Gateway 400 Notebook User Manual
Contents
1 Checking Out Your Gateway 400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Gateway model number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Gateway serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Internal wireless label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Finding your specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Using the touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Connecting to a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Broadband Internet connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
3Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
HelpSpot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
HelpSpot videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Do More With Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
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Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Using eSupport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
4 Windows Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
About the Windows environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Using the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Adding icons to the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Identifying window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Using the Windows Search utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
5 Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
6 Using Multimedia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Adjusting the volume in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Adjusting the volume in Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Recording and playing audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
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Using the optional diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Listening to CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Listening to CDs in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Listening to CDs in Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Using MusicMatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Playing CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Creating MP3 music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Changing the music library display settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Listening to Internet radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Using advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Using a recordable drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Creating data CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Creating music CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Copying CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Using the optional memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Connecting a digital camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
7 Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Installing and configuring Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Installing Fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Configuring Fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Configuring Fax in Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Sending a simple fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Setting up your cover page template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Faxing from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Faxing a scanned document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Canceling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Automatically retry sending a fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Automatically cancelling a fax in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
8 Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
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Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140
Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
Changing alarm options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
Changing advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144
Activating and using Hibernate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145
Changing SpeedStep settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
9 Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152
Additional tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
10 Customizing Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
Adjusting the screen and desktop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
Adjusting the color depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
Adjusting the screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Changing the colors on your Windows desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159
Changing the desktop background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
Changing the touchpad settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167
Adding and modifying user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
11 Networking Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171
Benefits of networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172
Sharing a single Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172
Sharing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172
Sharing peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173
Streaming audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173
Playing multi-player games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173
Selecting a network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
Wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
Wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
Using a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
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Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Example wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Equipment you need for a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Using a wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Example access point wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Equipment you need fo r an access point wireles s Ethernet network . . . . . . 180
Example peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Equipment you need fo r a peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . 182
For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Using your notebook on a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Installing and configu ring your notebook fo r Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . 183
Turning your wireless Ethernet on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
12 Moving from Your Old Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Using the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Transferring files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Finding your files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Transferring Internet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Setting up your ISP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Transferring your e-mail and address book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Transferring your Internet shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Installing your old printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Installing a USB printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Installing a parallel port printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Installing your old programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
13 Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Creating an emergency startup diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Using Disk Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Cleaning the computer screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
v
14 Restoring Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213
Using the Restoration CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214
Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215
Updating device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .217
Reinstalling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218
Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220
15 Upgrading Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .223
Adding and removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .224
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .226
Adding or replacing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227
Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
16 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239
Software support tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240
CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240
Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
Device installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254
Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255
PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .257
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259
Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260
Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260
Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .261
Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262
vi
Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
vii
viii
Checking Out
Your
Gateway 400
This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your
notebook. Read this chapter to learn:
■ How to identify the features of your Gateway
notebook
■ How to locate your notebook’s model and serial
number
■ How to locate the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
■ How to locate the specifications for your notebook
■ What accessories are ava ilable for your notebook
Tips & Tricks To access the contents of this guide, click
Start, All Programs, then click Gateway
Utilities. You can also download an
electronic copy from
support.gateway.com/support/manlib/
.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway 400
Front
Speaker Speaker
Battery
charge
Power
indicator
LCD panel
release latch
indicator
Component Icon Description
Speakers Provide audio output when headphones or amplified
speakers are not plugged in.
Battery charge indicator The LED shows the battery activity and status.
■
LED green - battery is fully charged.
■
LED orange - battery is charging.
■
LED blinking red - battery charge is very low.
■
LED solid red - battery is malfunctioning.
This LED only lights u p when the notebook is plugged in.
Power indicator The LED shows the notebook power status.
■
LED on - notebook is on.
■
LED blinking - notebook is in Standby mode.
■
LED off - notebook is off.
LCD panel release latch Open the LCD panel by pressing the release latch.
2
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Left side
Left side
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
USB ports
PC Card
eject
button
PC Card
slot
Diskette drive
or memory
card reader
Component Icon Description
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack.
Headphone jack Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack. The built-in
speakers are turned off when speakers or headphones are
plugged into this jack.
USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB
Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or
mouse) into these po rts.
PC Card eject
button
PC Card slot Insert one Type II or one Type III PC Card into this slot. For more
Press the eject button to remove the PC Card from the PC Card
slot. For more information, see “Adding and removing a PC Card”
on page 224.
information, see “Adding and removing a PC Card” on page 224.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway 400
Component Icon Description
Diskette drive or
memory ca rd
reader
Insert a standard 3.5-inch diskette into the optional diskette drive.
For more information, see “Using the optional diskette drive” on
page 87.
Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, or
cell phone into the optional memory card reader. For more
information, see “Using the optional memory card reader” on
page 115.
Important: Your notebook comes with either a built-in diskette
drive or a built- in memor y card r eader. If your not ebook has a
built-in memory card reader and you need to use a diskette drive,
Gateway recommends purchasing a USB diskette drive. To order
a USB diskette drive, visit the Accessory Store at
accessories.gateway.com
.
4
www.gateway.com
Right side
Right side
CD, DV D, o r
DVD/CD-RW drive
Kensington
lock slot
Component Icon Description
CD, DVD, or DVD/CD-RW
drive
Kensington™ lock slot Secure your computer to an object by connecting a
Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. For more information,
see “Using the CD or DVD drive” on page 89.
This drive may be a CD, DVD or combination
DVD/CD-RW drive. To determine the type of drive in the
notebook, examine the drive tray’s plastic cover and
compare the logo to those listed in “Identifying drive
types” on page 89.
Kensington cable lock to this slot.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway 400
Back
Modem jack
Ethern et jack
Power connector
Parallel
port
Monitor
port
Ventilation
fan
Component Icon Description
Modem jack Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more information, see
“Connecting the modem” on page 32.
Ethernet jack Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable into this jack. For more
information , see “C onnectin g to a wire d Ether net netwo rk” on
page 33 and “Networking Your Computer” on page171.
Power connector Plug the ACadapter cable into this connector.
Parallel port Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port.
Monitor port Plug an analog VGA monitor into this port.
V entilation fan Helps cool inte rnal components . Do not b loc k or insert objects into
these slots.
6
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Bottom
System
label
Battery
bay
Bottom
Mini PCI
bay
Memory
bay
Reset
hole
Battery latch
Hard drive bay
Component Icon Description
Mini PCI bay The optional wireless Ethernet mini PCI card is located in this bay .
Memory bay Install as many a s two memo ry modul es int o this bay. For more
information, see “Adding or replacing memory” on page 227.
Reset hole Insert a straightened paper clip into this hole to manually restart
the notebook.
Hard drive bay The hard drive is located in this bay. For more information, see
“Replacing the hard drive kit” on page 231.
Battery latch Slide to release the battery.
Battery bay Insert the battery into this bay. For more information, see
“Changing batteries” on page 137.
System label Includes the product model number. For more information, see
“Identifying your model” on page 10.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway 400
Ke yboard area
For information on using your keyboard, see “Using the keyboard” on page 24.
Status
indicators
Power
button
Keyboard
Multi-function buttons
Touchpad
Component Icon Description
Multi-function buttons Press these butto ns to open prog rams assigned to them.
These buttons are set to open your default e-mail
program, y our def aul t W eb br ows er, online help , and th e
My Computer
“Multi-function buttons” on page 28.
8
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window. For more information, see
Keyboard area
Component Icon Description
Touchpad Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more
information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on
page 29.
Keyb oard Provi des al l the f e atur es of a f ull-si ze d 86-k e y k e ybo ard.
For more information, see “Using the keyboard” on
page 24.
Pow er button Press to turn the pow er o n or o ff . You can also configur e
the power button for Standby/Resume mode. For more
information on configuring the power button mode, see
“Changing power settings” on page 141.
Status indicators Inform you when a drive is in use or when a button has
been pressed that aff ects ho w the ke yboa rd is used. F or
more information, see “Status indicators” on page 22.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway 400
Identifying your model
Important The label s shown in thi s sectio n are for inform ational
purposes only. Label information varies b y mode l, fea tures
ordered, and location.
Gateway model number
The label on the bottom of your notebook conta ins informa tion that identifies
your notebook model and its features. Gateway T echnical Support will need this
information if you call for assistance.
Gateway
model
number
Gateway serial number
You can locate the Gateway serial number:
■ Printed on a white sticker on the bottom or back of your notebook.
■ Printed on the customer invoice that came with your notebook. The
invoice also contains your customer ID number.
■ Displayed in HelpSpot in Windows XP. Click Start, Help and Suppor t, then
click
View product serial number.
10
www.gateway.com
Identifying your mo del
Internal wireless label
A label similar to one of the following indicates if your computer contains a
wireless communications device. The label is located on the bottom of your
notebook.
This label indicates a wireless
emitter is installed in your note book.
This label indicates a wireless emitter
is not installed in your notebook.
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the bottom of your
notebook includes the product key code for your operating system.
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11
Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway 400
Finding your specifications
For more information about your computer , such as memory size, memory type ,
and hard drive size, go to the
Windows XP or visit Gateway’s eSupport page at support.gateway.com
eSupport page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed
specifications.
See your PC’s configuration link in HelpSpot in
. The
In Windows XP, view your computer’s serial number by clicking
Support
clicking
, then clicking View system serial number. Check your specifications by
Start, Help and Support, then clicking See your PC’s configuration.
Start, Help and
12
www.gateway.com
Finding your sp ecifications
You can also find out more about your computer at the Gateway eSupport site.
Visit support.gateway.com
page 43.
. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on
www.gateway.com
13
Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway 400
Accessories
Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your
notebook. To order accessories, visit the Accessory Store at
accessories.gateway.com
Batteries and automobile/airplane power adapt ers
If you run your notebook on battery power for extended periods, you may want
to buy an additional battery so you can swap batteries when necessary. See
“Changing batteries” on page 137 for more information about using an
additional battery in your notebook.
With an automobile/airplane power adapter, you can save battery power by
plugging your notebook into an automobile cigarette lighter or an airplane
in-flight power receptacle.
Carrying cases
Gateway has large-capacity carrying cases if you need additional space for
accessories or supplies.
Memory
Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of
memory . If your programs a re running more slo wly than you think they sho uld,
try adding more memory. See “Adding or replacing memory” on page 227 for
more information.
.
Printers
Y ou ca n attach almost an y type of printer to your notebook. The mo st common
types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white. See
“Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 34 for more
information about attaching a printer to your notebook.
Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but they are slower than
laser printers. Using an inkjet color printer, you can print pictures, banners,
and greeting cards, as well as documents.
Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, but they print much faster
than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are
printing large documents.
14
www.gateway.com
Getting Started
This chapter provides basic information about your
Gateway notebook. Read this chapter to find out how to:
■ Connect the AC adapter
■ Start and turn off your notebook
■ Identify the status indicators
■ Use the keyboard
■ Use the EZ Pad touchpad
■ Connect the modem
■ Connect to an Ethernet network
■ Install peripheral devices
2
15
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Connecting the A C adapter
You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or the notebook battery. The
battery was shipped to you partially charged. You should use the AC ad apter
right away to fully charge the battery. Allow 24 hours for the battery to fully
charge.
Important If the battery is not fully charged before you use your
notebook on battery pow er f or the first tim e, the battery lif e
may be much shorter than you expect. If the battery life
seems short even after being charged for 24 hours, the
battery may need to be recalibrated. For information, see
“Recalibrating the battery” on page 136.
To connect the AC adapter:
1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.
16
Warning Make sure that you use the AC adapter that came with your
notebook.
Replace the power cord if it becomes damaged. The
replacement cord must be of the same type and voltage
rating as the original cord or your notebook may be
damaged.
www.gateway.com
Connecting the AC adapter
2 Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power connector.
3 Plug the power cord into a wall outlet.
The battery charge indicator turns on (see “Front” on page 2 for the
location of the battery charge indicator). If the battery charge indicator
does not turn on, unplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug it
back in.
4 When you finish using your notebook for the first time, turn your
notebook off and leave your notebook connected to AC power for at least
24 hours. The battery charge meter may not sh ow a charge for several
hours. For more information about the battery charge meter on your
model, see “Monitoring the battery charge” on page 134.
5 If the battery charge meter does not show a full charg e after 24 hou rs,
contact Gateway Technical Support at support.gateway.com
Contact Us.
Warning Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The
AC adapter has no user-replaceable or user-serviceable
parts inside. The A C adapter has dangerous vo ltages that
can cause serious injury or dea th. Contact G ate wa y about
returning defective AC adapters.
, then click
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17
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your notebook
can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage.
Protect your notebook and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge
protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your
notebook.
Warning High voltages can enter your notebook through both the
power cord and the modem connection. Protect your
notebook by using a surge protector. If you have a
telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a
modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge
protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an
electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the
modem.
18
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Starting your notebook
To start your notebook:
1 Open your notebook by pressing the latch on the front of your notebook
and lifting the LCD panel.
2 Press the power button located above the keyboard.
Power button
Starting your notebook
The power button is preset to On/Off mode. However, you can also set it
to function in Standby/Resume mode. For instructions on changing the
power button mode, see “Changing power settings” on page 141.
3 If you are starting your notebook for the first time, follow the on-screen
instructions to set up your notebook.
W aking up your notebook
When you have not used your notebook for several minutes, or if you have
closed the LCD panel without turning your notebook off, it may enter a
power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power indicator
flashes.
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19
Chapter 2: Getting Started
If your notebook is in Standby mode, “wake” it up by pressing the power
button. For more information on changing power-saving settings, see
“Changing power settings” on page 141.
Turning off y our notebook
To turn off your notebook in Windows XP:
1 Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off C omputer dialog box
opens.
2 Click Tur n O ff. Windows shuts down and turns off your notebook.
Important If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer
option in Windows to t urn off your noteboo k, press and
hold the power button for about five seconds, then
release it.
To turn off your notebook in Windows 2000:
1 Click Start, then click Shut Down. The Shut Down W indows di alog box op ens.
2 Click the arrow button to open the What do you want your computer to do
list, then click
Shut down.
3 Click OK. Windows shuts down and turns off your notebook.
Important If for some reaso n you cann ot use t he Shut Down opt ion
in Windows to turn off your notebook, press and hold the
power button for about fiveseconds, then release it.
20
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