Bicycle Mechanics - how do i fix my front derailleur tension cable?

I wanted to adjust my front derailleur, so i loosened the cable screw (too much that the cable fell out). i wasnt paying attention on where the cable was before it fell out. now, im not sure where they are supposed to go (i dont know anything about bikes). After spending 3 hours trying to figure out where the cable belongs, i think i found the place,heres some pics:
http://img819.imageshack.us/i/011yx.jpg/
http://img198.imageshack.us/i/012lnv.jpg/
http://img15.imageshack.us/i/015ra.jpg/
if the pictures arent clear enough, the cable is in between 2 pieces of washer-like metal, tightened by a screw.

when i try switching the gears (with the cable in between the 2 metal pieces) , the gear changer is stuck trying to get from 1>2 (i dont know how the tension cable works)...any help would be appreciated

If you have a cable adjuster somewhere, either at the frame housing stops or at the lever, start by turning tehm all the way in so that you'll be able to use them to add tension later. Also bring the shifter to the position for the innermost chainring.

Now the trick is to pull out as much slack as possible before clamping the wire. Usually it's difficult to get enough slack out, so I cheat. Shift the FD outward by pushing directly on the arm, then stick a pencil into the mechanism so it can't return all the way. That'll give you some extra ability to get the slack out.

BTW- there are lots of good (free) tutorials on the internet, both video and text with pictures. Search, "adjusting front derailleur" or "installing front derailleur" to find them. Review a few until you have a good sense of how it's done, then go back and finish the job.

If you have a cable adjuster somewhere, either at the frame housing stops or at the lever, start by turning tehm all the way in so that you'll be able to use them to add tension later. Also bring the shifter to the position for the innermost chainring.

Now the trick is to pull out as much slack as possible before clamping the wire. Usually it's difficult to get enough slack out, so I cheat. Shift the FD outward by pushing directly on the arm, then stick a pencil into the mechanism so it can't return all the way. That'll give you some extra ability to get the slack out.

BTW- there are lots of good (free) tutorials on the internet, both video and text with pictures. Search, "adjusting front derailleur" or "installing front derailleur" to find them. Review a few until you have a good sense of how it's done, then go back and finish the job.

is the cable adjuster those knobs at the gear switcher?

is the cable adjuster those knobs at the gear switcher?

Yes, but read or watch at least 3 of these tutorials (http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=how+to+adjust+a+front+derailleur) first so you have the big picture. It'll be easier, and you'll learn more than a back and forth on the forum.

If you ask another question before doing the tutorials, I won't answer.