between the two modems that establishes connection speeds and communication protocols they will use.

      To turn down the modem volume:

      1. Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
      2. Double-click the Modems icon. The Modems Properties dialog box appears.
      3. Click Properties.
      4. Adjust the Speaker volume control.

      You can also use AT Commands to adjust your modem speaker volume. For more information, see "AT commands" in your modem's command summary available on Gateway's web site (www.gateway.com).

    While using a certain program, you cannot connect your modem to another modem.

    Test your modem with a different dialing program. If a different dialing program connects, contact the software vendor for support.
    Note any error message.

    You need to find your modem name.

      To find the modem name:

      1. On the Windows desktop, right-click the My Computer icon, then select Properties. The Properties dialog box opens.
      2. Click the Device Manager tab, then double-click Modem. The modem name appears under the Modem heading.

    You need to change the modem's dialing properties.

      Use the modem's dialing properties to change such items as modem volume or to disable such items as call waiting.

      To check the dialing properties:

      1. Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
      2. Double-click the Modems icon, then click Dialing Properties. The Dialing Properties window opens.
      3. Make sure all settings are correct.
      4. If you are not using a calling card or Call Waiting, clear the Dial Using Calling Card and Call Waiting check boxes.

    You receive an "Unable to establish protocols" error message.

      You need to reinstall dial-up networking.

      To reinstall dial-up networking:

      1. Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
      2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs, then click the Windows Setup tab.
      3. Double-click Communications.
      4. Clear the Dial-Up Networking check box, then click OK twice. The System Settings Change dialog box opens.
      5. Click Yes. The system restarts.
      6. Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
      7. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon, then click the Windows Setup tab.
      8. Double-click Communications.
      9. Select the Dial-Up Networking check box, then click OK twice. The System Settings Change dialog box opens.
      10. Click Yes. The system restarts. If you are asked to insert your operating system CD, do so.

      To install dial-up networking components:

      1. Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
      2. Double-click the Network icon.
      3. If TCP/IP is not included in the Network Components list, do the following:
        1. Click Add, then select Protocol, Add, then select Microsoft as the manufacturer.
        2. Click TCP/IP on the right side of the dialog box, then click OK.
      4. Click Client for Netware Networks, then click Remove.
      5. Click IPX/SPX, then click Remove.
      6. Click NetBeui, then click Remove.
      7. Make sure the Primary Network Logon field is set to Windows Logon.
      8. Click OK twice, then restart the system.

      To connect with dial-up networking:

    Retry your ISP connection. If you are still having problems, contact your ISP to verify settings.

    You need to change the modem's DTE rate.

      1. Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
      2. Double-click the Modems icon, then click Properties.
      3. Change the port rate in the Maximum Speed field, then click OK.
      4. Close the Modems Properties dialog box.

      To change the actual modem connect rate, see "AT commands" in your modem's command summary available on Gateway's web site (www.gateway.com).

    You need to test your modem.

      You can check modem connection speeds and dial-up network (DUN) connections by accessing the gateway.your.way dial-up server. The server also contains drivers, patches, and updates for current Gateway hardware and software.

      The server provides a secure connection and is a stand-alone server. You cannot use it to access the Internet. The server cannot be accessed Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CST, when the server is backed up.

      To access the gateway.your.way dial-up server:

      1. Double-click the My Computer icon, then double-click the Dial-Up Networking icon. The Dial-Up Networking window opens.
      2. Double-click the Make New Connection icon, then type gateway.your.way in the Type a name for the computer you are dialing text box.
      3. Click Configure.
      4. Click the Options tab, select the Bring up terminal window after dialing and Display modem status check boxes, then click OK.
      5. Click Next.
      6. In the Phone number text box, type 1-888-888-0520, then click Next. Remember to include any special numbers (such as 9, to get an outside line) that are required by your phone system in the correct text boxes.
      7. Click Finish. An icon for gateway.your.way appears in the Dial Up Networking window.
      8. Right-click the gateway.your.way icon, then click Properties. The gateway.your.way Properties dialog box opens.
      9. Click the Server Types tab.
      10. Clear the Log on to network, NetBEUI, and IPX/SPX Compatible check boxes, then click OK.
      11. Double-click the gateway.your.way icon.
      12. Type gwclient in the User Name text box, then click Connect. A black screen opens.
      13. Type gwclient, then press F7. An icon (two blinking computers) appears in the status area of the taskbar, verifying that the modem is connected.
      14. Open your Web browser.
      15. Type gateway.your.way in the Address text box, then press Enter. If a page appears, your modem is working correctly.

    You need to check modem connections.

    Check for a dial tone by plugging a working phone into the wall outlet.
    Check your Setup poster to make sure that the connections have been made correctly.
    Make sure that the modem cable is less than six feet (1.8 meters) long.
    Disconnect any answering machine, fax machine, or printer which is on the same line as the modem. You should not have any of these devices plugged into the same phone line as the modem.
    Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBX line. These lines do not work with this modem.
    Remove any line splitters or surge protectors from the phone line during testing.

    You need to check telephone service options.

    If you have additional phone services, such as call waiting, call messaging, or voice mail, make sure that all messages are cleared and call waiting is disabled before using the modem. Contact your phone service to get the correct code to temporarily disable the service, then change your dialing properties.

    You need to check the computer.

    See if the modem works with other communications software. This determines if there is a problem with just one software program.
    If you are unable to connect to the Internet, check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP may be having some technical difficulties.
    If you recently installed a new piece of software or hardware and started having problems, uninstall the software or remove the hardware and its drivers, then restart the system. If the modem then works, contact the software or hardware vendor of that product for technical support.

    You want to use third-party software.

      Software programs not created by Gateway are called third-party programs. Any third-party communications software will work with your modem when the software is correctly set up. In your communications software settings, wherever you have an option:

    Select the highest transmission speed or baud rate listed.
    Select Fax Class 1.
    Select NONE for parity.
    Select a word length of 8.
    Set Stop Bits to 1.
    Select RTS/CTS (hardware) flow control.

    You need to run modem diagnostics.

      If you have not resolved the problem by following the previous troubleshooting steps, run Windows' modem diagnostics.

      To run modem diagnostics:

      1. Close all open programs.
      2. Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
      3. Double-click the Modems icon. The Modems Properties dialog box opens.
      4. Click the Diagnostic tab, click the COM port next to the modem name, then click More Info.
        The Modem Info dialog box opens. If information about the modem is displayed, the modem passed diagnostics. If no modem information is available, a white screen appears with no data, or if you get an error such as "port already open" or "the modem has failed to respond," the modem did not pass diagnostics.

      If the modem is still having problems even though it passed diagnostics, see "To troubleshoot passed diagnostics:". If it failed diagnostics, continue with the following procedures.

      To troubleshoot failed diagnostics, try the following in order, testing the modem after each:

    Remove accessibility options.
    Rename and recreate the telephon.ini file.
    Disable programs on Startup in Windows 98.
    Check the system.ini file.
    Reinstall the unimodem file.
    Reinstall the modem drivers.

      To remove accessibility options:

      1. Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
      2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. The Add/Remove Programs Properties dialog box opens.
      3. Click the Windows Setup tab, clear the Accessibility Options check box, then click OK.
      4. Restart the system, then run modem diagnostics again.

      To rename and recreate the telephon.ini file:

      1. Click Start, then select Find, then Files or Folders. The Find: All Files window opens.
      2. Type telephon.ini in the Named text box, then click Find Now.
      3. Right-click telephon.ini. A menu opens.
      4. Click Rename, type telephon.123, then press Enter.
      5. Close the Find: All Files window.
      6. Click Start, then select Run. The Run dialog box opens.
      7. Type c:\windows\system\tapiini.exe in the text box, then press Enter. The telephon.ini file is regenerated.
      8. Restart the system, then run modem diagnostics again.

      To disable programs in Windows 98:

      1. Click Start, then select Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then System Information. The Microsoft System Information window opens.
      2. Click Tools, then System Configuration Utility. The System Configuration Utility window opens.
      3. Click Selective startup.
      4. Clear the Load startup group items check box, then click the Win.ini tab.
      5. Double-click the Windows folder.
      6. Clear the Load= and Run= check boxes.
      7. Click OK, then Close. The System Settings Change dialog box opens and prompts you to restart the computer.
      8. Click Yes, then run modem diagnostics again.

      To check the system.ini file:

      1. Click Start, then select Run. The Run dialog box opens.
      2. Type c:\windows\system.ini, then press Enter. The System.ini - Notepad window appears displaying the contents of the system.ini file.
      3. Find the comm.drv= line. If this line reads comm.drv=comm.drv, close Notepad and go to Step 6.
        - OR -
        If the line says anything else, change it to read comm.drv=comm.drv.
      1. Click File, then Save.
      2. Close Notepad.
      3. Restart your system, then run modem diagnostics again.

      To reinstall the unimodem file in Windows 98:

      1. Place your Windows 98 CD into the CD/DVD drive.
      2. Click Start, then select Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then System Information. The Microsoft System Information window opens.
      3. Click Tools, then System File Checker. The System File Checker window opens.
      4. Click Extract one file from installation disk, type unimodem.vxd in the text box, then click Start. The Extract File dialog box opens.
      5. Type d:\win98 in the Restore from text box, then click OK. The Backup File dialog box opens.
      6. Click OK. The Extract File dialog box opens.
      7. Click OK, then Close.
      8. Restart the system, then run modem diagnostics again.

      To reinstall modem drivers:

      For instructions on reinstalling the modem drivers, see "Reinstalling device drivers".

      To troubleshoot passed diagnostics:

      If your modem passed diagnostics but you are still having problems, test the line noise and analyze the modem connections.

      To test line noise:

      Line noise is a common problem that can cause the modem to connect at a slower rate, abort downloads, or even disconnect. The faster the modem, the less line noise it can tolerate and still work properly.

      Try listening to the line first. Use your phone to dial a single number (such as 1). When the dial tone stops, listen for crackling or popping noises. Wiggle the modem cable to see if that makes a difference. Make sure the connectors are free from corrosion and any screws in the wall or phone jack are secure.

      You can also call your phone service and have them check the phone line for noise or low line levels. Tell them that normal voice service is not affected.

      To analyze connections:

      If a connection is established, your modem is working. If a connection cannot be established, try the following steps:

    If the modem did not dial, try another telephone line with a separate phone number.
    Try connecting at a lower rate. If reducing the connect speed lets you connect, contact your phone company. The phone line may be too noisy.
    Try another phone line (either a different phone number in your house, or a phone line at a different location). If you can connect on this line, call your phone company. The phone line may be too noisy.

    If you still have problems...

      If you are still having problems troubleshooting your modem, call Gateway. Call on a separate phone line from the one your computer is using, if possible.

      Take a few minutes to answer these questions before calling to help the technician narrow the possibilities of what might be happening.

    Are you getting any error messages? If so, write them down and look for a pattern.
    Does the modem dial? Do you hear any dial tone or static-like sounds?
    Do you have two separate phone lines in the house?
    When did the modem stop working?
    What program are you having trouble with?
    Have you tried a different program?
    Have you installed any third-party programs?
    Do you have any other devices that need COM ports or serial ports, such as scanners or plotters?

    Networks

    You can't connect to your company's network.

      Every network is unique. Contact your office's IT or IS department or network administrator for help.

    Passwords

    The computer will not accept your password.

    Make sure that Caps Lock and Num Lock are turned off, then retype the password. Make sure you use correct capitalization, or some software will not recognize your password.

    You forgot your startup password.

    The password feature is very secure, with no easy way to recover a forgotten password. You must return your system for repair. Call Gateway Client Care for instructions.

    PC Cards

    You installed a PC Card and now your computer is having problems.

    Make sure that the PC Card you installed is not causing a system resource conflict. For more information on resource conflicts, see "Device conflicts."

    Power

    The computer is not working.

    Make sure all power connections are secure.
    Make sure electricity is supplied to the outlet for the power cord.
    Make sure the cables are free from cuts or damage. Replace any damaged cables.

    Printing

    You receive a "Print queue is full" error message.

    Wait until some files have been printed before sending additional files to the printer. Make sure the printer is not set to work offline.
        To make sure the printer is not set to work offline:
        1. Click Start, then select Settings, then Printer.
        2. Double-click the icon for the printer to which you are printing.
        3. Click Printer and make sure no check mark appears by Use Printer Offline. If it has a check mark, click Use Printer Offline to clear it.
    If you print large files or many files at one time, you may want to add additional memory to the printer. Consult the printer documentation for instructions for adding additional memory.

    You receive a "Printer is out of paper" error message.

    After adding paper, make sure the printer is online. Most printers have an online/offline button that you need to press after adding paper.

    Software

    You are installing a new game and the installation program is asking if it should update your current DirectX drivers.

      Usually, you shouldn't. Most games install a version of DirectX that is older than the one on your system. When the older version is installed, it may cause video display problems. If you are certain that the game's version of DirectX drivers are newer than the currently installed version, it's safe to update the drivers.

    Sound

    You are not getting sound from the speakers.

    If you are using external speakers, check your speaker connections.
    Make sure the Windows volume control is turned up by clicking the status bar speaker icon.
    Make sure that the Mute option is not selected.

    Specifications

      To find your computer's processor type and speed:

      1. Turn on your system.
      2. When the system starts and the prompt Press ESC for Diagnostic Screen, or F2 to change System Settings appears on the screen, press Esc. System information, including the processor type and speed, appears, then the Boot Menu appears.
      3. Continue loading Windows by pressing Enter.

      To find your computer's hard drive size and diskette drive type:

      1. Click Start, then select Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then DriveSpace.
      2. Click the drive letter, then select Drive, then Properties. The drive's type, capacity, and available space is displayed. If the hard drive has multiple partitions (for example, C: and D:), add the capacities of each partition to determine the drive's total capacity.

      To find your computer's operating system and total RAM:

    On the Windows desktop, right-click My Computer, then select Properties. Operating system and RAM information appears.

      To find your computer's optical drive type:

    Examine the drive tray's plastic cover. A blank cover or a cover with the Compact Disc logo indicates a CD drive, and any other logo indicates the type of specialty drive it is (for example, a DVD logo for a DVD drive).

    Time and date

    You receive a "Time and date not set" error message.

    The internal battery that keeps the clock and calendar going ran completely down.

      To reset the time and date:

        1. During startup, enter BIOS Setup by pressing F2.
        2. In the Main menu, change the time and date to the proper settings.
        3. From the Exit menu, select Save changes and exit, then press Enter.

    Video

    The screen is too dark.

    Check the brightness control and turn it to its brightest setting. For information on your computer's brightness controls, see "Button panel".

    The external monitor is not working.

    Make sure that the monitor power is turned on and the video cable is connected.

    The display is "washed out" when switching between programs.

        To adjust the colors:
        1. Right-click the MS Office Toolbar control box.
        2. Select Customize, then click the View tab.
        3. Clear the Use Gradient Fill check box.

    The LCD panel has pixels that are always dark or too bright.

    This is normal and inherent in the TFT technology used in the LCD screen. Gateway's inspection standards keep these to a minimum. If you feel these pixels are unacceptably numerous or dense on your display, contact Gateway Client Care to identify whether a repair or replacement is justified based on the number of pixels affected.

    You need to change the resolution on your display.

      To change the resolution:

      1. Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
      2. Double-click the Display icon, then click the Settings tab.
      3. Move the sliders to adjust the resolution and color depth. At the highest resolutions, all color depths may not be available.

    Windows

    You want to shut down Windows without using a pointing device.

      1. Press Ctrl+Esc. The Start menu opens.
      2. Press the up arrow once to select Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows dialog box opens with Shut down selected.
      3. Press Enter. The computer shuts down.