Section |
Page |
Contents |
3 |
Getting Help |
7 |
• Using the eMachines Website |
7 |
• Using Help and Support |
7 |
• Using BigFix |
7 |
• Using online help |
7 |
• Contacting eMachines |
7 |
Thank you for purchasing our computer! |
8 |
eMachines Web site |
9 |
Help and Support |
9 |
To start Help and Support: |
9 |
Searching for a topic |
10 |
BigFix |
10 |
To start BigFix: |
10 |
To learn more about using BigFix: |
10 |
Online help |
11 |
eMachines contact information |
12 |
Checking Out Your eMachinesComputer |
13 |
• Identifying features |
13 |
• Locating your computer model and serial number |
13 |
• Locating the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity |
13 |
• Locating the specifications for your computer |
13 |
• Purchasing accessories |
13 |
Desktop PC Front |
14 |
Important |
14 |
Desktop PC Back |
16 |
Important |
16 |
Identifying your model |
19 |
Important |
19 |
eMachines model and serial number |
19 |
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity |
19 |
Getting Started |
21 |
• Using your computer safely |
21 |
• Protecting your computer from power source problems |
21 |
• Turning your computer on and off |
21 |
• Adjusting the volume |
21 |
• Using the keyboard and the mouse |
21 |
• Using the computer display |
21 |
• Installing peripheral devices |
21 |
Working safely |
22 |
Reducing eye strain |
22 |
Setting up your computer desk and chair |
22 |
Setting up your computer and computer accessories |
23 |
Sitting at your computer |
23 |
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain |
23 |
Protecting from power source problems |
24 |
Warning |
24 |
Checking the voltage selection |
24 |
Caution |
24 |
To set the voltage selection switch: |
25 |
Starting your computer |
25 |
To start your computer: |
25 |
1 Connect the cables to your computer. See the setup poster. |
25 |
2 Turn on your computer. |
25 |
3 If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions to set ... |
25 |
4 Turn on any peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners, and see the documentation that ca... |
25 |
Waking up your computer |
26 |
Turning off your computer |
26 |
Warning |
26 |
To turn off your computer: |
26 |
1 Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box opens. |
26 |
2 Click Turn Off. Windows shuts down and turns off your computer. |
26 |
Important |
26 |
Restarting (rebooting) your computer |
27 |
To close unresponsive programs and restart your computer: |
27 |
1 Press Ctrl+Alt+Del. The Task Manager window opens. |
27 |
2 Click the Applications tab, then click the program that is not responding. |
27 |
3 Click End Task. |
27 |
4 Click X in the top-right corner of the Windows Task Manager dialog box. |
27 |
5 If your computer does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds, then turn it on again. |
27 |
Important |
27 |
Adjusting the volume |
27 |
To adjust the overall volume level using hardware controls: |
27 |
Help and Support |
27 |
Using the keyboard |
28 |
Enhanced keyboard |
28 |
Standard keyboard |
28 |
Keyboard features |
29 |
Using the mouse |
30 |
Connecting the modem |
32 |
Warning |
32 |
To connect the modem: |
32 |
1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jackon the back of your computer. |
32 |
2 Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack. The modem will not work wit... |
32 |
3 Start your computer, then start your communications program. |
32 |
Connecting to a wired Ethernet network |
33 |
Important |
33 |
To connect to a wired Ethernet network: |
33 |
1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network jackon the back of your computer. |
33 |
2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a network jack. |
33 |
Tips & Tricks |
33 |
Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device |
34 |
Important |
34 |
Help and Support |
34 |
Using Drives and Ports |
35 |
• Using the diskette drive |
35 |
• Using the memory card reader |
35 |
• Using CD or DVD drives |
35 |
Using the diskette drive |
36 |
To use a diskette: |
36 |
1 Insert the diskette into the diskette drive with the label facing up. |
36 |
2 To access a file on the diskette, click Start, then click My Computer. Double-click the diskett... |
36 |
3 To remove the diskette, make sure that the drive activity light is off, then press the diskette... |
36 |
Using the memory card reader |
37 |
Memory card types |
37 |
Inserting a memory card |
38 |
Caution |
38 |
To use a memory card: |
38 |
1 Insert the memory card into the memory card slot as indicated in the previous table. |
38 |
2 To access a file on the memory card, click Start, then click My Computer. Double-click the driv... |
38 |
To remove a memory card: |
38 |
Caution |
38 |
Important |
38 |
Using the CD or DVD drive |
39 |
Identifying drive types |
39 |
Inserting a CD or DVD |
40 |
Important |
40 |
To insert a CD or DVD: |
40 |
1 Press the eject button on the CD or DVD drive. |
40 |
2 Place the disc in the tray with the label facing up. |
40 |
Important |
40 |
3 Press the eject button to close the tray. |
40 |
Playing a CD |
41 |
Playing a DVD |
41 |
Creating CDs or DVDs |
41 |
Maintaining Your Computer |
43 |
• Caring for your computer |
43 |
• Updating Windows |
43 |
• Protecting your computer from viruses |
43 |
• Cleaning your computer |
43 |
• Restoring your system |
43 |
• Opening the computer case |
43 |
• Adding memory and replacing the battery |
43 |
Caring for your computer |
44 |
Updating Windows |
44 |
To run Windows Update: |
44 |
1 Connect to the Internet. |
44 |
2 Click Start, All Programs, then click Windows Update. |
44 |
3 Click Scan for Available Updates. |
44 |
Help and Support |
44 |
Protecting your computer from viruses |
45 |
Help and Support |
45 |
To scan for viruses: |
45 |
1 Click Start, All Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then click Norton AntiVirus2004. Norton AntiVirus... |
45 |
2 Click Scan for Viruses. |
46 |
3 Click the type of scan you want to make in the Scan for Viruses area, then under Actions, click... |
46 |
To remove a virus: |
46 |
1 If Norton AntiVirus finds a virus, follow all on-screen instructions to remove the virus. |
46 |
2 Turn off your computer and leave it off for at least 30seconds. |
46 |
3 Turn on your computer and rescan for the virus. |
46 |
To update Norton AntiVirus: |
47 |
Tips & Tricks |
47 |
1 Make sure that you are connected to the Internet. |
47 |
2 Click Start, All Programs, Norton AntiVirus, then click LiveUpdate - Norton AntiVirus. The Live... |
47 |
3 Follow the on-screen instructions to update your Norton AntiVirus program with the latest virus... |
47 |
4 When the program has finished, click Finish. |
47 |
Cleaning your computer |
47 |
Cleaning the exterior |
47 |
Warning |
47 |
Cleaning the keyboard |
48 |
Cleaning the computer display |
48 |
Caution |
48 |
Cleaning the mouse |
48 |
To clean your optical mouse: |
48 |
To clean your trackball mouse: |
49 |
1 Turn the mouse upside down. |
49 |
2 Rotate the retaining ring on the bottom of the mouse counter-clockwise, then remove the retaini... |
49 |
3 Remove any dust, lint, or dirt from the mouse ball with a soft cloth. |
49 |
4 Clean the mouse rollers with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. |
49 |
5 Replace the mouse ball and lock the retaining ring into place. |
49 |
Cleaning CDs or DVDs |
50 |
Restoring your system |
50 |
Preventing static electricity discharge |
51 |
Warning |
51 |
Caution |
51 |
Warning |
51 |
Opening the case |
52 |
Warning |
52 |
Removing the side panel |
52 |
To remove the side panel: |
52 |
1 Follow the instructions in “First steps” on page56. |
52 |
2 Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power cord and modem, network, and all peripheral ... |
52 |
3 Press the power button to drain any residual power from your computer. |
52 |
4 Remove the two thumbscrews from the side panel cover, slide the side panel cover toward the bac... |
52 |
Removing the front bezel |
53 |
To remove the front bezel: |
53 |
Caution |
53 |
Closing the case |
54 |
Replacing the side panel |
54 |
To replace the side panel: |
54 |
1 Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged inside the case so they will not be pinc... |
54 |
2 Align the side panel, then slide the side panel toward the front of the computer to secure it i... |
54 |
3 Replace the side panel thumbscrews. |
54 |
4 Reconnect the cables and power cord. |
54 |
Replacing the front bezel |
55 |
To replace the front bezel: |
55 |
1 Align the latch pins with the computer latch holes. |
55 |
2 Press the bezel firmly into place. |
55 |
Installing memory |
56 |
To install or replace DIMM memory: |
56 |
1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page46. |
56 |
2 For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it on ... |
56 |
3 Find the memory module banks on your system board. |
56 |
Important |
56 |
4 If you are removing a DIMM from the memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs away from ... |
57 |
5 Align the notches on the new DIMM with the notches on the memory module bank and press the modu... |
57 |
6 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on page48. |
57 |
7 Return your computer to its upright position. |
57 |
8 Reconnect the cables and the power cord. |
57 |
9 Turn on your computer. Windows starts and the Windows desktop appears. |
57 |
10 Click Start, Control Panel, then click Performance and Maintenance (if in Category view). Clic... |
57 |
Replacing the system battery |
58 |
Warning |
58 |
To replace the battery: |
58 |
1 Restart your computer. |
58 |
2 During the restart, press and hold the F1 key. The main menu of the BIOSSetuputility opens. |
58 |
3 Write down all the values in the menus and submenus, then exit from the utility. |
58 |
4 Shut down your computer. |
58 |
5 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on page46. |
58 |
6 For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it on ... |
58 |
7 Locate the old battery on the system board and note its orientation. You will need to install t... |
58 |
Important |
58 |
8 Push the battery release tab. The battery pops out of the socket. |
58 |
9 Make sure that the positive (+) side of the new battery is facing up, then press the battery in... |
59 |
10 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on page48. |
59 |
11 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord. |
59 |
12 Turn on your computer. |
59 |
13 Open the BIOS Setup utility. |
59 |
14 In the BIOS Setup utility, restore any settings that you wrote down in Step3. |
59 |
15 Save all your settings and exit the BIOS Setup utility. |
59 |
Troubleshooting |
61 |
• Troubleshooting typical hardware and software problems |
61 |
• Getting telephone support |
61 |
• Using automated troubleshooting systems |
61 |
• Getting tutoring and training |
61 |
Safety guidelines |
62 |
Never remove your computer case cover while your computer is turned on and while the modem cable ... |
62 |
Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal components. For more informat... |
62 |
Warning |
62 |
First steps |
62 |
Make sure that the ACpower adapter is connected to your computer and an ACoutlet and that the A... |
62 |
If you use a power strip or surge protector, make sure that it is turned on. |
62 |
If a peripheral device (such as a keyboard or mouse) does not work, make sure that all connection... |
62 |
Make sure that your hard drive is not full. |
62 |
If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. The message may help Cus... |
62 |
If you added or removed peripheral devices, review the installation procedures you performed and ... |
62 |
Help and Support |
62 |
Troubleshooting |
63 |
Add-in cards |
63 |
The computer does not recognize an add-in card |
63 |
Shut down and restart your computer. |
63 |
Make sure that you have installed the required software. For more information, see the documentat... |
63 |
Audio |
63 |
Battery |
63 |
CD or DVD drives |
63 |
The computer does not recognize a disc or the CD or DVD drive |
63 |
Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again. |
63 |
Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed or become scratched and cannot be read by the... |
63 |
Your computer may be experiencing some temporary memory problems. Shut down and restart your comp... |
63 |
Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs on your compu... |
63 |
Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on page44. |
63 |
Make sure that the drive is configured correctly by following the instructions in the drive docum... |
63 |
Audio CD does not produce sound |
64 |
Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again. |
64 |
Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs on your compu... |
64 |
Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume... |
64 |
Make sure that the mute controls are turned off. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume”... |
64 |
Make sure that the speaker cables are connected correctly and securely. |
64 |
Shut down and restart your computer. |
64 |
Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on page44. |
64 |
A DVD movie will not play |
64 |
Make sure that you have a DVD drive. To identify your drive type, see “Identifying drive types” o... |
64 |
Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again. |
64 |
Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed or become scratched and cannot be read by the... |
64 |
Shut down and restart your computer. |
64 |
Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on page44. |
64 |
Reinstall the device driver. |
64 |
Make sure that the DVD program has been installed on your computer. |
64 |
DVDs and DVD drives contain regional codes that help control DVD title exports and help reduce il... |
64 |
Computer |
65 |
The computer will not start |
65 |
Make sure that the power cord is connected to an ACpower source and your computer is turned on. |
65 |
Diskette drive |
65 |
The diskette drive is not recognized |
65 |
Shut down and restart your computer. |
65 |
You cannot save a file to diskette or you see the message “disk is full or write-protected” |
65 |
Make sure that the write-protection tab on the upper-right corner of the diskette is down (unprot... |
65 |
Delete unnecessary files on the diskette and try again. |
65 |
Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible. |
65 |
Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the diskette dr... |
65 |
You see a “Access Denied” or “Write protect” error message |
65 |
Move the write-protection tab in the upper-right corner of the diskette down (unprotected). |
65 |
The diskette may be full. Delete unnecessary files on the diskette and try again. |
65 |
Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible. |
65 |
You see a “Disk is full” error message |
65 |
Delete unnecessary files on the diskette. |
65 |
Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the diskette dr... |
65 |
You see a “Non-system disk” or “Disk error” error message |
66 |
Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press Enter. |
66 |
The diskette drive LED is lit continuously |
66 |
Remove the diskette from the drive. If the light stays on, try restarting your computer. |
66 |
DVD drives |
66 |
File management |
66 |
A file was accidentally deleted |
66 |
To restore deleted files: |
66 |
Help and Support |
66 |
Hard drive |
67 |
You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message |
67 |
Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk Cleanup. |
67 |
Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon, then clicking Empty Recycle Bin. |
67 |
Caution |
67 |
Help and Support |
67 |
You see a “Data error” message |
67 |
The hard drive cannot be accessed, or you see a “General failure reading drive C” error message |
67 |
If a diskette is in the diskette drive, eject it and restart your computer. |
67 |
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart your computer. |
67 |
You see a “Non-system disk” or “disk error” error message |
67 |
Internet |
68 |
You cannot connect to the Internet |
68 |
If you are using a dial-up modem, make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack a... |
68 |
Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is set up correctly. Contac... |
68 |
Help and Support |
68 |
You see an “Unable to locate host” message and are unable to browse the Internet |
68 |
Connecting to a Web site takes too long |
68 |
The condition of the telephone lines in your residence or at your local telephone service |
68 |
The condition of the Internet computers to which you connect and thenumber of users accessing th... |
68 |
The complexity of graphics and multimedia on Web pages |
68 |
People are sending you e-mail messages, but you have not received any mail |
69 |
Click the receive button in your e-mail program. |
69 |
Keyboard |
69 |
The keyboard does not work |
69 |
Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged in correctly. For more information, see the poster t... |
69 |
Remove all extension cables and switch boxes. |
69 |
Clean the keyboard by using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension to remove d... |
69 |
Try a keyboard that you know works to make sure that the keyboard port works. |
69 |
A keyboard character keeps repeating or you see a “keyboard stuck” or “key failure” error message |
69 |
Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard. |
69 |
Liquid spilled in the keyboard |
69 |
Memory |
70 |
You see a “Memory error” message |
70 |
You see a “Not enough memory” error message |
70 |
Help and Support |
70 |
Memory card reader |
70 |
Drive letters for the memory card slots do not appear in the My Computer window |
70 |
Modem (dial-up) |
70 |
Your modem does not dial or does not connect |
70 |
Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. ... |
70 |
Make sure that your computer is connected to the telephone line and the telephone line has a dial... |
70 |
Make sure that the modem cable is less than 6feet (1.8meters) long. |
70 |
Remove any line splitters or surge protectors from your telephone line, then check for a dial ton... |
70 |
If you have additional telephone services such as call waiting, call messaging, or voice mail, ma... |
70 |
To check the dialing properties: |
71 |
Help and Support |
71 |
Disconnect any answering machine, fax machine, or printer that is on the same line as the modem. ... |
71 |
Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBXline. These lines do not work with y... |
71 |
Check for line noise (scratchy, crackling, or popping sounds). Line noise is a common problem tha... |
71 |
Try another telephone line (either a different telephone number in your house or a telephone line... |
71 |
You cannot connect to the Internet |
72 |
The ISP may be having technical difficulties. Contact your ISP for technical support. |
72 |
See if the modem works with a different communications program. The problem may be with just one ... |
72 |
Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K |
72 |
Your fax communications program only sends and receives faxes at 14,400bps when you have a 56K m... |
72 |
The modem is not recognized by your computer |
72 |
Make sure that the line connected to the modem is working and plugged into the appropriate port o... |
72 |
If the modem shares the telephone line with another device, make sure that the telephone line is ... |
72 |
Use the modem cable that came with your computer. Some telephone cables do not meet required cabl... |
72 |
Shut down and restart your computer. |
72 |
To run modem diagnostics: |
72 |
Help and Support |
73 |
The modem is noisy when it dials and connects |
73 |
To turn down the modem volume: |
73 |
Monitor |
74 |
The screen resolution is not correct |
74 |
Help and Support |
74 |
The computer is running but there is no picture |
74 |
Make sure that the monitor is plugged in and turned on. If the monitor is turned on, the power LE... |
74 |
Adjust the brightness and contrast controls to the center position. |
74 |
Make sure that the monitor cable is connected to the video port on the back of your computer. |
74 |
Check the cable for bent or damaged pins. |
74 |
Reinstall the device driver. |
74 |
The color is not uniform |
74 |
The monitor warms up for at least 30minutes before making a final judgment about color uniformity. |
74 |
Non-shielded speakers are not placed too close to the monitor. |
74 |
The monitor is not positioned too close to another monitor, electric fan, fluorescent light, meta... |
74 |
Why is there a horizontal line or wire visible across the monitor screen? |
74 |
The text on the display is dim or difficult to read |
74 |
Adjust the brightness and contrast controls. |
74 |
Use the monitor degauss feature (see your monitor documentation) or turn off your computer and mo... |
75 |
Change the display settings. |
75 |
Mouse |
75 |
The mouse does not work |
75 |
Make sure that the mouse cable is plugged in correctly. |
75 |
Shut down and restart your computer. |
75 |
Remove all extension cables and switch boxes. |
75 |
The mouse works erratically |
75 |
Networks |
76 |
You cannot connect to your company network |
76 |
Help and Support |
76 |
Passwords |
76 |
Your computer does not accept your password |
76 |
Power |
76 |
Your computer will not turn on |
76 |
Make sure that your power cord is connected correctly to your computer. |
76 |
If your computer is plugged into a surge protector, make sure that the surge protector is connect... |
76 |
Printer |
76 |
The printer will not turn on |
76 |
Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have an online/offline button that you may ne... |
76 |
The printer is on but will not print |
76 |
Check the cable between the printer and your computer. Make sure that it is connected to the corr... |
76 |
Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have an online/offline button that you may ne... |
76 |
Check the cable for bent or broken pins. |
77 |
If the printer you want to print to is not the default printer, make sure that you have selected ... |
77 |
To set a default printer: |
77 |
You see a “Printer queue is full” error message |
77 |
Make sure that the printer is not set to work offline. |
77 |
To make sure that the printer is not set to work offline: |
77 |
Help and Support |
77 |
Wait until files have been printed before sending additional files to the printer. |
78 |
You see a “Printer is out of paper” error message |
78 |
Sound |
78 |
You are not getting sound from the speakers |
78 |
Make sure that the speakers are turned on. |
78 |
Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume... |
78 |
Make sure that mute controls are turned off. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on ... |
78 |
If you are using external speakers, see the speaker setup poster to check your speaker connections. |
78 |
Help and Support |
78 |
Telephone support |
79 |
Before calling eMachines Customer Care |
79 |
Make sure that your computer is connected correctly to a grounded ACoutlet that is supplying pow... |
79 |
If a peripheral device, such as a keyboard or mouse, does not appear to work, make sure that all ... |
79 |
If you have recently installed hardware or software, make sure that you have installed it accordi... |
79 |
If you have “how to” questions about using a program, see: |
79 |
Online Help |
79 |
Printed documentation |
79 |
The Microsoft Windows documentation |
79 |
The software publisher’s Web site |
79 |
See the troubleshooting section of this chapter. |
79 |
Warning |
79 |
Have your customer ID, serial number, and order number available, along with a detailed descripti... |
79 |
Telephone numbers |
80 |
Self-help |
80 |
The printed or online documentation that came with your hardware or software. In many cases, addi... |
80 |
This user guide. |
80 |
Help and Support |
80 |
Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information |
81 |
• Safety information |
81 |
• Regulatory statements |
81 |
• Notices |
81 |
Important safety information |
82 |
Warning |
82 |
Setting up your system |
82 |
Care during use |
82 |
Replacement parts and accessories |
82 |
Warning |
83 |
Warning |
83 |
Regulatory compliance statements |
83 |
United States of America |
83 |
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Unintentional emitter per FCC Part15 |
83 |
California Proposition65 Warning |
83 |
Warning |
83 |
Telecommunications per Part68 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR47) (applicable to product... |
84 |
Canada |
84 |
Industry Canada (IC) Unintentional emitter per ICES-003 |
84 |
Telecommunications per Industry Canada CS-03 (for products fitted with an IC-compliant modem) |
84 |
Warning |
85 |
Laser safety statement |
85 |
Warning |
85 |
Television antenna connectors protection (for systems fitted with TV/cable TVtuner cards) |
85 |
External television antenna grounding |
85 |
Lightning protection |
85 |
Power lines |
86 |
Warning |
86 |
Notices |
87 |
All Rights Reserved |
87 |
Trademark Acknowledgments |
87 |
Macrovision statement |
87 |
Index |
89 |
A |
89 |
B |
89 |
C |
89 |
D |
90 |
E |
90 |
F |
91 |
H |
91 |
I |
91 |
J |
91 |
K |
91 |
L |
91 |
M |
92 |
N |
92 |
O |
92 |
P |
92 |
R |
93 |
S |
93 |
T |
94 |
U |
94 |
V |
94 |
W |
94 |