Gateway 8510GH, 8550GB, 8515GZ Manual

Gateway Notebook

User Guide

Contents

1 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Using Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Using Your Computer guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2 Checking Out Your Gateway Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Gateway model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Finding your specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Installing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Connecting the dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network . . . . . . 24 Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Using the touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Turning your wireless radio on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

4 Using Drives and Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39
Using the DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41
Playing a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
Creating CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
Removing a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44
Adding and removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44
Viewing the display on a projector or monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
Viewing the display on a television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	49
Modifying television settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	52
Connecting a video camera to your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	53
5 Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	55

Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

6 Upgrading Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	64
Adding or replacing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	65
Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	68

7 Using the Optional Port Replicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Connecting to the port replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Attaching to the port replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

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Disconnecting from the port replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Securing your port replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

8 Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	81
Caring for your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	82
Cleaning your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	83
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	83
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	84
Cleaning the notebook screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	84
Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	84
Protecting your notebook from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	85
Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	88
Restoring your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	89
Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	89
Reinstalling programs and drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	89
Restoring your notebook to the original configuration . . . . . . . . . . . .	90

9 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 CD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Device installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

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Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114 Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114 Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Chapter 1

Getting Help

•Using the Gateway Web site

•Using Help and Support

•Using BigFix

•Using Your Computer guide

•Using online help

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Chapter 1: Getting Help

Thank you for purchasing our notebook!

You have made an excellent decision choosing Gateway. We are sure that you will be pleased with the outstanding quality, reliability, and performance of your new notebook. Each and every Gateway notebook uses the latest technology and passes through the most stringent quality control tests to ensure that you are provided with the best product possible.

Your new Gateway notebook is designed to provide an exceptional balance of performance and portability. Your notebook uses the latest chipset and mobile processor technologies to manage the processor speed and power consumption for a greater battery life experience. This design provides you with maximum performance when plugged into AC power balanced with optimized battery life when on battery power.

Please read this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with our range of services and support. We have highlighted some basic care and safety information to help you keep your notebook in good operating condition.

Gateway stands behind our value proposition to our customers — to provide best-of-class service and support in addition to high-quality, brand-name components at affordable prices. If you ever have a problem, our knowledgeable, dedicated customer service department will provide you with fast, considerate service.

We sincerely hope that you will receive the utmost satisfaction and enjoyment from your new Gateway notebook for years to come.

Thank you again, from all of us at Gateway.

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Gateway Web site

Gateway Web site

Gateway's online support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and provides the most current drivers, product specifications, tutorials, and personalized information about your notebook. Visit the Gateway Support Web site at support.gateway.com.

Using Support

The Support site is divided into seven major areas:

■Support Home

■Product Support

■Downloads

■Customer Service

■Upgrade Center

■Resources

■Contact Us

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Chapter 1: Getting Help

Support Home

Click Support Home, then click Computers. To view support documents for your notebook, type your serial number in the Serial Number box, then click Submit.

Click the arrow button to open the Select Your Computer Product box, then click Notebook Computers to access product documentation, specifications, and guides for all Gateway notebooks.

Product Support

Click Product Support to view a list of all the products that Gateway supports.

Downloads

Click Downloads to get the latest software updates for BIOS and driver upgrades. By entering your serial number you get drivers specific to your notebook. Click Browse All Downloads to walk through a step-by-step wizard to locate your drivers.

Customer Service

Click Customer Service to view information about your account and general information about warranties and special offers.

Upgrade Center

Click Upgrade Center to view and purchase upgrades for your notebook.

Resources

Click Resources to access utilities to help you manage your notebook.

Contact Us

Click Contact Us to access links to customer care with a live technician, including chat and e-mail. Click Call Us to get a list of Gateway telephone numbers for both sales and support. For more information, see “Telephone support” on page 114.

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Help and Support

Help and Support

Your notebook includes Help and Support, an easily accessible collection of help information, troubleshooters, and automated support. Use Help and Support to answer questions about Windows and to help you quickly discover and use the many features of your Gateway notebook.

To start Help and Support:

■Click Start, then click Help and Support. Help and Support opens.

You can find help information by clicking a link, performing a search, or browsing the index.

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Chapter 1: Getting Help

Searching for a topic

To search for a topic in Help and Support, type a word or phrase (keyword) in the Search box located at the top of any Help and Support screen, then click the arrow button.

For each search, you receive the following search result types:

■Suggested Topics - These topics are located in Help and Support and are relevant to your search topic.

■Full-text Search Matches - These topics are located in Help and Support and contain the words you entered in the Search box.

■Microsoft Knowledge Base - These topics are located on the Microsoft Web site and contain the words you entered in the Search box. You must be connected to the Internet to search for and access these topics.

To view a list of your search results, click the results header for the type of results you want to view.

To view a topic, click the topic name in the Search Results list.

BigFix

Your notebook may include BigFix. BigFix monitors your notebook for problems and conflicts. It automatically gathers information about the latest bugs, security alerts, and updates from BigFix sites on the Internet. Whenever BigFix detects a problem, it alerts you by flashing the blue taskbar icon. To fix the problem, click on that icon to open BigFix.

To start BigFix:

■Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click BigFix.

To learn more about using BigFix:

■From the BigFix program, click Help, then click Tutorial.

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Using Your Computer guide

Using Your Computer guide

In addition to this guide, the Using Your Computer guide has been included on your hard drive. The Using Your Computer guide includes information on using Windows, using the Internet, sending a fax, and changing power-saving settings as well as other topics.

To access the Using Your Computer guide:

■Click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

Online help

Many programs provide information online so you can research a topic or learn how to perform a task while you are using the program. You can access most online help information by selecting a topic from a Help menu or by clicking a Help button.

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Chapter 1: Getting Help

You can search for information by viewing the help contents, checking the index, searching for a topic or keyword, or browsing through the online help.

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Chapter 2

Checking Out Your

Gateway Notebook

•Identifying features

•Locating your notebook’s model and serial number

•Locating the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

•Locating the specifications for your notebook

•Purchasing accessories

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Notebook

Front

Speaker Microphone			Memory			Speaker
	jack		card
					LCD panel release latch
			reader

Headphone jack Battery charge

indicator Powerindicator

Component Icon										Description
Speakers										Provide audio output when headphones or amplified speakers
										are not plugged in.
Microphone										Plug a microphone into this jack.
jack
Headphone										Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack. The
jack										built-in speakers are turned off when speakers or headphones
										are plugged into this jack.
Memory										Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA,
card reader										or cellular telephone into the memory card reader. For more
										information, see “Using the memory card reader” on page 43.
										The memory card reader supports Memory Stick®, Memory
										Stick Pro®, MultiMediaCard™, and Secure Digital™.
Battery										■	LED blue - battery is fully charged.
charge										■	LED purple - battery is charging.
indicator										■	LED blinking red - battery charge is very low.
										■ LED solid red - battery is malfunctioning.
Power										■ LED on - notebook is on.
indicator										■	LED blinking - notebook is in Standby mode.
										■ LED off - notebook is off.
LCD panel										Open the LCD panel by sliding the release latch.
release
latch

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Left

Left

	USB ports
Kensington				S-Video		Ventilation		IEEE 1394 port		PC Card slot
lock slot				out jack		fan

Component	Icon	Description
Kensington™		Secure your notebook to an object by connecting a
lock slot		Kensington cable lock to this slot.
USB ports		Plug USB devices (such as a diskette drive, flash drive,
		printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these
		ports.
S-Video out		Plug an S-Video device, such as a television, into this jack.
jack		For more information, see “Viewing the display on a television”
		on page 49.
Ventilation fan		Helps cool internal components.
		Warning: Do not work for long periods with the notebook
		resting on your lap. If the air vents are blocked, the notebook
		may become hot enough to harm your skin.
		Caution: Do not block or insert objects into these slots. If
		these slots are blocked, your notebook may overheat resulting
		in unexpected shutdown or permanent damage to the
		notebook.
		Caution: Provide adequate space around your notebook so
		air vents are not obstructed. Do not use the notebook on a
		bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Notebook

Component	Icon	Description
IEEE 1394 port		Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or i.Link®)
		device (such as a digital camcorder) into this 4-pin IEEE 1394
		port.
PC Card slot		Insert one Type II PC Card into this slot. For more information,
		see “Adding and removing a PC Card” on page 44.

Right

DVD drive

USB ports

Component

Icon

Description

DVD/CD-RW or multi-format DVD±RW drive

Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. For more information, see “Using the DVD drive” on page 40. This drive may be a combination DVD/CD-RW or multi-format DVD±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 40.

USB ports	Plug USB devices (such as a diskette drive, flash drive,
	printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these
	ports.

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Back

Back

Ethernet jack			Monitor port
Modem jack			Power connector

Component

Icon

Description

Ethernet jack

Plug a 10/100/1000 Ethernet network cable into this jack. The

other end of the cable can be plugged into a cable modem,

DSL modem, or an Ethernet network jack. For more

information, see “Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to

an Ethernet network” on page 24.

Modem jack

Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more information, see

“Connecting the dial-up modem” on page 23.

Monitor port

Plug an analog VGA monitor or projector into this port. For

more information, see “Viewing the display on a projector or

monitor” on page 47.

Power

Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.

connector

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Notebook

Bottom

Docking port

Battery

Battery lock

Battery

latch

Memory bay

System

label

Hard drive bay

Component

Icon

Description

Docking port

Connect the port replicator to this port.

Warning: Power is passed through this port. This

docking connection is certified to UL 1950 for use only

with port replicators designed for your Gateway

notebook.

Battery

Provides power when the notebook is not plugged into

AC power.

Battery lock

Slide to unlock the battery. For more information, see

“Changing batteries” on page 54.

Memory bay

Install a memory module into this bay. For more

information, see “Adding or replacing memory” on

page 65.

Hard drive bay

The hard drive is located in this bay. For more

information, see “Replacing the hard drive kit” on

page 68.

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Keyboard area

Component

Icon

Description

System label

Includes the product model number. For more

information, see “Identifying your model” on page 16.

Battery latch

Slide to release the battery. For more information, see

“Changing batteries” on page 54.

Keyboard area

Power button

Keyboard

Touchpad Status

indicators

Component	Icon	Description
Power button		Press to turn the power on or off. You can also configure the
		power button for Standby/Resume mode. For more
		information on configuring the power button mode, see
		“Changing Power-Saving Settings” in Using Your Computer
		which has been included on your hard drive. To access this
		guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway
		Documentation.

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Notebook

Component	Icon	Description
Keyboard		Provides all the features of a full-sized computer keyboard. For
		more information, see “Using the keyboard” on page 29.
Touchpad		Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more information,
		see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on page 34.
Status		Inform you when a drive is in use or when a button has been
indicators		pressed that affects how the keyboard is used. For more
		information, see “Status indicators” on page 28.

Identifying your model

Important The labels shown in this section are for informational purposes only. Label information varies by model, features ordered, and location.

Gateway model and serial number

The label on the bottom of your notebook contains information that identifies your notebook model and its features. Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance.

Online Support:

support.gateway.com

Tech Support Phone:

Hours:

Model:

S/No:

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Finding your specifications

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.

Finding your specifications

For more information about your notebook, such as memory size, memory type, and hard drive size, visit Gateway’s Support site at support.gateway.com. The Support site also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications. For more information, see “Gateway Web site” on page 3.

Accessories

To order accessories, visit the Accessory Store at accessories.gateway.com.

Batteries

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 58 for more information about using an additional battery.

Carrying cases

Gateway has large-capacity carrying cases if you need additional space for accessories or supplies.

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Notebook

Memory

Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of memory. If your programs are running more slowly than you think they should, try adding more memory. See “Adding or replacing memory” on page 65 for more information.

Port replicators

Although you can attach devices directly to your notebook, a port replicator lets you make all of those connections at one time. When you travel with your notebook, you merely disconnect from the port replicator instead of unplugging all the devices.

A port replicator also provides additional ports and other expansion features not included with your notebook. See “Using the Optional Port Replicator” on page 73 for more information about using a port replicator with your notebook.

Printers

You can attach almost any type of printer to your notebook. The most common types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white.

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.

USB flash drive

Use a USB flash drive for storing files or transferring files to another computer.

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Chapter 3

Getting Started

•Installing the battery

•Connecting the AC adapter

•Connecting the dial-up modem

•Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network

•Turning your notebook on and off

•Using the status indicators

•Using the keyboard and the EZ Pad touchpad

•Adjusting the volume

•Connecting to a wireless network

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Installing the battery

To install the battery:

1

2

3

Close the LCD panel.

Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up.

Hold the battery label-side down and slide it into the open battery slot until the battery clicks into place.

4 Slide the battery lock to the locked position.

Connecting the AC adapter

You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or your notebook’s battery. The battery was shipped to you partially charged. You should use the AC adapter right away to fully charge the battery. Allow three hours for the battery to fully charge.

Important If the battery is not fully charged before you use your notebook on battery power for the first time, the battery life may be much shorter than you expect. If the battery life seems short even after being charged for three hours, the battery may need to be recalibrated. For information on recalibrating the battery, see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 57.

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Connecting the AC adapter

To connect the AC adapter:

1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

Caution	Make sure that you use the AC adapter that came with your
	notebook or one of the same type purchased from
	Gateway.

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.

2 Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power connector.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

3 Plug the power cord into a wall outlet. The battery charge indicator turns on (see “Front” on page 10 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 off your notebook and leave your notebook connected to AC power until the battery charge indicator turns blue.

	Warning		Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The
			AC adapter has no user-replaceable or user-serviceable
			parts inside. The AC adapter has dangerous voltages that
			can cause serious injury or death. Contact Gateway about
			returning defective AC adapters.
	Important		If the battery charge indicator does not turn blue after
			three hours, contact Gateway Customer Care at
			support.gateway.com.

Protecting from power source problems

During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your notebook can increase to levels 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. To protect your notebook and avoid electrical shock, use 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.

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Connecting the dial-up modem

Connecting the dial-up modem

Your notebook has a built-in 56K modem that you can use to connect to a standard telephone line.

Warning To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line cord.

To connect the modem:

1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack								on the
back of your notebook.

2 Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack. The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.

3 Start your notebook, then start your communications program.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network

Your notebook has a network jack that you can use to connect to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network.

To connect to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network:

1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack				on
the back of your notebook.

2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable modem, DSL modem, or Ethernet network jack.

3 Start your notebook.

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Starting your notebook

Starting your notebook

To start your notebook:

1 Slide the latch on the front of your notebook, then lift the LCD panel.

2 Press the power button located above the keyboard.

The power button is preset to On/Off mode. However, you can also set it to function in Standby/Resume mode.

Tips & Tricks For more information about changing the power button mode, see “Changing Power-Saving Settings” in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

3 If you are starting your notebook for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your notebook.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Warning Do not work for long periods with the notebook resting on your lap. If the air vents are blocked, the notebook may become hot enough to harm your skin.

Caution	Provide adequate space around your notebook so air vents
	are not obstructed. Do not use the notebook on a bed,
	sofa, rug, or other similar surface.

Waking up your notebook

When you have not used your notebook for several minutes or if you close the LCD panel without turning off your notebook, it may enter a power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power indicator flashes.

If your notebook is in Standby mode, press the power button to “wake” it up.

Tips & Tricks	For more information about changing the power button
	mode, see “Changing Power-Saving Settings” in Using
	Your Computer which has been included on your hard
	drive. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then
	click Gateway Documentation.

Turning off your notebook

To turn off your notebook:

1 Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box opens.

2 Click Turn Off. Windows shuts down and turns off your notebook.

Important If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer option in Windows to turn off your notebook, press and hold the power button for about five seconds, then release it.

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1

2

3

4

5

Restarting (rebooting) your notebook

Restarting (rebooting) your notebook

If your notebook does not respond to keyboard, touchpad, or mouse input, you may have to close programs that are not responding. If closing unresponsive programs does not restore your notebook to normal operation, you may have to restart (reboot) your notebook.

To close unresponsive programs and restart your notebook:

Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. The Windows Security dialog box opens. Click Task Manager. The Windows Task Manager dialog box opens. Click the program that is not responding.

Click End Task.

Click X in the top-right corner of the Windows Task Manager dialog box.

6 If your notebook does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds, then turn it on again.

Important If your notebook does not turn off immediately, complete the following steps until the notebook turns off:

1Press and hold the power button for about five seconds, then release it.

2Unplug the power cord and remove the battery for more than 10 seconds.

As a part of the regular startup process, a program to check the disk status runs automatically. When the checks are finished, Windows starts.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Status indicators

Status indicators inform you when a drive is being used or when a button has been pressed that affects how the keyboard is used.

Power			Caps lock			Hard drive
	Wireless network				Num	lock

Indicator	Icon	Description
Power		■	LED on - Notebook is turned on.
		■ LED off - Notebook is turned off or in
			standby mode.
Wireless network (optional)		■ LED on - Wireless radio is turned on.
		■ LED off - Wireless radio is turned off.
Caps lock		■	LED on - Caps lock is turned on.
	A	■	LED off - Caps lock is turned off.
Num lock	1	■	LED on - Numeric keypad is turned on.
		■	LED off - Numeric keypad is turned off.
Hard drive		■	LED blinking - The drive is in use.
		■	LED off - The drive is not in use.

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Using the keyboard

Using the keyboard

Your notebook features a full-size keyboard that functions the same as a desktop computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assigned alternate functions, including shortcut keys for Windows, function keys for specific system operations, and the Num Lock keys for the numeric keypad.

Function keys/ System keys

Navigation

keys

Numeric

keypad

FN key Windows key

Application key

Arrow keys

Tips & Tricks You can attach an external keyboard to the notebook or port replicator using a USB port. You do not need to shut down the notebook to connect a USB keyboard.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Key types

The keyboard has several different types of keys. Some keys perform specific actions when pressed alone and other actions when pressed in combination with another key.

Key type	Icon			Description
Function keys				Press these keys labeled F1 to F12 to perform actions
				in programs. For example, pressing F1 may open help.
				Each program uses different function keys for different
				purposes. See the program documentation to find out
				more about the function key actions.
System keys				Press these colored keys in combination with the FN key
				to perform specific actions. For more information, see
				“System key combinations” on page 31.
Navigation keys				Press these keys to move the cursor to the beginning
				of a line, to the end of a line, up the page, down the page,
				to the beginning of a document, or to the end of a
				document.
Numeric keypad				Use these keys to type numbers when the numeric
				keypad is turned on. Press NUM LOCK to turn on the
				numeric keypad.
Arrow keys				Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, right, or
				left.
Application key				Press this key for quick access to shortcut menus and
				help assistants in Windows.
Windows key				Press this key to open the Windows Start menu. This
				key can also be used in combination with other keys to
				open utilities like F (Search utility), R (Run utility), and
				E (Explorer utility).
FN key				Press the FN key in combination with a colored system
				key to perform a specific action.

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Using the keyboard

System key combinations

When you press the FN key and a system key at the same time, your notebook performs the action identified by the text or icon on the key.

Press and hold FN, then	To...
press this system key...
	Turn the optional wireless network on or off. For more
	information, see the printed network guide that came
	with your notebook.
	Warning: Radio frequency wireless communication can
	interfere with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current
	aviation regulations require wireless devices to be turned
	off while traveling in an airplane. 802.11g (also known
	as wireless Ethernet or Wifi) communication devices are
	examples of devices that provide wireless
	communication.
	Enter Standby mode. Press the power button to leave
	Standby mode. For more information, see “Changing
	Power-Saving Settings” in Using Your Computer which
	has been included on your hard drive. To access this
	guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway
	Documentation.
	Toggle the notebook display in the following order:
	■	The LCD
	■	An external monitor or projector (a monitor or projector
		must be plugged into the monitor port on your
		notebook)
	■ Both displays at the same time
	For more information, see “Viewing the display on a
	projector or monitor” on page 47.
5	Display the power status box in the upper-left corner of
	your display. The box shows the battery charge level, the

BIOS version, and whether the optional wireless network is being used. Press the key combination again to close this box.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Press and hold FN, then	To...
press this system key...
	Increase the LCD panel brightness above the normal
	brightest setting. Use this feature in bright lighting
	situations, such as outside in bright sunlight.
	Press a second time to decrease the brightness below
	the normal lowest brightness setting. Use this feature in
	dim lighting situations.
	Press a third time to return the display to the normal
	brightness setting.
	Important: Using this feature will affect battery
	performance.
	Play or Pause the CD or DVD.

Stop playing the CD or DVD.

Skip back one CD song or DVD track.

Skip ahead one CD song or DVD track.

Increase the brightness of the display.

Decrease the brightness of the display.

Mute the sound. Press the key combination again to restore the sound. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 37.

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Using the keyboard

Press and hold FN, then			To...
press this system key...
			Increase volume. For more information, see “Adjusting
			the volume” on page 37.
			Decrease volume. For more information, see “Adjusting
			the volume” on page 37.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Using the EZ Pad touchpad

The EZ Pad™ consists of a touchpad, two buttons, and a scroll zone.

Touchpad

Scroll zone

Left button

Right button

When you move your finger on the touchpad, the pointer (arrow) on the screen moves in the same direction. You can use the scroll zone to scroll through documents. Use of the scroll zone may vary from program to program.

You can use the EZ-Pad left and right buttons below the touchpad to select objects.

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		Using the EZ Pad touchpad
Tips & Tricks		For instructions on how to adjust the double-click speed,
		pointer speed, right-hand or left-hand configuration, and
		other touchpad settings, see “Changing the mouse or
		touchpad settings” in Using Your Computer which has
		been included on your hard drive. To access this guide,
		click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway
		Documentation.
Using the touchpad
To...	Do this...
Move the pointer on		Move your finger
the screen.		around on the
		touchpad. If you run
		out of space and
		need to move the
		pointer farther, lift
		your finger, move it to
		the middle of the
		touchpad, then
		continue moving your
		finger.
Select an object on		Position the pointer
the screen.		over the object.
		Quickly press and
		release the left
		button once. This
		action is called
		clicking.
Start a program or		Position the pointer
open a file or folder.		over the object.
		Press the left button
		twice in rapid
		succession. This
		action is called
		double-clicking.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

To...	Do this...
Access a shortcut		Position the pointer
menu or find more		over the object.
information about		Quickly press and
an object on the		release the right
screen.		button once. This
		action is called
		right-clicking.
Move an object on		Position the pointer
the screen.		over the object.
		Press the left button
		and hold it down,
		then use the
		touchpad to move
		(drag) the object to
		the appropriate part
		of the screen.
		Release the button to
		drop the object
		where you want it.
Tips & Tricks		You received your notebook with the EZ Pad touchpad set
		to only accept clicking by using the touchpad buttons. You
		can change this feature to allow tapping on the touchpad
		to simulate clicking the left button. For more information,
		see “Changing the mouse or touchpad settings” in Using
		Your Computer which has been included on your hard
		drive. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then
		click Gateway Documentation.

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Adjusting the volume

Adjusting the volume

You can use the volume control to adjust the overall volume your notebook.

To adjust the overall volume level using hardware controls:

■If you are using external speakers, turn the knob on the front of the speakers.

-OR-

Use the mute and volume control buttons on the keyboard. For more information, see “System key combinations” on page 31.

Tips & Tricks For instructions on how to adjust the volume in Windows,

see “Adjusting the Volume” in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Turning your wireless radio on or off

Warning Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, and IEEE 802.11g communication devices are examples of devices that provide wireless communication.

Warning In environments where the risk of interference to other devices or services is harmful or perceived as harmful, the option to use a wireless device may be restricted or eliminated. Airports, hospitals, and oxygen or flammable gas laden atmospheres are limited examples where use of wireless devices may be restricted or eliminated. When in environments where you are uncertain of the sanction to use wireless devices, ask the applicable authority for authorization prior to use or turning on the wireless device.

Your Gateway notebook may have wireless networking built-in.

To turn the wireless radio on or off:

■Press FN + F2. The wireless status indicator turns on or off. For the location of the wireless status indicator, see “Status indicators” on page 28.

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