Document Outline

• Contents
  • Getting Help
    • • Using the eMachines Website
    • • Using Help and Support
    • • Using BigFix
    • • Using online help
    • • Contacting eMachines
  • Thank you for purchasing our computer!
• eMachines Web site
• Help and Support
  • To start Help and Support:
  • Searching for a topic
• BigFix
  • To start BigFix:
  • To learn more about using BigFix:
• Online help
• eMachines contact information
  • Checking Out Your eMachinesComputer
    • • Identifying features
    • • Locating your computer model and serial number
    • • Locating the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
    • • Locating the specifications for your computer
    • • Purchasing accessories
• Desktop PC Front
  • Important
• Desktop PC Back
  • Important
• Identifying your model
  • Important
    • eMachines model and serial number
    • Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
      • Getting Started
        • • Using your computer safely
        • • Protecting your computer from power source problems
        • • Turning your computer on and off
        • • Adjusting the volume
        • • Using the keyboard and the mouse
        • • Using the computer display
        • • Installing peripheral devices
    • Working safely
      • Reducing eye strain
      • Setting up your computer desk and chair
      • Setting up your computer and computer accessories
      • Sitting at your computer
      • Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain
      • Protecting from power source problems
  • Warning
    • Checking the voltage selection
  • Caution
    • To set the voltage selection switch:
    • Starting your computer
      • To start your computer:
        • 1 Connect the cables to your computer. See the setup poster.
          • 2 Turn on your computer.
          • 3 If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions to set ...
          • 4 Turn on any peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners, and see the documentation that ca...
      • Waking up your computer
    • Turning off your computer
  • Warning
    • To turn off your computer:
      • 1 Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box opens.
        • 2 Click Turn Off. Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.
  • Important
    • Restarting (rebooting) your computer
      • To close unresponsive programs and restart your computer:
        • 1 Press Ctrl+Alt+Del. The Task Manager window opens.
          • 2 Click the Applications tab, then click the program that is not responding.
          • 3 Click End Task.
          • 4 Click X in the top-right corner of the Windows Task Manager dialog box.
          • 5 If your computer does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds, then turn it on again.
  • Important
    • Adjusting the volume
      • To adjust the overall volume level using hardware controls:
  • Help and Support
    • Using the keyboard
      • Enhanced keyboard
      • Standard keyboard
      • Keyboard features
    • Using the mouse
    • Connecting the modem
  • Warning
    • To connect the modem:
      • 1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jackon the back of your computer.
        • 2 Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack. The modem will not work wit...
        • 3 Start your computer, then start your communications program.
    • Connecting to a wired Ethernet network
  • Important
    • To connect to a wired Ethernet network:
      • 1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network jackon the back of your computer.
        • 2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a network jack.
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device
  • Important
  • Help and Support
    • Using Drives and Ports
      • • Using the diskette drive
      • • Using the memory card reader
      • • Using CD or DVD drives
    • Using the diskette drive
      • To use a diskette:
        • 1 Insert the diskette into the diskette drive with the label facing up.
          • 2 To access a file on the diskette, click Start, then click My Computer. Double-click the diskett...
          • 3 To remove the diskette, make sure that the drive activity light is off, then press the diskette...
    • Using the memory card reader
• Memory card types
• Inserting a memory card
  • Caution
    • To use a memory card:
      • 1 Insert the memory card into the memory card slot as indicated in the previous table.
        • 2 To access a file on the memory card, click Start, then click My Computer. Double-click the driv...
    • To remove a memory card:
  • Caution
  • Important
    • Using the CD or DVD drive
• Identifying drive types
• Inserting a CD or DVD
  • Important
    • To insert a CD or DVD:
      • 1 Press the eject button on the CD or DVD drive.
        • 2 Place the disc in the tray with the label facing up.
  • Important
    • 3 Press the eject button to close the tray.
• Playing a CD
• Playing a DVD
• Creating CDs or DVDs
  • Maintaining Your Computer
    • • Caring for your computer
    • • Updating Windows
    • • Protecting your computer from viruses
    • • Cleaning your computer
    • • Restoring your system
    • • Opening the computer case
    • • Adding memory and replacing the battery
  • Caring for your computer
  • Updating Windows
    • To run Windows Update:
      • 1 Connect to the Internet.
        • 2 Click Start, All Programs, then click Windows Update.
        • 3 Click Scan for Available Updates.
    • Help and Support
  • Protecting your computer from viruses
    • Help and Support
      • To scan for viruses:
        • 1 Click Start, All Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then click Norton AntiVirus2004. Norton AntiVirus...
          • 2 Click Scan for Viruses.
          • 3 Click the type of scan you want to make in the Scan for Viruses area, then under Actions, click...
      • To remove a virus:
        • 1 If Norton AntiVirus finds a virus, follow all on-screen instructions to remove the virus.
          • 2 Turn off your computer and leave it off for at least 30seconds.
          • 3 Turn on your computer and rescan for the virus.
      • To update Norton AntiVirus:
    • Tips & Tricks
      • 1 Make sure that you are connected to the Internet.
        • 2 Click Start, All Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then click LiveUpdate - Norton AntiVirus. The Live...
        • 3 Follow the on-screen instructions to update your Norton AntiVirus program with the latest virus...
        • 4 When the program has finished, click Finish.
  • Cleaning your computer
    • Cleaning the exterior
    • Warning
      • Cleaning the keyboard
      • Cleaning the computer display
    • Caution
      • Cleaning the mouse
        • To clean your optical mouse:
        • To clean your trackball mouse:
          • 1 Turn the mouse upside down.
            • 2 Rotate the retaining ring on the bottom of the mouse counter-clockwise, then remove the retaini...
            • 3 Remove any dust, lint, or dirt from the mouse ball with a soft cloth.
            • 4 Clean the mouse rollers with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
            • 5 Replace the mouse ball and lock the retaining ring into place.
      • Cleaning CDs or DVDs
  • Restoring your system
  • Preventing static electricity discharge
    • Warning
    • Caution
    • Warning
  • Opening the case
    • Warning
      • Removing the side panel
        • To remove the side panel:
          • 1 Follow the instructions in “First steps” on page56.
            • 2 Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power cord and modem, network, and all peripheral ...
            • 3 Press the power button to drain any residual power from your computer.
            • 4 Remove the two thumbscrews from the side panel cover, slide the side panel cover toward the bac...
      • Removing the front bezel
        • To remove the front bezel:
    • Caution
  • Closing the case
    • Replacing the side panel
      • To replace the side panel:
        • 1 Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged inside the case so they will not be pinc...
          • 2 Align the side panel, then slide the side panel toward the front of the computer to secure it i...
          • 3 Replace the side panel thumbscrews.
          • 4 Reconnect the cables and power cord.
    • Replacing the front bezel
      • To replace the front bezel:
        • 1 Align the latch pins with the computer latch holes.
          • 2 Press the bezel firmly into place.
  • Installing memory
    • To install or replace DIMM memory:
      • 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page46.
        • 2 For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it on ...
        • 3 Find the memory module banks on your system board.
    • Important
      • 4 If you are removing a DIMM from the memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from ...
      • 5 Align the notches on the new DIMM with the notches on the memory module bank and press the modu...
      • 6 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on page48.
      • 7 Return your computer to its upright position.
      • 8 Reconnect the cables and the power cord.
      • 9 Turn on your computer. Windows starts and the Windows desktop appears.
      • 10 Click Start, Control Panel, then click Performance and Maintenance (if in Category view). Clic...
  • Replacing the system battery
    • Warning
      • To replace the battery:
        • 1 Restart your computer.
          • 2 During the restart, press and hold the F1 key. The main menu of the BIOSSetuputility opens.
          • 3 Write down all the values in the menus and submenus, then exit from the utility.
          • 4 Shut down your computer.
          • 5 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page46.
          • 6 For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it on ...
          • 7 Locate the old battery on the system board and note its orientation. You will need to install t...
    • Important
      • 8 Push the battery release tab. The battery pops out of the socket.
      • 9 Make sure that the positive (+) side of the new battery is facing up, then press the battery in...
      • 10 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on page48.
      • 11 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.
      • 12 Turn on your computer.
      • 13 Open the BIOS Setup utility.
      • 14 In the BIOS Setup utility, restore any settings that you wrote down in Step3.
      • 15 Save all your settings and exit the BIOS Setup utility.
      • Troubleshooting
        • • Troubleshooting typical hardware and software problems
        • • Getting telephone support
        • • Using automated troubleshooting systems
        • • Getting tutoring and training
    • Safety guidelines
  • Never remove your computer case cover while your computer is turned on and while the modem cable ...
  • Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal components. For more informat...
    • Warning
    • First steps
  • Make sure that the ACpower adapter is connected to your computer and an ACoutlet and that the A...
  • 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 connection...
  • 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 Cus...
  • If you added or removed peripheral devices, review the installation procedures you performed and ...
    • Help and Support
    • Troubleshooting
      • Add-in cards
        • The computer does not recognize an add-in card
  • Shut down and restart your computer.
  • Make sure that you have installed the required software. For more information, see the documentat...
    • Audio
    • Battery
    • CD or DVD drives
      • The computer does not recognize a disc or the CD or DVD drive
  • Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.
  • Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed or become scratched and cannot be read by the...
  • Your computer may be experiencing some temporary memory problems. Shut down and restart your comp...
  • Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs on your compu...
  • Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on page44.
  • Make sure that the drive is configured correctly by following the instructions in the drive docum...
    • Audio CD does not produce sound
  • Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.
  • Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs on your compu...
  • Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume...
  • Make sure that the mute controls are turned off. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume”...
  • Make sure that the speaker cables are connected correctly and securely.
  • Shut down and restart your computer.
  • Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on page44.
    • A DVD movie will not play
  • Make sure that you have a DVD drive. To identify your drive type, see “Identifying drive types” o...
  • Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.
  • Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed or become scratched and cannot be read by the...
  • Shut down and restart your computer.
  • Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on page44.
  • Reinstall the device driver.
  • Make sure that the DVD program has been installed on your computer.
  • DVDs and DVD drives contain regional codes that help control DVD title exports and help reduce il...
    • Computer
      • The computer will not start
  • Make sure that the power cord is connected to an ACpower source and your computer is turned on.
    • Diskette drive
      • The diskette drive is not recognized
  • Shut down and restart your computer.
    • You cannot save a file to diskette or you see the message “disk is full or write-protected”
  • Make sure that the write-protection tab on the upper-right corner of the diskette is down (unprot...
  • Delete unnecessary files on the diskette and try again.
  • Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible.
  • Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the diskette dr...
    • You see a “Access Denied” or “Write protect” error message
  • Move the write-protection tab in the upper-right corner of the diskette down (unprotected).
  • The diskette may be full. Delete unnecessary files on the diskette and try again.
  • Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible.
    • You see a “Disk is full” error message
  • Delete unnecessary files on the diskette.
  • Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the diskette dr...
    • You see a “Non-system disk” or “Disk error” error message
  • Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press Enter.
    • The diskette drive LED is lit continuously
  • Remove the diskette from the drive. If the light stays on, try restarting your computer.
    • DVD drives
    • File management
      • A file was accidentally deleted
      • To restore deleted files:
    • Help and Support
      • Hard drive
        • You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message
  • Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk Cleanup.
  • Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon, then clicking Empty Recycle Bin.
    • Caution
    • Help and Support
      • You see a “Data error” message
      • The hard drive cannot be accessed, or you see a “General failure reading drive C” error message
  • If a diskette is in the diskette drive, eject it and restart your computer.
  • Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart your computer.
    • You see a “Non-system disk” or “disk error” error message
    • Internet
      • You cannot connect to the Internet
  • If you are using a dial-up modem, make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack a...
  • Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is set up correctly. Contac...
    • Help and Support
      • You see an “Unable to locate host” message and are unable to browse the Internet
      • Connecting to a Web site takes too long
  • The condition of the telephone lines in your residence or at your local telephone service
  • The condition of the Internet computers to which you connect and thenumber of users accessing th...
  • The complexity of graphics and multimedia on Web pages
    • People are sending you e-mail messages, but you have not received any mail
  • Click the receive button in your e-mail program.
    • Keyboard
      • The keyboard does not work
  • Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged in correctly. For more information, see the poster t...
  • Remove all extension cables and switch boxes.
  • Clean the keyboard by using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension to remove d...
  • Try a keyboard that you know works to make sure that the keyboard port works.
    • A keyboard character keeps repeating or you see a “keyboard stuck” or “key failure” error message
  • Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard.
    • Liquid spilled in the keyboard
    • Memory
      • You see a “Memory error” message
      • You see a “Not enough memory” error message
    • Help and Support
      • Memory card reader
        • Drive letters for the memory card slots do not appear in the My Computer window
      • Modem (dial-up)
        • Your modem does not dial or does not connect
  • Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. ...
  • Make sure that your computer is connected to the telephone line and the telephone line has a dial...
  • Make sure that the modem cable is less than 6feet (1.8meters) long.
  • Remove any line splitters or surge protectors from your telephone line, then check for a dial ton...
  • If you have additional telephone services such as call waiting, call messaging, or voice mail, ma...
    • To check the dialing properties:
    • Help and Support
  • Disconnect any answering machine, fax machine, or printer that is on the same line as the modem. ...
  • Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBXline. These lines do not work with y...
  • Check for line noise (scratchy, crackling, or popping sounds). Line noise is a common problem tha...
  • Try another telephone line (either a different telephone number in your house or a telephone line...
    • You cannot connect to the Internet
  • The ISP may be having technical difficulties. Contact your ISP for technical support.
  • See if the modem works with a different communications program. The problem may be with just one ...
    • Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K
    • Your fax communications program only sends and receives faxes at 14,400bps when you have a 56K m...
    • The modem is not recognized by your computer
  • Make sure that the line connected to the modem is working and plugged into the appropriate port o...
  • If the modem shares the telephone line with another device, make sure that the telephone line is ...
  • Use the modem cable that came with your computer. Some telephone cables do not meet required cabl...
  • Shut down and restart your computer.
    • To run modem diagnostics:
    • Help and Support
      • The modem is noisy when it dials and connects
      • To turn down the modem volume:
      • Monitor
        • The screen resolution is not correct
    • Help and Support
      • The computer is running but there is no picture
  • Make sure that the monitor is plugged in and turned on. If the monitor is turned on, the power LE...
  • Adjust the brightness and contrast controls to the center position.
  • Make sure that the monitor cable is connected to the video port on the back of your computer.
  • Check the cable for bent or damaged pins.
  • Reinstall the device driver.
    • The color is not uniform
  • The monitor warms up for at least 30minutes before making a final judgment about color uniformity.
  • Non-shielded speakers are not placed too close to the monitor.
  • The monitor is not positioned too close to another monitor, electric fan, fluorescent light, meta...
    • Why is there a horizontal line or wire visible across the monitor screen?
    • The text on the display is dim or difficult to read
  • Adjust the brightness and contrast controls.
  • Use the monitor degauss feature (see your monitor documentation) or turn off your computer and mo...
  • Change the display settings.
    • Mouse
      • The mouse does not work
  • Make sure that the mouse cable is plugged in correctly.
  • Shut down and restart your computer.
  • Remove all extension cables and switch boxes.
    • The mouse works erratically
    • Networks
      • You cannot connect to your company network
    • Help and Support
      • Passwords
        • Your computer does not accept your password
      • Power
        • Your computer will not turn on
  • Make sure that your power cord is connected correctly to your computer.
  • If your computer is plugged into a surge protector, make sure that the surge protector is connect...
    • Printer
      • The printer will not turn on
  • Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have an online/offline button that you may ne...
    • The printer is on but will not print
  • Check the cable between the printer and your computer. Make sure that it is connected to the corr...
  • Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have an online/offline button that you may ne...
  • Check the cable for bent or broken pins.
  • If the printer you want to print to is not the default printer, make sure that you have selected ...
    • To set a default printer:
      • You see a “Printer queue is full” error message
  • Make sure that the printer is not set to work offline.
    • To make sure that the printer is not set to work offline:
    • Help and Support
  • Wait until files have been printed before sending additional files to the printer.
    • You see a “Printer is out of paper” error message
    • Sound
      • You are not getting sound from the speakers
  • Make sure that the speakers are turned on.
  • Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume...
  • Make sure that mute controls are turned off. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on ...
  • If you are using external speakers, see the speaker setup poster to check your speaker connections.
    • Help and Support
    • Telephone support
      • Before calling eMachines Customer Care
  • Make sure that your computer is connected correctly to a grounded ACoutlet that is supplying pow...
  • If a peripheral device, such as a keyboard or mouse, does not appear to work, make sure that all ...
  • If you have recently installed hardware or software, make sure that you have installed it accordi...
  • If you have “how to” questions about using a program, see:
    • Online Help
    • Printed documentation
    • The Microsoft Windows documentation
    • The software publisher’s Web site
  • See the troubleshooting section of this chapter.
    • Warning
  • Have your customer ID, serial number, and order number available, along with a detailed descripti...
    • Telephone numbers
    • Self-help
  • The printed or online documentation that came with your hardware or software. In many cases, addi...
  • This user guide.
    • Help and Support
      • Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information
        • • Safety information
        • • Regulatory statements
        • • Notices
  • Important safety information
    • Warning
      • Setting up your system
      • Care during use
      • Replacement parts and accessories
    • Warning
    • Warning
  • Regulatory compliance statements
    • United States of America
      • Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Unintentional emitter per FCC Part15
      • California Proposition65 Warning
    • Warning
      • Telecommunications per Part68 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR47) (applicable to product...
      • Canada
        • Industry Canada (IC) Unintentional emitter per ICES-003
        • Telecommunications per Industry Canada CS-03 (for products fitted with an IC-compliant modem)
    • Warning
      • Laser safety statement
    • Warning
      • Television antenna connectors protection (for systems fitted with TV/cable TVtuner cards)
        • External television antenna grounding
        • Lightning protection
        • Power lines
    • Warning
  • Notices
    • All Rights Reserved
    • Trademark Acknowledgments
    • Macrovision statement
• Index
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