Gateway Desktop Computer User’s Manual

-1Gateway Desktop ComputerUser’s ManualGateway Desktop ComputerUser’s Manual

2- 2013. All Rights Reserved.Gateway Desktop ComputerCovers: Tower modelsThis revision: October 2013Sign up for an Acer ID and enable Acer Remote FilesOpen the Acer Portal from the Start screen to sign up for anAcer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID.There are three great reason for you to get an Acer ID: Remotely access your PC from your other devices with ourfree Acer Remote Files app Get the latest offers and product information Register your device for warranty serviceFor more information please visit the AcerCloud website:www.acer.com/acercloudModel number:Serial number:Date of purchase:Place of purchase:

Table of contents - 3TABLEOF CONTENTSFirst things first4Your guides . 4Basic care and tips for using yourcomputer. 4Turning your computer on and off. 4Taking care of your computer . 5Power cord information . 5Cleaning and servicing. 6Recovery7Creating a recovery backup. 7Creating a drivers and applicationsbackup . 9Recovering your system . 11Reinstalling drivers and applications. 12Returning to an earlier system snapshot . 14Returning your system to its factorycondition. 15Recovering from Windows . 15Recovering from a recovery backup . 18Connecting to the Internet21Connecting with a cable . 21Memory card reader27Connectivity options. 27Video and audio connectors29HDMI30Universal Serial Bus (USB)31Frequently asked questions32Requesting service . 34Tips and hints for using Windows 8.1 . 36How do I get to Start? . 36What are "Charms?" . 36Can I boot directly to the desktop? . 37How do I jump between apps?. 37How do I turn off my computer?. 37How do I unlock my computer?. 37How do I personalize my computer?. 38Where are my apps?. 40What is a Microsoft ID (account)?. 41How do I add a favorite to InternetExplorer?. 42How do I check for Windows updates?. 42Where can I get more information?. 42Built-in network feature . 21Troubleshooting . 43BIOS utility22Boot sequence. 22Setting passwords . 22Troubleshooting tips. 43Error messages. 43Securing your computer23Using passwords . 23Entering passwords . 23Power management25Saving power. 25Internet and online security45First steps on the net . 45Protecting your computer. 45Choose an Internet Service Provider . 45Network connections. 46Surf the Net!. 48Security . 49Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies56

4 - First things firstFIRSTTHINGS FIRSTWe would like to thank you for making this Gateway desktopcomputer your choice for meeting your computing needs.Your guidesTo help you use your Gateway desktop computer, we have designeda set of guides:First off, the Setup Guide helps you get started with setting up yourcomputer.The Quick Guide introduces you to the basic features and functionsof your new computer. For more on how your computer can help youto be more productive, please refer to the User’s Manual. This guidecontains detailed information on such subjects as system utilities, datarecovery, expansion options and troubleshooting. In addition itcontains general regulations and safety notices for your desktopcomputer. It is available from the desktop; double-click the Help iconand click User’s Manual in the menu that opens.Basic care and tips for using your computerTurning your computer on and offTo turn the power off, do any of the following: Use the Windows shutdown command: Press the Windows key C , click Settings Power then click Shut Down.If you need to power down the computer for a short while, but don’twant to completely shut it down, you can put it into Hibernate bypressing the power button.

First things first - 5You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleephotkey Fn F4 .NoteIf you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the powerbutton for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn offthe computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds beforepowering up.Taking care of your computerYour computer will serve you well if you take care of it. Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it nearsources of heat, such as a radiator. Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0º C (32º F) orabove 50º C (122º F). Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields. Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture. Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer. Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration. Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt. Never place objects on top of the computer. Do not slam the computer display when you close it. Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.Power cord informationHere are some ways to take care of your power cord: Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it.Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from foot traffic. When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself butpull on the plug. The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should notexceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extensioncord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into asingle wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating.

6 - First things firstCleaning and servicingWhen cleaning the computer, follow these steps:1. Turn off the computer.2. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.If either of the following occurs: The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged; The computer does not operate normallySee Frequently asked questions on page 62.

Recovery - 7RECOVERYIf you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently askedquestions (see Frequently asked questions on page 62) do nothelp, you can 'recover' your computer - i.e. return it to an earlier state.This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer.Gateway provides Gateway Recovery Management, which allows youto create a recovery backup, a drivers and applications backup, and tostart recovery options, either using Windows tools, or the recoverybackup.NoteGateway Recovery Management is only available with a pre-installedWindows operating system.ImportantWe recommend that you create a Recovery Backup and Drivers andApplications Backup and as soon as possible.In certain situations a full recovery will require a USB recovery backup.Creating a recovery backupTo reinstall from a USB storage drive, you must first create a recoverybackup. The recovery backup includes the entire original contents ofyour computer’s hard drive, including Windows and all factory-loadedsoftware and drivers. Using this backup will restore your computer tothe same state as when you purchased it, while giving you an optionto retain all settings and personal data.NoteSince the recovery backup requires at least 16 GB of storage after formatting,it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 32 GB or larger.

8 - Recovery1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Gateway RecoveryManagement in the list of apps.2. Click Create Factory Default Backup. The Recovery Drive windowopens.Make sure Copy contents from the recovery partition to therecovery drive is selected. This provides the most complete andsafest recovery backup.3. Plug in the USB drive then click Next.

Recovery - 9 Since the recovery backup requires at least 16 GB of storage afterformatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacityof 32 GB or larger.4. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen.5. Follow the process until it completes.6. After creating the recovery backup, you can choose to delete therecovery information on your computer. If you delete thisinformation, you can only use the USB recovery backup to restoreyour computer, if you lose or erase the USB drive, you cannotrestore your computer.7. Unplug the USB drive and label it clearly.ImportantWrite a unique, descriptive label on the backup, such as 'WindowsRecovery Backup'. Make sure you keep the backup in a safe place thatyou will remember.Creating a drivers and applications backupTo create a Drivers and Applications Backup, that contains thefactory-loaded software and drivers needed by your computer, you

10 - Recoverymay use either a USB storage drive or, if your computer features aDVD recorder, one or more blank recordable DVDs.1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Gateway RecoveryManagement in the list of apps.2. Click Create Drivers and Applications Backup.Plug in the USB drive or insert a blank DVD into the optical drive, thenclick Next. If you are using a USB drive, make sure your USB drive hasenough capacity before continuing. If using DVDs, it will also show the number of blank, recordablediscs you will need to complete the recovery discs. Make sure thatyou have the required number of identical, blank discs.3. Click Start to copy files.You will be shown the backup progress onthe screen.4. Follow the process until it completes: If you are using optical discs, the drive ejects each disc as itcompletes burning it. Remove the disc from the drive and mark itwith a permanent marker.

Recovery - 11If multiple discs are required, insert a new disc when prompted,then click OK. Continue until the process is complete. If you are using a USB drive, unplug the drive and label it clearly.ImportantWrite a unique, descriptive label on each backup, such as 'Drivers andApplications Backup'. Make sure you keep the backup in a safe placethat you will remember.Recovering your systemTo recover your system:1. Perform minor fixes.If only one or two items of software or hardware have stoppedworking correctly, the problem may be solved by reinstalling thesoftware or the device drivers.To reinstall software and drivers that were pre-installed at thefactory, see Reinstalling drivers and applications on page 12.For instructions on reinstalling software and drivers that were notpre-installed, see that product’s documentation or support Web site.2. Revert to a previous system condition.If reinstalling software or drivers does not help, then the problemmay be solved by returning your system to a previous state wheneverything was working correctly.For instructions, see Returning to an earlier system snapshot onpage 14.3. Reset your operating system.If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to reset yoursystem, but keep your user information, see Returning yoursystem to its factory condition on page 15.4. Reset your system to its factory condition.If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to reset yoursystem to factory condition, see Returning your system to itsfactory condition on page 15.

12 - RecoveryReinstalling drivers and applicationsAs a troubleshooting step, you may need to reinstall the applicationsand device drivers that came pre-installed on your computer from thefactory. You can reinstall using either your hard drive or the backupyou have created. Other applications - If you need to reinstall software that did notcome pre-installed on your computer, you need to follow thatsoftware’s installation instructions. New device drivers - If you need to reinstall device drivers that didnot come pre-installed on your computer, follow the instructionsprovided with the device.If you are reinstalling using Windows and the recoveryinformation stored on your computer:1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Gateway RecoveryManagement in the list of apps.2. Click Reinstall Drivers or Applications.