Cleaning the computer vents

Air vents keep the computer and monitor cool. To maintain efficient air flow, keep these vents clean by using a small battery-powered vacuum cleaner. (A battery-powered vacuum cleaner eliminates the risk of electric shock.)

1Run the vacuum over the vents in the computer case and the monitor case.

2Remove any debris that has accumulated in and around the computer connectors (for example, the Ethernet and USB connectors).

Cleaning the keyboard and mouse

When cleaning the keyboard keys, use a low setting on the battery-powered vacuum cleaner, to avoid removing key caps and springs.

1Vacuum between the keys of the keyboard and along the grooves.

2Use a clean, dry cloth and isopropyl alcohol to clean buildup on the keyboard keys and along its edges.

3Wipe the body of the mouse and the mouse cord with cleaning wipes or a cloth and cleanser.

If you have a roller ball mouse, clean the ball and rollers inside:

1Turn the mouse upside down.

2Rotate the ball-cover ring counterclockwise to remove the ring and release the roller ball.

3Rinse the roller ball with soap and warm water.

4Clean the rollers inside the mouse with a cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol.

5After the roller ball and rollers are completely dry, replace the ball and ball-cover ring.

System Recovery

System recovery completely erases and reformats the hard disk drive, deleting all data files you have created. System recovery reinstalls the operating system, programs, and drivers. However, you must reinstall any software that was not installed on the computer at the factory. This includes software that came on CDs included in the computer accessory box, and software programs you installed after purchase.

You must choose one of the following methods to perform a system recovery:

￿Recovery Image — Run the system recovery from a recovery image stored on your hard disk drive. The recovery image is a file that contains a copy of the original factory-shipped software. To perform a system recovery from a recovery image, see “System recovery from the Windows 7 Start Menu” on page 52.

NOTE: The recovery image uses a portion of the hard disk drive that cannot be used for data storage.

￿Recovery Discs — Run the system recovery from a set of recovery discs that you create from files stored on your hard disk drive. To create recovery discs, see the next section.

50Getting Started (features vary by model)