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Chapter 6: Troubleshooting
The mouse works erratically
If the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the computer display or becomes 
difficult to control precisely, cleaning the mouse will likely improve its accuracy.
If you have an optical mouse, clean the mouse by wiping the bottom with a clean, damp 
cloth. Make sure that the optical sensor is clean and free of debris.
If you have a trackball mouse, see “Cleaning the mouse” on page 45.
Networks
You cannot connect to your company network
Every network is unique. Contact your company computer department or network 
administrator for help. For more information about setting up a network, see “Networking 
Yo u r  C o m p u t e r ”  o n  p a g e 7 9.
Passwords
Your computer does not accept your password
Make sure that CAPS LOCK is turned off, then retype the 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 connected securely to an electrical outlet, turned on, and working 
correctly. To test the outlet, plug a working device, such as a lamp, into the outlet 
and turn it on.
■Make sure that the power cord is free from cuts or damage. Replace any damaged 
cables.
Help and Support For more information about network troubleshooting, click Start, then 
click Help and Support.
Type the keyword network troubleshooting in the Search box 
, then click the arrow.
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Troubleshooting
Printer
The printer will not turn on
■Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have an online/offline button 
that you may need to press.
■Make sure that the power cable is plugged into an AC power source.
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 correct port.
■Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have an online/offline button 
that you may need to press so the printer can start printing. Press the button to 
put the printer online.
■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 it in the printer setup.
To set a default printer:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your 
Control Panel is in Category View, click 
Printers and Other Hardware.
2Click/Double-click the Printers and Faxes icon. The Printers and Faxes window opens.
3Right-click the name of the printer you want to be the default printer, then click 
Set as Default Printer.
■Reinstall the printer driver. See the guide that came with your printer for 
instructions on installing the printer driver.
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:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your 
Control Panel is in Category View, click 
Printers and Other Hardware.
2Click/Double-click the Printers and Faxes icon. The Printers and Faxes window opens.
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Chapter 6: Troubleshooting
3Right-click the name of the printer you want to use. If the menu shows a check 
mark next to 
Use Printer Offline, click Use Printer Offline to clear the check mark.
■Wait until files have been printed before sending additional files to the printer.
■If you print large files or many files at one time, you may want to add additional 
memory to the printer. See the printer documentation for instructions for adding 
additional memory.
You see a “Printer is out of paper” error message
After adding paper, make sure that the printer is online. Most printers have an 
online/offline button that you need to press after adding paper.
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” on page 26.
■Make sure that mute controls are turned off. For more information, see “Adjusting 
the volume” on page 26.
■If you are using external speakers, see the speaker setup poster to check your speaker 
connections.
■Make sure that the universal jacks are configured correctly. For more information, 
see “Configuring the audio jacks” on page 27.
Help and Support For more information about printer troubleshooting, click Start, then 
click Help and Support.
Type the keyword printer troubleshooter in the Search box 
, then click the arrow.
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							Chapter 7
79
Networking Your Computer
 Introducing networking
 Creating an Ethernet network
 Testing your network
 Troubleshooting your Ethernet network
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Chapter 7: Networking Your Computer
Introduction to Networking
An Ethernet network consists of two or more computers connected together through an 
Ethernet cable. This connection type is commonly used in offices around the world and 
can be used to build computer networks in the home.
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet is available at three different speeds. Standard Ethernet runs at 10 Mbps, Fast 
Ethernet runs at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet runs at 1000 Mbps. Most home networks 
are built using Standard or Fast Ethernet components. Business networks are typically built 
using Fast or Gigabit Ethernet components.
To create an Ethernet network, you or your electrician must install special Ethernet cables 
in your home or office.
Using a router
The most common way to set up an Ethernet network is Dynamic Host Control Protocol 
(DHCP) using a router. A DHCP network configuration uses a router to automatically assign 
IP addresses to each computer or network device.
Important Check local code requirements before installing Ethernet cable or 
other wiring in your home or office. Your municipality may require you 
to obtain a permit and hire a licensed installer.
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Introduction to Networking
Example router-based Ethernet network
The following is an example of an Ethernet network. The network is made up of a router, 
a cable or DSL modem, your computers, and cables connecting each of these components. 
The router is the central control point for the network. Attached to the router are all of 
your computers or Ethernet-ready devices. Also connected to the router is a cable or DSL 
modem that provides access to the Internet.
Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet network
For an Ethernet network you need:
■Two or more computers with Ethernet jacks
■One router
■One broadband Internet connection (optional)
■Ethernet cables connecting all of the network equipment
Tips & Tricks To add the ability to access a wireless Ethernet network to your wired 
Ethernet network, connect an access point to the router or use a 
router that has a built-in access point, such as the Linksys wireless 
access point router with 4-port switch.
Cable/DSL 
modem
Router
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Chapter 7: Networking Your Computer
Determining if an Ethernet is already installed on your computers
To determine if Ethernet is already installed on your computer:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control 
Panel is in Category View, click 
Performance and Maintenance.
2Click/Double-click System, click the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager. The Device 
Manager window opens.
3Click the plus (+) in front of Network adapters. The Ethernet device installed in your 
computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.
Creating an Ethernet network
Installing Ethernet cards and drivers
After you have determined the type of Ethernet you are using for your network, you need 
to install Ethernet cards and drivers on the computers that do not have Ethernet already 
installed. To order wired or wireless Ethernet PCI or PC cards, visit the Accessories Store 
at accessories.gateway.com
.
Use the documentation that comes with your Ethernet cards for instructions on installing 
the card and any required drivers.
Important For best results, all Ethernet components should be either standard 
Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100), or Gigabit 
Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000). A mixture of components rated 
at different speeds will result in your network running at the speed 
of the slowest rated component.
Tips & Tricks When buying your router, be sure the model includes everything your 
network needs, including:
■Internet security features - such as a firewall to protect your network 
from unwanted intruders
■4-port switch - to eliminate the need for additional network hardware■DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment - to automatically 
configure network and IP addresses
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Creating an Ethernet network
Making sure your broadband connection works
Before you change anything about your home setup, make sure that your broadband 
connection is working correctly. To test the connection, log onto the Internet using your 
current setup. If the connection is not working, contact your Internet service provider.
Naming the computers and the workgroup
To identify this computer on the network:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control 
Panel is in Category View, click 
Performance and Maintenance. The Performance and 
Maintenance window opens.
2Click/Double-click System. The System Properties dialog box opens.
3Click Computer Name.
4Click Change. The Computer Name Changes dialog box opens.
5Type a unique computer name in the Computer name box. This name identifies the 
computer to other users on the network. Use a computer name of up to 15 characters 
with no blank spaces. Each computer name must be unique on your network. 
All-numeric computer names are not allowed. Names must contain some letters.
6Type a name for your workgroup in the Workgroup box. Use a workgroup name of up 
to 15 characters with no blank spaces. The workgroup name must be the same for 
all computers in your network workgroup, and the name must be different than any 
computer name on your network.
7Click OK to close the Computer Name Changes dialog box.
Important If you do not have a broadband connection already installed, make 
the necessary arrangements with your ISP. Be sure to find out how 
soon after the installation the line will be activated.
Important Broadband Internet settings will differ from ISP to ISP. Before you 
begin setting up your network, you should contact your ISP for any 
specific instructions they have for setting up a network.
Important You must give each computer on the network a unique Computer 
Name and the same Workgroup Name.
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Chapter 7: Networking Your Computer
Configuring the TCP/IP protocol
A networking protocol is a language computers use to talk to each other. One of several 
available protocols must be set up on each computer you plan to use on your network. 
We recommend you use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), 
which is widely accepted and compatible for local area networks (LANs), as well as for 
Internet communications.
When networking is set up in Windows XP, TCP/IP is automatically installed as the default 
protocol.
Terms you should know
DHCP - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) lets a router temporarily assign an 
IP address to a computer on the network.
IP Address - Internet Protocol (IP) address is a number that uniquely identifies a computer 
on the network.
Subnet Mask - Subnet mask is a number that identifies what subnetwork the computer 
is located on. This number will be the same on all computers on a home network.
Using a DHCP server
In order to use the TCP/IP protocol on each computer with a router or access point router, 
you must set the protocol to “Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server.”
To use a DHCP server
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control 
Panel is in Category View, click 
Network and Internet Connections. The Network and 
Internet Connections window opens.
2Click/Double-click Network Connections. The Network Connections window opens.
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Creating an Ethernet network
3Right-click Local Area Connection, then click Properties. The Local Area Connection 
Properties dialog box opens.
- OR - 
If you do not have a LAN connection setup, click 
Create a new connection and follow 
the instructions in the New Connection Wizard.
4Click to select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) check box in the This connection uses the 
following items 
list. If you do not see TCP/IP, drag the scroll bar to see more choices.
5Click Properties. The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box opens.
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