User manual GATEWAY MX6708H

[. . . ] To save something right away, use the My Documents folder that has already been set up for you. To access that folder, click the Start button, then click My Documents. My Documents Already created for you, this folder is ready for immediate use My Computer Look here to see what's on your computer 6 8511111_GW GSG. indd 6 For more information about Windows, see "Windows basics" under Help and Support. 11/3/2005 2:19:33 PM improving performance Keep your computer in top running condition with regular maintenance. Click Start, Control Panel, then click Performance and Maintenance. Select an option and follow the instructions. [. . . ] · Reinstall the complete operating system and return your computer to its factory condition. First things first When you first get your computer, we recommend that you make a backup copy of the drivers and programs that are hidden on your hard drive. Your backup copy is called a recovery disc. Before you create one, make sure that your computer has a recordable drive and have blank discs ready. You'll need either several CD-R discs or one DVD-R or DVD+R disc, depending on the type of recordable drive you use. (CD-RW, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW discs will not work). To create the disk, click Start, All Programs, System Recovery, then click Create My Drivers-Applications CD(s). Click Burn ISO, Start Creation, then click the type of recordable disc you want to use. Insert a blank disc into the recordable drive, then click OK and follow the on-screen prompts. When you see the message The Recovery ISO Image has been created successfully, remove the last disc from the drive, then click OK. 12 8511111_GW GSG. indd 12 For more information on restoration, see "Recovering Your System" in your online user guide. 11/3/2005 2:19:36 PM backing up a bit Take a trip back in time Microsoft System Restore lets you roll back your computer to a previous state when everything worked right. Every time you install new software, and every 24 hours (while your computer is turned on), Microsoft System Restore takes a snapshot of your system settings and saves it as a restore point. In most cases of hard-to-resolve software problems, you can return to one of these restore points to get your computer running again. 1 Click Start, Help and Support, then click Undo changes to your computer with System Restore. 2 Click Restore my computer to an earlier time, then click Next. 3 Click a bold date on the calendar (Step 1 on the screen), click a restore point in the list (Step 2 on the screen), then click Next. 4 Read all notices on the screen, click Next, then follow the on-screen instructions to finish the restoration. For more information on restoration, see "Recovering Your System" in your online user guide. 8511111_GW GSG. indd 13 13 11/3/2005 2:19:36 PM back to basics Reinstalling software If you know which application (program) or device driver is causing problems, you can fix it by using the recovery discs you created. 1 Click Start, All Programs, System Recovery, then click Application & Driver Recovery. 2 Click the driver or application you want to install, then click Next. When the installation is finished, click Yes to install more drivers or applications, or click Quit to exit. Reinstalling the operating system A backup copy of your hard drive's original factory-installed contents is saved on a hidden area of your hard drive. If you need to restore your computer to its original factory settings, you can recover from your hard drive. 1 Get the operating system disc that came with your computer and have it ready. [. . . ] · Help and Support--This collection of help and troubleshooting information, along with automated support, is easily accessible. Just click Start, then click Help and Support. Click a link, do a search, or browse the index to find what you're Gateway's Web support is available 24 hours looking for. a day, 7 days a week Help and Support is a quick and easy way to get information 22 8511111_GW GSG. indd 22 11/3/2005 2:19:40 PM help, continued. . . · User guide--For clear, yet comprehensive, information on everything from basic definitions to more complex tasks, see the user guide installed on your computer. [. . . ]